Monday, June 13, 2016

Ah, the Midwest. Ah, America

I am here to report that I had a most excellent road trip. We loaded up the mini-van to within an inch of its life. We had one couch, one chair, an enormous hassock, two lamps, two end tables, and assorted boxes, sewing machines, lampshades, and cushions.

There was room for me, my passenger, and two small suitcases.


I have to say it was a fun trip. My friend and I talked about everything under the sun, and often didn't talk (while I lapsed into thoughts about plot points in my current book). We managed to find my niece in Colorado (my memory of her house was a tiny bit faulty). Got everything unloaded and up the STEEP stairs to her office, while my great-niece (4 years old) was enthralled by the doll I brought her (my old doll, the one with the special haircut I gave her and all the doll clothes my mother had made).

We stayed for a day with them for a good visit, then made our way through Kansas to visit Marcia's husband's cousin. We had a near brush with a tornado (it was Kansas, after all). A tornado touched down in a town we drove through 2 hours earlier. Other than that, good weather all the way.

We stopped to visit Marcia's cousin (and picked up some furniture from her to bring home, items which she wanted kept in the family. Well, we did have an empty van, so...) Then we visit my sister, and came back home.

2000 miles. 5 states, 5 days.

It was so good to give the furniture to someone who loves it (I've gotten photos of my niece and my great-niece, snuggled on the couch, reading together, just like my Mom did with me and with my niece). Old memories and new ones coming together.

Win-win.

Now back to the writing life. I'm trying to hit a self-imposed deadline and it may be tough to do. But here's hoping for no more unplanned trips, food poisoning, or storms that drop trees on our house (as has happened the past two Junes).

Fingers crossed!

J L
(jayellwilson.com)

7 comments:

remullins said...

I love being shut up in a car and on the road with one of my children or a really good friend. It's a time to really talk and about more than surface things. A time to laugh at silly things and reconnect all over again.

Brenda Whiteside said...

What a whirlwind! Fun!

Rolynn Anderson said...

What a lovely journey: bringing furniture and a doll to people who appreciate them and returning with memorabilia. Traveling across five states...five days. That's a whirlwind, all right. Glad you had fun!

Margo Hoornstra said...

Each and every paragraph brought a smile to my face, J.L. Glad you had a great time!

Jannine Gallant said...

What a great trip! Here's to getting back into the writing routine now.

Diane Burton said...

Loved this post! You had such a great trip. How wonderful that you're able to keep "treasures" in the family. Even after 43 yrs, Hubs and I still find things to talk about on long trips. Glad you returned home safely. Good luck with your WIP.

Leah St. James said...

This sounds wonderful, JL! I love long car trips (with loved ones) too! Even short trips in the car can be fruitful. Some of my best (most unexpected) conversations with my two sons came while driving them to/from school or some activity. So glad you had such a nice time and have such great memories to keep you warm.