Travel

Failure or Indirect Success?
My new mantra!

My new mantra!

Many people who did great things failed time and time again before they reached their goals. It is well documented that Edison, Ford and more all lived with their failures and then triumphed. So why I am I here today feeling bad about all my failures in life? I guess because I feel like the failures outweigh the triumphs right now.

  • I failed my way out of high school
  • My first marriage failed
  • I received my Associate Degree but failed to finish my Bachelor’s
  • I failed owning my own online bookstore
  • My failed radio show career
  • I have failed miserably at knitting, crocheting, painting, and many other crafts

The list actually goes on…and on. Well, you get the point. Why do I bring it up today? Because a year ago I opened a little gift shop and just about everything went wrong from the start. I thought I would have be able to work another job, run the shop and keep up with all the other things life threw at me. I was wrong and the gift shop always suffered. Today I have to try to close it down and sell off the inventory. It is a sad day because I know in my heart I never gave it the attention it needed. During these times of questioning, the entire failure list always shows up again like an old friend saying “Hey, I’m here! Look at me!” It is hard to ignore the past. As I look forward to my upcoming Epic Journey, I worry that I will fail there also. I am expecting to do many new things and to learn a lot from all I experience. Then my mind starts thinking that I am too shy to meet new people every day, I am too weak to handle the grueling driving schedule, I am too soft to sleep in the car and eat rations and a myriad of other possible failure points.   Then I start to cease up with horror and fear that I am just wasting the money and time and that I should just stay home. A new part of my personality has started to emerge, one I think that comes only with age. This new part of me says that the only reason I failed so much is because I tried so much. Sure things could have come out differently, but those experiences made me who I am today; the person who is planning on taking an Epic Journey of self-awareness and awareness of others. What is the worst thing that can happen? I came back home with my tail between my legs. At least, I should have some really interesting stories! On the other hand, what if this is my success and I find a way a new, healthier way to live (I am trying to cut out all the extra stress in my life). What if I do, as many travelers say, come back changed? What if I see the world and it opens my eyes to all the wonder and amazement I have missed? History shows that I may fail on this Epic Journey, but I also think I am ready for a win (it has been a while). Maybe this will be my Thomas Edison or Henry Ford moment.   I will give it my best and shot and see what happens. No matter what it should be an interesting ride!! Thank you for joining me on this journey.

A Travel Planner, I Used to Be

I used to plan trips by air or car

With Hotels and motels never too far

Passports and Visas had their place

Among the tasks, I left a trace

I sat at my desk, in a seat

Wishing for the day I would meet

New and exciting travel sights

Go places, see things, and take some bites

Different worlds never did I see

A travel planner, I used to be

I know what you are thinking…don’t quit your day job and become a poet. Believe me, I agree. But in the middle of the night, I woke up and knew I had to write a poem about a job I used to have. Sorry to have subjected you to my mid-nocturnal rant.

It is actually true, though. I worked for many years being a Travel Coordinator. I started off basically as the liaison between a real travel agent and my co-workers who traveled. As the years passed, I learned more about the business through our agent and on my own. In a few years, with the help of a great travel program with Continental (when they had a hub in Cleveland), I was actually booking air, cars, hotels and trains myself.

The start was mostly conventions in Vegas or service calls in Phoenix. Trips to Chicago or LA, I could do in my sleep. Then came the international trips to Denmark, London, Paris and all over Asia. I learned about passports and Visas and what was necessary for traveling abroad. Many of my travelers were women who traveled alone and I tried to take special precautions to make sure they were safe.

I enjoyed the work very much despite the stress. Planning travel in the winter, in the Snowbelt, was a real challenge. Flights were constantly being cancelled or changed. Weary travelers desperately wanted to get home or not miss an important sales call. When I was neck-deep in it all, I learned to thrive on the chaos. Looking back now, I see a fondness for all my travelers and my desire to travel really took off then.

My husband was a road warrior for a long time. He traveled up to 75% of the time. He went to China, Mexico, Manila, Canada, and all around the United States. I guess I lived vicariously through him at that time. As I stated in a previous post, I was the one who kept the home fires burning.

I remember clearly that my desk faced a large window that overlooked a grassy spot surrounded by trees. It was an absolutely lovely spot. I would have my favorite music playing low on my computer and I dreamed of being the one taking the trips. I wished and wished I could break out of my life and see the world. I would look at the sun-soaked landscape and feel so alone. I knew I would never get to do those exciting things I helped others do. I was sad for a very long time.

But now I have the chance to do something really different. Although this trip has been done many times before by many other people, it has never been done by me. I have never planned such an undertaking before for something I would do.

I look back on those travel planning days and I am thankful for the knowledge I gained and the people I helped. I realize that I was not ready then to do what I am doing now. It was all part of the learning process. So here I am now, the traveler….no longer the travel planner I used to be.

Post Shout Out: Thank you to all the brave and wonderful women I worked with (you know who you are) who traveled alone. You are my inspiration and my courage. Love you all!!

What do the Numbers 9,726 and 28 Have in Common?
The route is not to scale, but it gives a general description of what the trip should look like.

The route is not to scale, but it gives a general description of what the trip should look like.

Yesterday, Mike figured out that my upcoming trip will cover approximately (give or take a side trip or two) 9,726 miles and will cover 28 different states.  I am a person who is easily overwhelmed and this to me is overwhelming.  How am I going to do this alone?  What was I thinking?  Am I crazy for taking this on for my first solo trip?

Then I realized I have a lot of people behind me, who want me to succeed.  I have my faith that God will provide and I know deep (really deep) inside I have the strength do this.  I am probably a little crazy for taking this on, but nothing worth doing is ever going to be easy.

I have spent most of my life not stepping out and trying anything different.  I have stayed on the safe course while longing for the strength to try something new.  When I did try something new, I always quickly reverted back to my safe shell.  Years pass and you realize that there are more check marks in the failure column than the success column.  I am tired of living afraid and I plan that this trip will be my “defining moment” where I stop being afraid, women up and do something scary and cool at the same time.

I have said this many times, but I could not do this without the support of friends, family and people I have not met.  The support I have received is overwhelming and I am going to do my best to add this trip to my success column.  Fear is only fear if I continue to let it be.  That is not to say that I will not keep a healthy dose of it just to stay safe, but I am talking about the unhealthy fear that makes you stop moving, tightens your chest and causes you to not breathe.  I am saying goodbye to unhealthy fear and hello to a new and improved me.

9,726 miles and 28 states….here I come!!

Thank you again for your support and love!!  I truly need it and appreciate it more than you will ever know!!

“It’s Only Rock and Roll, But I Like It”

Mick Jagger and Keith Richards may have written those words, but that statement has been a truth for me my entire life. I love mostly 70s rock as it helped carry me through my difficult teenage years. The music was always there for me and I hold a great fondness for it.

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That is why when a dear friend, Chris, invited Mike and I to visit the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, I jumped at the chance. The museum opened in September 1995 and I have never been there. I have to admit I have heard good things and bad things about it, but I needed to see it for myself. So here it is almost 20 years after opening, I am finally going to see this place that I hope is full of Rock and Roll awe and amazement.

I have driven past the site many times and have admired the unique building design, but when you are standing just in front of it you realize the entire scope and size of the building. I felt so small standing there. It looks totally different up close and personal than when you are just driving by it.

Once we got inside, I never stopped smiling. Everyone there was incredibly friendly from the staff to my fellow visitors. You could tell that everyone there wanted to be there. That gave the place an incredible vibe.

They house an amazing amount of memorabilia, everything from sheet music, clothing, instruments, posters and many personal items from the people who made Rock and Roll. There were a lot of interactive stations, videos and news clips that were playing in various places. It would be hard to get bored because of all the different types of displays. They have really kept everything interesting.

We were lucky enough to be able to visit the Herb Ritts display. Absolutely stunning!! It seems Rock and Roll and photography are perfectly matched. His eye and his ability to create an atmosphere of comfort for his subjects combined to create some of the most appealing portraits. He has photographed Madonna, Bruce Springsteen, Bono, Melissa Etheridge, Tina Turner, Janet Jackson…well, the list goes on and on. All as beautiful art as I have ever seen. Herb Ritt is to Rock and Roll as Ansel Adams is to nature, in my humble opinion.

The visit was great. I did not see a lot of my favorite bands, but it really did not matter as much as I thought it was going to. I still enjoyed all the displays and feel it was well worth the time.

We then walked down the street and found a hidden gem. The Blazing Bistro, a “shipping container turned culinary hot spot” located behind the Rock Hall on the E. 9th Pier. The day was beautiful, albeit a bit brisk, but sunny so we decided to eat outside. We stopped here, Mike had the Caprese Grilled Cheese and I had the Interbelt Burger. We explained my upcoming trip as our lunch cooked and we learned a little bit about this bistro.

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I cannot explain the mission of this project any better than what is detailed on the website. So here is their blurb…I am COMPLETELY behind this initiative and am so thankful that we stumbled into it!!

“Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (LMM) has launched (my words) Blazing Bistro, a brand new social enterprise to operate a high-end concession unit similar to a food truck in downtown Cleveland’s North Coast Harbor. It provides an opportunity for LMM to not only be at the center of the city’s economic revival, but also provide additional training options for graduates of its existing culinary arts training program, many of whom have experienced homelessness or incarceration during their lives. The Culinary Arts Training Program provides quality education, work experience and valuable skills training, helping students overcome troubled pasts, break down the barriers to employment and ultimately become successful in the foodservice industry. Blazing Bistro will also assist in continuing to build the reputation of LMM’s culinary program among the public, but more importantly, among restaurant owners and managers. This will have a significant and lasting effect on the successful employment rate of all of the graduates of the program.”

The food was great, the people were great and the concept is a blessing to all. You can check them out at facebook.com/blazingbistro.

We continued down the pier, run into a friend we have not seen in years and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It is a reminder to me that you can travel far or to someplace in your own backyard and you will be continually amazed. The planning of my epic trip has also opened my eyes to the wonders that are within driving distance from my home. It feels good to get out of my bubble and see what is around me.

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Meeting with President of The Historic US Route 20 Association

It was only fitting to meet with Bryan Farr, President of The Historic US Route 20 Association, in the historic building which now houses the Willoughby Brewing Company (4057 Erie Street). Since I will be taking historic Route 20 from Cleveland all the way to Newport, Oregon, and then from Boston back to Cleveland, it only made sense to make a connection with Bryan.

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Bryan and me outside of the Willoughby Brewing Company.

He is working tirelessly to achieve the Association mission:

“The mission of the Historic US Route 20 Association is to identify & preserve the cultural importance of, and to promote the economic development of inner cities, small towns and rural communities along all 3,365 miles and former alignments of US Route 20.” Source: http://www.historicus20.com

Bryan was only in our neck of the woods for a short time, so being able to sit down and talk with him for almost three hours was unbelievable. He explained to Mike and me how he got started with this dream, and where he sees it going. He also offered me much-needed advice on how to car travel in a frugal and safe way. His tips were great and I will be sharing them in future posts.

Route 20 has always had significance to me due to where I lived as a child. Many of you know I grew up in a very rural location where things to do just did not exist. But if you could find a ride to Route 20 in Mentor, Willoughby or Painesville, then you could find something to do, enjoy great places to eat, do some shopping, see a movie and so much more than my little town offered. Route 20 was like going to the “Big City” for me. When I learned that I could drive all the way across the country on it, there was no hesitation to make that a big part of my trip.

Our time with Bryan was extremely enlightening, but I think the most pivotal part for me was when I asked if travel changes you as a person. This incredible smile lit up his face and he said it was true and he guaranteed that I would be a different person when I got back. He explained how seeing nature and not just from the window of a speeding car, but actually seeing a mountain or a redwood or an ocean effects something inside you as a person. The beauty leaves its mark on your soul. All I can say is…I cannot wait to experience that and all the other unexpected things that will happen along the way.

Today’s Post Shout Out:  A quick thank you to Kyle, our server at Willoughby Brewing Company. He treated us wonderfully and allowed us to stay for so long as we talked. Oh, I almost forgot my hamburger quest. Really great burgers at Willoughby Brewing Company!

The building is more than 100 years old and used to house the repair depot for the Cleveland Ashtabula Interurban Rail Line.

The building is more than 100 years old and used to house the repair depot for the Cleveland Ashtabula Interurban Rail Line.

Next door to the brewing company is the old power plant which used to generate electricity for the streetcar system.
Next door to the brewing company is the old power plant which used to generate electricity for the streetcar system.

My Sojourn Business Card

Blog Biz CardSorry, but I have to take a second to show off 🙂  I just ordered these business cards to help promote my blog and I think they are cool.  I love the retro design.  Vistaprint did a great job with them.  I ordered them on Sunday and they are due to be delivered today (that’s a 4 day turnaround).  Thank you Vistaprint!!

Thank you to everyone who is helping me promote my blog.  I hope that when the trip starts you will be entertained.  I really appreciate all of my friends as well as all my new followers!!  THANK YOU!!

Home Fires Burning

This blog is about getting ready for my trip and then the actual trip itself.  There are several questions that keep coming up time after time.  One of them is…what is Mike going to do without me while I am gone?  I figure he will finally get some decent sleep, after 25 years of my restless sleeping he deserves some well-earned peace and quiet.

Seriously, I have asked him if he wants to accompany me on this trip.  But this is not his dream and he wants me to experience this, my dream, to the fullest while he keeps the home fires burning.  It is not like he will lack for things to do while I am gone, he has varied interests and a very long to-do list.

When we first got married, his job had him traveling up to 75% of the time.  He had long periods away from home and sometimes he was only home long enough to have his laundry done and he was off to another job.  I was lucky to have my parents around then.  They not only kept me company but helped when things broke, which always seemed to happen as soon as he left the driveway.  But I was home alone a lot of the time and I kept the home fires burning.  Now it is his turn and he seems very willing to do so.

It is going to be harder on me to be away from him, I think.  I have always been the one who stayed home.  It feels more than a little selfish being the one going now, but this is what we have decided to do.  We will be on constant communication and he is never far from my heart anyway.  I am hoping that this time will have a profound effect on him also.  I want him to have some time to think about what he wants in this stage of his life.  I want him to explore his options and come away positive about the future (which he normally is anyway).  Learning from this experience is the reason for the trip.

Yes, I am going to miss him and worry about him but I would be foolish to think that he will just fall apart as I drive away.  I will be praying for him as are many other people.  He should be just fine stoking those home fires until I return home.

Sun Through the Trees at Home

Sun Through the Trees at Home

Destination: Willoughby, Ohio

Countdown to Launch: 55 Days

Day trips are practice for my epic driving trip. Yesterday, Mike and I went on a small excursion to Willoughby, Ohio, to scout a restaurant for a meeting we are having next week with the President of the Historic US Route 20 Association, Bryan Farr.   This is a wonderful grassroots organization dedicated to the preservation and awareness of the historical significance and the economic growth of US Route 20. We hope to do some collaborating. Please check out his website at www.historicUS20.com.

Outside Rider's Inn -- A historic sign

Outside Rider’s Inn — A historic sign

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We had burgers and iced teas at Burgers-N-Beer (4027 Erie Street, Willoughby). It is a bar but with good food. There were couples, families, little league teams and other groups dining during the afternoon hours. It had a safe and happy atmosphere. Our waitperson, Katie, was awesome and helped me pick a gluten free option for lunch. It seemed like the kind of place you could just linger and catch up with old friends. I enjoyed myself very much.

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Burgers-N-Beer

Burgers-N-Beer

We walk up and down the street, before the rain came, and did some window shopping at the many unique retail options. We also visited the park nearby.

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Then it was off to do some trip business. Last week, Darlene and the staff at the Solon AAA Office completed an entire Trip Tik for my journey. They provided paper maps, Tour Books as well the Trip Tik itself. I was amazed at the comprehensive job they did and I just wanted to thank them here. It took a lot of work and I am extremely appreciative. In today’s world, paper maps may seem antiquated but I do not agree. Having them is providing me with piece of mind and an assurance of being able to find my way around this beautiful country.

Trip Tiks, Maps and Tour Books

Trip Tiks, Maps and Tour Books

Since some of my side trips are still in the works, I did not have Darlene plan for them. So we decided to get a GPS as a backup and for the side trips. We went to Best Buy in Mentor. We were assisted by Tyler who spend a lot of time showing us the different options and models until we were happy. He was a great help. We then turned the Garmin on and proceeded down US Rt. 20 to Perry using the GPS. It was my first experience with a GPS and I was very impressed. Now I feel confident that between all of Darlene’s work and the GPS I should be safe and on track.

I also need to send a shout out to my boss, Avery, who has so graciously let me borrow her camera. The pictures are going to be much better than what I was taking before and I appreciate having it as I believe the scenery on the trip is going to be epic!!

Even though this was just an afternoon jaunt, there were things I never saw before and places I had not been. It was an interesting way to spend a few hours.

I’m Sorry

I’m sorry I have not posted more this week.  There are LOTS of exciting things happening involving my trip.  But I had a long week at work and my creative juices were non-existent.  So if you don’t mind, I will try to post a few things this weekend to keep everyone one up to speed.  Thank you for your patience!!

P.S.  It is now less than two months until my “Launch” date!!