Coincidences?

Today I stopped by a bookstore and picked up the Steinbeck Centennial Edition copy of Travels with Charley in Search of America. I read this book many years ago (it was first published in 1962 when I was 12) back when I was in my Steinbeck phase. It was fascinating when I read it as a teenager or young woman (I don't remember exactly when it was). Did it plant a seed? Perhaps. Or perhaps just loosened the soil around a seed that was already there. I sometimes think if I knew where to look I'd find some "tinker" family back in Ireland that shares a common ancestor. I've recognized that there is something in me that doesn't allow me to be content with staying home; there's a searching or seeking part of me that surfaces. In fact, there have been times in my life when the wanderlust is almost overwhelming and I just feel the need to go someplace different for awhile. Even if it's just a drive to the coast for a day. Steinbeck refers to this in his introduction. Seeing jet trails overhead, hearing the blast from a freight train stir something in me, as well. Especially the jets. Where are they going or coming from? Who is up there and why do they get to travel while I am down here, consumed with the busyness of work and responsibilities. It isn't just men who are compelled to wander and explore, who have that disease of dis-ease in staying one place.

Steinbeck made his trip when he was 58, after becoming a well-known published writer. I am 56, will be 57 shortly after the adventure begins. I am a published writer but I am not at all well known.

More than half the people I have talked to about my plans are envious and excited for me and hope to do something similar some day. There are people who wouldn't follow this "wandering star" for love nor money. They shudder to think of living like a turtle, carrying your home and all your worldly goods with you wherever you go. And going constantly. Having traveled in the usual manner, with suitcase in hand, going from hotel to hotel, I much prefer the idea of having all my comforts along with me, of being at home while being away.

And knowing how thoroughly my Charlie loves to ride, I am excited to have him join me in this escapade. He, like Steinbeck's Charley, is a lamb, but he has a very deep, very intimidating bark. I will feel safe with him along. At the very least, I can be assured of being thoroughly protected from any marauding cats or squirrels.

At this point progress feels slow. I haven't gotten an RV yet. Haven't even talked to my credit union about how much they might consider lending me. I haven't made any headway in going through things to decide what I want to keep, what I want to take with me, and what I'm willing to let go of. I still have to get my paperwork together and do my taxes in the next couple of weeks. But I have the weeks marked on my calendar until I leave my job. I'm down to four now.

Travelin' Lady