Resources

We are driving a 20 year old V10 for thousands of miles around this country, past long coal trains and 300ft tall wind turbines as far as the eye can see. It’s got me thinking about the resources we use. Is this trip a necessary or wise use of money, time, or fossil fuels? Even our fridge runs on propane, for goodness sake. We acknowledge our privilege in having the time, flexibility, and resources to undertake this crazy trip. We are operating on the assumption, and this is certainly not a forgone conclusion, that this experience is somehow replenishing our emotional reserves. A friend put it pretty wisely when she said we were entering our Red Wing festival with less emotional reserves than normal. And the same can be said for this trip. Any vacation can be stressful, and a road trip combined with a work trip can be over the top nerve wracking (especially when a certain husband likes to plan out gas stops so that the dashboard computer says “0 miles to empty”). But there is something about being on the move that seems to open possibilities in the mind. Change seems possible. And we sure hope that we are filling some reservoirs of memories and togetherness that will be much needed in coming years. We have been told, and we sure believe it, that this grief is a long road.

From Nashville we hauled out West, following The Steel Wheels from a Kansas City roadhouse to a lovely backyard concert in Kansas, to the world’s largest rodeo, where the band remote broadcasted a short performance for Wyoming Public Radio.

The last show of the week, and our furthest west destination, was the Red Ants Pants Music Festival in White Sulphur Springs, Montana. The event is an inspired and inspiring gathering that empowers working women and funds leadership training for young women.

Buffalo Girls Cafe in White Sulphur Springs, MT

At the time of this post, we are solidly into week three and on the home stretch headed East. However, much of week two was spent off the grid in various national parks, so we have gotten a little behind. More posts to come on our journey of the areas of lesser cell coverage.

7 Replies to “Resources”

  1. Deb says:

    Know that as you travel each mile of your physical journey, so you will travel each mile of your grief journey, sometimes running on empty but hopefully finding places, people and memories to refuel your emotional tanks. Love to you all.

  2. Nancy Morgan says:

    Been waiting for your update. Love following you. Keep’m coming.
    🌞❤️🎶

  3. Nancy Curry says:

    Your posts are wonderful as are your photographs. My favorite is the Black and White photograph taken in the Buffalo Girls Cafe. The sweet expression on Lydia’s face is priceless and her hat is adorable.

    The memories that you are making now, as well as the wonderful ones that you have with Norah will be your Roses in December.

    Happy Tails and Godspeed.

  4. Patressa Kearns says:

    I don’t know who’s taking your photos for this trip and blog, but they are fantastic!

    I’m so glad you’re having a contemplative AND fun time. Your journey and journaling feed OUR souls, too, and help fill our emotional reserves. Thank you. I can’t wait to read your next post. I’m keeping you all in my heart and prayers.

  5. Cindy Dickel says:

    Coming from a 70 year old mother and grandmother….believe me every memory you can make is well worth every mile you are traveling. Blessings to your family and thank you for sharing your journey with us. Prayers and love to you all.
    P.S. Remind Eric that you don’t need anymore stress with the 0 in the gas tank. I panic with a half a tank!!!!!!!

  6. Jan Houser says:

    It is clear that this grief journey will be long a arduous.Anything that you three do to distract yourselves and to keep moving forward will help your journey. We commend your fortitude and strength of spirit, and we are all with you in love.

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