Let’s Get It Started!
The Grammy nominated song by the Black Eyed Peas, “Let’s get it started,” has been stuck in my head for the last few days, causing me to occasionally and loudly break out singing the refrain (the only line I know). I think it has something to do with the fact that I’m about to embark on a 14 hour solo road trip from my house in Floyd, Virginia, to my mother’s house in Hull, Massachusetts. I’ll be driving our nearly new charcoal gray Toyota Tundra with the Palomino camper on the back.
Did I mention that I have a phobia of driving on interstates through cities and that over-passes, clover leafs, and multiple exits make me break out in a sweat? Just looking at road maps stirs up my adrenaline. I once had to drive on interstate 95 through New Jersey and New York to attend an unexpected funeral. I lost 5 years of my life that day. But not to worry. You should see how nervous I get before giving a poetry reading, and I usually do fine once I get started.
Here’s the current scene: I’ve been feeling some separation anxiety regarding leaving my blog and my garden. I’m sure that I’ll miss my husband, but I know that he can take care of himself. But on this morning, I’m in my element at my base of operation, blogging in my bathrobe with my chaotic stacks of books and paper right where I want them. All my addresses and files and office equipment are right at my fingertips. It’s a pretty serious scene, trying to get some work done before I go, until I have to stop to laugh out loud at myself. There are 4 cobalt blue mugs that have collected on my desk, and I literally have to pick each one up and lift it to my lips before finding the one that still has some tea in it. Boy, I’m going to miss this place.
My computer access may be erratic for the next few days. I’ll report back once I get settled.
Post Note: Loose Leaf is featured on the front page of the online Roanoke Times this week for yesterday’s post “Why Don’t We Do it in the Road?” You can click www.roanoke.com and scroll down near the end of the page to view it.
June 30th, 2005 9:25 am
Colleen,
Put the metal to the peddle and conquer your driving fear, which I share as you know. We did it in Houston when we knew we had to. You can do it again. Can’t wait to see you.
The messy desk, or shall we say “familiar territory,” will be waiting for you when you return from this newest adVENTURE…and just think of all the blogging ideas that’ll be yours as you VENTURE forward.
Have fun.
Love, Kathy
June 30th, 2005 9:27 am
I agree about driving through cities on interstates. I don’t think I breathed at all the first time I drove through Toledo, OH, at 65 miles an hour! Have a great trip!
I’ve been reading your books, and I love them! I read the poetry in one big gulp–I have to take the grief stories in small sips and mull over all the memories and emotions that they bring up. I’m so glad you wrote these books.
June 30th, 2005 9:30 am
Ah, Colleen…we are so much alike. I love to travel but I also dread it. Leaving the familiar chaos of home, knowing I am BOUND to forget something. And I have never learned to travel light. I have to have everything I think I might possibly need, including the familiar pillow and teacup.
Here are a couple of suggestions for your travel–
*Books on tape. If you don’t have any, plan a bathroom break at a bookstore.
*College campuses are great places to stop for a breather, esp in summer. Clean bathrooms, lots of room to walk around, etc.
*Keep a trip journal designated only for the journey. I did that when Kyla and I went to NYC, and it’s nice to have it now, separte from my other chaotic meanderings.
PLEASE keep all your loyal readers updated on your adventures. I’ll miss you over the next few days. Funny how natural and neccessary blogging has become to a couple of former technophobes.
Go well.
~Mara
June 30th, 2005 10:41 am
I too am so-o-o glad to get home after a road trip. We are still trying to work out plans to get to MA ourselves. Wave at Hingham on your way up to Hull. We’ll be thinking of you!!
June 30th, 2005 1:41 pm
I love to drive. I dont care where its to as long as the car is quiet(no passanger noise) the radio is up and i can roll down the windows.. It takes me back to when I was a teenager and had no real responsibility once I got off work and paid my car note. I was free to go and play and not worry about kids, life, bills, ect. Can’t really do that now as I’ve got someone needing something, wanting something, or expecting something of me at every turn now.
You’ll be fine!
Ivy
June 30th, 2005 2:50 pm
I guess it’s a good think that you work hard to conquer your fears, now isn’t it.
I totally second the Books on Tape suggestion.
I also reccommend putting on your head set and catching up phone calls, but only in easy driving areas.
We’ll miss you, but enjoy your break. Your blog will be here safe and sound with all your readership when you get back.