Richmond, VA 10-18-10

I'll be honest I'd had low expectations for Richmond, VA.  I didn't know much about Richmond so I really didn't know what to look forward to. Once there though I discovered it was full of rich history. Richmond is home to Edgar Allen Poe's museum, lots of civil war history, as well as the Hollywood Cemetery. I only spent  one day sight seeing in this great town. I see another future in my future here, because one day is not enough.

10-15-10 Natural Bridge

From 2010-10-14 Natural Bridge, VA

Natural Bridge, Va was a last minute change of plans. It was a wonderful stop, with lots of family fun & educational elements.

The natural bridge itself is amazing! Over 20 stories high is a natural rock bridge RT 11 does run over it, so it is a strong natural wonder. Natural Bridge is a relaxing place to visit. The people of Natural Bridge,VA have a sense of humor about their tourist stop. It is full of fun; with a wax museum, a dinosaur recreation location, and foamhenge. Foamhenge is pictured at the top of this blog. It is a recreation of England's Stongehenge done by Mark Cline.

From 2010-10-14 Natural Bridge, VA

Donation!

I'm so excited I just had to share!

I just received my first donation through the website!

I can't tell you how blessed I feel right now. I'm sure this is how I'll feel with all support I receive since this is how I've felt since my first going away party.

Thank you to Everyone that supports me in anyway: fiscally, socially, spiritually, or following along.

I appreciate you all!

If you are interested in donating please follow this LINK

Goldstar

Goldstar:

"Check out this site I found called Goldstar. They have half-price tickets and member reviews of concerts, sports, theater and more. I'm already a member!

https://www.goldstar.com/join?p=F1532899RB"

OH how I WISH I could have met them!

I did get to see them load a cake into the van & a glimpse into the work space.

I had a wonderful conversation with the nice lady across the street at a store that carries the Charm City Cakes merchandise.

If someone could hook me up with CCC I'd go back to Baltimore  in a minute & love you forever!!!

10-12-10 - The realities of Homelessness

We stay with friends and family when possible, and we have even stayed with people we don't know, but people our people know. (was that confusing enough) Anyway sometimes Mia wants to go somewhere that we don't know anyone, or don't know anyone to stay with. When that happens Mia & I sleep in the car. Mia has us on a very tight budget, so we stay in hotels very rarely.


Mia & I have made the choice to be homeless.  We are living in the car for all intent and purposes, even when we stay with someone we are only visiting.  Mia has figured out where it is safe to park and sleep for the night, and how to "bathe" when she has no facilities. Mia has had to drop some modesties she previously had. When we are out and about like "everyday people" we are treated "normal". No one knows we just slept in our car the last three nights, homeless people ask us for money & homed people treat us like homed people (homed - is that a word?). 

But on the rare occasion someone sees us in our "abode" it is interesting to watch their reactions.  


Homeless people leave us completely alone, and ever walk further away, like they are trying to give us our privacy, even looking the other way most of the time. They also don't ask us for money, or "bother us". 


Homed people do just the opposite, they stare. They still don't approach us, stop to see if I'm having car trouble, or need help. They just stare, almost wrecking their cars sometimes with their rubber necking.


I'm not saying either is wrong or right for their reactions to me, it just got me to thinking. 


I'm not truly homeless, I know at any moment I can choose to drive to Mia's parent's home or call our next closest friend and we'd have a roof over our heads. So I will not pretend to know how it really is for homeless people.


But I do know how it is to be a "homed" person. I know I've seen people in a shopping center parking lot with belongings all around their car or what appears to be changing their shirt by their car.  I've assumed they had a flat tire or car trouble.  I've never stopped to check on them and never once assumed them "homeless" or on a journey.  I've always come up with some other reason for their actions or thought "how tacky, they could go home and organize themselves there" (If I didn't see a flat tire, or some other reason to have their belongings strune about a parking lot).


I'm not saying someone in a parking lot changing clothes, or reorganizing their cars is wanting privacy or attention.  It just now makes me wonder all the potentially amazing stories I've missed over the years.  


It also makes me wonder how you my readers would react to seeing "someone like me" in your local shopping center parking lot. What your thoughts would be.  


And I also wonder if now after reading this you yourself are pondering this too, and if I've changed how you might view someone in that scenario.

10/5,6,7 - New York Fun times!

Near a fountain in north central park

Willie G Poet in Penn Station

Medical Students in the Park

I got much love in NYC!!!  People were so welcoming, and wanted to give me love all the time. :)  Mia and I were go, go,go for the three days we spent in the city.  We saw Time Square, World Trade Center Site, China Town, Little Italy, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, Central Park and so much more!

The next blog will be about Jarrod, a young man I met in the city, he is only one of many interesting people I had the chance to meet while there.  The medical students in the picture above, were out celebrating their accomplishments & their progress so far. Willie G, poet, I met in Penn Station waiting for my train. He was a homeless man, that wrote poetry and sold it to earn money instead of just asking for a hand out. He now lives at the local YMCA and is working on getting his own room at the Y.  His income is still writing the poetry & selling it around town. He is a sweet man that sat and talked to us for several minutes.

To see all the pictures from our time in NYC follow this link -> LINK

The direction of this blog

The direction of this blog will be changing slightly..... it will focus stronger on my thoughts, ramblings and whatever strikes me.

It was originally strongly based in locations & some of the other stuff with a smattering about people I'd meet.

It will continue to be a mixture of all these things... but I will be talking more about my personal thoughts and process while out on the road.  And I dare say we will see more about the people I'm meeting places instead of just the places themselves.

10-10-10 - The perfect day - self discovery

This day was not a perfect day for me.  Nothing bad happened I was just saddened all day.  I chose to head to the park to take some time to reflect and to sort through some thoughts.

As I sat at the park, I allowed myself to just feel what I was feeling. I allowed the sadness to come over me and to feel it to it's fullest. During this time of reflection I started inspecting why I felt the way I felt. 

I realized I was afraid, afraid of spending my life spinning my wheels, being alone and ultimately lonely. I think MANY people feel this same way, they want to be loved and to know they are important.  Not important to the world but important to someone.  I think you know what I mean, I want to know I've made a difference to someone & they make a difference to me too.

Now I know many people will want to reassure me that I am loved & and they love me. I thank you for that, and know you do. (I love hearing it though, so feel free to express away) 

I also realized through a conversation with a loved friend, that I've never been comfortable in my life. I have lived many life times in my few years on this earth, and have MANY happy memories from these times.

What I realized though was at the root of this trip is an element of running away. I hid that fact from myself, I knew I'd created this trip to see loved ones & to see the country. I know many people are inspired by what I'm doing.  It has felt inauthentic on so many levels and I didn't even realize it.  

It was this inauthenticity that was propelling my sadness. People telling me I was doing something great when it didn't feel great to me. I know being "on the road" for over 2 months isn't something everyone could or would do. To me it felt normal almost "everyday" even.  All because I was doing what I've always done retreating or running away.

The great thing about knowing I can let my past go and create my future at any moment is I have the power while here on the trip to "start again" and to create what I really want from this trip. 

I will be continuing on my trip, I'm still dedicated to seeing all my loved ones.... And the bonus is getting to see all 48 states... AND I am still planning on taking a year.  I also look forward to more self discovery & the trials this type of journey creates.

I want you to know, my loved ones, I will be relying on you to support me, to challenge me, to be my sounding boards as I am going through this.

Since I believe we are all connected and as I'm going through this journey, you are also going with me. I need and want your feed back.... this is one way I know we will all grow through this experience.

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The picture (supports my belief of us all being connected) below is from NYC Times Square, these are the wishes and dreams people have for the new year... and I see many of my own dreams reflected in theirs. 

New York - Jarrod

I was headed to a night out in the city, going down the subway stairs I saw a man struggling with a large suitcase. I offered to help him down the stairs, he declined and we both descended the stairs.
On the subway platform, I could tell he was unsure of his location and which tracks he was looking for. So again I asked him if he needed assistance. This time, he took me up on my offer. He told me where he was wanting to go, and what he believed to be the correct train information. I reassured him he was on the right tracks & also gave him some pointers about the subway system, so he would understand it better.
I asked him where he was from, "Ohio", was the answer. OHIO! Well, being a mid westerners ourselves Mia and I fully understood where this man was coming from. After quick introductions back and forth. He asked if we lived in the city, and we explained about being on this trip & what we were up to. Luckily Jarrod was riding our train with us, he was going one stop beyond us. So we sat on the train together and chit chatted about what he was doing in the city.
He explained how he loves the grit of big cities. That he's drawn to places like DC, Chicago, and NYC. He's in the city visiting friends, and looking forward to spend the time seeing the city & catching up with friends. He has dreams of living life to the fullest.  He sees life as an adventure, he loves to travel & he thinks life is all about meeting people.  He says, he wants to be happy where he is, where ever that may be.

Jarrod  and I only had a few minutes to meet, chat, and part ways and even with that small amount of time Jarrod gave me what I needed at that moment. I'm sure Jarrod thought I was helpful and he was lucky to run into me when he needed help. What Jarrod doesn't know is that I needed him more. I needed the connection with someone in person that instantly saw himself in what I was doing. Jarrod is filled with possibilities for his future & the world on whole, and for me that day, Jarrod was the universe telling me I'm on the right path.

Thank you Jarrod, for being you. 

For you being you allows me to be me. 

10/5,6,7 - New York Fun times!

Near a fountain in north central park

Willie G Poet in Penn Station

Medical Students in the Park

I got much love in NYC!!!  People were so welcoming, and wanted to give me love all the time. :)  Mia and I were go, go,go for the three days we spent in the city.  We saw Time Square, World Trade Center Site, China Town, Little Italy, Bryant Park, Grand Central Station, Central Park and so much more!

The next blog will be about Jarrod, a young man I met in the city, he is only one of many interesting people I had the chance to meet while there.  The medical students in the picture above, were out celebrating their accomplishments & their progress so far. Willie G, poet, I met in Penn Station waiting for my train. He was a homeless man, that wrote poetry and sold it to earn money instead of just asking for a hand out. He now lives at the local YMCA and is working on getting his own room at the Y.  His income is still writing the poetry & selling it around town. He is a sweet man that sat and talked to us for several minutes.

To see all the pictures from our time in NYC follow this link -> LINK

Playing Catch up!

Mia has not given me much computer access this past week. On the few occasions I've gotten a moment on the computer I've uploaded and edited pictures, answered emails.  So today Mia promised me when I would have time to up date the blog. :)
The last thing I really talked about as far as places we'd been to was the roller derby in White Plains, NY.  Since then we've done so much traveling! And why I haven't had a chance to get on the computer.  With all the travel I of course would love to talk about all these places but alas I know 20 posts are not going to get the attention they deserve so here I will give you an over view and post some picture links :)

After White Plains, NY we went to:

Sleepy Hollow, NY - is a quaint little town (Mia wants to go back one day).
Hershey, PA - very tourist & kid friendly
Gettysburg, PA - a MUST for everyone!! Mia isn't "into" history and she was very moved by this place
Philadelphia, PA - Fun, very tourist friendly & easy to get around in
Trenton, NJ - it was OK
Princeton, NJ - it was OK.... always kind of interesting to see the Ivy league schools
NYC, NY - It's New York!!! - I'll be posting about this separately
Atlanic City, NJ - we drove through at night, the lights were beautiful!
Cape May, NJ - Wonderful little town.  Mia and I watched the sun rise over  the ocean here.
Dover, DE - Cute little town
The shore of DE - Mia enjoyed the drive down
Baltimore, MA - We really enjoyed this town a lot and will be posting about it separately.

Trees in Swamps of NJ

Sunrise over Cape May, NJ

10-3-10 - Sept Wrap up! & What's to come

WOW!! 2 months down 10 to go!

I've done so much in just two month! Here's the link to August's wrap up if you missed it :) LINK

Commonly asked questions

What states have you done? In the month of September we did: Vermont (Ben & Jerry's tour2), New Hampshire (Lumberjack competition, American Stonehenge), Maine (Lighthouses & Firefighters), Massachusetts (Cape Cod), Rhode Island, Connecticut (Roller derby - though technically in NY), Back into Upstate NY (Sleepy Hollow), Back into Pennsylvania (Gettysburg)

How many states done in total? 11 (MI, OH, WV, PA, NY, VT, NH, ME, MA, RI, CT)

What's been your favorite (in Sept)?  The Lumberjack competition was such a great surprise event, Gettysburg was Inspiring, Sylvia was most needed.

Trivia I learned about myself this month: I love clam chowder! I enjoy book stores. I can live without eating steak once in a whole month.

What's been the hardest or least favorite this month? The hardest thing so far has been the home sickness. (It has now passed), site seeing it was probably the Hamptons - I was NOT impressed.

What's next? New Jersey, NYC, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, DC & Halloween!!!!!
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If you have any other questions or want more in depth answers please feel free to ask :)

This next month I'm continuing to practice the skills of staying in the present moment, and connecting with people as I meet them.  I'm also practicing being inspired by the small things, the everyday & common things of life. 


I am adding to my practice: Exercise, creating deeper connection with my family, acceptance of all people.

Will you practice with me?

9-30-10 - Gettysburg - Inspired by Equality

I'm going to let Mia post about this one, she was very moved yesterday.


Posted by Mia:
Yesterday we spent the day at Gettysburg, PA this was my first time to see the battlegrounds and to really delve in depth into this portion of history since High School. We drove around the fields following a three hour audio auto tour. I'd completely forgotten the battle at Gettysburg had only taken place over 3 days (July 1-3) and to date is still the largest battle even fought on USA soil.  I was touched and moved by the dedication of the soldiers, and more so by President Lincoln himself.


Good and bad can be said about his politics and personal life, but today I want to focus on what I learned about him directly connected to the battle at Gettysburg. 


On the tour it was said Lincoln knew this battle had to be won if the civil war was to end, and the country was to remain united. The battle was won. And after the battle, Lincoln was still saddened, because one of the generals told Lincoln (paraphrased) "We pushed those rebels off our land".  Saddened by the fact the general had lost focus of the war efforts, it wasn't to "push the rebels home", it was to RE- UNITE the UNITED states of america. And that it was ALL OUR LAND!  It was literally brother fighting brother.


In the Gettysburg speech Lincoln addresses this concern.  That WE are a country created were ALL men are equal, and WE are a UNITED country.  He says to honor those that die for our freedom we must "increase devotion to that cause".


Today as AMERICANS we have adopted the concept that ALL MEN includes: all colors of man, that "men" includes women, and we use this same concept and apply it to protect our children.


This concept that our country IS founded on is in the Declaration of Independence: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness." 


 It is my personal opinion that we are now in a new time of oppression again, where all "men" are not being treated equally. 


I am not getting on some political soap box about "what is wrong" instead I am asking that you, look at your own life and ask: 

Where am I not treating others as an equal?

I am not asking this rhetorically, and if you feel you are equal across the board please allow me to give you some thoughts for reflection.


*Do you hesitate at certain religions, life choices, or colors?
*Do others choosing differently than me make me uncomfortable? (What do I do with that discomfort?)
*Do you lock your doors in certain areas of town?
*If you want to restrict another person a right you already enjoy, how would you like it restricted?
*Are you surrounded by only like minded persons if so why?


I know it can be scary when others aren't "like us" but WHY is it scary? Is it scary just because of the unknown? or is it that we are afraid of losing ourselves?
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I will let you choose your own beliefs to follow: (Do unto others.....)


Christian: Luke 10: What is written in the Law?” Jesus replied. “How do you understand it?” He answered, “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul. Love him with all your strength and with all your mind.’(Deuteronomy 6:5) And, ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ ” You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do that, and you will live.”


Taoism: "Regard your neighbor's gain as your own gain, and your neighbor's loss as your own loss." T'ai Shang Kan Ying P'ien

Judaism: You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against your kinsfolk. Love your neighbor as yourself: I am the LORD. Leviticus 19:18


Buddhist: "One who, while himself seeking happiness, oppresses with violence other beings who also desire happiness, will not attain happiness hereafter." Dhammapada


Hindu:  "One should never do that to another which one regards as injurious to one’s own self. This, in brief, is the rule of dharma. Other behavior is due to selfish desires." Brihaspati, Mahabharata 


Islamic: "Hurt no one so that no one may hurt you." Muhammad, The Farewell Sermon

Confucianism: "Never impose on others what you would not choose for yourself." Confucius, Analects

Rastafarian:  "One love, Let's get together, it be alright" Bob Marley

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The Gettysburg address:

"Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal.

Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation or any nation so conceived and so dedicated can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting-place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate, we cannot consecrate, we cannot hallow this ground. The brave men, living and dead who struggled here have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us the living rather to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us -- that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion -- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain, that this nation under God shall have a new birth of freedom, and that government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth."