The What-Ifs & How You Can Help
A few people have called me brave since I decided to upheave my life and fulfill my lifelong dream of driving across America on a photojournalism/personal discovery trip. It is a courageous act, but I won’t deny that it’s also somewhat scary. So much of this adventure will rely on the goodwill and participation of other people, and I worry — will there be hosts when I need them? Will the Ford Bronco hold out? Will I find interesting subjects to write about? Will there be an audience for those subjects? Will I be able to finish a book on the road? What if I run out of gas on some forlorn highway?
Then again, what if. . .it all works out wonderfully, and it really does become the adventure of a lifetime? What if I step out into the world and find exactly the kind of stories I’ve always wanted to tell?
There are what-ifs and risks in every adventure, even those that are carefully planned. People have risked their lives to climb Mt. Everest, traverse down white water rapids, or explore the Antarctica. I used to ask why, but now I understand. It’s not only about the challenge, or pushing the limits, or fulfilling a dream, it’s about legacies. At 47, I ask myself: What do I want to leave behind? What higher meaning do I want my life to have? When I am old, what memories do I want to share with a younger generation?
When I ask myself those questions, this journey becomes less fearful and far more exciting. I have a lot of work to do before I hit the road — an apartment needs to be emptied, loose ends need to be tied up, a road itinerary needs to be planned, and there are a few hundred phone calls to make — but the chaos of preparation is also part of the adventure.
Work opportunities, donations, and host houses will make this project possible. Some people have asked how they could help, and there are several ways:
*If you’d be willing to host me as a guest for a day or two, please let me know.
*Likewise please let me know if you can provide a temporary job while I’m in your city. I can do almost anything from barns to offices.
*I am always looking for interesting people to interview!
*If you know of any businesses or corporations that might want to sponsor part of this trip, please contact me.
*Gift card donations for Verizon, gas, food, and coffee would be appreciated. I am also in need of camping equipment and a digital camcorder. Until October 1, donations can be sent to: 110201 Village Rd., Chaska, MN 55318
*There’s a Paypal link in the sidebar for cash donations.
Any and all support is greatly appreciated!
If you find yourself in the Philadelphia area, I am willing to host you. I don't have much room, but what I have is yours. I wish I could help you with some of the costs right now, but money is a bit tight here until property taxes are paid. I share the dream of a photojournalist trip and I LOVE the fact that you are following your dream. Much luck to you. You can write me at corina@dtemama.com.
Wow, I'm so envious- to follow your dream like that, drive cross country… what an amazing opportunity! I live in central/western NJ- just north of Princeton. It's a beautiful area, with farms and forests and nothing like the northeastern part of the state. Please feel free to contact me if you're in the area & need a bed, a meal, anything. You can reach me at mfarrell@rvis.net.
You know you can crash here for a few days. Can’t wait.
Also – I think this is so awesome. Could I do a post about your adventure? I bet we could drum up more support across the country. I’d love to help!
When you are in FL, I have a guest room! Gladly feed you and house you for a few days. GO, Adventure Girl!
Hi, I just read about your story on Twenty Four At Heart.
I live in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and would love to host you if you are ever up this way. Just let me know. Good luck!!
Thank you, Jimmie! ND isn’t on the list right now, but it might be in the future and I thank you for your offer.
Jane
Hi Jane, Are you planning on coming to the Deep South? I live in the Birmingham, Ala., area and I work for a big media outlet and maybe I can get them todo a story on you while you are here. (c:
I also live in an interesting area of town with lots of history and cool people to talk to. If I get the OK from my hubby, we have a spare room. E-mail me if you’re interested!
You can find us in Des Moines. We could put you up if you would like. If you do come here. Send me an email if your interested – dm me me on twitter – i followed you. (onlyaman) my wife is @ChurchPunkMom
I’m another who read about you at Twenty Four at Heart. If you happen to be heading through Illinois (I live in the middle of cornfields near a major university) on your journey I’d be happy to house and feed you for a few days.
Ever seen the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia…… Roanoke, VA welcomes you should you be in the Mid Atlantic states area. I posted your story on my blog to help get the word out.
Di
(say hello to 24@heart from me when you see her!!
I have a weaving studio. I would be happy to host you in northeast NY. I also could probably find something for you to do for gas money etc.
Let me know.
Thank you so much, Hilary! I’m keeping your email and will write to you when I’m on the East coast leg of the trip. I truly appreciate your interest and your offer.
Jane