Monday, November 1, 2010

John Steinbeck-you old trickster

After discussing my plans to recreate your route in "Travels with Charley" I find you didn't actually camp all that much.  So-NOW I get to tell my father that my crazy dream I shared with him is just that-a crazy dream.

I was pissed, John, really pissed.  But hey-the book was good enough to get me and several other people in various stages of wanting or doing the same. So good on you.

Still-I won't be doing the epic journey now-at least not that way.  I travel with my dog and sleep in hotels now-so making plans to do what I already do just doesn't seem, well, epic enough.

It was a good dream though-and I'm glad I had it.  I've had that on the bucket list since I was 14 and read the book in Jr. High.  And I'm not mad-although I was for a minute.

The book did what you needed it to do-sell and entertain people.  It gave me a long lasting dream-and then the realization that I need to dream my own dreams-not follow somebody else's.  The dream is about finding adventure in familiar places-not about a road map and a camper.

It's ok John-I'm not mad at you.  Let's both keep dreaming.

(It's ok to anyone who is reading this-I know John Steinbeck is dead-but I talk to dead people sometimes).

2 comments:

Mim said...

what a movie line "i talk to dead people!"

thought of you the other day in Sarasota - saw a Peaches Restaurant

Michele said...

Deb, I rode bikes yesterday for the first time in about 4 years and I couldn't help but think about you. I so miss riding in the bike rallys and all the fun (I mean crazy) people we met during those days : ) My fav is still the Mesquite Rodeo Ride. We so rocked. I hope all is well with you. Let me hear from you when you have time.