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Got My Travelin' Shoes On...
As you read this (thanks to the magic of posting in advance), I am lost somewhere in the wilds of Maine.
Not literally, I hope. But my husband’s driving, so you never know. You know the guy who Never Stops For Directions? That’s him. TomToms are for sissies. Hence, like his ancestors, sometimes we do wander in the desert. In the mountains. Through rabbit trails of unnamed streets in foreign countries.
One thing that all writers have in common is itchy feet – literally and figuratively. We get bored easily. Even if we are forced by necessity to conform to the 9-to-5 routine, our imaginations are free to take off at a moment’s notice. (Witness the phrase repeated ad nauseum in my school records – “Never pays attention in class.”)
All writers, I feel, should get out into the world, and out of our regular routines, as often as possible. So what if we can’t afford to jet off to exotic locales like China or Africa? Visit a Chinese art exhibit, attend travel lectures. Heck, go to your favorite Chinese restaurant and talk to the owner about life in his or her native country. :) There is no shortage of stories out there, and tons of inspiration, if you just look around.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, my ride’s leaving soon and I have yet to find my hiking boots. Check my blog after Aug. 15 for trip pictures!
Slan,
Carolan
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Carolan Ivey writes paranormal and Celtic-flavored fantasy romance. Upcoming releases include A Ghost of a Chance, the sequel to the award-winning paranormal romance, Beaudry’s Ghost. Visit her web site for more information and excerpts!
LOL!!! Carolan, my hubby was the very same way. I think it’s part of the make gene.
But sometimes the road ‘unknown’ can take you to some very interesting places that you wouldn’t have seen otherwise. We once found a fantastic abandoned light house that they were just beginning to fix up. But it was ‘two tracking’ all the way after we left the main road, and with other ‘two tracks’ crossing ours and NO road signs. But we found it and it was fantastic and very worth the side trip.
So relax and enjoy some of his unexpected side trips. LOL
sandie
Hi Carolan,
Going to Maine sounds like fun. I’ve never gone to Maine so will be sure to visit your blog to enjoy your photos.
Great tip on how to learn about a new culture if you can’t actually travel to that country!
Thanks for the replies, ladies!
I “lied” just a little bit…we’ve been to Maine and gone! We visited Portland, then a cousin in Newcastle, and then Acadia National Park. I’m writing tonight from Boston, where we’ve walked most of the Freedom Trail today. Awesome!! Boston is an AMAZING city – we’ll have to make a return trip to appreciate all it has to offer. :)
Yesterday we visited Salem, Mass. (FUN!) and the day before that, historic Concord.
Tomorrow we complete the Freedom Trail with visits to Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution. Then we will head for Rhode Island and a visit with another relative before heading home. :)