Years ago, one of my professors told me that she thought I did a wonderful job at exploring the “why” questions in my work, but needed to work on the “how”. I couldn’t help but laugh, because her criticism of my thesis papers is also true of my life in general. I’ve always been much better at the winged question of why than the anchored reason of how.
I’ve decided that it’s time to take a risk, fulfill a dream, and embark on a year-long, cross-country writing trip. There’s no one answer why, but many. And while I don’t believe in fate, I do believe convergence, and in forks in the road.
If you’re a parent, especially one who’s single or divorced, you probably understand why I’ve always chosen the safest road. When my daughter was placed in my arms for the first time, and then my son, I didn’t think “I’ve got to write a novel” — I thought, “I’ve got to give them the best life possible.” Over the next two decades, this meant working at whatever jobs paid the most, instead of the ones I may have liked the most. Sometimes it meant working two jobs so that I could live in a better neighborhood with better schools. Being a single parent gave rise to many precarious situations –- there were times I didn’t know how I was going to make it –- but I never questioned why I absolutely had to, no matter what the challenges were.
I harbored the thought that when my children were grown, I’d rebirth myself into a second life where I’d fulfill all my deferred dreams. The problem for me was that I’d grown so used to living inside the boundaries of parenthood that even when my kids became adults, I maintained the habits of someone who was still scrambling to make ends meet, and putting my writing off to the side as something to do in my spare time. It didn’t help matters that my resume looked like a social experiment, and that over the years I rarely submitted any of my work for publication.
In 2008, so many things converged in my life that it felt rather like an avalanche. My hours at work were drastically reduced, which threw my finances into turmoil. I was stalked by a nut who worked for the postal office, and spent months looking over my shoulder. My daughter got married. In November, I became ill, and then I lost my job. Illness continued into 2009, and I had no health insurance. Life as I knew it, as I had so diligently fretted about it and maintained it over the years, came to a screeching halt that ultimately ended up in front of a fork in the road. I knew that I could do what I’ve always done in uncertain times — hardscrabble my way back into a safe but ordinary existence –- but there was a gnawing in my gut that wouldn’t go away; that felt all at once like hunger and repulsion, as if I’d sat down to the same bowl of thin, unsavory soup one too many times.
I knew that I had profoundly changed. I wasn’t the same person who once created ad campaigns for Caesars Tahoe, or who managed vacation properties up North, or who delivered mail as a side-job so she could write a book. I was no longer the person ruled by a pay stub and fearful of doing anything that might destabilize the foundation. As odd as it sounds, the fears I experienced during this time of turmoil seemed to have inoculated me against fears of taking a risk on my future.
Sometimes ideas arise in a funny, sideways fashion, and that was certainly the case here, when I let my imagination consider what I would do if I had actually won a sweepstakes I had entered, where the grand prize was a Ford Mustang and some cash. The answer came to me immediately –- I would take off in my car, and go in search of interesting people and stories. I would spend a year of my life on the road, in search of everything good, inspiring, truthful, redemptive, and beautiful about life in America. I would get back in touch with the part of me that loves to ask questions and explore the various answers, as well as the spiritual part of me that is rejuvenated whenever I am in the mountains or sitting out under the stars.
Of course I didn’t win the sweepstakes, but I did learn that my dreams were still very much alive, and that my desire to write something bigger and more encompassing than this blog was thriving. Once I knew that –- once I understood why I wanted to travel across the country –- I knew that the how could be either an obstacle or an opportunity. I could tell myself that I wasn’t in a position to fulfill my dreams – that they should be deferred again – or I could take a risk on my own talent and resourcefulness and trust that I would find support along the way.
Obviously, I decided that this was a dream that wasn’t going to be deferred. I’ve already mapped out the first part of my journey, which will include Iowa, New Mexico, Arizona, and California. Presently in the queue for interviews are nurses, Jonestown survivors, the children of migrant workers, and an aspiring film maker. There will be many, many more. I’m so excited I can barely wait to begin!
There will be a new blog to cover my year on the road, during which I’ll be seeking out people from all walks of life, from farmers and artists to inventors and entrepreneurs. I started a site called One Writer, No Address to kickstart my journey, which will begin in October, but the name doesn’t quite convey the spirit of my road trip, so I thought I’d have a contest.
There will be two winners. One will be chosen at random from all the entries received, and the other will be the submission I like the most. The winner of the random entry will receive a fun surprise package from me, filled with goodies worth at least $20. The winner of the best submission will receive a $20 gift certificate from Amazon.com as well as a surprise package. The contest will end at 12 noon on Sunday, September 20, and the winners will be announced here and through email.
I look forward to reading all the entries, but most of all I look forward to meeting some of you during my year of travel!
Update 9/21 – Congratulations to Grand Prize winner Barbara for her entry “Finding My America” and to Kim Nelson, winner of the randomly chosen entry. Thank you to everyone who entered and shared their ideas!
I’m first? Oh yeah!
First, since you closed comments a while back and I haven’t been able to, let me tell you that I’ve really enjoyed your articles lately, and I really was hoping you’d win the Mustang!
O.K., my suggestion for a travel blog name is Finding America, since it seems that’s part of what you’re doing, finding the best parts of life and people here.
I’d love to meet you too, so let me know when you’re in RI!
I would love to meet you. I’m in Tx!
I think your articles are great, and I always enjoy talking to you on twitter.
My suggestion is… Life on the Road: An open book.
I think it leaves alot to be desired, and will draw in readers that way.
Oh I am soooooo excited for you! And jealous! And excited again! : ) I know you hate exclamation points too, but I can’t help myself!!!!
Ok, I’ll stop. I’ll have to come back with a suggestion because I can’t think right now. I can’t wait to see you though because I know you MUST include a stop in Money Town along the way.
Freaking awesome. What a thrill this must be – frightening and exciting in that really raw, nothing behind you will matter quite the same once your foot is out the door kind of way.
I wanted you to know that I’m thinking about this, but it’s a doozy! I’ll be back with something. I like to mull.
Okay I may have another suggestion later and the credit for this one should go to Haley above but it is late and my twisted mind says An Open Road: Life in a Book.
LBJ
I would call it “Fnding Myself” if she actually goes
. What do u think?
The Old,
Elf
Destiny’s Detour
Bliss Navigator.
Good luck!
-RK Ref
How about a FORK in the ROAD!? lol and if your journey takes you through Missouri to Springfield, you can see the largest one EVER!
http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/12188
I am so happy for you! When my kids were young, I would take them on surprise “adventures” . . . usually an unplanned day trip to wherever we ended up. One time, (30 years ago), I woke them up in the dead of night and drove 40 miles to an observatory so they could see “Hailey’s Comet”. They still talk about that night. Our adventures were some of the best days, the best menories, ever. Now, you are going on a year long adventure . . . how wonderful. I can’t wait to read about it.
My suggestion,(so far),
“Jane Devlin ~ Continuum”
Sorry for the typo Jane . . . I know its Devin.
Oh, and to LBJ . . . of course I think she’ll go !
Jane, I am so happy and excited for you. I can hardly wait for the adventure and the amazing episodes and the colorful pieces you will tease out of the fabric of this great country.
Ideas…”Devin’s Destiny” “The Brass Ring Tour”
Did you say one entry per person? oh well. Carpe Diem, Girl.
I’ve got to think on this contest thing…..
I’m so excited for you, so envious, and so hoping you’ll make it to Mobile! You’re welcome to crash and I’ll treat you to the best we have to offer down here in ol’ Alabam…
Can’t wait to keep up with your journey!
The Girl suggests Pieces of America. I’m still thinking…I liked A Dream Deferred but that’s already in use…
Jane Does Dallas (and a lot of Other Places)
From Minnesota to WHERE?!
Fifty States for a Good Donut
Jane Gets Lost, On Purpose
Watch Out, America, Jane is Coming!!
Look Who’s Coming to Visit
The End of America, As We Know It
Trouble, Thy Name is Jane
Red, White, and Jane
One Left Turn from Destiny
Always Turn Left in Albequerque
Writing Across America
Sounds like an Adventure! I was thinking of a name while reading your post & a variation of an Irish phrase came to mind:
She’s got the Devin in her.
It’s not polished or deep like the others, but What is it that Moves us? You can call it Restlessness, or Desire but we are nothing if not Driven in our dreams or Pursuits. Wishing you Luck & Love on your Journey! Keep Twittering!
I am very excited for you. This sounds like a dream come true. You are an inspiration. My title suggestion is The Sweepstakes Adventure. Good luck and have fun!
-Bird (via Twitter)
Jane,
After reading your piece about your goals, my suggestion is Many A Winding Turn. It is a piece of lyrics from the Song “He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother by The Hollies. It’s a song from the late 60′s but if you look at the words of the song, it reminded me of some of the things you said. It’s easy to find on the internet if you want to look at the lyrics. Congrats on starting this journey, I’ll be following along.
Dear Jane,
Feeling that the title must come from YOUR words, I scanned this post and saw the following:
TITLE — In Search of Everything Good
Subtitle — America: One writer,One year
And I cannot wait to host you in Tucson. Many amazing life stories have Tucson connections. I am happy to help make arrangements if you need any support. Be in touch.
Exciting!!!
K
yahoo! So glad you are following that dream!! and for opening the comments back up. You have lots of good ideas up above….
“There’s no such place as lost”
“Turned right to go left”
“Have laptop, am travelling”
“I’ll know where I’m going when I get there”
I’m feelin like a whimsical cowgirl today so here you go:
Mustang Jane Roams America’s Range
The True Adventures of Jessie Jane and her Bucking Bronco
Bootstraps and a Bronco
Hmmm, maybe something better will come to me later. Stay tuned. : )
Ok, Jane, first I thought of this clever ditty, playing on the writer as anonymous voice for the reader, and the ‘Doe’s/Does’ play on words:
“Jane Doe’s America”
But then I thought about the slightly creepy, CSI/’unclaimed body’ aspect, and scrapped that idea….
So how about: “I Woke Up in Cucamonga Today (And You’ll Never Guess Who I Met)”?
Ok I seriously am having a brain freeze / pre senior moment and shouldn’t been awake since 4 am and then taking care of a 17 month old and 3 year old…. but here are some of my corny ideas since you asked
Along the Way
Pen, Paper, & Wheels
In Search of…
Roadside Chats
Lifestories of the Real or …on the road
I’ll try to think about it a little more after I’ve either had more sleep or a glass of wine…or maybe two glasses of wine.
I’ll also brainstorm with Michael. The two of us are good at bouncing things around.
The Great American Search for Virtue.
Or…
One Woman’s Search for Virtue in America
Inspired by yNot:
The Devin May Care
Will Work for Food: The American Dream Reinvented
Will Write for Food: The American Dream Rediscovered
Miles to Go Before I Stop… Writing
Breakdowns Along the Way (Who Knew It Would Be the Best Part of My Journey)
One Writer’s Journey Across America (The Route the AutoClub Never Planned)
Ok here I go…
Searching for America
And as a bonus it comes with a theme song http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2AnBwNTMGk
“On The Road With Jane”
“Janescape”
“Finding My America”
I checked with GoDaddy and all those domains are available. I think you should consider keeping your journey on this blog though since you have so many readers here, and maybe just change your header? Just a thought.
Instead of “Red, White, and Jane,” Neil should have said, “Jane, White & Blue” ha ha ha
The Common Thread
One Journey, Many Stories
Different, And The Same
I Drive, Then I Write
Tapestry of America
You, The People
The Never-ending Interview
Tapestry – A Writer’s American Pilgrimage
Crossing America – A Journalist’s Labyrinth
Sidetracked – Stories of America
I do like the sentiment of ‘One Writer, No Address’ for the impermanence it implies, so while I don’t have a specific suggestion I like the idea of an address only in pencil for its constantly changing quality. I also am a fan of shorter titles, moving away from the subtitle dominating so many book covers these days.
(Another thought…something about Souvenirs, because in a sense that is what all your collected stories will be.)
Love the idea, I look forward to tagging along in the vitual world!
When I think about my life outside the “boundaries of parenthood”. I always refer to it as “My Second Act”. That’s my suggestion for your web site.
J, I think your trip sounds amazing, and inspiring.
As for my suggestion for a title, my suggestion is simply “Bonaventure”.
St. Bonaventure was a 13th Century Saint, also a philosopher. Wikipedia says, “To him, the purely intellectual element, though never absent, is of inferior interest when compared with the living power of the affections or the heart.”
Your trip is not just about the intellect of questions and answers, but from what you say is also about what makes your heart and spirit soar, and the people connections.
Also, there is a place close to where I live in Bristol, called St Bonaventures, which is an excellent small music venue. And well, I like the sound of Bonaventure… it sounds like some sort of strange French way to describe a ‘good adventure’, lol
Whatever you name your travel writings, I very much look forward to reading them.
T
Roads Mostly Traveled by Jane Devin
I just found your site through 24. I, too, feel the exact same way. In fact, I started my blog for the very same reason and the tag line is “What do you do AFTER the kids grow up?”. I’m still trying to find out what I want to be when I grow up, who I am authentically besides being a single mom for the last 20 years.
I can’t wait to follow your adventure. Maybe you’ll inspire me to figure out what it is that I really want to do with my life now. It sounds so exciting. And I do believe that it’s incredibly brave of you. I admire your courage and your gumption in “Stepping Outside the Box”.
Good luck to you!
One Writer’s AMERICA:
A Journey of Passion, Pathos and Pitstops
Going Gone Girl.
She is deliciously tall sort of a long girl
She is delightfully small sort of a song girl
She freely admits to the world that she was a wrong girl
That’s nothing compare to the fact that she is a gone girl
Gone like a knock on the door gone with yesterday and before
Gone with the wind for ever more
She’d never laid claim to the fact that she was a strong girl
So why should I loudly proclaim that she was a wrong girl
I’d rather think of her name as some sort of song girl
And think poetical things to think of my gone girl
Gone like a knock on the door…
-johnny cash
the song’s called gone girl. You’d be going.
er
-jack clement wrote it. johnny just sung it.
sang it. hard G
Why change the blog site Mom? Are you going to let this one go? Or are you still planning posts for here too? Remind me to give you my police grade mace and big maglite before you go!
Jane,
I recently re-read the famous road trip epic Travels with Charley: In Search of America, and I hope you visit us in Maine like Steinbeck did because there is always some weird tale around the next bend.
Which leads me to my suggestion for a title: Travels with Myself. I suppose “In Search of America” could be added, but maybe that should be “In Search of America, Part II”
Have a great trip, Mustang or whatever!
From Coast to Coast:
The Stories That Fueled a Journey Across America