John Steinbeck style

After much consideration, I've decided to go old school.

To keep my load light and to avoid spending hours each day uploading photos, editing them, and composing wildly entertaining blogs, I am leaving my computer at home.

Don't get me wrong; I love blogging. I imagine I will go through some minor withdrawals. But I decided that on this journey I would prefer to take my pen and my journal and spend some time observing and listening and writing down rambling thoughts. I used to be an avid diary-filler, doodler, and poet. As my life has sped up and gotten more entangled with technology, I've lost touch with that introspective side of me a bit.

I want it back. I really do.

And so, dear readers, I will miss you. But I promise to fill these cyberspace pages when I return. Also, my travel partner has offered me use of his computer now and again, so I may check in every once in a while.

But mostly, I'm going to be out chronicling our journey old school style. John Steinbeck style. Jack Kerouac style. Mark Twain style. You get the point.

Say a prayer for me as I bid you adieu! And I'll say a prayer for you, too.

(I'm a poet and didn't know it...)

Sweet Pea

I've never been one to nickname things or give endearing pet names to loved ones. I like the practice and feel honored when given a name by another, but it just doesn't come naturally to me.

Or perhaps I should say, "didn't come naturally to me." That changed when I held my first niece, my little Sweet Pea, for the first time. The name just popped out, conveying the overwhelming sense of awe and love I felt for this little life in my arms. I feel so lucky to be an aunt, and I'm looking forward to watching little Maria grow up...since we all know it's bound to happen someday :).

Without any further ado, here are a few snapshots from our trip to see Andy and Marianne and the newest member of the Wiest family.

Blessed to be a Grandpa!

 Blessed to be a Grandma!

I'm an Auntie!

 You're the greatest, Mom!

Daddy's little girl.

Photo by Cindy Wiest

  Photo by Cindy Wiest

Photo by Marianne Wiest

Photo by Marianne Wiest

The Wiest Family

Photo by Marianne Wiest

Scheming road trips

I dropped a hint in a recent post that I was scheming a road trip. I also promised I'd have "more on that at a later date."

It's a later date, and I finally have a few moments to sit down with some tea and fill ya'll in. (I'm sure you've been waiting with baited breath... *sarcasm*).

Actually, in all honesty, I am realizing it's not very big news anymore when I announce some crazy travel plans. I'm not totally sure what to do with that realization, but it's true. The fact that I travel is no longer novel. Like some women buy shoes, or manicures, or hair dye, I buy tickets and travel books and people know this. They smile and nod when I tell them about my next grand adventure and probably secretly think I should just settle down.

But, hey, it ain't time for that yet. There's an awfully big world out there. And Arkansas and West Virginia are part of it.

Yes, you read correctly. I am headed to Arkansas and West Virginia. In July.

Mad? Perhaps. But there's a reason for the madness: Last summer, going to Alaska put my state count at 47 and the knowledge that I only had THREE left has plagued me ever since. For years, I was sitting in the low- to mid-forties and always vaguely thought, "Someday...," like when I'm 60.

But Alaska did me in. And the fact that 49 by 29 rhymed just put me over the edge. It has to be done.

Why Arkansas and West Virginia? you ask. The answer is simple. If I went to Hawaii this summer, I'd have to someday have my honeymoon in...Arkansas. Not cool. Actually, that's how I convinced my boss to let me off for an entire month. I instilled in her a deep and very real fear that if she didn't let me mark these states off now, I would hold her solely responsible for my album of honeymoon photos showing me and my beloved kissing on the steps of the Bill Clinton Presidential Library. (Thanks for being so chill, Kathy! I'll bring you a shot glass emblazoned with a photo of the Little Rock or something else that's really great! *Sarcasm*).

I digress. A lot.

Actually, I'm really stoked for this trip. The South practically feels like a foreign country to me. I'm truly excited to camp on the beach in Florida, and listen to jazz in New Orleans, and eat BBQ in Arkansas, and tromp through Davey Crockett country, and gaze at the smoky Smoky Mountains. I'll see my good friend Jared in Pittsburgh and, hopefully, visit the Newseum in Washington, D.C. The journalist in me can hardly wait to soak up rooms and rooms of facts and tidbits about newspapers, magazines, and all things newsy. And, to top it all off, I'll end my journey at the wedding ceremony of two super-duper good friends in Indianapolis. (Can't wait Sarah and Ben!)

But you want to know the absolutely BEST part about this journey? I'm not doing it alone!!!!!!!!!! My dear friend Jeremy--who recently finished a 50-state, 10-Canadian-province, multi-city-European tour--is joining me. Or, more accurately, I'm joining him since he's driving. I'll fly to Orlando, where he's been working on a farm, and we'll wander our way to his home turf of Delaware/Philly/south Jersey. It took very little effort to convince him my trip idea would be just a small, little "detour" on his trek home. YOU'RE THE GREATEST, JER!!!! Seriously. I am so thankful and so excited to travel with you! (By the way, Jeremy's blog is quite entertaining. Check it out here.)

Anyway, that's about it. I'm on the move again, and though I don't expect folks to get excited for me, I would love it if they prayed for us. We will be helping to prepare and serve breakfast at a cafe that serves the homeless in New Orleans and doing our best to encourage both friends and strangers we meet along the way. Jeremy and I both love God like crazy and desire to bring Him glory with our lives, so I would love it if you prayed for our thoughts and conversations and plans and day-to-day interactions.

Thanks, and I'll keep you posted!

Happy Dad's Day!

Dear Dad,
For working so hard to make sure our family always had food on the table, clothes on our back, and shelter over our head, I thank you.
For all the Saturday morning breakfasts, I thank you.
For reading to me and Andy when we were children, I thank you. By sharing your love of good words and good stories, I think Andy and I have both learned to speak carefully and make sure we are living stories worth telling.
For your encouraging letters and emails, I thank you. I re-read them often.
For not being too overprotective, I thank you. I am glad you trusted me enough and God enough to let me pursue adventures and take risks.
For gearing up to go backpacking this summer, I thank you. I am looking forward to trekking through God's mountains with you!
For all the places you've driven us, I thank you. I know there have been some long hours behind the wheel.
For welcoming me back home, I thank you. It is good to feel protected.
For noticing my new hat last night, I thank you. I think every girl wants her Dad to think she's pretty. You've always been good about noticing my outfits and telling me I look nice.
For loving Mom, I thank you.
For loving me, I thank you.
For teaching me about God, I thank you. And for loving God, I thank you even more.
Love you for always,
Hannah
 

 Dad helping me out with some backcountry Census Bureau work.

 Dad and Dodger.

 Mom and Dad at Snooze in Denver. Must say this was one of the best Saturday morning breakfasts ever!

 Me and Dad kayaking on Flathead Lake.

 Me and Dad at Burgess Junction in the Big Horn Mountains on Memorial Day 2011.

 Dad, son, and granddaughter.

 Blessed to be a Grandpa!

 Dad and Maria.

 We love you, Dad!