Most of the really great things that happen in my life are not extensively planned. They materialize. The process starts with a thought or an idea. Then once that's out there, an expanding of consciousness brings related information into my awareness. Slowly, I develop what Anne Lamott would call a 'shitty first draft.' Then I just trust (fingers crossed) that things will fall into place.
I have, over the years, run out of funds before the end of the month, sputtered to a stop because I didn't make it to the gas station and missed an event because I didn't sign up in time. But not often. I'm not going to say that I love when these things happen, but I will say that I like the challenge of figuring things out. I will also say that an extensive plan is not a guarantee that things will go smoothly. I wonder if the ratio of things working out well to things going to crap is the same either way...
When something is all mapped out in detail start to finish, complete with itinerary...not only for activities but also for expectations...and all that's left to do is carry it out...I'm ready to move on to the next thing. I don't want to know what's going to happen or what to expect. I want it to unfold.
This trip is one of those things. It's unfolding as I write. (As is this blog.) The original thought (RV trip) started brewing a couple years ago. This summer, due to aging children, it felt timely. A band we kind of like announced a Canadian tour. A little voice in my head said, "The show in Vancouver is your RV trip." I had a brief conversation with my dad (RV owner) about using it. He didn't skip a beat with his resounding yes. With his RV in Florida, us in Vermont, and the means to the end in the hands of the universe, he said to go ahead and buy the tickets and maybe we can figure something out.
So, yes, we are on this trip as a result of a Pearl Jam show. However, it is not what the trip is about. After several instances over the years of wistful longing when passing an RV on the highway or pumping gas and seeing a family stop to fill up, it's us this time. We're doing it!
This is not the first time that PJ has been our travel muse. In 2009, as Andy and I approached our 20th anniversary, we made a pact in which we agreed to celebrate wherever the band was playing in the month of August. Shortly after our agreement, they announced a European tour. Shows in Manchester and London bookended our wedding date. We bought the tickets. My mom flew up to VT to stay with the kids (Thank you, Gramma!) and off we went.
Sometimes, in hindsight, I can identify experiences as defining... shifting the energy or infrastructure of my life. Sometimes it's possible to know that an experience is going to have that effect in real time... while it's happening. Our week together in London was like that. The PJ shows were fabulous, but were a side benefit. This RV trip may or may not be that type of experience, but it has a good shot.
Buy the tickets.
My new mantra. Act as though something desirable, that I have my sights on, is already happening...not knowing the details of how it will manifest, and knowing full well that the best part may be the unfolding of the means and not the oh-so-desired end.
The rough draft is written. This time, it's a map of North America with a route sketched out (in pencil) from Vermont to Vancouver.
Tomorrow is departure day!
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