The Travel Writer
>> Wednesday, April 20, 2011 –
calling,
writing and faith
I once told a friend I wanted to be a travel writer.
This is ridiculous for three reasons. One: I hate to travel. I love nothing more than sitting on my Target lounge chair on the back patio with a good book and a glass of Chardonnay while the cicadas buzz into the humid night. That, to me, is the epitome of perfection – and I don’t have to travel to Tahiti or the Riviera or the Maldives to find it.
Two: I am a textbook hypochondriac with severe vomit phobia and have ruled out traveling to entire continents – namely Africa, South America and India – because I am afraid of succumbing to food poisoning or a rare tropical virus.
And three: I hate to fly. My feet sweat and I position the overhead blower toward my face and breathe in the germ-infested recirculated air and hum Silent Night to myself to keep calm. Meanwhile my kids ask repeatedly, “Mommy, why are you humming?” and I shush them as I hand out multiple packets of M&Ms.
So you can see how travel writing perhaps isn't a good fit for me, unless, of course I was to write about the Black Hills or Branson, Missouri.
What’s interesting, though, is that I did grow up to become a travel writer of sorts – just not the kind I expected. And it turns out, this journey into faith has been a trip like no other.
How have your childhood dreams materialized in real life? Has your original vision changed along the way?
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I love to travel. Let's be partners, Michelle. I will travel and you can write about it :).
My childhood dream was to become a teacher, which I did, but I only taught for 4 years, before I had kids. But God has used those skills many times in other ways.
Happy back yard travels.
Fondly,
Glenda
My childhood dream was to write a book ~ i used to scribble stories endlessly and into every spiral notebook I could get my hands on. After decades of shelving that dream to live a "responsible" life, I am now pursuing that dream tentatively. It's alive and well in my heart after all this time, and I take great joy in exploring it. :)
I wanted to be a vet, a psychologist, and a journalist. The last one I actually persued in college until I took my first journalism class and hated it. So, I became a teacher and loved it. Now I am a mom (something else I never thought I would do) and love it more.
Hahahahaha! You are adorable! :) What about a travel trailer and thousands of miles of open road in the continental U. S.? Nothing brings a family closer together than cramming them all in a vehicle and driving for days. We go on these epic road trips filled with adventure, as you can imagine with all these children. Usually between 3500 and 4500 miles later, after all the dust settles and we have a couple of weeks of recovery time, we are ready to go again. Planning another one for this summer, as we speak.
As a kid, I read the book "Dr. Dan, the Band-aid Man."
And now, at 21, I'm accepted into the nursing program at Mayo.
The writing dream though?
That one is new. Only 2 years old. And that one, God popped out and said, "BOO! Here's a pen and paper."
Okay, maybe it didn't happen that way.
It just feels like it.
Wow that's a loaded question, not one that can be answered in a simple comment. But I'll try. Ever since I read "Mrs. Mike" in 6th grade I wanted to grow up and marry a Royal Canadian Mountie. No I don't live in Canada and never have. I didn't get married until I was 40, he is Canadian by birth but has lived in the US since he was eighteen months old and has never served in any military capacity but I love him still.
There were lots more childhood dreams but really what's important is what is now.
I always thought I'd like to be a travel writer, but now I realize I hate all the things you hate, PLUS I get super cranky when I'm at the airport. I would be the Scrooge of Travel.
I wanted to be a muppeteer. Seriously. I wanted to be a puppet person on the Muppets.
I gave up on that dream, because frankly I didn't know the first thing about doing it. I'm sorta glad though, I think my arms would get tired. Plus I hate Elmo.
I just wanted to let you know that I just recently found this cute little blog and I am in love! With the blog that is. :)
Your blog really makes my day and anytime I see that little (1) next to your blog name in my Google Reader, I get excited!
Thank you for being a light in my life with every post you write!
You bring so many smiles my way ... without having to leave that lounge chair ... mostly.
So, you travel through books... that's good too! I love to sit in the screened in porch with a glass of wine- on my cheap patio furniture. :)
Something tells me this is more of a trip then you EVER could have dreamed! ;)
That's too funny, Michelle. I know what you mean. We think we know what we want sometimes, but reality is quite different! Thanks for the smile today. :)
:) when i was in 5th grade i was sure i would join the army or whatever branch of the military would allow me to jump out of airplanes!?!?!? so now i'm a homebody teacher who has a moderate phobia of heights. i don't really like adventure of any kind....
You and I are likethis. I have said it before --- and I'll say it again; I need to move to "Nebraskee" or wherever you are and sit on that deck with you with our dueling wine glasses and current read.
1. Hate to travel -- love my nest.
2. The thought of food in other countries makes me kind of ill -- hello zebra on a stick? No. No. No.
[a girlfriend who went on safari told me about that one]
BTW: Have you ever see that ridiculous man on the Travel Channel who eats whatever from street vendors anywhere? He eats food that still moves.
*shudders*
3. I have to be drugged to fly. Like drooling comatose.... and it makes no sense. I am not skeered -- I just only like transportation that allows for one to stop on the side of the road [anytime] if needed -- for whatever reasons -- vomiting, using the bathroom, needing a smoke[not that I do, but you know], or picking wildflowers.
Childhood dream -- to be a backup singer.
Now my dream -- is to be in front.
:-)
I'd LOVE to be a travel writer!
How have my childhood dreams changed / materialized? I never imagined I'd have FOUR boys (I had lovely girl names all ready), but they made my publishing dream come true!
In high school, I decided I wanted to write lyrics and go into the music business. I was very serious about it for a few years. Then I met my husband and became a full-time custodial stepmom. God channeled that love I was developing for writing and here I am! I think His plan was better. :)
I'd love to be a travel writer. I get nervous to fly (every single time) and God has to talk me into a trip each time; but once I'm somewhere else, oh the energy! I love seeing new faces and places.
I wanted to be a CPA. Exciting, huh? :) I am still pretty good with numbers, budgeting, and taxes. I could not see myself doing that for years on end, though.
God started moving me and my heart toward counseling a few years ago. He brought a personal healing to me, and I desire to see healing in others.
I'm not there, yet. Life consists of cooking, cleaning, homeschooling, and blogging now. I am enjoying this phase, but am looking forward to the phase when I can pursue that God-given desire.
I never thought I would write or blog, but it seems like thoughts and ideas flow much more freely through my fingertips than my mouth here lately. I'm enjoying it much more than I thought I would.
Lol! :) Yeah, I used to think I wanted to be a nurse. But I don't really like being around sick people; what was I thinking? :)
Oh, you made me laugh today! I first wanted to be a mommy. Then I wanted to be a journalist, psychologist, actress, lawyer, and President of the United States. So...I became a high school English teacher and then joined the Air Force. Now I stay home with my children. I'm not sure how this career path will help me become president. :)
The blog is very good!
Congratulations!
http://nelsonsouzza.blogspot.com
The blog is very good!
Congratulations!
http://nelsonsouzza.blogspot.com
I wanted to be a vet, a psychologist, and a journalist. The last one I actually persued in college until I took my first journalism class and hated it. So, I became a teacher and loved it. Now I am a mom (something else I never thought I would do) and love it more.