Today I had the amazing opportunity to hear Andrew McCarthy speak about his book The Longest Way Home: One Man's Quest for the Courage to Settle Down. He was at a hotel near my home.
When I was 15 I was "in love" with him (or at least his character in Pretty in Pink). I faithfully watched several other movies that came later...Weekend at Bernie's and Mannequin (among others). I also saw TV shows like Lipstick Jungle. Honestly, I have never been one of those rabid fans. I would just amusingly continue to run into his work (and like it).
Plus, I'm addicted to travel magazines. I can recall seeing a Conde Nast (I've long been a subscriber) article with Andrew McCarthy byline. I wondered if it was the same guy. Indeed it was. He now has a great travel book out about visiting several places - trying to reconcile his personal sense of push-pull, in-out the tangle of his life. The book is intriguing in the great places he has visited and the unique stories that evolve in each of those cities.
Hearing him speak about travel has only further driven a desire in my heart to go places to experience places. Several of the nuggets of wisdom he imparted were so close to my own personal beliefs. I can attest truth to many of the statements he made. One, that as a writer (or a student of life) it is those unexpected moments when something does not actually go as planned that become the most entertaining and re-told stories. (Ask me one day about the Parisian coffee I had with my mom and sister). That traveling alone is one of the most eye-opening times, where you really need to trust those around you. I find that when I travel alone I am more open to speaking with and learning about those around me. If I am traveling with a friend, it is easy to stay within the conversational circle of that one friend rather than meeting new people.
But by and far the statement he made that most stuck with me was "turn your passions into professions." While I do have education and ''training" in a certain profession, it is writing that helps me to express myself. It is travel that lights my fire. I have been able to have a bit of both - I write weekly. I travel often. I am excited to make world citizens of my kids.
Cheers to agreeing with my girlhood crush - and getting to meet him as well!
my hands are Orange. i didn't realize it until it was too late.i thought the days of turning my body other colors was over when i used qt in high school. my friend Melissa would come over to my house to get ready in the morning.complete with make up a change of clothes and ready to shave get legs (what nethanderal parent doesn't let their kid shave in high school?)
but today - i am an adult. i have gone to tanning salons before this is not my first trip there. i had a coupon for a free spray tan. in my haste to escape the sales pitch, i hustled out of the store. i went about my day. and as I'm laying here in need i realize for the first time today that i didn't take the time to really wash my hands. they are Orange like QT. that reminds me I'm almost out of shave cream and i miss Melissa. i better call her tomorrow.
I must admit. I am a bargain hunter extraordinarre. I love when I can get something for free. I relish in talking my way in to parties where I have not been invited - (it somehow makes it more exciting to me) or asking for an upgrade and receiving it.
I have no right to do so. Most of the time I can just talk my way into things - or go into that party like I belong there. I am a chameleon. I can fit in with just about any crowd and act like I actually belong there.
So I find it sort of humorous that my friend has taken to calling it "pulling a Gretchen" when she has been able to get something not really believing herself worthy of (namely an upgrade in a nice hotel room and a meal) or when my parents couldn't wait to call me when they meandered their way into a private company party at the Colorado Rockies Home Opener - where they were treated to a spread of food and drinks.
They knew I would say that I'm proud of them when they called. But it was not just me - I learned it from my dad. He has an amazing ability to fit in wherever and whenever with whomever. They were proud to call me - but I am proud to fit in just like my dad taught me. He taught me so well he doesn't even remember that it was him teaching me this skill - because I've perfected it now.
It is sort of funny to me how life has taken on so many twists and turns. I rather pride myself in the idea that when I set my mind to something - I somehow doggedly figure out a way to make it happen.
But then in the time that I have been trying so hard to make something happen - life happened. In that I am sort of awed at what I have been able to accomplish and when I take the time to review what I still have to do I know that I have the life I was meant to have.
My kids are becoming such amazing people. I am wondering if I really did have anything to do with that - or if that is just who they are. Are they just the amazing people they are because that is what drive them and I find pride in what they do?
Sometimes reading about someone else's life, brings a spotlight on my own. I am happy with where I am. Bringing me to every situation and being in the moment for what it is.
Why are life's biggest questions never answered - but rather, lead to more questions?
