I Agree with Andrew McCarthy

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!