Rebecca, we have a lot in common and the desire to run away resonates with me. I also grew up in a small town in Eastern Colorado too. College was my first escape route. I picked a school as far away as possible but still in state. Now my escapes are adventures in other states and countries. It soothes my soul.
Yes! It’s funny to me that I enjoy knowing I’m not alone in my desire to escape and run away. There’s a lot of irony there. Us humans are weird, contradictory beings, aren’t we? What town in Easter Colorado did you grow up in? I feel like I’ve maybe asked you this before?
I know what that draw to run away feels like. It took several years even after I realized that, though my body was in Ohio, the rest of me -emotionally, spiritually-had already moved to Oregon.
There was the moment when I just couldn’t again walk around a city I knew every inch of. That was the day a co-worker friend offered to drive me across the country. So I left.
It was hard. Really hard. No friends. No family. No income. No net. Just the gracious kindness of people I had imagined living here. And my own determination.
As parents we pour love and wellbeing into our children. Yet we don’t know how they will face the world. Or when they stop being able to face the world. I can understand it.
My experience with my son was that all the love, the opportunity, the modeling, the proactivity his father and I gave him, nonetheless were rejected in favor of bad behavior, disrespect and crime. Living with that autonomy is a learned experience.
But, every day there is love in our worlds, yours and mine. Even with loss, we find love.
"As parents we pour love and wellbeing into our children. Yet we don’t know how they will face the world. Or when they stop being able to face the world. I can understand it." This may be the most difficult part of being a parent. We do our best. And then we learn to live with the fallout - the good, the bad, everything we got wrong, everything that was never within our control, even if we thought it was.
Have you ever regretted running away to Oregon? It doesn't seem like it.
Not for a minute. I live a life here completely unlike my previous life. Beauty is everywhere around. People here dedicate their lives - many of them, food lives - to quality and research.
The rush of a professional life has been replaced with the opportunity for creativity. A core of those business relationships are now friendships, all over the country.
And then, there is Paul. He is a teacher of love. And a spiritual partner.
Love this, Rebecca. Life is all about balance, and it sounds like you’ve found a way to explore while still having those things that provide stability. Seems like you’ve found that sweet spot.
Also, love that you married a younger man too. 😂 Oh, and I need to make that peach crumble ASAP!!
Maybe this isn't the kind of thing one should admit, but I usually make a little bit extra of the crumble topping because I know how much of it I'm going to eat before it makes it to the crumble. :-)
Oh God… Facing your shit head-on can be both cathartic and paralyzing. I’ve run away. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. But ultimately, I revel in the fact that in everything I learn something and I hold that with me. I am a curious human after all.
I think in your situation, and clearly a lot of people here on this Substack live it with you, you have created the perfect compromise. You have wheels and wind and water. You can run away, get out of Dodge, or slip into the fray at a moments notice. You’ve created the perfect runaway scenario. You have the tools. Now, I totally understand that the tools may be what you want to run away from. But perhaps that fear and panic of should I do it? Can I do it? Is lessened because you wheel away as part of your life.
I’m grateful for your wheels. I’m grateful for your words. I’m grateful for your insights. It usually triggers a thoughtfulness in me and I like that feeling. I also like the fact that because of this venue, you and I had the opportunity to meet and we continue our banter and our deep thoughts in a way that feels safe for both of us… and quite enjoyable.
Thank you as always, Robin, for how you contribute to and expand the conversation. The tools are sometimes what I want to run away from. How did you know? 😂 I am also incredibly grateful for technology that allows us to keep connecting despite the miles. For all the ways technology might be harming us, this is surely the biggest benefit. Love you, my friend.
Your article really resonated with me. I’ve been dreaming about leaving everything behind and just going. Going to wherever the road takes me which is usually a strong draw to the water. That’s why I always appreciate your water pics. We’re empty nesters now so the pull is even stronger. For now I will live through your adventures until the time comes that I can hit the road for good. By the way, I love the corn salad. I can eat anything with fresh corn. The epitome of summer.
I understand that feeling perhaps more than I understand anything. For most of my life, when I've gone somewhere I just want to keep going. And sometimes, even the life we've created and love, can start to feel like a cage. I appreciate knowing that I'm not the only one who dreams of escape.
The funny thing about corn, for me, is that every year I forget how much I like it. When local sweet corn starts showing up in grocery stores and farmers markets, I don't get that excited about it. Until I buy some, and then I can't get enough.
That menu is calling my name! Everything is in season now, too. We are eating fresh corn, beans, and tomatoes to our hearts content. 😋 BTW, I'm so glad you stayed. Otherwise, I probably never would have met you.
Your writing is neck and neck with your recipes as why this is a must-read Substack. Wow.
Thank you so much Nica! That really means a lot to me.
Oh, how you tug at so much, so many feelings, Rebecca.
Being a human is a complicated experience, isn’t it, my friend? I don’t think I’ll ever untangle it.
Rebecca, we have a lot in common and the desire to run away resonates with me. I also grew up in a small town in Eastern Colorado too. College was my first escape route. I picked a school as far away as possible but still in state. Now my escapes are adventures in other states and countries. It soothes my soul.
Yes! It’s funny to me that I enjoy knowing I’m not alone in my desire to escape and run away. There’s a lot of irony there. Us humans are weird, contradictory beings, aren’t we? What town in Easter Colorado did you grow up in? I feel like I’ve maybe asked you this before?
Kersey east of Greeley
I know that town! I was born in Sterling. I still have family there actually. Every time I visit, I’m glad my parents moved us to Brighton. 😉
Beautifully written Rebecca!
Thank you Heather!
Running away and staying: both things can be true at the same time. I love this so much!
Sometimes you just have to leave. But, maybe not everything. :-)
I know what that draw to run away feels like. It took several years even after I realized that, though my body was in Ohio, the rest of me -emotionally, spiritually-had already moved to Oregon.
There was the moment when I just couldn’t again walk around a city I knew every inch of. That was the day a co-worker friend offered to drive me across the country. So I left.
It was hard. Really hard. No friends. No family. No income. No net. Just the gracious kindness of people I had imagined living here. And my own determination.
As parents we pour love and wellbeing into our children. Yet we don’t know how they will face the world. Or when they stop being able to face the world. I can understand it.
My experience with my son was that all the love, the opportunity, the modeling, the proactivity his father and I gave him, nonetheless were rejected in favor of bad behavior, disrespect and crime. Living with that autonomy is a learned experience.
But, every day there is love in our worlds, yours and mine. Even with loss, we find love.
"As parents we pour love and wellbeing into our children. Yet we don’t know how they will face the world. Or when they stop being able to face the world. I can understand it." This may be the most difficult part of being a parent. We do our best. And then we learn to live with the fallout - the good, the bad, everything we got wrong, everything that was never within our control, even if we thought it was.
Have you ever regretted running away to Oregon? It doesn't seem like it.
Not for a minute. I live a life here completely unlike my previous life. Beauty is everywhere around. People here dedicate their lives - many of them, food lives - to quality and research.
The rush of a professional life has been replaced with the opportunity for creativity. A core of those business relationships are now friendships, all over the country.
And then, there is Paul. He is a teacher of love. And a spiritual partner.
The pieces of my life are complete here.
Love this, Rebecca. Life is all about balance, and it sounds like you’ve found a way to explore while still having those things that provide stability. Seems like you’ve found that sweet spot.
Also, love that you married a younger man too. 😂 Oh, and I need to make that peach crumble ASAP!!
Maybe this isn't the kind of thing one should admit, but I usually make a little bit extra of the crumble topping because I know how much of it I'm going to eat before it makes it to the crumble. :-)
Ooh, such a great idea!! 🤩
Oh God… Facing your shit head-on can be both cathartic and paralyzing. I’ve run away. It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. But ultimately, I revel in the fact that in everything I learn something and I hold that with me. I am a curious human after all.
I think in your situation, and clearly a lot of people here on this Substack live it with you, you have created the perfect compromise. You have wheels and wind and water. You can run away, get out of Dodge, or slip into the fray at a moments notice. You’ve created the perfect runaway scenario. You have the tools. Now, I totally understand that the tools may be what you want to run away from. But perhaps that fear and panic of should I do it? Can I do it? Is lessened because you wheel away as part of your life.
I’m grateful for your wheels. I’m grateful for your words. I’m grateful for your insights. It usually triggers a thoughtfulness in me and I like that feeling. I also like the fact that because of this venue, you and I had the opportunity to meet and we continue our banter and our deep thoughts in a way that feels safe for both of us… and quite enjoyable.
Thank you as always, Robin, for how you contribute to and expand the conversation. The tools are sometimes what I want to run away from. How did you know? 😂 I am also incredibly grateful for technology that allows us to keep connecting despite the miles. For all the ways technology might be harming us, this is surely the biggest benefit. Love you, my friend.
Your article really resonated with me. I’ve been dreaming about leaving everything behind and just going. Going to wherever the road takes me which is usually a strong draw to the water. That’s why I always appreciate your water pics. We’re empty nesters now so the pull is even stronger. For now I will live through your adventures until the time comes that I can hit the road for good. By the way, I love the corn salad. I can eat anything with fresh corn. The epitome of summer.
I understand that feeling perhaps more than I understand anything. For most of my life, when I've gone somewhere I just want to keep going. And sometimes, even the life we've created and love, can start to feel like a cage. I appreciate knowing that I'm not the only one who dreams of escape.
The funny thing about corn, for me, is that every year I forget how much I like it. When local sweet corn starts showing up in grocery stores and farmers markets, I don't get that excited about it. Until I buy some, and then I can't get enough.
That menu is calling my name! Everything is in season now, too. We are eating fresh corn, beans, and tomatoes to our hearts content. 😋 BTW, I'm so glad you stayed. Otherwise, I probably never would have met you.
Thank you, my friend. I’m glad too.