Sorting and Packing

I've only got 2 weeks left before I depart on my epic journey to find my Home. I've been gathering items for the car and planning for what I want to take along, what I think I'll need and what optional items may go if there's room. Over the years, I've done a fair number of road trips but none this extensive and intentional. Even as I am sorting items to pack, I'm rethinking and reassessing. There are certain things that are a given for me. My coffee grinder and beans from Green Mountain Coffee. (You can see the link on the right side of the page for this terrific company. Organic and free trade coffees are their specialty. Been buying beans from them for years and have never been disappointed.) My martini shaker and a corkscrew are givens. After these items, we get to the practical and boring. Many friends have expressed concern that I'll be traveling over Christmas. This has brought up some interesting discussions around what the holidays mean to us. For many, family gatherings are the center piece of the holidays. Some look forward to this shining moment all year. Some don't find the prospect all that exciting. I'm curious how the rest of you feel about being "home for the holidays". Do you think I'm nuts for traveling during this "special" time of year? Any random thoughts about it for me to consider? All input is welcome! I've been checking the weather averages for my trip. Although the temps in most places on the route aren't that much better than Kansas City, there is considerably more sunshine where I'm headed and that is a very good thing. And now, back to decisions and sorting...

The Planning Continues

Thanks to all who have added new destinations for me and more importantly, encouragement. Wish I could hit the road today. It snowed here in Kansas City last night and for those of you who know me, this weather begs my refrain of: I HATE WINTER! But the chill is lessened by the anticipation of the trip to come.

Originally I had thought I'd travel to Texas first to visit dear friends and relatives. I'm thinking now that Texas will be a trip unto itself. There is SO much to see and explore in Texas as well as New Mexico and Arizona. OK, each state has it's allure. I'm thinking a month is not going to be enough time to cover the territory I've tentatively outlined. So much to see! So little time. Life is Good!

I'm weighing options for a southern or northern route to New Mexico. Any thoughts for me on roads less traveled?

The Journey Begins

Very soon I shall be driving away from Kansas City to begin my journey to find my Home. I've never had a place that claimed me as a true resident. I've created happy spaces wherever I've lived but now I'm searching for that happy space where I can settle and remain for the rest of my life.

I want sunshine. I want like minded individuals and good restaurants nearby . A strong arts community is a must. I want a community that values life and our beautiful earth. I'd really prefer no winter, certainly not temps below freezing for any length of time. And no ice! I've had my fill of ice storms in KC.

I have spent the past two years searching for this magical location but seeing a web shot of a place and reading a pr description does not give one the true sense of the place. I decided the only way to feel the soul of a location is to visit for more than a few days. Hence, the need for a lengthy road trip.

I leave early December. First area of exploration is the southwest. The only locations I've got as absolutes are Santa Fe and Sedona.

I would love to have you journey with me. Do you know of unique places I should explore? Restaurants that are worthy of a stop? Hikes I must take or best locations for photographs? I should add at this point that I'm a 60 year old single woman so I need to factor in safety in this journey.

I have no set plan nor specific dates for this journey. My only set goal is to find that one shining spot that will call out to me and say: You're Home. Welcome.