at the Grand Canyon, on assignment
Especially in this time of dire economic hardships, people comment that they envy my travels and my “interesting” experiences. Yes, I focus on the positives and the fun things. And yes, there have been bountiful times, and many interesting people in my long life, and I enjoy remembering and sharing them.
But I've been holding back. I still write about the interesting people, but I've recently stopped writing about travel, something I have done professionally for over 30 years, and something I love doing.
I’m not altogether comfortable writing about travel when so many of us are struggling right now. I was aware as I wrote about past trips to Antarctica and romances in China and other exotic locales that there are people without jobs for many months. And there are seniors with fixed funds cut to shreds in this near depression, who have health problems, who don’t sleep well, and who live alone.
In fact, I was one of those people for most of this decade, until this year. Most of my fun tales date from before then. And I guess that's a main point of this post. Things can change.
My life has been filled with extremes of all sorts, from gigglingly great to desperately awful, and I’ve adapted to both, and tried to stay positive. Sometimes the glass was half-full and sometimes, like now, it's overflowing. But I have never felt it half-empty, even when it was.
Those of us who are able to write or draw or photograph have an extra reason to be thankful. Our talents will never leave us, and they allow us to visit past pleasures, bringing others along for the ride.
So if I again write anecdotes set in faraway places, as I so enjoy doing, I hope you can relax and enjoy them with me. We all bring something to this site. Maybe I'm one who brings a bit of escapism, and that can ease tension and open horizons.
And maybe I'm the one who needs to realize that most of all.
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Comments
I'm married to a businessman who has been self employed for over 20 years. I often joke that in our house it's often feast or famine. We've had a great run these last few years, but I know things can always change. It keeps me humble.
Rated!
mhold, my cup runneth over for the moment. Bring yours and I'm happy to fill it.
Bluestocking babe, you really relate. I have written travel articles and books in pubs where I knew the readers were interested. On sites like this it is different. Yet I have so many tales to tell. It has been a bit of a dilemma.
Boa, so great to see you. You always encourage and I thank you. Hope you are going to write more on OS.
There is no sense of arrogqance or entitlement to your travel posts. You write great stories that are just a pleasure to read. Your voice in the st0ries sounds exactly like you, and there is always a note (even when unspoken) of appreciation for your good fortune in this aspect of your life. I hope that makes sense.
I'd just tell you not to worry about it but I know that's futile :-)
Stim, interesting that we share that experience. And I enjoy those writers, too.
Oh Gabby, thank you for that. That's exactly what I'm trying to do. I need to get past the over-thinking and just get to the writing, for writings sake.
Patricia, ups and downs are the themes of most of our lives. I prefer writing about the people and places that matter.
I started out here posting stories about my travels, but quit because I realised very quickly no one beyond a very select few had any interest.
Enemy of the State, I used to write loads of travel here, but I sensed it a bit much right now for OS. I shall mix it up and see. Some do enjoy it, some don't.
I appreciate hearing about successes and blessings. : )
Nelle, why am I not surprised that you analyze me so well?
Bell. thanks for being a loyal reader.
Just Thinking, I love your generous take on travel writing.
Antoinette, you never know. Things change on a dime, from better to worse and even better, vice versa.
Second, I think writing is all about observing then sharing, albeit politics, people, places (and a bunch of other "Ps" I'll think of later). The point is you do this extremely well, and historically, you've done it on the platform of travel ... also extremely well.
Third, while the current economy may prohibit some from enjoying their own travel, I know many (including me) who would enjoy hearing of the people and places seen by others. In fact, currently, I am on an Anthony Bourdain kick, enjoying his descriptive words as much or more than the video he creates. You're in that league.
I told you when you married ... I hope you (and your hubby) continue to share your travels, no longer as a single "chic" but as a fully mature couple exploring the world together. Now that's a wndow I'd love to peek into. Do it! Please!
Lea, you are not like that. You are always very sensitive and full of wonder when you write about your travels. I enjoy your photos and your tone - and I am glad that your cup runneth over.
Denise, I'm glad that I come across that way. I'll try to stay that way and get back to some travel tales you might enjoy.
If you happen to be a travel writer, and a great writer as well, I say you go with your heart and go with your gift. it's up to the reader to take it in the spirit in which it is given. And your spirit, Lea, has never been of "one-upmanship" - just great stories I love to read.
Do not hold back. Write about your past pleasures in travel, a thing that you do quite well. What is that after all other than communication and sharing? Do not empower current travails by allowing them to inhibit you in that.