Freedom

So I am now 600 miles in to my journey and still loving it.  I have met so many great people along the way at each and every stop.  I had an absolutely wonderful time in Shiloh, OH with the Huttleston's.  Sitting around the table at their diner Sunday morn talking with them and just being adopted into their family at no notice what so ever was an amazing experience and I thought to myself that this is one thing that I was hoping to find.  Little did I expect to find it so soon!  I continued on through Ohio traveling only back roads where a car would pass me every 10 miles or so through the rolling hills into the flat farm land enjoying the peace and occasional ripe raspberry till I came to Van Wert, OH.  I rolled into town today with no water and very hot and in much need of some rest.  Sadly the bike shop was closed so I couldnt get my squeaky crank fixed but I ended up spending some time at the Ice Cream Shop on Main.  While it was the free wifi and AC that enticed me in I once again found myself surrounded by wonderful folks and consider myself truly lucky for getting to know them even for the brief time.


Not to take away from the wonderful people I am meeting as I travel, but really because of them and my friends I want to change directions a bit here.  When I was getting ready for this adventure and a occasionally during people would lament that they dont have the time or means to do something like what I am doing.  People always talk about this or that that is holding them back ect.  and say that they wish that they could just take off and go like I have.  Lack of freedom they seem to say.  Janis Joplin sang that freedom is just another way of saying that there is nothing left to loose and while once I might have agreed I have come to understand that is truly not the truth.  Simply put freedom is knowing that the things that matter most in your life are things that can not be lost.  A mothers prayers, a fathers love, a friends support, a wonderful woman's encouragement.  These are the things that free you to be who you are, not quitting a job and not knowing where your going to sleep at night.  Anyone can be homeless and unemployed, but to know freedom in your heart and mind you need to know what you value most and keep that with you.

Thank you everyone who has supported me, it is because of your love and support I am free to chase my dreams :)

grr