On the Road Again

I love to travel. It's one of the main reasons I decided to become a full time artist and forgo the standard 9 to 5. I wanted the freedom to be able to pick up and go explore new towns and cities. But one of the best parts of any trip is the journey. It's the fun people you meet along the way; the cool things you get to see; and the saturated time spent with the family.

This summer I was super stoked to travel the east coast with my mom and daughter. My baby girl started college this fall so it was really our last opportunity to take a trip like this. Even though I knew she was a cool, smart and funny kid, I was able to discover that she's even wittier than I had ever suspected. Oh, and she's not nearly as scared of bats as I am. (long story, but it turns out that I'm just a big ol' baby!)

Our trip took us through 9 states from Florida up to New York. And yes, we drove. It was exhausting and exhilarating. Out on the open road with only a general plan... it was fantastic! Having 3 licensed drivers in the car didn't hurt either. :) While driving through Florida can get kinda boring (it's flat and has trees), once you get out of the state the ever changing landscapes will grab and hold your attention.

A few of the highlights from the road

Just starting off on our trip and spirits are high. Let me introduce you to the 3 generations:

Mom: Lorraine, also an artist. (driving)

Me: Vanessa, designer and artist. (passenger)

My Daughter: Cassi, currently in college. Woohoo! (backseat)

 While the drive seemed to take forever, each minute was another chance to see something new and exciting out the windows. From a stormy afternoon in South Florida to a clear morning among the mountain tops in Pennsylvania to the seaside marshlands in the Carolina's, each mile we drove brought us somewhere new and exciting. The tunnels were quite a thrill for the whole family!

Each city we passed has it's own unique skyline... what I think of as the cities 'fingerprint.'

Some of the best moments happen in the 'in-between,' those times when you're not expecting anything... when it's a total surprise. Rest stops are definitely one of those in-between moments. I saw one of the most beautiful Colonial buildings at a rest stop in Virginia while North Carolina had a fun whirlygig on offer, complete with nighttime lighting! Gas stations are another one of those stops that you'll want to keep an eye on... some have stunning views while others have tasty bites coming out of hidden restaurants in the back. It's all about being open to finding these little hidden gems when you're in one of those 'in-betweens.'

It's the company you have with you for a long trip that really determines how well it turns out. Well, I couldn't have asked for any better company than my daughter, my mom, and my puppy. 

At the end of the day though, this is what I'll remember best: hanging out, having fun, and acting wacky with my daughter. It's the memories of riding a luggage cart down the hall, giggling over roadside signs, and picking flowers from the side of the road that I will cherish. Hopefully they're moments that will bring my baby girl joy throughout her life as well.