Time and memory are true artists; they remould reality nearer to the heart’s desire. John Dewey
I’ve spent a few days looking at this colorful map of the US on my desk and while I thought it would be a fun way to mark the final destinations of our new Etsy orders it’s actually sent me traveling down memory lane remembering childhood road trips across the American West. Logically I know a 1972 Volkswagen Bus filled with 4 kids, 2 adults, food, suitcases, boxes of books and no air conditioning was not an idyllic way to view the country and sure we spent plenty of time fighting but looking back I smile and think of how many stories we have to share and how as adults those shared experiences keep us together as a family. Time and memory really do work miracles softening the edges of mechanical break-downs, sweaty days on hot vinyl seats, crowded conditions and roadside rest stops into magical trips to Grandma’s house, horseback riding, camping and touring the country in ways I can’t wait to try again.
I’ve crisscrossed each of these states in a car many times with my siblings and soon John and I hope to pack up the car with Ryan and explore them all over again. With air-conditioning, plenty of snacks and roadside assistance on speed dial.
Posted as part of the Weekly Photo Challenge: Time.
Northwest Frame of Mind 
We’ve ridden motorcycles, tavern-to-tavern, all over Western North America. I wouldn’t trade those stories for anything.
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Sounds like you’ve got some great ones, Jim. We wouldn’t trade ours either.
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I’m especially fond of those purple states. 🙂
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We’ve had some great times in the purple ones too, Eric. Nice to see you back!
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That’s quite the memory! Going back to better times too eh? awesome 🙂
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Thanks, Andy. 🙂 It’s nice when there are happy moments associated with memories!
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Absolutely 🙂
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I covet a vintage VW Bus so, so much, Lisa! I watch Barrett Jackson every year and nearly cry when I see them selling for upwards of $100k.
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The cost for some of them is just crazy! I’ve always said that because I learned to drive in a VW Bus I can drive anything. 🙂
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Great quote…
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Thanks, Sally. It’s so true and definitely provided the spark I needed to find a new approach for this prompt.
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Love this one! 🙂
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Thanks, Amy!
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Oooooo snacks – AC – and GPS!
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Must haves. 🙂
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oh the days gone by when we had less – but as you note – so much fun still!
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I love maps! My dad and I papered a wall in our rec room with navigational charts. I had to find the unmarked state line. We crisscrossed the country between Wisconsin and Washington twice when I was young–in a DeSoto!
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What a trip, times two!
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funny…. I can’t remember the first car we had that had air conditioning….
love this! and we had the Red and White VW bus!
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Ours was red and white too!
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What a wonderful quote and reflection. Looks like y’all are doing well. Congrats!
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Thanks, Julia.:) I hope you’re having a great time on your road trip!
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