Uncharted Roads

One week ago today I was driving from Jackson, Mississippi to Roanoke Virginia, intermittently listening to a 19-inning Yankees-Red Sox game on AM radio when Ben was in the front seat, and sharing an in-depth conversation about music when Matty replaced him.

Four nights ago, having only set foot in NY for a few hours, I found myself in one of the prettiest spots in Carmel, CA savoring Hendricks martinis and meaningful dialogue with two of my favorite people on the planet. Friends, colleagues, dreamers. Sunset over the Pacific was sublime. The martinis did not hurt.

Two nights ago I was back in BKLYN making dinner for my boys, planning college tours for Ben and opening a new high school bank account for Matty.

Tonight I am ensconced in a delicious and challenging novel on the green chair in Chicago, as my beautiful wife works across the room from me, cross-legged on the couch, on a new grant. I marvel at her tenacity. I am thinking about my next project. Producing FOOD FOR MARRIAGE: the movie? Launching a new environmental social media project? Shifting The Ramen Blog more deeply into my undying devotion to all things food? Or perhaps jumping on a very long plane ride, the kind where, for me, new novels are born?

I know a lot of lost souls these days. Many brilliant friends & family churning about the tank in search of their next passion play. I get it. I know how scary that is. I also know it is where the best stuff ultimately comes from. Hard to create from a place of total comfort.

Time for a cocktail with my "smart, sexy, playful Ph.D." (her digital tagline when we met through the serendipity of the ethernet.)  Sometimes, when the answers are not obvious, I turn to her. Lean on her. Am inspired by her.

Here are a few words from two who always inspire. Nice to carry along on your journeys...