5 THINGS I LEARNED FROM 2 WEEKS ON THE ROAD
Austin, Texas to Los Angeles, California & back. 10.1 - 10.15.2020
We packed the car and headed west. In 2018, before I left LA to travel the world, I sold the majority of my belongings and packed the rest away into a storage unit. Seasonal clothes, artwork and memories that I couldn’t, at the time, part with. Even through it was just a few personal belongings, there was something energetically draining about having these pieces of me sitting, waiting in purgatory. I knew I had to either release whatever was left, or bring the rest back to Texas, where I have now relocated. (& love!) There were 15 days for us to drive to California and back. We had our mission and it was time to go.
We stopped briefly in Marfa for some very over-priced tacos and a few photos in front of the Prada store art instillation. On the very first night it became very apparent how cumbersome the majority of things I packed were, even though I was previously convinced that we definitely needed it all.
Lesson #1 - All you need is LESS. — Truly, it is unnecessary to travel with more than what you can carry. I end up wearing the same, basic, thing every day - jean shorts and a simple tank that is interchangeable with a pair of black leggings and a cozy coat for chilly mornings. Other than that and a pair of sweat pants to melt into at the end of the night, leave as much as possible behind. I relished just the bare necessities, and ended up putting a few things in a small bag and leaving the rest packed away and untouched.
We drove to New Mexico specifically to see White Sands, my only non-negotiable stop. The sun was just starting to set when Kane had an intuitive hit that we needed to go straight to the park that evening, even though our original plan was to go first thing the next morning for sunrise. We drove into the park but as soon as I walked up to the crest of a sand dune and looked out onto the expansive, glowing landscape, I was truly overcome with emotion and overwhelmed by the beauty all around me.
The next morning, well before the sun was up, we packed the car and drove back to the national park, only to find out that it was going to be CLOSED for the next 2 hours due to missile testing.
Lesson #2 — The less expectations the better. — I fully expected that we would be able to spend hours on end frolicking on the dunes, capturing magical moments. I had outfits and yoga flows planned. I wanted to meditate on the dunes. I wanted to create! But there was absolutely nothing I could do. The entry was blocked off and we no other choice but to let go of our plans and continue driving. It was only disappointing because I was holding onto such great expectations. Luckily I did get to see sunset there, but I expected to be able to go back in the morning to create visually stunning content, which unfortunately never came to fruition. At least now I know it is definitely worth going back to!
Not everyone would be able to drive confidently without knowing exactly where they would land, but we are not everyone. We thrive off of spontaneity and allowing the universe to unfold the path before us. The thing with road trips, is that you don’t always know what you’re going to find, or for how many hours you’re really going to want to drive. If you know where you want to go, but you don’t know exactly how to get there, THAT IS OKAY.
Lesson #3 — it is okay if your plan is no plan.
Originally, we thought we would drive to Sedona to hike some of the iconic trails, only to find out dogs were not allowed on most trails. Once more our plans pivoted, and because we were not bound to arrive anywhere at a certain time, it allowed us the freedom to see what else was around. Tool is Kane’s favorite band, and if you know who they are, you know how special Tool the Band really is. The lead singer owns a vineyard and osteria called Merkin Vineyards in a small town in Arizona named Jerome. We wouldn’t have had the time or opportunity to stop at this little gem along the way or to discover this beautiful, small town if we hadn’t been diverted. The small town was buzzing, and it was such a pleasure to have a local glass of wine among a sea of fast food and car snacks.
We were immersed in nature for the majority of the 10+ days we spent on the road. The landscape shifted multiple times from vast and spacious deserts to deep red canyons to dense forests and back to open roads. There was no one around us, it was so peaceful.
Lesson #4 — Nature is peaceful. Humans like to make things complicated.
Other than the gentle rustle of fall’s golden leaves in the breeze, there was a beautiful silence that became apparent in all of nature’s expressions. Every flower, creek and tree was in harmony with one another. There was an easy, natural intelligence. Nothing felt forced, yet everything was breathtaking. I did not have any cell phone service, but I did experience a very strong connection to the earth. It felt like my body was releasing the business and stress of society and realigning with the pace of the seasons shifting. Nature did not fuss as it changed, it simply released it’s leaves to the wind. The waters flow naturally downstream. It made me aware of my own resistance, and how self-imposed it always is. I was reminded to take deep breaths and to simplify. To allow things to unfold and grow naturally, around and within myself.
Another discovery along the way was this very mentionable hotel, the El Rey Court in Santa Fe, New Mexico. I had never head of it before, but could not have been happier to stumble upon this comforting and inspiring place. Adorned with simple, yet significant art pieces, as well as mid century decor, this hotel is a designers dream.
I did fall in love with all of New Mexico, and it was one of the places I wish we had longer to explore. I loved Taos and as I mentioned above, the white sands are truly a spectacle.
While it was spontaneous and adventurous to be on the road for 2 weeks with our 2 pups in tow, the constant movement and shuffle made me yearn for some stability.
Lesson #5 — There is no place like home.
Home has a different meaning for everyone, but after having driven over 3,000 miles, sleeping in different places, often not knowing where until a few hours before arriving (living on the edge baby), the thought of having a home felt SO good. In April of 2019, I flew to Asia, living all over the world, from Vietnam to Aruba to Barcelona to Cape Town. I haven’t stayed in one place for more than just a few months — if that!
My entire world shifted from living out of a suitcase to furnishing a whole house!
Home might not be one singular place, perhaps it is found within ourselves and our loved ones. No matter how dingy the motel on the side of the road was that we had to crash in last minute, as long as I had my loved ones with me, it didn’t really matter where we were. However, I am extremely excited to let my inner interior designer shine as I transform this empty space into a place I’m actually going to spend an entire YEAR, at least, in.
I’ve always been on the go, living in more places than I can count or remember, but it feels different this time. It feels like home.
Have you gone on a road trip lately? Or seen any magnificent state parks? I’d love to hear the lessons you’ve learned from spending time on the road. Comment below!
xoxo, M
