Yesterday’s verticalness didn’t last as long as I’d hoped. Boo! It seems my body had a few updates pending before it was ready to get back to any semblance of normality! But even with a shorter burst of energy, I managed to get a surprising amount done.
Plans were set in motion. Packing piles began to sprout around the house, lists were jotted down, and a few last-minute logistics fell into place.
Considering that just a few days ago I was mostly horizontal and feeling like roadkill, I will happily take the progress. Day by day and inch by inch, I’m feeling much better. And I’m getting ready and rested for my road trip in less than 48 hours.
The drive itself will be a breath of fresh air. Long stretches of highway have a way of clearing my mind. I’ve got playlists and podcasts lined up to keep me company as I head north.
First stop: Seattle! I’ll be spending a whole week with one of my favorite sisters from another mister, the fabulous Miss M. And of course, I’ll get to hang out with Simon too!
A few days into my visit, Miss M has to dash out for a short business trip, which conveniently aligns with the next phase of this adventure: my cruise!
That’s right! A full week to Alaska and Canada’s Bear Rainforest. Just me, a cozy cabin, the ocean, and enough glaciers and wildlife to make my little nerd heart sing.
If you’re new around here, I took two cruises late last year—one with friends and another solo. While solo cruising isn’t for everyone, it turns out it’s totally my jam. There’s something magical about waking up in a new place every morning and having the freedom to do whatever you want with your day. Read, wander, take photos, meet fascinating strangers, or just kick back on deck with a coffee while the mountains float by.
When I return from the cruise, I’ll spend another night or two with Miss M. She’s just that divine!
Afterward, I’ll head down to Portland to reconnect with some of my favorite people. If the universe is feeling generous, maybe I’ll even make a new friend or two while I’m there.
Eventually, I’ll point my car south and ease my way back down the I-5 toward Los Angeles.
If you’ve heard this plan before, forgive me—I’m still pinching myself a little!
With relatively little cost and very little stress, I’m about to live like a digital nomad for several weeks, and right now, that feels pretty merry.
I’m getting merry like Christmas, Mary!
Clint 🌈✌️
P.S. I’ve been trying to restrain myself from commenting on the latest barrage of bullshit coming out of the Chump administration. The illegal war in Iran. The illegal demolition of White House property. The first two Cabinet member firings of his second occupation. (Can Chump please just fire himself already?!)
That said, I couldn’t resist sharing this response to the news that Kristi Noem’s husband is a budding cross dresser. Her not-so-pretty princess might consider getting advice from an actual queen. Someone who knows a thing or two about makeup and mustaches.
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FROM THE ARCHIVES
BORN THIS WAY ON THIS DAY
04-07 = Billie Holiday (1915-1959) = American singer 🌈
04-07 = Christopher Wood (1901-1930) = British painter 🌈
04-07 = Harry Hay (1912-2002) = American activist and advocate 🌈
04-07 = Janis Ian (1951- ) = American singer-songwriter 🌈
04-07 = Martha May Eliot (1891-1978) = American pediatrician 🌈
04-07 = Oreste Pucciani (1916-1999) = American academic 🌈
MAN CRUSH OF THE DAY
“Give yourself permission to enjoy being gay. You do have to give yourself permission. You have been told you may not. Give yourself permission to be free.”
Harry Hay
Recovery seems to be slower than expected or hoped for but it is still taking place. Enjoy your travels, dear.
You show me a long straight flat road (how is it straight?) with no cars, no people, no buildings, no fields of crops or animals, no hills, no vista, ... It blows my mind. Thanks for reminding me that much of the US is empty.
Travel safely and well, have rest, have fun.
Janis Ian was born April 7, 1951--she is alive and kicking at 75 today. I remember her and her music.