Page 16 of 174

Try This: What Really Matters?

Reg Spittle 2 Comments
If all goes well, Sue and I will soon repeat this finish at Vatican City.

In the end, what really matters most?

What’s your answer? I’ll share mine—at the end. No fair skipping ahead.

As Sue and I prepare for two more distance treks in Europe, we’re nervous. As with each of our previous eight adventures, we wonder what we will discover on the Via Francigena in Italy. It will be our second walking pilgrimage to Rome. Of course, we have done some homework, but all trails hold surprises–weather, the terrain, and a host of other factors beyond our control.

Every walk has been challenging, but we have conquered. Actually, “conquered” may be a stretch, but we celebrated at the end anyway.

This time, after walking through the Tuscan countryside and (hopefully) arriving at Vatican City, we will rest up in York, England before beginning a second distance trail, the Cotswold Way. We have never attempted two trails, back-to-back. But, we figure, if we’re going to all that expense and effort to get to Europe, why not make the most of it? Besides, who can resist British fish and chips? Not me, even after a month of pizza and pasta. After another break in Bath, we will hop a train to Scotland to visit friends from our time living there.

I have written that I find comfort in being uncomfortable. Risk is one of my favorite words. I may not always like them in the moment, but I am passionate about tackling hard tasks, like writing books–and walking hundreds of miles. I thrive on change, which is a given on every distance path.

Since Sue and I arrived in Santiago after traipsing across Spain, I have walked the Camino de Santiago (in spirit) every day. Adventure is my drug. I cannot get enough of it.

That brings me to Hunter S. Thompson.

Who? The American journalist, author, and philosopher. Beneath his controversial lifestyle there was brilliance. This Hunter quote has captivated me for decades and it expresses what really matters most to me.

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’ ”

Childhood Numbers Reveal My Story

Reg Spittle 2 Comments

I have been drawn to young-adult books lately, moving away from my usual diet of non-fiction.

Why?

I have told myself it is because they are entertaining, compelling, and easy to read.

But last week, after I finished yet another story about a boy who battled a long list of troubles no kid should have to face, I did some math and it led me to confirm another theory.

Here is a snapshot of my life from 1963 to 1966 while living in California’s Ventura County:

–Eight moves, including five in my family’s old 50-by-8 home on wheels.

–Six schools, beginning as a sixth-grader (as in this picture) through the beginning of my freshman year in high school. I changed schools three times (including a boomerang) in sixth grade, when Mom and Dad separated. My mom, little brother, and I moved back to the trailer with Dad just months later. Then three junior high schools.

The eighth move took us out of the trailer into the relative luxury of a small apartment. I was lost as a new kid once again, this time at Oxnard High School. Then Dad left–for good–and I celebrated. I know I probably shouldn’t say that.

So what does all this have to do with my reading preferences?

I identify. With poor, nerdy characters who are easy targets. With kids who move so often they learn self-preservation by avoiding close friendships. With kids from split homes.

Like most of the characters who capture my interest (and my heart), I survived. Well, way more than that, actually. My best-friend-ever Sue and I have been married 40 years, raising three sons who make us proud.

Meanwhile, I am hooked by yet another book about a middle-school kid. He’s struggling, but I am pulling for him. I know he can overcome.