Jan 26-30: Here is a breakdown (yes, breakdown) of the last few days, from invincibility to adversity. From a million hugs at a school program one moment, to the side of the road waiting for the tow truck the next. Here we go.
Friday, Jan 26th: On the Road
8 am: We left our cozy quarters at the Main Street Inn in Lowell, MI after meeting some kindred spirits! Of course, they knew my dad and one of my favorite teachers from Woodview Elementary- Mr. Simmons! That set us flying high for the day.
3 pm: Meeting Gary
It was a five-hour rainy drive to Bloomington. We stopped in Rochester, Indiana for groceries at Kroger and encountered a friendly character in the Valentine’s Day aisle. Just the three of us chatted for a half hour about world peace, life, and adventures. Gary’s advice was that sometimes you just have to kick yourself in the bum and do it! What are you waiting for?! So we did and we are.
6 pm: Night Walks
We arrive at our hotel in Bloomington, Indiana. We got our keys, stowed our gear, and set out for a late-night walk downtown. The square was filled with vibrant nightlife, festive lights, and great filming opportunities. Thank you to David for the hotel!
Saturday, Jan 27th: Theatre Tour
6 am: While the town was barely awake, we wandered the city's heart. Old back alleys, birds nesting amongst the wires, and shopkeepers preparing to open for business. Along the way, we came across a custodian at a beautiful old-time theatre. He saw us filming and walked out to greet us. He was fascinated with what we were doing and welcomed us in for a tour. We felt like we were stepping back in time to the 1920s. Afterward, we went to the Inkwell cafe for a quick bite to eat before the drive to Lousiville.
2 pm: Susan the Great
Made it to Louisville! We wandered around Cave Hill Cemetery while we waited to meet up with our friend Susan! Born and raised in Lousiville, she took us on a historical tour of the area sharing a wealth of stories that only an insider would know. From Victorian mansions to the hot spots on Bardstown Road, we were overjoyed to have time with such a true fan of her hometown. We were treated to a sushi feast at Dragon King's Daughter, paired with lots of love and laughter.We went to our hotel for the night. Thanks to Mitchell for putting us up!
Sunday, Jan 28th: The Zoom Group Art Program
1-4 pm: Did a quick cinematic-style photoshoot with a friend in the area while Dad sketched and prepared for the next art program. After packing up the gear, we were on our way to work with the Zoom Group in Louisville (website in links below). Upon arrival, we joined the staff members and attendees on the stairs while we waited for the key to arrive. It was such a fun introduction, and everyone was grateful to warm up.
The building was lined from floor to ceiling with artworks created by their members. We knew we were in the right place. Just by chance, the theme they’ve been exploring in class is based on a road trip and we just so happen to be on one. Dad developed the art and story around the history of transportation and the adventures of stepping into the unknown. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and appreciation we received from this group! Lots of hugs, and great connections with artists and educators.
Thank you so much to Tori for putting this all together!
Monday, Jan 29th: The Breakdown
5 pm: Dad and I were riding south all aglow from the day we’d had, when all of a sudden our engine began whirring. The RPMs skyrocketed and Zava the Van slowed to a crawl. I was able to inch it a bit further to a safe place on a side road. We got ahold of a local mechanic a half mile away and he said we could leave the car there. We called a tow truck and crossed our fingers. The main worry was getting us and our gear together and to a safe place. While we waited we spent the time reminiscing on the day, reciting Lewis Carole's poems, and making up our own. We were disappointed to have to cancel our schooll
programs for the coming days but made the best of it despite the circumstances.
The tow truck lights came up behind us. As fate would have it, we made another friend. Austin went out of his way to drop us off at the hotel and help unload the gear. We gave him a book and print for his kindness, and he said he would be following the journey as well. Thank you, Austin!
Jan 29th: RIP to Zava… for now
11 am: The next morning we got the diagnosis that Zava needs a new transmission. I couldn’t believe that the most reliable vehicle I’ve ever had failed us now. After a day of pacing in our hotel room brainstorming flights, towing, scrapping, and rentals with my brother, a plan was underway.
Regardless of the setbacks, we will continue this journey thanks to the help of many friends who have come to the rescue. Zava the van may live on. She’s being hauled up to Michigan soon.
By coincidence a dear friend of ours in Louisville needs to pick up some things in Michigan, I’m hitching a ride while Dad watches her house and dogs, and Mom grabs our spare car and meets us halfway with her mechanic husband Keith!! This life. You always find a way. When in need, the right people seem to show up at just the right time. As our friend Susan said, “This is your sign that you need to let others help you and trust the process.” We should be back on track in a couple of days to continue our Follow the Art journey! This is going to be one heck of a documentary.
Love this journey and memories made- grateful to all of you for joining us and cheering us on!!
Follow the Art 💓
Links in the comments to to our website + Film Fundraiser on GoFundMe
Links below to our website + Film Fundraiser on GoFundMe:
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