From the category archives:

Agnes

Unexpected Travel Suggestions

by Agnes on January 31, 2011

in Agnes,California

“Unexpected travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.”
- Kurt Vonnegut

Rosie and I at the airport

Rosie and I at the airport

A friend sent me this quote which I love as for me it says it all without having to put any deep thought into why my journey changed abruptly in Pittston, PA. Officially my journey around the country ended at the end of January, 2011… my arrival in Los Angeles Airport with my high school friend, Rosie, was in mid-October leaving me three and one half months to journey around Paradise Cove and southern California. I mostly stayed in Paradise and am happy to say I am now in excellent health, stronger than ever physically, mentally and spiritually. As to how I will spend the next twenty five years — no specific plans as I want to continue the rest of my life living in the spirit of how I lived my journey. I do have music left inside of me and I do trust each day will be an opportunity to “play” and discover where I belong by being open to the moment. How exciting is that and how lucky I am!

This blog is sent with love and thanks to each of you and to all those I met along the way. I played the music through the cd’s you sent or suggested — I cannot express the wonder and beauty of driving on the back roads and around the towns with these songs and melodies and words flowing in all directions. Thank you.

Everyone was with me on this journey if you read my blog or not; and all the experiences with people and places I met along the way will always be a part of me as I take the first step into the next twenty five years.

My wish for all of us and those we meet as we journey through life is in the words of Dr. Seuss: (Oh, the Places You’ll Go!)

“With banner flip-flapping,
Once more you’ll ride high!
Ready for anything under the sky.”

Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean

Dr. Seuss’ words are especially meant for the students, kindergarten through twelfth grade, who School on Wheels serves — the children and teens who live in shelters, motels, cars and on the street. Thanks to all of you, they have an increasing chance to be “ready for anything under the sky.”

Paradise Cove

Paradise Cove

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Begin at the Beginning

by Agnes on October 1, 2010

in Agnes,The Trip

“Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”
- The King in ‘Alice in Wonderland’

Last Daily Blog

Last Daily Blog

Dear Friends,

“End” in the above quote, for me, means not driving — not completing my trip by car. ‘My plan’ was to begin my drive home to California right off route 81 in Pittston, PA. September 28 celebrated eight months on the ‘road’ leaving four months for my ride home to California.

This wonderful adventure called ‘LIFE’ is having me continue my journey into another arena instead of the open roads. “In the book of life, the answers aren’t in the back.” -Charles Schulz

Last Sunday, I experienced a TIA commonly known as a ‘mini’ stroke. On my personal journey side, this means wake up and really ‘listen’. Believe me, I was not this philosophical in my motel room as I awaited the ambulance and laid in the emergency room! My brother was with me when it happened. Last night I arrived back here in my room in the motel after five days in the hospital. All is well!

In the spirit of openness, before my TIA experience I had already decided not to drive home as I was experiencing problems in my left hand and basically could not use it.

Since I will not be traveling by car to share with you the people I meet in towns and cities as well as reports on family homelessness, I will end my daily blog now. To help me document this journey, I will write a brief monthly blog — in November, December and January — this is October’s blog. I have no plans other than to take a long pause, vegetate, read, be quiet on the inside and be open to where life brings me as I do know I still have music in me.

Living in the present moment: I have to highlight the generosity and kindness and smartness of those who made this surprise in my life bearable these days: Holiday Inn Express in Wilkes-Barre – Scranton Airport – the young woman who called the ambulance, the manager who has made me feel comfortable in extending my time; – to Geisinger Heart Hospital – the personal care by James Hara, MD and his team and all the health professionals who have jumped start me to recovery; to my brother, Bill who was here; to Rosie my friend who is coming here from Connecticut today; to my nephew Tommy who, among other things, is arranging for my car to travel the rest of the journey in a truck; and to Catherine Meek whose kept in touch with me now and throughout my whole journey and to Matt Raab for calling as friendly voices from CA. during my hospital stay. I feel extremely privileged to have the love and care from these and many more including the readers to this blog.

As I was in the hospital and watched and listened, I thought of the thousands if not millions of people who are lying somewhere alone, frightened, and very sick and hurting. How great if we were moved to send a card or visit one unknown person where a smile or just quiet sitting would make a huge difference.

Before signing off, the number one state for helping homeless kids is: CONNECTICUT — Congratulations!

A must read as it is a current view September, 2010: ‘Homelessness among youth up 41 percent in the last two years.’ “… recently released a study that marks “unprecedented increases” in the number of homeless children and youth nationwide.”

Please join or support School on Wheels’ Upcoming 5K for our homeless kids happening in October.

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At School on Wheels

by Agnes on September 8, 2010

in Agnes

“At School on Wheels, we know that when people come together as a committed community, we can tackle the challenges of helping homeless children and their education.”
- Catherine Meek, Executive Director – School On Wheels, Inc. 2/2010 newsletter

Ready to Celebrate!

Ready to Celebrate!

CONGRATULATIONS on this very special day of the ‘Grand Opening’ of the Downtown Learning Center in Los Angeles. You all came together for our homeless children and teens.

How great is that!

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