Me and my grandfather, May, 2010
Today would have been my grandfather’s 91st birthday. We would have visited him in Vernal, Utah. We would have gathered as a family, preparing a big Crab Fest to celebrate. It would have been my first birthday with him in several years, after having been out of the country for so long. We would have talked of travel, of where I was going next and him trying to figure out how he could join me. He was always planning his next big adventure. Me too.
Today I start a large writing project. Well, not start, but commit to giving it full focus and attention until the first draft is complete. 3,000 words a day for the next 31 days. The story centers around my time in Beijing, China in the summer of 2008, during the Olympic and Paralympic Games. Besides me, the other major character is a pair of red Versace glasses with clear plastic lenses; accesory glasses that I wore throughout the time I was there. It’s a story filled with humor, adventure, discovery of self, athletics, even a little romance. I’m dedicating the project to him, my travel mentor and life inspiration. Happy birthday, Poppy.
Today I am grateful for:
-all the members of my supportive and loving family
-memories of my grandfather
-ticket stubs from the 33 Olympic and Parlympic events I attended
-lots and lots of stuff that I hauled across the continent and around the world to bring home
-a very clear writing plan
-my great eyesight
-The Red Glasses
Posted from Grand Junction, Colorado, United States.
Hey Cousin!
This is shamefully the first time I have visited your website. I absolutely love it! Great posts, thank you for sharing about Grandpa! Wow 3000 words for the next 31 days. That’s is probably not difficult for you with all of your travels and experience, except for just finding the time to sit and write:) I don’t anticipate any travels for me in the next couple years, but when I do I know where to go to! When I get finished with school I would love to involve myself with a humanitarian organization; such as Doctors without Borders, and travel to 3rd world countries to provide healthcare and assistance. Who knows, maybe someday we can make some travels together! I wish you well.
Keep livin’ the dream…and dreamin’ BIG!!!
JC
Thanks JC!! I absolutely hope our travel paths will cross outside of the US someday. Poppy would be thrilled to know of our high aspirations.
You know the Red Glasses came from your mom, she’ll be making a cameo in the story
xo,
s
Great article cousin sara! Can’t wait to read your story when its finished. We are lucky to be part of such a wonderful family! HAPPY BIRTHDAY POPPY!! Ps love that the red versace’s (from East Millcreek Eyewear, of course) will be playing a lead role!
Good luck with this project and may the gods of writing and inspiration be with you!!
Yes, East Millcreek Eyewear and the Red Glasses made my time in Beijing much more interesting!! Can’t wait to write it all down and share it with you guys. Thanks for the good luck, I’ll take all the writing inspiration I can get!
xoxo,
s