The only downside of having a baby soon is having to delay one of my dreams for a bit: driving Route 66. A friend of mine described it as "American Zen." Nothing makes me happier than gliding on ribbons of road, enjoying the childlike pleasure you get from old signage. So for years now I've been mapping the route and collecting things in anticipation, like this Thelma and Louise necklace by Cheeky Jewelry. I obsess over the photographs of Wim Wenders, Stephen Shore, and my flickr favorites. And of course, I started to make some mixes for a soundtrack to it all. But my soon-to-come little girl has shifted my priorities a bit, so instead of hitting the road, my goal is to watch as many road films as I can. One of my all-time favorites is Paris, Texas, with its thick atmosphere and fetishized road locations. I'll probably watch that again, along with some new selections. I recently watched a campy early noir road film, Detour, about a pianist who hitches a cross-country ride from a bookie and gets involved with a boozy femme fatale. Next on my list is Stranger than Paradise...the list goes on and on. I'll keep watching them all until she's old enough to come with me!
7 comments:
My dream is to drive 66 and take zillions of pics....which one will I be? Thelma or Louise? :)
Hmm, that's a tough one. I'd say Louise, because you are whip-smart, but Thelma has a lot of fun, so you've got that too.
here's a good one and it's free on netflix http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0124555/
i'm with ya on that trip. one day when i can afford to do it right it will happen.
Ah, road trips...with a baby. Life, she will be different. But what a fun thing to do with a kid! My dad took me on many a road trip when I was young, and those days are some of my fondest memories of our time together. Really, though, why wait? I mean I'm going be taking a road trip to--gulp--Michigan in December to see the in-laws with a two-month-old in tow. Hardly the same, I know. Please don't remind me.
I did it once. Had some trouble in Amarillo, but that's a story for another time.
I was too chicken to road trip with kiddies, but I think you'll be brave enough to do it.
Hope you're feeling OK.
I took a road movie class last year and it was lots of fun. I love road movies. Have you seen Two-Lane Blacktop?
Yea, even more recommendations! Thanks Tonya - and Sara, a road movie class! Oh, why didn't I major in film?
Amy, so glad to know you enjoyed your road trips as a youngin! And you'll be fine going to Michigan...I think all it takes is some patience.
I'll have to hear your story, Loretta. I know it will be a good one.
Post a Comment