Inching Along

“NOTE: There are people who will know the person who sent back this note to all of us.

Hi all,
I'm continuing to inch along on my way west. Today I had a wonderful experience. I was driving along the main road to Mississippi when I saw a sign for Helen Keller's birthplace. I had never thought about where she lived, because when I read her book I was too young to know where Alabama was, other than south-somewhere. So I checked it out. Because I was the only one there, I got a one-person guided tour, which meant I could ask questions as we went along. Not only are the buildings (main house, cottage, outside kitchen and cooks room, and carriage house) and grounds meticulously preserved, but there are all kinds of other artifacts in the "museum room" which show her as she progressed in age and influence. I didn't know she had such a worthy life. I feel now like I could do anything at all if I set my mind to it. What an inspiration, even when dead for 30 years! The town is also very pleasant, with a Helen Keller library (I'm in it now), the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind (gorgeous southern colonnade building) and many stunning old Southern homes. It's quiet and complete. I love today.

Earlier I was sitting at a picnic table wrapping up gifts when this lone guy came up and decided I would be his company for awhile. We had a lengthy but slow conversation and I got him to color with me (making postcards from the print on the inside of the oatmeal box -- what you do when you have time but not money :) ). At first I thought that would be my insight for the day, but now he is completely blown out of the water. I want to read Helen Keller's other books from later in life, the ones they don't make you read in school. I want to try hard and pursue my dreams.

Now I'm moving on to Mississippi to the Natchez Trace Parkway. I'll hopefully be in Arkansas by Thursday to dig for crystals. Supposed to hike the weekend and immediately afterward for another couple of days. This is great fun. Don't know if I'll make it to Washington by Christmas, but even if I don't I'll be somewhere fun and with good cheer. I got hit by the Christmas spirit at a parade last night, and now I insist I'll be somewhere with loving people.

Please write back each and every one of you with good stories of life, it makes for many smiles in my lonely miles :)

Love, Karen”

“I don't but I think I'd like to.”

“You rank Towndawggy, I haven't heard a peep from her yet.”

“Tell her I got some ashes from the fire-We were not sure she did..”

“She'll see it, Josh.. I posted your feedback, and emailed her the link.

Buddha Bear: Still want to meet that OTHER girl, also?”

“Tell her I said "Howdy".”

“I think we all enjoyed meeting Karen, and listening to her as she described her westward adventure. She seemed like an extremely intelligent young lady...and very pretty as well!

Hey Buddha Bear, she left a note for jerbear before she took off...didn't you get one? hehehe”