On My Way Back to Colorado, as Trust Lights the Way

It just feels right. It just feels so simply me. 

The steady rhythm of my tires on the road, the music humming with a beat, and the familiar pull of the unknown — that beautiful mix of freedom and peace.

Today, I call my plans “soft plans,” leaving room to follow the wind wherever it leads.

When I was planning my route back to Colorado, I knew I didn’t want to repeat the long hours of driving I did at the end of September — they were insane. I hope I remember that next time so I don’t do it again. This time, I am stretching the trip over six days, with two exciting stops to visit dear friends along the way.

I know my first night will be at a rest stop at the edge of Pennsylvania. Tomorrow evening, I will stop in Sylvania, Ohio, to visit Margaret.

While working on my travel map, I noticed that I am not far from Lake Erie. Travel distances feel so fluid for me these days, so adding two hours to a road trip feels perfectly fine; especially if it means I get to explore new places.

I deeply cherish the friendships in my life, and I enormously love the spontaneous connections that develop with strangers as I travel on the open road.

I believe we are all born kind and loving. I prefer to approach strangers with trust and without judgment, learning to rely on my inner energy sensor to protect myself if something doesn’t feel right. I am aware, though, that even though we are born with kind hearts, trauma can shift that core in us.

The reason I mention this now is to show how trust is a two-way friendship.

So who is Margaret?

Margaret and I met many years ago at Rochester University, where both of our kids were finalists for a full-ride scholarship. They both received it but chose to attend different schools. That was the extent of it, really. We exchanged contact information, and I remember telling her that I write about color from the perspective of a color designer — to share and teach. I added Margaret to my email list.

When I set out in 2022 on this amazing, life-changing adventure, I continued to share my journey on my website. In October 2023, Margaret reached out to ask if I could assist her with choosing colors for her home. By then, I had already been offering remote color consultations and found them to be quite successful.

At the end of our consultation, Margaret invited me to visit if I was ever traveling near her town. When I headed home, I reached out, but the timing didn’t work. Margaret extended her invitation again and added that if I ever found myself in her area and needed a place to stay, I was more than welcome, even if she and her husband weren’t home. She said she would share her house code so I would have a safe place to rest.

That kind of trust humbles me. After all, we only met once. Yes, if you read my journal, you certainly know me, but still, that beautiful act of trust warms my heart. In the context of today’s world, it gives me so much hope.

It has been a long day on the road, and I am tired. I am trying to keep my driving days under eight hours. The rest area is a bit noisy, as it’s along Route 79, but it’s only 8:00 p.m. Soon enough, the noise will fade.

Tonight’s excitement is knowing that the full moon is welcoming me back onto the open road. How fantastic!

Good Morning, New Day!

It will take me a little while to get used to my firm mattress. It is better than what I had before, that’s for sure.

By seven, I am heading out from the rest area. My plan to wash up in the bathroom is out the window, as a big sign says, “Don’t drink and don’t brush your teeth with this water.” My next-best option is Starbucks, as they always have a clean bathroom. On travel days, I usually stop for coffee anyway, so now I can kill two birds with one stop.

I have about six hours of driving time to get to Margaret’s house. My first stop is Presque Isle State Park on Lake Erie. I plan a short walk along Lake Erie’s shore. The morning is gloomy and very windy. The lake feels like an ocean in a storm.

I am always fascinated by lighthouses. There is a beautiful sense of community they shine into my heart.

So when I learn that a short detour will take me to Marblehead Lighthouse State Park, I am excited.

The skies are still gray, contrasting beautifully with the stucco white of the lighthouse. I love its little windows. It feels as though every brick tells a story — perhaps of a lonely boat once guided by the light that shines from Marblehead through the darkness of the night.

I linger as long as I can before making the last stretch of my drive.

Sometimes people come into your life in the most magical way. I love when a new friendship feels like it has been there your whole life. With Margaret and Mark, I feel at home — as if we are simply catching up instead of getting to know each other. Those moments are true gifts on my journey. And of course, add a puppy into the mix, and the laughter becomes endless.

Thank you, Margaret and Mark, for opening your hearts and home to me. I enjoy every moment of our time together. Your kindness, warmth, and trust touch me deeply. Until next time...