I’ll drive cross country by myself in a comfy car
and stop every day at some spot of Americana:
the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone and Yosemite, of course.
If it’s not too late.
My palms will be read in Sedona.
Luck Love Loneliness (she’ll whisper in my soft pink ears).
Once in Nashville I’ll wear my leather boots
(well, I’ll buy them, first, in Dallas, Texas).
If it’s not too late.
I’ll search for the best diners in the US of A
Taste-testing the mac and cheese,
slurping on foamy hot chocolate
while watching a movie every night.
If it’s not too late.
Beatles songs I’ll sing loudly as I drive
through the rolling hills of Nebraska and Napa.
My memories will carouse and caress my soul
as I cry and laugh out loud, to no one about everything.
If it’s not too late.
I’ll talk to my dead dad and whisper to my grown-up kids,
driving just five hours a day,
wondering where the time went as hills and valleys
lakes and oceans pass by.
If it’s not too late.
First 3 photos thanks to Google Images – the rest are mine, from cups to Calistoga and Kauai.
I’m with you on everything except the mac and cheese. *grin* And it’s not too late. Pick you up at 8 and don’t be late…
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My bags are packed! 😛
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So poignant. These days I’m trying to tell myself, ‘It’s never too late.”
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I wrote this poem to remind us all – it’s NOT too late, rain or shine. ☔️ ☀️
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It’s never too late 💙 Especially for Sweet Young Things – like us!
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Now you’re talkin’. 😎
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This is lovely. So much to do out there. Reminds us to get on it and make it happen before it IS too late.
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Make it happen! Hey, that would be a good title for another poem…!
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Take that journey, Pamela, each and every day!
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Actually, I’m leavin’ on a jet plane…today! ✈️
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Ooh that’s nice. Have so much fun, dear.
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That´s why we moved to Spain, before it´s too late. An excellent post and a good reminder. ❤
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You inspire me!!
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Never too late, Pam. Go for it! This is a great reminder to live each day to the fullest. BTW – my friend and I talk about driving the country to find the best diners in America. I’ll let you know if we ever hit the road. 🙂
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You could write a bestseller about those diners, I just bet. That sounds like an excellent adventure!
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Go for it! There’s so much to see and do, crossing the US. We’ve done it twice – both times high adventure. Will be doing it again, not alone, when we move my daughter and her husband back east from LA. Don’t forget Maine!
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I’ve driven cross country three times so far- and have never tired of seeing this magnificent country from end to end. Hope to do it again. Maine first..! 😉 Enjoy your next fun trip from coast to coast.
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Wow, you packed a punch in this one, Pam. Life gets its tentacles around us and it’s so darned hard to let go and do these things we always thought we’d do. And yet, there’s something also powerful about being grateful for exactly where we are right now and believing it’s exactly where we’re supposed to be. Somewhere in between, I’m sure, is the right answer for each of us.
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You are so right- it’s a tricky balance-between the experience of seeking new adventures outside your comfort zone and the experience of finding the adventures and coziness right at home.
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Reblogged this on Heartspoken at WordPress.com and commented:
What would you do with your one precious life if you were sure it wasn’t too late? What are you waiting for?
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Thank you for the re-blog. 😘
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Beautiful Pamela! Especially Dallas! 😉
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I’d never forget Dallas!! 👢
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Beautiful…
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Thank you!
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We are on the same wavelength this week, Pamela 🙂 This is beautiful poem and story, wrapped into one, about taking chances and embracing opportunities – to live while we are alive. Very well done, thanks for sharing!
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I always love your thoughtful comments!
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So true. If it’s not too late! We need to do it now!
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Because, really, what are we waiting for?
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Exactly!
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I’ve been home less than a week, after driving every day…by myself…for five and a half days. I made only one fun stop, the rest were stops for gas or sleep. But I’ve gone back and forth a number of times and this time was just right, if a bit grueling. This time was hauling my stuff in a rental truck to my new home in my old home. Long story, long trip, and not at all too late.
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I can’t wait to read about your new home in your old home. Whichever, welcome home! I think it’s so neat that you just did another long trip because, well, it’s never too late!
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You spoke to my soul, Pamela. If it’s not too late, indeed. I love to travel but it gets harder when illness jumps on and rides with us. I will have to pass this post on to my friends.
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I’m honored that you want to pass this poem onto your friends-please do so! ❤
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Oh, this one really got me!
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For a poet, those words are music to my ears. 😀
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Life is a journey, Pam. Enjoy! 😀
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Truer words were never spoken. Isn’t the journey marvelous?!
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Oh, I love this!
“If it’s not too late…” Time flies, and for me, some thing have become too late. Don’t let it happen to you.
Kathy
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I’m taking my own words to heart. I didn’t even know this poem was in me until it popped out. I hope you find a way that it is not too late for you. ❤
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My 13 year great granddaughter and I took a trip a few weeks ago. If you want to feel young again, agree on some music, turn up the volume and rock across the country. Well Minnesota to Wisconsin anyway. Making memories before it’s too late!
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What an exceptional experience! May I be so lucky – right now I’m going to put the bug in my 7-year-old granddaughter’s ear that we should do this in a few years! Thanks for sharing this!
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I am writing about our retirement holidays, so much to see right here in these great United States. we also spent a month in Greece, three weeks in New Zealand where I paraglided over Queenstown, spent our fiftieth anniversary on the Tazman Sea. This October it is Florida, here we come again, and 2016 is a planned European River cruise. no, it is not too late!
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Okay, I confess. I’m turning green here- with envy. I’m also red with inspiration- never too late!! Um, not sure about the paragliding though. :-0
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Lovely, Pamela! Unfortunately, for many, the ‘if it’s not too late’ is tied up with ‘if I can afford it.’ But the sentiment is absolutely spot on. Now that I’m gonna turn 58, I’m having a lot of these thoughts.
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The good news – gas prices are DOWN – so this may be a good time to realize it’s not too late. Another great thing as we get a bit, ahem, older? We have friends all over the country, and someplace to land for a night or two – I have a guest room all ready for you.
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Pamela, will you please send me the list of best diners in the US of A? I’m ready to start small. I’ve wanted to find the best diner in the Bay Area. Let me know the name of that place if you can. I’ll make the trek.
Get on a flat highway and turn up Side B of Abbey Road.
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Have you tried Al’s Place at 26th and Valencia in SF? I’m red-faced to admit I still enjoy the Fog City Diner too. :-0 I had the best best best cinnamon sticky buns in a tiny diner off a dirt road in Kansas, but can’t remember the name to recommend it. Cheers! Polythene Pam
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Al’s is now on my to-do list. Thank you Polythene Pam. No reason to blush about Fog City Diner. You know what you like.
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It’s only too late when you’re dead or in the hospital! I drove across the country and it was quite an experience. Everyone should do it at least once. You really get a sense for how diverse this grand country really is.
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That’s exactly how I feel when I drive cross country, and why I’d like to do it very five years or so. Many diverse ‘countries’ within our one big beautiful USofA. And the scenery! From the flats of Kansas to those undulating rolling brown hills (with the huge windmills) in Nebraska, and then the mountains through the Sierras. Immensely breathtaking – our country.
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Absolutely!
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It is never too late, thanks for reminding us – and have a great trip 🙂
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Even a small trip to a new town in the same state can be exciting and adventurous; thus, it’s never too late for any of us!!
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Loved this! I was right there with you singing those Beatle songs and wearing those boots as I filled up my soul with wonderful moments.
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I could hear you! You have a better singing voice than me… 🙂
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What a delightful post. Yellowstone and Yosemite are on the list, I got the boots from Texas — but I’m still looking for the best diner!
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Explore those diners in your Texas boots – it will be a lark. (and let me know if you find any you’d recommend!)
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This applies to so much in life in addition to travel! Spending time with loved ones, learning to do something we always dreamed about…. There’s no better time to start than now!
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I’m on my way! 🙂
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I hope you are or did go on these adventures, which sound absolutely lovely. I’d sing the Beatles on a road trip too!
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I’m greedy – I’ve accomplished many road trips, but I want many more! Hope you have some to look forward to in your near future.
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What a poem, just what I needed. Thank you Pam, I need another road trip. Let’s pack and go!
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You are one who inspires me with travel! How about a road rip to Italy? Through Switzerland? From England to Scotland? I’ve actually done those, but it’s never enough, is it? To more road trips in our future, because it’s NEVER too late.
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