dashboard therapy.

August 8, 2011

maybe this is the reason they call it the dog days of summer. maybe it’s the convection-oven heat here in texas, the desert-like dryness, or maybe it’s just good-ole writers block…but i was starting to feel a little un-inspired last week.

and then, i took a roadtrip.

and an amazing thing happened.

inspiration.

it blew through my hair as i was driving down the road. it hummed in my ears as i LISTENED (actually, really, listened) to great roadtripping tunes. (have you heard ‘give it away’ by the trishas?!..lovin it.). it glided through my fingers as i hung my arm out of the window. it raced ahead of me and followed behind me.

this was my journey.

and my destination, was more than a destination. it was a good-for-the-soul-like-chicken-noodle-soup kinda time. a sisters river trip like no other.

just a bunch o’ girls…really awesome, inspiring girls. floatin’ the river, eatin’ homemade meatloaf (good gawsh almighty, bev lambert can make her some meatloaf!), and having really long, really great, [some simple and some profoundly life-changing] conversations.

and i got to thinking…we ALL need this. (whether you think you need it or not, trust me…YOU DO.) we ALL need a little roadtrip every now and then. a little soul vacation. a little freedom to think. and to listen. and to be.

so this post is my tribute to the great american roadtrip. the griswold-style vacation. the makin’-memories-that-last-a-lifetime adventure. the “nobody puts baby in the corner” summer.

“the open road is beckoning, a strangeness, a place where a man can lose himself.” ~william least heat moon

here in gypsyville, we believe the best roadtrips have no destination. turning your cell phone on silent. leaving the laptop behind and not using GPS. because the greatest parts of the roadtrip are the spontaneous, unplanned pitstops….the greasy spoon roadside diners, the endless historical markers, and the waiting-to-be discovered mysteries of the road.

 

grab your travel bingo.

and go forth.

into the wild blue yonder.

“people don’t take trips, trips take people.” ~steinbeck

“well, we’re not in the middle of nowhere, but i can see it from here.” ~louise, thelma & louise

“the air was soft, the stars so fine, the promise of every cobbled alley so great that i thought i was in a dream.” ~jack kerouac

P.S. ‘GiVE IT AWAY’ by the trishas…you MuST get this song…just 99cents, y’all! seriously. do it NOW. it just makes me happy.

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48 Comments

  • Reply rachel August 8, 2011 at 11:20 am

    im already there!!!!!xx

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:45 pm

      sweet rachel! hope you’re finding a great soul-vacation wherever the roads have led you today! looooove to you!

    • Reply Kimberly August 10, 2011 at 6:53 pm

      Already planning our next trip to unwind~~~ Am hoping and praying for some rain in the Hill Country to unwind on the back of the bike and take it all in—-I am also a firm believer that we need to “tune out” our technology in order to find order…………So happy to hear how this restored your soul~~~

  • Reply deb taylor August 8, 2011 at 11:37 am

    I hear ya Sister, and applaud you for writing this. I just hit my refresh button by taking a trip…WAIT, this trip TOOK me. ~~Hell yes!!~~

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:44 pm

      2 words. hell yes.

  • Reply Jeannine Kennedy August 8, 2011 at 11:42 am

    Ya’ll must have read my heart. I’ve got a BIG birthday (the number will remain undisclosed) coming up and was thinking of asking my hubby for the gift of his financial backing for me a solo road trip. I’ve got Round Top Texas on my mind and there are quite a few good places to stop between Atlanta and there!

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      send us some pics of your roadtrip!! solo soul searching!

    • Reply Kristen August 10, 2011 at 10:26 am

      Jeannine,
      I’ve been wanting the last few mths to do a solo road trip also!! Not sure how my family would take it but I feel the NEED for it. Hope you get to do this, and have the best time!!

      • Reply Jeannine Kennedy August 10, 2011 at 11:39 pm

        Thank you, Kristen. Now the idea is firmly planted in my head and I MUST go! I’ll give a full report once I do. Take care!

  • Reply Shannon August 8, 2011 at 11:44 am

    Love this blog. This particular entry makes me want to get in my Jeep and just drive.

  • Reply Shelley August 8, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Seriously? I’m so glad you told us about The Trishas! I just downloaded their album and I LOVE IT! Super awesome…I can always count on y’all to give us the goods!

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:43 pm

      so glad you like ’em!!! they are amazing songwriters and musicians!

  • Reply Joanne August 8, 2011 at 11:51 am

    Love this post, now I want to go on a roadtrip!

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:42 pm

      go sista!! go!

  • Reply Tiffany Rowdy Y.O. Ranch Mama August 8, 2011 at 12:05 pm

    aaaAAAmen, gyspy janglin’ mamas!!! An emergency soul vacay like none before is brewwwin’…we gettin geared up ‘n underway startin’ DIS weeekkkeenndd!! awww, what dreams may come—here’s to the the dream slingin’ warrior every rootin’ tootin’ one of us!!!

    dirtroad dreaminly yer’s— <3…tuff & crew

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:42 pm

      rootin’ tootin’ heckkkk yeah!!!!!

  • Reply Missy August 8, 2011 at 12:21 pm

    My recent road trip took me to Copper Harbor, Michigan, way up yonder in the Keweenaw Peninsula. No need to leave the cell phone silent, there wasn’t any service to be had. Just cool breezes off Lake Superior, warm, friendly folks willin’ to sit and talk a while, and treasures of all kinds just waitin’ to be found. After a while though obligation beckons and we have to head on back. Until I return, photos and souvenirs will paint the picture of a time well had and remind me of a place where progress is not at the head of the race….an adirondack chair and beer are.

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:41 pm

      missy…this sounds heavenly! wish i was there right now! in the adirondack with a beer!

  • Reply Debbie York August 8, 2011 at 12:22 pm

    I hear the road calling my name. Nothing makes me happier than to jump in the poodle seat with Cat Daddy behind the wheel drivin’ Miss Lazy to destinatio ns unknown. and wo ndering what’s beyond the next curve.
    Great post!
    Deb
    P.S. If you are really adventurous…try dashboard nachos!

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:40 pm

      dashboard nachos….hmmmm…..i’ll take mine with jalapenos please! extra spicyyyyyy!!!!!

  • Reply Anita August 8, 2011 at 12:26 pm

    This is my sentiment exactly. I don’t mind a road trip especially if it includes stopping to “Smell the Roses”, check out a craft fair, flea market, or antique shop. I LOVE to window shop… Hugs.

    • Reply Darlene August 8, 2011 at 12:50 pm

      There is nothing more soul satisfying than a road trip! This is a great blog…. thanks!

  • Reply Amanda August 8, 2011 at 12:53 pm

    It is my DREAM to take a road trip across the U.S.–I love this country but to fully the ingenuity of that statement I have to know my country and appreciate it’s splendor. I miss Texas, so much open road and beauty.. Btw, I’m hoping to win your contest! I’m a huge fan of Junk Gypsy and your blog is awesome :]

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:39 pm

      amanda… thank you sooo much for reading and liking the blog! sounds like you need to hit the road, sista! 🙂 (btw, be sure you signed up for the contest on farmer’s trophy wife site…)

  • Reply Junk Mafia August 8, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    We want The Junk Gypsy Crew to Take a Road Trip 35 North To Kansas City MO after Prom 😉 !!!!! Woooodawgies …There is this place Called Weston Mo where ya’ll can stay the Night at The St George Hotel we will take you out on the Town…

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:38 pm

      heyyy sweeeet JuNK MAFIA!!! we definitely need to get up there to yer neck o’ the woods!!!! and we’ll hit the town for a biggo junky time!!!

  • Reply Allison August 8, 2011 at 4:04 pm

    Jolie u really confirmed some things I have been praying about. It’s like your my big sis with alot of wisdom & knowledge. I love my gypsy soul u helped me know I wasn’t the only one born crazy.. Just need to accept what god has given us & don’t hold back .. We gypsy souls have a lot of love to offer. We just need toooo releaseeee our gypsy joy..thank you. The songs were all to my heart. I have replayed the 5 songs I downloaded. Over & over.. I have to take care of my mom . Jolie u& the songs changed my selfish soul. Thank you Allison .

    • Reply Jolie August 8, 2011 at 4:16 pm

      allison…i’m so glad this post touched you in such a profound way! and no, sister! you’re not crazy…well, i guess i could quote another song lyric written by jamie (who wrote and sings ‘give it away’)… ” i know you think i’m crazy, but i think you might be too.” so let’s just all be crazy together!!! big love and big thanks for sharing your reaction to the blog with me! it really means so much to hear your heartfelt thoughts! XOXOX!
      jolie

  • Reply Gabrielle August 8, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Hopped in the truck and took a little road trip to TX over the 4th of July weekend. Open spaces do wonders on the soul! Helps when you have great company along the way. 🙂 Thanks for sharing your travel log with us Jolie!! Lookin’ forward to my to adding a couple hundred TX miles to my odometer again next month. See y’all soon!!! Xoxo G

  • Reply Pamela Smith, Georgia Gal August 8, 2011 at 9:07 pm

    LADIES…WHAT THE RECIPE FOR MISS BEV LAMBERTS MEATLOAF…hahahaha, bet no one saw that one coming, but not only dreaming of a long road with the wheels turning, but my mind kept flashing, Meatloaf, Meatloaf, MEATLOAF…after reading that part. Can you give us the recipe???? Would love to make it and take it on my river rafting getaway camping trip this weekend. LOVE THE PICS!!!

    • Reply Jolie August 9, 2011 at 9:46 am

      her meatloaf can do that to ya! it’s featured on the southern living site… CLICK here! and it’s in the NEW ACL cookbook!!!

  • Reply Judy Gorrell August 9, 2011 at 10:03 am

    My husband and I are contemplating a roadtrip to celebrate the completion of my second encounter with cancer. I will be wearing my Junk Gypsy fighter tee shirt all the way. Your words inspire me. I am lucky that my husband has more of a gypsy soul than I do. Everyday is an “adventure” for him. Carry on my gypsy friends!

  • Reply Lisa Love Harris August 9, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Hey Gypsy sistas! Love this blog!!! Love me a good road-trippin’ inspirational time in my suv Mattie Mae. You girls inspire me!! I’ve been on the road this summer from Seattle to College Station to Round Top to Galveston . . . and now our sweet time in Texas is almost over — we’ll be hittin’ the road and headin’ back to Seattle at the end of the month. Safe travels dear friends!
    Peace, love, and road-trippin’ happiness to y’all. xxoos

  • Reply Kelly August 9, 2011 at 11:45 am

    Years ago, I loaded the kids in the car along with my TravelTex travel guide and we took off. Our destination was Dallas, but we took an unconventional route. Along the way we stopped at lots of interesting places. We would open up the travel guide and find something to do in each town! We had a blast and learned alot about Texas

  • Reply Sandi ~ A Cottage Muse August 9, 2011 at 2:31 pm

    Nothing like a good old fashioned road trip…a lost art really!
    Glad you had fun!!

  • Reply Keli Anne August 9, 2011 at 7:55 pm

    I L-O-V-E summertime road trips!! What else is there to do in this wholly-heck AWFUL Texas heat?! You hit the road with your swimsuit, flip flops, and of course a fully stocked ice chest, and find the closest, coolest watering hole with some fun friends! I’m right with ya, sisters!!! Great post! : )

  • Reply Leslie Kibodeaux Venable August 9, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    It’s like you read my mind. Great Post Jolie!!
    I just returned from a road trip from Southeast Texas to Virginia and discovered the beauty of the Great Smoky Mountains for the first time. I cannot put into words how majestic and beautiful they are. My parents are in their seventies and I am truly blessed to have had them this long and to have taken this wonderful 14 day trip with them, although I was forced to listen to entirely too much Sinatra and 50’s music, we settled on Willies Roadhouse on Sirius and we were all happy then. Laughing, singing, snacking, speeding ; ) and burning up the roads with our Texas plates tellin people to “get the hell out of our way!!” Memories made I will never forget!

  • Reply Leena Lanteigne August 9, 2011 at 11:59 pm

    Road trip! I call shotgun! I LOVE a good ol’ road trip! Wandering, not sure where you’re going or where you’ll end up, seeing things for the first time. The last time my husband and I ventured out, we took a wrong turn. After a while, he exclaimed that we were lost. I responded that we weren’t lost, it was an adventure!! I love wanderlust! ~Leena~

  • Reply Diane conlee August 10, 2011 at 8:01 am

    Punkie and I are fixing to hit the road in search of treasures and a cool spot! Can’t wait! Loved your story!

  • Reply linda hamilton August 12, 2011 at 5:58 pm

    yes jolie, richard and i love it when we feel ramblin fever comin on! we jump in our old 1999 ford truck and off we go!! ofcourse we normally have a trailor following us…but when i think of the places and states this business has dragged, pushed and pulled us through…….well it is just amazing! made alot of road memories thats for sure…..oh and by the way our fav road trippin music is always Steve Wariner!! showin my age alittle. x0x0

  • Reply krista lou August 17, 2011 at 11:53 pm

    Amen Sistah!

  • Reply Allison August 19, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Hi my gypsy friend.. My mom & I need to take a road trip. (before we hurt each other) kidding. ?????? She can’t ever find me cause I hide from her….terrible huh. My mom & dad were married 53 years. He passed 7 hrs ago & we need a outlet….are you guys going to be in your new store tomorrow ??? It’s about 4 hrs so don’t want to miss you guys… Have some awesome , fun ,exciting things to bring. Omg I’m excited. All of us gypsys are connected…I met you guys in round top 2010. Best time I ever had. Let me know please… Xoxo gypsy sis..

    • Reply Jolie August 23, 2011 at 10:03 am

      hey there ALLISON!!! just seeing this post…our store isn’t actually built yet…we hope to be up and running in the next 6 months! keep readin the blog for updates!!! XOXOXXO!

  • Reply Ms. Jaime August 30, 2011 at 8:32 pm

    Road trippin is my favorite go to when the world is full of busy days and busy nights. I’m over due for a road trip. This makes my mouth water. I think I ‘ll throw on my cut offs, pull my hair in a pony and drive ladies, just drive. I don’t smoke but a cig fits the picture.

  • Reply Woman with a view September 3, 2011 at 12:47 am

    Girl, all I know is I need an autumn sunrise, over looking a cow pasture with a bug in my coffee. A grey clouded overcast daybreak with a 10-15 mph soft wind and an on again, off again lite mist. And all those white tent flaps popping in the wind.

    • Reply Jolie September 6, 2011 at 11:47 am

      ahhh….i hear it. that soul vacation callin my name….

  • Reply lindsay Rejino September 20, 2011 at 11:07 am

    This blog has left me salivating for my weekend in gypsy heaven!

  • Reply Jen Nolan June 25, 2012 at 4:54 pm

    Love it! Nothing like a road trip to clear e mind and heal the soul! I love the smell of the fresh air, hearing the wind in the leave. I am with you girls. A road trip is in order! :)) <3

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