Into the wild again
One of the sweetest notes I’ve ever gotten from a boy was in fifth grade, when Tony T. wrote: “You would make a great author. You’re a great student too. You get your work done too.”
And though of course I love the part about how I would make a great author, it’s amazing how much it meant–and still means to me–to have someone say, “You get your work done too.”
So with that in mind, let me say that after months and months in the cave, researching and writing and writing some more, I finally finished my new manuscript and turned it in to my editor. And so now–because I’ve gotten my work done–I get to go play. Hope you all agree.
It’s off to the wild for me and the man and the dog. To a place where there are bears, and so I wonder what will happen when I shout for my dog–”Bear!”–and any backpackers nearby hear me. Hmmmm. Maybe I’ll shout “Personal Bear!” or “Friendly Bear!” or “Dog Bear!” But then what happens when my husband is off fishing a stream and I see a real bear and I shout “Bear!” and mean it and . . . well, you get my drift. Let’s just assume we’ll be bear-free and let it go at that.
Plus, I’m not allowed to worry about that anyway until I get back, so tra-la-la.
My internet connectivity will be pretty sketchy while I’m on the road, and non-existent when I’m in the backcountry, so I’ll check in when I can and if there’s anything interesting to report. Otherwise, carry on with your own fun end-of-summer lives, and I’ll see you when I get back!
Have fun, Robin. You deserve this break. Just remember, the bears are more afraid of you than you are of them.
For my part, someone gave me new varieties of zucchini to make the infamous czb with, but as it’s currently fifty degrees hotter than hell here in Michigan, I think I’ll wait to experiment with that.
Have a fantastic trip, you brave gal, you! (;
You may not see the internet while you are gone, but the internet sees you.
I shall tweet for you while you are gone.
@RobinBrande says: I have been kidnapped by pygmies and renamed Bear to Tree to become less confused.
Yes, the bears are more afraid of you than you are of them, but they will do anything for a Snickers bar. Be safe and have fun.
Patrick, if only I weren’t completely afraid of what you’d do with it, I would totally designate you as my stand-in Twitterer. Just to see what you’d write. But sorry, no go. Feel free to write stuff here, though–because I love to be entertained!
Elizabeth, love to hear that you’re experimenting with zucchini! You know I’ll be happy to post any new recipes you have. You have so many fans of your chocolate zucchini bread, you don’t even know.
Thank you for the well wishes, Kelley and Mother Reader! And thank you for the advice, Mother Reader, of course.
@RobinBrande says: Day 4 – we have reached the Oracle. Says no future without Starbucks.
@RobinBrande says: Back to basecamp to fetch Oracle a Vente Latte.
@RobinBrande says: Tree still not responding to new name. Husband confused, too. Hates own new name. ‘Mule’
I always prefer your version of my epic adventures, Patrick. Thank you.
And here’s a little more data for that: Tomorrow, big hike up big mountain. That’s all I’m saying.
@RobinBrande says: Wondering why climb to alien shrine must be done naked. Think ‘Mule’ is lying.
@RobinBrande says: Set upon by Flying Yetis with Laser Fangs. Rescued by ‘The One’ – http://bit.ly/Bf50y
“The One” is an awesome force. You can tell by all the swirly stuff around him.
I read your comment above that to The Mule. He laughed heartily. Good work. The Mule is hard to amuse sometimes.
@RobinBrande says: Correction. Going to hike the ‘Bear-Snake’ trail to alien shrine. Must listen better.
@RobinBrande says: Alien shrine big disappointment. Just a giant pile of sticks.
@RobinBrande says: Accidentally set shrine on fire. Seeing more fires on other Mtns. Who is blowing those horns?
@RobinBrande says: Beginning to suspect Mule is the King, Returning. Still going to call him Mule.
@RobinBrande says: On my way through the vast emptiness of Mordor or Wyoming, can’t tell the difference. Keeping thinking there should be a Starbucks. Right here. Here! Here! WHERE IS THERE A STARBUCKS?
@RobinBrande says: Tree has named me ‘Wuff’. I like it. I think I’ll have it printed on a shirt over a 1.
@WuffBrande says: Found the Lost Tribe of Wyomingites. Savage primitives, yet they have a Starbucks. They will trade a Vente for ‘Mule’. Seriously considering.
As for all the Starbucks entries: Word.
Husband has started calling himself “Mule.” Not kidding. See what you’ve done? (Actually, I like it.)
Does he say it with ‘air quotes’? I have to say that is awesome! My job here is done.