Americana

                                               Everyday is a brand new day, everyday is a journey.


Be wise to-day;
 'tis madness to defer;
Next day the fatal precedent will plead;
Thus on, 
till wisdom is pushed out of life.
Procrastination is the thief of time;
Year after year it steals, 
ill all are fled,
And to the mercies of a moment leaves
The vast concerns of an eternal scene.

--Dr. Edward Young

We chugged along the winding tracks of Americana. The landscape rugged, wild and even at times, plain. These are the farmers, the everyday people and low income families that cover the scope of the American map. As we pushed along these tracks, I couldn't help, but think about the people that make this Country a place of freedom. It always comes down to Americana life, the small towns that are faithful to the flag.

During our trip, both going and coming, we have encountered many people of all races and ages. Each and everyone of them had their own story and their own reasons for traveling on the train. One of them, I am hoping will become a pen pal as we exchanged information.

There were the newlywed couple from Spain traveling to Austin, Texas. 
The young grandma visiting her son in Maricopia, Arizona to see her new grandchild. 
The mother and daughter heading out to Oklahoma to care for an Uncle fighting stage 4 cancer.

The senior couple married 62 years, visiting their great grandson in Chicago.
An Englishman whose mom was American, spending his holiday every year traveling on the train exploring the United States.
A lovely elderly lady from California off to see her sister, who ended up being my pen pal.

There was also plenty of drama like the man who refused to be orderly, probably a little too much to drink and had to be escorted off the train by the local police. Let me tell you, a few cars showed up to pick him up. 

Another time, while we were in El Paso, the Dea did a sweep of the train with their dogs. Of course, majority of us were outside stretching our legs and a group behind us decided it was the opportune time to light up a joint. Yup, I am not kidding. That German Shepherd dog got a whiff of that and turned around so quick. The agent could barely maintain control of him. Yea, pretty exciting to see all of that unfold.

 What truly surprised me about this trip the most was the fact that I loved the interaction with everyone. In my mind, I had my own version of how it would go, but in reality, it went completely different. Actually, a lot better. Ted is a natural with people, often helping everyone with their luggage. Quite a gentleman.

                                  
As I sat looking out the window in our quiet time, admiring the scenery in front of me, I felt overwhelmed with emotion. I love this Country and have a deep desire to explore more of it. While people are rushing off to the Bahamas, I just want to hop on the train!

Have a blessed day everyone.