Setting off . . .

It’s a bittersweet time to be launching a book on beauty and kindness. I didn’t expect this day to see Ukrainians suffering, COVID continue to ravage the world, and us Americans even more politically divided than when I undertook this journey six years ago today. But I take heart in my belief — still — that humanity is fundamentally good. I saw this in the everyday people I met over those four months in 2016, whether they selflessly helped me in material ways or just genuinely wished me well. I’ve seen it in all the people who have pitched in with editing, naming, laying out, and publicizing this thing — to say nothing of offering their encouragement. I see it now it what Mr. Rogers’ mom would call the “helpers” of the world, in ways big and small.

I hope that the story of my trip, if nothing else, will inspire you to embark on OWN crazy journey, whatever that may mean for you! What would truly make you happy, even if you’re fearful of doing it? What would make your heart sing? What obstacle do you need to overcome to pursue it?

I’d love to hear your story so I can get inspired from it. Consider sharing it with me, and the world, through the America On Two Wheels Facebook page. If you’re so inclined, I’d appreciate it if you’d share my Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter links with anyone you think may enjoy them, as my amazing social media team and I bring you day-by-day photo highlights of a 3,600-mile journey that would have been impossible without the kindness of strangers.

Hope to see you at my first (virtual) reading at Chicago’s terrific independent bookstore The Book Cellar — 7 p.m. CDT, Thursday, March 24th. Click here to RSVP. If you choose to buy a copy of the book, I hope you’ll get it through them, too.