O Should Know

Oprah has started her new season and I peeked at her website tonight to see what she has on tap for the next few weeks on her television show.  And, as with most Americans (and perhaps the world), the financial crisis seems to be appropriately on the mind of Oprah and her team of producers.   

So, as I browsed through her list of call-outs trying to find people to be on the show, I really started thinking hard about my generation of stereotypical middleclass adults and what we have enjoyed over the last 40 years.  It dawned on me that we sure have purchased a lot.  Seems to me that we have made the world go round with stuff . . .just look inside my extra-deep, three-car garage that can’t shelter our automobiles without the help of an off-site storage unit.  It’s really pretty sad. . .and, embarrassing.

It’s so clear in my mind that “consumerism” has made the world economy go round for decades.   And, our expectations of what we should be able to afford (what we want) versus what we really could afford never became one for millions of Americans.  And, in the process we have started to make ourselves extinct.  Yes, the extinction of the American middle-class seems imminent if we don’t cut back.  

Now, I don’t mean to be a “Debbie Downer” – because I usually try to be funny, upbeat and happy go lucky on the “oshouldknow” blog—but,   geez people. . .we have got to start getting realistic.   And, if you don’t do it for yourself—do it for the children in our world, many that have no clue what it is like to miss a meal or not be able to Wii themselves to sleep.

And, readers, please be sure to note that I am not pointing fingers anywhere (or at anyone) outside of my garage doors.  I have certainly contributed to the problem.  Thankfully, I resisted the VERY tempting notion to go and buy the “big house” over the last few years.  I was hoping to join the “Jones’” many times, longing for 1,000 square feet per family member, granite floors and a master bath shower  fit for five (all of my family members, plus the pooch!).  But, we did take the big vacations, overfill our kids’ toy boxes (and, the garage, attic and under the bed), eat out too often and spoil ourselves with the platinum cable TV package.  Yes, we sure did consume!

So, what now?  I’m not really sure.  I’m hoping Oprah (through her outlets) will help us to figure it out by providing us with expert advice, thoughts—some guidance through these times.  That is what I’d like O to Know. . .for a while.

This past week I got a couple of “Amen’s” while speaking to a crowd of women about my “Grass is Green Everywhere” theory.   And, I have to say – it made me feel proud to have elicited such enthusiasm for a concept that is really not new or novel.  It’s about simply “making the best of what you have.” 

That night (9/16/08) I was humbled to find myself up on a stage with four other women who were asked to share their experiences about business, being a woman and a variety of other topics (such as how to go to the bathroom in space).  The Key Bank Women in Business event is held every year to kick-off the St. Luke’s Fitness Celebration, which brings upwards of 12,000 (mostly women) to Idaho to walk in celebration of health and femality (my made up word for being a woman, but not a cat).

Anyhooo, the reason I felt so humbled was because I was up on that stage with a group of women that would rival Oprah herself – and really, not including me.   A room filled with almost 300 women were blessed with the words of Kathy Kustra, wife of Boise State University president—although that has nothing to do with her greatness;   Barbara Morgan, teacher and astronaut—wow; Kate McGuire, local radio personality—who almost rivals Howard Stern in a rated PG kind of way; and Carolyn Holly, well-known newscaster—amazing mother and positive role model for anyone in this world.  And, let’s not forget the master of ceremonies that night—the talented and beautiful Alyson Outen who was once interviewed for employment by Oprah’s company (says a lot about the caliber of her talents, but we are happy she is in Idaho). 

Even though I was up on that stage with those women to share my own story, I learned so much that night.   My ears were soaking up a lifetime of lessons.  Each of those women confirmed my commitment over the last 20 years to be the very best person I can be—not to get rich, meet the “right” people or to stroke my ego.  It was clear that some simple things run through the river of success:  1) be nice! 2) work hard 3) appreciate everything 4) say no! 5) build REAL relationships vs. using people for your own higher purpose 6) and, for goodness sakes (once again)–BE NICE!  And, I have to point out that Barbara Morgan was so amazingly nice.  She really is the epitome of humility and grace for all mankind—whether on earth or in outer space.  Wow, again. 

Since that night, I have received letters, calls and out of the blue kudos from people I randomly ran into this week at the mall, at my son’s pre-school and even in the bathroom of our local Target.  I think it was mostly because I shared that I worked as a psychic named Cinnamon back in my 20’s for the Psychic Hotline to earn money for my husband and I to buy our first home.  I suppose I will never live that down. 

To all of you who attended, I’d like to express my sincerest appreciation and gratitude.  With you that night as a powerful collection of women (on stage and not), I truly believe we moved the world forward slightly.  And, yes. . . I really think O SHOULD KNOW a bit more about the amazing women who truly are everywhere.    That is what this blog is all about. 

I’ve been thinking a lot about something lately (and, even started “penning” a book) about how the grass is green everywhere . . .not just on the other side of the fence.  And, about how life is just SO RELATIVE.  Yes, a lot of mumbo-jumbo we have all heard before. But, I rarely hear someone talk about how there is green grass everywhere.  It’s mostly about having a half full or half empty glass.  And, frankly, I’m sort of sick of that analogy.

So, what about that green grass?  Is it really green everywhere?  And, for the record – I’m talking about lawn-type grass.  For those of you like me who are obsessed with the Showtime series “Weeds,” know that I’m not talking about that kind of grass.   Although, I’ve heard “that” is green everywhere too.  Hmmm.  Well, let’s focus again.

Grass is green . .if you make it green.  I don’t know what has been in the “garden hose water” lately, but it seems like everyone wants something else.  A new job, no job, another spouse, no spouse, the house across the street, a big camper – I really can’t keep up.  Specifically, my friends who are stay at home moms want to work.   And, then my mom friends who work outside of the house want to stay-at- home.  Several couples (with kids) are breaking up because one of the spouses wants something or maybe someone else.  You all know people who fit into these scenarios.  Whatever they do have, they think they need something else.   It just baffles me because in most situations, I remember the time when these people were passionate about their current situation.   

And, I have to ask the question . . . did these people really try to make the most of their green grass?  What does that mean?  It means, well . . .did you cut your grass differently, maybe make funky patterns to change things up and defy boredom.  Did you fertilize and water on a regular basis to keep things healthy and bright.  Did someone tell you that you needed a different type of grass and you simply killed what was there and started over by growing a new variety –only because someone said it was the right thing to do?   And, hey. . .did you tell your grass that YOU LOVE IT?

So, why make seemingly silly grass analogies?  I think it because I see people living lives that could be amazing if they would just make the best of what they have.  Now, I want to make it clear that I AM ALL FOR CHANGE.  I am about change.  For me, I try and make changes in order to make my current life better.   I’ve learned the hard way that jumping from one side of the fence to the other can take you back to square one.  I felt like I was always spinning my wheels in the mud.   So, one day a few years ago I woke up and said, “I have a great life, but how can I make what I have awesome.”  And, thus I took my fence down and looked at my grass and the neighbor’s as one big green field. 

In the next few months, I’ll expand on this “green grass” concept.  But, before you follow along I have one big tip.  If you don’t have any grass at this time. . .plant some.  And, if you are impatient like me. . .buy some sod.

Hmmm. . .I wonder if Oprah is into grass? 

Well, it’s been a bit of a “blog blight” for me the past couple of weeks.  I say “sorry” to my regular readers.  I’ve had a bit of personal turmoil as of late and have needed to expend all energy on getting over the hump.  This, makes my blog post this week sort of uplifting for me.   A friend and fellow professional colleague recently brought to my attention a Sun Valley, Idaho event that should do the trick. . .just reading about it made me feel like my toes were flying off the floor a bit.

The event is the Sun Valley Spiritual Film Festival, which is touted as a backdrop for exploring different spiritual traditions and celebrating the human spirit through film. The dates of this year’s festival are September 19-21, 2008 and are held in the always peaceful and breathtaking Sun Valley.  The festival features over 25 films from around the world, complemented by the presence of many of the film-makers, as well as thought provoking panel presentations and engaging speakers.   Featured speakers this year are:  Rachel Naomi Remen, M.D., the author of the best sellers Kitchen Table Wisdom and My Grandfather’s Blessing and David Shlim, M.D., one of the most respected travel medicine practitioners in the world.    

This event is not what I call a “bible conference.” That was my first reaction when I was told about the festival, although for the record—I have no issue with bible conferences.  In 2005, the festival was “born” after a visit from none other than the Dalai Lama.   The annual celebration of the human spirit through film and moving speakers is now in its fourth year. 

This past weekend I had a completely “loverly” time up in the mountains (not far from home) with my family and some very nice, fun friends – the only kind to have.  Technically, I suppose it was a “staycation” since we didn’t leave the state and were within a three-hour radius from our house.  It’s one of a couple low-cost “away from homes” we have taken this summer once we finally grew tired of camping in the living room and running through the sprinklers in our front yard.  Yah know, that stuff only goes so far. 

While in the mountains, I learned a new term from my friend (also named Stephanie) that I thought was fascinating and also has “O” so many possibilities.  She was reading an article in a trendy women’s magazine about this term that I thought it was brilliant—“moochation.”  Yes, a term that has so many possibilities beyond this summer’s every popular “staycation.”  It’s about becoming the house guest from heaven or “h e double hockey sticks” if you get my drift.   But, in general, another great way to beat the high cost of travel this summer. 

Just pick out a place you’d like to vacation, call up some close – or distant (what the heck!) – friends or relatives and whaalaah!  You are having the time of your life on somebody else’s dime.  You are officially a mooch on vacation.  The key is thinking WAY outside of familiar box when deciding on your the mooch host.

Hmmm. . .that old boyfriend from junior high (God, just where he now?).  The high school baby sitter from when you were five (she was super hot!)? Friends from summer camp? Maybe the third grade teach who said she’d always remember you or that lady at the church bingo table who said “visit me some time” when she waved goodbye?  And, people remember! This is what Facebook and MySpace are all about.  Reach out into cyber land and rekindle those old relationships – people will be popping out of the woodwork, believe me.  I’ve got an aunt in Florida, a former college flame in Hawaii, my best friend from pre-school in France.  We are set!

Now many people might argue that there is never such thing as a good mooch.  But, I’m here to help you minimize the pain on your “target” and maybe even get yourself invited back next year.  So, here it goes. . .the top five things you should do on your “moochation.”  I found them on a “mooch” blog with great tips (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lea-lane/forget-a-staycation-try-a_b_115956.html):

·         Call ahead if possible. If the hosts balk, accept it and move to another possible victim … er, host.

·         Suggest bartering as a way to get in the door. “You have a chateau outside of Paris. I have a studio in Milwaukee. Would you be interested in swapping?” Or, “Could you use a house/cat/plant sitter for a month?”

·         Don’t seem greedy. If hosts ask, “How long do you plan to be staying with us?” say, “Well … what would you be comfortable with?” Never say more than a week, even if you want it to be. If you’re a good guest you may be invited for an extended stay, so leave wiggle room.

·         Be generous. Send a gift ahead, bring one with you or send one after you leave — or all three for a really long stay. These can be inexpensive, but try to hit the mark (if you know the people). Gifting brings payback, as you may be asked to extend a short stay, and remember, there’s always next year. If you’re staying a long while, expect also to take the hosts out for a meal or two. Breakfast is the bargain meal, so suggest it first.

·         Help out. Babysit, fix things, keep your area neat. Cook a meal if you’re good at it, set up and clean up in any case. But if you’re asked to stay away from the kitchen, heed the caution.

And a couple of tips for moochees:

·         Be honest. If you don’t want a moocher in your house, just say no. If it’s hard to say it, email it. Don’t be a sucker. If you’re too nice you may wind up out of your bed, staring at an empty fridge, with guests in your bathroom until the fall.

·         Establish rules.Then write them out and hand them out. And if they aren’t followed, that’s your chance to toss out Minnie the Moocher, lock up the house, and maybe enjoy an all-American cost-effective “moochcation” yourself.

The possibilities abound!  Now, I’d have to admit that my dream “moochation” is with Oprah – at any place she’d allow me to be a extremely proper, grateful and a low-maintenance moocher.   So, “O” help out the needy vacationers this year.  Give away the all-American dream “moochation” on your show.  If I win, I promise. . .I’ll babysit the dogs, cook you a healthy breakfast and offer you up my modest abode in the Boise, Idaho suburbs.  So, come on. . El Mooch O!  I’m the houseguest from Heaven.

As a dog lover, I will be surprised this fall if Oprah doesn’t bring up a great book that came out just before she went on summer hiatus—The Art of Racing with the Rain by Garth Stein.   O, and how we all know how Oprah loves her dogs - so I can’t imagine that it wasn’t on her summer reading list.  It’s narrated by a dog and I’d have to say, it’s the best darn canine dialog I’ve ever read.  And, not one single bark in the book!

“Racing in the Rain” makes another popular cult dog story—Marley and Me—seem like a yawner.  And, that book is evidently being made into a movie starring a dog, Jennifer Anniston and Owen Wilson.  Check out the movie trailer at www.marleyandmemovie.com.  Hmmm.  It kind of sums up the book . . . hopefully, they are holding back in the trailer.  Marley needs to meet Enzo, the main dog charater in “Racing in the Rain.”

So, back to the point of this post.  As many of you know, I review books for a popular morning show (www.oshouldknow.com/river-reader-book-reviews) and I have to tell you how excited I was to finally find a decent book this summer.  Usually, the shelves are full of great beach reads.  But, this summer has been slim pickings for some reason.  Everything that looks interesting to me was from last summer.  When I was given a copy of “Racing in the Rain,” I was not excited. 

I love dogs, but wading through pages of doggie thoughts just didn’t sound appealing.  Thanks goodness I took the book on our California “micro-cation.”  I finished the book ON THE BEACH on day two.  And, it truly is a story that only a dog could tell.   That’s what the publisher says.  I’m not sure how he came to this conclusion (which is part of what turned me off).  Maybe he was a dog in former life.  Anyway, here is a bit about the book to entice you (as summed up by the publisher who thinks like a dog):

Enzo knows he is different from other dogs: a philosopher with a nearly human soul (and an obsession with opposable thumbs), he has educated himself by watching television extensively, and by listening very closely to the words of his master, Denny Swift, an up-and-coming race car driver.

Through Denny, Enzo has gained tremendous insight into the human condition, and he sees that life, like racing, isn’t simply about going fast. Using the techniques needed on the race track, one can successfully navigate all of life’s ordeals.

On the eve of his death, Enzo takes stock of his life, recalling all that he and his family have been through: the sacrifices Denny has made to succeed professionally; the unexpected loss of Eve, Denny’s wife; the three-year battle over their daughter, Zoe, whose maternal grandparents pulled every string to gain custody. In the end, despite what he sees as his own limitations, Enzo comes through heroically to preserve the Swift family, holding in his heart the dream that Denny will become a racing champion with Zoe at his side. Having learned what it takes to be a compassionate and successful person, the wise canine can barely wait until his next lifetime, when he is sure he will return as a man.

A heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope, “The Art of Racing in the Rain” is a beautifully crafted and captivating look at the wonders and absurdities of human life . . . as only a dog could tell it.

Yes, they sort of give the book away on the cover verbage—Enzo dies.  Stein does a good job of making the book interesting and surprising in the end.  And, I’d have to say . . .I hope that if my dog had to write a book about his life with my family, it would be just like this story.  I do feel the need to point out that I highly doubt “O’s” dogs could relate because Enzo does get to ride in a race car and a regular car, but never a limo. 

Now, if you REALLY get into the book. . .join the “Go Enzo” Flickr group.  Your uploaded pictures will automatically appear in this gallery.  O super cool!

All of the “Staycation” excitement this week made me start to think beyond the obvious.  Yes, people are trying to save money and get away a little closer to home (or, at home!).  But, I began to wonder this weekend (as I was on another “Staycation”) what the consequences are going to be related to people not getting far, far away. 

Hmmmmmm. Might it affect the new baby population nine months from now in a positive or negative way?  Will the summer of 2009 go down in the history books as the 21^st Century “Summer of Love?”

Oprah is the perfect person to report the results when she begins taping again in the fall. Plenty of women should “O Know” by then whether they’ve got a bundle of joy on the way.

So, by now . . . many of you reading this are plenty confused.  Especially, if you have never heard of the tie between going on vacation and getting pregnant.  Yes, there are entire businesses that revolve around getting women relaxed enough to conceive while on vacation. 

I’m not joking.  Really, read all about it if you don’t believe me (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15592124/).  Or, “Google” the topic and you will be amazed.  Apparently, these little getaways are technically called “Procreation Vacations.”  A little crude if you ask me, but I’d have to say I know first-hand that they work.  You can go almost anywhere in the world and come back with a “bonus” according to several of the websites I found. 

And, yes.  My husband and I chase around the 4 year-old by-product of this type of vacation.  His name should be “Hilton” if you get my drift.  And, I’m not the only one – I have a number of friends who conceived on vacation.  It’s true.  You’ve got the time, you’ve got the place and apparently the right frame of mind.  Stress has been named by many experts on this topic as a leading reason woman can’t conceive.  So, if you get pregnant on vacation . . . you know it has been a VERY, VERY successful getaway.

So, what does this have to do with “Staycations?”  It’s a matter of whether staying close to home (or, again – at home) for vacation will result in more “conceptions” (or not).  Can women get relaxed?  Will it be like a big snow storm in NY?  Are “Staycations” forcing people together because the excitement outside of the “hotel” might now be as thrilling as staying in?  This could be interesting. . .

Personally, I would not recommend naming your child after the place where you “were successful.”  As the once child of my parents, that is WAY too many details for me.  I think most kids would like that kind of stuff to remain a mystery.  And, with all of the “Staycationing” this summer – names could get dicey. 

As I mentioned, I just returned from another micro-vacation.  We headed over to some super cool sand dunes not far from our home - Bruneau Dunes State Park.  No matter whether it is a boy or a girl.  Or, how you spell it.  Bruneau (pronounced “Bruno”) just isn’t the most attractive name for a baby.  But, if you have a puppy. . .O, Baby!

And, about the photo:  The lizard was a little creature that lurked outside our cabin this weekend.  If I were trying to conceive, that might have hampered my effort.  Thank goodness that was not the case.   We called him/her “Speedy” (by the way) and he/she will remain on “Staycation” for now.

This week has been a whirlwind of activity and the author of this blog, Stephanie Worrell, has been featured in the Wall Street, Good Morning America and the Idaho Statesman - all about Staycation!  Below are the links or files, if you are interested.  Kind of “O Fun.” 

Good Morning America

Idaho Statesman

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121615848493356053.html?mod=hps_us_at_glance_pj

Growing up, I worked in my parent’s Iowa feed and seed store where I learned the value of a lot of things—hard work, hard times, good times and good tomatoes.  Yes, good tomatoes!  And, with the high cost of gas and food. . .I’ve been thinking back on those lessons.  Shazam (my way of saying, Ah, Ha)!  Let’s Go Grow, O!

I have fond memories of my childhood that I have not been able to duplicate for my kids, including eating fresh sweet corn and tomatoes everyday for two months during the summer.  We kept a pot of hot water on the stove at all times.  Add a shake of salt on and there is nothing better in life than having corn between your teeth and splats of tomato juice on your shirt.   

Now O has done a couple of gardening shows, one most recently aired with her “hot” gardener (Jamie Durie) which definitely made growing things look appealing.  But, the show mainly focused on flowers not food production—something a bit more relevant to what’s going on around us right now.   But, it did get me thinking.  Why don’t we starting planting food everywhere?  Why don’t we?  Hmmmm.

For most people, it is possible.  Even those of us that live in the “burbs” with lots of homeowner rules and regulations.  And, even those of you who live in an apartment and just have a small a patio.  Pot gardening works wonderful and the yield can be surprising (container pots, not the kind you smoke—that’s an entirely different blog entry).

I looked through my homeowner paperwork today and found that there are no rules against planting fruits and veggies in my back or front yard.  In my case, I’ve got a small boy and an ornery dog (or is that in reverse?) that have eliminated the backyard option.  But, my front yard is full of space.    

There are many websites that offer free garden planning advice.  I’m sure O’s gardener is good for a few pointers, but here are a few websites I found that looked helpful:

·         http://www.bhg.com/gardening/plans/vegetable/vegetable-garden-plans/

·         http://www.vegetablegardeningguru.com/getting-started.html

·          http://www.backyardgardener.com/veg/

Now before you go out and start plopping things in the ground, you need to think about storage of the food for long-term use.  You don’t want to be like the “zucchini woman” who lives down the street from me.  Of course, you can always take her zucchini and plant other things—and, zucchini can be used in a million recipes and probably why it reproduces with such enthusiasm.  

So, back to storage.   If you can’t do something with all of your “fruits,” then producing a garden is well. . .fruitless. . .or, all for not.  Fresh is yummy, but it is good to think about how you are going to save some cash in the long-term.  Freezing and canning experts under the age of 60 years-old are limited in my neighborhood, but I would advise trying to hook up with someone who knows what they are doing if you are truly a food storage virgin.  If you can’t, there are lots of websites and great books available.    This site is especially good – it gives you instruction on how to preserve anything:

·         http://www.pickyourown.org/allaboutcanning.htm

My mother once even made Mountain Dew jelly, which isn’t something you can grow in your yard – but, I thought it was clever and saved us jelly money over the next year.  Luckily, she made peach and strawberry jam at the same time—so we had a little variety.  My mother still cans and freezes anything she can get her hands on.  Up until last year I made fun of her for spending so much time hunched over boiling water and plastic baggies, but I guess she’s the one laughing all the way to the bank today.

Even if you just get a few meals out the garden, it’s a meal eaten cheap.  I’ve found that involving my children in the small garden I currently have has been time well spent together.  They love helping out and if they plant something, you know they are going to eat it.  So, it you have kids around—you practically owe this to them.  Teach them how to fish (as one great philosopher once said)!

Beyond fruit and veggie gardening, it would also be great to start growing pigs and cows.  But, for me in the “burbs”—I’m probably going to be trucking over to local grocery store for meat.  But, maybe I’ll ride my bike from now on and save a few bucks in gas.  

So, O—whether it be veggies or sheep—get growing and stop mowing.  Or, at least make some Mountain Dew jelly!

Mountain Dew Jelly

3 1/4 cups Mountain Dew
2 tablespoons lemon juice
4 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 package Sure Jell pectinPour the Mountain Dew and lemon juice into a 6- to 8-quart pot. Bring to a boil and allow to boil for 3 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then follow the Sure Jell directions. Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath.

NOTE: You can use more Mountain Dew and reduce it to 3 1/4 cups for a more concentrated flavor.

Admittedly, as I child I created certain “challenges” for my well-meaning parents.  And, although I’ve tried to block out most of the memories of me being “challenging” in my own mind, I do have some vivid recollections of bad behavior out in the middle of nowhere.  Yes, you know—camping somewhere, where as child seemed like nowhere. A place with no potties, no city water and no limit on bug bites. 

But, as I’ve (now) grown into a well-meaning parent, I’ve come to recognize the true value of teaching kids about nowhere.  And, that camping is the best way to find it—which is why I think Oprah should “get into camping.”  Entire shows and magazine articles could be devoted to “going outside,” tick removal, having fun with each other, knowing how to spot a wild animal.  You know, O, things we can’t learn by going downtown Chicago.  I, personally, have very “fond” memories of the unforgettable feeling of a giant wood tick stuck in my head. . . and, the smell of burning hair upon my mom “unleashing it” with a hot match. 

But, really.  Kids (and parents) need to know more about making due these days . . . survival.  Camping teaches kids something that I think is much needed—learning the importance of working hard.  Camping requires participants to reach inside themselves little further, do a little bit more to get to the end goal.  You have to make some effort to get your reward.  Hotel living is nice, but there are big lessons to be learned out there under the stars, un-showered and un-shaven (in, my case – legs!). 

Even with the price of gas, camping can be inexpensive.  It can even be done in the comfort of your own backyard.  If you have not camped before, or on a tight budget—start there. . .somewhere in your backyard.  Spray yourself with some good bug spray and throw a sleeping bag out under the maple tree.   If you are lucky enough to own a tent, even better.  You can almost always pick-up good, cheap camping equipment at your local thrift store—you know from people who have either upgraded or. . . given up. 

If you do decide to venture out beyond your neighborhood, there are some good resources for you (and, guest options for O).  Of course, you can always start with my personal favorite—for any subject—“The Complete Idiots Guide” books.  In this case, pick up “Complete Idiot’s Guide To Camping and Hiking” by Michael Mouland.  I am also a big REI fan.  They have stores in almost every state and offer many outdoor classes, along with employees who usually know what they are doing. You can also visit their website at www.rei.com where there is an “expert advice” tab with lots of good information.

I’d also recommend Bill Bryson, a travel writer who has discovered the back trail with his “A Walk in the Woods” book.  If nothing else, this memoir is proof positive that the journey is the destination. It’s hilarious and a good way to put you in the mood for a camping trip.

So, get yourself motivated – it’s your duty.  Our future will be better for it.  O see the woods, O see the world!