It's sunrise in New Mexico. Brad and I found a great couple of fluffy filled beds to rest in last night and we woke up smiling at the thought of our truly Southwestern day ahead. To celebrate, Brad is wearing a du-rag and cowboy hat. Yesterday, we spent about 12 hours driving through the great state of Texas, and I do mean GREAT! That word has lots of meaning, one is big. It took us from 10 in the morning until midnight to leave the state. It was agreed that getting out of Texas would feel like an accomplishment so we drove the night into Las Cruces, NM and arrived at our Comfort Inn punchy as peanuts. It worked in our favor, I charmed the front desk man into half off the fare of our room. It was the middle of the night after all. The other great thing about Texas is that it is as sexy as the movies portray it. We had the bright southern sun illuminating the dry ground we were covering and the old, rickety buildings and antique cars appeared through the dust every now and again. Plus, cows... cows everywhere waving and smiling as we loudly drove by with our free impersonation concerts (JT, Diana Ross, and my fav, Celine Dion). Right now, we are in a prison area and have been cautioned to avoid hitchhikers. It sure would make the adventure more interesting though, wouldn't it? We get to drive up the mountains in Bisbee, AZ to see close family this morning and then on to Santa Monica to rest with friends tonight. We are going to wake up at sunrise to drive the Pacific Coast highway to my new home. A shutter of fear and excitement at all this change (cows) just flew about my system! I'll be home soon. Love Love, Danica PS - US Border Patrol just asked us to verify that we were US Citizens. Brad's response, "Si." PSS - If you did not receive my first cross country adventure report, see below (at the bottom). Heart .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. So... after declaring that Wednesday would be the day for Brad to eat healthy and ONLY healthy, he was seduced by the Hot To Go cabinet at the Truckers Savoy Stop and Restaurant. The smell of a down home southern Sausage Biscuit is clinging to the dashboard and crumbs are lining his drivers side seat. I love how much Brad loves his home cookin'. He did get an orange. I, of course, have dug out my organic tea and was happy to find the only living thing besides the girls behind the counter. I have never loved an orange more. It's been noted by my driver that he is a Porkafile. He loves all things made from a pig including, but not limited to, Pork Skins and Sausage. As we walked into the Savoy, we were greeted by little Native American dollies and ceramic boots. It seemed like any ordinary stop, housing nik-naks that would make special mementos for any home, motor oil, and toiletries, along with tasty treats for only one kind of eater, really. But, a hidden gem in the back of the seemingly normal station, a truck stop Restaurant. I peeked my head into the arch shaped entrance and lining the walls were booths that had a picture of 8 truckers having their 3 egg specials, all sitting alone, all sitting together. Flannel shirts and hats alike among the drivers, I think the two clowns in the doorway were misplaced. To the right of us was the kitchen, two women and a man were cooking away in the diner and one of the woman had probably listed the special on the blackboard at around 5 this morning. As I took in the scene, my sweet giggling friend pulled me back and pointed to the sign that said "Shirt and Shoes Required - Bra and Panties Optional." I thought about taking off my undergarments right then but it just didn't feel like me. On our way out, I also discovered a jewels case selling jewelry. These places really do have everything! Across the countries gas station stops, I can't help but wonder about the lives managing and working inside the filling stations. Where do they live? How much money do they make? Are they happy? Are they fulfilled? I ask each one of them how their day is and everyone always comes back with a "Fine" or a "Good." Some of them are truly genuine and some of them are simply politely responding. All of this reminds me to reflect on being grateful for all the opportunities I have to meet so many different people and that I lead a life that is truly adventurous and full of love and humor. I hope the same for these fine people who are helping me along the way. I hope I am doing the same for them as I bring my business and high-fives to hotel workers and station attendants across America. I am also reminded that my life is not the only kind of life to live and to appreciate all things different. Spend the day noticing all things different and respecting it. By the end of the day, I bet you will love yourself more than when you started. Love Love
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