Route 66

   A series of highway cut across the country, opening up territory to those who would explore the many beautiful miles of territory. It cut through small towns, and in many places created an economy based on the traffic of the road. I think that that must have been an exciting time, as these small towns flourished and grew. The first time that they would have seen the immense spaces of the western dessert, the rolling flats of the plains states, or the rows of plants in the fields must have been so exciting.

   It has been several years since I found myself on a highway headed west, but I remember being captivated by the scenes outside my window. Sharp bluffs and sudden ravines held herds of cows. Windmills would be around the water troughs, bringing up fresh water for the animals gathered around. Wildflowers grew up in patches in slowly rolling hills, and people could be seen gathering the blooms in a few locations. Fields lined with purple wildflowers went on for miles and smelled so sweet. Trains carrying supplies across the country interlace with depots to add more textiles, corn, and other materials.
   In our own little town, it is easy to forget about the other places, to forget about the miles and miles of beauty that surround us. Every once in a while it’s worthwhile to just get out of town and spend time enjoying the sights.

Route 66

Nat King Cole leans back and sings… “Well if you ever plan to motor west, Just take my way, that’s the highway that’s the best.  Get your kicks on Route sixty-six.”  Is your foot tapping yet?  After a resurgence by the very fun movie Cars, I have heard more about that route and definitely heard the song more often.  I would love to take a trip on Route 66 some day, pass through the towns which once were the highlights of cross country travelers.

Of course, and sadly enough, many of those small towns have suffered from the highway which was replaced by the four lane freeways. 

The new freeways passing up the towns caused an economic ripple, wiping out some communities.  Have you ever felt like that?  Bypassed by something new, something different, the latest trend or fad?  Maybe it is as friends move on with their lives.  Perhaps a new opportunity has led you to a new area, new responsibilities.  A demanding schedule perhaps, or a project which requires lots of time and concentration.  Other things can be left behind. 

These new changes can be very good things, and what we leave behind might not necessarily be a bad thing.  However, at the start of a new year it is kind of fun to take a trip down a route of memory; recognizing what you have come through, moved past, or started on. 

When I think over the last year, I am reminded of new friends, good-byes, healing, growth, walks by the river, laughter watching the dogs, wonder at the snow, times with family.  Take a trip along memory lane, your own personal Route 66.  But, don’t forget that you don’t live there anymore.  Times have changed, this cannot just be ignored.  Happy journeys and get your kicks on Route sixy-six.