May 20, 2001 (Sunday)
As a very dear friend of mine so often said (as he leaped into the air clicking his heels together), "I LOVE MY LIFE!" What more can I say, other than to thank my Heavenly Father for the gift of yet another day.
Right now I'm in a little town called Needles, California. I left Los Angeles late Thursday night (after nearly two months of fighting LA traffic and smog) hoping to make my escape during the lightest traffic hours. I really don't like maneuvering my RV in six lanes of bumper to bumper traffic, especially when they're all doing 70 miles an hour. I don't think Lucky can even go that fast! But all went well, and after spending the next two nights in rest areas, I decided to treat myself to a night in an RV Park. What a great idea that was....and that is where I am today (Sunday).
After doing my laundry (even washed my curtains), and watching an NBA playoff game, (go Trailblazers!!!), I headed for the pool and Jacuzzi, where I read, rested and reflected on how very fortunate I am. Thanks to my friend Tommy, I was able to earn enough money during the last couple of months to buy new tires, get a tune up and even buy a keyboard. (I really miss my piano!) As if that wasn't enough, he also gave me the use of a cell phone (I pay the monthly bill) so I don't have to worry about breaking down or getting lost while I'm on the road and having no way to summon help (AAA). I now have money for gas and food, and even enough to cover any unexpected breakdowns. Wow! I guess the Lord really answered my Christmas prayer...in spades.
Now that I am on the road again, what a treat it is to actually have money in my pocket! It sure makes my journey much more pleasant (as well as less risky). And another thing, I now have a potential way to take the next step in getting my message to more people. I met a wonderful lady from Branson, Missouri who is a member of the Branson Arts Council. She has invited me to her home in Branson to discuss performing in next years Arts Festival and to meet some people who might prove to be helpful. Isn't that great...so that's where I am going now. She's not expecting me until the third week of June, so I'll SLOWLY make my way across the country...and cross my fingers that Lucky makes it. (By the way, I would never have met Mary if I had gone to Texas rather than returning to Blythe when I left the desert! Will wonders never cease!)
The reason I have new tires, a tune up and money to get to Branson is that I have spent the last couple of months working some shows with my friend Tommy (he is a vendor and sets up booths at Air Shows and music festivals). Between shows, I visited my mother in Sacramento, spent some time "camping" in some beautiful wilderness areas and generally...just enjoyed the heck out of life. I'm in great shape (muscle and health wise) because working with Tommy involves MUCH lifting and 12 hour work days. It's been a journey into another lifestyle...the world of vendors. I guess you'll just have to read the book I'm writing because the stories are much too long to tell in journal entries. I still make cassette tapes as I travel so when I do write the book I won't have to worry about forgetting important details...but once again, I wonder how it will all fit into one book.
Because Tommy works mostly Air Shows and Music Festivals, I've had the pleasure of seeing the Blue Angels and the Thunderbirds perform. Wow! They are awesome! What a way to make money...AND have a great time. Now do you see why I am so very thankful? Ask and ye shall receive, (and receive I have). But now it is time for me to concentrate on giving again. It's funny, but every time I try to GIVE, it comes back ten-fold and I end up GETTING! All I can do is give thanks to my Lord and Master and keep on trying... So, Branson...here I come!
On my "slow" trip to Branson, I plan to spend some time alone at the Grand Canyon working on new material. I also think it's about time I have another fast and prayer retreat. I have only done so twice before in my life (both in the last 5 years)...and both times I was asking for something. This time I need nothing at all. I just want to offer thanks.
So, my friends...I don't know how often I'll have time to write as I make my way to Branson, but in the meantime, make the most of today...as it is truly a GIFT!
Your friend and poet,
Abigayle
PICTURE BELOW: This is how I earned the money I needed for my journey. Tommy sells chairs (in-a-bag). I took this picture at the Newport Jazz Festival in California (May 13, 2001)