You live in same state as I do. Of course Oregon anymore is definitely in a state of confusion. Good writing. I drive truck and I feel this way sometimes. Thanks for thoughts onto pen.
It’s always amazing where our mind goes when it’s held captive. I like long drives. I get to air it all out. Every thought that enters my head gets to spread its wings and fly! My memories get to breathe without distraction. My fantasies get some time to try and convince me they’re true. I did the same in my own mundane drive to and from work for over thirty years. I still drive around every day a bit in retirement. Presence can be on the move and still be there. It’s all good, Holly. Nice work.
I had a freeway commute in CA for nearly 15 years. I traded it for one in OR very like the photo above, with a river beside it. What a beautiful place. I prayed I'd never take it for granted in any season, seeing where I came from. I hope you can make choices that feed your spirit and move you forward. There are other jobs in other places, Jus' sayin'. Love, Virg
That is a killer. I’m with you. I distract my 2-3 hrs RT with podcasts and phone calls. It helps, but when I’m exhausted at the end of my drive. I’m 30 miles from work.
I so get the rolling cog. I felt that so much before retiring.
Find some good music to listen to. Whether the radio (good luck), Sattelite or Bluetooth. It might help clear your mind a bit, maybe even take you back to one of the good times.
You are living through what so many of us do. The chaos of daily life. The traffic is a good metaphor. Some days are worse than others. But some are better too. The problem is, blink and it’s gone.
Howdy, Holly. I hope you get outside today. I miss my commute to the base. Most of it was through farm land. It was always an adventure. Sun rises, sun sets, fog, ice, snow, eagles, silver foxes, flocks of black birds lined up in a tree like shavings on a magnet. Dramatic storms, lightning, sparking electric lines. "Things" I cant explain suspended in mid air. Before, that it was a 66min ride to and from Jersey City. yuk! I couldn't believe what I observed on the NJ Turnpike. Maybe I should write about that?
I am inspired by so many people, especially you. I have a mentor now who will help me use AI in my efforts to publish essays as beautiful as yours. I am a professor who's read essays, research articles, etc. I refuse to allow a bot to write content for me, but as I always communicated to my students, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions."
Fantastic piece, as always, Holly. Such beauty in these thoughts .I relate to the feeling of restlessness when not in motion and can almost feel it physically while reading along.
This post really highlights the way we have lost something very important in our American way of life. Suburban living—the dream of every working class couple when I was a child—has lost a lot of its appeal for many of us. I remember when you needed eyeglasses or shoes, or just wanted somewhere to spend your allowance, it was a short walk from your house. Now the country is crisscrossed by roads with high speed limits and, oddly, cars are crawling along at a snail’s pace. It’s just crazy. I used to take buses to work and school and people did most of their shopping and spending close to home. I’m reading a novel right now that’s set in a small town in the foothills of the Swiss Alps and the sense of community and age-old, well-loved and -preserved industry and craftsmanship is there on nearly every page. The things that have happened in my lifetime are striking and sad beyond words. I remember you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you will find the happiness, peace and love that you long for. ❤️!
Boy did I feel this one, Holly. Spent 20 years commuting 80 miles three days a week through some ungodly traffic. This perfectly captures the captured mind in it, longing for escape.
You live in same state as I do. Of course Oregon anymore is definitely in a state of confusion. Good writing. I drive truck and I feel this way sometimes. Thanks for thoughts onto pen.
I live in Pennsylvania. My brother lives in Oregon.
Oh ok. lol
I've come to instantly like the pieces you post and THEN read them. Says a lot doesn't it?
Well that is so very sweet and I do think says a lot :)
After a job change resulted in a dramatically different commute for me, my blood pressure readings dropped 10 points, in both systolic and diastolic.
Traffic is and was where I did some of my best, and worst, thinking.
That is it isn't it? Best and worst thinking!!!
Thanks for reading, Sam.
It’s always amazing where our mind goes when it’s held captive. I like long drives. I get to air it all out. Every thought that enters my head gets to spread its wings and fly! My memories get to breathe without distraction. My fantasies get some time to try and convince me they’re true. I did the same in my own mundane drive to and from work for over thirty years. I still drive around every day a bit in retirement. Presence can be on the move and still be there. It’s all good, Holly. Nice work.
Wow, always love the way you word things, Christopher :)
I don't mind driving...just hate it when I can't move. Would be a better commute is somehow I felt like I was getting anywhere.
I had a freeway commute in CA for nearly 15 years. I traded it for one in OR very like the photo above, with a river beside it. What a beautiful place. I prayed I'd never take it for granted in any season, seeing where I came from. I hope you can make choices that feed your spirit and move you forward. There are other jobs in other places, Jus' sayin'. Love, Virg
I won't be doing this one for too much longer. I will be transitioning to writing and living life full time soon. Fingers crossed at least. 😜
Thanks for always reading, Virg.
Really loved this piece. As I spend a lot of time in traffic too, a lot of what you wrote resonates.
Thank you so much. My car feels like a little torture chamber sometimes.
How long is your commute?
45-1 hour. Only about 7 miles though which is killer.
That is a killer. I’m with you. I distract my 2-3 hrs RT with podcasts and phone calls. It helps, but when I’m exhausted at the end of my drive. I’m 30 miles from work.
I so get the rolling cog. I felt that so much before retiring.
Find some good music to listen to. Whether the radio (good luck), Sattelite or Bluetooth. It might help clear your mind a bit, maybe even take you back to one of the good times.
You are living through what so many of us do. The chaos of daily life. The traffic is a good metaphor. Some days are worse than others. But some are better too. The problem is, blink and it’s gone.
YESSSS. Blink and it is gone. I feel like I am very well aware of it.
Thanks for always reading Ken. You really make me smile.
😊😊😊
The trick is to see outside the American illusion. Work and capitalism aren't what we're supposed to be doing.
I’m getting there Frank. I work 3 days now and thinking of reducing to 2. Have just a few years left.
Howdy, Holly. I hope you get outside today. I miss my commute to the base. Most of it was through farm land. It was always an adventure. Sun rises, sun sets, fog, ice, snow, eagles, silver foxes, flocks of black birds lined up in a tree like shavings on a magnet. Dramatic storms, lightning, sparking electric lines. "Things" I cant explain suspended in mid air. Before, that it was a 66min ride to and from Jersey City. yuk! I couldn't believe what I observed on the NJ Turnpike. Maybe I should write about that?
I am inspired by so many people, especially you. I have a mentor now who will help me use AI in my efforts to publish essays as beautiful as yours. I am a professor who's read essays, research articles, etc. I refuse to allow a bot to write content for me, but as I always communicated to my students, "Feedback is the breakfast of champions."
Yes. I like driving when I'm moving. Want to see nature...not other cars.
Thank you so much for saying I'm an inspiration Kevin. Would never have thought myself as that. Feels like a boost today.
I've been writing about all the little things I talk about. I realized I basically lament about traffic everyday!
Fantastic piece, as always, Holly. Such beauty in these thoughts .I relate to the feeling of restlessness when not in motion and can almost feel it physically while reading along.
Restlessness is absolutely it. Thanks for saying you could feel it. I wanted the piece to feel a little stop and go. Sort of jerky.
thanks very much for reading, Melanie :)
Excellent essay. Traffic always makes me feel trapped. That is probably the look on my face!
Yes. Trapped. Restless. Out of control.
Thanks so much for always seeing me Jennifer.
What a beautiful reflection, Holly. I really enjoyed it! 🙏💚
Thanks so much for reading Don. High praise coming from you :)
This post really highlights the way we have lost something very important in our American way of life. Suburban living—the dream of every working class couple when I was a child—has lost a lot of its appeal for many of us. I remember when you needed eyeglasses or shoes, or just wanted somewhere to spend your allowance, it was a short walk from your house. Now the country is crisscrossed by roads with high speed limits and, oddly, cars are crawling along at a snail’s pace. It’s just crazy. I used to take buses to work and school and people did most of their shopping and spending close to home. I’m reading a novel right now that’s set in a small town in the foothills of the Swiss Alps and the sense of community and age-old, well-loved and -preserved industry and craftsmanship is there on nearly every page. The things that have happened in my lifetime are striking and sad beyond words. I remember you in my thoughts and prayers and I hope you will find the happiness, peace and love that you long for. ❤️!
Boy did I feel this one, Holly. Spent 20 years commuting 80 miles three days a week through some ungodly traffic. This perfectly captures the captured mind in it, longing for escape.