At lunch when I wrote the first part of this post a green ball distracted me. My original intent was to provide something a bit more uplifting and inspirational than an essay on the perils and rewards of pursuing a career as an author. So, before another distraction leads me astray …
The acknowledgement section of the Route 66 encyclopedia will be a lengthy one and that is if I went to the publisher with it today. A complete list of who helped transform this dream into a book will be posted at completion of the project but in the past few weeks the list has grown to include Rich Henry, a help on many fronts with this and other projects, Becky of Becky’s Barn, and the fine folks at the Illinois Route 66 Association.
As noted previously, my concern is not in meeting the deadline for this project but in what might be overlooked or missed for inclusion. An excellent example would be the recent discovery of Murray’s Dude Ranch, “The World’s Only Negro Dude Ranch” in Apple Valley, California.
So, if you have a suggestion for inclusion, be it a person, place or thing, please share. My name may grace the cover of this book as the author and photographer but that is only because the cover will not be large enough to include the name of everyone who made it possible.
This is our project. I am merely compiling the information. So, feel free to jump in and help write another chapter in Route 66 history.
The next item on the list is in regards to photographs. The heading photo, will be the first in the Ghosts of Route 66 series. The second will not be quite as dark or gloomy, a sepia toned image of the Painted Desert Trading Post as seen from the old Dead River Bridge.
“Croc” Lile, an excellent artist himself, has been graciously tutoring me on the world of art galleries and related matters, patiently endured my questions, and has even served as the distributor for my work including the limited edition prints. Once I finalize a print schedule, and make sure I haven’t wore my patience out with Croc, I will post details here.
http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0760338434&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifrIn the mean time click on the link above for more information about the Lile Fine Art Gallery. The entire Sunset Gallery complex is a wonderland and through Bob “Croc” Lile’s tireless efforts it will be a beehive of activity during the Route 66 festivities in June.
With that segaway let me ask who is attending the big shindig in Amarillo? If you need more information about the event, host hotel, or are just curious follow this link.
Short of something cataclysmic happening, my dearest friend and I will be attending to kick off the premier of the newest book to flow from the word processor of Jim Hinckley, Ghost Towns of Route 66, to meet old friends, and to put faces with names from correspondence. As I understand it Joe Sonderman, the man who has been transforming a cavalcade of images from the glory days of Route 66 into a series of time capsules for Arcadia Publishing will also be in attendance.
If you are not familiar with Joe, his collection, or his work, you owe it to yourself to pick up a copy of one of his books even if you do not belong to the Route 66 fan club. My bet is that if you buy one the others in the series will soon follow.
My favorite is Route 66 in Arizona. Of course I am a bit prejudiced in regards to this state and really enjoyed the images from Kingman, my adopted hometown. http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=0738579424&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr
I spoke with Kathy Alexander recently and she is also planning on attending. Her amazing Legends of America website was the primary catalyst for the new book, Greetings from Route 66http://rcm.amazon.com/e/cm?t=1968adventurer&o=1&p=8&l=bpl&asins=076033885X&fc1=000000&IS2=1&lt1=_blank&m=amazon&lc1=0000FF&bc1=000000&bg1=FFFFFF&f=ifr.
It is my guess that this will be one for the history books. I hope to see you there.
This isn’t my oney reason for eagerly anticipating the end of winter. There is a new season of Chillin’ on Beale Street on the horizon. Dave Gurney, a friend from Australia, will be returning to Kingman in a bout a month.
The Route 66 Fun Run is always a first celebration of the American love affair with the automobile, the road trip, and legendary Route 66. For me there will be several bonuses this year.
Bob Stevens, former editor for Cars & Parts, will driving out from Ohio in his 1960 Corvette. Dale Butel, Route 66 Tours of Australia, will also be participating with one of his groups.
Another friend, Dries Bessel, and his charming wife, from Amsterdam will be motoring west this summer. A visit with these fine folks is always a treat.
Then there is the fall tour. At some point around the first of October, my dearest friend and I will drive the entire length of Route 66 from Chicago to Kingman to get the photos for the encyclopedia. Fall colors are the goal.
I have been invited back to AM Arizona in Prescott. Details are in the works and when they are finalized I will post dates.
So, what are your plans for 2011?

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