The end is near. There are only two months to go before the year 2014 becomes an historic footnote. As I have a pressing deadline, and a very full schedule for November, there is a sense of anxiety intermingled with reflection and eager anticipation of the year to come in our casa.
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| Anna Grechishkina courtesy of Anna Grechishkina |
Meanwhile, between now and then, there is a great deal to be done. There is also time for at least another adventure or two.
A book signing at Auto Books-Aero Books (2900 W. Magnolia Blvd. in Burbank) is always a lively and interesting affair that is full of surprises. Still, my appearance scheduled for November 15, from 10:00 to 2:00, as part of the stores celebration of the classic American road trip is already shaping up to be something truly spectacular.
In addition to a showing of Autumn of Route 66 by Ester Brym, I have received notice that the intrepid Anna Grechishkina, a young lady from Ukraine on a trek to travel the globe by motorcycle will be stopping by. I first met Anna at the Route 66 International Festival in Kingman and we found her story to be most fascinating.
Our eager anticipation for this urban adventure climbed noticeably yesterday afternoon when the primary schedule, travel, and lodging arrangements were finalized.
The following week is the previously mentioned trip to Albuquerque for a meeting of the World Monuments Fund steering committee. As of yesterday, plans were initiated to include a book signing and presentation at Bookworks on Friday evening. Details will be provided as they become available.
Meanwhile, between now and the end of the year there are an array of projects to finish. There are also some tantalizing endeavors looming on the horizon for 2015 to be addressed.
Recently I was honored by a request received from David Dickinson, creator of the Old Car Nut series, to write a piece for his forthcoming book on road trips. That is but one project this stormy weekend.
The rough draft for the new book is complete but I am woefully behind schedule in the search for suitable illustrative material. That tops the list of priorities and so another task for today is to compile a list of possible sources for follow up next week.
Even though it will warm up to the mid 70s next week, morning temperatures will hover just above the freezing mark for a few days. So, I suppose, preparing the furnace might also be a task to perform this weekend.
With repairs on the Jeep completed, I can now turn attention to the interior. After the recent adventure to Missouri, it looks well lived in and has a faint odor that hints of a hamster cage. That is another project to add to the list.
To close out this mornings post, I am conducting an informal survey. Who would be interested in an exclusive tour of Route 66 in 2015, with a few special detours, led by yours truly, me? That is a question being tossed about in an arrangement with Open Road Productions.
Prices and details are less than scant at this time. However, I can tell you it would be a most unique adventure but to ensure we can take advantage of some unique aspects of Route 66, size of the group would be limited.
That would be special – to have a person who truly knows the area as a guide is just the ticket.
I would be interested in this tour of 66. Add me & my wife.