A little excited to sleep
Posted on Jun 8th, 2009 at 8:36 pm by Emily
It is the eve of our departure and I really should just cash it in and go to sleep. After finally arriving to NYC the whole trip has taken on new meaning - reality has set in and it is hitting me that this is really going to happen! After all this time, all these people and plans…I am incredibly grateful and humbled by this opportunity.
Today was a great day. I couldn’t have dreamed a better way to spend the day prior to the big drive! Christie (my co-pilot extrodinnaire) arrived and we hoofed it on down to the Brooklyn Automotive High School. A group of young women from the school were being interviewed by the film crew. Unbeknowst to the ladies, they were asked to put their coveralls on and get ready to work on a “special” car. On cue - the garage door to the shop opened and Christie and I drove the Maxwell in.
The look on the girls faces was priceless. What I wouldn’t do to capture that moment - they were totally thrilled! The best part was after they shouted in awe about the car itself someone yelled out “And it is a girl driving!” to which everyone started cheering. I was beaming from head to toe. The girls were so intrigued and curious. I was so impressed with them and their amount of enthusiam - not just for the car but for life in general. I talked to them about why they were taking mechanics in high school and what their dreams of the future are.
If you ladies are reading - please know that YOU have inspired me! I am nervous and excited about the journey we are about to embark on but you have given me more spirit and determination to power on. As one of you so confidently remarked “Really it is all about deciding you want to do something and then putting your mind to it. When I do that I know I can do anything!”
Thank you girls - I will remember you along the road during the next month and probably pull from your energy reserve once in awhile. Seeing your faces and hearing your comments was the best way to start this crazy journey.
YOU RISE ME UP
You go, girl! I’m riding with you in spirit!
Terry Huston on June 8th, 2009 at 8:58 pm #
Well Emily sounds like you had a great day before take off. We hope all goes well in the morning and you have a GREAT no FANTASTICK first day on the road with your crew Keep the blog going looks like you are getting some good feedback
Be Safe
Dennis & Kathy McGuire
Algona Iowa
Dennis McGuire on June 8th, 2009 at 9:03 pm #
Best of luck today and all days ahead! Remember a little rain never stopped any new yorker from getting where she needed to go on a day like today. … God speed from one car enthusiast to another. Nancy
nancy brogden (and the gal500) on June 9th, 2009 at 5:30 am #
We are rooting for your success. You have already done the hard part. Planning to see you on the 11th in Lima, NY
Daniel and Donna Brigham on June 9th, 2009 at 11:05 am #
This makes me realize how this trip is about everyone you will meet along the way. Stay strong!
Cecily on June 9th, 2009 at 12:43 pm #
Emily,
I have been following your story and think it is absolutly wonderful! As a car gal and recent graduate of a four-year automotive restoration college where there were very few women, I yearn to be on that trip with you to honor Alice and all women who have made a mark in history and have made it possible for you and I to do the things we can today.
My thoughts and best wishes are with you and I look forward to keeping up with your journey through your blog! Good luck!
Tabetha S on June 9th, 2009 at 1:01 pm #
Your Swedish family wish you all the best on your trip across the States. Our thoughts will be with you all along the road!
Anders & Kinna Franzén on June 9th, 2009 at 1:53 pm #
Emily, You have an 87 year old kid rooting you on. Of course when Alice
made her trip the roads were dirt, mud and sometimes just a 2 track trail.
I will be watching for you when you are in west central Nebraska. Have
a safe and wonderful trip.
Clint on June 9th, 2009 at 2:19 pm #
AM so excited to watch from afar! So glad you made it out!
Dying for pictures!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hugs,
Biella
Biella Coleman on June 9th, 2009 at 4:51 pm #
Emily, wishing you the best on your road adventure. I drove my 1930 Chrysler roadster on the 1908-2008 Longest Auto Race Centennial from Times Square in NYC to the Ferry Building in SF last fall. As, you know, the original 1908 NYC to Paris was won by George Schuster driving a 1908 Thomas Flyer. We followed the original race route as close as possible and saw some beautiful country and met a lot of great people. Your route appears to be very close to the same one we took.
It was a great adventure as I’m sure yours will be. I hated to see it end!
John Quam on June 9th, 2009 at 5:02 pm #
Emily - Way to Go! - a shout out from West Seattle! Jacquie’s doing PR for you here with all her friends. Will be checking your blog, and can’t wait to hear more about it when you get back. Duck the bugs. Peace, Natalie
Natalie Tews on June 9th, 2009 at 5:49 pm #
I’m with Terry…riding along in spirit! I’m wishing more and more that I could have made it work out! Christie will be an awesome travel companion! Sounds like your first day had a few bumps in the road :) but hopefully all will be ready for you in the morning and you’ll be on your way once again! Such an exciting adventure! Keep in touch! Sending lots of love and hugs from the Sather clan!
Martha Sather on June 9th, 2009 at 6:41 pm #
What an incredible journey you are on! I wish each of you safe travels and a sense of wonder as you reinact Alice Ramsey’s trip 100 years ago. What a tribute to such brave women and what courage each of you have. Love you, Sally Barnett!!
Jenny Gauld on June 10th, 2009 at 10:21 am #