A brief video clip hint at the subject of my upcoming letter.* It’s a fun one, and it’s been germinating for the last six months.
That first morning of our coddiwomple, we stumbled upon a fascinating revelation at Concord's Old North Bridge, the site of the "shot heard round the world." It was an unexpected twist that added a layer of intrigue to our journey.
We were in Concord, Massachusetts, not to visit this historic location but to commune with the spirits of Thoreau, Emerson, Alcott, and Hawthorne. But a spontaneous stop at the Old North Bridge would set the stage for an additional spirited quest and my very own treasure hunt culminating 10,000 driving miles away.
I'll tell the story and share one of the many fascinating (at least to me) lessons learned along the road.
My favorite aspect of our library road trip, tied as it was to many of our country's greatest authors and poets, was how one author, writing in one corner of the country or in an entirely different century, could connect with others.
Our first few days on the road were laced with the impactful words of Rachael Carson, Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, and Mary Oliver. Over 18,000 miles, we would cross paths with these four creatives time and again. Two of these luminaries would help carry us home during our last two weeks of traveling.
A reminder that our High Summer Sale runs for the next 48 hours. All new subscribers and gift subscriptions (annual plan) are 20% off. Everyone buying a discounted subscription or gift subscription during the sale helps raise money for animal rescues. You'll also be entered into a drawing for this framed and matted photo of Samwise and Emily at Badlands National Park.
By the way, it was Emerson who wrote the term "shot heard round the world," which was used to celebrate the battle's 100th anniversary.
*The letter will be sent to paying subscribers exclusively.
Onward, by all means.
Tom (Samwise & Emily)
