The Low Tech Traveler
But I Digress, July 2026
I need to start by telling you that if I’d had my phone with me, this story would not exist.
I’m one of those impatient people who needs a pacifier if I have to wait in line for more than thirty seconds. I’m usually scrolling in the grocery store, but in this case, I was without my phone, having left it in the car for what was supposed to be a quick stop at a travel plaza Subway, in Black River Falls, Wisconsin.
The line didn’t seem terribly long at the time: two youngish women, wearing what appeared to be pajamas, and behind them, a short, stocky fifty-something woman, wearing something lacy with spaghetti straps, layered over a bright red tank top, cut-off jean shorts, and flip flops. Plenty of skin showing gorgeous, full color butterfly-themed tattoos.
This should have made for a relatively short wait. But looks can be deceiving…
As I watched the solo sandwich maker working on about six sandwiches, while also loading trays of dough into the ovens and replenishing those containers of toppings, I found myself chatting with the colorful woman in front of me.
“Is there no one else working?” I whispered, trying to portray a sympathetic tone.
“Doesn’t look that way,” responded the woman. “And apparently, those two (nodding at the pajama-clad women) are ordering for a bridal shower.”
“Oh boy…” was all I could say. Of all the times to be without my pacifier.
But there was no need! A young woman with purple hair and large horn-rimmed glasses came up to us, clutching one of those large Rand McNally Road Atlases. And with that, we were off to the races.
“Oh my gosh, you’re going old school!” I exclaimed in delight.
They both grinned at me.
“We’ve always had an atlas in the car, but when we started this trip, we realized that the one we had is from 2017. I guess it’s the last time we took a real road trip," replied the older woman.
The conversation took off from there. I learned that their trip originated in Williston, North Dakota and their destination was New York City. The butterfly-tattooed mom had three older children and the young woman holding the atlas was her youngest. Her boyfriend was on his motorcycle and he just kept going when they pulled off for a quick break. She’d considered riding as well, but thought the trip might be a bit too arduous, plus they needed the car to transport all their stuff.
I asked what they were planning to see in the Big Apple, and they mentioned the Statue of Liberty and Ground Zero as being at the top of their list.
It is said that we are constantly judging those around us; most frequently by their appearances. If I’d had my phone, I would have marveled at the butterfly-tattooed woman and gone back to my scrolling. Instead, the time passed quickly while we engaged in that thing called HUMAN CONNECTION, while chatting about the many joys and challenges of road trips.
When it was finally my turn, I expressed my sympathies to the harried sandwich maker. She was taking it all in stride and I couldn’t help but be impressed at her ability to muster through this current rush. I glanced behind me to see a line stretching out towards the door.
“Hang in there,” I said after paying and handing her a five dollar bill as a tip.
As I walked to my car, I wondered if she had health insurance, if she had a family, if she had dreams of a future. And I hoped that those behind me in line would be kind to her.
Garden Update:
As you may recall, last month was looking pretty grim. I’m pleased to report that two cucumber plants are THRIVING!
On the flip side, I suspect my Minnesota Midget cantaloupes are not what the seed package depicted. There’s a possibility I may be growing pumpkins…stay tuned.
Until next month!
~ Debbie
THIS WRITER’S LIFE:
Book #2 is out of my head, onto the page, and now on its way to a professional editor for a manuscript critique. Life kept throwing up speedbumps and I was beginning to despair that I might never get to the point where I’d type THE END. But, here we are! The editor will have it back to me by Labor Day and I’m looking forward to revising and polishing it up for my agent.
Just last weekend, I was able to participate in what I believe is the biggest book fair in Minnesota. Talking to people for eight hours straight nearly killed me, but new readers found me and for that I’m eternally grateful!
JULY BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS
FICTION: The Mad Wife by Meagan Church
I powered through this one in a couple of days, despite almost succumbing to the internal chaos of the protagonist. It wasn’t that long ago that women had so little control over their lives, and it’s something I’m constantly reminding myself not to take for granted, especially in these challenging times.
NONFICTION: America, U.S.A. How Race Shadows the Nation's Anniversaries by Eddie Glaude Jr.
Like some of you, I struggled with my own feelings about our country’s 250th birthday. There’s so much work still to be done if we want to fulfill the dream our founding fathers expressed for us. “In order to form a more perfect union” is in the preamble to our Constitution, and I fear many of the principles contained in that mighty document are being trampled on. We need to do better.
