I love libraries. I’m in a new one right now - new to me. It’s small, there are babies crying in the children’s section, local folks catching up on the news at the bank of computers. Downstairs houses a “Visitor’s Center” and it’s more like being in someone’s home than in a library. Phones ringing, the murmur of voices, laughter and a definite sense of community here.
I marvel at the fact that without the need for Wi-Fi I’d never have discovered all the libraries I have. There’d be no …

When I was in college “research” meant hitting the stacks at the library and poring through books for hours and hours. Later, as a journalist, research meant calling “experts” and talking to a lot of people. But for this book I’m writing and for this blog, “research” means living and doing and experiencing a lot of what I’m writing about. That’s partly why I’m in the van again - what I remembered and what is real, are different.
I stayed with an old friend a week or so ago and …

News of an impending hurricane in North Myrtle Beach takes Faith and Todd by surprise, and they hesitate for a moment as they talk about whether or not to head south out of Shallotte and risk the storm. The couple is on their way to Texas via a southern route, to spread the gospel and to find a place to camp for awhile. For now, Wal-Mart parking lots are home to their Shasta travel trailer and their seven Chihuahuas. August nights in North and South Carolina are hot, muggy, humid. …

Heat kills even the hardiest appetite. Yet, there’s nothing to take the edge off the heat like a cold chunk of watermelon. So last night I pulled up under a tree and cut into this beauty. Dinner. Sugary sweet, ice cold from my cooler, and dripping with summer.
Part of “van dwelling” and living life on the road, in a van, shooting from the hip all day - are moments when you stop and truly savor the simplicity of it all. I had some great sushi and salmon the other …

That large white object is not the moon, although it could be. It’s a balloon - symbolizing letting go….it’s a beautiful post that is worth the read! So why this photo? Who is Seth Raphael?
Seth Raphael, “Magic Seth” to his blog readers, is now a married man! Congratulations! I met Seth at TED Global 2009 when we were both interviewed for a short video for the National Library Association. He also heard my talk about homelessness. In his blog post, “Letting Go,” and writes, in part:
“Before our grand event in …