11-12 September 2010, En Route to Shannon, Ireland
Letters of Transit

Know ye all by these presents that the bearer(s) of this document, Lou Ann, being held in the highest esteem throughout the realm, is hereby authorized to undertake this most auspicious and valued journey and quest, and is to be granted safe passage through all lands, and cross all borders, and is to be granted such assistance as may be required.

And that all who assist her/they shall be most kindly regarded by the issuer of this document, and shall also find reward through such encounter. We thank you.

Executed this date, by the crossroads of the kingdom, by She Who Is Sought, She Who May Be Found, and All the Ones Within.

Armed with my Letters of Transit, I begin my journey to Ireland. I set my intention based on a quote from Phil Cousineau in The Art of Pilgrimage: “Uncover what you long for, and you’ll discover who you are.”

– with love for the journey.

Journal page by Lou Ann Granger, September 2010

Leaving for Ireland in two days, and in that delicious final departure phase, where my world is narrowing and focusing on just the essentials to bring. Nervousness and excitement, too. Of course, picking the ‘right’ Visual Journal to bring, and art supplies is the most stressful yet the best part of this process.

I’m going on tour with Phil Cousineau, author of a favorite book of mine, The Art of Pilgrimage, about making travel meaningful. One of my favorite quotes from the book: “Uncover what you long for and you’ll discover who you are.”. Lots to uncover; anxious and excited. The Grand Adventure awaits!

- with love for the journey.

Photo by Lou Ann Granger on flight to Santa Barbara July 2010, using iPhone, and with unexpected interference effects from rotating propellers.

Uncover what you long for, and you will discover who you are.
- Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgimage

I don’t know where the wanderlust comes from, just that it has always been part of me.  I believe it comes from the ancestors, who traveled great distances searching for ‘home’.  I search for my own place in the universe, knowing that the answers are not found in any specific place or sacred site.  Just that there is a need to observe many places in the world from many vantage points, and only then to have a slight glimmer of understanding.  And so I venture forth on yet another journey.

I know beforehand, that it still won’t be enough.  But, I am not satisfied where I am and I am restless.

– with love for the journey

Visual journal page by Lou Ann Granger