Four Places at Once

 Hey Neighbor!

Welcome back to THE NEIGHBORHOOD!   This week’s story is about a childhood dream that started in my third grade classroom and took me across the country to the middle of the desert.  

I open my social studies book and Mrs. Block starts a lesson on United States geography.  I am riveted.  I grow up in the suburbs of Philadelphia, and up until that point, I have traveled to New York City and the Jersey shore.  Mrs. Block, my beloved third grade teacher, opens my eyes to different places all over the country.  One in particular really stands out.  

I can still see the picture. 

It’s set in the margins of the textbook. 

A boy, in 1970’s bell bottom jeans, laying in the Four Corners so that each limb was in a different state.  The Four Corners is the landmark where four states, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and Utah, meet in a perfect square. 

I want to go there and do the exact same thing!!  This boy is in four places at once!  That’s something only God or superheroes can do!  I immediately vow to go there.  I will one day recreate this picture. 

Goal set. 

Of course, it is a dream my little heart holds onto for a long time.  As I get older, I realize it’s something that I need to get to on my own.  But you know what?  That will make it that much more meaningful.  

 I eventually grow up, graduate college and start a life as an actor in New York City, and travel all over the country to perform.  It’s the winter of 2011 and I have the opportunity to play Rachel Lynde in a children’s theatre touring production of Anne of Green Gables. 

The bonus is that we get to travel all over the country and even go out West to California!  When we are in Oklahoma, my cast mate tells me that when we are in New Mexico the next week, we won’t be too far from the Four Corners, the construction on the monument is finished, and we have a day off.

Oh.  My.  Gosh.  

On that gorgeous February day, the five of us hop into our company van and make the hour long drive to the monument.  We drive through a deserted area for miles to get there.  I step out of the car and my heart is racing. 

I did it!  I’m at the Four Corners. 

I walk up to the center point slowly. 

I don’t want the moment to go too fast. 

I stand in the center, croutch down and immediately lay on my back with each limb in a different state.  I can’t even possibly describe the joy I feel right then and there.  Total euphoria, perhaps.  Up until that point, whenever I would tell someone about my little third grade dream, they wouldn’t get it.  

The pictures from that day are some of my favorites from my children’s theatre touring days.  Whenever I see Mrs. Block when I go back home, I’m immediately reminded of that joyful day, when a little girl got to live out a special dream. 

Thanks for the lesson, Mrs. Block.  

Now it’s your turn, my dear neighbor.  What is one of your favorite travel stories?  Have you ever decided to take a new adventure?   

I can’t wait to hear your stories.  

I’ve Got You In My Pocket, 

Jackie 

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