On my last year’s pilgrimage to Ft. Myers, Margaritaville, I blogged every day about the adventure. This year I decided to keep the memories to myself.

On my last year’s pilgrimage to Ft. Myers, Margaritaville, I walked everyday listening to concerts I downloaded from Archive.org. This year, I listen to two songs over and over again.

The first song is “Taking the Long Way Around,” by the Dixie Chicks.

My sister was inspired by the album of the same name and of the journey the Dixie Chicks endured after they spoke out in London about their lack of faith of then-President Bush.

It wasn’t so much that my sister agreed with the Dixie Chicks politics so much as she agreed in their right to say it.

And she admired how The Dixie Chicks were able to come back from the public outlash to win critics and fans back over.

And they did it on their terms. “Six strong hands on the steering wheel.” (Dixie Chicks)

traveling salesman

Originally uploaded by whickus

Even though it meant, “Taking the Long Way Around.”

My sister heard the album and thought of her own journey. I hear the album and think of her journey.

And it inspires me as I start to see the destination up ahead of my own journey.

And it gives me an extra kick as I sprint towards the finish line.

And if you can’t hear the blues in this song, you really don’t understand what makes the blues “the blues.”

And that’s probably my fault.

What makes my sister’s journey so inspiring?

Well, it’s her story, but I’ll give you a hint: It’s got something to do with the second song, which I’ll talk about tomorrow.