It started with a confession of isolation, an announcement of pending surgery for my mother and the curiosity to understand how communities thrive.
I recalled an article I read on US Today indexing the health of cities across the nation. I wondered if I would be able to feel the difference between cities that are known for being emotional healthy and those that are not. Only one way to find out; go visit them. I was planning on going to Michigan to be there for my mother after her surgery to make sure it still feels like a holiday for her. Instead of flying, couldn’t I just take my time driving? Yes, I think I can do that.
On December 18th, I set out from Venice, CA to reach my first destination, Boulder, CO which made the #1 spot for happy/healthy city on US Today list. I also plan on stopping in Cedar Rapids, IA and Holland/Grand Haven, MI, these cities also received high marks on the list. My final destination will be Fenton, Michigan.
Unless you count my two dogs, I am taking this journey alone. I want to find out how people in these communities will embrace me. I will be a lonely outsider, considering moving to their towns. I will be inquisitive stranger wanting to learn about community engagement. I will ask many questions. I will listen even more.
When I am not driving, I will be archiving my travels here. If you would like to follow along, use the “New Post Notification” feature on homepage to be alerted to new posts. You will find it above the twitter feed in the middle of the page. Please comment with suggestions and encouragement. I am a “planner” yet I feel the need to wing this a bit. 
If you would like to meet my traveling companions, watch the videos below. Happy Holidays!
To see all posts related to this journey in chronological order, click here.
