It’s early in the morning, and I’m in a Walmart parking lot in Lake Charles, Louisiana, waiting for the world to open. The hardest part of my journey will be visiting places where I don’t know people. So far, I’ve been lucky. I’ve had readers, people I met on Twitter, and HARO to help guide my way through the Western and Midwestern states I’ve visited. Now I’m entering somewhat foreign and less internet-friendly territory, especially in the South. I need your help.
- I’m looking for hosts, especially in the South or East. (In every state east of Topeka). My average stay is 1-3 days. I’m an easy guest! I don’t need anything other than a place to plug in and sleep.
- If you have story ideas, or interesting contacts you think I should meet in upcoming states, please let me know.
- I am looking for temporary jobs in places I visit to help defray expenses, and I can do almost anything. Seriously. I don’t care what it is as long as it’s legal and it pays.
- Your donations, when possible. As a thank you, I’ll send everyone who donates between now and February 5 a previously unpublished piece of writing from my vault – because who wouldn’t want pieces rejected by the Missouri Review? Besides, I’m out of t-shirts and key chains.
Your help with any of the above would be appreciated.
The trucker next to me has a pit bull in the passenger seat, but I think it’s stuffed. It hasn’t moved for the last hour. The sun is trying to shine through a foggy day, as workers in blue vests make their way through a side door. I just poured the last of lukewarm coffee out of a thermos and into a paper cup. It’s time for me to make my way into the city and find some friends among the strangers.
Meet Lucy. She's a 2010 
{ 21 comments… read them below or add one }
I always felt that I was one of those people who could talk to anyone. But I don’t know if I could do what you are doing. I hope you make lots of friends down south. Stay safe.
I’ll see what I can do for you. Check your email in a few.
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Thinking of you and hoping you find an abundance of places to stay besides the inside of a vehicle. I dont know how you do it.
Screwed Up Texan´s last blog ..Break from Winter
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I’ve sent a couple of emails in the hopes that someone will offer a roof and a bed for a night or two. I understand your fear. The not-knowing and aloneness would challenge my wherewithal on all levels. But you can do this! Hold fast to the fact that many of us stand in support of this journey and of you, Jane.
Kim Nelson´s last blog ..It’s Fragile
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Jane – I’ll see what I can do for you!
Jodi´s last blog ..Pancakes between cousins and friends
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I think Jenny Stanford has some space in S.C. and Elizabeth Edward’s does too, in NC! Elin Norgren has some empty rooms in Florida. : 0
You know have a place in Virginia, let’s see if I can turn up something elsewhere.
V-Grrrl @ Compost Studios´s last blog ..Tuesday
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What the heck are you staying in? I thought you were doing friends’ houses or motels. Plug-in??
And, no one should have to drink lukewarm coffee out of a paper cup. Blech! I might need to teach you some roadie survival skills.
I’ve got some good contacts along the way. If you give me some more details I’ll be happy to help.
I should have subscribed sooner. I really enjoy your posts!
Diane
Diane Nilan´s last blog ..LEARNING CURVE EXPRESS
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Jane, Are you staying with my sister Elaine in FL?
What about comments? You forgot comments as #5. You love-a da comments, yes? What we really need to do is to get Hilton or some hotel chain to sponsor you. I tried appealing to Marriott, but they said they couldn’t accommodate. Which is odd – isn’t that the business they are in?? Anybody out there with any connections in the hospitality industry?
Hilton would be a great sponsor [I mentioned this a couple of days ago!] — they own several chains. What about contacting a restaurant chain like Denny’s, Applebee’s, etc…, for a few meals and the chance to wait tables for a day in various cities? Extra cash plus the opportunity to meet a variety of people. Just a few thoughts…
Chris´s last blog ..Sun, Sun, Sun, Here It Comes…
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You know we are looking forward to hosting you here in sunny FL.
Sandi Keene´s last blog ..Clean and busy
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Jane, we are still looking for you if you should decide to come through northcentral Arkansas. I live in Cave City, which is just north of Batesville, AR. I will gladly send another donation in the next week. I am really enjoying your journey. As far as temp work goes, I can check into it if you decide to come.
I told my friends about your journey and they would like to meet you. It is really gorgeous here and you might like our small town life for a time.
I think another good-fit sponsor would be Starbucks:
“Jane Devin is Findingmyamerica.com at Starbucks! Join her on our Free WiFi! Jane’s recommended blend for this week is Caffè Verona® is a seductive blend of beans from Latin America and Indonesia, with a gentle touch of Italian Roast lending depth, soul and sweetness. This week Jane will be reading her Blog and signing coffee cups in Lake Charles, LA!”
[Sorry Lake Charles, this is a simulated announcement. But you know, glad you are excited about the idea!]
Maybe we need to start a twitter campaign to http://twitter.com/starbucks/ ?
Bruce Nunnally´s last blog ..Caddyinfo Twitter Updates for 2010-01-21
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Email if you get stuck.
Neil´s last blog ..Revised Health Care Plan
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Hi Jane
As a long-time reader who lives in the FL panhandle, I would welcome a visit
from you. Will send you an e-mail–
Are you coming to Alaska…I would not advise it during the winter…BRRRRR… but if you are I live in the small town of North Pole outside of Fairbanks…interesting little area we have here. If you do my family has an extra roon for you if you can stand a four year and 2 black labs that want to lick you to death.
I meant to add we are an Army family so I can definitley find you some interesting stories.
Heading to Western New York?
email
I had not been reading lately, life gets in the way sometimes. Noticed you were only a state away recently. Auburn Alabama still stands for a roof and a story.
I have a large home with two guest bedrooms, two large dogs and a husband that works long days. Unfortunately I don’t have any work for you. BUT, we are in Roanoke, VA in the Blue Ridge Mountains and you are more than welcome to stay with us.
Di´s last blog ..Me No Likey The Duckie
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Jane Devin from her blog: finding my America: A writer travelling cross country Four Things I Need from Readers http://is.gd/6JNkW
This comment was originally posted on Twitter
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