When Alice left me, I despaired. She set a high bar for a wingman. She dragged Dad around to make sure he talked to enough strangers every day. She went out in small towns in the dark to get medicine. She fetched dinner and made sure I ate. She gave out cards for my novel and encouraged people to read it, even developing a sales schtick with Roy that was pretty awesome.
Two days on our own, and Dad and I were screaming at each other. (Well, I always have to scream for him to hear me.) We don’t do well on our own.
That’s why I was so glad to see my mother-in-law. She fled arctic Wisconsin for Mississippi. Week Two in the wingman slot.
Poor Joyce arrived at the precise moment Dad and I became sick of each other. She navigated the turbulence with aplomb and was an indispensable help to me as I logged another 90 miles on the Natchez Trace. I’m sorry to see her leave.
Because.
For the next three weeks, my wingman will be……….
MY MOTHER.
A recent text from my mother.
Click here to see the best photos from Day 14 of my Natchez Trace walk: Andra Watkins Tumblr
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Today’s awesome Reader Question:
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mNAe7A8YBTI&w=560&h=315]
27 Comments
I will be your wingman in spirit…and won’t even make your voodoo doll “get lost”.
I think mom is jealous of Mr. Voodoo and wants one of her own. 😉
Mothers are like that. Nice to have around though.
Don’t mess with the voodoo doll! Can’t wait to be your walking wingman. <3
No no no. Don’t give up the voodoo doll! 3 weeks is a long stint for one wingman – even if it is your mother. (Especially if it is your mother?) Is this a subtle cry for more volunteers?
No threats to the voodoo fella, please!! His bright, feathered persona is certainly a part of the entire package we expect to see each day! I’m having faith that the kindness of strangers and their captivation with Roy’s stories, will be a great assist to your Mom along the way these next three weeks; and, who better than your Mom to look forward with you and cheer you to your end goal?
I’m loving your photos nearly as much as the book and the walk, particularly those that are devoid of color–the fence row and the “scabby” (my Mom’s descriptive for peeling paint 🙂 ) road sign are terrific!
So glad your mom is your wingman!!! That’s so sweet! I’m also willing to nag you along the journey. 🙂
Voodoo baby! Just watch out, or she will shoot your voodoo doll, right between the eyes. POW!
The text message juxtaposed to the picture I last saw of her holding the gun is rather interesting. I don’t mean to laugh at the situation, but there’s a humor about it not to laugh. Safe passage to the voodoo doll!
You know, Andra, your parents are pretty awesome. I’ll bet Roy has sold quite a few of the book (I know I’d buy one from him. Almost asked that look-alike man with suspenders in the grocers for one – tee hee) and you mom, well, I wouldn’t have wanted to be the Judge with your mom around.
Finished the book last night. LOVED IT.
I’m glad she’s going to be there to help you out. And let her know how much we all like the colorful feathers, and fabric of the doll…that it doesn’t do anything ‘cept ride on your shoulder. It’s a talisman…not a curse, or an impending curse, and it contains Nawlins DNA to help the launch of your book.
I look forward to these posts and videos every single day!! This is hilarious! You and your mom and your dad…. I’m sorry to be so looking forward to this. I admire what you’re doing. And hope you wonderful walking moments and more hilarious moments with your parents so we can enjoy/laugh and journey with you. 🙂
So wait, is it going to be you, your mom AND Roy? Oh my.
I. Cannot. Wait.
🙂
Tip from the somewhat insane:
Buy a wig and dress for that doll and make it look like Raggedy Ann. Moms LOVE Raggedy Ann. As I noted a bunch of posts ago, Voodoo dolls kind of dislike people that try to get rid of them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJ3eb21adGo
But also as noted, your mom may be carrying a firearm. So we’ll see how that all goes. Perhaps you three can play a game of poker or something to decide what’s what?
Anyway, may she be the oil to Roy’s vinegar and they both end up mixing well (and keeping you happy for the rest of this trek!)…
Maybe I’ll wait until August to ask how it really was. 🙂
No, not the voodoo doll!
you mom’s note is so funny. i guess just look at it as a changing of the guard and it will keep things interesting )
I can’t wait to read about this week. 🙂
Remind your Mom of all those cartoons with an angel in one ear adn a devil in the other. Ying and yang; balance; nature’s way etc. Don’t tell her which one you think she is. Let her guess.
A new twist to the adventure! I made it to the end of the Natchez Trace before you with Merry and Em. What a great story!!!
Great family support….I don’t think my daughter would be able to tolerate me for a long time walking in the backwoods….although I don’t think I could tolerate walking in the backwoods, so that won’t happen:)
Good luck to you and the voodoo doll, Andra; stick to your guns!
Just make sure to remind her that Voodoo dolls do not take kindly to being kidnapped and that they’ve been known to retaliate swiftly and continuously.
Hopefully that will scare her off. And, if not, it gives you an excuse to prank her for your own amusement for years to come while blaming it all on the voodoo.
I’m very envious of your close relationships with your family. Also. I’d love to be your wingman, anytime, too.
I just wanted to tell you that I love you question-of-the-day segment! 🙂
Keep Voodoo in your pants – she may not be able to steal Voodoo that way. Hope Voodoo makes it. 😀
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