Adventures on Route 66

At Thrillerfest I had the pleasure of attending a presentation by David Morrell regarding his passion for Route 66 - the television show. I found it fascinating to learn from David's inspirations on how he came to writing and telling stories. Maybe I found it fascinating because they parallel mine. As a story teller, TV and movies have inspired me as well.

And last week I found myself in the great Southwest cruising along the old Route 66 thinking of David and the way it used to be. I stopped in Santa Rosa New Mexico for lunch at Joseph's Bar and Grill - and stepped back in time. But in a good way. I saw the way the "old" west was. Quiet, sun-baked, friendly people of blended races - Indian, Mexican, Anglo - all living under the wide open skies. I felt free there somehow. In small towns I often feel confined - trapped in a small cage, pacing. But not in Santa Rosa. Not on Route 66. I felt the wide open skies and the wide open spaces. I walked past the crumbling adobe buildings and felt the dry heat bake my skin. I looked into dark brown eyes and saw contentment and peace. Santa Rosa. Freedom. Peace. Tranquilty. Now I realize more than ever why David Morrell loved that television show so much.