Thanks for the Ride, Red.

Wednesday began just like any other day:  I woke up, let the dogs out, made coffee, checked emails and began working.  But as the morning rolled on, I felt this strong desire to break away from the normal routine – even if it was just for a moment…I was in need of a little “me” time.  We all need “me” time every now and then.  It helps us recharge our batteries; it does a body good.

But what should I do and where should I go? 

Who cares?  Let’s just drive.

Meet “Red”, our 1989 Chevrolet Camaro.  

Now, I will agree he’s not exactly easy on the eyes.  But, beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and there is certainly more to this car than meets the eye.  My husband Erik purchased Red for $500 in Pennsylvania several years ago as a “parts car” for Erik’s 2000 Camaro SS.  Red’s purpose was nothing more.  But as Erik drove Red he began to fall in love with the car, despite appearances.  Erik saw through the rust and faded paint and said this car deserves a second chance. 

And so the restoration process began. 

Any car enthusiast would tell you that third generation Camaros like Red are not exactly the most sought after.  Sadly, most of the ones you see on the road look just like this – or even worse, they are sitting in a salvage yard.  Many would probably say Erik was wasting both time and money with this car, but Erik would beg to differ.  

After several months of prime restoration, the job was finally done.  The result?  Well, look for yourself: 

I can completely understand what Erik saw in this car.  It has a look and feel to it unlike any other.  

I grabbed the keys, took out the T-tops, cranked him up and we were off.

It was just me and the car and the beautiful South Carolina countryside.  Red and I were not in a hurry to get anywhere and to be honest I didn’t even know where we were going.  We just drove. 

There is nothing quite like the sound of that old raspy engine.  And there was nothing more intoxicating than the feel of the cool Autumn morning air blowing through my hair.  It was just me and the car on a road to nowhere fast.

So you may be asking yourself, what’s the moral to this story anyway, Taryn?  There are several really.  I have a bond with this car that I can’t quite explain.  His rags to riches story touches my heart in so many ways.  Sure, he may just be a car to some, but to me he’s an inspiration.  He was neglected and never really appreciated until Erik got behind the wheel several years ago.  Erik made it his mission to breathe new life into this vehicle and the car continues to bring us nothing but joy to this day.  I can relate to that through my life and my work. 
In life, we should never judge a book by it's cover.  We all have something to offer others, we just need to give each other a chance.  Never let others dull your sparkle!
In my work, I make it my mission to take something so ordinary and transform it into something completely new and different.  It is so rewarding!

On the other hand, this car helps me step back and appreciate those little things in life we take for granted.  We get so consumed in our daily routines sometimes that we often forget what is important:  Our time!  When I got behind the wheel on Wednesday and just drove, I was at total peace.  The humming of Red’s vintage engine was like music to my ears.  The smell of the clear crisp Autumn air was so refreshing.  It was just me and the car.  Nothing more; nothing less.

Sometimes it’s not how long it takes you to get where you are going that matters…it’s how you get there.  I encourage you to take the long way home every now and then.  You know never know what you will find at the end of the road.   

Thanks for the ride, Red.  Looking forward to many more.