About this Blog
Most blogs have a purpose, so I thought I should come up with one. I discovered three:
- to record my wanderings. Travel is a priority and has taken many forms and provided exciting opportunities throughout my life.
- to share my musings on whatever interests me. As a professional “dabbler”, there are not many restrictions on what that could be. Call it “learning by wandering around”.
- to post photos & quirky stuff.
The Blog’s Name – Why WanderThirstJoan?
I learned the song Wander Thirst at Girl Scout summer camp in 1966 and can still picture my counselor playing it on her guitar. The words, tune, and idea took up residence in my mind. We’re talking 46 years of subliminal influence here!
Google tells me it was originally a poem:
BEYOND the East the sunrise, beyond the West the sea,
And East and West the wander-thirst that will not let me be;
It works in me like madness, dear, to bid me say good-bye;
For the seas call, and the stars call, and oh! the call of the sky!
I know not where the white road runs, nor what the blue hills are;
But a man can have the sun for a friend, and for his guide a star;
And there’s no end of voyaging when once the voice is heard,
For the rivers call, and the roads call, and oh! the call of the bird!
Yonder the long horizon lies, and there by night and day
The old ships draw to home again, the young ships sail away;
And come I may, but go I must, and, if men ask you why,
You may put the blame on the stars and the sun and the white road and the sky. Gerald Gould (English poet 1885-1936)
Google led me to a an acoustical recording by The Hall Brothers, an English duo. Right click on the link & select “open in new tab.
A Bit About Me
I’m Joan Drnek and I am currently trying to fit day-to-day interests into what feels like not enough time to do everything on “The List” . Simple travel delights me and most of it has been active and outdoors-based, made possible by camping. Often the common theme is boating: whitewater rafting, canoeing or sailing. While I do have a strong Wanderthirst, I can make an adventure out of walking on the local beach or gardening.
In 2007, I retired from Girl Scouts of Lake Erie Council, where I spent 24 years in several positions ranging from Camp Director to Human Resources Director to COO. Other career stops along the way American Red Cross, Cleveland State University, a homeless shelter,Jewish Family Services Association and communication skills training.
LOVE your new blog site. Kudos to you for following your heart!! I miss you. When you choose to “sit for a bit” in Cleveland let’s get a visit in. Onward with your wandering dear Joan. I’m privileged to know you.
Hi Joan, great blog! Please check your FB other messages folder when you can. I’m thinking we are related since my grandfather immigrated from Tchorovice many years ago. Pete Drnek