We named the dog Indiana.

I left late. I always leave late.

Finally on the road at 10:15, I settled into my journey on the familiar 76. My destination: Indiana. I had never driven to Indiana before. Flew there once. Indianapolis. Drove to Michigan on a couple occasions. Traversed Ohio more times than I care to remember. I always listen to Frank Sinatra when I drive through Ohio. I heard the recently departed Sean Connery repeating in my head, “We named the dog Indiana.”

My initial plan was to stay with a friend outside Columbus, but due to the rising cases of Covid, we decided it would be better not to burst either of our bubbles. Four days before I left Philadelphia, I decided to book an Airbnb. But where? I asked my friend for suggestions. Still not knowing the outcome of the election, I was trying to stay away from areas sure to erupt in civil war. Her first choice for me was Yellow Springs, OH, but nothing was available.

Looking at the map, I decided to focus on college towns. Whereas Covid may be wider spread in these areas, I wasn’t exactly planning to attend any fraternity parties or ingrain myself in the campus community. My objective was to find spots where it was less likely my car would be damaged simply for displaying a Pennsylvania license plate. I settled on Richmond, Indiana, home of Earlham College, hoping liberal arts students in the Quaker tradition wouldn’t smash my windshield if the election outcome wasn’t what they hoped.

I like lists and I like to check things off lists. I make little projects for myself, like visiting every presidential museum, or seeing a movie in every theatre built prior to 1945, or eating at the top ten best restaurants for…whatever. One of my lists contains 50 items – the goal is to visit every state in the union. Before this trip, I had 38 items completed. On my first day, I would check off another – West Virginia.

Ok, so I was in West Virginia for less than 15 miles. Guess what. It counts!

Nearing my destination, I began to get nervous. What would I find? Did I make a mistake driving across the country at this very moment in political history? Should I have stuck to more populated areas? The host had texted me earlier saying he would meet me at the property and give me a tour. Would he take the same safely precautions I would? When I arrived, he was waiting on the porch, properly masked and ready to orient me to his space.

Quickly I realized that this man was a kindred spirit. He was also an artist, identifying as a trained graphic designer, a photographer, and a painter. He was professor at the local college and hosted paint parties with wine at the local art museum. “They call me the boozy Bob Ross!” he stated proudly. A passion project for many years, he carefully restored the bungalow to it’s 1919 glory. Even the paint palette and furniture were period, with modern amenities incorporated. What most impressed me was his art and media collection. There were so many books to choose from, all writers from or subjects relevant to the house’s era. I brought a book about Weimar Cinema to bed with me, but fell asleep before finishing the second page. Should anyone need accommodations in Richmond, Indiana, I highly recommend this Artist’s Retreat Guest House. Despite our country being divided, the host reminded me that it is possible to find like-minded people anywhere if you know where to look.

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