An Inheritance of Wonder

Go explore your neighborhood. Then the next one over. Then the rest of your city. Then a city you've never been to. Then everything between them. Then the space beyond. Then, just keep going.

The past couple of years has shown us a world of opportunity, of change, and of upheaval. I've had my fair share. I've also explored quite a bit. When the world ground to a halt and we attempted to keep our distance, the woods, the roads and the in-betweens of our world became an attractive destination.

Let's Wander Together

“Instead of insight, maybe all a man gets is strength to wander for a while. Maybe the only gift is a chance to inquire, to know nothing for certain. An inheritance of wonder and nothing more.” -- William Least Heat Moon, Blue Highways.

When I was a kid, I explored the woods near my home in Kansas City, Missouri. We went on road trips (rarely did we fly anywhere) throughout Missouri, ,Kansas, Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Small stories, told and untold, revealed to me a new world. We would take trails, travel through little towns, visit small museums and historic sites. Now, as an adult, I've tried to show my own kids these nooks and crannies of the world. To me, exploring is lifeblood. I want to instill this beyond my kids. To my other loved ones. To you.

Get Inspired

I find inspiration throughout the natural and built world. I like to see the experiences of others through their eyes, through their words, through their artwork. Follow me on Instagram (@thehistorysmith) and you'll see who, what, and where inspires me. You'll get a chance to follow me more closely and in real time. I can also follow you. I want to learn from you where I might be headed next, maybe the subject of my next book, or the inspiration for a new illustration and photographs.

Tell Stories

“Life is a sea of vibrant color. Jump in.” -- A. D. Posey.

I am not a fan of flying. I don't hate the act of flying. I hate the smell of the recycled air. I hate the cramped quarters. More than anything though, I hate not being able to get up and leave and explore. Here I am looking out a window, at all these highways, roads, towns, places and I don't get to do anything with them. Give me a road, four wheels, a full tank of gas, a great companion and some songs to sing out loud with, and maybe a map (but it isn't really necessary). And time.

Get Inspired

I'll be posting some of my photos, my illustrations, travels, explorations and my experiences as I write my next books. Join me and let me join you on yours.

~Tristan, The HistorySmith