“It started with a spark, and then there was fire!” Brittany likes to say. At this year’s past Easter Jeep® Safari, we didn’t see a raging forest fire in the Utah desert, though on the eve of the full moon, inspiration was ignited.
Brittany and I had taken a late night hike to the famous Delicate Arch, relying on the light of the rising moon to illuminate our pathway. We were cautious on our walk down the slippery red rocks. Brit muttered “something strange always happens in the desert,” and we rested a moment to reflect upon the moon. Although it may be cliché to wish upon a shooting star, it’s hard not to when they light your way. We made a promise together to follow our dreams, and leave caution in the wind. With our opportunistic outlook, we have been watching our dreams gain legs, and in our case, take to the open road! Thoreau believed one should, “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams, live the life you’ve imagined,” and we Hills do too.
The pathway from our night in Moab, to the sweltering Midwestern heat which we endure today, has been full of exciting and often times, challenging “steep grades and sharp turns.” As seekers of the American “story” it is time we continue “upping our cowboy cred!” as folk singer Stephen Kellogg recently pondered of our adventure.
I
have always wanted to play the guitar. Feeling a deep connection
with American musical storytellers without ever picking up a guitar
would be like a mighty CJ never leaving an air-conditioned garage.
Moab reminded us to strive for the absolute best. Not just a
“personal best,” but beyond what one feels capable of;
the absolute best.In American music, CF. Martin & Co. creates and inspires the best. “If we’re going to learn how to play, it’s going to be on a Martin!” said Ashley. They have been praised for their quality and rich sounding melody.
Similar to Jeep’s heritage, Martin Guitars have had a strong presence in America since 1833. The list of songwriters who call a Martin Guitar their instrument of choice is quite impressive, including Bob Dylan, Dave Matthews, Willie Nelson, and some emerging artists such as Hunter Hayes whose stories are just beginning to be told. The integrity of Martin’s fine craftsmanship has remained in the family for 179 years. The current CEO, Chris Martin is sixth generation! Like the Jeep Brand, Martin Guitars are iconic “American Legends.”
On
the Fourth of July in our mighty new Wrangler, we commenced our
quest for the great American storytellers and their words of
inspiration. Thus far, we have shared coffee with American Navy
Veterans (as during a parade in Hinsdale, Ill., in the
picture), visited on the banks of Lake Michigan with
rock/bluegrass foot-stomping’ brothers, and turned our
guitars upside down with a percussionist as the sun set on our
first week with our new instruments.We look forward to sharing our Martin story as we seek out talented Martin Ambassadors, and maybe also picking up a few tricks from off-road experts down the way too.
Remember to always “Have fun out there!”
Brit & Ash
