**** I set off from Pittsfield, Massachusetts, in July 2011...and ended up in Aspen, Colorado, in February 2012. Along the way, I visited 28 states, three countries, dozens of national parks, hundreds of cities and towns, and countless friends and strangers. Why? Why not? In fact, I lost my job of seven years when Berkshire Living, the regional magazine I helped launch, folded. Then my apartment building burned down while I was in Miami for the weekend. A breakup and a stolen bicycle figured in shortly thereafter. Wouldn't you hit the road, too? Enjoy my virtual scrapbook of anecdotes and eye candy from a freewheeling, cross-country, cross-cultural odyssey--past, present, and future.Amanda Rae Busch
amandaraewashere@gmail.com
My housemate was Anna Wintour’s housekeeper.
For six years, in Manhattan. So far I’ve learned that set designers got it oh-so-right in The Devil Wears Prada, and that, despite her ice-cold reputation, Ms. Vogue is sensitive to her workers emotions—and never, ever raises her voice—plus she tips very generously.
I have photographic proof—Ana, holding a signed letter from the Queen B herself—but she doesn’t want me to put it on the Internet. Alas.
![Love at first sight.
Finally, after many months of extracting garments from of a random assortment of duffel bags and sport satchels wedged into my trunk, each time upsetting the once neatly arranged jigsaw of camping gear, paper goods, and engine blood to create more of a material swamp, I have CLOSET!
Not pictured: a cathedral-ceiling living room with southern exposure and—get this—flooring made from repurposed New England barn wood.
Connecticut, Brazil, and Massachusetts under one roof.
[Aspen, Colorado, February 8, 2012]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lz41u70Pxd1qloi1ho1_1280.jpg)
Love at first sight.
Finally, after many months of extracting garments from of a random assortment of duffel bags and sport satchels wedged into my trunk, each time upsetting the once neatly arranged jigsaw of camping gear, paper goods, and engine blood to create more of a material swamp, I have CLOSET!
Not pictured: a cathedral-ceiling living room with southern exposure and—get this—flooring made from repurposed New England barn wood.
Connecticut, Brazil, and Massachusetts under one roof.
[Aspen, Colorado, February 8, 2012]
![10 Days ‘till Christmas; 4 Days ‘till I’m Home for the Holidays!
[James Perse, Beverly Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, December 2, 2011]](http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lvtmljYerb1qloi1ho1_1280.jpg)
10 Days ‘till Christmas; 4 Days ‘till I’m Home for the Holidays!
[James Perse, Beverly Boulevard, Beverly Hills, California, December 2, 2011]
SCENE: Saturday morning at Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Downtown Portland, Oregon, October 15, 2011
The guy in the background (bahahaha)…that was a fluke.
In fact, I was taking a photo of the Chemex trio standing at the ready.
“Those are made in my hometown,” I boasted. “Pittsfield, Massachusetts.”
“Oh, those are made in Massachusetts? Right on.”
Instant street cred.
Then I noticed the barista’s fashionable bracelet—she’s Pittsfield Proud, too!
Speaking of dressing accordingly: how convenient is it that these Italian leather boots I picked up for 1/3 of the regular price at a boutique fire sale in Vail (thanks, Bunnie!) nearly cover the wounds?
I just got to Aspen; time to break ‘em in.
