Alright then, let's start with an ideal. Since I don't actually have to be realistic about this, I can be anyone I like. Let's see...
I am independently wealthy, but I pass myself off as a travel writer. I maintain a blog and slowly develop an increasing a following as an elusive figure on various social media. What is my name? Hmm. I'll have to think about that. There is no burning name calling to me, just a desire to be relieved of the mundanity of every day selfdom. And a desire not be forever tagged with the same name, not even one I chose myself. It seems too limiting somehow. I could, of course, be any of my existing alter-egos, but that also does not satisfy the longing for escape. How about Briony? The last name can't be too unusual; I wouldn't want any questions about its origin. But I would like something pretty. How about Wintergreen? Briony Wintergreen. Probably too unusual and fanciful, but right at the moment, I don't care. There. It's decided. I shall be Briony Wintergreen.
Now Briony is herself a master of reinvention. As Briony, I live out of a suitcase. I have just a few staples: good quality jeans, tops and jumpers, with a pretty scarf and ear rings. There may even be a tailored jacket involved. In addition to my staples, I keep room for one fanciful outfit, which I keep until I have had my fill of it and want to change it for a different mood. I stay at character-full B&Bs and boutique hotels. As for my hair, is it long enough to be absent-mindedly tied back or is it a short, wash-and-wear style that can cope with being washed regularly, in a bath if necessary? Hmm - I've got a vote each way on that one. Both have their attractions and their down-sides. Short is probably both more flattering and more sensible, but once again, I'm in the mood to be fanciful. Long it is.
Will I own a car? Probably not, unless I really find I need to. Probably I will go with public transport with the occasional hire car as required. And where shall I start? The US and Canada or Europe? The US and Canada I think, so that I have all the romantic, fairy-tale excitement of Europe still before me. And what shall I call my blog? Now, there's a challenge. It wouldn't be an adventure blog or a touristy blog; more of an outsider's perspective and think-space. Something from mythology perhaps? For some reason I want to call it "Rivendell". Hardly imaginative or appropriate! But fun. Now, here's a thought: one option would be Ithaca, as in Homer's version thereof (though I should probably read the context before deciding on that!). Years ago, when I first heard the name, I badly wanted to use it in a book, and I like the idea of a mythical, possibly real place from heroic legends, especially one connected to Odyssey! So perhaps Ithaca might be a good possibility.
In fact, it could not be more perfect. I just googled and found this quote, which sums up not only the blog, but Briony herself. Will you join me on the road to Ithaca?
As you set out on your journey to Ithaca,
pray that your journey be a long one,
filled with adventure, filled with discovery.
Laestrygonians and Cyclopes,
the angry Poseidon--do not fear them:
you'll never find such things on your way
unless your sight is set high, unless a rare
excitement stirs your spirit and your body.
The Laestrygonians and Cyclopes,
the savage Poseidon--you won't meet them
so long as you do not admit them to your soul,
as long as your soul does not set them before you.
Pray that your road is a long one.
May there be many summer mornings
when with what pleasure, with what joy,
you enter harbors never seen before.
May you stop at Phoenician stations of trade to buy fine things,
mother of pearl and coral, amber and ebony,
and voluptuous perfumes of every kind--
buy as many voluptuous perfumes as you can.
And may you go to many Egyptian cities
to learn and learn from those who know.
Always keep Ithaca in your mind.
You are destined to arrive there.
But don't hurry your journey at all.
Far better if it takes many years,
and if you are old when you anchor at the island,
rich with all you have gained on the way,
not expecting that Ithaca will give you wealth.
Ithaca has given you a beautiful journey.
Without her you would never have set out.
She has no more left to give you.
And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not mocked you.
As wise as you have become, so filled with experience,
you will have understood what these Ithacas signify.”
― Barry B. Powell, Classical Myth
Picture courtesy Pixabay