![]() “Your biggest risk isn't failing, it's getting too comfortable,” said Drew Houston, the guy who started Dropbox. “Every day, we're writing a few more words of a story. I wanted my story to be an adventure and that's made all the difference.” The story of this blog has been a far more exciting adventure than I ever expected. In 2011, everybody advised startiing blogs as the best way to market books, and I was feverishly finishing up the first draft of Dancing in the Fountain at the time. “Hmmm,” I thought. “I’ve got to do something to reach out to readers. How hard could it be to start a blog? I can just dash off little stories about Seville and past travels — Rich’s miracle cure in Mexico, eating pig brains in the Republic of Georgia, that goofy Buddhist monk in Bhutan. Piece of cake.” But as is so often the case, my blog took on a life of its own. I’ve published other books since Dancing, but I’ve posted an article on my blog almost every week for five and a half years. It is the steady heartbeat of my writing life. Even better, it’s an ongoing conversation with my readers, who provide feedback, insights, and encouragement — and yes, thankfully, give me a head’s up when there’s a typo or blooper. At first I just wanted to be entertaining and share useful travel tips, but gradually I found that people are drawn to more meaningful stories — such as last week’s piece about Betty Soskin, a real-life Rosie the Riveter, who at 95 is holding audiences spellbound with her vivid life history and deep, compassionate wisdom. One of the most meaningful topics on the planet right now is, of course, the ongoing political upheaval in my home country. I have chosen to take an active part of that conversation because for me, ignoring it stopped being an option. I didn’t want to be like one of those clueless reporters in a disaster movie who stands with her back to the ocean describing weather patterns while Godzilla is speeding toward shore breathing fire, smashing fishing boats, and swatting planes out of the sky. Social commentary started creeping into my blog during the run-up to the 2016 election and became central to it in February, when I was helping launch a Resistance group in Seville. At the time, I was knee-deep in writing another travel book. But as the blitzkrieg of shocking headlines rained down, I realized there was more important work to be done. I decided to set aside the travel book and commit to a year of working for the Resistance. At Harvard’s Resistance School, I learned that political movements are fueled by storytelling that unites and inspires us. “OK,” I thought. “I can do that!” I knew that venturing into political topics could generate negative comments — and yes, there have been some unpleasant ones — and that it would cost me readers, although as it turned out, not as many as you'd expect. Overall I’m delighted that my readers don’t think exactly alike or agree with me all the time. As uncomfortable as criticism is when directed at me personally, I appreciate that differing viewpoints are a sign of healthy diversity and a robust community. In Spain, political differences are often aired in fiery disputes that end in laughter and sharing another round of beer. We need more of that kind of dialog these days. This summer, I’ve started a video series called Women of the American Resistance featuring interviews with those in the front lines of the fight to redefine our country as a more humane and progressive place. And once again I’ve found that a seemingly simple project has taken on a life of its own. People whose opinion I respect are suggesting I expand the series into a longer video and a book. To make that option possible, I’ll need to give the video series proper footing in its own home: a blog, website, social media, and YouTube channel. So I have just launched a second blog. Enjoy Living Abroad will continue to host stories on meaningful travel experiences, while my new blog will be devoted to the remarkable women advancing progressive change and stories of the strategies and tactics they're finding most effective. I’m calling the new blog American Resisters. I hope you’ll join me on both these exciting journeys. To keep getting posts about the Resistance, click the link below. And be sure to like my American Resisters page on Facebook. If you’ve already subscribed to Enjoy Living Abroad, you don’t have to do anything to continue receiving travel posts. Please note that for a while they will appear every other week to give me time to work on the Resistance videos. If you’re not yet a subscriber, click on the link below. Drew Houston doesn’t have to worry that any of us are at risk of getting too comfortable these days. As a die-hard optimist, I feel confident that cooler heads will eventually prevail, the chaos and discord in our nation will subside, and I can go back to writing about packing and Seville’s hottest dive bars. But every day adds a few new lines in our common story, and the ending is far from certain. The only thing I can tell you for sure is this: I’ll have plenty to write about for the foreseeable future.
14 Comments
Mary
8/10/2017 09:47:24 pm
Your Mom would be proud of you!
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 01:29:28 am
Thank you, Mary. Mom would have been the first one to don a pink pussyhat — even if she couldn't bring herself to call them that! I think of her so often these days; if she were around to join in, she would have been in the thick of this fight. As it is, I feel honored to carry on a bit of her legacy.
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8/10/2017 10:22:44 pm
My first impulse is to say, "Don't overwork yourself, Karen." I love the idea of two separate blogs, but not if it does you any harm. My second impulse is to say, "You are the epitome of a true artist--following your heart, your gut and your brain." I don't know about your mother, but I think you should be proud of yourself. Warmest wishes on all your endeavors.
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 01:36:43 am
If feels like what needs to be done, Nancy. Now that the heavy lifting of setting up the second blog, FB page, YouTube channel etc. is done, I don't think it will be overwhelming to alternate between the two blogs. Do those sound like famous last words? Let's hope it's as manageable as I envision it. I truly love the mix of travel writing and doing the videos on women of the Resistance; from a creative standpoint it's very exciting. So thanks for your warm wishes and stay tuned!
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8/11/2017 04:21:01 am
Thank you for your fortitude and determination, dear Karen. You are right - the issues of our times are crucial to the survival of life on earth. It's hair-raising, and hat-raising. So, I salute you!
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 05:26:35 pm
As a lifelong activist yourself, Alicia, you know how much is at stake here. Thanks for you kind words and continued support. Onward, my friend!
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Sherri
8/11/2017 06:04:42 am
Hoping along with you that eventually this country can get to the point of being able to civilly disagree without having to lose friends! And it is great that you are following your heart and conscience with the other site/blog. Love your blogs and books, can't wait until I can make a return visit to Spain. Have to start making plans now, because in 4 years it will be the 40 year anniversary of the last time I was there, and I have yearned to go back ever since!!
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 05:37:35 pm
How lucky you were, Sherri, to visit Spain 36 years ago, during such a different time, not long after the end of Franco's dictatorship. Much has changed, of course, but the character of the people remains as vivid as ever. I have learned so much in Seville, including how to discuss politics without rancor, and on dark days, how to find hope and comfort in community. If you do return, I'd love to hear what you think of Spain today!
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Tobey Hiller
8/11/2017 06:42:20 pm
Bravissimo, Karen! Admirable grit, admirable action, admirable following the flow where it leads. I'm so impressed. And I'm sure you'll take care of yourself if and when the time comes to take a breather of some sort.
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 09:59:27 pm
Thanks, Tobey, for your very kind and supportive comments. I do believe the work I am doing matters — and these days, that counts for a lot. If/when the world gets back to anything approaching normal, I would like to be able to think I played some small part in it. Just as all those Rosie the Riveters know they helped save democracy, one rivet at a time.
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8/11/2017 09:12:30 pm
I welcome the opportunity to hear what's being done to resist the foul machinations of our current Presidential Personality. On my own blog/thread on Supertopo.com --The Flames-- I and my friends keep a running fire on Mr. T's attempts to enchain our population by the denial of rights bequeathed by the Constitution. May I suggest you try to interview Holly Near? Keep up the good fight, Karen.
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Karen McCann
8/11/2017 10:04:31 pm
Holly's "Singing for our Lives" is one of my faves, and it would be great to talk with her about what's happening these days. I'm sure she has plenty to say! In the meantime, Brian, good to know you and the Flames are doing your feisty part to speak truth to power.
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Steve Snow
8/17/2017 11:54:57 pm
Karen,
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Karen McCann
8/28/2017 07:56:30 pm
Steve, it's great to have you in my circle of readers. I appreciate your kind words and encouragement! I think of my blog as a safe space where people can voice differing opinions in a civilized manner, and I'm delighted to know that you take it in the same spirit. Drop in any time.
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I'm an American travel writer based in Spain and currently living in California. As we journey through the pandemic together, my blog provides a regular supply of survival tips, comfort food recipes, and the wry humor we all need to lighten our hearts on dark days. I think of my blog as an ongoing conversation, so please join in and leave comments at the end of my posts. Sign up below to get updates when I publish anything new. BLOG ARCHIVES
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