Back to Madison

BacktoMadison.tumblr.com

It's hard to sum up this project in a few words, especially mine because I ramble =/ So if you want, check out the blog to get a better idea.

Here's the cliff notes version:

In a effort to connect with people, to take a chance on destiny, to begin a worldwide movement (a girl can dream, can't she?): I began a social experiment, of sorts.

I filled out a blank journal cover to cover with stories of my life, my thoughts and personal contact information. I've not yet done GREAT things, I'm not famous nor do I have a EPIC life story to tell. I do have a story though, and I am interested to see what happens when it lands in the hands of a complete stranger.

I decided to make 50 identical handwritten copies of my journal and take them on a cross country road trip where I would sneak them back into unknowing bookstores, in hopes they would be found by complete randoms.

What would these strangers do when they found my journal? Would they contact me? Would they be inspired to start their own journal? Would they track me down, chop me into tiny pieces, and stuff me in a suitcase? I had no idea, but I had to find out.

Ignoring all my boring (some would say "sane") friend's warnings, I hit the road on a cross country tour and the experiment began! Twenty-six days later, I returned to LA ten journals lighter with new friends, new stories, and a burning desire to get back out on the road and do it all over again to finish dropping the next 40 books.

6 out of the 10 journals I put out there have been found and the finders are now all a big part of this project and my life. I'm going to meet some of them on the next trip out, some are filling their stories into journals and sneaking them back into stores to keep the project going, some have simply become friends. With only 6 journals found it's hard to imagine where this could lead, and what will become of new finders and this project if more people follow suit!

The only problem? Road trips can be kind of expensive. So can trying to document it so I can share the experiences.  

I've since met with quite a few Hollywood types who have shown genuine interest in funding my project. However, they always seem to want to change things. "It's about the journey, not the destination" is a hard sell in Tinsel Town. You know how those suits are... always wanting models and explosions and aliens and happily ever after stuff. But I don't want to change this! This project isn't about perfect grammar or a best seller. This project is about connecting with real people. It's about sharing life changing moments. It's about inspiring and appreciating one another. It's about mattering.

I'm going back out to finish dropping the rest of my journals come hell or high water in August. I want the ending of this story to remain unwritten, so I'm going to try to fund this on

my own. And by "on my own", I mean "maybe with a little bit of your help, too."

Any amount would be greatly appreciated. Seriously, any amount. I'm fond of the number 2, so feel free to send those lucky two dollar bills this way.

I'm not sure where this story is headed, but I want you to be a part of it. Your generosity will not be forgotten. Ever. Thank you doesn't seem enough <3