“Route 66 sign – Santa Monica, Los Angeles – Travel photography” by Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com) is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
Royalty Free Music: Bensound.com/royalty-free-music License code: KIDN8WMFQBT1PSQT
Artist: Benjamin Tissot
Recently, I met the love of my life. I know, quite cliche as I put it into words. However, I won’t shy away from the hope and excitement that come with such a wonderful happenstance. I sought the above picture, that of the end of Route 66 at Santa Monica pier, because we have been planning a cross-country road trip. We’re starting in Tennessee for a music festival, meeting the iconic Route 66 in Oklahoma, and taking it West to its end so that we can head towards the Pacific Northwest. The accompanying audio represents the feeling of accomplishment that this road trip will bring about as we reach one end only to begin another journey, somewhat representative of meeting a love later on in life. Both the image and the sound reflect a personal journey, while also showcasing a sense of accomplishment which comes with finishing a journey. It’s excitement, adventure, possibility, hope, and wonder all wrapped into one.
Credentials:
Hi Jaclyne, Wow the upcoming trip sounds exciting! I have always wanted to drive the entire Route 66–that will definitely be an adventure. The angularity of the lines in the photograph really give it energy and the melody of the xylophone in the audio, feels to me like a conversation. It makes me imagine you and your new love having lots of positive verbal exchanges over the course of the trip. The bird flying toward the sign and the sun also feels representative of a journey into the light–the light of a new chapter in an old life, flying into the west which ultimately becomes a sunset. It feels hopeful, as you said, and like a whole new world is opening up. I hope you have a beautiful time, and take lots of photos!
Hi Jaclyne! That is such a lovely summary of what the sound and image mean to you. Even before reading your summary, I got the feeling of an exciting trip when I listened to the audio paired with the Route 66 image. Your summary added another layer to the meaning with the found love later in life that you are now going on this incredible trip with, and maybe even the journey of life with as well. The music is cheerful and upbeat, paired with the image that has warm sunshine peeking from behind the sign, as well as a bird spreading its wings and flying by the sign. This could be reminiscent of you also spreading your wings and taking that jump into love, as well as the adventure of a road trip.
Hi Jaclyne,
Your trip sounds very exciting. I think the image and the audio pair very well together. The audio really brings the image to life and it definitely adds a hopeful energy to an otherwise neutral image. I’m a fan of Stardew Valley and he song reminds me of the soundtrack that plays while you are on the move around the village. Perfect for a road trip!