It is my pleasure to feature my friend, fellow blogger, dedicated tech teacher, and accomplished author Jacqui Murray on Roaming About today. Jacqui is a huge supporter of indie authors, an Amazon Vine Voice Reviewer, and a Jill of many trades. Ever since I started following her blog WordDreams many years ago, I have been in awe of her writing, her research skills, her dedication and passion for the writing and teaching craft, her genre choice of prehistoric fiction, and her publishing achievements. She is a busy bee and I have often wondered if – somehow – her days are longer than 24 hours.
To support and celebrate Jacqui’s release of Natural Selection, the third and last book in her Dawn of Humanity trilogy (which is part of a grander series called Man Vs. Nature, a collection of trilogies, each dealing with a seminal point in man’s evolution when we could have–probably should have–become extinct), I invited her over to talk about the origins of “wanderlust,” a topic close to my heart. On more than one occasion, Jacqui has pointed out similarities between “her people” in the books and our unsettled lifestyle.
Did Wanderlust Drive Man to All Corners of the Earth? Science Thinks So.
GUEST ARTICLE BY JACQUI MURRAY
Few animals leave their original habitat for a new one without being forced. Sometimes, as in the case of crocodiles who have survived over 200 million years, their habitat moves so they go with it. Man is the exception. In the trilogy, Dawn of Humanity, Lucy’s tribe of early humans journeyed from the North end of Africa to the South in a hunt for better living conditions. In the Crossroads trilogy (the sequel to Dawn of Humanity), our kind migrated from the eastern shore of Asia to a frozen England (via the land bridge that once connected it to the continent).
Why?
It’s unclear. These unusual migrations transcend all theories, most revolving around the availability of food, the threat of deadly predators, the danger from domination by other human species, dramatic changes in the climate, and migration of herds. That the available facts don’t fit nicely into a clean puzzle has caused scientists to rethink what they thought they understood. One alternative theory claimed that this unforced travel was motivated by simple curiosity and boredom, what is often called wanderlust. Some scientists credit it to a variation in the human DNA (DRD4-7R) now dubbed the “wanderlust gene”. Present in about 20% of the population, it impacts dopamine levels, increasing the person’s tolerance for risk taking.
If you’d rather climb a mountain than lie on the beach or are inclined to follow whims rather than rules, you may have this gene variation.
Over time, man–from Homo habilis to Homo erectus to modern Homo sapiens–has evolved a highly adaptable culture that allowed our genus to wander over a wide range of climates and habitats. Our ancestors hunted meat in ever-expanding territories, greater than the usual twelve kilometers of Lucy’s tribe and much more than other primates. The most mobile of our genus, Homo erectus, left Africa multiple times, spread throughout the known world (predominantly Eurasia), again and then again for no particular reason. Once we conquered fire, clothing, and shelter, we found we could go anywhere.
Whatever the reason, for about 99% of human evolution, we have moved around. As a result, until about 50,000 years ago, there were many species of our genus, Homo, wandering the planet. Even today, a percentage of us is ready to move on, explore the world beyond the hill, search out greener pastures, something we are better at than any other life form.
Summary of Natural Selection
In this conclusion to Lucy’s journey, she and her tribe leave their good home to rescue former tribemembers captured by the enemy. Lucy’s tribe includes a mix of species–a Canis, a Homotherium, and different iterations of early man. In this book, more join and some die, but that is the nature of prehistoric life, where survival depends on a combination of our developing intellect and our inexhaustible will to live. Each species brings unique skills to this task. Based on true events.
Set 1.8 million years ago in Africa, Lucy and her tribe struggle against the harsh reality of a world ruled by nature, where predators stalk them and a violent new species of man threatens to destroy their world. Only by changing can they prevail. If you ever wondered how earliest man survived, but couldn’t get through the academic discussions, this book is for you. Prepare to see this violent and beautiful world in a way you never imagined.
A perfect book for fans of Jean Auel and the Gears!
Book Information:
Title and author: Natural Selection by Jacqui Murray
Series: Book 3 in the Dawn of Humanity series
Genre: Prehistoric fiction
Editor: Anneli Purchase
Available print or digital) at: http://a-fwd.com/asin=B0B9KPM5BW
Author Bio:
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular prehistoric fiction saga, Man vs. Nature, which explores seminal events in man’s evolution one trilogy at a time. She is also author of the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers and Building a Midshipman , the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. Her non-fiction includes over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, reviews as an Amazon Vine Voice, a columnist for NEA Today, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics.
Social Media Contacts:
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Jacqui-Murray/e/B002E78CQQ/
Blog: https://worddreams.wordpress.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacquimurraywriter/
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/askatechteacher
Twitter: http://twitter.com/worddreams
Website: https://jacquimurray.net
Excerpt of Natural Selection:
Chapter 1: One Pack Ends, Another Begins
Africa
The Canis’ packmates were all dead, each crumpled in a smeared puddle of blood, Upright killing sticks embedded where they should never be. His body shook, but he remembered his training. The killers’ scent filled the air. If they saw him—heard him—they would come for him, too, and he must survive. He was the last of his pack.
He padded quietly through the bodies, paused at his mate, broken, eyes open, tongue out, pup under her chest, his head crushed. A moan slipped from his muzzle and spread around him. He swallowed what remained in his mouth. Without a pack, silence was his only protection. He knew to be quiet, but today, now, failed.
To his horror, a departing Upright looked back, face covered in Canis blood, meaty shreds dripping from his mouth, the body of a dead pup slung over his shoulder. The Canis sank into the brittle grass and froze. The Upright scanned the massacre, saw the Canis’ lifeless body, thought him dead like the rest of the decimated pack. Satisfied, he turned away and rushed after his departing tribe. The Canis waited until the Upright was out of sight before cautiously rising and backing away from the onslaught, eyes on the vanished predators in case they changed their minds.
And fell.
He had planned to descend into the gully behind him. Sun’s shadows were already covering it in darkness which would hide him for the night, but he had gauged his position wrong. Suddenly, earth disappeared beneath his huge paws. He tried to scrabble to solid ground, but his weight and size worked against him and he tumbled down the steep slope. The loose gravel made gripping impossible, but he dug his claws in anyway, whining once when his shoulder slammed into a rock, and again when his head bounced off a tree stump. Pain tore through his ear as flesh ripped, dangling in shreds as it slapped the ground. He kept his legs as close as possible to his body and head tucked, thankful this hill ended in a flat field, not a river.
Or a cliff.
When it finally leveled out, he scrambled to his paws, managed to ignore the white-hot spikes shrieking through his head as he spread his legs wide. Blood wafted across his muzzle. He didn’t realize it was his until the tart globs dripped down his face and plopped to the ground beneath his quaking chest. The injured animal odor, raw flesh and fresh blood, drew predators. In a pack, his mate would purge it by licking the wound. She would pronounce him Ragged-ear, the survivor.
Ragged-ear is a strong name. A good one.
He panted, tail sweeping side to side, and his indomitable spirit re-emerged.
I live.
But no one else in his pack did.
Except, maybe, the female called White-streak. She often traveled alone, even when told not to. If she was away during the raid, she may have escaped. He would find her. Together, they would start over.
Ragged-ear shook, dislodging the grit and twigs from his now-grungy fur. That done, he sniffed out White-streak’s odor, discovered she had also descended here. His injuries forced him to limp and blood dripping from his tattered ear obstructed his sight. He stumbled trying to leap over a crack and fell into the fissure. Fire shot through his shoulder, exploded up his neck and down his chest. Normally, that jump was easy. He clambered up its crumbling far wall, breaking several of his yellowed claws.
All of that he ignored because it didn’t matter to his goal.
Daylight came and went as he followed White-streak, out of a forest onto dry savannah that was nothing like his homeland.
Why did she go here?
He embraced the tenderness that pulsed throughout his usually-limber body. It kept him angry and that made him vicious. He picked his way across streams stepping carefully on smooth stones, their damp surfaces slippery from the recent heavy rain, ignoring whoever hammered with a sharp rock inside his head. His thinking was fuzzy, but he didn’t slow. Survival was more important than comfort, or rest.
Ragged-ear stopped abruptly, nose up, sniffing. What had alerted him? Chest pounding, breathing shallow, he studied the forest that blocked his path, seeking anything that shouldn’t be there.
But the throbbing in his head made him miss Megantereon.
Ragged-ear padded forward, slowly, toward the first tree, leaving only the lightest of trails, the voice of Mother in his head.
Yes, your fur color matches the dry stalks, but the grass sways when you move. That gives away your location so always pay attention.
His hackles stiffened and he snarled, out of instinct, not because he saw Megantereon. Its shadowy hiding place was too dark for Ragged-ear’s still-fuzzy thinking. The She-cat should have waited for Ragged-ear to come closer, but she was hungry, or eager, or some other reason, and sprang. Her distance gave the Canis time to back pedal, protecting his soft underbelly from her attack. Ragged-ear was expert at escaping, but his stomach spasmed and he lurched to a stop with a yowl of pain. Megantereon’s next leap would land her on Ragged-ear, but to the Canis’ surprise, the She-cat staggered to a stop, and then howled.
While she had been stalking Ragged-ear, a giant Snake had been stalking her. When she prepared her death leap, Snake dropped to her back and began to wrap itself around her chest. With massive coils the size of Megantereon’s leg, trying to squirm away did no good.
Ragged-ear tried to run, but his legs buckled. Megantereon didn’t care because she now fought a rival that always won. The She-cat’s wails grew softer and then silent. Ragged-ear tasted her death as he dragged himself into a hole at the base of an old tree, as far as possible from scavengers who would be drawn to the feast.
He awoke with Sun’s light, tried to stand, but his legs again folded. Ragged-ear remained in the hole, eyes closed, curled around himself to protect his vulnerable stomach, his tail tickling his nose, comforting.
He survived the Upright’s assault because they deemed him dead. He would not allow them to be right.
Sun came and went. Ragged-ear consumed anything he could find, even eggs, offal, and long-dead carcasses his pack normally avoided. His legs improved until he could chase rats, fat round ground birds, and moles, a welcome addition to his diet. Sometimes, he vomited what he ate and swallowed it again. The day came he once again set out after what remained of his pack, his pace more sluggish than prior to the attack, but quick enough for safety.
Ragged-ear picked up the female’s scent again and tracked her to another den. He slept there for the night and repeated his hunt the next day and the next. When he couldn’t find her trace, instinct drove him and memories of the dying howls of his pack, from the adults who trusted their Alpha Ragged-ear to protect them to the whelps who didn’t understand the presence of evil in their bright world.
Everywhere he traveled, when he crossed paths with an Upright, it was their final battle.
Find more information about Jacqui’s latest book, Natural Selection, here.
Thank you, Jacqui, for talking about my favorite topic, wanderlust, and for offering us a peek into your newest story. We wish you a lot of success with your newest release!
Readers who would like to check out my own wanderlust experiences, a previous ten-year episode in my nomadic life which includes eight years aboard a 35-foot sailboat in the tropics, can do so in my first “compelling, inspiring, and refreshingly honest” travel memoir, Plunge:
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October 26, 2022 at 11:52
Thank you so much for hosting me, Liesbet. I’m excited to see what reactions there are to a ‘wanderlust gene’. It’s unusual, something I first came across in trying to figure out why man left Africa!
October 26, 2022 at 13:34
I have often wondered if the “wanderlust” gene or sense of adventure has to do with our horoscopic signs? I’m a Sagittarius and have noticed among friends with this sign, that we are all slightly adventurous, straightforward, and rebellious. 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 12:59
I definitely do not have that gene.
October 26, 2022 at 13:28
I don’t either! I brought it up to my family during my Indiana visit and all agreed they lacked it also–thrilled to stay where they were.
October 26, 2022 at 13:36
You virtually travel and move with your characters (and us), Jacqui! 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 13:34
Familiarity and comfort are important to a lot of people!
October 26, 2022 at 13:25
I wonder about the U.S. which other than slaves was primarily settled by immigrants. Is this population more likely to have the “wander-lust gene.” I’m almost 80 and would say it goes back at least five generations in our family; they all kept moving.
October 26, 2022 at 13:30
Those folks brave enough to move across an ocean to a new country–that is amazing to me. I wonder, too, if something inside them makes them want to, where others of us would say, “I’ll just move to a different area here”.
October 26, 2022 at 13:37
I think curiosity plays a big part in this – and the sense of adventure and attraction of new horizons. Or, always thinking that “the grass is greener on the other side.” 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 13:35
A good point! I think you might be right that the gene is more prominent among peoples who have moved a lot throughout their generations and lives.
October 26, 2022 at 13:35
Such an interesting guest post, Jacqui! I would have thought that most “wandering” would have been for a purpose – following food, looking for better climate conditions, or distancing from more aggressive groups. How interesting that mere exploration may have also contributed. I remember reading once that it was the advent of argiculture that had the greatest impact on nomadic tendencies and brought around the rise of permanent settlements. So much fun to learn all this. Thanks for hosting, Liesbet.
October 26, 2022 at 13:40
My pleasure, Diana. This is all intriguing to me. Like you, I thought necessity (of food and feasible living conditions) would drive humans wherever they ended up and settled. But, when I look at myself, that urge and passion to move and explore constantly has nothing to do with the food supply. Although, at the moment, we prefer to “emigrate” to cheaper environs with fresher and more affordable food. 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 15:13
That’s what I thought too and then one day–maybe I was bored?–I googled “why did man spread throughout the world” and got the wandering gene. Then, I found out that was a big deal.
I love research.
October 26, 2022 at 15:23
It’s interesting to think about how certain genes fostered survival and therefore were passed down… sort of reminds me of “natural selection.” 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 15:37
Hehee
October 27, 2022 at 11:27
Haha. Great reference – coming full circle!
October 27, 2022 at 11:26
You do love research, which is why I put that in the introduction. 🙂 I don’t like it at all. Too time consuming and a rabbit hole…
October 26, 2022 at 14:32
What a fascinating post. And yes, quite appropriate for the focus of this book to be on Liesbet’s Roaming About blog! I don’t have the gene (as Jacqui admits she doesn’t). As soon as I read the question – beach or forest – I knew i was doomed to not be a wanderer. On the other hand, I have lived in five different states and moved over a dozen times, so hmmm, maybe I do have a bit of the gene. I don’t think that staying in one place for your entire life is good for the mind/soul/body. However, on the other hand, (and I think Jacqui will like this theory) I also feel that those of us who read a lot – travel to many places.
Lastly, GREAT post on Jacqui’s newest book. It’s a winner, just like Jacqui is. THANKS, LIESBET.
October 26, 2022 at 15:12
Loved your comment, Pam. I hadn’t thought of ‘wandering’ as reading widely, but you are on to something!
October 27, 2022 at 07:39
Think of all the places we’ve been! I believe that with good fiction, I can get to know a place even better than if I walked the streets myself.
October 27, 2022 at 11:37
True, Pam. Although, for me, I’d rather live the adventures myself than read about them. 🙂
October 27, 2022 at 11:25
You do wander in many places, Jacqui, while writing and while reading. 🙂
October 27, 2022 at 11:25
Hi Pam,
This wanderlust gene topic reminds me a little bit of the introvert/extrovert one. Like in many cases, I fall somewhere in between, a little bit like you. And while I usually can’t be put in “a box,” when it comes to the wanderlust gene and sense for adventure, I do belong in that group. 🙂 Although, a forest brings as many bugs as the beach, so this is a toss-up! 🙂
And, I agree that reading brings you to far away places, in many ways.
October 26, 2022 at 17:58
I definitely don’t have the wanderlust gene though I like adventure. In addition to Jacquie’s imaginative writing, she is a techno wizard–and she supports other authors. Wherever I wander in blog-land, she’s been there with a “Like” and a comment. Brava to both of you, Liesbet and Jacqui. 😀
October 26, 2022 at 20:31
Thank you for visiting, Marian! I too am not the 1in 5 who has the wanderlust gene. I’d be better described as part agoraphobia (though I’m not).
October 27, 2022 at 11:31
It seems like you prefer familiar surroundings with not too many people or distractions, Jacqui.
October 29, 2022 at 10:04
I do. All of those unknowns boggle me!
October 27, 2022 at 11:30
Hi Marian,
I don’t understand where Jacqui gets her energy and how she manages to be “everywhere” AND manages to create all the blog posts and writing as well. A super woman! 🙂 And, yes, you do have an adventurous streak, as long as you can get back to the comfort of your own home in due time. So far, my favorite chapter of your book is your camper adventure. I’m sure you’re not surprised! 🙂
October 26, 2022 at 23:02
This is such an interesting topic, Jacqui and Liesbet. I had briefly heard about the Wanderlust gene before, but I did not have that much detail. I agree that curiosity, sense of adventure and restlessness all play a part. If one can have just a piece of this gene, then that is where I would place myself! Great post!
October 27, 2022 at 10:31
I had never considered it as part of our genetic blueprint until I tried to figure out why early man left a great homeland for an unknown adventure. Wanderlust–in some cases–explains everything!
October 27, 2022 at 11:41
“Curiosity kills the cat” comes to mind. But if everyone would stay stagnant/at home, none of the discoveries of foreign lands would have been made. Based on all the modern-day nomads, world sailors, and international RVers out there, I’d say that the “wanderlust gene” group is growing! Of course, the internet and advance of technology makes the barrier to plunge into new adventures much smaller.
October 27, 2022 at 11:34
Hi Donna,
You definitely belong in this group of adventurers, based on your curiosity, desire for travel, and your interest in trying new things and getting out of your comfort zone (at least a little bit). 🙂
I know I have written about the wanderlust gene before, but can’t remember where, except for my chapter in a travel anthology. So, when Jacqui mentioned she had an article about this gene, I knew it would be a fabulous fit for Roaming About.
October 27, 2022 at 01:17
I don’t have the wanderlust gene either, though I’m fascinated by those who do. I think that’s one of the reasons I like hearing about your adventures, Liesbet. I can be entertained and watch from a distance without leaving my laptop.
I’ve only read Book 1 in this series, though Book 2 is near the top of my TBR pile. I’m looking forward to a good month of reading and writing without any serious distractions.
October 27, 2022 at 10:29
I have the same reaction to Liesbet’s book and blog. I often bring her up in conversation as my nomadic efriend who travels the world and takes me along vicariously.
October 27, 2022 at 11:38
Oooh, Jacqui. That is a sweet thing to say. I enjoy being a small part of your life. 🙂
October 27, 2022 at 13:00
I do protect your privacy, just share what you share in your books and blog–which is plenty to amaze people!
October 28, 2022 at 21:42
Thank you, Jacqui, but no worries! I’m an open book. After writing Plunge, there is not much privacy left. 🙂 And, I love interacting with new readers and followers.
October 27, 2022 at 11:36
It appears that most people who read my blog (and book) enjoy the armchair travels and adventures, Pete. It’s almost the best of two worlds, living vicariously through someone else, without all the real challenges and discomforts! 🙂 I’m looking forward to reading Jacqui’s prehistoric fiction books. I have a few on my Kindle, but lack the time to read for pleasure at the moment.
October 27, 2022 at 07:58
I always love Jacqui’s guest posts. Thanks for hosting today, Liesbet!
October 27, 2022 at 10:22
Thanks for visiting! I love this topic. It really surprised me when I discovered it in my research.
October 27, 2022 at 11:37
My pleasure, Jill. Jacqui fascinates, inspires, and impresses me!
October 27, 2022 at 11:42
Thanks for the enlightening article, Jacqui. So intriguing, the idea of a gene calling some folks to seek the unknown, to jump into danger or climb that mountain or take that roller coaster ride — while others are content by the fire at the campsite. I am caught by the idea that my ancestors from Europe may have owned this gene if they were willing to cross an ocean to a different life. If so, my brother and my son inherited that gene, but I am happy stirring the soup at the campsite. Good read, Jacqui.
October 28, 2022 at 21:36
Thanks for swinging by and reading Jacqui’s interesting article, Sandy. We need a few daredevils in this world to expand our horizons and territories, I guess. I’m a very curious person and love exploring and adventuring, but sometimes this is super tiring and I wish I could sit by that fire. Or, to make an analogy with real life in the here and now, that I could sit on a couch in a comfortable house and not stress about where to spend the night for once. 🙂
October 29, 2022 at 10:02
I do ponder those brave enough to board a ship to an unknown land too far away to escape from. Your relatives truly might have had that gene. I like you am happy to stay at home. Our Zoom meetings surprisingly suit me rather well!
October 27, 2022 at 11:48
I guess I have this gene. I’m not sure why I like to wander. Part is probably curiosity. But I don’t see myself as a risk taker. It is often times scary and I don’t like to be afraid. But the more I push my boundaries, the easier it gets, and the more amazing experiences I collect.
I love living small in a giant world. Like standing on the beach and looking at the endless horizon and seeing myself as a dot on the map. Or being in a boat in a circle of water, with nothing to identify my location.
I love most going to places that few other people go. There are still so many hidden gems left in the world.
I also love experiencing new cultures and expanding my understanding of people.
I would think that traveling for prehistoric people would be a challenge to all their senses and basic concepts. So many people these days, even though they have lots of resources to learn about everything in the world, seem to never want to leave their safe little bubble and don’t even want to know what is beyond it. For prehistoric people to step out into a complete unknown out of their safe bubble is impressive.
Maybe boredom plays a big part in all this. I just don’t know what I’d do if I stopped moving.
Thanks for giving me lots to think about Jacqui and Liesbet!
October 27, 2022 at 12:59
In another life, I would wish I was a lot more adventurous and brave, like you describe yourself. I would definitely think–from what I know–if they analyzed your genome, they’d find that gene!
October 28, 2022 at 21:41
Agreed! Funny coincidence is that Duwan and I are actually parked next to each other this week, Jacqui. 🙂 We can discuss (and have) this topic in person. In my situation, I often find our lifestyle more challenging than scary.
October 29, 2022 at 10:01
Duwan is a whole lot more courageous than me. How funny you’ve ended up next to each other.
November 9, 2022 at 20:47
Duwan and I have been friends for a while and somehow, we have been able to meet up in all corners of the US these last three years. We also were together in Baja California, Mexico, this past spring. Most of it just happened. 🙂
October 28, 2022 at 21:39
Hi Duwan,
Thank you for your insightful comment. Lots to think about, indeed!
I love adventure as well and to travel the world, but back in the day, especially the prehistoric day, this required way more courage than now. With the advent of technology and so many other people doing this before us and sharing their experiences, there is not much “first hand” discovering going on. Maybe that’s why we like to trod off the beaten path.
Twenty years ago, it definitely felt more special, unique, unknown, and gutsy to travel the world like we did.
October 27, 2022 at 13:25
Interesting. I never thought of early man as having wanderlust. I always thought they moved for survival.
October 28, 2022 at 21:43
It seems like the human race is of a curious kind – in more ways than one! 🙂
October 29, 2022 at 09:57
I did, too, but try to take nothing for granted so did a search “Why did early man spread throughout the planet”–and there it was. Wanderlust! Who knew???
November 9, 2022 at 20:46
Not taking things for granted is the way to go, Jacqui! It makes us curious and grateful. 🙂
October 29, 2022 at 13:48
I found the thoughts around the migration of early man most interesting. Many people do have wanderlust which is both a good and a bad thing. Thanks for hosting Jacqui, Liesbet.
November 9, 2022 at 20:51
Hi Roberta,
Sorry for the late approval of your comment and my delayed reply. We are in the midst of “moving” continents. Speaking of wanderlust… 🙂
I agree with the impulse and curiosity to explore being a good thing and a bad thing. Yet, it’s because of the bravery of some people our boundaries get pushed, discoveries are made, and progress too. Many have lost their lives pushing those – and human race’s – boundaries.
October 30, 2022 at 15:45
Interesting. It all boils down to what is important to you and if you have the wanderlust gene. Fortunately we have the gene big time. We look at life as an hourglass and the grains of sand falling to the bottom need to be filled with adventure, gusto, health, and love. Cheers!
October 30, 2022 at 17:10
My character Lucy would be proud of you!
November 9, 2022 at 20:54
I think we should all be proud of Lucy. Such a tough and challenging life!! I should think about her next time I feel like complaining. 🙂
November 9, 2022 at 20:54
Susan, I love that analogy about the hourglass. I haven’t heard it before. I do think that once in a while, the hourglass should get reset. After twenty years of being a nomad, I do start to see the advantages of a (temporary) homebase. An hourglass full of adventure gets exhausting. 🙂
October 31, 2022 at 21:01
I’m on the fence about the wanderlust gene, ladies. But nice to see you feature Jacqui and her new book here today. I enjoyed the excerpt. Hugs <3
November 1, 2022 at 10:16
We writers like ‘show don’t tell’ but how can I actually see a wanderlust gene? Sigh.
November 9, 2022 at 21:00
Thanks for sharing your opinion, Debby. I love how you are contrary in this matter.
One day, I tried to figure out where my adventurous spirit came from. Not from my parents, nor other ancestors. Not from my upbringing. Not because of the influence of friends. Not because I felt inspired by others. Not because I have heroes or wasn’t happy with my current life – or country.
I knew I was curious and I enjoyed different locales and cultures, exotic foods, and temperatures. But other than that, I had no explanation. That’s when I stumbled across this gene, when I asked Google where these feelings and interests might come from.
I welcome your explanation for this passion and desire to travel continuously.
November 9, 2022 at 23:54
You are a free spirit and you follow your passions. Not everyone can do that. You are taking in life my friend. You are you, like I am me. We are not like where we came from. Enjoy all the moments. You are living life with wings. <3
November 12, 2022 at 15:29
I like that point of view, Debby. We are who we are and we create ourselves. 🙂
November 1, 2022 at 19:53
Excellent post, Jacqui and Liesbet. I had some wanderlust when I was in my twenties, but definitely do not anymore, and I expect Lucy’s people were all fairly young adults at the time. I look forward to reading the entire series.
November 1, 2022 at 20:09
Agreed! I was a lot more adventurous in my 20’s than now. Yes, Lucy’s tribe was fairly young, the reason being that most of her kind didn’t live beyond 40!
November 9, 2022 at 21:32
Aaah, the joys of being young. 🙂
November 9, 2022 at 21:31
Interesting about your twenties, Debra. I was way more adventurous, tolerant, and fit when backpacking in my twenties as well. Lucy and her people had a much shorter lifespan, so I’m sure they were younger than you and I when expanding their horizons – literally.
November 12, 2022 at 08:56
Hi Liesbet – sorry I’m late to Jacqui’s tour – this is such an interesting subject and I can see ties in with your life … to a point I’m a wanderer, but wanted to and have come home … wanderlust for Lucy makes sense doesn’t it. Interesting post – thank you … Hilary
November 12, 2022 at 15:33
Hi Hilary, and welcome to Roaming About! There are no time schedules or late comers here. I appreciate your visit and your comment – any time. 🙂
Lucy sure was a wanderer. As for myself, like my loved ones (who actually have given up on this topic), I have wondered if I could live this lifestyle forever. Am I ever going to settle? Twenty years on the go is a long time!
Based on your comment, you’ve been there as well and you have found peace and rest in a home. This sounds appealing at times, because the nomadic lifestyle is quite exhausting! We will see what happens. Maybe we will find an attractive home base in South America the coming years.
November 12, 2022 at 16:53
I’ll stayed tuned, Liesbet!
November 13, 2022 at 15:08
🙂
November 12, 2022 at 16:52
Lucy, too, in this book, comes home. You two have a lot in common! Thanks for weighing in, Hilary.