I guess that sometimes, when your husband gets on his bike to go run an errand, it really means he’s going across town to buy you a 1973 Volkswagen bus.
I would like to introduce you to Talulah:
This is the second old Volkswagen I have owned in my life and it will be the third that I have driven (a boyfriend, somewhere along the line, had a 1970ish Westfalia that I drove all over Saskatoon and Western Canada). I know, I know. You’re all wondering why on earth I would want to drive a shabby, undependable, old vehicle around town. The truth is, I find there to be something terribly romantic about driving old shabby cars. It makes me feel eccentric like Maude. It makes me feel like I’m embracing a decade older than the one I’m living in. Plus, when I’m sitting in an old Volkswagen, I’m in my happy place. Seriously. Once you’ve experienced it, you’ll understand. When I’m driving Talulah, I can’t wipe the smile off my face. There are many things in life that make me extremely happy, old VW’s are one of them.
She’s got a fold down bed in the back. Farley loves it. He’s never had such a spacious ride. She also boasts a flip-down table and a few spare seats, plus storage galore. She needs some love and attention, a pinch of new paint and some new interior decor…but she’s mine-all-mine and I love her to the bone (or steel frame, in this case).
Typically, she’s a beast to drive. She’s fumy. She needs plenty of time to warm up when I start her. There’s zero power steering but a true bus wheel with a nob which makes it easier to take the corners in town. I’m toning my upper body just by taking her to the grocery store for balsamic vinegar…
The more I think about it, the more I realize that the world would be a better place if we all drove old Volkswagens. There are many styles to choose from but the spirit in each one of them is the same: It’s a zesty and sassy little VW spirit that helps a girl realize that there’s no rush!
Literally!
You can’t get anywhere very fast in one of these vehicles. So you might as well enjoy the ride and look out the windows as the scenery creeps by. Additionally, I like to think that with that big dumb smile on my face, I’m helping make the world a cheerier place. Smiles are contagious. So is waving merrily at strangers and saying hi to grumpy looking women when they’re wearing cranky pants.
I wish I could pile you all in the back and coast through the sunshine with you today. It’s Friday! Put an extra little swivel in your hips when you walk and pour a little sass into your earl grey tea, as well as milk and honey. Smile. Say hello to strangers. And when you’re feeling rushed and panicked, take a second to breathe deep and realize that there’s no hurry. Enjoy the ride. Make the world a lovely place.
With all our hearts and gaskets,
Jillian & Talulah
:::EDIT:::
I have received a torrent of responses to this blog post and ‘Old German Junk’ in general — I had no idea that so many of you have experienced an old VW at some point in your life or happen to own one, or dream of owning one in the future! What a delight! Thanks so much for your kind words. I just came in from telling Talulah all about how much you adore her. If she had a horn, she’d have beeped it madly.
Thanks thanks thanks for your sweetness, as usual!
Tra la la!
J
Talulah is just beautiful! I have always wanted an old VW beetle. The new ones are just terrible!
Cranky Pants! I luv it! I have a pair of those!! Bwahahahahaha!
you have NO IDEA how happy for you & how jealous I am! It is my dream to own one of these… enjoy!! You are a lucky woman!!!!
We welcome Talulah to your household..hey girl, you are too young for this! Just goes to show not all old is bad and not all new is good.
I don't think you need more cheering, but do strut about town in your Talulah, your jeans and boots. You are going to create a few accidents.
Happy Weekend!
A genuine VW Microbus! Fantastic! Just the vehicle to get into hilarious trouble in. A true freakmobile. Trust me, I know. If Talulah could talk, imagine the stories she could tell…
🙂
XO
I read your blog daily but have never commented. After reading today's post, I am convinced that you are my hero. Enjoy!
I love it!!!! We have always owned a VW Beetle/bug – figured the boys couldn't get into too much trouble with it in their growing up years – WRONG!! I'd love to have another one right now!! Enjoy and I'm sure you will be the talk of the town:) Have a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Sally
yay!
HAHA this is awesome…and precisely my guess after hearing your voicemail the other day. do you think a sassy asian would fit in back with the pooches? do you play tori amos' song when you drive, so talulah can get acquainted with her namesake? you're cute.
remember the one night last summer we were on the phone until 2 a.m. and you were looking everywhere for THE KNOB??? (the steering wheel reminded me.) and then you found it the next day poking out the bottom of the garbage bag? THE KNOB, THE KNOB!!!
i'm stopping now b/c it's just getting too crazy over here in my mind.
My husband would die and go to heaven to find his own Talulah. You found a real Gem there RW! Nice work!
OOOOO So jealous!
Oh me oh my puddin' pie – she is a sweet ride (of course, I myself am am married to a hubby with a collection of old not so dependable cars of different makes and models,so I may be a bit biased).
You have brought sunshine into my day!…I love you!
I learned to drive on a old VW Bug. It was so wonderful, and I've wanted on so badly since then.
Congrats on the addition!
She's so beautiful!
WOWOWOWOWOWOWOW!! You are awesome!! yay I am happy for you! We like to call that old and worn experienced look "patina" and Talulah's got it. SWEEET.
And just say NO to crankypants. NOT a fun place to be(have been there, not fond of wearing them). those folk really need a ride in a bumpy old(cool)VW bus, really! A good Friday to you sweetie and all the plumes and plumettes…..
well, she's a beaute. and i can tell how happy she makes you.
hooray finding joy and celebrating!
while i do love her…my crush would be an old sea foam green ford truck. i guess that's the farm girl in me.
sigh.
i love me some old v-dub…she's gorgeous!
That VW bus is perfect for you and what a sweet hubbie you have!
Are you daring enough to drive it to Saskatoon or will I have to come to Pocatello for a ride?
Weeeeeee~what fun! I will be sharing your post with my darlin' tonight. Go Tahulah Go! Thanks for the kick in the 'cranky pants', that was soooo me yesterday. I need to go greet the streets with a smile in my Honda Odyessy ;).
I think she is so you :)!
I feel the same about older (the boxy ones) Jeeps – and love my Wrangler and that other Jeep folk wave or tip their hats at me.
I bet other VW folks wave also – have a light, fun Friday and Week End.
I had a green one "Gumby" and two beetles. Loved them all. Looks like you're having fun!!
Phil would be sooooo happy to be in that bus: all tour long he and matt played the bus counting game: phil won 🙂
the boots are rocking on you, Jillian 🙂
love and jamticipation,
allisunny
eep! What an old sweet ride. I bet she has a very very special sound when you crank the motor. I remember a bug a bf had back in the '70s and you could see the road thru holes in the passenger side floor.
double eep, the link to Harold and Maude, how many times have I seen that old movie?! It's a classic for sure.
enjoy your ride and motor on!
Happiness is… this blog entry.
Hoorah!
Our VW, Ruby, ain't such an old girl but we love like crazy and she makes me SMILE on and on like a maniac.
…GROOVY Girl…now when you're ready for that mod paint job…better have…UMBER do the honors…
sweet your husband !! that my dream car VW . also it make me happy when anytime i sew it on the street But the best from you to describe that more love it now ….
Hehehe…. My boyfrind is so jealous.
You lucky one!
ah good times, got my drivers liscense in a VW, got my first kiss in a VW , my first concussion in one, my goodness went to all four years of college ( part one ) in one, a significant chunk of my life, at least many good memories, good for you for acquiring something good. ; )
Awww….Talulah makes me miss my old buses! Scarlet, Anubus, and the last but bestest bus, Lucille.
I think I'll start looking for another.