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