travel Archives – James D. Hogan

Salvation Belongs

On November 1, 2026

I have been on the road for a long weekend trip visiting family in New Jersey. Driving to Charlotte Wednesday morning, the sun coming up over the ridge, I was struck by the late October foliage, brilliant: every autumnal shade cast aglow in dewy, golden light–burnt orange and red, deep burgundy, bright yellow to brass.

The fall colors were arriving at their sensational peak after weeks and weeks of waiting through a long, hot summer that stretched its airs well into late September. Part of me hated to leave, to miss seeing the handful of days that the forest covering these ancient mountains puts on such a show. There was rain in the forecast for the weekend, and it never takes much to bring it all to a delicate end.

But I don’t get many windows to take off for long weekend trips like these. Time is precious, and schedules are busy. All the more important to understand the gift it is to come back here, to see loved ones while there’s still time to visit.

The 50 x 50 Project

By James D. Hogan

On July 5, 2024

In diary

Let’s go.

There are many accidental factors that contributed to my career change from teaching to college fundraising, but one of the most compelling reasons I remember was the fact my new fundraising position paid me to travel.

It was something I couldn’t afford to do very much on a high school teacher’s salary, and even when we had the money, we were more often than not bound to the school calendar. We traveled on school breaks–the time when it’s more expensive to travel. Getting paid to travel (and yes, do my job as a fundraiser) sounded like a dream.

I learned to travel efficiently. Even if I had fundraising work scheduled throughout the day, I could often sequester off a few hours on every trip to do something on my own agenda. Sometimes it was a baseball game (I visited lots of cities with ballparks), other times it was a museum or historic site. I tried to experience each place I visited with an open, curious mind. When I would call on donors, I asked about where we were and what made it special. What do you love about here? I wanted to know.

Of Thee I Sing

By James D. Hogan

On June 1, 2024

In writing

An extraordinary day, and a simple act of decency.

We are standing in a dark room where photography of any kind is prohibited. Before us, in a light and climate controlled room, is the original garrison flag raised over Fort McHenry in September of 1814 following a long night of British bombardment. In the early morning light, the sight of the flag inspired Francis Scott Key to compose words that eventually became The Star Spangled Banner.

Thomas and I are standing, a bit speechless, looking at its faded colors, its clearly hand-sewn composition, its tattered edges. In the years after the War of 1812, the flag was owned by a family, who scissored off snippets of fabric to give to war heroes and friends. It was eventually given to the Smithsonian in 1907, where we are viewing it. And of course, now we all sing about the flag. This flag. I think about how singing a song with others brings us together.

Minutes later, I pause to take a seat on a wooden bench while Thomas checks out another gallery of our nation’s artifacts. I’m nursing a fractured foot, and our day started early this morning as we hiked around the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the U.S. Capitol Building. The day before we’d hoofed it more than 10 miles. My orthopedic boot was not the most comfortable footwear. As I sat, I glanced at my phone and saw I had a LinkedIn message, and for whatever reason I opened it, read it, and came to a startling conclusion.

I was missing my wallet.

Tag: travel Page 1 of 6

Salvation Belongs

The 50 x 50 Project

Let’s go.

Of Thee I Sing

An extraordinary day, and a simple act of decency.