"I drove across country in my yellow 1970 VW bug (which I drove until 1986) to Los Angeles, having had enough cold weather in 5 years in Ann Arbor, and found a job within a few days"

W. Richard Stevens recounts a pivotal moment of transition and self-discovery. His decision to drive across the country in a yellow 1970 Volkswagen Beetle reflects both a sense of adventure and practicality. The car, emblematic of the era, suggests an appreciation for simplicity and perhaps a hint of individuality. Mentioning the color and year of the VW Bug not only evokes a vivid image but also lends a personal touch, grounding the narrative in a specific time and style, hinting at the writer’s fondness for this vehicle, which he drove for many years afterward.

His journey represents a conscious move toward change, motivated by a desire to leave behind the cold winters of Ann Arbor, Michigan. After enduring five years of harsh weather, the pull of a warmer and possibly more vibrant place like Los Angeles became irresistible. This migration highlights a universal drive to seek environments that nurture well-being, both emotionally and physically. Los Angeles, with its reputation for sunshine and opportunity, stands as an emblem of new beginnings.

Stevens’s ability to find a job within a few days upon arrival speaks to a combination of resourcefulness, determination, and perhaps the allure of the tech and engineering sector in 1980s California. It suggests he possessed valuable skills and adaptability, as well as the courage to embrace uncertainty. The understated confidence in his recounting, no mention of fear or hesitation, implies a readiness to move forward, embracing whatever came next.

This brief account, though simple, reveals much about Stevens’s character: his resilience, his appreciation for reliable companionship (in both automobile and life), and his willingness to trade comfort for the promise of something better. It is a classic story of American mobility and self-making, marked by both nostalgia and the anticipation of a new chapter.