My Life needs Editing
I’m changing RVs again.
Not a decision made lightly, but out of necessity.
I absolutely love my RV, love it, it’s perfect, the size, the amenities, everything. Deep down, I will miss it tremendously, it was my “space” for a year and a half, however developments in my life have convinced me I need to make some changes in how I will travel.
Moraine Lake, Canada
When I think about how I began this RV Life adventure and the direction the world turned, I would not have thought - this was how it was going to go.
I dreamt of endless adventures, feeling like I had finally found where I belonged, exploring places that in my heart filled me with joy. I had have dreams of seeing the color of Moraine Lake, the wall of Yosemite, the stunning beauty of the northwest again, the northern lights in Alaska, finding roads that lead to places no one really sees, and capturing the stunning night skyspace of the west.
These dreams have not changed, they are still there.
The pandemic, while a horrific issue that impacted many, caused me to make a change in my travels, come back to Ohio, park my RV and spend the final years of my dad’s life, with my dad. I wasn’t 3000 miles away. I was here.
That is and was the only thing that mattered.
I found work to get me through, paid bills, focused on remote work, and found a company that I could work part-time. I got another job to help pay debt and then lost both jobs.
I really try to take things in stride. It is not easy. Change which has always been a big part of my life was showing it’s chaotic mindset.
There is nothing permanent except change. —Heraclitus
Ever get that desire to move your space around, office, bedroom, livingroom—change the furniture to make the space “feel” different? Change your style, the decor, to make the space “feel” like home
I grew up in a 9x11 foot space, it was my bedroom, it had yellow walls, posters of Duran Duran, the yellow vest Michael Jackson poster (you know the one), Pat Benatar, and magazine photos of Corey Haim and Feldman, really any of the Lost Boys. It had a twin bed, a small dresser (made by my great grandfather), an art table made by my grandfather, side table, bookshelf and bright yellow beanbag. It was my space. This bedroom crossed between the 70s budget and 80s decor. I moved it around no less than 10 times. Many of those times in the middle of the night. Many of these times, ending in an exasperated sound from my mother.
I will go from growing out my hair to chopping it off. It grows back, always has, hopefully always will. Dealing with change was a big part of life. I know comfort is great, it’s cozy, it’s a soft blanket on a chilly morning sipping on my warm coffee. I, however, crave change.
Many times change has scared the shit out of me. My comfort level changes as I learn things. Driving a Class C, a van, or a truck is easy. Towing, not so easy. It gives me anxiety, I know that with practice I would get really good at towing and at understanding my setup, however, I‘m selling the trailer. Not having a steady secure income, I am selling the added expense and will be looking for a truck camper and a 1 ton truck.
Option A: Upgrade to a 1 ton, Crew Cab truck, find the perfect 850sc. Cost around 40k
Option B: Buy a Camper Van. Cost 25-90k.
Option C: Build out my current truck for overlanding. Cost 2k-10k (or more)
Regardless, they have to have a bathroom. I’m 51 and have zero desire to hike through the haze of my 4am bladder wake up call.
Over the last couple of months, we have been remodeling, painting and making over the upstairs bedroom at my mom’s. It will be my Pied-à-terre and while I am not a wealthy french woman, it will be my part time residence, when I am not traveling. The only things I needed, a desk and purchased a photo printer for the art festivals I plan on working. I have created my at home office space. Now I can work on creating my art and getting ready for my first big art show.
Making the choice to travel part-time (meaning 6-9 months of a year), is the better option. It makes sense. After going through the loss of my father it made me realize that during my 15 years in LA, I missed seeing the boys (my nephews) grow up. I missed moments with my family that are and were important.
Since I no longer need to carry all my belongings with me, this will allow me to downsize. This will allow me to have a mode of travel that can be parked and easily set up in any parking spot. Having 4 wheel drive, and slightly lifted will be needed. I have even thought about the least expensive option and just making my truck a camper and traveling in that for awhile. Find a rooftop tent, grab the gear, Sawyer and drive west.
What does this mean for YouTube?
I will be producing videos, however, I am going a different route. It will be travel vlogs, but told visually. I will plan trips and visit places, capture the entire adventure and then tell the story. YouTube is for me to share what I’ve discovered and love about the places I visit. There is no epic budget. I am not wealthy but learning to survive on my skills as a traveling artist.
These were things I did not take advantage of in California. I spent time in San Francisco and Burkley, visited San Diego, Palm Springs, and Santa Barbara. Living there 15 years, it should have been more places, it should have been Yosemite. I regret that.
Life tends to get sucked away by endless hours wasted on the freeways. It’s also extremely costly to live in a state like CA check to check. Vacations or time off was typically spent flying back to Ohio.
Now, I’ll leave Ohio to visit many of the places I’ve wanted to for my lifetime. I’m taking a small trip west this fall to see friends, a new baby or two, and pick up a few things I left behind. I hope to have a new truck and rig to take with me but one thing at a time.
Sell the trailer
Sell the truck
Buy a “new to me” 1 ton truck
Find the perfect 850sc. (right price, right condition)
Maybe I’ll have a trailer again but I think the next one will be smaller, rugged and made for those 4x4 adventures.
See you on the Road.
