What’s in store for 2024?
The end of the year is near.
If you’re like me, hi, my name is Joy; I will now contemplate everything that has happened over the past year. The good, the bad, the not so great, the stress, the worry, the fantastic moments, the memories, the highlights, the low lights, the laughter, the tears and the fears. No, I will not write in detail. These thoughts are in my head.
They say not to look back but it’s nearly IMPOSSIBLE not to do so as the year winds down and a new one begins. In my world and a few close friends, our birthdays are close to Christmas, so it’s kinda like getting all the gift-giving and well-wishes done in one month. Two of my close friends have December birthdays. I’m after. There is a debate; is it better to have your birthday before while people are feeling generous? Or after, when people are recovering from hemorrhaging money the couple of weeks prior, and now all they can afford to do is work?
Growing up, birthday parties for me were very much weather-dependent. Blizzards were a common issue. Not so much anymore. Snow storms, while I remember experiencing quite a few as a kid, not so much as an adult. It’s a hit or miss with the snow. It seems to happen more now after the 1st. Now, if it snows (significantly), if I can live without it, I do. I will also wait until 11 am after the salt has time to melt most snow or ice.
I know they say as you age, your mind shifts and I often find myself saying as I’m driving — “moron, asshat, dumbass, WTF, ok then, that was brilliant (aka dripping in sarcasm), and now that I have the beast - just simply laughing at people’s stupidity. Now, I’m not saying I’m not or have never been stupid…
buttttttt…
I’m also not in a hurry, not trying to run red lights, not trying to die driving to the grocery store or the mall or get hit by a car (which just happened last week), or otherwise just being an idiot. I’m past that stage of my 20s-30s. I still have a life I want to lead and things to do!
Yes, like many places people in Ohio drive drunk, or text on their phones, or fall asleep late at night while driving, and cross a center line into oncoming traffic, and sideswipe a massive black truck with lights on the top, the side, etc and then just keep going. Yes. They. Do. Just another asshat and to that all I can say is Karma is a b!tch.
Thankfully, I took very little damage, a small scuff that can be buffed out. Not so sure about their car. They clipped the back corner of my passenger door, and hit the steel running board, which caused them to fishtail and swerve all over the road. By the time I could pull over, get out of my truck, and assess the damage — they were gone.
Another year, another goal, another plan.
I’ve already booked a local event after the first of the year. I am trying to get 2 booked a month. There are a few craft / art events here in Ohio that I’d like to book for next holiday season, my goal is to have the product locked in for shows over the first few months next year. I’ve been fine tuning how I will carry, haul and otherwise pack the product and take it with me. Once I get the camper I want, I can then begin the travel plans. I can plan my route based on craft fairs throughout the states. Yes, there is a database for that. In the meantime I need remove the back seat, plan and build out the storage, get new tires, get the truck ready to go and maybe take trip east for a long weekend.
I haven’t worked out all the kinks, but I am hoping to get the trailer sold before camping season begins. If you know anyone looking a small trailer with an amazing set up — send them my way or better yet send them this link — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQK4V3gF03Q
I may have to trade it in, but really hoping to just eliminate that expense from my budget. I would rather pay cash for my next RV. Fingers crossed.
Answers to questions I’ve been asked:
What kind of RV are you getting?
A truck camper
When will I get on the road?
I hope soon.
Where will I travel?
No idea, I will point my truck in a direction and drive but eventually west.
How long will you travel?
The plan is 6-7 months each year.
Will you travel full-time?
At this time, no. I will come home for the holidays.
How will you fund your travel?
My Etsy Shop, selling my art, freelance design and photography work, and craft fairs.
Will you post on YouTube?
Yes, but a bit differently.
I’ve learned that the planning process is always changing. I know that eventually I will be back in California to see my friends, that I plan on spending a bulk of my time in the mountains and exploring back roads and BLM land. Until then I am here, in Ohio, dreaming of the day, I once again hit the road. My focus now, is getting me there.
That means focusing on my business Wanderlust and Wit and developing my product line. Coming up with something not only creative but uniquely mine. Uniquely my art. I’ve got 2 ideas in the works.
Selling paintings created by me using a painting technique that I’m excited to spend some time learning.
Creating a product that utilizes my skills as a photographer and a designer which makes a custom-made travel-inspired design that is about you, the customer.
