Living Life in the Slow Lane

took my little camper with me as I toured the Petrified Forest National Park

I'm waking up every day filled with awe and gratitude for this life I am privileged to live. Since my last blog post one month ago, I have traveled over 1600 miles, which is somewhat high for sustainable full-time living... at least for me. I'm trying to give myself a break for now, though, as I navigate this lifestyle and find my sea legs! ...and move away from colder climates as winter approaches. 

So grateful for the opportunity to experience the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta!

One of the discoveries I am most excited about is the benefits derived from "living life in the slow lane"! Literally. When I drive on the highways and even the country roads, I'm never in a hurry. I love being the slowest vehicle on the road... it's so much more relaxing than always trying to pass the next guy. I'm gentle with the gas pedal and try to avoid any kind of fast acceleration. That's not to say I'm driving unsafely. With a 75 mph speed limit, I'm usually cruising at about 65... which is the upper edge of safety for my little one axle trailer. 

I'm normally getting passed up on the highway by these bigger guys!

The clearest benefit of my leisurely cruising speed is the improved gas mileage... I'm getting upwards of 17 or more mpg when I'm towing!!! (around 22 when I'm not!) I had nightmares of excruciatingly low efficiency when I read other's experience of getting 12 mpg with a similar truck... ouch. It's truly remarkable how big an impact leisurely driving has on the bottom line. 

Let me spell it out. If I drive 1600 miles at 12 mpg, that is 133 gallons... at 17 mpg, it takes only 94 gallons to go the same distance. That's a savings of 39 gallons! ...about $100. :)))  Wooohooo!! So slowing down, relaxing, and enjoying the ride is helpful any way you look at it! 

with a smaller trailer, I'm easily able to back into any camp site :)

As I continue on this journey, I love my little camper more and more. It's easily managed by me and tows like a dream... it tracks beautifully behind my truck and there is almost no sway when it's windy or when big semi's pass me. Driving is actually a joy, which I am so very grateful for... I love to drive and towing has not dampened that experience for me. Of course I must be more mindful of road conditions and not driving into a place I can't get out of, but my little Casita is perfect for me. <3 

Exploring the Gran Quivira Ruins in New Mexico

I have experienced much diversity and beauty in my travels so far. When one has time to stop in small towns and explore areas in more depth, it's amazing the things you get to see! I'm still cultivating a flow for what I do and where I go... even when I think I know what's next, it often changes in the blink of an eye. 

I wasn't certain where I would be camping after my visit to the Petrified Forest... I checked out the "free campground" at the gift shop just outside the south entrance of the park and decided to stay for the night. I was a little nervous about being all by myself here, but it was awesome!! 

I have learned to not be attached to any of my ideas about planning. My only rule of thumb is that I at least have a destination in mind before starting the engine. It can always change, but even if all I know is that I'm gong to pull over at the next rest stop, that's good enough for me. Often, even when I think I know, everything will change. I'm grateful to have the freedom and ability to follow my flow wherever it takes me. I'm definitely getting used to this way of life!!

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As a reminder, please follow me on my RV Facebook page and on my Instagram page for more regular updates and photos if you'd like to see more of my day to day journey! 

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Here are some more pics of my various adventures...

Taking time to explore the area around my campground... Storrie Lake State Park in New Mexico

The Rio Grande River near Albuquerque 

Taking time to make new friends... in Trinidad at the One Raggio Art Gallery 

Exploring my creativity... an abstract Casita magically appeared from a few swirly lines! 

hiking at Lathrop State Park in Southern Colorado

pull-through campsites are nice, but I'm totally not intimidated by backing in!

even when exploring in my truck, I love to slowly cruise the backroads and not be in any hurry

visiting my amazing friends in Albuquerque who where so wonderful to take me to the  Balloon Fiesta

view from the dam overlook at Bluewater Lake State Park in New Mexico

one of my favorite shots from the Crystal Forest Trail at the Petrified Forest NP

The view of the Painted Desert took my breath away

sunset from my current campground <3 

Getting Clarity On My "RV Life" Purpose

I'm exactly one week from turning over my house to the new tenants. There are lots of feelings and emotions flowing through my awareness. It's hard to believe I accomplished the tasks of buying a truck, finding my dream camper, and renting my house out in less than 3 months since I got my full "YES" to go on this epic solo adventure into the wild mystery.  The timing has been rather perfect and every step of the way I have felt miraculously guided and supported.

My pace is slowing down and although there is still plenty to do, it all feels less urgent. I've pretty much packed everything into the Casita and truck except for my clothes, bedding, and last of my toiletries. I have allocated the remaining space for all the final pieces of the puzzle... I'm good at puzzles, smile.

Part of me wants to just get on the road already! But I continue to relax into the flow, visit some of my favorite places, and spend time with people I love... while waiting for Labor Day weekend to pass so I can avoid the crowds and feel more relaxed about my pace and the possibilities of where I can camp.

I'm also super scared, but if I wasn't scared I think that would mean I'm not really stretching myself... I feel like this is the biggest thing I have ever done in my life! I know that amazing experiences will be embracing me as I navigate this journey, and as I allow all my divine appointments to unfold.

The number one question everyone asks me is "where are you going?" Sometimes I offer some thoughts on what that might look like, but mostly I give an answer that is more about "why" than "where".

"Where" is actually not part of my job description! This journey is not about getting anywhere or being anywhere except for the present moment... my goal and purpose is to allow the universe to take over and guide me every day to only where I can be truly helpful.  And my function is to be a demonstration of trust and love... to the best of my ability.

With that being said, I will definitely be somewhere in the warmer southern regions of the country during the winter, lol! 

The next time you hear from me I'll be on the road... weeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! :)))

Count Down to Launching my RV Life!

It's been just over five weeks since my Casita Travel Trailer magically appeared in my driveway… just 6 days after buying my new truck! Many people will drive 1000 miles or more to buy a used Casita, or wait 5 to 6 months when ordering a new one from the factory.

I, however, found mine through Craigslist just 10 miles away! It's a 2006 17' Freedom Deluxe model and the wonderful man I bought it from drove it to my house, backed it into my driveway, and helped me trim my pine tree so it would fit... I'd say the universe is definitely supporting me in this endeavor! :)

I am now fully committed to taking my life on the road... and I am in turbo mode learning all about RV life, deciding what to bring with me, purging and donating my personal belongings, and getting my house ready to rent out. It's an intense process doing it all so quickly, but I am ready and excited to move through the portal into this next phase of my adventure that I hope to begin by September 1st.

Saying goodbye to my kids, my community, and my friends will be the hardest part. Although I can imagine returning to the Denver area to at least visit, I am simply unsure whether I will ever live here again.... there is so much mystery and unknown in my future that I am learning to embrace. I trust that I will be guided by Spirit and that all will unfold and be revealed in divine time.

I am unattached to an outcome in any particular form, but am fully dedicated to serving and demonstrating Love to the best of my ability while living my spiritual practice and opening to the divine appointments that I'm sure the universe has scheduled for me! May our paths cross as we all navigate the changes and transitions in our lives. <3 

Celebrating my Send Off into the Divine Mystery

My dear friends honored me with a Send Off Celebration last night to support me in my imminent departure into the Divine Mystery of my open-ended road trip to the Deep South! It was a joy filled evening of being wrapped in the love and encouragement of the amazing souls who surround me in my life. I will miss them dearly… <3

We had a contest to vote for a mascot to bring with me on the journey, and I am pleased to announce that from four contenders, Buller (a Danish childhood toy pictured above) was the winner! He will be joining me as my mighty traveling companion and the symbol of all those I love who will be with me in spirit... and following my progress throughout this adventure of Trust, Love and opening to the guidance of the Universe.

Preparations (both physically and emotionally) are intensifying as I approach my last week before departure. Packing is going well, but many emotional triggers are bombarding me and bringing up fears within… of the unknown...

• Will I have the stamina for this trip?
• Will I be scared?
• Will I be lonely?
• Where will I sleep?
• Will the Universe really have my back?
• Will I live my potential?
• Will I hear my guidance?

I am stretching my boundaries well beyond my comfort zone, but these questions can only be answered as I move from my thoughts into action… I am looking forward to finally reaching the "experience" of it!!

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How are you challenging yourself to step out of your comfort zone?

Vision Quest and Road Trip into the Mysterious Unknown!

I have been giving away my "Message from the Universe" envelopes for almost 9 months now! It has been a period of excitement, inspiration and expanding embodiment of my "purpose" in the world. I finally feel like I know what I want to do when I grow up, lol!!

So my next step will be an excursion/journey/road trip/adventure/vision quest towards warmer and unfamiliar parts of the country as we move into the winter months. I am ready to take my message of hope and inspiration out into the bigger world on a grander scale!

I am leaving Denver on November 3rd, 2014, and will be gone for at least 2 months… heading into the Deep South and perhaps all the way to the end of Florida! I will not have a set agenda, but will follow my intuition and guidance every day and every moment as I navigate this divine mystery! My Honda Civic will be my transportation and I plan on exploring a combination of lodging experiences including camping, couch surfing, hostels, Airbnb, hotels/motels, and….?? :)

As I move into my expansion, I wish you all greater and grander versions of your magnificent unlimited potential! We're all in this together!!

Check in for updates as I navigate this adventure and quest for an expanded vision! 

Blessings, Love and Big Hugs!!! <3