Living in My Car

I lived in my car for a few months last Autumn. I've already posted three beautiful parts of this trip: Dancing Israeli music with strangers,   camping in a secluded Vermont woods, touring New York city barefoot.

I wore no shoes, an extension of something I'd began in June, most of the time. I brought my bed (a flax shikibuton), piles of wool and down blankets, a few books and papers for scribbling on, and all of my linen clothing. 

I detached from insecurities and the pains thereof. But I refused to sink into some cold pit. I found warmth and I blossomed.

On the path I met up with family and old friends. Naturally I made sure to meet new people, some through fb and blogging, some via recommendation. There were times where I traveled with others. But for the majority of the time I was alone. Alone and yet not alone.

Cousins!! 

This dear girl introduced me to a yummy Texas broccoli cheese soup.

Texas bouquet 

American Beauty berries on my way to North Carolina 

Somebody's greenhouse and the book I read. A simple tale of love and loyalty.

We MT girls were so excited to see a turtle (in NC) 

NC horizon 

It was difficult, but I put my shoes on again on October 1st. Why? Because I was told to do so. 

But my early morning walks were still done correctly 

Virginia porch. 

The most overwhelming part of traveling is having people all around. And so I learned the art of just finding a place to zone out and read.

Vermont colors.

Hampton Beach, NH

This gal has been such fun working with in the writing world!! So glad we got to meet up. 

Making apple sauce in New York

(The Niagara Falls)

About to go dance with the 12 Tribes.

Back to upstate NY.

Sudokko!

Tea in a WV pub

Where the Emperor sat as he wore his new clothes 

(D.C.)

Somehow the three of us found each other in the most darling little place, Shepherdstown, WV

Mary's little gals telling me about something important 

Finding a story about one or my favorite stories in an old book. At this point I'm in KY and wishing to be back in NH

Hey!! Look who I met up with!! Megan and I had such an amazing breakfast and a glorious walk. The conversation was delicious.

Above Rubies visit!! Last time seeing Cherish before her wedding.

Visiting another lovely Christian community near Knoxville, TN. Known as the Bicycling Brothers, the Garbage Eaters, the Jim Robert's group, etc. 

They offer delightful conversations, wholesome meals, and amazing back massages near a bonfire.

We Ruby Girls used to devour this stuff. Sweet memories finding it... and bringing some to my friend in St Louis!

Met her baby, remembered life, ate the bread and other yummy things, and got this interesting selfie with my fellow Ruby Girl sister, Elisabeth.

My mom's parents. She braids his hair every day.

My grandma showed me how to tat lace 🥰

My dad's parents.

I love all the recipes Grandma has on her walls. This place is home, and when I'm with her I feel so satisfied and happy and loved. Could stay here forever.

Grampa. Behind him used to be all the children's books. I still remember most of the titles that were there and have many of them on my shelves.

(Grampa loves his FB debates)

I drew this for Grandma years ago. She always puts it on top of the dresser of whichever room I end up staying in. 

A beautiful sunset on top of one of my favorite TN hills. 

Some people ask if I were scared. Not really. I was too scared of something else. I wasn't scared enough. I needed to wake up, to remember life and ecstasy. I needed to die or live. How could I have been scared? 

Yes, I was alone. Yes, my car is a piece of junk and shouldn't have made it a 100 miles outside of Montana. I'm naive and ditsy. I have the worst sense of direction (obviously experience is making me better). I am not particularly wealthy (I just don't spend much money, so have plenty). 

But... as with anything. Who cares? Why not be a little scared and alone a lot? Why not let my piece of junk car prove its magic? 

There's a dangerous misconception that holds people back: fear matters. 

Chase your fears. 

And there you'll find Joy.