Back Story

At 44 there could be quite a bit to tell, but heck, that would be too long. But I want to go back a bit of time so bear with me. As I look back it feels like I have lived more than 1 life already, and in some regards I have. In 2008 I arrived here in Florida, with my 6 year old kiddo and a dog in tow. I had decided after moving my whole adult life from one place to another that she deserved more continuity and some stability.

I bought a house and the next 10 years spend my time building a life with opportunities and experiences for her to grow. It has been a great adventure with many ups and downs, we met great people along the way and have lots of stories to share. But as she grew into a beautiful young women I felt more and more restless. This place with the eternal sunshine and warm weather was missing something important. Forests! Every time we vacationed somewhere with trees and moss and paths to wander I felt at peace, felt like I was taking deeper breaths and being more calm. Granted I was also on vacation and that always tempers down the anxiety, but there were undeniable shifts that happened when I could step into a forest.

For 2 years I kept simplifying, sorting and purging my belongings, feeling as if all the things kept weighing me down somehow. As if I had too much and therefore had to stay where I was, which is not quite the whole story, but well enough an explanation for my new found minimalism.

So the ideas of what if I could just start over somewhere, what if I lived in a exotic place for a bit, what if I could just hop in the car and drive? No responsibility? Well or at least a lot less....

Fast forward a bit. Last year with all its unexpectedness, still brought some things to a close and opened new doors. The kiddo is now in College, can you believe it. She started her second semester already this year and she feels settled in and happy there. After long talks with my family and friends I realized it was time, time to follow those ideas and find an adventure and to allow myself to throw caution into the wind.

..and here we are today, the house is almost sold, most of my furniture has found a new place already and there will only be a few (or a few more) bins, that my gracious friend will keep for me, the dogs and me will embark on a road trip up the East Coast and the final destination is somewhere in New England, well at least for now that is the extend of the plan. Allowing some fluidity and not planning everything ahead is challenging for me, but I hope that leaves room for life to show me some sign posts.....

I decided to share my travel, my thoughts and hopefully some pictures here. So you have the choice to read and view when you want instead of hoping it shows on your feed. I know this is a bit "old school" but it is intentional.