The Driftah, sadly, will not be making the journey with us. She was intended to piggyback on a 70s-style Nissan or Toyota pickup. Our gigantic 2001 Ford F250 Diesel is not the right fit. After much research and dreaming and designing and scheming, we discovered we could compensate for the awkward configuration by adding Torklift tie-downs and jacks. Pricey, but we were willing to make the investment because we bought the camper for so cheap and the expense of the finish-out is relatively low. All said, we would still spend much less than if we bought a newer model with more amenities.
But then Rex called.
A week or two ago -- when we first became concerned about the viability of the Driftah for our adventure -- David had called about a couple of campers he found on craigslist. One listing was for a slide-in truck camper like the Driftah. It's a 1980s-era rig -- so we would upgrade by about 10 years, ha. Instead of solid sides it has a pop-up area with half-siding, half-canvas walls. Interested, David called but reached the seller's voicemail; he left a message and somewhat forgot about it. No returned phone call...until yesterday.
Rex described the "Valor" as David listened and made notes, his eyes dancing with excitement. He would look at me, as if to say, "Oh my gosh, this is exactly what we are looking for!" It has everything the Driftah does not: a/c, a working fridge, a FLOOR and WALLS. Ha. It also has a 3-burner stove and furnace -- which the other camper HAD until we removed them to make more room. Rex also offered to throw in a generator if we were to make a reasonable offer. Not really wanting to give up on the Driftah, but very curious about the Valor, we made the trek to Rockport.
And we were not disappointed. It is everything we need and want to be a mobile family and business. He also has a small utility trailer that we can tweak to haul all our business equipment (e.g., printers and laminator, etc.) and additional personal items (bicycles, baby jogger, etc.) The Valor also FITS our truck snugly...and looks a lot better, ha ha ha. A bonus feature is that if we want to travel overseas, we can fit into the "cheap seats" on cargo ships. "Overland" travellers tend to stick with slide-in truck campers with pop-ups for this very reason. The camper, generator and trailer together cost almost exactly the same as the tie-downs and jacks we were planning to order for the Driftah. Divine intervention? Fate? Both, neither, I don't know. We finally have the right configuration for our home-in-motion. Now the preparations REALLY begin!
First, I will start removing everything from inside the Valor. And while we're on the subject of naming our "home"...I think we should give it the Spanish "El Valor". The article seems to emphasize the bravery and exploration context of our expedition. Inside, my beloved papier mache statue of Don Quixote will be displayed. Maybe uplit. Would mini-murals of windmills on the side of El Valor be too much? Back to my checklist, then...so out with the cushions. Clean everything with warm water and lavender-scented castille soap. Windows will be wiped with vinegar. I'll probably hit all the wood with orange oil to ward off ants. Orange oil to mop the vinyl flooring, too. When everything is out, we can decide on any modifications. At first glance, I would like to replace the flooring. With what, I don't know yet.
While I'm cleaning El Valor David will remove existing boards from the trailer and paint the frame black. We have plentiful replacement boards from our backyard decks and planter boxes. (Remember we wanted to reuse these materials to finish out the Driftah? That was not going to work out, anyway, because we couldn't find a cabinet shop or lumber yard with a resaw to cut the boards thin enough.) We already have ideas for redesigning the trailer and will document its rebirth. El Valor's second wind will be documented, too. Everything is coming together for us and this adventure, except...
What do we do with The Driftah? Well, we might be able to reuse some pieces and parts. I think we will strip it down to the frame and insulation, and maybe reinstall the flooring. Then we'll just give it away to someone who wants a weekend project. Uncertain, at this point. One thing we need to do, though, is give it a respectable funeral or adoption ceremony, at least. If it's possible to have feelings for an inanimate object, I love the Driftah. And I want her to go to someone who will take care of her and love her, too.
My hula girl truck -- aka Bluebonnet -- will also be adopted out to a good home. No reason to split the family into two vehicles; then we wouldn't be travelling together. And taking this journey -- exploring the world -- together is the focus of our adventure.
Friday, July 30, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Adapting, For a Change (or Changes)
We sold the RV stove/oven combo on Friday night to a woman who built a tiny home on 2 acres. She built it entirely by hand, entirely by herself. Kudos! That will be our next adventure, maybe. There might be a couple in between...actually.
The weekend is a blur of packing and purging, moving stuff to storage, and adapting. Yes, we must amend our plans a bit. We are still 'going mobile' around Labor Day. But it looks like The Driftah will not be making this journey with us. No matter how we reconfigure it, our beloved camper just does not ride securely on our truck bed and, quite honestly, just does not fulfill the needs of a full-time family. It would however be a fabulous project for a weekend warrior or the occasional camper. I don't know, that shanty-on-wheels has stolen my heart and ignited my creativity, so I'm still not giving up on it. Cross your fingers I don't have to find her a new home. Hmm.
When you commit to an adventure like this, especially one by way of small spaces, you must be ready to adapt freely. And by "freely" I mean willingly, immediately, and without emotional outbursts. You can't become erratic about the need for changes that almost certainly will arise. You must not become attached to a romantic, idealized vision of your Plan. All you can really count on are: today you are here and at some point in the future you will be "there." How you get there is the real adventure, the path pregnant with memories of challenges and achievements. You know...going mobile in a small space is really a metaphor for our emotional development. Our Life is not measured by the intensity of "good" and "bad" events that occur; we as individuals are measured by the manner in which we respond to these events. So if you choose to move your family into an rv for an adventure of a lifetime, be prepared for your black water tank to leak; several tires on one side of the trailer to be punctured by nails and screws mysteriously scattered on the highway; or your beloved camper lumbering off into the sunset on the bed of another family of campers' truck. Don't freak out; try to exercise patience. Step back, elevate your thinking to a Visionary's perspective. The Big Picture. You have to remember that it's the journey, not the destination...or the vehicle, apparently...that really matters.
This journey is far too short, if you are enjoying it, and far too long if you're not. Isn't there a Rolling Stones lyric that suggests "time waits for noone..."? Life keeps flowing, whether or not your vessel is ready to launch. In my little corner of the world, each day is a blessing and every moment, a gift. I embrace and celebrate them, every one. And I cherish the brave-hearted who will join me, if only for a part of the trip. The Driftah has been part of the planning phase, maybe I should just let her go. Maybe I should look up a couple of other campers that can handle the launch phase...ones with names equally as cool as The Driftah...like the Wanderer. Yeaaaahhhh.
The weekend is a blur of packing and purging, moving stuff to storage, and adapting. Yes, we must amend our plans a bit. We are still 'going mobile' around Labor Day. But it looks like The Driftah will not be making this journey with us. No matter how we reconfigure it, our beloved camper just does not ride securely on our truck bed and, quite honestly, just does not fulfill the needs of a full-time family. It would however be a fabulous project for a weekend warrior or the occasional camper. I don't know, that shanty-on-wheels has stolen my heart and ignited my creativity, so I'm still not giving up on it. Cross your fingers I don't have to find her a new home. Hmm.
When you commit to an adventure like this, especially one by way of small spaces, you must be ready to adapt freely. And by "freely" I mean willingly, immediately, and without emotional outbursts. You can't become erratic about the need for changes that almost certainly will arise. You must not become attached to a romantic, idealized vision of your Plan. All you can really count on are: today you are here and at some point in the future you will be "there." How you get there is the real adventure, the path pregnant with memories of challenges and achievements. You know...going mobile in a small space is really a metaphor for our emotional development. Our Life is not measured by the intensity of "good" and "bad" events that occur; we as individuals are measured by the manner in which we respond to these events. So if you choose to move your family into an rv for an adventure of a lifetime, be prepared for your black water tank to leak; several tires on one side of the trailer to be punctured by nails and screws mysteriously scattered on the highway; or your beloved camper lumbering off into the sunset on the bed of another family of campers' truck. Don't freak out; try to exercise patience. Step back, elevate your thinking to a Visionary's perspective. The Big Picture. You have to remember that it's the journey, not the destination...or the vehicle, apparently...that really matters.
This journey is far too short, if you are enjoying it, and far too long if you're not. Isn't there a Rolling Stones lyric that suggests "time waits for noone..."? Life keeps flowing, whether or not your vessel is ready to launch. In my little corner of the world, each day is a blessing and every moment, a gift. I embrace and celebrate them, every one. And I cherish the brave-hearted who will join me, if only for a part of the trip. The Driftah has been part of the planning phase, maybe I should just let her go. Maybe I should look up a couple of other campers that can handle the launch phase...ones with names equally as cool as The Driftah...like the Wanderer. Yeaaaahhhh.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Collisions
Today we continued sifting through the paper trail of our life. Piles for 'nativedave', 'personal', 'art box', 'garage sale', 'donate' and the now teeny 'trash' are forming small molehills all over our living room rug. This and boxes of family documents were excavated from that burial ground otherwise known as "the office." Both David and I have dreaded that dig for months, but actually we have plowed through decades and generations of memories in a very short time. Almost all of it goes to storage, and the boxes are neatly stacked by the front door, ready to go. A little more work to do, but not much.
It was odd to me, sifting through photos and papers and paid bills -- relics of the past. And then sorting and packing and stacking them up to be stored so we can get on with our adventure -- the hope for our future. Past collided with future, and present seemed to be the negotiator. I'll let you know how it's settled.
We have all sorts of media, from the all-digital iPod and satellite Sirius radio, to VHS and DVD, CD and cassette. Heaps of vinyl, too. A few years ago we finally parted with our 8-tracks, but only because we could not find a player. Again, remnants from the past rest cosy alongside today's technology. As we organized these items we discovered a small collection of unmarked VHS tapes. Before we recycle or reuse them, we knew we needed to view them to see what was there. A few were filled with medical television shows and programs about supervolcanoes. Immediately I knew these had once belonged to David's brother Brandon. Then I found one marked "Autumn and Jack's Wedding Reception." Autumn is David's mom and Jack is his step-father. I popped in the tape and was amazed that there was so much footage of the pizza party the night before the wedding. We were all so young, and it thrilled me -- and amused Sage -- to see everybody laughing and enjoying each other's company. Quite a happy occasion.
The next segment was of the actual wedding. It was outdoors so you can't hear the ceremony very well. However, after that formal part is over, you can understand what is going on by watching the crowd. Gestures, facial expressions, even body language tell a very funny story. I remember so well the delight in Autumn and Jack's eyes the next day or so when they left for their honeymoon; it was heartwarming, as Brandon likes to say. The best part of the tape, though, is the reception. Everybody was dancing, and not everybody danced to the same music. When "Livin' La Vida Loca" was played, David and I cleared the dancefloor. We tried to recreate the video -- and neither of us are latino lovers. That might very well be some of the funniest video evidence of our silliness in action. Sage loved it, and even tried to emulate our dance moves, crazy as they are. Hilarious.
The next video was our wedding video. Everything about it makes me laugh out loud. From the steel drum version of the wedding march to the monk-looking dude officiating over the ceremony, we put a very modern, very eccentric twist on wedding traditions. My favorite part is when I am getting ready to toss my bouquet. First I had to put my Shiner (in a bottle!) down...and of course I placed it lovingly next to David's Shiner...ha ha ha. I think I was so happy about my day I spent the entire 6-hour reception drinking and dancing, and completely forgot to thank my guests for sharing our special day with us. If you were there and are reading this, I sincerely apologize for that faux pas. I *was* and still am greatly appreciative for everything and everyone who participated in that absolutely magical day.
Sage really enjoyed watching and dancing to these videos. Even more, I enjoyed sharing these moments with her, especially as we are preparing for another adventure in the immediate future. Tomorrow we will pack away our memories and move on to the next room. Soon, we will take off chasing new dreams, new memories.
It was odd to me, sifting through photos and papers and paid bills -- relics of the past. And then sorting and packing and stacking them up to be stored so we can get on with our adventure -- the hope for our future. Past collided with future, and present seemed to be the negotiator. I'll let you know how it's settled.
We have all sorts of media, from the all-digital iPod and satellite Sirius radio, to VHS and DVD, CD and cassette. Heaps of vinyl, too. A few years ago we finally parted with our 8-tracks, but only because we could not find a player. Again, remnants from the past rest cosy alongside today's technology. As we organized these items we discovered a small collection of unmarked VHS tapes. Before we recycle or reuse them, we knew we needed to view them to see what was there. A few were filled with medical television shows and programs about supervolcanoes. Immediately I knew these had once belonged to David's brother Brandon. Then I found one marked "Autumn and Jack's Wedding Reception." Autumn is David's mom and Jack is his step-father. I popped in the tape and was amazed that there was so much footage of the pizza party the night before the wedding. We were all so young, and it thrilled me -- and amused Sage -- to see everybody laughing and enjoying each other's company. Quite a happy occasion.
The next segment was of the actual wedding. It was outdoors so you can't hear the ceremony very well. However, after that formal part is over, you can understand what is going on by watching the crowd. Gestures, facial expressions, even body language tell a very funny story. I remember so well the delight in Autumn and Jack's eyes the next day or so when they left for their honeymoon; it was heartwarming, as Brandon likes to say. The best part of the tape, though, is the reception. Everybody was dancing, and not everybody danced to the same music. When "Livin' La Vida Loca" was played, David and I cleared the dancefloor. We tried to recreate the video -- and neither of us are latino lovers. That might very well be some of the funniest video evidence of our silliness in action. Sage loved it, and even tried to emulate our dance moves, crazy as they are. Hilarious.
The next video was our wedding video. Everything about it makes me laugh out loud. From the steel drum version of the wedding march to the monk-looking dude officiating over the ceremony, we put a very modern, very eccentric twist on wedding traditions. My favorite part is when I am getting ready to toss my bouquet. First I had to put my Shiner (in a bottle!) down...and of course I placed it lovingly next to David's Shiner...ha ha ha. I think I was so happy about my day I spent the entire 6-hour reception drinking and dancing, and completely forgot to thank my guests for sharing our special day with us. If you were there and are reading this, I sincerely apologize for that faux pas. I *was* and still am greatly appreciative for everything and everyone who participated in that absolutely magical day.
Sage really enjoyed watching and dancing to these videos. Even more, I enjoyed sharing these moments with her, especially as we are preparing for another adventure in the immediate future. Tomorrow we will pack away our memories and move on to the next room. Soon, we will take off chasing new dreams, new memories.
They tried to make me go to...
REFURB but I said no no no.
Wait, no. Yes! I mean, yes. Let's refurbish this beeyotch! The Driftah, that is. If you are following my pics and posts on facebook, then this first part will be old news. Hang with me for a sec, please. So, in a nutshell, we bought a 1970s-era slide-in truck camper for $375. Bargain. Initially, the plan was to use it for the summer to test our ability to camp in a small space together. Then, we would sell it and buy a newer model with updated amenities. The Driftah has grown on us, though. It's old, smelly, obscenely outdated. Completely incompatible with our truck, as far as size and decor. But we love it. It's just the kind of quirky, eccentric and bare-bones 'rig' that suits this adventure...and our personalities.
The demolition began a few days ago -- oh my! Ants swarmed the moldy flooring as David removed the crumbling mess. There once was a leak in the roof so one corner, roof to floor, needs to be completely reframed and reinsulated. The rest is in surprisingly good condition. Walls are coming down and the floor plan is being completely redesigned to suit our needs. Exciting.
First, the ice box did not work so it was removed. The furnace and stove/oven do work, but we don't plan to be anywhere cold and any cooking will take place outdoors. Small spaces tend to heat up FAST and The Driftah does not have a/c...yet. Both were pulled and are currently listed for sale on craigslist. A lot of the closet space was inefficiently designed so cabinets and drawers have been tossed, as well. The area where the ice box and one closet were will be reconfigured to an open-air pantry with small refrigerator/freezer; we need storage more than anything. Where the stove/oven was, there will be a drop-in compartment for our blender and juicer. A cutting board will lay over the top to serve as lid as well as food prep area. The countertop surrounding the sink and the backsplash area will be covered with stainless steel. Walls, floor, ceiling, and one shelf will all be rebuilt with sturdy wood and sealed to repel moisture. Since we plan to spend most of our time in coastal areas, the sealant is mandatory.
We removed the dining table and part of the seating, and will replace with fold-out cushion. This area will eventually be Sage's bed. The ceiling over our bed needs replacing, too. Some of these changes will cost us nothing but time and effort. We have a lot of leftover materials from backyard landscaping projects at our home in Corpus Christi. Recycle, baby! My goal is to reuse as much as possible these materials and any decor we already have that can adapt to a tiny camper. Actually, I want to make this camper as green as possible without a lot (or any, hee hee) of the expense.
When the interior is move-in ready, we will paint the exterior. Right now it's off-white with crazy brown stripes. The off-white will be painted bright white and the brown will be covered with black. In other words, the exterior will match our truck. Hey, it's a start. Ha.
When the interior is move-in ready, we will paint the exterior. Right now it's off-white with crazy brown stripes. The off-white will be painted bright white and the brown will be covered with black. In other words, the exterior will match our truck. Hey, it's a start. Ha.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Nifty new features
Under each post you should now see "share" buttons that will allow you to zap my posts to your loved ones via email, facebook, and a few other 'sites. I humbly request that if you like something I write, please share it with as many people as possible. My journey as a writer (and all these other roles) will be enriched by the feedback you, and the folks you share it with, offer me. Sincerest thanks in advance. :)
Welcome new batch of readers!
So I posted the url for this blog on facebook today...then began gnawing at my knuckles in fear. Until now, I've been writing here mostly for myself and a few others. Blather -- yes. A lot of it. Now with a whole new crop of readers I have to write a bit more...focused. That's OK, really. I need this kind of pressure if I'm to express myself clearly and succinctly, and in a way that makes you, my readers, crave more. What if I were to offer chocolate?
Monday, July 19, 2010
Going mobile!
Did you guess my big news yet? I've been leaving clues and can finally announce that we are 'going mobile'! Talk about downsizing...wow. Our rig of choice is a 1970-something Drifter slide-in truck camper. It needs some updating; I will post pics of the rehab project-in-progress in a day or two. This transition affects our business as well as our personal life, so until we had some logistical snags worked out, I had to keep mum. Now that I can talk about the decision freely I'd like to explain the inspiration and goals for our adventure(s).
Many of my posts have addressed my need to simplify my life. Until Sage came along, David and I were addicted to our business. We allowed it to dictate every aspect of our life...we seldom spent time with our family and friends or nurtured our marriage. Never did we take time for ourselves individually! Life was passing us by and we hardly noticed...but there was a vague gnawing, like a hungry soul crying out for nourishment, whose voice began to grow louder and louder. Then along came our precious wise little wildflower, and the need to listen to our hungry souls became undeniable. Coastal living beckoned to us, so with minimal resources, and hopeful hearts, we moved our family and business to Corpus Christi.
Two years have passed since we took this giant leap of faith and I have zero regrets. Sage and I have met a lot of nice mommies and their babies through Stroller Strides and, more recently, LUNAfest. Of course, having the beach right across the street from our house has also been a tremendous gift. The recession hobbled our business, which in a way was a good thing. Timing is always important, as they say, and the recession's was "impeccable." Our business stalled about the same time David took on some responsibilities which required his full attention for months...and when that role began to diminish, demand for our services ramped up. (Thank you to Higher Powers for watching over him!) Greater interest in NativeDave.com means more work for me, as you might guess. Sage is more mobile, creating more messes (ha ha ha), which also means more work for me. It has become more and more difficult to juggle my workload, my housework-load and still be Mommy. Time for me has become rare and precious. So again that voice returned...this time SHOUTING AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS.
I began a spiritual and intellectual journey to discover the true Me. Yes, I have written ad nauseum about that, too. Many wonderful and not-so-great things have been revealed to me! I have re-discovered myself and my priorities, MY VALUES. As I wrote recently, my passion is writing. Green living is my secondary passion; I can get lost for hours reading about natural and non-toxic homemade products for homecare and personal care. Or raw food! Ha ha, another frequent topic of my blogposts. Adventure travelling is something I deeply appreciate but have done little of since before pregnancy. Writing about all these things would be bliss...And not least of all is my penchant for sharing these passions and interests, as well as discovering new ones, with my little Sage. I also learned that I am eternally grateful for everyone and everything that has brought me to today, this precise moment in the present. (Even the bad people and events have taught me priceless lessons.) As I have travelled this authentic path, I have shared every thought and epiphany with my sweet husband. Thankfully, we share the same spirit of adventure and affinity for truth, love and happiness. He has embraced my ideas and inspired new ones. Many many years ago we agreed that IF we were to marry and IF we were to have a family, we would live and work in a way that would allow us to co-parent and explore the world together...as a family. That pact has never been amended and has served us well. Our mobile adventure brings us even closer to realizing these long-time dreams for us and our family.
Our business is still as important to us as it ever was, but now it is an extension of us, not the other way around. Efficiency rules our daily operating procedures (the administrative tasks) so that our focus is teaching others to landscape and live in a sustainable manner. In other words, we teach others to live more simply. Now, as a mobile entity with a much-smaller footprint, our message will be clearer. A lot of changes will take place in the services we offer, and if you are interested in following that journey, check out nativerave.blogspot.com. I have not made the announcement there yet...but will in a day or two. My goal for that blog is to become not only a place where we announce speaking engagements or post articles related to sustainable living. It should be David's account of our mobile adventure and, most importantly, its relevance to the mission of our business. This blog, then, will become strictly my take on the adventure, mostly discussing the other green nuances of our lifestyle. In other words, nativerave will talk about plants and clients and their gardens; this blog will follow us through butterfly houses, farmers' markets, kid- and pet-friendly activities we encounter in our travels. And beaches, of course. Lots and lots of beaches...Maybe I should move my blog back to 'txgreenqueen'? Thoughts?
To my new Corpus Christi friends...I am not going away. At least not permanently. We will be here half-time (maybe a little more) and travel the other half. Now that I will have more Sage-and-me time, you can expect to see more us! Promise! About that, I am very happy. See? :)
To my lifelong Dallas and Austin friends...I will see you more often, too! When we travel, I will let you know far in advance so we can meet up when I'm in town.
And to all my other friends, flung across the globe...I might not be travelling to see you in my home-and-office-on-wheels, but I should be able to get away for that long-overdue visit. Finally. FINALLY.
Thank you for joining me for what I'm sure will be the most profound adventure of my life. I can't wait to bring you up to speed on the preparations that have been in the works for about a year now. More soon...until then, get to know you and make yourself happy. Let your light shine. Even when others seek to dim your light, let it shine! Shine on, Friends.
Many of my posts have addressed my need to simplify my life. Until Sage came along, David and I were addicted to our business. We allowed it to dictate every aspect of our life...we seldom spent time with our family and friends or nurtured our marriage. Never did we take time for ourselves individually! Life was passing us by and we hardly noticed...but there was a vague gnawing, like a hungry soul crying out for nourishment, whose voice began to grow louder and louder. Then along came our precious wise little wildflower, and the need to listen to our hungry souls became undeniable. Coastal living beckoned to us, so with minimal resources, and hopeful hearts, we moved our family and business to Corpus Christi.
Two years have passed since we took this giant leap of faith and I have zero regrets. Sage and I have met a lot of nice mommies and their babies through Stroller Strides and, more recently, LUNAfest. Of course, having the beach right across the street from our house has also been a tremendous gift. The recession hobbled our business, which in a way was a good thing. Timing is always important, as they say, and the recession's was "impeccable." Our business stalled about the same time David took on some responsibilities which required his full attention for months...and when that role began to diminish, demand for our services ramped up. (Thank you to Higher Powers for watching over him!) Greater interest in NativeDave.com means more work for me, as you might guess. Sage is more mobile, creating more messes (ha ha ha), which also means more work for me. It has become more and more difficult to juggle my workload, my housework-load and still be Mommy. Time for me has become rare and precious. So again that voice returned...this time SHOUTING AT THE TOP OF HER LUNGS.
I began a spiritual and intellectual journey to discover the true Me. Yes, I have written ad nauseum about that, too. Many wonderful and not-so-great things have been revealed to me! I have re-discovered myself and my priorities, MY VALUES. As I wrote recently, my passion is writing. Green living is my secondary passion; I can get lost for hours reading about natural and non-toxic homemade products for homecare and personal care. Or raw food! Ha ha, another frequent topic of my blogposts. Adventure travelling is something I deeply appreciate but have done little of since before pregnancy. Writing about all these things would be bliss...And not least of all is my penchant for sharing these passions and interests, as well as discovering new ones, with my little Sage. I also learned that I am eternally grateful for everyone and everything that has brought me to today, this precise moment in the present. (Even the bad people and events have taught me priceless lessons.) As I have travelled this authentic path, I have shared every thought and epiphany with my sweet husband. Thankfully, we share the same spirit of adventure and affinity for truth, love and happiness. He has embraced my ideas and inspired new ones. Many many years ago we agreed that IF we were to marry and IF we were to have a family, we would live and work in a way that would allow us to co-parent and explore the world together...as a family. That pact has never been amended and has served us well. Our mobile adventure brings us even closer to realizing these long-time dreams for us and our family.
Our business is still as important to us as it ever was, but now it is an extension of us, not the other way around. Efficiency rules our daily operating procedures (the administrative tasks) so that our focus is teaching others to landscape and live in a sustainable manner. In other words, we teach others to live more simply. Now, as a mobile entity with a much-smaller footprint, our message will be clearer. A lot of changes will take place in the services we offer, and if you are interested in following that journey, check out nativerave.blogspot.com. I have not made the announcement there yet...but will in a day or two. My goal for that blog is to become not only a place where we announce speaking engagements or post articles related to sustainable living. It should be David's account of our mobile adventure and, most importantly, its relevance to the mission of our business. This blog, then, will become strictly my take on the adventure, mostly discussing the other green nuances of our lifestyle. In other words, nativerave will talk about plants and clients and their gardens; this blog will follow us through butterfly houses, farmers' markets, kid- and pet-friendly activities we encounter in our travels. And beaches, of course. Lots and lots of beaches...Maybe I should move my blog back to 'txgreenqueen'? Thoughts?
To my new Corpus Christi friends...I am not going away. At least not permanently. We will be here half-time (maybe a little more) and travel the other half. Now that I will have more Sage-and-me time, you can expect to see more us! Promise! About that, I am very happy. See? :)
To my lifelong Dallas and Austin friends...I will see you more often, too! When we travel, I will let you know far in advance so we can meet up when I'm in town.
And to all my other friends, flung across the globe...I might not be travelling to see you in my home-and-office-on-wheels, but I should be able to get away for that long-overdue visit. Finally. FINALLY.
Thank you for joining me for what I'm sure will be the most profound adventure of my life. I can't wait to bring you up to speed on the preparations that have been in the works for about a year now. More soon...until then, get to know you and make yourself happy. Let your light shine. Even when others seek to dim your light, let it shine! Shine on, Friends.
Forest Kindergartens
Thank you to my dear friend, Denise T., for sharing the following links to articles about "forest kindergartens", programs that emphasize nature and play-based learning to encourage creativity, healthy conflict resolution and development of large motor skills. Nature and environmental processes are becoming foreign to children all over the world -- someone termed this divorce of humans from nature the "nature deficit disorder." Not all of us may afford the private tuition of a Waldorf school or similar programs, but everybody is capable of integrating more outdoor learning into their children's playtime. Check these out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/nyregion/30forest.html?_r=1
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/nov/US-Schools-Realizing-Benefits-of-Forest-Kindergarten.html
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/30/nyregion/30forest.html?_r=1
http://www.findingdulcinea.com/news/education/2009/nov/US-Schools-Realizing-Benefits-of-Forest-Kindergarten.html
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
a lot of stuff...but still not ready to announce
I don't know about you, but I am beyond excited about my impending announcement. Soon, soon. ;-)
July 4th marked two years living at the beach. We marked the anniversary by starting our day watching Le Tour de France (which we do EVERY day for three weeks in July.) After that day's stage ended, we took The Driftah to our new favorite spot on the Laguna Madre. The water was really high after Hurricane Alex, but still relatively clear. We swam and played, and we reflected on many of the past two years' memories. Later, we had dinner on the Gulf side of the island and waited for the fireworks to begin. There are signs posted everywhere notifying that fireworks are prohibited, but in previous years police officers do not enforce that law. Instead, they join us gawkers in our revelry. This year, however, things were a bit different. The dunes caught fire! And nobody -- except for city employees -- seemed to worry much; they continued launching Roman candles and other dazzling things, even as the blaze spread. Along the drive home, we found a tall fore-dune where we could watch the fire safely. Amazing. As we pulled onto the main road, we noticed the fire had spread up to it and several firefighters were battling it back away from the neighborhood. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and no property incurred damage. The dunes are charred, which will bring vibrant flowers next spring.
The Driftah will be put up for sale this Saturday. Everything works on it, according to the previous owner. But, no amount of sweat equity will make the thing FIT our truck properly. It rides too high and, honestly, it just isn't big enough. We have found a few additional truck campers we like and are sifting through the pros and cons so we can select one. I will post pics soon.
And a bunch of other stuff will be in our sale this Saturday, as well. This is the big push to declutter our home. Please pray, cross your fingers, do a garage sale-raindance so that we sell a LOT. Time to lighten our load, get organized and maintain a level of cleanliness that's greater than our current situation. All of these changes bring me great comfort and encouragement; I'm reclaiming my life finally!
First, I discovered my true path. Then, I charted a course to get me onto that path. Now, I'm implementing that plan so I can finally begin my journey. Abundant joy!
July 4th marked two years living at the beach. We marked the anniversary by starting our day watching Le Tour de France (which we do EVERY day for three weeks in July.) After that day's stage ended, we took The Driftah to our new favorite spot on the Laguna Madre. The water was really high after Hurricane Alex, but still relatively clear. We swam and played, and we reflected on many of the past two years' memories. Later, we had dinner on the Gulf side of the island and waited for the fireworks to begin. There are signs posted everywhere notifying that fireworks are prohibited, but in previous years police officers do not enforce that law. Instead, they join us gawkers in our revelry. This year, however, things were a bit different. The dunes caught fire! And nobody -- except for city employees -- seemed to worry much; they continued launching Roman candles and other dazzling things, even as the blaze spread. Along the drive home, we found a tall fore-dune where we could watch the fire safely. Amazing. As we pulled onto the main road, we noticed the fire had spread up to it and several firefighters were battling it back away from the neighborhood. Fortunately, nobody was hurt and no property incurred damage. The dunes are charred, which will bring vibrant flowers next spring.
The Driftah will be put up for sale this Saturday. Everything works on it, according to the previous owner. But, no amount of sweat equity will make the thing FIT our truck properly. It rides too high and, honestly, it just isn't big enough. We have found a few additional truck campers we like and are sifting through the pros and cons so we can select one. I will post pics soon.
And a bunch of other stuff will be in our sale this Saturday, as well. This is the big push to declutter our home. Please pray, cross your fingers, do a garage sale-raindance so that we sell a LOT. Time to lighten our load, get organized and maintain a level of cleanliness that's greater than our current situation. All of these changes bring me great comfort and encouragement; I'm reclaiming my life finally!
First, I discovered my true path. Then, I charted a course to get me onto that path. Now, I'm implementing that plan so I can finally begin my journey. Abundant joy!
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Raw food gives you patience???
About a week ago I downloaded an audio file of a webcast by Karen Knowler, a well-known raw food coach. The call lasts about an hour-and-a-half and focuses on 'raw transformation.' Curious, I copied the file onto my iPod and gave a listen during my run yesterday.
Wow. Her message is so simplistic, and she speaks as if you are the only listener. More like a conversation than a teacher-student exchange. She speaks a lot about authenticity, about assessing your life in a realistic manner so that you can set reasonable yet challenging goals. Not everyone wants or is intended to 'go 100% raw', she explains. It's much easier for single people than married people, especially those with children. More members of a family means more opinions and a greater chance of incongruent preferences. Her advice is to give yourself permission to NOT go 100% raw, if that's what really suits your lifestyle. Or to make the transformation overnight, if that works for you. Whatever, just be true to yourself and your current lifestyle. That makes sense to me.
Her transformation lasted much longer than it should have, she explains. What should have taken months or even a year took FIVE YEARS. But finally, after going on and off cooked foods for several years, she realized the plentiful benefits of eating raw. Then and there she vowed to keep doing the things that make her feel good.
The transformation is not just physical. It is emotional, spiritual, ecological and, in many ways, economical.
Although I have not gone 100% raw (and really do not intend to) I have felt a shift on each of these levels. Physically I have shed some pounds and bloatedness (ha!) My skin looks much healthier and younger when I'm eating mostly raw foods. Emotionally, I feel balanced like never before. I have experienced a deeply spiritual connection with the universe, and feel detached from trivialities. My thoughts turn to big picture topics (but I also have a natural tendency to think on that level, so I suppose eating raw simply enhances that inclination.) I have a penchant for all things green; eating raw is a very low-impact eating lifestyle. Economically, I find I'm able to streamline our budget by choosing largely label-less foods that we ALL like. Eating fresh produce can be a tremendously effective method of doing good things for your body, the planet and your pocketbook.
One thing Ms. Knowler touched on, and that caught my attention, relates to patience with children. Many raw foodists claim they interact with their children (even small children) on a much healthier level when they eat raw foods. If this is true, perhaps they are also more patient with adults who behave like children? SOLD.
Wow. Her message is so simplistic, and she speaks as if you are the only listener. More like a conversation than a teacher-student exchange. She speaks a lot about authenticity, about assessing your life in a realistic manner so that you can set reasonable yet challenging goals. Not everyone wants or is intended to 'go 100% raw', she explains. It's much easier for single people than married people, especially those with children. More members of a family means more opinions and a greater chance of incongruent preferences. Her advice is to give yourself permission to NOT go 100% raw, if that's what really suits your lifestyle. Or to make the transformation overnight, if that works for you. Whatever, just be true to yourself and your current lifestyle. That makes sense to me.
Her transformation lasted much longer than it should have, she explains. What should have taken months or even a year took FIVE YEARS. But finally, after going on and off cooked foods for several years, she realized the plentiful benefits of eating raw. Then and there she vowed to keep doing the things that make her feel good.
The transformation is not just physical. It is emotional, spiritual, ecological and, in many ways, economical.
Although I have not gone 100% raw (and really do not intend to) I have felt a shift on each of these levels. Physically I have shed some pounds and bloatedness (ha!) My skin looks much healthier and younger when I'm eating mostly raw foods. Emotionally, I feel balanced like never before. I have experienced a deeply spiritual connection with the universe, and feel detached from trivialities. My thoughts turn to big picture topics (but I also have a natural tendency to think on that level, so I suppose eating raw simply enhances that inclination.) I have a penchant for all things green; eating raw is a very low-impact eating lifestyle. Economically, I find I'm able to streamline our budget by choosing largely label-less foods that we ALL like. Eating fresh produce can be a tremendously effective method of doing good things for your body, the planet and your pocketbook.
One thing Ms. Knowler touched on, and that caught my attention, relates to patience with children. Many raw foodists claim they interact with their children (even small children) on a much healthier level when they eat raw foods. If this is true, perhaps they are also more patient with adults who behave like children? SOLD.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Charting a new course
There was a time when I thought I wanted to become a supermodel. I signed up for classes at a modeling school in Dallas, paid lots of money to build a portfolio, and joined other wannabes for a competition in Los Angeles. Many agencies from all over the world converged on this event to discover their next major talent. There was adequate interest in me, and their message was always the same: get more pictures! Back in Dallas, I began saving money for the next investment in my portfolio.
I dreamed of fame, of living a lifestyle completely different from my ho-hum suburban childhood. But life has a way of telling you when you're on the wrong path and it's time to reroute your life. Somehow I had picked up the wrong map and was headed toward a destination that, once I reached it, would be an insurmountable disappointment. The money would have been nice, though. (Ha!) Perhaps I could have found the strength to muddle through crash-dieting (if I were allowed to eat at all!), or being treated like a mannequin with a pulse. And then used my wealth and influence to affect positive changes in the world? Probably not. It's not in my nature to force myself to do things I don't want to do. Quickly I realized I would never, ever feel like I was realizing my truest dreams by entering into the world of high-fashion modeling. Good thing: my body type was not in great demand.
Fast-forward twenty years. I'm finding myself rethinking my course -- I have been for a few years -- and finally I think I'm coming up with some answers. Unlike my first real detour (from modeling), I'm not making a radical change; I'm only expanding on my current occupation. I don't need to quit NativeDave.com, I just need to grow my role larger and in the right direction. Right, as in it will make me happier by allowing me to create, to do the most good for our family, the business and the planet. I have to write, have plentiful time with my family, and feel like I'm making a positive impact on my global community. Otherwise, it's just a job to me, and that will not be fulfilling.
So how do I achieve this ideal? First, I have to simplify my living arrangements. That process is currently underway. Second, I have to streamline the business so that my daily round consists of less minutiae and more meaningful and creative projects. Third, I need a schedule, despite my distaste for rigidity. In order for me to have time to chase my dreams, I need to allot time each day for ME. It's there, I just need to harness it. And make sure David sets aside that time to take over as Sage's caregiver. I cherish every moment I have with her -- reading, climbing, exploring our imagination, learning about ourselves and the world around us. However, in order for me to continue growing, to be the best Me I can be, I need a sliver of time each day to learn. To create, to dream. Next, I need to nurture my soul and worship my body. Eat well, meditate, and exercise are integral to my happiness and creative inspiration. Finally, I need hugs. From my husband, from Sage, even from Folsom the Stinky Dog. As long as I know my family supports and respects my dreams, I will have the courage to continue my journey.
My journey is putting me back on-track, down the path I was meant to travel and toward the authentic Me.
I dreamed of fame, of living a lifestyle completely different from my ho-hum suburban childhood. But life has a way of telling you when you're on the wrong path and it's time to reroute your life. Somehow I had picked up the wrong map and was headed toward a destination that, once I reached it, would be an insurmountable disappointment. The money would have been nice, though. (Ha!) Perhaps I could have found the strength to muddle through crash-dieting (if I were allowed to eat at all!), or being treated like a mannequin with a pulse. And then used my wealth and influence to affect positive changes in the world? Probably not. It's not in my nature to force myself to do things I don't want to do. Quickly I realized I would never, ever feel like I was realizing my truest dreams by entering into the world of high-fashion modeling. Good thing: my body type was not in great demand.
Fast-forward twenty years. I'm finding myself rethinking my course -- I have been for a few years -- and finally I think I'm coming up with some answers. Unlike my first real detour (from modeling), I'm not making a radical change; I'm only expanding on my current occupation. I don't need to quit NativeDave.com, I just need to grow my role larger and in the right direction. Right, as in it will make me happier by allowing me to create, to do the most good for our family, the business and the planet. I have to write, have plentiful time with my family, and feel like I'm making a positive impact on my global community. Otherwise, it's just a job to me, and that will not be fulfilling.
So how do I achieve this ideal? First, I have to simplify my living arrangements. That process is currently underway. Second, I have to streamline the business so that my daily round consists of less minutiae and more meaningful and creative projects. Third, I need a schedule, despite my distaste for rigidity. In order for me to have time to chase my dreams, I need to allot time each day for ME. It's there, I just need to harness it. And make sure David sets aside that time to take over as Sage's caregiver. I cherish every moment I have with her -- reading, climbing, exploring our imagination, learning about ourselves and the world around us. However, in order for me to continue growing, to be the best Me I can be, I need a sliver of time each day to learn. To create, to dream. Next, I need to nurture my soul and worship my body. Eat well, meditate, and exercise are integral to my happiness and creative inspiration. Finally, I need hugs. From my husband, from Sage, even from Folsom the Stinky Dog. As long as I know my family supports and respects my dreams, I will have the courage to continue my journey.
My journey is putting me back on-track, down the path I was meant to travel and toward the authentic Me.
No announcement about my announcement
I have news...but I'm not ready to share it. Have I mentioned this before? Some tremendous changes are underway in my little corner of the world. VERY POSITIVE changes, so don't worry. My marriage is fabulous; I think we actually grow closer, happier each day. I am not 'expecting', though that would be terrific, too. The nativedave train keeps chugging along through all this economic muck. At this time, the most I can reveal is this: we are simplifying every aspect of our life. Details to come...in about a week...stay tuned. :)
Thursday, July 1, 2010
I've always wanted to write a post that is shorter than its title...I wonder if this is the one? Nah, as long as this title is, it still isn't as long as the actual post. Guess today is not the day I will realize my dreams.
Prop up my eyelids, please, so I can see what I'm writing. Actually, I need something to prop up my brain so I can think clearly to write. All day I make mental notes but lately I have been too exhausted to remember them or to mold them into an intelligible post. That will change soon...very soon...
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