Allow

 Patricia and I went to church this morning. It didn't call itself a church. She enjoyed it. I am more of a traditionalist than I thought. I want the sermon. I love hearing people speak in public, sharing their views and opinions. That's what church is right, someones opinion. As I always do though, I find the good. The 'talk' was about allowing the good to come into our lives. I pray, I meditate, but am not confident that I allow the good to come into my life. Obviously, I have these past few days. The allowing has opened up numerous new doors, positive experiences that I am eager to give a try. Trusting seems to be the key to allowing. Trusting people, who deliver The Universes messages and gifts. A good focus for the next few days will be simply to allow. A post it note will aid in this project. The results will be fun to see.

 

Your friends reflect you

 I moved physically from one environment to another and everything changed. My thoughts are reflected in the people that I attract into my life. People who are concerned not only about themselves, but enhancing the lives of others in a capacity of love, support,  and understanding. People who I now call friends. Friends who share. They share their private space, food, thoughts, love, understanding, and encouragement. Friends who, without knowing, assist me in being the person that I want to be. A better person. Friends who share their passions without judgment. Strangers until nomadic serendipity stepped in. Chance? Fate. Coincidence? I know better. The Universe gave me exactly what I needed, when I needed it.

 Gratitude.

Merritt Island, Florida

 Leaving behind friends in this lifestyle is still difficult. I have had the opportunity to live in campgrounds for the summer when I was younger, and had to learn to say 'until we meet again.' That's all we really ever have. I will miss them.

  I arrived at Merritt Island at 11p after leaving Trilby a little after 8p. I was waiting for the traffic to subside around Orlando before departing and it made the journey much easier and less stressful. Actually, driving this time was more like-driving. I had purchased some extension mirrors that were highly recommended online. They have suction cups that attach to your existing mirrors. They worked great, aiding in my ability to see further into both lanes and down the side of the Fun Finder. I never met the speed limit, unless it was 55, so passing another vehicle isn't necessary. My arrival was picture perfect. The moon being full, lit the ponds and grounds as if to welcome me. Jim, the owner, stumbled over to great me and then Patricia with her dog Crumbface. A completely different world on many levels and I am anxious to see what this type of life experience is all about. I am expecting loads of positive learning, laughs and fun, spiritual enlightenment, and a peaceful soul. Good night.

Not the direction that I want to go

 The past few weeks have been a huge eye opener for me on many, many levels. A friend of mine said that this experience of vagabonding would be a type of soul searching. I have learned that is an understatement. First and foremost, I realize that this is MY life. I am no longer responsible for another person and all their needs. I am no longer responsible for a home and all its needs. I am done settling estates, always fulfilling what has to be accomplished. It is my time, for myself, about myself. (Funny, that wasn't my intent when I started this journey. I just wanted to travel.) Sounds like a simple concept to grasp right? To a degree it is. Here's where the twist comes into play. Now I only have myself to be responsible for, to make happy, fulfilled. Should be easy right? It has been, or should I say was, a difficult transition for me. I have put myself 2nd or 3rd for years and the habit is difficult to change. This is where The Universe (ie. God) jumps in. The past 3 weeks have shown me everything that I don't  want in my life, and a few things that I do. I guess The Universe decided to throw me off a cliff, as it were, into the traditional 'learn quick or sink'.

 So, I learned quick. I have witness behavior, belief systems, and addictions that would stop someone cold. It forced me to question my own behavior, my current belief systems, and addictions. It was just my birthday and a new year rang in. Isn't that what we're suppose to do at this time? I decided that I must surround myself with people that I want to emulate. People who have similar behaviors, belief systems, and addictions. (There are also good addictions. I want to focus on those.) This is where The Universe jumps in again. Damn if it doesn't know just what I need when I need it. First, meeting Patricia by what every person knows- there is no coincidence-coincidence. Meeting her in a rest area then becoming fast and furious friends, with our own unique belief systems that match! What are the odds? A gazillion to one. The Universe. We share where we came from, spiritual beliefs, eating belief/habits, love of dance, open communication and so many other life essentials that make this life worth living. We help each other with intentions and without. I feel so blessed to have met her.

 I want to make clear that the experience that I've had for these past few weeks I wouldn't trade for anything. The Universe allowed me to view life in a manner that will keep me focused on my wants, needs, and goals. Yes Virginia, vagabonds have goals. Now, I did have some fun in there too. Spending time on my friends farm was really great. I loved the farm fresh eggs, feeding the cows and horses while the dogs danced in circles around us. It makes me consider farming as a hobby, maybe someday. I got to see friends I hadn't seen in years and possibly make new ones. I got to dance, and I do love to dance. All in all I consider it a positive experience, albeit one I don't care to repeat. I think The Universe knows exactly what it is doing. Guiding me ever so not gently in a direction more conducive for me, as I believe that The Universe knows me and my needs better than I do myself. And this part- making life about what I want-is really fun! I really enjoy it!

3 weeks

Hello Blog. 3 weeks. It's been that long?  I have experienced so much in such a short time. I'll start this blog by going back to the holidays, where I left off. It feels like such a very long time ago.
I spent time with sis and her gf on the29th. It was great to see them and enjoy some time together. They gave me a GPS for my truck which will greatly assist my wandering skills. I've reached that joyous age where driving, reading directions, looking for signs and traffic is becoming difficult. Also, they bestowed me with a T shirt which reads 'Not all who wander are lost.' Appropriate. Their friends came over later that day and we enjoyed what we all agreed to be the best Bloody Mary's ever.
 The next day was my 44th birthday. I was lucky to have a couple friends to share it with. We drank wine and had some great laughs. Looking back on my life that day proved to be difficult with the passing of mom the 31st and my brother Bill the 26th one year previous. I focused on myself and the fact that the rest of my life is mine, totally mine. Something I haven't had for a very, very long time. New Years was also difficult for a few minutes. I took pause to remember and honor the past. Then I made it a New Years to have fun, which I did.
 New Years day was a day to remember. A couple months previous to my dear sister Ellen's death, she came to visit me when I lived on the beach in Pass a Grille, Florida. I hadn't seen her in a while and when I did, I didn't recognize her. I was unprepared for the shock of seeing her in such a state. At that time I had a job working for a gentleman by the name of Rich. I was so distraught seeing my sister in such a state and having her visit that I quit my job with no notice, a decision that I have always regretted. That is not the man I want to be. However today, the Universe gave me a chance to correct a wrong from 7 years ago. In a crowd I spotted Rich. My first thought was that I had to apologize for my behavior. When I approached him, it took a few moments for him to remember me. He graciously accepted my apology and set the tone for a new year.

In Memory and Love

 I still find it difficult to look at pictures of mom. I just can't look at her face. I'm not ready.

 By the age of 42 I have lost both parents, a brother and a sister. Lori and I remain. What a life, what a family.

Anxious to crawl into bed

Ok. So, I am going off the cool factor here, like I have ever been close to being cool but I am just giddy with excitement. The bed situation in the Fun Finder isn't exactly fun. To be honest, it wasn't the least bit comfortable and my back has let me know it everyday. Well, today my friends, that has all changed. I am the proud owner of a pillow top mattress. Possibly trivial to you younger people but mark my words, someday the comfort of your bed will be everything. Without a cozy, comfy bed, you will wake up sore,
spend your entire day in pain, and get *real cranky.* That all ends tonight.

 Being a pillow top, the thickness of the mattress is what an average box spring and mattress together would be. I'll see over time how that effects trivial matters like hitting my head on the upper bed and sleeping even with the windows. Also, the depth of the bed is deeper so it cuts into my dining area, but adds to the storage area underneath. Bonus. I took the table out a few days ago as it was something to maneuver around so I am use to it not being here. And don't miss it. Of coarse, adding a bed completely changes everything about the Fun Finder. The cushions that came with it are now in the back of the truck until I decide where to store them. I really dont want to get rid of them just yet as none of them fit now. Luckily, I have several extra pillows that neatly fit next to the head of the bed where I am typing this from. Yes, it is very comfortable to sit here now. Opposite me I am considering building a shelving/storage unit that can be easily moved to access the water heater, etc. underneath yet stay put while driving down the road. Believe it or not, a little extra storage in 15 foot would be nice too.

  This simple change has made me anxious to manifest more in my life. The bed is new and was given to me by my hosts Kevin and Paul. Christmas day their wireless router stopped working and I just happen to have an extra one that I freely and joyfully gave them. Thought creates.

Keeping the Spirit

The holidays have proven to be a busy time. Lounging in the Fun Finder for an entire 'day after' has been sweet. Gearing up for more visits to numerous friends in various parts of the state; Neil in St. Pete, Regg in Tampa, Andy in Ft. Myers, and Patricia who I met at a rest stop on my way here. Looking forward to seeing faces that I haven't seen in years. And the Florida weather is a great backdrop to this time of year: palm trees with Christmas lights. Gotta love it.