Friends are wonderful things!

Yesterday I had a storm of motivation arrive in the person of a friend of mine.

We got the first trailer loaded in about an hour and a half! 

Once the emotion is removed through objectivity as it was yesterday things just sail along.

So...today a final few boxes need to be packed to fill the spots on the trailer and this afternoon it heads to the auction.  There will be one more trailer load of stuff but just odds and ends and it is all gone.

Last night there was an emotional moment though.

I am a musician and with this move I had to sell my guitars.  One of those guitars was a rare 1983 Walnut Stratocaster Elite that I bought new in '83. 

When the case was opened even after all these years there was still a WOW factor. The gold plated hardware and the solid American Walnut made it more of a display piece than a musical instrument.  Of course to play it was a dream.

Last night the man that bought it came to pay for it and pick it up.  At first it was a sad affair.  Once we began talking and I learned about this man and his extraordinary story I was actually very happy to sell it to him.

We talked about our plans and he was fascinated and really GOT IT. 

We talked for a long time about life and such and at the end of the conversation he told me that the guitar I had just sold him would never be sold by him.  It constituted the crown jewel of his collection.

In addition, he told me that any time I wanted to come play it -- it would be there and he would love to just sit and talk some more and jam some.

In closing, I want to say something about what I have found.

This full timing thing doesn't seem to START at the moment you pull out for the first time.  It starts much sooner actually.  It is an emotional ride -- up and down -- fulfilling and curious. 

I think that just as in nature incubation is important to change.  Just like children being born -- it takes months before the baby arrives.  This time gives parents time to acclimate to the NEW conditions that are coming.

So too it appears with this transition. 

As time goes on comfort seems to settle in -- a little at a time -- to the new conditions.

The Chinese speak of change in 3 distinct phases.

Full of the Old.

Full of Nothing.

Full of the New.

It is the full of the NOTHING part that seems to be the hardest.  I think we have broken over the ridge on this though and the NEW is arriving.

For those that are in the process -- for what it is worth -- you may experience this too.  I can only say to hang in there -- it may be uncomfortable -- but it will pass and with the passing all the things that so many write about -- this experience described as a great journey will emerge on the other side.  And with it all of the wonders associated with it.

One point though -- the "journey" starts before you know it has started -- at least in our case it did.

So -- for today -- we will enjoy the lifting of the burdens of the last few days -- and continue to move forward toward being Full of the NEW!

Ken and Nanette

-- Edited by Ranger375 on Saturday 12th of December 2009 06:44:43 AM

Ken and Nanette,

I don't think you realize what a contribution you are making to this site. By posting here about your emotional ups and downs, other RVers who are going through the process realize that they're not alone with the feelings they are experiencing. Every day there are new people joining this family, so there are many who are still in the first planning stages and welcome any insight to the process.

Sharing is what the RV-Dreams family is all about.  

Your emotional roller coaster isn't over yet. One of the most emotional times for me was the day we "officially" pulled out of the driveway of our house and began our new journey into the full-timing lifestyle. I don't think I'll ever forget that day.

As for the blog, you may not want to do one now, but be sure to write down the things that are happening to you now. We kept a journal and are really glad we did as you tend to forget some of the small but important things that happen during this busy time.

Jim

Some people have a natural gift with words, and you have it Ken. Put Willie Nelson in the CD player and crank it up on "On The Road Again" :)

On The Road Again :)

Following along with your wonderful adventure as it unfolds... please keep posting, it's truly the first Reality Show we have enjoyed that is interesting compared to the junk on tv! LOL

Hey Ken.... GREAT on the new home for all the PA stuff! I know what you mean about the *things* and why did you have all that *stuff* in the first place. As we near our retirement (in 2013) we have already mentally gone through our house and earmarked what things the grown kids want, and what things will get sold on craigslist or ebay or brought to goodwill. Some stuff we are getting rid of already, and thinking twice before ever buying anything else.

LOVED your little carts fantasy! LOL

Our grown kids have already gotten into the act and are not buying us any gifts or *things* that will need to be disposed of later. They are trying to keep us on *consumable* items like gas cards, restaurant gift certifiates, or things specifically for our motorhome and travels. They camp often enough with us, so they know the things we need or like or want for in our motorhome. Last year our son gave us a gift card for Camping World! Now how cool is that?

Our rig is pretty much set for fulltiming already, so the mods we do and changes we make are from learning on this list. The folks in the evening chat room here are great for ideas on the newest and latest and greatest stuff to learn about.

Oh Boy!!!! The memories you bring back!!!

You may have hit on a now occupation for yourself. Getting rid of other peoples stuff should be easier that getting rid of your own.

Jim

Ranger, I find your style of writing informative and entertaining at the same time. My sense of humor as well. I do hope you start a blog as I follow several dreamers as well as Howard and Linda's. You can develop quite a following!
Although we are a few years off from doing this RV thing, we have decided to cleanse the house of unused stuff this coming weekend. I figure, go into the final implementation stage of FT'ing lean as opposed to continue to accumulate until the time comes. GF and I have already set a plan of attack right after Christmas to get this accomplished.
As a matter of fact, she liked the idea so much she started already in the kitchen as I write. Immediately she said, we have so many dishes we can get rid of almost all of them. I shot back "we can't do that, we may need them some day" then stopped dead in my tracks thinking, this is why we accumulate so much junk, because 'maybe' some day we may need it and that day never comes. Suddenly everything that all of you have been going through hit me.....So the dishes are on their way to being donated.
For those of you that remember George Carlin, he had a hilarious bit on 'Stuff'. Somehow, deep inside, he was an RV'er or a wannabe.

Rick

I want to wish all dreamers a Merry Christmas...

And Ken, I have seen a few discussions on installing sat receivers and other electronics...something to consider, HDMI cables are now used for some devices so you get the best possible audio/video experience. Depending on length required, these cables can be downright expensive. Best to keep the equipment as close as possible to your television.

This may be somewhat of a long post as it will be the last one from the old home. 

The next one will be on the other side of this transition and from the CG in our new home.

Between now and then there are some things that have to be done before we are online again.

So here goes...

Yes, it is a very interesting feeling knowing you are changing the terms on which you live your life. 

Even though the future cannot be known for sure -- "inventing it" rather than have it be "invented for you" is a very pleasing feeling.

We had a great Christmas...as did the boys.  We played a little game with them -- we wrapped up 2 Wii games and put them under the tree but the Wii was not under there.

When they opened them -- it took a minute for it to sink in that there must be a Wii somewhere.  It was kind of like the joke about the boy shoveling the horse manure and enjoying it because he knew with all of it he was shoveling there must be a horse down there somewhere.

So after a few long minutes as Nanette and I enjoyed their confusion we took them out to the RV and as they walked in they immediately saw the TV screen with the Wii home screen open and the surround sound playing the music and they then "got it".  Priceless!

More on the Wii in a bit...

Things are moving very fast now.  Mount Trashmore is quite a sight.  It has grown very quickly.

Today is the last day to gather up trash and add it to the pile as the truck shows up tomorrow morning to haul it away.

I wonder if the driver has any idea what is waiting for him?

This phase of the move is a little different emotionally.  There are two competing feelings present.

On one hand we are so tired of looking at stuff that we know is going that we just want it gone.

On the other hand because of how things played out there are things that in the back of our minds have value but will go to either trash or Goodwill.  This is simply a monetary issue.  You feel that we are throwing dollars out the window.

In truth this is probably true but the time does not exist to take what little advantage of the monetary gain there is and more importantly this stuff stands directly in the path of where we want to be.

The next few days are going to be very interesting.

We place or RV tomorrow morning at the CG we will be staying at for a while.  We are having an auxiliary LP tank placed on Tuesday morning to get us through the next few cold months.

We expect to be on board on Tuesday night.

As we look back on this entire process we see some things now that make sense to us as we progressed.  We ask ourselves would we have done anything differently?

The answer to that question is actually somewhat suprising to us.  We would have not done anything differently.  We found that we were somewhat controlled by circumstances that we could not change.  The weather being one of them that made getting things to the auction a big challenge.

The overall process was a constant up and down -- big steps of progress followed by lulls in activity.  There was frustration when these lulls arrived but once recognized and a refocus on our part we were on the move again.

The biggest and most important transition for us was the emotional release of getting rid of our stuff.  At first when we went through things there were emotions attached -- mainly memories associated with the stuff we were touching and needing to make a decision on.

Eventually this subsided -- but before that happened -- we found ourselves touching the item many times.

I liken this to trying to run with one foot stuck to the floor and us trying to run as fast as we could.  The result -- running in circles -- and items going from pile to pile but not out the door.

At this point our minds are straddled between getting the rest of the work done here and making the move into the RV.

What we anticipate is the moment when this house is empty -- we are sitting in the RV having coffee -- we look at each other -- and then say -- now what?

You see -- we are still half in the past and half in the future -- if that makes sense.

When the past is gone -- then we are in the future. The thing is the past is tangible -- the future is unwritten and not tangible.  We expect to go through a time of nuetrality -- a lull again as we get the engine running so to speak regarding the new life.

I know this may sound confusing but perhaps some of you went through this phase.  It is hard to know what you will feel about something you haven't experienced yet.  We know that what we are headed to is better than what we are leaving though.

The anticipation is building of course -- strange things go through your mind -- like the very strange thought that popped into my mind this morning.

What if when I take the RV off the jacks -- due to all the weight -- all six tires blow our simultaneously?  Although we know we are way under the weight limit -- well -- just what if?

See I told you it was strange...

The point is -- this "what if" thing can drive  you crazy.  I am sure it is normal to look for the awful in the good.

It seems as if as a society we are negatively driven -- to look for the bad -- some people think that if things are going good then there must be some bad out there to counteract it.

I have observed that to live a happy life it seems one must truly feel deserving of a happy life first.

I have seen people that draw to themselves that which they feel they deserve.  Good or bad they will find it.  This idea of getting what one feels they deserve is a poweful one.  It is a mind thing to be sure.

I have seen people that are, by nature, pessimistic.  Guess what kind of people I see them surround themselves with?  People that think just like they do.

On the other hand I have seen people who are naturally optimistic -- let them get around people that are not and watch how quickly they will move away from them.

It makes me wonder -- perhaps the importance of the "track" we put our life on is more important than we imagine sometimes.  It seems we get what we "think" we deserve even though both good and bad exist and are achievable. 

However, perhaps we just never allow ourselves to see the good that is right in front of us because we know that it is reserved for others.

Back to the Wii -- did you know that, when playing golf, if you tell it you are swinging left handed but really swing right handed. you have no earthly chance to make par?

Yep -- it is true!  I know!  Personally!

We will post again from our new life...and will share what we see from there.

This transition -- this journey -- has been a most interesting one -- we have grown more that I am sure we realize yet. 

All we have to say is -- Oh My -- What An Adventure!!!

Ken and Nanette

Well as I write this you are probably in the "other" world. When Mike and I were at the point you last wrote about we referred to ourselves as living in two worlds. Well, now you are in the new world you have worked toward over the past few months. WELCOME!!!! It is a wonderful lifestyle, a wonderful world. Your adventures are just beginning and oh what an adventure it will be. We are so happy for you and your family that you finally arrived at this moment. Good luck, travel safely and we hope to meet you one day on the road.

We are on the other side...

...and what a side it is!

I decided to jump on and give an update.  With all that has happened over the last few days I could never cover it all so I will hit the high points.

So...exactly WHEN do things slow down again?

We thought the final days to getting here were well worked out and would run smoothly -- but not so much.

We underestimated the size of the last events to take place.

The picking up of the furniture by the buyers -- the hauling off of what we THOUGHT was a small amount of items to go to the dump -- the amount of the last load to go into the RV -- well I think you get the idea.

We got it done though.

Then we get to the CG and the real fun begins.

To start with -- it seems that two days before we arrived here there was a new owner of a brand spanking new 35 motor home that decided to try it out.  They learned WHY you don't take a 29,000 lb motor off into the grass when the ground is saturated.  They buried it up to the axles.

In the process of getting them out they tore up the site severely leaving ruts where we were to park.  Due to this we are still trying to get our MH level.  There are high spots and low spots where our wheels are and as for the jacks -- well lets just say I have never had a harder time trying to get things to level out.

Then just after we got our water line connected, heat taped, insulated and sealed (a very long process) the brand new water hose failed at the end fitting.  So off to Lowe's for a repair kit -- a fairly simple process -- except for the darkness and rain thing!

We now have everything hooked up and working fine.

Now the next issue is getting everything in the RV put away and rearranging.  You know that great plan you have as it sits outside the house -- the perfect one -- where everything is exactly as you expect it should go?  Not exactly how it worked for us.

So -- we have stuff everywhere being moved around.

The last and probably most frustrating thing is I am having to continue to fight to get my final pay package.  Grr...  This is an unnecessary and unfair situation to say the least.  We simply can't figure out why this is happening to be honest.

Now for the good...

We have great Internet here!!!

Then there was when we took a break and we sat outside looking at the shear cliffs that surround us and watched the Kentucky River flow by it was very peaceful.

We watched the Hawks soar over the cliffs and listened to the wind through the trees...for a brief few moments we knew and felt we had truly started our journey.

In the very first few days we find there are two distinct parts of the early lifestyle.  The never ending list of things to get done -- and then the arriving peacefulness and feeling of freedom.

We expect the first will begin to fade as the days go on and the second will be there for the taking.

We had a couple of very cold nights with wind but we found that our heating setup works well and the MH seems well adapted for cold weather -- somewhat to my surprise actually.

One last thing -- the people.

Where we are there are 16 full time families here.  We have already meet 4 of them. 

Not due to our approaching them (too busy) but by them coming up and asking if there was anything we needed help with.

During our life we have been asked this question many times.  I must admit in most cases it was a question out of courtesy.

In the case of these folks -- they meant what they were asking.  They were not intrusive in any way -- but one gentleman (Dave) kept an eye on us and would just happen to "need to take a walk" at times when I actually could have used a hand and he lent it. 

Hmm...strange coincidence him needing a walk when he did -- huh?

Then there was the precious lady that saw the kids playing and decided to introduce herself. 

I am convince she had also been watching some and probably picked up on our visible frustration from time to time.

She came over and asked the customary questions -- Where you from? -- The kids names? -- Need any help? ...and so on.

THEN she told us something that I think was the REAL reason she came over.

It seems her and her husband are full timers -- and have been for 27 years!

She said simply -- sometimes it is frustrating -- however -- the peace and freedom is a reward that makes the price well worth it in so many ways.

She was comforting -- and spoke from a LOT of experience.  She reassured us and more importantly the boys about the amazing possibilities that exist.  She told all of us of a few of their travels -- their best moments -- and funniest -- and hardest.

She spoke with such credibility and did not sugarcoat things -- but also showed a deep sincerity as to what this lifestyle has given them.

Well...not to be corny but -- as she walked away -- I expected to see wings appear -- this woman came at the right time with the right words -- kind of like she was sent.

So we continue one day at a time -- waiting for things to slow down some.

We wish everyone a very Happy and Safe New Year from the "other side" of our life!

Ken and Nanette

What a great adventure you have embarked upon with your family. And the kind thoughtful folks in the campground, how cool is that?

Anytime Steveio sees someone in a campground working on something, he is the first guy there with a cup of coffee and offer of tools, knowledge, or my internet access to get more information on a possible repair.

That is what Rving is about, the adaptability and being able to deal with those challenges as they arise. AND knowing you are not alone, there is always someone, somewhere who had the SAME THING BREAK! hahaha

If you, like me, have a few problems getting the rig level, go to Camping World and purchase an electronic level. Found here http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/rv-ez-level/35617 This has got to be the easiest thing yet. We level our 5er with it, and it is perfect every time.

We also use wedges found here http://www.snapsmfg.com/sales.html

Arrive at spot, look around, get wedges out of storage, get level out of storage, place level in location, turn on.

Place wedges in obvious location determined by watching the red flashing lights.

On of us stands in the doorway (holding on securely) while other slowly backs up onto wedges. When all lights go green, signal to driver to stop. Rig is now level side to side. Continue with setup, disconnect truck, level fore and aft with landing gear. Return level to storage and never hear "it's not quite level" again.

I have no business affiliation with either company, they just provide excellent devices to make our traveling life easier.

It has been a few days and thought we should check in.

We are 99% organized -- not an easy task.  We kept too much stuff as we suspected and are slowly going through it.  The largest amounts being stored in the basement of the RV will have to wait until warmer weather arrives.  Which we think will occur sometime in 2010.

We have not seen above freezing temperatures for a number of days now and none are forecast for a while.  The latest forecast has a winter storm coming in early Thursday morning and the temperature is going down to 3 degrees on Sunday.

Our RV is handling the cold better than I could have ever expected.  I have installed skirting which made a big difference and we have our electric heaters strategically placed and set for maximum effect.

Since placing the heaters, only one furnace has been running.  The basement of our RV is heated by the front furnace and that has kept the water tanks and valves surprisingly warm.  We have remote sensors at strategic locations with alarms set should the temperature drop below a safe level.

I got Nanette's computer and work area setup yesterday -- she is thrilled -- which is always a good thing.

It seems that Nanette and the boys are settling in much quicker than I assumed.  I am probably the one lagging behind some. 

I am having some trouble slowing down and finding time to enjoy things.  The to-do list is controlling things still. 

Today is finance day.  We will be doing an accounting and projections again since moving.  The final pay thing is still a problem -- why do people have to make things so difficult sometimes?  We are now discussing our next move on this front.  With over $10,000 in question it is not something we are going to drop.

I guess we will be searching for a good labor attorney -- sigh.

It has been about a week since we strolled over to the new lifestyle.  I must tell you that a lot of questions have come up.  Virtually all logistical in nature.

You know the one question that has never come up?  Was this the right thing to do?

I don't know if I can adequately state the importance of what I just wrote.

"Buyer's remorse" is a very real mental concept.  It usually follows a major decision and execution of that decision.  It is simply not present in our situation.

We both used to read and still read many blogs of full timers every morning.  We got excited back then envisioning ourselves in their position. 

That was the "dream".  The "product" we were desiring to "buy" so to speak.  It was certainly an emotional purchase as we had no experiential facts to support our decision.

Well...we made the purchase...just as some of you are contemplating doing. 

Now that we are here...it feels familiar and right.  I have not put my finger on why the natural tendency, usually present to question a very large decision, is missing.

It has not been all roses as I have shared, however, the problems seem smaller for some reason.

I stepped away from the computer for a few minutes to think about an answer to my own question and a strange but perhaps very important thing popped into my head.

My job or perhaps I should say my life has been devoted to helping people and companies define and then achieve their goals.  (That is another story.) 

During these adventures I have used from time to time the teachings of Sun Tzu as written in the Art of War.

A fascinating study -- and not just applicable to war -- I assure you.

In the Art of War, Sun Tzu includes a couple of rules regarding engaging your enemy.  I will paraphrase it.

Rule #1  When attacking your enemy -- ALWAYS give them an escape route.  (If not, and defeat appears imminent they will come right over the top of you -- as there is nothing more to lose.)

Rule #2  When attacking an enemy -- NEVER give yourself an escape route -- if you do -- you will surely take it.

This concept has been also stated as "burning the boats at the shore".

I think this is what we have done in essence and not so much by design with this move. 

We sold, disposed and gave away the majority of our things.  We divested ourselves of our house and changed the entire foundation on which our lives will be lived upon.

I am thinking that the lack of buyer's' remorse is due to this.  There is no other tangible route to take.  Add to this the freedom and the new joy of the small things that happen and why would anyone contemplate going back?

I will write at another time about the "small joys" issue.  I have found this most fascinating and I feel it is worthy of sharing.

One last thing -- I got the chance to return a favor. 

Remember the woman that I told you about that had spoken to us about having been full timing for many years and in doing so offered powerful words of encouragement at a much needed time?

With the winter storm predicted she decided to get her propane cylinders filled yesterday.  I just happened to look out to see her trying to remove the hoses on the cylinders.  They would not budge.  I immediately went over with a wrench to help remove them and then loaded them into her truck for her.

When I finished -- she looked me straight in the eye -- paused for a moment -- and then said. "Thank you."  It wasn't WHAT she said -- it was HOW she said it. 

I knew it wasn't an obligatory show of appreciation -- it was a truly sincere appreciation for assisting her without being asked.

This event although small in nature is part of the essence of what we are looking for -- things that matter -- for the right reasons -- and to be assimilated into what makes life and what you get from it important.

Sorry so long -- I had to empty my head -- now I need to go reboot my brain.

Ken and Nanette

Ken & Nanette,

"I am thinking that the lack of buyer's' remorse is due to this. There is no other tangible route to take. Add to this the freedom and the new joy of the small things that happen and why would anyone contemplate going back?"

Just wait till you can finally get on the road and into some decent weather, then your joy will seem boundless. For the first 6 months we were out we had perpetual grins pasted on our faces.

Welcome to the life you never dreamed of.

Hey ..we have been to Cedar Key! It's far north of *the Keys*... it's just west of Ocala - Gainsville area on the Gulf. Pretty little town, very remote, not too touristy. It's much cooler there than being down in the Keys, though.

There is a great little seafood place called Campbells, between Bronson and Cedar Key.... GREAT good food at very reasonable prices... tiny little place on the north side of the road.... YUMMMMM

Just wanted to let everyone know we are still here...

Getting a lot of rain the last week or so...watching the Kentucky River rise and fall...

Sounds boring perhaps -- but we are loving our new lifestyle.

You have heard of "moments of truth"?

Well we seem to be heading for one.

The question has been on the table for a couple of weeks now as to what to do regarding work.  Do I take something here where we are located?  Does that lock us in to staying longer than we envisioned?  Do we expand the search to other locations which would have us move but perhaps get locked in there?

There are many more questions than this of course but this seems to be the ones that keep coming up.

Then...

I get an email from an employer on Workamper.  This was not expected at all.  We did put our information out there and had been getting emails telling us employers were looking at our information. 

We did not expect anyone to really contact us.  We have done no work in campgrounds nor did we post any experience stating that we have.

So...

Being the surprise that it was -- the conversation suddenly changed.

Now we are searching through all the workamper jobs as well as the other sites and seeing some very appealing opportunities. 

Keep us in your thoughts as we move toward the "moment of truth" and the decision comes.

We have decided to approach things a little different than usual now.  We are not so quick to jump on impulse or perhaps the fear of the "what ifs?" 

If you go back to prior posts here you will see a series of events that just seemed to fall into place without any input from us.  We have gone through these things in conversation and have accepted there are things that happen -- in their own time -- and sometimes one must wait -- be quiet but aware -- and let things take their course.

By the way...for those thinking of this lifestyle.  We are just one example but from our family we say in unison that it was the right decision - for more reasons than I would bother you to list here -- it is all that it has been written about in the positive.

This change does take time to assimilate and that takes time.  Having faith is a huge part of this change.   We have read many times that if you are someone that must know everything that is going to happen before it does it may be wise to think about what a day in the life of this lifestyle will be.

We have also found that reading blogs helps a lot.  I would suggest you try to find a writer that is in the closest situation you may find yourself in.  We have done that and had some great email exchanges on specific issues that have been very helpful -- actually that is not a strong enough word -- in some cases I would say essential.

Now it is important to remember that they are not you and you not them.  There are differences, however, the fundamentals can be very similar in nature as we have found.

The journey continues -- and we have written it before but again we want to express the importance of this site and the people here. 

All one needs to do is read and absorb the information found here and then apply it to your situation. 

Ken and Nanette

Those roof vents can really vent!

Guess what you get when it is 1 Degree above Zero and you leave a roof vent open?

You get the sound of propane being sucked up by a furnace trying to keep the RV warm.

Yep -- we learned this lesson.  Not sure who left it open but we suspect it was Banjo the Shelty.  All of us are in agreement that it was him since none of us would ever do such a thing.

The things you learn the hard way sometimes.

So...here we are...on the banks of the Kentucky River still enjoying winter.

We continue our course of looking for workamper assignments.  We have received a couple of other opportunities and have emailed back and forth to some really great people.

The other thing we fill our time with is blog reading.  This has become a morning ritual. 

So many -- so good -- it is hard to stop reading.

I would like to share something I can't get out of my mind with you.

A couple of days a go Nanette and the kids were gone and I was here by myself doing some work on the computer and had the window shades up.

As I have told you we are sitting in a CG on the Kentucky River -- and I mean ON the Kentucky River.  If I were to step outside the door turn right and walk about 20 paces...things would get very wet.

Anyway -- as I sat here working I caught movement outside - out of the corner of my eye.  The campground we are at has a gate so most movement this time of year is well anticipated.  But this was different -- a time of day I would not have expected anyone to be out and about.

As I looked out the window I saw a man in his 70's, I would guess, slowly walking toward the river within about 40 feet of our site.

In his hand was something I couldn't make out until he turned. 

It was a single red rose.

I found myself fixed on him and what he was doing.

He walked up to the bank and bowed his head for about 2 minutes. 

He then moved closer to the bank -- actually stepping down some. 

He then threw the rose into the river.

He stepped back a few steps and again bowed his head.  He then looked up and watch the rose very slowly float down the river.

I guess he stood there for about 5 minutes and then walked away.

I had this immediate feeling that I had just been a spectator to a very deeply emotional event. 

It was like I was looking through a window at something I just couldn't find the answers to. 

Who was he? 
Why was he at this spot? 
Who was the rose for?
What deep emotions had driven him to this point in his life?

Strangely enough I felt sadness -- then wonder -- then respect.

These things we witness in our lives only have meaning if we choose to grasp the moment and ask the questions -- even if no answers come.

I am sure he had no idea I was watching and no idea of the emotional response his actions pulled forward in me.

Life -- what a truly amazing thing -- what wonders -- what lessons wait for us to learn.

This moment -- having in common with all other moments the simple passing of time was different. 

Packaged within it was a lesson -- that there are many events in life that although were not created by our circumstances - still can touch us.

So -- I guess the lesson in this is keep watching -- and feeling -- and take the journey as it comes. 

Keep looking out the windows as the train keeps on its journey and just wait...because the moments that matter will come into view.

I kind of see the blogs I read to be similar -- people allowing us to look into their lives, thoughts and feelings.

What wonderful gifts we are given -- and the thing is -- the best ones are usually free should we decided to open them.

Ken

Ken and Nannette... (and kids and sheltie Banjo too) This is a whole new world that you folks are enjoying and exploring, and may I thank you for letting us in on it! You are giving us a peek through YOUR window....

The tale of the man and the rose makes one tear up, and think or imagine what loss he has experienced. And it helps us to remember to cherish what we have NOW with our families and the people we love.

One would imagine that this elderly gent is remembering his wife, who may have passed on now. Perhaps they spent many happy years camping along that very river and he was thinking of her now. What a darling way to honor her and probably the memories they made at that campground.

And now you and your family are building memories too.



p.s. it seems that Steve is always opening roof vents, and I am always closing them! So it has become my pre-bedtime routine to lock the door, check the vents and turn out the lights....

Welcome to the community. I haven't been a member very long but I have sure learned a lot here. This group is very welcoming. They are quick to respond and don't laugh at my silly questions. I felt like a member of a very large family from the get-go. Good luck.

It sounds like you are on your way to accomplishing one of life's most difficult things. Remaining focused on the end result when all of the associated tasks seem to get in the way. Maintain the good fight. I can tell you from 5 years of full time bliss, that the end result is worth any effort to achieve it.

I have only posted a few times to the forum, but have been reading everything for over a year. We have an offer on our house and I have been fretting over what can go wrong before the closing on March 31st. We've had a roller coaster ride trying to sell our house for the past year, and I have become convinced "the other shoe will drop" again.

The RV-Dreams community has kept me going. As I read all of the posts in this thread, I actually get choked up by the great people here and the encouraging words. I have learned many of you have had challenges, but you keep focused on the dream and keep your spirits up.

I vow to stay positive and keep moving forward on the dream. It will happen! Thanks to all of you for lifting my spirits. I can't wait to get started. One of the main reasons we decided to before fulltimers is the negative environment we saw in our workplaces. We choose to get off the out of control merry-go-round and live a life that will be far more rewarding. We no longer believe what our society has tried to force down our throats; that money and possessions bring happiness.

Thanks again for your inspiration!