Changes..again

Some days I am not sure how much more I can take. But I know that I am being pushed in the right direction daily - even if it doesn't seem like it in the moment. I have been staying with some friends for the past two weeks, and their landlord told them today that I need to find a new home because he doesn't like the bus. He isn't willing to give me any time to figure things out. The colors are just too radical for people. I was trying to find a campground recently for a road trip, and was denied because the colors were too loud and the bus was too old. Not sure why it gets harder and harder to find a place to stay. My car and motorcycle still haven't sold. I looked at Craigslist again and realized why. There are hundreds upon hundreds of motorcycles (and VWs) listed on Craigslist all around Oregon right now. It is pretty scary. Not sure what to do aside from hoping and praying that they will both sell. The only way I can upgrade my bus is if my vehicles sell, and I am in need of being able to do this as soon as possible. If I could at least do the upgrades, it would be easier to find a place to stay (not relying on anyone's resources). 

Rat girl was cracking me up today. I had a container full of freshly harvested blackberries, and she randomly started snagging them while I wasn't looking. She was hiding them in places around my body..like behind my knees or around my butt. She really likes her blackberries. I think she ate about 8 of them today, so now they are all hers. :) She is seriously the sweetest rat I have ever known. My Zoey was really sweet also, but Mooshika definitely takes the cake. 

On the subject of small furry creatures, I have definitely had all I can take of this mouse situation. I haven't seen/heard anything from them for the past two weeks, and then this morning there was mouse poop all over the counter again. I started investigating further and noticed that there is a huge mouse burial ground in one of my storage chests, under some things I never move. Apparently one of the mice was having many, many babies, and couldn't feed them because there is no food for them on the bus. This is why I figured they were gone in the first place, but I guess they have just been really quiet and hidden. :( I am ready to just rip all of them hidden areas apart and reconstruct everything to where it is absolutely mouse proof - and this can be done. It just wasn't something that I thought of when making upgrades. Hoping that the RV park will let me stay with them for a week so that I can use their wood working room to make all of the changes that I can make in a short period of time. One of the things I need to do will take some guys that can rip apart my whole kitchen, so that I can rebuild it so mice can't sneak through. Then I have to do that with the bed and everything. The only thing I am not so sure of is going back to the place that started all of these problems with mice in the first place, but I am not sure where else would be this accessible. So many things to figure out. 

I get to see Bernard tomorrow! At least I hope so. I didn't call Bill to make a definite plan today because I was distracted by the whole not knowing where to go or how to move all of my vehicles situation. Crossing my fingers that I get to go over still. :) I miss Bernard! 

It is actually kind of funny that all of this came up today, because I have been looking into this island up North as a place to move to. There was an ad for a RV parking space there for a really cheap price (shaded with deck and covered porch), all bills included. It is a beautiful, beautiful place with a lot of hippies on the island. That and it doesn't get too terribly cold at all, or too terribly hot either. Seems like a dream! Plus there are orcas, and I have loved orcas since I was a little kid. I have never seen one in person, but I feel that this place would make that happen. I am sure that I could find work there, being that it is a very touristy town (people spend a lot of money there). At the very least, I could sell all of my necklaces there and trade garden work for food. A lot of signs have been pointing to this place over the past couple of weeks. It would definitely be interesting if it came through! The RV spot is only a 5 minute walk to the ocean. The island is fully bike-able as well! No need for a car. :) Crossing my fingers that I hear back about it. It would be a nice transition from all of this right now.

Bernard is a Father!

Wow! I had the most amazing day today. I am nesting big time, I can feel it - so I got a lot of things done! The bus looks really amazing and clean right now, and I have been debating on keeping it and turning it into an actual off-the-grid RV when the motorcycle and car sell. I drew up some plans the other day and I have a lot of ideas. There is enough room to put in a bathtub, toilet, two 150 gallon tanks (waste & fresh), a sink, stove & oven, and new counter, tiled & raised floors for storage, two bench seats up front, a closet with refrigerator and other storage, a library in the back (changing my bed into two converting benches), seat belts for the wee one, a wood fireplace, and a deck and solar panels on the roof. This project would be super manageable with the money I will be getting for the car and motorcycle, and there would still be plenty of space for the girls to sleep in. I have been thinking about taking my car & motorcycle up to Portland just so they sell. The money is truly lacking down here, unfortunately.

I cleaned my friend's house today, took a bath (finally), and did my laundry in town. I went into the Natural Food store and they told me that they hear about Bernard all of the time now. I am glad he is so well loved! He is definitely unique. I called Bill (the new owner) today, and he had so many good things to say. Bernard acclimated to the other geese, ducks, and chickens, and has only had one issue with another male there. He handled it pretty well, but the male duck (I believe) didn't want him to go into his coop. Bernard didn't fight or anything, he just waited until he let him pass. Bernard & Lucy also go to their coops before the sun sets, without being corralled over to it. He is such a good goose! He is apparently the head watch animal now, and any time there is trouble with a wild animal in the area, he lets everyone know with his loud scream, and they all chime in. I think that is truly amazing - he has adapted to his new home so well. The BEST update I received was that Bernard adopted 10 little ducklings, and is taking an interest in 12 more that are about to be released. He doesn't let anyone near them, except for Lucy of course. I am so proud of him! He really needed this role, being the kind of goose that he is. He is also mating with Lucy pretty often now, so that also makes me very happy. I feel REALLY good about the home I put him in. Really good. He is living an even better life than he was with me. He has a huge purpose, and maybe soon he will have wee ones of his own. I get to see him on Thursday, so I am really excited to visit him in his new life. :)

Restoring faith

I needed a day like today. It started at the butterfly pavilion in town - tons of Monarchs are thriving over there. Such a beautiful sight, and it was so nice to be in their presence. I have no idea how I ended up there really, but it was good. I got into a long conversation with a man that runs the gift shop. We discussed gemstones, birds, cicadas, bees..well pretty much everything. Before I knew it, two hours passed and I headed home. I spent most of the day outside reading, designing, and watching the girls play, then a man named Aaron pulled up to my bus. Actually, he slammed on his brakes and went skidding through the gravel next to my bus. As soon as I made eye contact with him, I knew he was an important part of my transitioning. He was amazingly friendly with a warming smile. He restored my faith in selling all of my vehicles. I have been scolded so much lately, that I almost gave up selling everything. Said scolding ranges from emails about how I am ripping people off with the prices for my vehicles, which are way way under their actual worth. A few people have told me that my VW Beetle, which is in perfect condition except for the paint, is only worth $400-600. Or that my motorcycle, which only has 10k miles on it and in perfect condition is only worth $1000. Or that my bus is worth only $3000 or less, even though I bought it for $7500, and the bus alone is worth $5000. I am just floored at how often people are trying to take advantage of me. Well Aaron, an ex VW mechanic and someone who just purchased a beautiful bus, agreed with my pricing. He is interested in my bus after seeing and hearing it, and even thought that my Beetle was worth exactly what I am asking for it, because it is truly in great shape! A week ago, another random man who sells motorcycles said that if anyone asks me for lower than $3000 for my bike, to deny them because it is actually worth $1000 more than I am asking for it. Maybe it is because I am pregnant and a female? But I have been feeling really bummed out about all of the nagging lately (I talk to/see/email back and forth with anywhere from 10-15 people a day), that I didn't even want to talk to Aaron when he pulled up. I am truly glad that I did. I am hoping that he gives me a call, because I would truly love for my Bella Bug to go to him. Either way, I am happier because of his visit and feel a lot stronger in what I am asking for my vehicles. If I have to stay here selling my vehicles until the wee one is here, so be it. There is still time for travel in the future.

After looking at trucks and cabover campers for the past month, I am on the fence with keeping my bus and upgrading it with a bolted down RV seat with a seatbelt for the baby's carseat, shower & toilet, wood fireplace, plumbing (hot water heater, fresh & waste water tank), solar, and a new kitchen area. I spent many hours designing a new interior for my sweet bus. I like my plans so much, that I am really tempted to go forward with it. I know people that could help me for really cheap, and I could get everything wired for electricity and have a really beautiful traveling bus. Just selling my motorcycle and Bella would give me plenty of money to do so, and I could even convert it to run on vegetable oil. After all of the upgrading, I would still have plenty of money leftover to travel with. I trust my bus so much, I know it would take me far for many years. I am pretty much waiting on another friend to say yes or no to buying my bus, and if she does, I might just start a small bus project with a trailer. The opportunities are endless, really. Whatever happens, it will be amazing. 

The wee one in my belly is doing really well. I can feel her getting bigger and bigger. It is such an amazing feeling experiencing this connection with her. I really feel good about the path that I am on, and letting go of expectations and time frames for doing things. I received my Phish tickets for next weekend in the mail. I ordered them at the beginning of the new year, so I am really looking forward to dancing my weekend away. The following weekend, I am going to try and get in to see String Cheese Incident. I am ultimately hoping that I can get in for either really cheap, or even free. You never know - people are certainly generous at shows. I have had the free ticket thing happen at Phish shows before. Regardless, even one night with Cheese would be amazing and fill my heart with joy. :)

Oh! My friends Suma & Anna came to visit yesterday. It was so nice seeing friends from Dallas. I really felt at home having them here, no matter how short of a time it was for. We had 3 adults, 4 dogs, and a rat on the bus. :) It has been so long since I have had people on the bus with me, I completely welcome it to happen again. 

Wee one moving :)

Whispering to the Universe

I am all settled in Elkton now. I found a permanent spot in front of my friend's house that is shaded. I don't have to worry about the 90+ degree heat over here because the shade keeps the temperature at about 70 inside. :) It is a nice change! Plus, I shaved Millie the other day, so there is no more panting going on in the bus. Layla got her shave about two weeks ago, but she will be due for another soon. Her fur grows back so fast.

I am starting to get nervous about the vehicles selling. Luckily I am next to a really busy highway now, so people see my bus, car, and motorcycle every day. I had someone interested in Bella Bug today, so crossing my fingers for a sale. My car and motorcycle will be the first to sell for sure. The bus however... I am whispering to the Universe about every day. Hoping that something comes through in the next two weeks. The fact that it is mid-July just floors my mind.

I am missing Bernard every day. I wake up in the morning thinking that I hear him, then I realize that it isn't him and it bums me out. Bernard & Lucy definitely gave my mornings purpose. I am thinking about dropping by and seeing them on Monday to see how things are going. All I want to see is them swimming with the other geese and having fun. :) Maybe that will make me miss them a little less. :)

I have been exploring the world of Bhagavan Das lately. I am also about to watch Karmageddon for the first time. Not sure why I never watched it until now, but I am excited. I definitely love observing and reading about all of the different life perspectives out there.

The wee one has been kicking and twirling a lot lately. I had some honey today, and she was really active. She also moves up a storm whenever I play music. :) It is pretty amazing feeling and seeing my baby constantly move under my skin. Truly an amazing experience. I feel very lucky, and yet I can't believe that I am almost 25 weeks pregnant. Where has the time gone? I will feel content if I have less of a load when the baby comes. It is time for another purge and downsize. I am really excited for the changes coming up. :)

Life in Oregon

Where to begin... :)

My life has been going through many shifts lately. I moved to Oregon in October of 2012. I left Texas at the best time possible - when everything in my life was coming to a close. I was laid off from my long time job, my relationship had ended, and it was time for a dramatic shift. I sold almost everything I owned and moved to Oregon to live in a school bus. I started my journey in a community called Lost Valley in Dexter, Oregon. Sri Magic Bus lived there at the time with her owner Nate. He passed her along to me, and I ended up leaving to Portland and lived on the streets for a while. For about a month, I traveled with some friends around the northern part of Oregon. We ended up landing a care taking position out in Reedsport, Oregon in November, and lived there until the middle of May. The people I was staying with at the time left a month and a half prior to my move in May. I shifted my life 3 miles down the street and traded a living space and electricity for working on the land at a local RV park. Luckily, I was still living on beautiful Smith River. I moved to the RV park with my pups, rat, and my sweet geese Bernard & Lucy. I was truly grateful that the park accepted me and my entourage, since I wasn't ready to find my geese a new home.

Bernard was a rescue goose and a welcomed addition to my family of fur & feather kids. The land owner at the property I was originally at got him to set him free on the river. For some reason, he thought the existing wild geese on the river were all females, and he wanted to give them a male to mate with. His plan didn't work out, for the existing geese were already a mated pair. Bernard quickly became a daily part of my life out there. He was very angry and needy, and also came from a situation where he was wounded and abused. Not to mention, the land owner and his other caretakers were very abusive towards him, throwing 2x4s at him, hitting him with car doors, and kicking him across the property. I worked with him to get him to see me as a friend, and after a couple of weeks, I won him over. We were inseparable. Bernard would follow me everywhere I would go - even to the bathroom. I would kayak a couple of miles down the river, and he would follow me. I could hike up the side of a mountain, and he would keep a good pace behind me to make sure I was alright. I eventually adopted a female for him so that he wouldn't be so attached to me. When it was just me & Bernard, I would leave to go into town, and he would stand at the gate crying and crying for me to come back. No matter what time of night I would get back, he would be there waiting for me. He is the most amazing goose I know. He is definitely a huge part of my heart.

When I brought Lucy home, Bernard didn't really care for her. It seemed that I was his priority, and she was just a pal that he hung out with on the river. No matter where they were, I could call out to him, and they would come swimming up to me. Lucy never warmed up to me, but that was okay, because she is Bernard's companion. :) Eventually the time came for me to leave the RV park, so a few days ago, I took Bernard & Lucy to their new home. A few days leading up to the move, Bernard was a different goose. He wouldn't follow me or do any of his normal daily things. It was good for me though, because I had grown very attached to him. He allowed me one last goodbye though, so I was able to get dozens of smooches in and hug him tight. Living on the road isn't a good life for a goose, not to mention it is pretty much impossible, considering how much they poop every day. :) I am just very grateful to have found a good home for them.

Bringing us back to now, I am selling my school bus, VW Beetle, and my motorcycle so that I can get another vehicle to travel and live in. I am six months pregnant, and have a baby due to enter the world at the end of October/early November. I am finally learning how to flow with all of these changes, for they are truly a blessing. I always think that I know exactly what I want for my life, but find that my ideas change constantly as I evolve daily.