Michigan Summer 2024

Michigan Summer 2024

by | Aug 2, 2024 | August 2024

April, May, June, July

Summer in Michigan

I’ve been staying in several different locations this summer. Visiting friends and family in Lansing, Laingsburg, St Louis, Remus, Eaton Rapids and Hillsdale. Watching grandkids play ball, working in gardens, laying patios, and writing a book.

It has been busy and fulfilling at the same time. Deepen friendships. Walking in nature. Spiritually growing. Life is good and God is great.

Coming up to the 1-year mark since starting this journey. So much has happen. So much growth within.

My grandson Avery said he felt sorry for me because I no longer have a big house to have everyone over! From an 8 year old point of view, I understand what he’s saying. Yet how do you explain that my current home has the view of the whole world? Plus I’ve been able to meet many amazing people wherever my home goes.

This journey isn’t for everyone, and that’s okay. I don’t know how long I will continue, but I know I’m blessed with an amazing ride and a abundance of love.

A Little Holiday Fun

A Little Holiday Fun

by | May 19, 2024 | March 2024

By now the weather has finally gotten warmer, as it was the coldest winter in Florida in years! March was special in so many ways. I’m not sure if it was the warmth of the weather or the warmth of the people around me, but it sure felt good! I think I smiled more than I had in years, and I finally realized why people here were always smiling and in a good mood – they’re genuinely happy!

There’s always something to do, someone to hang out with, and plenty of conversation to enjoy.

The sad part was – it’s March. The end of the month would mean plenty of goodbyes. I watched as people gathered for one more party, one more dinner together, one more boat ride. The long hugs and happy tears were plentiful. And by Easter, most of us snowbirds had headed out. The village was quiet once again.

I learned later from my Aunt Gloria; she has a saying, “you have to leave, so you can come back!” That is so fitting when it’s so hard to leave, yet comforting to know we’ll see each other again soon.

So I’m going to close this with a poem I wrote. I think my Holiday friends can relate to it.

Holiday RV Village

 

Some of us drove

For thousands of miles

To find this special Cove.

 

Full of happy smiles

And massive amenities,

To enrich our lives and souls.

Holiday everyday

Brings community to play.

A place rich with Florida nature,

And a place to gather to pray.

 

A place for snowbirds

To escape to.

Full timers to enjoy.

And adventurist travelers wander to

Discovering so much more.

For we all find more than a resting place,

But a joyful sanctuary

We call our Happy Place.

 

And as our seasons end,

We gather once more for farewells,

Hugs, and see you soon,

Our dearest Holiday friends.

Kelly & Bob Frank

The Orange Tree

The Orange Tree

by | May 18, 2024 | February 2024

On my morning walks with Nella, we pass an orange tree growing on the edge of the ‘woods’ (it’s a damn jungle if you ask me!) and I’ve watched the fruit on it become bright orange and by now it’s a little past ripe and darker in color.

I would have loved to pick just one, but they’re out of my reach (yes, I know I’m short!) and the tree is nestled in the overgrown swampy area.

Snakes and gators and whatever else lurking in the swampy area sounds reason enough to stay away from the tree. Or is that just an excuse? Or fear itself (not big on snakes or gators) keeping me from the beautiful fruit?

So often it seems with business and life, I’ve found myself at a point where things are about to produce the fruit of my labor and then I’m faced with a challenge, an obstacle, let’s face it – shit hits the fan, and I’m stopped in my tracks. Whether it’s a broken computer, broken parts on the RV or not enough business coming in, or all of the above…it becomes overwhelming, and you just feel like walking away from it all.

Sigh. Is it the fear of what’s in the swamp, or the fear of failure?

I have faced many fears on this trip. Today when I walked past the orange tree, I thought, damn! I bet those oranges would still taste good!

Pushing past what’s stopping me means more than just fixing the problems and following it through. It means changing my paradigm, which is a mental program or mindset that has control over our habitual behavior; and almost all of our behavior is habitual.

 It means creating new habits and new narratives we tell ourselves to better focus on what we truly want in life.

It makes each step everyday intentional to improve my life, and hopefully impact others around me in a positive way.

The fruits of my labor will come someday soon! And those oranges are sure going to taste so good!

 

 

Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

by | Jan 31, 2024 | January 2024

Full Time RV Living or Volunteer Homeless?

I did this whole journey with intent tucked into every corner of my camper and mind. So many people view this as giving up everything to live in a camper. And yes, that is true, and reality is it’s freeing and a bit scary at the same time.

‘I’ve always wanted to do that’ is what I hear most from people I’ve met. “Why haven’t you?” I’ve asked.

We stop ourselves from doing the big and crazy things in our lives all the time. Why? Fear. Fear of failure? What if this happens? What if that happens? And what if it all works out?!

Intent is a key factor. Living your life with intention. Your focus on what needs to be done so you can thrive in this lifestyle, becomes very real. If you’re busy worrying about the what if’s – well then that’s what you’ll be facing. Instead, become very focused on what needs to be done every day. Whether that’s making sure the camper is all set for the day, food stocked up, maps planned out, or sitting down and writing; and working to help others.

Lack is a mindset that holds you back. I’ve been guilty of focusing on what I don’t have rather than what I do have over the years. What I learned is that working with what I have is far more powerful to create from – and far more gratifying.

If I look at life in an RV as a homeless person, then I’m looking at it in with a mindset of lack. Instead, I see it as home, free from conventional ways of living, free to move and explore and discover new places, people, and possibilities.

Our mindset is a powerful force. I’m not saying think flowery positive thoughts and it will all work out. Have the mindset to be clear on what you want and set your intentions, and take the baby steps daily to get there. The beauty of creating what you love in your life is it’s all up to you. Don’t let fear stop you.

Daily gratitude to God for all of his blessing keeps me on the right path, and keeps my life full. Helps me face my fears, and follow through on my intentional journey.

What big crazy thing have you always wanted to do? How would you feel if you faced your fears and set your intentions to do it?!

 

Happiness

Happiness

by | Jan 31, 2024 | January 2024

Happiness.

Today is my birthday, January 5th. (Yup, just getting around to post this!)  Some will call. Some will forget. Some will send a quick text message. There is happiness in being remembered, but that isn’t how you gauge happiness. True, others can make you feel happy, however they are not the ones in charge of your happiness. Nor should they be.

To be truly happy, you have to know what and who makes you happy. Finding that is a  journey in itself, and looking within you will find most of what you’re looking for.

Happiness isn’t a when, or a person. ‘When’ this happens or ‘when’ I get here I’ll be happy. If you’re not happy in the here and now – it ain’t going to happen later. Be happy in the present day, you can take that with you anywhere any time!

Married twice, so I know you can’t entrust others to make you happy. It’s not their job or anyone else for that matter. It’s your own damn job to be happy. When I said ‘who’ makes you happy, I meant to be with those who you find happiness with. Surround yourself with others who lift you up. Bring you joy. Share life’s moments that are meaningful. Bring conversation to the table. Gives you a sense of belonging rather than just fitting in.

Bernee Brown talks about the difference between belonging and fitting in. When you try to fit in, it becomes a us or them, left or right, choose a side in order to be apart of a group. You find yourself having to change or adapt to one group in order to ‘fit in’. Whereas belonging feels more like coming home. They’re your people, your tribe, your community who accept you for who you are. And being yourself allows you the opportunity to be free.

Allowing yourself to be happy is on you too. It’s a choice. Everything may line up to pure joy, but if you don’t allow yourself to accept happiness into your life – what are you telling the universe? You’re not worthy? Why not? We are after all, a spiritual soul living & having a human experience. We are all deserving of the best life we can create. It’s okay to be happy!

Doesn’t cost a damn thing either!