Hi! So the introduce yourself prompts don't get lost. If you feel like sharing, let us know: Where in the world are you? Where would you love to visit? Would you ever want to live in a van? What do you want to read about here? What project would you love to share (links welcome)? Anything else you want to share? :)
Holly, your substack is very intriguing! As soon as I finish writing this, I'll be subscribing, and I look forward to reading some amazing stuff!
Where in the world am I? Currently, on a farm in Beech Island, South Carolina. Until recently, on another farm in southeast Georgia. Previously I was an English teacher, but as I move from place to place these days, I'm learning farm work.
Where would you love to visit? Out west! I've only flown to a couple of places in the West, but I want to go by car or, better yet, by van.
Would you ever want to live in a van? Hell, yes! For the last two years and a bit, I've been living out of my car and a one-person tent. It's a cramped way to travel, and I'm always at the mercy of the weather. But I haven't yet scraped together the money to level up into a van.
What do you want to read about here? Rubber-tramping, of course!
What project would you love to share (links welcome)? On my substack, Singular Dream, I'm serializing a far-future sci-fi novel that's been a decade in the making. You can learn about it here: singulardream.substack.com/p/start-here
Yay! Love everything about this whole answer. Welcome, Joshua. Glad to have you on board!!
I only barely know South Carolina, but the little bits I've seen were beautiful. A farm there sounds sorta dreamy. Are you Woofing or anything of the sort as you're learning farm work? Brilliant skills to have.
I can totally recommend coming west. The whole coast is marvelous. I do love the East Coast too. And the deserts of southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and California are out of this world.
I've done some car, well, truck living myself. As well as some backpack and bike pack living. So I feel you on the cramped aspect of the one-person tent and the weather. My van, Ruby, who you'll for sure hear a lot about here was not costly. But she was completely hollowed out when I got her, has never had AC, even in the cab, has had a leaky roof I've repaired over and over, and has doors whose opening mechanisms I have to jury rig. Still, I love her.
Lots of rubber-tramping tales on the RD! Lest you're interested in specific tales, here's all the posts related to vanlife--https://hollystarley.substack.com/t/vanlife-the-ruby-years. And here's posts related to life on the road by foot, bike, bus, or other public transportation--https://hollystarley.substack.com/t/travel-by-foot-bike-bus-and-train.
I dig a whole lot of sci-fi. So I'm intrigued. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to checking out Singular Dream. And I've a few friends here in Substack land who are serializing novels. It seems like a great way to get your book out there.
I hope you will check out my fiction, Holly! Woofing, yes, basically that's what I'm doing. Not getting paid for work, but I get free rent, sometimes a meal. I did the East Coast two years ago, when I went out on the road, Georgia to western Mass (with a quick foray into Vermont) and back. It went well, but it was very expensive, however I much economized. I'm living very hand-to-mouth now and trying to fix that before I go wandering again. The first thing I noted about Ruby is she's an Econoline, which is what I've wanted. Doing a van build looks really expensive... How much do you think you sank in (at an estimate) to get Ruby roadworthy and comfortable enough to live in long-term? (Do you have a particular post I could read about that?)
I think the expense of van builds can range massively. I wish that I had been better at keeping track of everything I spent, not to mention labor hours. But I did it piece by piece as I went, adding things as I realized I needed them or wanted them. I was two years in, for example, when I cut the hole in the roof for the fan. The solar system was probably the biggest expense, between the panels and the battery. I don’t think I spent anywhere near what I might have. But, too, she’s a little janky. And I’d do some things differently now. Any guess I made could be wildly off.
Will check out the fiction for sure. I’ve added it to my reading list.
It seems to me too that “piece by piece” is the only way I’ll get it done, adding as I can afford to. The initial outlay just to get a dependable vehicle is my first hurdle. My car’s at least reliable. I’m loath to trade it for a van with problems. When I’ve shop for an Econoline within my budget, that’s what I find — lots of age, lots of miles, or lots of mechanical issues.
Absolutely! My rule of thumb is never buy anything without a thorough pre-buy inspection. I would for sure say hold out for something reliable. Keep us posted.
Oh Holly, the more I get to know about you, the more I want to be your friend! I’m Kelsey. My husband and I were fully nomadic (in a small camper) for 16 months until we decided to put down potted roots in Sarasota, FL. We’re here now and the itch to move is ginormous. We just need to figure out where to go! (We just sold our camper because with two large, young, energetic puppies, we’re not in a camper season right now.) So, 1) I’m so happy to be here! 2) I’m open to recommendations for our next location. We want trees and trails, safe roads to bike on and a pool to train in. And 3) I’m an energy alignment coach/ human design guide and Feng Shui guide and I write at kelseyabbott.substack.com
I would love to hear more about this sixteen-month journey. Isn't the nomadic life just ripe with newness?! Love what I've seen on your stack so far and excited to check out more. A point of clarification. Are you looking for recommendations for your next camper season journey or next place to put down potted roots for a bit?
Thank you, thank you, for stopping by and introducing yourself.
Yay! 🤸🏻♂️ I certainly have stories to tell… about the time a duck laid an egg under our camper or our 6-paw limit to the camper floor space or the time we went over a big bump and an entire jug of maple syrup spilled all over the floor…
I’m looking for our next place to put down potted roots.
Hi Holly, am a fan of mini homes as well. I did day camping in a diy pickup camper. It was a blast figuring out solutions for changing seasons and such. I had a long commute, worked nights and slept in a park days. It's been dismantled, just needing to be home more. But, alot of fun!
I had a spell of the diy pickup camper life myself. It is a lot of fun, isn’t it? And the need to constantly adjust and find solutions is good to keep you on your toes.
Well, what do you know, another nomad. I came here for the editing workshops, and discovered we have much in common. I lived in vans for eight years full-time. Now I live in a travel trailer but I plan to move back into a van when I can find one in the spring. So glad I found you, Holly!
No way! LaVonne. I'm so glad we've connected as well. Thank you for being here.
Were you in the same van for the eight years? What kind? Stoked to meet another full-timer. Or I shouldn't call myself a full-timer right now, as I'm in a cabin for a season. But I was full time for a little over four years and loved it.
I was in three different vans. The first one died after a year and a half. The second one died when I hit a cow. And I traded in the third one on a car I thoroughly regret buying, lol. BTW, you mentioned somewhere that you attended RTR. I did too, for several years until it got so big, I couldn’t deal with it. Too bad our paths never crossed until now!
Wow!! Kudos to you for living your dream life! My late “wasband” (former husband) loved VW vans and had many - his fave was the Vanagon, which featured its own mini fridge behind the driver’s seat. Your van looks much nicer and I love your pivoting kitchen design! So cool! I live in a western suburb of Chicago and have never really done much camping or backpacking. That was Tim’s thing. I think I could probably travel like you are for about a week cuz I’d miss my dogs! I’d love to see the Grand Canyon and all the national parks along the way! Kudos to you! I’m anxious to see pics of the breathtaking vistas you’re obviously seeing on the daily!! I’m along for the ride here - whatever you feel like sharing, I’m game! I’m all about honing my craft and improving my writing. Safe travels!! 🚌
Hi! So, I did live in a van for a short period of pre married life and I LOVED IT. I think you’re awesome, your van is awesome and I can’t wait to join you on journeys of a wordful nature. Luv n peace ✌️
Hey, that was really fun to chat with you at Stoup last night. I’m such a road trip guy but I’ve never fancied myself a van guy … I think I’ve got to try it to be sure, and since my goal in life is to try everything, I probably will.
Yes! So great to meet fellow writers on life in person. :) I'm looking forward to delving into your work. We have that goal--try everything--in common. For me, it's a fantastic, if sometimes dizzying, approach to love. From our conversation, I could totally see a mini vanlife adventure for you and your wife!! And if you want em whenever that does come around, I have tips. :)
Reminds me of the Roma caravans and boats of old... I have a heart for the road and being wild... Yet, having moved 37 times in my life and having come accross the seas as a child refugee, I savour having a tiny plot of land in a big city (Toronto) that is our urban farm close to a wild ravine and friends out of town who are stewarding wilder land... Thank you for sharing a piece of your world!
David, that sounds perfect--an urban farm close to a wild ravine.
And wow, 37 moves is a lot. What a journey for a child. I can only imagine how it’s shaped you. Would love to read about it if it’s something you write about.
And thanks you for the comparison. A nice romantic feel - the caravans and boats of old. :)
Holly, just noticed your warm comment above now! I appreciate your writing because of the humanity, earthiness and soulfulness of it. It seems that the "civilized" world has wanted to strip away and consume and dominate anything with richness and sustanence. To find and reclaim soul in our day to day lives is not only an art, a worthy endeavour but a radical act of defiance!
Holly you are a rambling rose, and I love you for it. I live in rural Iowa, which is a fine perch from which to watch the world unravel, and a place where I can make my tiny contribution to the web of life by saving and planting seeds of native plants, watching birds and getting others to turn their attention that way, and worshiping the mystery and miracle of life.
Thanks, Evelyn! Ditto, ditto. Was absolutely delighted to discover your stack and work and generosity. What a pleasure to have you stop here for a hello. :)
In 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, there's a character, Tengo, who says, "For the author, the work is everything. There's no need to keep adding explanations."
Lovely to meet you too, Vitor. You’re right (or Haruki Murakami is); your work speaks for itself. Just hopped over to your stack and loved your most recent post.
To us all getting lost and found in the equations we share one story at a time.
What fun crossing paths with a like-minded soul-sister, Holly! Have called our car, the Rolling University. We love listening to training tapes, CDs, and now streaming audios. Everything! Keynotes. Workshops. Seminars. Recorded courses before online training became the norm.
I've been a traveler before I could walk. My mom used to say, "Donna was easy to birth, but it was her suitcase that was difficult." 😜
Our base has been Florida since 1980. I've worked in 17 states as a consultant with the intention of working myself out of a job.
With Zoom, nowadays, my reach is undefined while being global.
With the physical difference between me and my husband, my 6'5" to his 5'3", we originally bought an older motorhome that was tall enough for me to stand up straight.
Then, we tore the furniture out and redesigned the interior into a mobile office with sleeping quarters.
When I became a poker journalist in 1998, we spent as much time as possible covering poker tournaments coast to coast. 🎯
Holly, I think I just wrote a part of my upcoming newsletter's about me.
Wonderful! I am excited to read your upcoming newsletter. Sounds like you've lived a life brimming with stories, and you clearly have a storyteller's voice! Love your mom's quip about the suitcase. Bwahaha.
A mobile office with sleeping quarters / adventure mobile is pretty much Ruby the van's vibe. So fun to meet someone else who knows the joys and, well, other bits of a desk and bed that rolls.
And poker journalist! How fun.
Thank you, thank you, for stopping by and saying hello.
PS. My ex-husband was (well is) 6'5" to my 5'3" so I totally get the scale of that difference. ;)
Hi Holly, I'm new to your subscription and new to substack. I was born and raised in New York but have moved around lots (Italy, The Netherlands, back to New York and then China, Poland and now Brazil!) because of work (I teach in International Schools) My current city is Sao Paulo. I love what you are doing and want to read more about it. It would be great if you took a look at some of my Substack - I've only been here two weeks! Thanks and read you later!
Maria! Thank you much for saying hi and subscribing. I am wowed (and slightly jealous) of all the amazing places you've lived--all of which I'd love, love to spend some time in and none of which, except your home town (love NYC), I've had a chance to visit yet. So. Many. Places. To. Go.
Welcome to Substack. I have truly found it to be a warm, wonderful place where I've made connections and friendships I'm deeply grateful for. Of course, I'll jump over and check out your stack. :)
Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself! I am an empty-nester mom of 2 grown young men. I grew up in Virginia, not far from Shepherdstown, WV and Washington, D.C. I now live in south-central Kansas with my 2 spaniel dogs. In the last 2 years, I drove to I think 39 of the US States, plus B.C. Canada.
In a few weeks, I head back East to visit my kids then head North to re-visit a lot of New England but mostly to get up to Nova Scotia and visit my family roots there and enjoy the fiddle festival, because I am a violinist and a wanna-be fiddler!
After visiting there, I will head back down to Philadelphia to collect an award at the National Yo-Yo Competition for my late dad, Stuart F. Crump Jr., who was inducted to the Yo-Yo Hall of Fame, then head back home by way of more U.S. States. I love road trips with my dogs. We enjoy camping.
I have extensive vision issues and I am an author, musician, writer, violinist, and growing older and healing from trauma. Also, some other things, but this is long enough. 🌷🎻
Welcome, Jodi! And thank you for this fabulous introduction. I’m excited for you to travel and see your kids and go to the fiddle festival! Not to mention collecting the award for your dad. What a wonderful tribute to him.
And PS, the violin in your profile picture is so friggin cool!!
Hello! I’m currently living full time in my van in the south of France with my dog Youna. I’m planning to leave here to return to my cottage in Normandy for the summer and return in the fall on foot - a trip of around 2,000 kilometres. Gonna write about it so please join me on my Substack and I look forward to meeting you all!
We were participants in the RV world and subculture for 25 years, just sold our last (8th) RV and have years and miles of adventures all over the U.S. Eastern Canada and Mexico. We had the biggest RV ever, somewhat illegal in some states as it was 47', 4 slideouts and a 550 HP Detroit Diesel pusher. We also had a 24' Van, our 8th one which was probably the overall best. I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say, we loved our travels. We have had a peripatetic life and are right now in the midst of moving to Mexico having lived there for the past 10 months. Returned recently from a visit to Brazil, Argentina and Chile and more travel on the horizon. I'm a newbie on Substack and an oldie otherwise, having written over 700 posts elsewhere and glad to be here now, trying to learn to be a better writer.
Wonderful, Gary! Thanks so much for reading and for saying hi. And welcome to Substack. It is a truly wonderful space to work on writing and to find community. I often find it analogous to the way it's easy to quickly connect across seeming divides when living a life of moving. Have you found that on your roads, too?
I bet that 47-footer felt like a mansion. But I wouldn't for a second attempt to drive such a beast. My longest was a 26-foot Chevy Leprechaun. And it was a little more than I wanted to handle on the free way. 🤣
A pleasure to meet you, Gary. I look forward to hearing more from your adventures--if that's what you write about, that is.
Hi! So the introduce yourself prompts don't get lost. If you feel like sharing, let us know: Where in the world are you? Where would you love to visit? Would you ever want to live in a van? What do you want to read about here? What project would you love to share (links welcome)? Anything else you want to share? :)
Holly, your substack is very intriguing! As soon as I finish writing this, I'll be subscribing, and I look forward to reading some amazing stuff!
Where in the world am I? Currently, on a farm in Beech Island, South Carolina. Until recently, on another farm in southeast Georgia. Previously I was an English teacher, but as I move from place to place these days, I'm learning farm work.
Where would you love to visit? Out west! I've only flown to a couple of places in the West, but I want to go by car or, better yet, by van.
Would you ever want to live in a van? Hell, yes! For the last two years and a bit, I've been living out of my car and a one-person tent. It's a cramped way to travel, and I'm always at the mercy of the weather. But I haven't yet scraped together the money to level up into a van.
What do you want to read about here? Rubber-tramping, of course!
What project would you love to share (links welcome)? On my substack, Singular Dream, I'm serializing a far-future sci-fi novel that's been a decade in the making. You can learn about it here: singulardream.substack.com/p/start-here
Yay! Love everything about this whole answer. Welcome, Joshua. Glad to have you on board!!
I only barely know South Carolina, but the little bits I've seen were beautiful. A farm there sounds sorta dreamy. Are you Woofing or anything of the sort as you're learning farm work? Brilliant skills to have.
I can totally recommend coming west. The whole coast is marvelous. I do love the East Coast too. And the deserts of southern Utah, Arizona, New Mexico, and California are out of this world.
I've done some car, well, truck living myself. As well as some backpack and bike pack living. So I feel you on the cramped aspect of the one-person tent and the weather. My van, Ruby, who you'll for sure hear a lot about here was not costly. But she was completely hollowed out when I got her, has never had AC, even in the cab, has had a leaky roof I've repaired over and over, and has doors whose opening mechanisms I have to jury rig. Still, I love her.
Lots of rubber-tramping tales on the RD! Lest you're interested in specific tales, here's all the posts related to vanlife--https://hollystarley.substack.com/t/vanlife-the-ruby-years. And here's posts related to life on the road by foot, bike, bus, or other public transportation--https://hollystarley.substack.com/t/travel-by-foot-bike-bus-and-train.
I dig a whole lot of sci-fi. So I'm intrigued. Thanks for sharing! Looking forward to checking out Singular Dream. And I've a few friends here in Substack land who are serializing novels. It seems like a great way to get your book out there.
Thanks again, Joshua!!
I hope you will check out my fiction, Holly! Woofing, yes, basically that's what I'm doing. Not getting paid for work, but I get free rent, sometimes a meal. I did the East Coast two years ago, when I went out on the road, Georgia to western Mass (with a quick foray into Vermont) and back. It went well, but it was very expensive, however I much economized. I'm living very hand-to-mouth now and trying to fix that before I go wandering again. The first thing I noted about Ruby is she's an Econoline, which is what I've wanted. Doing a van build looks really expensive... How much do you think you sank in (at an estimate) to get Ruby roadworthy and comfortable enough to live in long-term? (Do you have a particular post I could read about that?)
I think the expense of van builds can range massively. I wish that I had been better at keeping track of everything I spent, not to mention labor hours. But I did it piece by piece as I went, adding things as I realized I needed them or wanted them. I was two years in, for example, when I cut the hole in the roof for the fan. The solar system was probably the biggest expense, between the panels and the battery. I don’t think I spent anywhere near what I might have. But, too, she’s a little janky. And I’d do some things differently now. Any guess I made could be wildly off.
Will check out the fiction for sure. I’ve added it to my reading list.
It seems to me too that “piece by piece” is the only way I’ll get it done, adding as I can afford to. The initial outlay just to get a dependable vehicle is my first hurdle. My car’s at least reliable. I’m loath to trade it for a van with problems. When I’ve shop for an Econoline within my budget, that’s what I find — lots of age, lots of miles, or lots of mechanical issues.
Absolutely! My rule of thumb is never buy anything without a thorough pre-buy inspection. I would for sure say hold out for something reliable. Keep us posted.
Oh Holly, the more I get to know about you, the more I want to be your friend! I’m Kelsey. My husband and I were fully nomadic (in a small camper) for 16 months until we decided to put down potted roots in Sarasota, FL. We’re here now and the itch to move is ginormous. We just need to figure out where to go! (We just sold our camper because with two large, young, energetic puppies, we’re not in a camper season right now.) So, 1) I’m so happy to be here! 2) I’m open to recommendations for our next location. We want trees and trails, safe roads to bike on and a pool to train in. And 3) I’m an energy alignment coach/ human design guide and Feng Shui guide and I write at kelseyabbott.substack.com
Kelsey! I feel the same. So glad we've connected.
I would love to hear more about this sixteen-month journey. Isn't the nomadic life just ripe with newness?! Love what I've seen on your stack so far and excited to check out more. A point of clarification. Are you looking for recommendations for your next camper season journey or next place to put down potted roots for a bit?
Thank you, thank you, for stopping by and introducing yourself.
Yay! 🤸🏻♂️ I certainly have stories to tell… about the time a duck laid an egg under our camper or our 6-paw limit to the camper floor space or the time we went over a big bump and an entire jug of maple syrup spilled all over the floor…
I’m looking for our next place to put down potted roots.
Have you been to the Vancouver, British Columbia area? Opposite corner of the map for you; I apologize for that. It’s beautiful there, though.
It is beautiful there!
Hi Holly, am a fan of mini homes as well. I did day camping in a diy pickup camper. It was a blast figuring out solutions for changing seasons and such. I had a long commute, worked nights and slept in a park days. It's been dismantled, just needing to be home more. But, alot of fun!
I had a spell of the diy pickup camper life myself. It is a lot of fun, isn’t it? And the need to constantly adjust and find solutions is good to keep you on your toes.
Thank you much for stopping by and saying hello!
Well, what do you know, another nomad. I came here for the editing workshops, and discovered we have much in common. I lived in vans for eight years full-time. Now I live in a travel trailer but I plan to move back into a van when I can find one in the spring. So glad I found you, Holly!
No way! LaVonne. I'm so glad we've connected as well. Thank you for being here.
Were you in the same van for the eight years? What kind? Stoked to meet another full-timer. Or I shouldn't call myself a full-timer right now, as I'm in a cabin for a season. But I was full time for a little over four years and loved it.
I was in three different vans. The first one died after a year and a half. The second one died when I hit a cow. And I traded in the third one on a car I thoroughly regret buying, lol. BTW, you mentioned somewhere that you attended RTR. I did too, for several years until it got so big, I couldn’t deal with it. Too bad our paths never crossed until now!
Wow!! Kudos to you for living your dream life! My late “wasband” (former husband) loved VW vans and had many - his fave was the Vanagon, which featured its own mini fridge behind the driver’s seat. Your van looks much nicer and I love your pivoting kitchen design! So cool! I live in a western suburb of Chicago and have never really done much camping or backpacking. That was Tim’s thing. I think I could probably travel like you are for about a week cuz I’d miss my dogs! I’d love to see the Grand Canyon and all the national parks along the way! Kudos to you! I’m anxious to see pics of the breathtaking vistas you’re obviously seeing on the daily!! I’m along for the ride here - whatever you feel like sharing, I’m game! I’m all about honing my craft and improving my writing. Safe travels!! 🚌
Thanks, Kathy!
Hi! So, I did live in a van for a short period of pre married life and I LOVED IT. I think you’re awesome, your van is awesome and I can’t wait to join you on journeys of a wordful nature. Luv n peace ✌️
Hey, that was really fun to chat with you at Stoup last night. I’m such a road trip guy but I’ve never fancied myself a van guy … I think I’ve got to try it to be sure, and since my goal in life is to try everything, I probably will.
Yes! So great to meet fellow writers on life in person. :) I'm looking forward to delving into your work. We have that goal--try everything--in common. For me, it's a fantastic, if sometimes dizzying, approach to love. From our conversation, I could totally see a mini vanlife adventure for you and your wife!! And if you want em whenever that does come around, I have tips. :)
Reminds me of the Roma caravans and boats of old... I have a heart for the road and being wild... Yet, having moved 37 times in my life and having come accross the seas as a child refugee, I savour having a tiny plot of land in a big city (Toronto) that is our urban farm close to a wild ravine and friends out of town who are stewarding wilder land... Thank you for sharing a piece of your world!
David, that sounds perfect--an urban farm close to a wild ravine.
And wow, 37 moves is a lot. What a journey for a child. I can only imagine how it’s shaped you. Would love to read about it if it’s something you write about.
And thanks you for the comparison. A nice romantic feel - the caravans and boats of old. :)
Holly, just noticed your warm comment above now! I appreciate your writing because of the humanity, earthiness and soulfulness of it. It seems that the "civilized" world has wanted to strip away and consume and dominate anything with richness and sustanence. To find and reclaim soul in our day to day lives is not only an art, a worthy endeavour but a radical act of defiance!
Holly you are a rambling rose, and I love you for it. I live in rural Iowa, which is a fine perch from which to watch the world unravel, and a place where I can make my tiny contribution to the web of life by saving and planting seeds of native plants, watching birds and getting others to turn their attention that way, and worshiping the mystery and miracle of life.
Rambling rose! I love that. Ruby was almost Rose. I went back and forth before settling on her name.
I love your contribution and am so glad you’re sharing it here.
"I’d love for us all to fall madly in love with ourselves and to know nothing human is alien to us."
I love this and I love your energy, Holly! 💛
Thanks, Evelyn! Ditto, ditto. Was absolutely delighted to discover your stack and work and generosity. What a pleasure to have you stop here for a hello. :)
Hi, Ruby (and Starley),
In 1Q84 by Haruki Murakami, there's a character, Tengo, who says, "For the author, the work is everything. There's no need to keep adding explanations."
To introduce myself, nothing’s better than my stories: https://bybertini.substack.com
After all, we are the sum of our stories.
Pleased to meet you.
Lovely to meet you too, Vitor. You’re right (or Haruki Murakami is); your work speaks for itself. Just hopped over to your stack and loved your most recent post.
To us all getting lost and found in the equations we share one story at a time.
Thank you very much, Starley. Let’s keep exchanging stories.
What fun crossing paths with a like-minded soul-sister, Holly! Have called our car, the Rolling University. We love listening to training tapes, CDs, and now streaming audios. Everything! Keynotes. Workshops. Seminars. Recorded courses before online training became the norm.
I've been a traveler before I could walk. My mom used to say, "Donna was easy to birth, but it was her suitcase that was difficult." 😜
Our base has been Florida since 1980. I've worked in 17 states as a consultant with the intention of working myself out of a job.
With Zoom, nowadays, my reach is undefined while being global.
With the physical difference between me and my husband, my 6'5" to his 5'3", we originally bought an older motorhome that was tall enough for me to stand up straight.
Then, we tore the furniture out and redesigned the interior into a mobile office with sleeping quarters.
When I became a poker journalist in 1998, we spent as much time as possible covering poker tournaments coast to coast. 🎯
Holly, I think I just wrote a part of my upcoming newsletter's about me.
Thanks a bunch for being inspiring 💯
Wonderful! I am excited to read your upcoming newsletter. Sounds like you've lived a life brimming with stories, and you clearly have a storyteller's voice! Love your mom's quip about the suitcase. Bwahaha.
A mobile office with sleeping quarters / adventure mobile is pretty much Ruby the van's vibe. So fun to meet someone else who knows the joys and, well, other bits of a desk and bed that rolls.
And poker journalist! How fun.
Thank you, thank you, for stopping by and saying hello.
PS. My ex-husband was (well is) 6'5" to my 5'3" so I totally get the scale of that difference. ;)
Oh, how painful to look up! When I wore 4-inch heels or 6-inch platforms, I was concerned my dearest would suffer damage to the neck vertebrae.
He swears it never hurt 😇
What an angel indeed. ;)
He is one of the few people I look up to 💕
Oh, how painful to look up! When I wore 4-inch heels or 6-inch platforms, I was concerned my dearest would suffer damage to the neck vertebrae.
He swears it never hurt 😇
Hi Holly, I'm new to your subscription and new to substack. I was born and raised in New York but have moved around lots (Italy, The Netherlands, back to New York and then China, Poland and now Brazil!) because of work (I teach in International Schools) My current city is Sao Paulo. I love what you are doing and want to read more about it. It would be great if you took a look at some of my Substack - I've only been here two weeks! Thanks and read you later!
PS. A tip: Notes is a great place to meet new writers and readers on Substack. Maybe you already know this. But just in case. :)
Maria! Thank you much for saying hi and subscribing. I am wowed (and slightly jealous) of all the amazing places you've lived--all of which I'd love, love to spend some time in and none of which, except your home town (love NYC), I've had a chance to visit yet. So. Many. Places. To. Go.
Welcome to Substack. I have truly found it to be a warm, wonderful place where I've made connections and friendships I'm deeply grateful for. Of course, I'll jump over and check out your stack. :)
Thank you for this opportunity to introduce myself! I am an empty-nester mom of 2 grown young men. I grew up in Virginia, not far from Shepherdstown, WV and Washington, D.C. I now live in south-central Kansas with my 2 spaniel dogs. In the last 2 years, I drove to I think 39 of the US States, plus B.C. Canada.
In a few weeks, I head back East to visit my kids then head North to re-visit a lot of New England but mostly to get up to Nova Scotia and visit my family roots there and enjoy the fiddle festival, because I am a violinist and a wanna-be fiddler!
After visiting there, I will head back down to Philadelphia to collect an award at the National Yo-Yo Competition for my late dad, Stuart F. Crump Jr., who was inducted to the Yo-Yo Hall of Fame, then head back home by way of more U.S. States. I love road trips with my dogs. We enjoy camping.
I have extensive vision issues and I am an author, musician, writer, violinist, and growing older and healing from trauma. Also, some other things, but this is long enough. 🌷🎻
Welcome, Jodi! And thank you for this fabulous introduction. I’m excited for you to travel and see your kids and go to the fiddle festival! Not to mention collecting the award for your dad. What a wonderful tribute to him.
And PS, the violin in your profile picture is so friggin cool!!
Thank you! I love my various violins & this one is my electric one. Still learning how to make cool sounds with it. 🤍🎻
Hello! I’m currently living full time in my van in the south of France with my dog Youna. I’m planning to leave here to return to my cottage in Normandy for the summer and return in the fall on foot - a trip of around 2,000 kilometres. Gonna write about it so please join me on my Substack and I look forward to meeting you all!
Sounds wonderful, Walking Home. Thanks for introducing yourself. I look forward to reading about the journey. 😀
We were participants in the RV world and subculture for 25 years, just sold our last (8th) RV and have years and miles of adventures all over the U.S. Eastern Canada and Mexico. We had the biggest RV ever, somewhat illegal in some states as it was 47', 4 slideouts and a 550 HP Detroit Diesel pusher. We also had a 24' Van, our 8th one which was probably the overall best. I won't bore you with the details. Suffice to say, we loved our travels. We have had a peripatetic life and are right now in the midst of moving to Mexico having lived there for the past 10 months. Returned recently from a visit to Brazil, Argentina and Chile and more travel on the horizon. I'm a newbie on Substack and an oldie otherwise, having written over 700 posts elsewhere and glad to be here now, trying to learn to be a better writer.
Wonderful, Gary! Thanks so much for reading and for saying hi. And welcome to Substack. It is a truly wonderful space to work on writing and to find community. I often find it analogous to the way it's easy to quickly connect across seeming divides when living a life of moving. Have you found that on your roads, too?
I bet that 47-footer felt like a mansion. But I wouldn't for a second attempt to drive such a beast. My longest was a 26-foot Chevy Leprechaun. And it was a little more than I wanted to handle on the free way. 🤣
A pleasure to meet you, Gary. I look forward to hearing more from your adventures--if that's what you write about, that is.