You're Grounded!!

 It seems I was always grounded as a child. I lived inside of my head so much that I rarely realized I was doing something wrong. I used to joke that this was probably the reason why I had such stifled social skills growing up – which is probably true to some degree, but I think my innate introversion played a bigger part.

But that’s not the grounded-ness that I want to talk about today. Today my thoughts go toward feeling grounded without feeling tethered. As much as I love being free to do and go wherever I choose, I also need a sense of being grounded….a go-to place (even if it’s only in my mind).

I’ve been struggling with that lately. The other day, as I was leaving a shopping center, there were two young men on the corner – one playing an aboriginal-looking instrument, the other, a sign saying “Ho Ho Homeless for Christmas”.  As I drove by them, my first thoughts were: “So am I” – and it didn’t seem so bad. Of course, I’m homeless with a car and gas money – so the correlation really isn’t there.

But I didn’t feel sorry for them as I sensed that their situation was similar to mine: a deliberate choice to try on a lifestyle – to be free and let the universe provide. I could be wrong about them, but I’m spot-on about me. However, these past few days I’ve been wondering just what in the hell I’ve gotten myself into. I feel unsettled and aimless – which is what I deliberately wanted, but I’ve also felt a dreaded ennui come over me – a lack of desire to seek out adventure.

This was supposed to be fun, wasn’t it? This was supposed to be for a purpose, but there are days that I forget that purpose. There are days that I tell myself that if only I had (**fill in the blanks**) then I would be more (**fill in some more blanks**).

The truth is this: I don’t need more of anything to be more of who I am (and you don’t either). Intellectually that’s a big no-brainer. But lately I’m floating through my days feeling not much better than the scraps of litter that accumulate on the side of the road. Intuitively I know that the solution is to find balance: to discover how to be grounded enough and yet remain free to roam about the world. That’s mental territory for me and has very little to do with ‘stuff’.

These days my recognized adventure is a Journey Within. There is no end destination (other than the obvious), so I may as well sit back and enjoy the scenery.

I also know that there are other issues at play going on inside my body and brain that I haven’t talked about – not all of which are in my control….this just might be one of those times that I need to just sit with it and let it pass, and focus on everything I’m so very grateful for . . .  Om.

5 Reasons NOT to Journal

1-   I can’t find my favorite pen (seriously, Zan?)

2- I’m too busy, I don’t have the time (and yet I find I’m procrastinating getting work done).

3-  There are no pages left in my journal (Hmmm, I started my Journaling passion on lined tablets - one is laying by my side right now).

4- I don’t know what to write (yes you do…..)

5-  I’m avoiding some big stuff that needs to break through to consciousness (ah, now we’re getting somewhere!)

**Yes, I, the writer, can get so caught up in work that I don’t always take the time to do my own inner work. It’s time to pick up a pen (any pen) and get busy with my inner journey….What are your excuses?

What Is Courage?

I have received a lot of emails lately that applaud me for my courage – living each day as it presents itself; Planning only enough to be intentional, but never so much as to be limited. I thank everyone for that, but I have a few comments on courage.

COURAGE does not mean being without fear. Courage means not letting fear define and limit you. 

When you build a tolerance for fear, you will find courage comes more easily. BUT, just how do you build this tolerance for fear?

**Do one thing every day that frightens the daylights out of you.

**NEVER compare your fears with anyone else’s.

**and never, EVER compare your courage with anyone else’s either.

The goal isn’t to be without fear – the goal is to never let it stop you. 

Keep pushing your boundaries and you will find courage sooner than you think.

Adventure Does Not Guarantee Fun (and That's OK)

We often think of adventure as fun and exciting . . . certainly something to look forward to, right? But adventures are rarely about what we do, where we go, and who we do them with. 

Adventures are about paying attention to our own perspectives; being willing to leave our comfort zone and experience life as it unfolds before you.  

If you’re not having fun, that doesn’t mean it’s not an adventure. If you look for a label to attach to your experiences, you might miss the most important message of all…..EVERYTHING is as it should be, your only task is to pay attention, let go of expectations and put one foot firmly in front of the other. Adventure On! 

Observing Myself Just Being

So here I am living without a home and traveling where and when I can create the opportunity. I feel a huge shift coming over me (yet again). It seems lately that my existence is like a snowball – barreling down a hill, taking on a life of its own and shaped by whatever it comes across. 


Do I really want that – to let life just happen? It feels a bit like being a pinball to me – ‘oof’, there I go careening off of what was, and heading into the unknown. I’m not so sure that this is all that cool – but for now, I will just go with the flow because spirit has nudged me in this direction.

You can tell I feel unsettled but excited too – anticipating things I can’t even imagine yet. To keep me balanced, I have begun my days with the journal question: “What is true for me today?”, then I let the information flow into me and onto the paper (almost as if from an outside Source).


What I’m hearing from this Source is to sit still for a while and to finish up projects that I have begun, as they are all worthy and needing my attention– only then will I see my next step with true clarity.

So I am looking forward to heading back to whatever home base I can build and start the finishing process of my many projects – books in the works, crafts to be perfected and finished – and to really enjoy this process. 


My future is percolating in my soul – I can feel it, I just can’t identify it yet.

It is sometimes uncomfortable to just simply be – to allow what is, to be what is – but it is a fascinating process to observe oneself in the journey – that is where I am right now – observing myself and just letting the present be… The future will take care of itself, won’t it? With or without my help.

Am I Really Asking Too Much From a Seller?

If you want to sell your RV, I have a few suggestions for you:

1 – Return phone calls – I can’t find out more, or make an appointment to see the rig without talking to you.

2 – Empty all holding tanks (especially if you admit to not using the rig for two years – pretty gross otherwise).

3 - Fill fresh water tank so that buyer can test plumbing and water pressure – call me picky, but I need to see the systems for myself.

4 – Have batteries charged. I won’t buy a rig that I can’t fully test out.

5 – Make sure there is enough gas in the tank so that the generator will start (it doesn’t do me any good to know that it ran really well last week).

6 – If you know a potential buyer is traveling 150+ miles to see your rig…..don’t hire someone to clean it on the day and time said buyer is going to show up. Wading through puddles of water (inside and out) and over hoses isn’t fun - I don’t dare sit on the cushions or even take it on a test drive….jes’ saying.

7 – Don’t tell me how many miles are on the tires when I specifically ask how old they are….it’s recommended that tires be replaced every 4-6 years – remaining tread doesn’t matter if the side walls blow out (BTDT).

8 -  and here’s the classic – don’t post fuzzy pictures….I won’t usually follow up on your ad, no matter how great you say it is, if I can’t clearly see what you’re selling.

If you follow the above suggestions, you can make it very easy for me to want to make an offer….and isn’t that why you posted it to begin with?!? I want to buy, but you’ve got to meet me half way.

Meet Roz Savage – Has She Made a Difference in Your Life?

All of my life I’ve been attracted to small things. I cherished my tiniest deck of cards, and a wee set of game dice; the smallest seashells were the ones that I coveted.  I drooled over small (and fast) cars and think that living in a tree house is some sort of perfect heaven. As an adult I’m fascinated by the challenge and efficiency of tiny studio apartments. I once lived in a large three level Tahoe- style house on three acres and dreamed of building a one room guest cottage to spend my days in. I've always thought living on a boat would be fantastic . . . (but never a rowboat - that just never crossed my mind).

I’ve experienced larger things throughout my life, but my fascination has always been how small and compact and pared down can I go and still maintain quality of life . . . which of course leads to the question of just what is quality of life?

I’ve followed Roz Savage’s remarkable journey across an ocean or two in her tiny row boat – the sheer logistics of it grabbed my interest right away. How in the world can she survive (and I’m not talking just physically) within the small confines of her world? What are her bare essentials? How does she cope with the solitude and isolation? I read each blog post with relish as I discovered another piece of her thought process.

If you know anything about Roz at all, you know she is rowing to raise global awareness of the damage our civilization is imposing on our oceans. 

That’s the big picture, but that can’t be the primary reason for her remarkable quest, can it? It has to be about more than that, doesn’t it? What makes a human eschew a traditional life and embark on a remarkable life? What makes an idea pop into one’s head and not let go? What makes risking it all seem so necessary and worthwhile?

Now, I will state right up front that I do not equate my adventures with the courage and abilities of Roz Savage. Nope, she stands with very few in that court. But I’ve been inspired by her journey to tap into my own Inner Source and take bold steps (for me) to follow what my heart says is important – to find and embellish my own sense of passion.  

I am driven to see just how small of a footprint I can function within and still find my joy and purpose in life.  I do not crave a monk’s sparse existence – I love my clothes and shoes too much to leave them behind. I love my computer workings and drawing supplies too much to want to build a life without them. I know what matters to me . . . my task then,  is to make them all work together.

How do I physically live the smallest I can and still have the most I want out of life? That’s my definition of living large in the first place. I’m working that puzzle out, and I find that I often think “If Roz can do that, then surely I can do this.” I don’t compare our journeys – but I do draw on her amazing inner strength when mine flags. Her quest has obviously sparked something in me – and the stories of others should do just that - it’s our shared ethos our interconnectedness in this universe. As a very wise woman often states "A rising tide lifts all boats."

We can’t all be Roz Savage, but we can all find our passion and push our limits. Let her story amaze you. Let it inspire you, let it help you take action to find out what really matters to you and go for it – do not look at what she’s done and compare yourself – look at what you can do and prepare yourself. With her world record completed, I’m sure Roz is asking herself right now the very same thing you could be asking yourself – what’s your next step?

I'm a Recovering Control Freak

I am a recovering control freak – there are no twelve step programs for me (that I know of), so I’ve had to go it alone. All my life, I’ve always felt most comfortable being in charge and knowing what was going on at all costs - having goals and accomplishments felt safe. Luckily my abilities made this work well for me, but it’s also prolonged my need to be in control, which isn’t ultimately in my best interest if I want to grow as a person.

I’ve released just about everything in my life that brought me comfort – things (it's just stuff), careers (financial security) and ideas (past habits and behaviors). Not because I want to punish myself, but because I want a life of freedom that can only come from letting go.

For me, the need to control gives up freedom – being willing to let go liberates it. If this sounds counter-intuitive to you, just consider how freeing it feels to clean out your closets or a cupboard, or a spare room full of stuff you’ve forgotten you had…..letting go IS freedom.

It isn’t all fun and games – sometimes it’s the scariest thing imaginable….but that is part of the process too. What would you do if you had nothing holding you back? That is a worthy concept to spend some time with today – and when you get a glimpse of what is fundamentally important to you, consider what your next step could be…. It doesn’t hurt to think about it, but be forewarned – once a thought is released, it can never go back into the box……enjoy considering A Life Without Limits - it's your turn, who will you become?

ROAD TRIP!

I’m feeling bored and antsy so I know it’s time to get on the road – when I am driving, my heart is singing. I’ve made appointments to get my car ready for serious winter travel. I’m creating a time line and lining up friends to visit along the way. If you read my last post, you know that I am soon homeless and will be living out of my car….. but I’m going to find a way to do it with dignity – ha ha!

It’s not entirely by choice because I never thought it would take me this long to find a motorhome to begin my next planned adventure of full time RV living. But it has. In the meantime, my spirit needs a shot of adventure though to keep from feeling too stuck, so I’m going to hit the road for a couple of months.

First stop is Portland – love that town….hoping to cruise around the Pearl District for a day, visit a few friends and head on to Seattle to finally meet, in person, a Facebook friend who has recently moved there. This amazing person has opened her home to me to stay for a few days, and I can’t wait to get out and explore her new city with her. Casual talk of ferries, and islands and fall leaves is more than enough to get my car pointed North.

After Seattle, I’m trying to decide the route to get to San Luis Obispo (Coast 101 or I-5?) where I will spend Thanksgiving with my family. Then on to Ventura to connect with a dear friend who is moving out of California soon – one last, all night gab fest is definitely in order!

From there, I’m hoping to continue south to Orange County to catch up with more family. Now if I had my RV, this would be the starting point for a winter down south, out of the cold and rain – I’d move on over to Palm Springs and even as far as Tucson, AR, but unless my rig materializes while I’m on the road (and it could), I’m not sure where I will hunker down for the winter.

For now, I do not have any plans further than the holidays – and that’s OK too. Being free to move about the country feels good - most of the time, and practicing letting go of schedules and routines is a good thing to do as well. That funny feeling from Inner Source is telling me to let all expectations go;  let the need to know go;  let the need to be in control go –only then will I truly see the possibilities that lay ahead for me. Only then will I know what my next step is.

So I’m off to wrap up what turned out to be a short stint in San Francisco and step boldly where no Zan has ever gone – living A Life Without Limits – literally!!

Not The Year I expected At All

How Comfortable Are You With the Unknown?

I’ve been happily making plans for the next two months and am blown away by how fast this year has come and gone.  It was just over 12 months ago that I decided to make some major changes in my life and move to San Francisco - where I planned to put down roots and build community.

What has really evolved is that in the process of letting go just enough to make that move happen, I’ve discovered that an unencumbered, free-form life suits me. Honestly, in the 6 months that I’ve been in San Francisco, I’ve been away more than there, and I love the freedom that I’ve been experiencing: Go a while, stay a while, veer off track to a bright and shiny new place. Living life in the moment has been pretty wonderful and I’m just not ready to give that up.

So what does that mean to me? More change. This is my final weekend in San Francisco as I pack a few remaining boxes that are going into storage. Believe it or not, I hate moving – but I love going to new places. That’s where living full time in an RV seems so perfect for me…having my ‘stuff’ with me, yet being able to travel at whim.

But there is no RV in my immediate future but I can feel the restlessness of wanderlust coursing through my veins. So instead of waiting, I’ve decided to just go. I have a wonderful car that is so much fun to drive – but that means that I will be living out of my car for a while.

Sounds so down-and-out and desperate doesn’t it? Yeah, I’m battling that judgment too….have I gone so far off track that I’m now drifting aimlessly into an abyss? When I do my Inner Source checks and balances my answers are yes – and no. Not much solace there!!

So I’m doing the only thing I know how to do right now. I’m planning a road trip to visit old friends, meet new friends and just go where adventure will take me. Luckily I have good friends to visit – wistfully, I wish I had more, but a good friend can happen in an instant, so who knows what I will find on the road.

I choose to think that this is exactly what my next step should be – to keep putting one foot in front of the other, stay open and live freely. Maybe the universe has a great plan for me that is so totally out of my ability to interpret right now that I need to just free-fall for a while.

As the saying goes: ‘Leap and the net will appear’, (but honestly?, right now I can’t help but add ‘I hope’ to the end of that saying!!). Here’s to living adventurously and living A Life Without Limits!

Comfort Food

One does not need to be stressed out to need and deserve some good old-fashioned comfort food. One of my very favorites is my mouth watering,  Killer Chili. Made just to my liking (and apparently a lot of others too) it’s something I always look forward as fall approaches.

The days around here remain warm, but the mornings are crisp with just a hint of fall in the breeze. THAT always makes me crave single pot meals and chili is one of the best to feed not only my taste buds, but my soul as well.

Tonight, I am feasting on a big bowl of chili – along with some gluten free cornbread (well, it has spelt, but that barely counts)…..adventuring in the kitchen is one of my favorite pastimes: I wonder how well my recipes will translate to full time RV living? 

Do I see a kindle recipe book in my future? 

Housesitting?

I love the first few minutes of waking up - my mind is always uncensored and very active. This morning I woke up to the word “housesitting”. Now this is not a new concept to me – it’s always appealed to my adventurous spirit. It seems that there could be a lot of fun to be had by doing this. One could live in more square footage than a hotel, tent or RV. One could have a built-in friend to play with if the house comes with a pet or two. One could enjoy visiting a different area and always find something new to explore. One would certainly have low overhead.

That made me wonder if there is a service that matches homes with available sitters. Then, of course, I didn’t limit myself to just the United States – I envisioned places all around the world. I know how to dream, don’t I? [and, yes, there are services that I am currently researching lol].

As a home and pet owner in years past, whenever I traveled I dreaded boarding my pets – it was expensive and I knew they hated it – and honestly, the issues around boarding played a part in how often and how long I would be gone. I would have LOVED to have had a ‘housesitting agency’ to call and have someone who is already checked out come live in my house while I was off traveling.

In this day and age, leaving a house unattended can be a security risk as well. So . . .  while I continue my search for the PMoHo (Perfect Motor Home) – I am also entertaining this idea of jumping from house to house – only just not on wheels and not in my name. I don’t know, it’s still percolating, but it’s kinda fun to explore the possibilities – if any of you know of an agency (or know of someone who would love to open their house in exchange for pet and plant care) let me know – these early morning plans often have real roots to them. Hope your day is filled with adventurous attitudes too.

I Had This Funny Thought

As I’m sitting here waiting for the perfect motorhome (PMoHo) to appear on any one of the multiple listings that I check daily, I can’t help but second guess my plans. My Inner Source tells me that my next great step is to live on the road full time. To live free, and unencumbered and just follow my heart. That idea I do not question…whenever I picture myself in that life, it feels right – it’s who I want to be – it makes my heart soar. Even when I put my intellect to work on all sides of the possibilities, it’s a ‘go’ from all systems.

However, I also believe that when we walking the right path, things tend to flow with ease, yet my process seems to have hit a wall which makes me stop and wonder why? Of course, I may need to accomplish a few more lessons before I embark on this journey, but a funny thought also occurred to me: Someone out there is not listening to their Inner Source telling them to sell their RV. Someone dropped the ball in my universe.

I can easily see how we are all interconnected in this big, wonderful universe. What we do impacts others. When we are each living our dreams, we are sending out a flowing energy that can contribute to the dreams of others. When we are holding back – it stands to reason we might be impeding someone’s journey as well. My bold step sends a ripple into the thoughts and dreams of others to start thinking of their own dreams – that much I ‘get’. But I think someone is holding back on me.

So while I hope fervently for my perfect RV to appear, I hope even more that the person who currently owns it is listening closely to their heart. The bottom line might just be that when you follow your dreams, it is quite possible that you are allowing someone else to follow theirs too. 

So … Hey, you out there! It’s time to let go and move on to your next journey so that I can move on to mine. Or I guess a nicer way to put it is: Ready when you are.

Decorating my Non-existent Home

I know it's crazy - but I'm having a ball decorating my new (as yet non-existent) home on wheels. To battle the frustration of not finding the perfect rig (yet), I've taken to preparing for some awesome new upgrades and make-overs. I've seen enough rigs in my size and price range to know that they all share some common components. Primarily a bed - full or queen is still unknown, but it will have a bed (not a pull out couch or an over-the-cab bed that requires a ladder). A bed needs sheets, and blankets and pillows and....etc. One of the best ways to feel special and pampered is to sleep in yummy, luxurious bedding - so I've been out scouring great deals on new sheets, pillows, duvet covers and other goodies. I intend for my bed, (which may be the extent of my bedroom) to be as welcoming as possible - lacking space, I will make up for it with layered luxury.

Space in cupboards will also be at a premium, but cooking with quality pans is another thing that I don't want to give up. My beloved Calphalon is too big and too heavy and doesn't stack very orderly. So my task was to find something that will be a joy to cook on, but not prohibitive to store. I went to my favorite TJMaxx and found a nice quality set of pots that will nest - they are not handle-less, but have small handles on both sides (this makes for maximum stack-ability.) I now have a small and medium sauce pan, a small oval roaster and a medium Dutch oven - all fitting inside each other. Pretty excited about this find.

I may or may not have a couch in my new rig - but I've discovered a stash of heavy weight upholstery linen in my storage boxes that will be perfect for a couch or club chair. I always do slip covers so that I can keep as clean as possible - I love to be relaxed and casual in my own home, and knowing I can wash any dirt or spills allows me to enjoy my environment.

So you see, I'm filling my time well - and as soon as the RV appears with my name on it - I will be ready to do the personalized changes right away....my new home, done my way, heading to parts unknown and Loving the Adventure.

Sorting Versus Choosing - BIG Difference

Not my new home, but pretty cool none-the-less!!

It's Saturday morning and there are no motorhomes on my list to go see (yet). I'm getting pretty good at narrowing the field down by asking the right questions beforehand. It's occurred to me that I'm asking for too much, but because it's the beginning of my search, I think I should have very high standards. It's not easy to keep them high though: a great priced one makes me think of compromising - or a great one that is loaded with goodies tempts me to go over my budget. The perfect one has not appeared on my radar (yet).


I am not used to the sorting process - only the choosing process, and let me assure you, there is a BIG difference!! I keep reminding myself that this just might be the primary lesson to be learned right how - how to sort.


I look back on my life and I realize that I usually chose from what is at hand, NOT from doing a ton of research, waiting and dreaming. Oh, I dreamed plenty, but I think I always opted for what felt like the easy way. Now, I don't regret my lifelong method - it's what has made me 'lucky' over the years but I"m willing to learn a new way to approach the rest of my life - more of an "I'm worth it" belief rather than to simply accept what comes to me. I"m learning to know, with clarity what I want....to ask for it, and to stand my ground and wait for it.


This probably seems like such a subtle difference in words - but in feeling, it is momentous. I am surprised, and proud of my new-found sorting skills. But, yes, I still battle the frustration of "I want it, and I want it now!"

Let the NEW Adventure Begin!!

Things have been a bit unsettled in my life for quite a while as I continue to figure out just what it is that I want and need. What I’ve learned (and have always known) is that my wants and needs are very fluid. I’m very O.K. with that – and the only time I get myself into trouble is when I try to stay with one thing for any length of time.

I’ve spent years learning to listen to the voice of my Inner Source, and to identify that other ego-driven voice. Years in learning how to act on vague feelings that feel true and still be a responsible, productive person. Years in discovering what it is that I really want out of life, and how to accomplish it.

I don’t know if it’s my intense curiosity, or my ADD, but every time I listen to the need to have, I falter – every time I listen to the need to do, I soar. So even though I’ve collected a ton of stuff, I have spent the last few years letting go and just doing more.

But, it just wasn’t quite enough. I still felt constrained. I needed to just go wherever spirit took me. I’m quite past the ‘what will people think’ stage, but I was missing something. And once again the gift of a bad back was bestowed upon me. Every time I packed and loaded my car it seems I tweaked a muscle in my back. Every time I visited others and slept in anything less than a memory foam mattress, my back started to ache. So I needed to solve the dilemma of how to travel with a decent bed, and not lug my stuff in and out of houses (and often up and down stairs).

You’re probably way ahead of me in knowing where this is leading, but sometimes I’m a slow learner – so bear with me as I go through my process.

So I identified some very critical and fundamental needs/wants/desires:

          To be able to go where spirit leads me

          Work from my laptop

          Not have to load and unload anything more than groceries

          Have a great bed to sleep in

          Solitude with occasional isolation

          A sense of adventure (see first one)

          FREEDOM (which is mostly in the mind, but my mind needs the ability to go at a     

          moment’s whim.)

O.K., I have to admit something to you right now: many years ago I emphatically stated that you’d never catch me traveling in an RV – that’s what hotels are for, I scoffed, and besides, who wants to travel with their dirty dishes? So my sense of adventure always came with a bellhop or a Park Ranger – nothing in between.

Skip to today – and things have changed a bit. Most of my road trips are to visit friends and family. Nothing is sweeter than that, but I still had to schlepp my stuff to and fro my car. My week at Burning Man this year also played a big part in my shift of today – I love radical self-reliance. I love setting my own rules and criteria. I love camping. When I returned a few short weeks ago, I wasn’t ready to stop. I wasn’t ready to stay put, and I’ve been traveling far more than I’ve been staying in my own bed.

O.K., now it’s all coming together in my mind (you were already there, weren’t you?). Now I have to swallow my words of scorn from my younger years, and now it seems that a life of full time RVing is the perfect solution for me.

So, I’ve given notice on my flat in San Francisco and am on the hunt for the perfect vehicle to fix up and live in a la Gypsy Zan. In my mind, I’m committing to a year on the road. At the end of that year, I will re-evaluate the situation and go from there. I’ve spent a week looking at every angle – and I can find very few things against this. For me, for where I am in my life, it is the only thing that makes sense.

Stay tuned – and I will keep a running account of the search for a perfect RV, the fix-up and the road trips ahead. When I shared my ideas with my wonderful nephew, he said:

"That motorhome idea sounds so cool and perfect. I think your level of fun is about to get upped even more when you will be able to travel on an instant whim and make your backyard completely new any time you want."

Well, when you put it that way!!! Thanks to all who have chimed in similarly…you too are my family.

A Life Without Limits

A Life Without Limits Available NOW!

I cannot believe that my last post was 2 months ago – time really does fly when you’re having fun!!

Since we’ve last ‘talked’ I’ve been to Shasta in Northern California, then back down to the Central Coast and back up to Shasta to get ready for Burning Man – and of course, Black Rock City itself for a week of extreme self expression. I’m back in San Francisco now – at least for a few more days then I’m off to Ventura for a week.

In the 2 months that I’ve been wandering around I’ve discovered that I really like being on the road – I mean, REALLY like it. So much so that I’m dreaming of a nice vintage Airstream to call my home for a while. My Facebook info could read: Lives in My Airstream, any damn place I feel like being.

So, yes, things they are a changing again – only next time I decide to go to parts unwired I will bite the bullet and get the wifi hot spot for my android….as much fun as I’ve had, I still love to stay connected to my ether world.

I don’t want to say too much about the thoughts in my mind other than to share the process:

1- Identify the feeling (for me it’s being confined – never a good thing).

2- Strategize solutions (oh the world really is my oyster!!)

3- Journey inward to let my Inner Source guide me in sorting out my choices.

I’m doing all these things right now, and it feels as natural as breathing. I love the lure of the unknown – the possibilities abound to make my heart sing. I love the call of the wild.

NEVER rush the process unless there is no other way. Always check in with your Inner Source and keep everything open. May your adventures be just what you are looking for and you live A Life Without Limits.

So What's Next?

So what’s next? All of my energies were focused and honed and recalibrated to one thing and one thing only – to get my book (A Life Without Limits) out of my mind, on to the page and into the hands of others:

I have loved the leisure times, the crunch times and the massively confused times. I’ve gloried in the clarity of purpose and accepting the blissful energy of learning how to listen and then following my heart.

So what’s next? It’s a fair question. I’m not done by a long shot. I’m just getting started. The book is an inspirational guide to a life of freedom and the only way I could write it was to live it - first. I have learned to walk my talk and I lovingly share my inspiration and discoveries with others.

Through this book-writing process I have tapped into my creative core like a kid in a finger-painting class. I have embraced the messy and the not-so-perfect. I have grown with the constant letting go of what is holding me back.

 I am not done by a long shot. 

Do You Dream in Black and White or Color?

New Pair of Lenses

Look what I'm reading!

You know my NEW BOOK is finally published and available for sale to EVERYONE. I am over the moon with excitement and happiness. But now the next chunk of this project stands before me. Marketing it....and I don't know a thing about that, so I depend on my Inner Source to guide me in this step - just as it's guided me to write the book, illustrate it, design the layout and get it published. None of which I knew how to do before I started. (Pretty cool stuff this Inner Source).

Clearing my mind and listening to my Inner Source is essential to taking every step of the way. To accomplish this, I do my morning sketches.

I sketch every morning to help center me and clear my mind. I never know where these morning sketches will take me. Some start out one way and then, when I start to color them, morph into something else entirely.

Take the sketch I did this morning. I started with a swoopy, loopy swirl; added my cherished star and spiral (can’t seem to do a drawing without them)….the next thing I knew I was drawing an eye. A sad eye it seemed, so a tear was appropriate - "Now where did that come from? and why did the mouth fly off to the side? and isn't that half a heart - what's up with that?" All these thoughts are popping up as I’m doing the line drawings. The point is, my drawings appear – I don’t create them I just release them from my Inner Source.

Then I got my box of colored pencils out and started filling in the spaces….notice that the mouth now has a blue heart around it? This process helped me go deeper into what’s been on my mind. It’s not necessary to share the details because we all have our own story - our own ‘stuff’- but I wanted to share my process for getting that stuff out in the open so I can look at it through a new set of eyes.

Has it changed the way things are? Not really…but it has changed the way I think about them (and certainly the way I feel about them). I often find that when I start with one central thought, it changes (and usually lightens) once I start coloring. Drawing and coloring, for me, is literally like reaching over and grabbing a new set of glasses to see with. 

Let Your Mind Wander Where it Wants to Go . . .

In every day there are thousands of things that demand your attention. The busiest of days allow the least amount of time to just let your mind wander. Where would yours go if you just let it drift around to where ever it wants to think about?

Happy July

I've just had a wonderful 3 day weekend in my new city of choice (and freedom is all about choices, right?). I've been busily putting the finishing touches on my new book: "A Life Without Limits - Your Guide to a Life of Freedom), and a dear friend and co-conspirator, Melissa McClain is throwing down a new Doodle Challenge.... (more info here) I'm so appreciative of what the doodle power has unleashed in me - it brought back my love of drawing, and as you will find in my new book - it encouraged me to illustrate the pages with fun and inspiration.

If you want to join in on the doodle challenge and see where your inner color-out-loud will take you, go here, or use the link on the side bar. Warning, it is very addictive (I got an email from a friend that said: "Damn you, look what you've started. It's 2 in the morning." - The picture that was attached was beautiful and very FUN). Even better is to join Team Doodle and post your creations on her Facebook page....we are a lively bunch of doodlers - testing the water for new ways to amp up the fun and adventure.

Walk on the Edge of Wild

My new book, A Life Without Limits (Your guide to a life of Freedom), is dedicated to my father - who, to me, even though he was an elegant man, always walked on the edge of wild. Which got me thinking just what walking on the edge of wild means:

Push Boundaries

Accept no man's opinion other than your own

Do it your way - on your terms

Never give up

Comfort is not as important as discovery

Weave your own moral fabric

Let others be who they will be

Turn toward the unknown to find your juice

Find the edge of your wild and go there today.

I Intend to Do Whatever it Takes....to Do Nothing

Illustration by Zan Packard from the book A Life Without Limits

I’ve been feeling a bit guilty the last few days. I intentionally set aside some time to not focus on work and go play. To just live in the moment and go where spirit takes me. The trouble is, my spirit just wants to stay in bed and read (and of course journal)….I feel like I’m not doing what I should be doing.

Yep – it seems that I have a case of the dreaded ‘Shoulds’ again.

But I’m an introvert – ya’ll know that right? I’ve had to have a strong talking to myself this morning. “It’s O.K. to do nothing….as a matter of fact, it’s necessary at times”. I’ve been whining to a few friends about my guilt and here are two great sentiments that I know to be true:

1)     I’m not on vacation – San Francisco will be here when I come out of my cave.

2)   The older the battery the shorter the time in between recharges (take away what you will from that one lol).

So I am now redoing my intentions because as is so often my habit, I wasn’t clear the first time around.

I intend to do what ever it takes to spend some time with myself and do whatever I feel needs to be done, at the moment, to recharge my emotional batteries. I will let go of preconceived notions about how to spend some time off and allow my Inner Source to take the lead.

At that is the end of that – for now………

DON'T PLAN

Illustration by Zan Packard from the book A Life Without Limits

I've just spent the last 6 months in complete and total planning mode. Had to. First there was the eBook to complete by January 25th of this year. Then there was the move to San Francisco - that took a lot of planning to pull it off. Then, of course, I had to find a place to live. During the moving out of the old and moving into the new there was also some serious writing happening. Turning my eBook into an expanded printed edition took planning - more than I ever realized was involved.

But here I am, waiting for my first proof copy of the book to arrive..... excitedly, anxiously, crazy happy. There will be a ton of planning to market it too...but for now I have a few weeks reprieve and I plan to not plan.

I want my spirit take me when and where it seems fun and adventurous. I'd almost forgotten how adventurous I had become while I was locked inside my office day and  night plugging away at the key board. I'm free now; even if for a short while, but I'm off to find fun and excitement in the streets of San Francisco.

LOVE

Illustration by Zan Packard from the book A Life Without Limits

Love is full and good and kind.

Embrace your feelings –

It’s how you know you're alive.

Fillmore Street - All Things San Francisco Part 2

Sidewalk Sale on Fillmore Street, San Francisco

Fillmore Street caught my eye several months ago on a recon visit to San Francisco. The locals referred to it as Lower Pac Heights. It immediately made me feel like I was in the Village in New York. So needless to say it didn’t take much for me to go exploring there this weekend with unlimited time.

‘Unlimited time’ in San Francisco is my code for taking the Muni – no meters to worry about, no extra minutes that will cost you an additional $10….just time to fritter because the next bus is always 7 minutes away.

One of many trios and quartets along the sidewalk stores.

When I stepped onto Fillmore I was greeted by a jazz trio playing on the sidewalk – but I could hear another group a little further up….now this is the way to wander the streets!! It turned out that last Saturday was the merchant’s Sidewalk Sale and the retailers made sure to welcome and amaze you. 

What better way to say come join the fun?

Each lamp post had balloons of my favorite colors – the music was energizing and the shops? Oh the shops.

Do Something Creative Every Day

There were shops that invited you to hum to your own inner muse on every block. There were shops that did the creating for you - all you had to do was plunk down your wallet (or pink slip to your late model BMW). And cozy cafes and coffee shops were sprinkled along both sides of the sidewalks.

Pillow to capture your imagination.

This is just a small part of what I love about San Francisco – the creativeness at every turn. But I also love the history of this place….just look at the mass of lines on this intersection – for those of you that aren’t familiar with this sight, it’s the lines for the trolley buses – pretty energy efficient…certainly clean and odor free. That’s not something you find just anywhere – that is San Francisco pure and simple.

Overhead lines for the trolley buses

I do love exploring all the nooks and crannies of stores – where things are so artfully displayed…

Paper for any project - or just to look at

and Fillmore Street didn’t disappoint. I’m not sure who can afford to shop there, but looking is free and the smiles and openness of the community were in full force. 

Notable happenings in the summertime

I’m told that the Jazz Festival on the 4^th of July along Fillmore Street is not to be missed – but I suspect as I learn more about my City by the Bay I will have to choose which amazing venue I will attend – but with the Muni? I may hit them all….just pray for a clear night (this IS San Francisco, after all.)

Couldn't have said it better myself!!