That is the question…
The name of my Casita (means ‘little home’) is Wandering Spirit, but it’s her name because I have a wandering spirit. I’m the wanderer, who is a home-body. Big contrast. Bringing home along with me works. Home is where I park it. Home is here. Cozy. Safe.
So why wander…she wondered?
I was born in Ohio and we moved to Michigan when I was 5, where I remained for 30 years. Since I’ve been an adult I’ve lived in Michigan, California, New Hampshire, California, Michigan, California….and then I left on this journey. Military had nothing to do with any moves in my life, and reasons for moving have changed over the years, but I’ve always had a ‘reason’ or ‘need’ or…’excuse?’ to travel. It’s been about searching and seeking various things like peace and love and security and beauty and….place. My place.
For someone who started out wanting to be a wife and mom…and nothing more, it’s all been quite a surprise. I was a wife. I am a mom. But as it turned out, there was a lot more in there…in my heart.
I can’t say I understand it all. I certainly have some thoughts on it! I’m asking the question that titles the blog today. Why Wander?
Why leave family, friends and most ‘stuff’ behind and tow my tiny home behind me in a seemingly purposeless venture….in a relatively insecure and unstable lifestyle? I contemplate this. A lot!
My thoughts on it are varied.
I’m still searching and seeking and experiencing and exploring the beauty and idiosyncrasies of this land, the people, the fauna and flora that inhabit it. Sometimes I feel like I’ll never get enough! The land is big, and amazing and beautiful and changing and inviting. Then I have moments of wanting to find my own spot, and feeling very insecure! Mostly, I want to see what is around the next bend in the road. For now at least.
Contrasts. Loving home and loving wandering. Loving the Big Sur coast:
The sentinel Saguaros:
The lakeside with golden Aspen:
Snow peaked mountains:
Ancient homes:
Closer…
Endless praire, winding rivers with swamp beds and willows,
Gorgeous sunsets:
and foggy mornings:
Flowers by the side of the road
Colorful canyon gorges below blue sky with fluffy white clouds above….I could go on and on….there is SO much! I feel this compelling need to experience it….to be a part of it…within physical, financial and emotional limits.
This Wandering Spirit…I don’t know where it came from or why I have it, but it’s deep and real and strong. Once, despite my moves, I was a responsible, stable, consistent person. I took care of my children, I did my job to the best of my ability, I was never late for work! I worked hard. I stayed strong. Mostly.
Now I’m…FREE. A bird uncaged. Flying. My commitments are minimal, and there is little stress in my life. I’m learning to relax and enjoy in ways I never knew before. I’m learning to let go and enjoy the ride. And what a ride….Joy Ride….it is!
Wandering Spirit 
Think you just answered all your own questions…and with all that wonder (nature’s beauty, spiritual and emotional), you’re exactly where you should be. Keep enjoying your journey my friend.
Hi Ruby. I really enjoyed writing this particular blog entry. It reminds me…and makes me so glad I’m able to do what I’m doing. This freedom that I feel is something I can’t describe in words. The best dreams I’ve ever had in my life were that I was flying…like a bird flies, and this feels kind of like that! Close as I’ll ever come anyway!
I love, love LOVE your post. I am seeing you as an uncaged bird, experiencing the wonderful freedom that is the essence of your path in this life… thank you for such a beautiful story. hugs ~ Marian
Thanks Marian! I enjoy writing feelings more than about happenings usually. But I want to write the things that happen too…and feelings can be a little harder to put into words. Oh well…all good…whatever comes out of the pen. 🙂
Tweet tweet! 😃🐦
Beautiful! I have a lot of the same feelings my dear friend.
Hi Sharron, thanks! Woke up with these things on my heart today.
Yes, I kinda thought you had some feelings like that. I hope you can continue to fly……
reading your blog today was like a breathe of fresh Sunshine. I could almost feel the salt air,sunshine,smell the flowers……but then I looked out the window and saw gray sky,rain,47 degrees,mud and I wanted to read your blogs again!
Hi Elinor, I’m glad my blog brightened your day. I picked some of my favorite pictures. It’s good to have wheels, but I do get caught in gray sky’s and rain of course. But if it won’t leave, I can.
Hi,
Just found your blog from over at RV Sue and am reading about your travels. So glad you are out there traveling and doing what you want to do. I can’t wait to hit the road and see what is out there.
Take care,
Tina
Northern CA
Hi Tina, so glad you are here, welcome! Good to hear you are planning your travels too.it seems like the longer I’m out here, the longer I want to be out here and the more I want to see. Loving this lifestyle and I’ll bet you will too. Enjoy each day planning and learning. It will be worth the wait!
Love this one!
Thanks Cindy…one of my favorites too.