🚌 Artist sells her house to travel full-time in a van - Why and how I did it!
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- Опубликовано: 27 июл 2024
- Telling the story for the first time. Why we sold our house, left everything behind and ran away to travel full-time in our van! There were good parts challenging parts, freedom and discomfort so I'm sharing it all here! I explain why I became anxious, scared and exhausted and also the really difficult side to van life. We also stayed at Airbnb's did some housesitting and I learned how to still practice my art whilst travelling. Thanks for keeping me company on this wild journey, biggest loves & softest hugs, Wendy. Xxx
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*If I've missed anything please just leave me a comment down below. I tried to remember the things I get asked but I probably did forget something! Xxx*
Can you please let us know what website you used for the house sitting? Thanks ☺️
May I ask how old you were when you began your travels? I’m rapidly approaching 40 and worry I’ve left it too late…
As a Capricorn, I have always chosen to put down deep roots, especially into gardens with animals and children, so my tiny bit of travelling, while incredible, was never high on my bucket list. Now, at 70, I can travel anywhere via RUclips. However, after living my whole life in Australia, feeling like a square peg in a round hole, I will be buying a one way ticket as soon as my land sells, for cooler climes, where I won't dread heat, drought, bushfires and snakes...Ireland. I just pray I live long enough to make this one dream come true. Different lives but the same journey of discovery. Thanks Wendy. Peace.🕊
I hope you make it to Ireland. It is an amazing place with sweet people ☘️🧡
Hello, K A Layne,
I wish you all the very best in this new chapter of your life. May you find abundant happiness and peace in your new Irish home! Be well. 💕💕🙏
Well St Patrick got rid of all the snakes and we celebrate every 17th March so no worries on that score 😉
Did you make it to Ireland yet?
@K A Layne wow, did you move to Ireland? Hope you are doing fine and enjoying this new chapter of your life :) 💜
I heard the words mortgage and "mostly interest" and it all made sense!
I am a copper jewelry artist from Ironwood Michigan. Living my dream in a quiet artful area with waterfalls, wildlife and beautiful Lake Superior. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is such a peaceful beautiful spot. Loved hearing everyone’s shared dreams.
sounds like heaven indeed! xxxx where's my teleport!!!
Greetings from the not-so-quiet Detroit suburbs!!
I was reading your comment about Lake Superior and checked your videos. I passed by November 2023 near you in my minivan! I’m from Québec. Love upper Michigan! Cheers!
Thank you for the perspective on van life. I am finding your channel so healing and supportive of the adventures and challenges I am facing as a single over 60 woman, who has downsized and given up a lifetime of collected stuff and security. I'm in a tiny apartment in a college area of town, trying to create and find meaning in a new way of living as I am losing my vision. The art journaling is fabulously helpful in keeping track of my journey and recording my story. I am getting closer to admitting I am an artist, and that doesn't mean I have to know how to do everything, and I can learn and relearn skills and techniques to create meaningful work-even if just for myself.
Wishing you a wonderful week.
--so here's to us all working for healing, peace ,and justice in our own little ways and staying bright
and me, trying not to dip my paint brush in my tea by mistake!
Oh yes, if you are doing the tea dipping thing, you are definitely a proper artist!!!!! Happy creating and finding meaning dear Aimee, much loves xxxx
@@theunexpectedgypsy you made my day!
Wishing you all the very best Aimee. Love and peace to you🙏💕🥰🧚♀️🎨🖌
@@helencarpenter9158 thank you. Here’s to writing our stories in ink, paste, tears, laughter, recycled and new media and ideas. Take care.🌻
Aimee, just wanted to send you tons of good wishes for a meaningful, peaceful and beautiful experience. Your message is so full of soul - you're clearly already an artist.
What a wonderfully adventurous and colorful life! And to share it with someone, and still be with that someone is extraordinary.
Aww yes, James is pretty amazing and definitely a keeper!
Interesting, really shows a person what they can do. I think the biggest van would make it like a small house would be to difficult in the little vans to live full time.
My husband and I did this in 2017 with our 2 children. We got married and had a Bon voyage party, We sold the house in Bournemouth bought a caravan and got on the boat to France from Poole. We stored a few things in my parents garage. It was the best thing we ever did. Travelled Europe Lisbon Portugal was our favourite place. We had absolutely no plans we did France, Spain, Italy we just followed the sun. Stayed at holiday parks with swimming pools in our caravan. Came back just before lockdown with 2 beautiful rescue dogs from Portugal who also love the travelling life. Have been in Yorkshire UK whilst the kids finish school no where feels like home. We found that we meet far lovelier people on our travels than in a house community. Have sold the caravan. We are upgrading to a super duper Motorhome and next year we are off again for good! The only reason why we came back was for our kids to complete schooling as home schooling was no good. We find that a house is like a ball and chain and we love being on the road it's freeing and exciting, we are very depressed living in a big house, we should love it but we don't. Can't wait until next year!!❤❤❤❤
I embarked on a van life journey at 40 and I'm so pleased someone finally touched on the less glorious parts of van life. Everyday chores that one takes for granted in a sticks and bricks is harder. Everything. I could never completely settle into the life...I always felt uprooted and a bit unsafe if I'm honest. I don't miss it one bit but I'm thankful for the experience.
Loved this video - I needed this right now. I’m currently going through a breast cancer journey and will need to make changes in my life once I’m better. These types of videos really help me.
Soft, gentle healing to you xxxx Glad to have you here, keeping me company xx
Good luck with your journey,I had Breast cancer in 1996 plus in my lymph glands in arm,I’ve been on a few journey s in life since then, the best was discovering Art the yr after when I moved to wales , hope I’m a inspiration to you ,I’m in the midlands now but would love to to move somewhere else a new adventure but it’s hard work as Wendy’s explained ,so I will keep dabbling in my Art .
Dear Wendy, I was really pleased to listen to your life story. I am a teacher, so I do understand why you left your job, because here in Portugal many teachers give up their jobs due to stress.
I am very minimalistic and I had a period in my life, in which I had to sell, give or just throw away (because nobody wanted it) many of my things. That was a very freeing thing to do. When I was in my twenties, I tended to keep everything, but when I turned into my thirties, I couldn’t have things in my house that had no purpose for me, nor were they useful. So it was precisely in my thirties that I started to declutter my life, so to speak. And it was a wonderful feeling. That way when I got to that period that I referred to, it wasn’t very difficult to get rid of my things. Now I am 51 and I live with the basics. I don’t have many clothes or many shoes or bags. I just keep what really really has some sort of sentimental value. What I have most now are art supplies 😊.
However, I admire your courage to live in a van so many years. I admit I couldn’t do it. I am too attached to my “roots”. And I have to wash my hair everyday, or else I go crazy 🤣. How did you manage living in van without a bathroom? That must have been challenging.
I am happy to know you loved Portugal. Yes, in summertime, in the interior center it is really really really hot. I never dared to go there at that time of the year, because I don’t like high temperatures, I am more an autumn and winter lady 😊.
It was very nice to have your company. It’s always something I look forward to. 🥰
See you soon, love from Portugal ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Hey Alexandra, xxxxx thank you for keeping me company xxxx Yes, a lot here do too, unfortunately... I am glad you have a load of art stuff!!!! And yes, we totally fell in love with Portugal xx
Truly a beautiful example about letting go off all the “stuff” society tells us is important and embracing what really matters in life. Such a wonderful video, thank you so much for sharing your story with us. I wish you and James many blessings.
Wendy you are a beautiful, genuine woman and I so look forward to your posts. You bring light and joy to the world! I love your stories. I appreciate the art you share and your process for creating.
Ok. I haven't gotten to the story part yet but I have to tell you, you're so freaking awesome. You're so much of what I want to be like when I finally come into my full self, the self that feels completely free to be me.
Hahha! not always but thank you!! May your journey to freeing yourself bring joy too! Little steps sometimes is all is takes! xxx much love
I love this. I have been in my van solo (with pets) for two years. I can tell this chapter will close for me soon but it has been a dream. I’ve learned so much. Love your content!!
How do you find it ? I’m in a cottage with 2 dogs and a cat and I’m thinking of selling up… I’m 53 and crave the freedom… would you recommend it ? Appreciate
I really enjoyed your story. It’s wonderful how you and James live together. Be happy with your beautiful art and attitude. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you
Thank you for sharing your adventures and van life. I found it very interesting to hear about that amazing time in your life. You are a wonderful storyteller, there was no "Wendy-Waffling" at all. I admire the courage you and James had to organize and fulfill your dream and create memories you will treasure forever. You and James are quite a team! Thank you for another great video Wendy!
What a wonderful story. So adventurous. I had a friend who house sat, years ago, and he went from house to house for free. It was a cool idea then, back in the 70’s. I think I would miss a home base, especially as an older person now. Kudos to you for finding what worked for you both.
I just want to thank you for posting regulary during the last month/year. I have been facing some rough times with ill family memebers I have to care for, hard times in the job, loss of contidence in the world , in God and myself. And though my circumstances are quite different I always found a light sparkling that keeped me sane when you talked so honestly about your fears, hopes and wisdoms. Every Friday I found a anchor that keeped me sane. I want to thank you and I am looking forward to your story. Keep your light shining bright
Awww, sorry your times are bumpy at present... softest hugs and thank you too for keeping me company xxx
❤
I appreciate your situation, and knowing I am not the only person that is challenged is inspiring. I hope you keep your story, so you can see the amazing views your journey provides you. Best wishes to you and I'll be waiting with you for Fridays.
@@aimeemorgado8715 Big hugs for you
Gratitude is everything. I am grateful to have come across your channel and to hear your story of life as you know it. I appreciate you very much for sharing with us. To hear of your traveling and to see some pictures gives me a sense of peace. Tfs😊💜
Thank you for taking me along on your travels i enjoyed it. I live in Arizona in the desert and after listening to you I think i missed out by not traveling in Europe. I am 80 now and not going to travel but i enjoyed my trip in Europe with you.
Hello Wendy.
What an incredible video and story of parts of your life. Such a wonderful 'share', and I know it's not something I could do, but I love that you did it and experienced everything there was to experience.
Dearest Wendy, you have a way of slowing me down - even slowing my heart rate down, from a faster beat to a beat which is far lovelier to feel. After each video I feel refreshed and, as I look out at my garden (view from where I sit watching your video's, on my little laptop) I take a relaxing intake of breath and my mind acknowledges that there really isn't anything to actually worry about. And that, all by itself, is something I thank you for.
Dearest Wendy, you are one of my life's blessings. I'm so glad I 'found' you.
Sending you much love 💖~ Cobs. (UK) xxx
My biggest concern with living in a van or traveling full-time is how I will make money to afford travel and continuing the pursuit of my passions. I will have the courage and stability to do something like this one day. Manifesting it for myself :) thank you so much for sharing your journey with us. This made the idea real for me.
When I was looking at photos of your beautiful home (before van life), it reminded me of a beautiful home we once had.
Thing is, we worked ALL the time and were never really able to truly LIVE there - it was a stopping place to shower before
more work. I guess we all learn from that --- it's no fun having possessions that own you, versus one being in charge of
one's own life! It is so much nicer when we can keep it all in manageable perspective! Thanks Wendy! x
Thank you for sharing Wendy. What an adventure!!🤗. I can imagine van life and uprooting being very scary and unsettling sometimes but what a wealth of happy times, experience and self discovery. Its so wonderful that you and James went on this journey together and have settled down back in the UK. Lots of memories to reflect and share. Wonderful 🥰. Have a fabulous week Wendy and all 🙏💕🧚♀️💫🌟
What a great story! You have GOT to publish it including more details and more pictures as well as some of your art work or sketching that you did while at specific places! I would love to see the inspirations that specific places you were had on your subject matter and style! It would be fabulous and fascinating!
Thank you so much xxx😙😙💕💕✨🙌🙌
This is a wonderful story! I so admire your life choices. Thank you so much for sharing your work and process - I put a picture of you on my vision board bc you inspire the kind of person I’d like to be. I retired from teaching (for 25 years) last year. Im working on claiming my life as an artist. ♥️
'Claiming my life as an artist' - what a beautiful decision you have made and I love the way you expressed that. Wishing you many years of happiness creating your art.
Claiming my life as an artist very inspiring and I wish you all the very best in your journey ❤
I have just watched this for the second time in a year. It was so very enjoyable. Thank you so much for sharing 🤗
I can so relate to this video ...
At 68 I bought Bessie, my ex-ambo Spinter campervan, and did a solo, month long trip around Tasmania free camping most of the time.
Out of ignorance I hadn't realised how stressful & exhausting managing associated travel costs, sourcing camp sites, and accumulated short stopovers would be. I had a wonderful time but like you love being settled in a caring and supportive seaside village environment and community.
Love and light 💝
Very interesting story! I applaud anyone who can take living in a teeny space and on the go with another person. That’s a real test on any relationship! You and James are a real fine pair😁👍💕
I could never have done that. Plus it's fortunate that your husband is very handy. I'm not comfortable travelling unless it's with an organized tour or with an experienced person.
Hello ,it has been just wonderfull listening and sharing gour magical story thank you so much , your channel is more than inspiring ,and Im so glad I have found it, bless you each and every day, what a lovely man you share your life with both of you are gentle people and that is also encouraging to see you being so kind in all you do and are ,for yourselves. ❤
I am so happy I found you, you seem like a kindred spirit.
What a wonderful journey you had; this was a fascinating look at van life.
My husband and I, when our two children were really young, used to go camping--tenting for our vacations. We were both teachers and so our budget didn't allow for hotels. We so loved being out there...hugs, julierose
Yes, vans are sooo fun! Although tents are too! Camping out and being free and in nature does the trick.... no need for hotels! x
You're a great story teller! If you ever feel like sharing in more detail about your van life adventures, I'm sure many of us would love to listen.
Thank you! Will do one day for sure xx!
Oh wow!! Sounds fabulous and I love Crete too. Found your channel recently and I love it. Thank you
I'm a bit late for the party, but still thoroughly enjoying it, @17:00!. Thanks for sharing :)
I travelled the united states in a van for 6 weeks with 4 friends, and I learned van life isn't as glamorous as the internet makes it seem. It can be beautiful and you get to see some amazing places, but going to the bathroom, having a meal, doing the dishes, finding a place to sleep.... all take much more energy than they normally would. I know exactly what you meant when you were talking about this! van life is totally about the journey, and it is perfect for a temporary situation but brings many challenges people don't think about
I think it's so interesting though that people don't expect this. My husband and I are working on our van and planning to live in it fulltime. We have dreamed about this for years and are really preparing ourselves for the lifestyle. Our main reason for doing it is not to travel but to change our lifestyle. I've always loved camping. I know how things can take more effort and time but being in nature really revives me. Now we are in an apartment in the city and it's actually hard for me to find the motivation to get things done here. Our dishwasher and laundry machine both broke down so we are already used to doing the dishes and bringing away our laundry. It's tiring sometimes but especially because we don't have the reward of our environment. On our previous camping trips abroad I actually cried when we had to go home because I hated going back to the city and didn't long to go home at all except for having a proper bed (we slept on an air matress in a tent). In our minds having a van is a real luxury compared to a tent. Especially because we bought a fairly large one and we'll build it the way we want it. Well I'm sure there will be things that are hard but I can't imagine it will be as hard as my life has been the last years. It all depends on one's perspective I guess.
I so enjoyed this journey with you. I was peeling apples to make a crumble and had to keep wiping off my hands to pause the video to look closely at each photo. I will watch it again tomorrow. Loved seeing younger versions of yourself and James. The whole journey, even the more challenging parts, made me want to ‘hit the road’!
Dear Wendy. Thankyou for your wonderful post. I'm a long time sufferer of depression and going through one of my down periods. There was something about your video today that really spoke to me. Life is definitely worth living, especially when there's so many adventures to be had. So I'm getting out of bed, off to have a shower and then try and enjoy a little sunshine. I also wrote down that beautiful quote at the end. Thanks once again lovely girl.🥰🧡🧚♀️🎨🍄
Enjoy the sunshine! Good for you!
A friend used to say “this too will pass” we go through so many life situations, that at the time seems like it’s forever! At seventy-seven I cherish what seems like the best of times and reflect on those times that made me grow beyond circumstances! So glad you filled out Your Stories! Blessed and safe days!
Yes, wise words indeed.... x much loves Alice and softest hugs xxx
Hello Alice, that saying so apply to any day and circumstance. I’m in my late 60s and your words are true. My mom would say it all the time. I hope you are having a beautiful day. Take care my dear.😎
All things back into perspective now. Journaled through a big rough-spot, grounded, found my voice and stood my ground...then Ukraine, and my life snapped right back into focus, annnd....grateful! ❤️
Peace & Light ~
Nice job Melody! Peace, love and soft vibrations to Ukraine, Russia and all other places in a war for that matter! WE got this! xxxxx Also, no main news for me... just helps me hold onto my thoughts better! xx
I love hearing of your travels. How fantastic
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing your story and especially for reminding me that life is about the journey and not the destination. Such wonderful advice! Sending warm hugs! ❤️
Thank you so much Wendy for sharing your beautiful story. It certainly puts into perspective the "romantic" notion of giving it all up and hitting the road. :) I've spent time on the road on my motorcycle, some short and some long trips, but I'm always grateful to have a nest to come home to. I'm so happy you and James are still together and have your very own nest again. xxoo
Thank you so much for sharing this, Wendy & James. It reminds me of the need to reflect on the last 15 yrs in my present lifestyle and situation, as I prepare to move forward into something different in many ways. Can't wait to watch the extraordinary blossom of this year unfurl for you and the equally gobsmacking works and content you create with it. Blessed be.
Hi Wendy. Thanks for talking about selling your house. I have always found that there is so much pressure on people to buy a property (at whatever cost to work/life balance to pay the mortgage) rather than rent, as though buying property somehow makes a person more worthy. I have never liked the thought of being a slave to a mortgage. My choice of home is a narrowboat. At the moment I am at a boat yard as it is easier for work, but in time I hope to cruise the network. Thank you for this wonderful community that you have created 🤎
OMG, I feel you! We have left Australia a year ago, after living there for 8 years (from Germany originally) and traveled to Mexico and Nicaragua. And I was so happy to be able to travel and get rid of everything BUT I also felt so lost while we were traveling and staying in hostels. Always havíng to eat out and not having much space, we both realised, it is not for us. And working in loud spaces on crappy chairs is really no fun. I know, it all sounds wonderful to be a digital nomad, I am so so grateful to have been able to try it, but it wasn't for us. Now we are in Matagalpa, Nicaragua, just on the brink to sign for our first house. And it feels so good! Can't wait to get our space ready and do it all the way we want. And having a table for my art work and another one for paid work, with a proper chair. Heaven! Thank you, for adressing this, I really do feel you.
I know you don't have the time to read every individual's comment but should you come across this comment, thank you for sharing, and of course I've pressed the like button too.👍
Oh Wendy, you are so very brave! The biggest thing we've ever done was to sell our house in California and move to Florida four years ago. We had lived in our house that we'd had built for almost 35 years. We are retired and have basically started over. But you and James did so much more to be traveling and living in your van. What a wonderful adventure! I commend you for your free spirit and so happy you have such great memories!❤
We sold everything, 2 homes we sold... that's the kind of money we were making...left it all to live off grid. It's tough, 2 yrs in. Poorer than we've ever been. Some days are better than others. Not sure if it was the right thing to do.
OOH my gosh Wendy this was a fantastic video story telling!! I could relate in many ways! In my mid 20s I left the comfort of my apt to move (from the US) to England and I sold most of it, left behind 2 beloved cats (with a friend) and had an amazing experience mostly in East Anglia area for 3 yrs...even had my first child (help of a midwife) in Suffolk...
I'm back in the states again, but loved England and enjoy your channel sooo so much! You're such an inspiration at this challenging time! It means so much! Bless you both!🙏💗☺️
Wendy you are such a genuine person. I love to hear your stories. I'm sure I'm not alone being a bit jealous of your love life. You both really deeply care about each other. Your voice is very calming to the soul and especially now when this crazy world is so topsy turvey you really took me to another place for just a while. I am grateful for finding you. Love, Suzy
Thank You for sharing 🙏🏻
Good to hear about your travels x
I love all of your videos - you are so inspiring and your artwork is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your experiences ❤
Good story 🌻🌻
Loved your stories. Thank you.
Lived this way for a long time now and just started a blog too. I really hope you enjoy it, my other half built our home on a flat bed truck with no money in our pockets. We got most of our things out of skips with people's permission, reclaimed wood etc. We have no budget 😂🤦🏻♀️🤦🏻♀️. It's a tough life but so good too. I'm an artist and a nurse but could never nurse again as the system is truly awful. Have fun travelling xx
Yes, I know exactly what you mean, that's why I left teaching too... xx
An engaging story, thank you 🙏
Lovely story - thank you for sharing
Awesome video! Love and Light to you!
Love this video! Thank you for sharing your story❤
Such a lovely story ❤ Thank you for sharing.
You both are awesome! Thanks for the Long Version! Loved the Photos too!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful journey!🌷
Great to hear your story Wendy - what adventures ! How brave ❤
Thanks for sharing your fascinating journey!
What a lovely video Wendy♥️ Thank you for sharing!
Thanks for sharing! Loved hearing about your travels!
I so enjoyed hearing this, Wendy. Thank you for sharing. XX
Thank you for sharing your travels in the van... I am in the state of huge changes in my life, slowly but surely following my intuition and trusting that all will be well. blessings xx
This was a wonderful video Wendy - thank you for sharing with us 🙏
Wendy this is wonderful, thankyou so much for sharing. Much love to you and James... Xxx🌼
Loved your story. You and James are so brave. Stay safe. You are so kind...
Thank you, that was an interesting story.
Thank you so much for telling your travel stories! I really enjoyed it!
Throughly enjoyed your story Wendy thank you so much for sharing ❤️
I like your gentle approach
I loved this video Wendy! xx 🌺🌿🌺🌿🌺
That was interesting and a story well told. Thank you.
So inspiring and informative! Thanks dear Wendy xxx
thanks for posting your very interesting story
I truly enjoyed hearing your story -- thank you so much for sharing. Wishing you a beautiful day!
So interesting and lovely to hear your van life story. Thanks for sharing! 😊
A wonderful and wise video.❤
I truly loved this little trip down memory lane. Be well 🙏🏻💜
Wow thank you for letting us get to know you guys
Love listening to your stories, and you are a beautiful artist and soul!
Wonderful share! Thank you.
nice story :) enjoyed it....
Wonderful story about your life’s 😍🤗💞💞
Words of wisdom 🙏🏼
What an interesting story! Thank you for sharing it:-)
Your story is fascinating, thank you for sharing. Stay safe love and hugs xx
Lovely Wendy - thank you 🙏
Thank you for listening xxxxx
I really enjoyed hearing about your traveling life! Very interesting!! Thank you for sharing!
It was wonderful listening to you, wish you happiness always😊
what a wonderful life youve lived!
What a great story. I so enjoyed hearing about your life. Thank you so much.
I love this story. Thanks ❤