Day 42

Another travel day but, it brought us to our last stop before we get to our winter home (well, through January 7th) in southern Florida. We'll be here a week... we're in the jungle between a lake and the ocean. I got to back into this narrow spot... it was great to have someone here to guide me! It will be lovely to get some painting done today. The rotten weather has kept us on the move... making it difficult to work. It's still a little chilly here for Florida but, it's finally warm enough to wear tank tops, for a little portion of the day anyway.

This location has very sandy ground... and we had a rough time getting set up because of it. But, we finally got it.

This RV life is full of adjustments. From the constant relocations to simply allowing my cats on my bed... change is my life. And it is good!

Change is inevitable. You can embrace the adventure or fight it (you'll be miserable if you try to fight it). I used to be afraid of change. All of this is definitely outside of my comfort zone, but, that's where the magic happens...outside of the comfort zone.

I've dropped my trailer the same way in I don't even know how many locations now. Yesterday, in this sandy ground, that didn't work. I'm very grateful that we were able to solve the problem ourselves (and extremely grateful nothing was damaged).

You see, the plastic block that I've been using under the jack simply sunk in the sand... then, it shifted and the jack went deep in the sand, on nothing. We were able to reconnect it to the truck, thankfully. And I now need to call my mom and apologize.

You see, she and Ray sent me with things that I was like "I don't have room for that"...I was not very grateful. One of those things (a big wooden block to pull up on if I get a flat) is what worked for holding the jack out of the sandy ground. Its larger surface area made it more stable. Today, I'll eat crow and apologize and thank my mom and Ray. 🤷

Once again, I am reminded to simply show gratitude.

Well, I think it's about time for the sun to rise on this new day. A walk on the beach at sunrise is calling me.

Here's to a productive and wonderful day. Love you all!

Day 37

Dreams.

We went to a place of dreams yesterday. Chapel Hill. University of North Carolina basketball. We stood on the court where dreams have come true. So many young men dream of making it to the next level, this university has made it happen. With a record or 52 NBA first round picks, beat only by Kentucky, UNC consistently produces the best of the best.

Michael Jordan being one of those people. Sometime, if you aren't familiar with all the inspirational quotes out there by him, do a search. He is one of the most inspirational athletes - besides being one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

He was cut from his high school basketball team.

He never gave up.

He never let failure or other people's opinions keep him from his dreams.

He gave his all in everything he did and saw the gift of all the lessons, even in pain. "I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." ~Michael Jordan

He made a decision. A decision to succeed. So that is what he did.

All you have to do is take steps toward your dreams. Hell, never did I think I'd be living in an RV with my art, taking it all over the US. Meeting people, finding new opportunities, new friends, new clients. But, I took the first step and here I am.

Is it scary, yes. Especially when it is completely up to me to make the product that makes the money. But, I won't quit. I am committed to making a difference in lives all over the world. This is just the beginning of that.

"Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion." ~Michael Jordan

Make the decision. It is possible. It is time.

It's time to move on from North Carolina. It's too cold here. But I will be back. Fair Game Beverages in Pittsboro is an amazing destination - art, brews, organic foods...a whole oasis with wonderful people. But, I am drawn south. So, day 38 is another travel day. Who knows what wonderful things we will find.

I love you all. Have a beautiful day!

Days 35-36

A huge storm is blowing into the Outer Banks so we hit the road on day 36. I was concerned about the wind, reports were calling for 45 mph gusts. After we left, my VIP found an article saying there'd be 65 mph gusts, chest deep flooding in some areas and 25' waves.

We celebrated getting the heck out of there.

The weather had been bad anyway. Cold, windy, rainy. Then, the KOA had some workers doing electrical work and they cut through the water line, 2 days in a row (uh, aren't you supposed to check for underground lines before you start digging).

We were not happy with the location. The service was not great either, they never even replied to my text this morning (they have a text line for guests). So off we drive (once they got the water fixed so we could fill our fresh water tanks).

We found this wonderful place called Fair Game Beverages. The owner, employees and a few other patrons were inside. We ate, we drank, we talked about the universe and life. There's an art gallery, the owner - Lyle - is an artist and a collector. One of the employees lost a loved one to suicide. This was a divine connection for sure.

You can't control what happens around you, you can only control how you respond to it. We ended up in an amazing place - we're going to stick around for another night, check out the area. Typically, Harvest host is a one night deal... but we were invited to stay another. So, we are staying.

Friends, there's opportunity all around you. Even in the storm. All you have to do is open up to it. Move if you feel prompted to move.

Here's to another wonderful day on this planet. Rain, cold weather and all. Love you all!

Days 30-34

My apologies for the brief absence. I've been enjoying company!

Day 30 was filled with travel and another portrait delivery. I actually stayed the night on an ostrich farm between 29 and 30. I petted an ostrich and held one that was 2 months old. I am not really a huge fan of touching birds...I don't even like them close to me... so this was a great experience in overcoming fears. I have pictures I posted on social media if you want to see how huge (the Male I touched was 10 feet tall). While there, I met this tiny kitten who kept running in my home if she got the chance (video of her and pics also on social media). I could've easily adopted her... but...I am NOT a crazy cat lady. 3 cats in my RV is still too many. No way, no matter how cute it is, will I travel with 4. She did make me late for my portrait delivery.

I took Sophie home on day 30 of my travels. I absolutely loved sharing stories with her mom, she's a hoot. We laughed quite a bit. Here's Sophie's story (the rest of the weekend will be below)...
"A prankster. who always had a twinkle in her eye, Sophie Champoux had a fierce love for her brothers and her country. An infections laugh and wicked pranks made her quite the pistol at 4’11. She did everything her brothers did and would often talk them in to doing things that she knew her mom wouldn’t want them to do. She was quite the instigator. She joined the Army after attending college. She became a medic and was well loved by her Army family, and everyone she met. She would have her mom send candy so that she could give it to the children in Afghanistan. Tragically, Sophie was raped on three separate occasions –twice in the United States, once in Afghanistan. On two of those occasions she was raped by the same man, who stalked her from Afghanistan to Georgia. No one in her chain of command would protect her from this stalker. Sophie lost her battle on September 30, 2011"

She was a beautiful young lady who is still a strong force. Funny to note that every exhibit, Sophie's portrait goes crooked on her hook. I think she's pranking me now... her mom agrees she probably is.

The rest of day 30, I was driving to the Outer Banks of NC. It's beautiful here, except the weather has been awful. An arctic front blew through... and today (day 34) it has been raining all day. And the wind... yikes. Up to 45 mph gusts.

Day 31 I spent the day waiting on and preparing my house for a guest. I'm not saying who yet... I have decided that I'm keeping this part of my life for ME for a while. Just know, if you've been worried about me traveling alone, I have a bodyguard now (and someone to cook for me - no more almonds and green drink for dinner). I drove to Norfolk to get my VIP from the airport. We stayed the night there, too tired to drive the several hours home (it would've put us home after 1 am). That gave us a chance to explore Virginia Beach where we walked the boardwalk for about a mile and a half, maybe two miles. The boardwalk is lined with giant hotel after giant hotel. This day, most were quiet, many of the shops and restaurants were closed for the season. I'm thankful for it being a little quieter so we didn't have to deal with crazy crowds. It was a cool place, but with that many hotels, it would be insane in the summer! After spending the day there we headed home in time for dinner. We've walked on the beach, we toured the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. THAT was cool...it was SO massive! Unfortunately we didn't get to climb to the top. We've had a wonderful time! The weather isn't cooperating but we have each other.

The last several days have been amazing! Truly wonderful. Know that there will be things (and people) that are placed in your path... all are there to teach you something. When I first met him, I was angry with the universe for putting someone so wonderful in my path right before I was leaving. I didn't realize that maybe this path was for both of us. So, my friends, the journey continues. The wind is howling, shaking my little home - blowing change into our lives.

It's magical if you'll open up to the gifts from the universe! The sun has set on one part of my life. I am excited for what's next!

I love you all! Have a beautiful day!

Day 29

Today I got to tour the home of a woman so full of love. As soon as we saw one another, it was a giant hug... and many followed. We laughed, a few tears were shed, but oh my goodness... she's so full strength.

You see, this was the home of Ellis's mom. Ellis is part of my Words Matter Military edition. He lost his battle against suicide at 24 years old.

We talked for a few hours. We shared thoughts on how to help people who are struggling. There has to be a change in society. A change in the way we view life. That is the only thing that is going to help more than the ones we impact directly.

This lifetime is only one of many that your soul has ventured on. We each have a mission, and we have things we must heal. But, sometimes we do not remember that in time. And the pain of this existence is too much to bear. It happens most in the one's who are altruistic - wanting to make everyone else happy.

They seem to forget about their own happiness. And then that's when the darkness wins. That's when the voices of "you'll never get it. You'll never be good enough. Everyone is better off without you. You are better off if you leave."

But the truth is... if you exit before you've healed what you came into this life to heal - you'll get the same shit show all over again.

I certainly don't want that. That's where my shift happened, in that realization and in the connection to my higher self.

That is the shift that must happen. A shift away from an existence as a human that needs an external force to save you, because you're broken - you're wrong - that shame and blame is killing people. An average of over 129 people per day. And those are just the United States statistics. Rates are rising.

There has to be a change. Everything you need is already inside you.

This life can be difficult and painful - unless you realize that the pain is there to help you heal.

The pain is HELPING you. It isn't meant to put you in a state of victimhood. It's meant to show you something. Show you a piece of your soul that you came here to heal. Will you listen? Or will you listen to the doom and gloom of society?

It's time for change.

I'm delivering another portrait today. I must run and get some things done. But first...

Here's Ellis's story...

A free spirit who was wise beyond his years, Ellis Weems called himself “The Last Gentleman”. He had an uncanny ability to make everyone smile and loved to make other people laugh. He was also very smart, always looking at how things worked. His mom took him to a circus when he was 5 years old. Unlike other children, instead of admiring the acts, Ellis wanted to know what was going on with all the wires in the back...much more interested in how they made it all work. He also loved to eat. His mom cooked every day, he preferred her cooking to eating out, and he at A LOT which meant a large grocery bill. He never wasted food, and needed the fuel for his avid love of skateboarding. He also loved to travel so the military was a good fit. Unfortunately, Ellis lost his battle on July 15, 2016 at the age of 24.
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#youmatter If you are struggling, PLEASE reach out for help. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
You are so loved.

See all the portraits and read their stories at http://www.jessicatookey.com/wordsmatter.html

Love you all!

Day 27

The picture today is from a campground I stayed at in Asheville, NC. My favorite one so far. I love water. I am excited to be near the ocean soon! Once again I have no plan as to what I will write, so I'm just beginning. Perhaps the inspiration will come as I fill the page. Yesterday I did get out a bit but only to go for a jog then go to the store. So nothing big to report on the travel front. Just existing in this wonderful life and moving forward.

Ooh, just got a push to grab one of my favorite books... SOOOO here is what I am meant to share today...

The purpose of this existence is to learn, grow, evolve, and remember who we are. A book I've come to love "Quantum Consciousness" by Peter Smith offers 5 ways to moving forward:

1. "Explore." It is when we seek the lessons that they will be made clear. Realize that pain is the greatest lesson of all. As Tony Robbins said, "The purpose of pain is to move us into action, not to make us suffer." Peter Smith recommends seeking from outer sources but also going within. It is in "find[ing] your hidden authenticity, this is becoming free. [...] This is about finding the deep and personal inspiration that comes from remembering who you already are. The journey toward this may involve healing initially, as you peel away layers of energies that have affected your life without you even being aware." Pain helps us go within. It grounds us, brings us to the now so that we can grow.
2. "Be courageous." Take steps toward your dreams. Take steps toward who you truly are and live in that truth regardless of what anyone says.
3. "Understand Your Ripple Effect." As you change your vibration to a higher state, others around you "will see the change and be inspired by you, perhaps enough to undertake their own journey."
4. "Hold intention for a better world. Engage your creator effect to manifest something amazing and remarkable for humanity. [...] See the beauty around you."
5. "Say NO in ever- increasing magnitude. [...] You actually have a choice and you can break patterns and conditioning by simply saying one word and carrying that through your actions. You can move past the restrictive prevailing mindsets that ooze materialism, separation and fear. As you hold the higher intention and explore your unlimited potential, you will live a life in alignment with your vision."

Oh that's good stuff. Not sure why I was prompted to share that today. Maybe it was YOU who needed it? Maybe it was me? Either way, there it is. I never know what to expect when I start writing.

The word "expectation" also popped in my head first thing this morning. My dream last night was regarding expectations that had been placed on me. But I know I have placed many on others. I apologize if you were a receiver of my unwarranted or unspoken expectations.

The problem with expectations is we don't always make them clear. We just expect people to do things for us or behave in a certain way. Unless you voice these expectations, you are bound to be disappointed because what you think is "normal" will not be the same as the next person's normal.

Silent expectations destroy relationships.

Expectations destroy self worth.

Expectations destroy joy.

Why? Because in expectation, you are looking toward something that MIGHT happen instead of living in the moment. In expectation, you have this idea of how everything should look and when that doesn't happen we feel down. We often start beating ourselves up if we don't meet expectations - we place the greatest expectations on ourselves. It's time to release and live in gratitude, love and joy instead of in expectation.

All the wonderful things happen in the now... and they're happening for you. EXPECT THAT because the Universe (God, the Divine, whatever you call the power that is all of creation) wants to give you everything you desire. To be sure that you get wonderful things, you must raise your vibration to the highest state... live joyfully and out of love... in the feeling of a dream fulfilled. Then you WILL have that dream fulfilled. It's a law. The law of attraction. Like attracts like. So if you're in the space of negativity, you'll attract negativity. If you're full of gratitude and functioning in a space of abundance, you'll attract abundance.

It works! It's crazy to believe by our human minds, but it works!

Right now I have a vision of these amazing paintings I've created so, it's time to go play. I love you all (even those I don't like. I believe that to love someone doesn't mean you condone things they've done to hurt you, or others. Liking someone does condone the actions. Liking someone means you agree with how they behave in this existence. I definitely have humans that I don't like... but I love their souls because the soul is beautiful... they've just chosen a different existence in this lifetime. So I don't like the human them). A little expansion on love and like was apparently necessary today. Perhaps someone I love but don't like is reading this? Or maybe you needed that clarity? Who knows? 🤷 I just share the message. Have a beautiful day! TTFN!

Day 26 (photo above from a drive in the Smoky Mountains)
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I spent the day working. All day long. Besides the noises of an RV park (there's always vehicle sounds... this one happens to also have trucks nearby so the beeping as they reverse is kinda obnoxious), there really was nothing different about this existence yesterday from the last 41 years living in "sticks and bricks" (an RVer called a house that...I liked it). This life has its own vocabulary. The more I interact, the more I learn.

I have yet to meet another full timer. So far its been a lot of people just passing through... but I've been passing through too. Aren't we all just passing through, in one way or another? It's when we take time to BE that we reach a destination.

It's strange. The realization that this is my life. That I can pack up everything I own in 30ish minutes and move to another town, another state, hell ... another country if I wanted.

Like a feather on the breeze. Constantly in motion.

However, it's unlike a feather because I choose. I get to choose when I move (granted, a lot of my moves have been because the park didn't have room for me longer). I decide if I let the winds shift me to the next destination.

I decide.

Right now, my decisions are being guided by the weather. I really am ready for warmth. My sister said "you sound like a snow bird already." 🤣

Well, I just might be. I have a bin, in the back of my truck, full of my snow gear. But, I'm not planning on using it. Not this winter. I've decided I am ready for warm adventures. For sand and surf.

I was hoping for a spot right on the beach. But, those are reserved over a year in advance at some places. At least I'll be a short walk from the beach. I know, some are thinking "rough life... she didn't get her beach spot." But, besides the noises of the park, this constantly moving is a very quiet - some may say lonely - existence.

I look forward to making real connections. To sitting around a new friend's campfire "shooting the shit." To making new friends. To conversation. I haven't had a real conversation with a person in my space for a while (I've talked on the phone, yes... it isn't the same). To holding someone I love - I am so full of love. And...

I'm a hugger. Did you know that there's been scientific research done on hugs. Your Modern family put an article out in February. In it, Psychotherapist Virginia Satir said: “We need 4 hugs a day for survival. We need 8 hugs a day for maintenance. We need 12 hugs a day for growth.” ( https://www.yourmodernfamily.com/science-says-hug-child-15-seconds/ )

12 hugs a day? Wow. I am sure there've been very few days in my life that I received 12 hugs in a day. Everyone needs them ... it's comfort for the soul (yes, even you non-huggers out there need them - it's a cosmic truth to this existence). It's been a while since I've gotten a hug. But, I'm not about to start hugging strangers. 😜 Someone I shared my story with last week gave me a hug... but hugging strangers is not the same.

Hmmm, perhaps that's another societal norm that is meant to be broken. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to go around hugging everyone I see (that just wouldn't be wise) but... if you've connected and conversed with someone... are they still a stranger?

Why shouldn't it feel the same as hugging an old friend?

Afterall, we're all connected. We're all here to grow. We're all here to love.

Over the last 23 years of my life, I've learned exactly what love isn't. My exes have taught me how NOT to treat a person (I almost said especially someone you love - but, again... the thought that "we're here to love ALL" popped in my heart). I thank my exes for what they did because it helped me get here. The physical, emotional and mental abuse I endured gave me the strength I needed to live this life.

I will do my best to share love with each and every living thing. Even the grass growing under my feet. Perhaps I'll go hug another tree. 😂

Love is all around. What makes a stranger? Societal norms have created this separation, perhaps its time for a shift. I want to Louvre out of love... not OUT of it (to clarify all caps = outside... the English language is fun). Not OUT of how I was created. But out of my truth. Out of the fact that we ARE all connected already. I've known many people who "never knew a stranger." Could you imagine what this existence would be like if we all lived that way? I kinda live that way, but obviously still don't because I'm not going to hug random people. At least not until I find that place where a huge shift has taken place...

Are you living out of love or are you OUT of love?

It's in you, it's enduring. It's unconditional. All you have to do is open up to it.

I am choosing to go paint some love now. So I'll talk again soon. I love you all (just don't like some of you 🤣). Have a beautiful day!