Bench Monday – Boondocking
If anyone placed their money on “the toilet” breaking next, you won!
We had hopes of hitting Tucson early enough to meet some local unschoolers. But a smelly leaking toilet doesn’t let you get far. Instead we spent the morning sniffing sewage and laughing hysterically as one thing after another happened. (A sopping Justin wrangling a rouge water hose was the highlight of the morning. But really, must it always be water-related?!)
Tonight we’re boondocking in the desert and I’m hoping the clouds will clear long enough for me to get a clear view of the most stars I’ve ever seen. As soon as we pulled onto BLM land and found our spot amongst the other travelers, we felt at home. There is something magical about the self-reliance of needing nothing but an open spot to park, something enjoyable about the quiet and seclusion…something laughable about it all – the stars, the hooting owl, the peace – being free of charge. 
Zeb is doing really wonderful on the road, building fires, making jokes and playing games. I’m still struggling with feeling overwhelmed, but I must say my husband is amazing. He reaches for my hand as we’re driving to calm my nerves. He takes a time out to hug (and re-energize) me. And as we pulled up tonight he suggested I go for a walk with my camera to center myself. It’s always just what I need.
My name is Tara. I am a mama and a lover, a full-time nomad, a passionate devourer of Life and an Organic Life Coach.
loooove living here in nw – but am feeling envious of your desert days – grew up in phoenix and have a soft spot in my soul for those desert sunsets.
remember – you are doing just fine and it’ll all be okay – big hugs for you my dear bloggy friend… big hugs
As someone that requires copious amounts of purpose to move forward, what do you feel your purpose is at this stage of your journey? Thanks for the inspiration!!
Well now I feel shitty. hee hee no pun intended~ for talking about fans and poooo yesterday… Tipping my cup ‘O pink pepto…. here’s to no more stank!!
So thrilled that Zeb has made the adjustment so well. Seems like it is definitely catching up with you – could it be the enforced stillness now you are on the road (i’m inferring that Justin is doing much of the driving) is giving you lots of headspace that before you were filling with all the necessary To-Do lists and activities and goodbyes and all the rest. Now that that is all done, and there are no more checks to complete, your head has to start the job of processing what you’ve done and what you’ll be doing, which is why it’s hitting you now (the only analogy I can think of is when people rush around after a loved one has passed organising the funeral etc, and it is only once that is all done, that the loss really hits them). Maybe you’re going through a period of mourning your old life, and you need to work through those emotions before you are ready to fully shift and embrace the adventures that are going to be a part of your future. Wishing you all the luck and blissful moments with the stars, so lovely that you have J to support you so strongly on your physical and emotional travels.
Arizona has the best stars! Thunderstorms and sunrises too. That’s all I remember from growing up there.
@Shane, tough question. I guess my purpose is to just be IN this fully, staying aware and allowing it to unfold naturally while seeing where it takes me/us. But other than that there is no definitive purpose and that’s hard for me too.
@Julie, thank you for those words. They make so much sense. Definitely going to have to marinate in them awhile.
I agree with Julie. Also, now is the time everything that was set to break will break, you know? The bugs will be found and fixed and you’ll be set. For a while, anyway, since you asked for an adventure!
Hey there. I just wanted to delurk because I’ve been reading for a bit now and wanted to let you know that I’m really rooting for you. I don’t remember how I found your blog now, but your life is just the polar opposite of mine (I’m a college professor in New York City) and I can’t wait to follow along vicariously on your journeys. I hope you find the adventure you’re seeking.
I love that first picture of you.
wow look at that sky.
here’s to the clouds clearing so you can see the amazing universe above.
So excited to see you living your dream now! Good luck to you on the road and ENJOY!
lisa
Sounds like you didn’t make it to Tucson? If you do there is a really cool outdoor desert museum there. I don’t know if you have the funds for such a thing, but we had never been to a museum like it before.
Hi there – Just discovered your blog recently. Very sweet. Let us know if you are coming through Taos and when…. maybe you can spend an afternoon on our farm? Keep looking at the big picture – we wish you well.
Your doing great! Soon you will be over these speed bumbs and onto the open road. These water traps are all part of the adventure and in the years to come you will cozy up around your campfire and laugh
On a different road here, but I am glad for the opportunity to catch up with you. I love that boondocking on BML in the middle of nowhere, just beauty all around. How great every moment is! There really is no reason to hurry. Before you know it the day is done and the night has begun! Time to get back to the basics of love.
oh no, not the toilet! We have our first leak! Oh joy! No idea what the deal is and too much snow to up there to figure it out..
I am loving your good spirits.. your dh MUST be doing a good job.. gotta love the guys who bring us back to center.
We are about 3 hours from Albuquerque – if you are coming through, let us know!
Have a great trip. Enjoy the magic of New Mexico!