UnRooting

While watching a video of a young couple talk about their nomadic living experience, the concept of unrooting came to me. They spoke of the expense of renting an apartment and how their currently lifestyle was financially freeing. Our two circumstances are very different; both of the homes I’ve mortgaged had minimal house payments.

When we (my late-ex-husband and I) purchased the property on Hobbs Knob (a nickname we gave our hilltop oasis), I grew a tap root that went to China. I had no intentions of moving. Our home was home and I planned to live there forever! My attachment strengthen as the years passed. And, along with that tap root, memories blossomed everywhere on the twenty acres. Up until three years ago I had no desire to sell, much less live as a nomad. Sure I romanticized about camping for a couple of months and how fun and exciting it would be. BUT, I also thought of it as impractical. There were chores to be done and firewood to be cut, you know.

“If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans.” -Woody Allen

Obviously my plan changed. I pulled up roots and moved in September to temporary shelter at my son’s home. It’s been a blessing to participate in the day-to-day activities with his wife, sons, three dogs and (of course) him.

The task of finding a camper and truck was daunting. Nothing fit right or felt like the one. Friday my mother took me to Camper World in Houghton Lake and boom! I found MY camper. Then panic set in – what was I going to tow it with? I’d been scrolling through Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, this auto dealership and that one over there just as I had for the travel trailer. Even my friends sent me photos and links to ones they thought would be appropriate. Again, none of the vehicles clicked until yesterday.

“Ye of little faith” is a phrase a dear friend has repetitively said to me through this whole process.

There for a while it felt like I was going to be living with my son and his family into winter. Our weather shifted into the cold, wet fall season and my monkey-mind is screaming “let’s get outta here!” And, I agree.

When my mother and I walked into Camping World RV Sales, the man leaning against the wall said the faithful words, “Hi. How can I help you? What are you looking for?” Oh. My. God! A salesperson that actually spoke to me – and in a nice, welcoming tone.

Dan drove mom and I around the large lot showing us various trailers that fit my desired layout. It was when I entered the first camper we toured for the second time that I knew without a doubt, this was the one. Boom, bang, and the papers were signed. I get to pick up my new camper Friday!

Then another Oh Shit moment rattled my monkey-mind. I need a vehicle! I drove through too many car lots in Traverse City, scrolled through websites like a feverish hound and nothing. Not-a-thing! Sure, I found a few that I liked, but they were $15,000+ out of my budget and bank account.

Sunday night I found a truck downstate online. That was until my favorite salesperson (she’s my sister, after all) emailed photos of the stained interior, rusted dent on the tailgate. Nope. Not gonna buy that hot mess.

Monday night, I found a 2010 Ford F-150 at our local dealership. It was a new trade-in and it was clean! I took the V8 4×4 out for a drive and boom, bang, the papers were signed.

Each time I let go of the thought, “I have to have ___ so I can get out of town,” what I needed appeared. I allowed myself to be more playful and that’s when the magic happened. Being patient, keeping the faith that ‘it’ will materialize and to play were the lessons for me to learn as I unroot. I am now ready to wander the country.

P.S. For my safety, I will not be sharing too many photos of my new home or vehicle. 

Along the way…