As one new to your neighborhood, I marvel at what I just read. Your offering a couple reads to this newbie had a feeling of Hansel and Gretel, except the breadcrumbs lead out of a dark forest and into a bright and inviting community. A quick, parting comment (just for the moment) is on the very word “vagabonding” itself. I can’t unsee “bonding.” My customary use pertains to bonding with others. Your account of the recent trip to southern Mexico, the art that you created, and your ideas on what and how to spend time vagabonding in 2024 resulted in feelings like picking up a nice kaleidoscope and training it on a warm light source. Not done looking. Still
Gary ... thank you for such a lovely and generous comment. And, coming from someone taken by two of my favorite words ... vagabonding and kaleidoscope .. it's even more precious.
Vagabonding! What a lovely and creative idea. Can Vagabonding happen even in your own ‘town’.? To see differently - Thanks for the challenge. Here’s to a New Year and eyes wide open❤️
That's the question I'm chewing on. The author of the book says it's about "attitude," so I'm assuming that it's not place related as much as it is how much new we can experience.
How you have captured the imagination of so many by offering the possibility of moving quite beyond what we expect of ourselves into the realm of "dreams." Bravo Joyce. 💜
Vagabonding sounds perfect for you....although, I'm not so sure it's very far off from your years past. I think I might use the concept for my own purposes, too! (Which probably does not mean much about wandering around the world, literally, as it will mean to explore new territory in other ways.) I'll be on the hunt for more ways to "better."
Please, please, please keep us posted on how this progresses! What will you discover from the cozy comfy chair -or- S. America, perhaps? If you consider Japan, we’ll keep a futon on hand for you. No joking.
Wow, Louise ... what a generous and enticing offer. So many intriguing things about Japan have come my way recently, making me think about it in a completely new way. Thanks for opening the door.
Happy vagabonding, Joyce! But also consider that children vagabond in the awesome and terrific patch of woods behind their homes for years with no pull of a foreign country or a comfy chair. ;)
Joyce, if you decide to leave the comfy blue chair and vagabond, you might consider stopping across the globe wherever you have friends who would love to see you. Our guestroom in Columbia, MD awaits you. Your friend is welcome, too. 💕 Beautiful artwork you posted, too. I can't wait to see what else emerges...
Wow, Becky ... I may have to rethink my plans ... would love to visit you ... and my step-daughter lives in Virginia, so that would also be a great possibility. Back to the Vagabond drawing board. ;-) and many hugs.
Love your collage from your Chiapas trip and I love new experiences too, especially travel. I would also be interested in exploring the possibility of a creative collaboration that’s more than a guest post. Maybe a set of open-ended questions about our favorite place we’ve lived or visited, music, book or author, etc. and why? We could email each other our answers and then each publish both of our answers as a conversation in our newsletters. Email me if you like this idea or want to collaborate in some other way.
Thanks, Jeanine ... I am going to give it a shot. Planning much more travel than I would normally think of ... and starting with an open-ended, one-way ticket which seems to insync with the idea of Vagabonding. Focusing on Mexico but Peru and Columbia and Chile seem to be knocking at the door also. Who knows ... the blue, comfy chair could still win.
Fantastic itinerary! Where the road leads! Very exciting for sure. Wow. I've heard Colombia is incredible and you don't hear too much about travel there (or I've only known a handful of people who've visited). But the colonial cities and architecture look so beautiful. Chile! Have you read much Allende?
I enjoyed reading this post but beyond that, it resonated on a very deep level. Rolf Potts' quote “Vagabonding is an attitude — a friendly interest in people, places, and things that makes a person an explorer in the truest, most vivid sense of the word.” says so much about where some of us find meaning in life. And this obviously includes you. Stepping outside of our usual circles has always tugged at me but your other challenges are all intriguing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts whether they come from your comfy chair or the road.
Thanks, Mark ... funny how we begin to make connections and friendships in this electronic space. Would love to know more about how you "step outside our usual circles."
I would add - "friendships and connections " that have made a difference in the ways we think and maybe even the paths that we choose. After reading your thoughts about vagabonds, I've gotten a kick in the butt toward getting out of "Dodge" more in spite of money being relatively tight. I've worked for nonprofits almost my entire life and my "fixed income" is in reality a shrinking income.
Regarding stepping outside my usual circles, I have intentionally walked into seedy bars and "mainline" or evangelical churches knowing that I'm going to be uncomfortable at best. I became a card-carrying member of the "Sons of the Legion", in very conservative Upstate New York. I was most likely the only person who shared drinks at their bar with echos of Christ's word swirling around his head - "He that lives by the sword, dies by the sword." They were great guys, but I would have been an unwelcome outsider if I shared my dark side.
I have had some good times with their "Legion Riders" as the only "rice burner" amongst swarms of Harleys. Since we've moved to the Midwest my social outings have dwindled to say the least.
Sub stack has given me opportunities to reminisce and share, and more motivation to get out more. Thanks again and have a wonderful holiday and New Year - you vagabond!
Mark ... the non-profit I worked for was my own business so I understand limited resources. Thinking of the vagabond year as a one-time thing, I've decided to invest a 3-year chunk of my dwindling nest egg into this vagabond year and face the consequences later. Love your intentional visitations to places that make you "uncomfortable at best." I'm going to add that to the thinking. May 2024 bring you joyful opportunities to "get out more." best.
Andrew ... that would be amazing ... anytime ... with a blank caanvas in mind, how might we do this? I've been thinking about collaboration and thinking it would be fun to do something other than a "guest" post. No idea how to do it but thinking about something like a jazz riff where writers are building off of each other with no real idea of where it's going. Not an interview. Not a prepared piece. Anyway, what do you have in mind?
That sounds great. I find collabs like this work best with a framework, but also plenty of freedom to explore. Hit me up via email and let's talk some specifics! No rush, but this could also be really fun.
As one new to your neighborhood, I marvel at what I just read. Your offering a couple reads to this newbie had a feeling of Hansel and Gretel, except the breadcrumbs lead out of a dark forest and into a bright and inviting community. A quick, parting comment (just for the moment) is on the very word “vagabonding” itself. I can’t unsee “bonding.” My customary use pertains to bonding with others. Your account of the recent trip to southern Mexico, the art that you created, and your ideas on what and how to spend time vagabonding in 2024 resulted in feelings like picking up a nice kaleidoscope and training it on a warm light source. Not done looking. Still
processing. Ever grateful.
Gary ... thank you for such a lovely and generous comment. And, coming from someone taken by two of my favorite words ... vagabonding and kaleidoscope .. it's even more precious.
Vagabonding! What a lovely and creative idea. Can Vagabonding happen even in your own ‘town’.? To see differently - Thanks for the challenge. Here’s to a New Year and eyes wide open❤️
That's the question I'm chewing on. The author of the book says it's about "attitude," so I'm assuming that it's not place related as much as it is how much new we can experience.
How you have captured the imagination of so many by offering the possibility of moving quite beyond what we expect of ourselves into the realm of "dreams." Bravo Joyce. 💜
Thanks, Sue!
Vagabonding sounds perfect for you....although, I'm not so sure it's very far off from your years past. I think I might use the concept for my own purposes, too! (Which probably does not mean much about wandering around the world, literally, as it will mean to explore new territory in other ways.) I'll be on the hunt for more ways to "better."
I'm thinking about the latter way also. Will be interesting to hear what you come up with.
Such an intriguing thought, Joyce! I hope you and your friend go for it!
Thanks, June. The pendulum swings.
Please, please, please keep us posted on how this progresses! What will you discover from the cozy comfy chair -or- S. America, perhaps? If you consider Japan, we’ll keep a futon on hand for you. No joking.
Wow, Louise ... what a generous and enticing offer. So many intriguing things about Japan have come my way recently, making me think about it in a completely new way. Thanks for opening the door.
An interesting read
Happy vagabonding, Joyce! But also consider that children vagabond in the awesome and terrific patch of woods behind their homes for years with no pull of a foreign country or a comfy chair. ;)
Oh, Tom ... you are so right ... it is an attitude! Thanks.
Joyce, if you decide to leave the comfy blue chair and vagabond, you might consider stopping across the globe wherever you have friends who would love to see you. Our guestroom in Columbia, MD awaits you. Your friend is welcome, too. 💕 Beautiful artwork you posted, too. I can't wait to see what else emerges...
Wow, Becky ... I may have to rethink my plans ... would love to visit you ... and my step-daughter lives in Virginia, so that would also be a great possibility. Back to the Vagabond drawing board. ;-) and many hugs.
Joyce, the vagabond plans will evolve in due time. Just know you are always welcome.
My patience for "due time" tends to be thin. so your note is well received. ;-)
Love your collage from your Chiapas trip and I love new experiences too, especially travel. I would also be interested in exploring the possibility of a creative collaboration that’s more than a guest post. Maybe a set of open-ended questions about our favorite place we’ve lived or visited, music, book or author, etc. and why? We could email each other our answers and then each publish both of our answers as a conversation in our newsletters. Email me if you like this idea or want to collaborate in some other way.
Wendi ... I'd love to collaborate. Will send you an email shortly.
Maybe vagabonding Would help. You enjoy the thrill of the road. New beginnings?
Thanks, Jeanine ... I am going to give it a shot. Planning much more travel than I would normally think of ... and starting with an open-ended, one-way ticket which seems to insync with the idea of Vagabonding. Focusing on Mexico but Peru and Columbia and Chile seem to be knocking at the door also. Who knows ... the blue, comfy chair could still win.
Fantastic itinerary! Where the road leads! Very exciting for sure. Wow. I've heard Colombia is incredible and you don't hear too much about travel there (or I've only known a handful of people who've visited). But the colonial cities and architecture look so beautiful. Chile! Have you read much Allende?
Only some Allende. But another aspect to think about including. I'm a Neruda fan which is pushing Chile a bit.
Cool Joyce!!
I enjoyed reading this post but beyond that, it resonated on a very deep level. Rolf Potts' quote “Vagabonding is an attitude — a friendly interest in people, places, and things that makes a person an explorer in the truest, most vivid sense of the word.” says so much about where some of us find meaning in life. And this obviously includes you. Stepping outside of our usual circles has always tugged at me but your other challenges are all intriguing. Thank you for sharing your thoughts whether they come from your comfy chair or the road.
Thanks, Mark ... funny how we begin to make connections and friendships in this electronic space. Would love to know more about how you "step outside our usual circles."
I would add - "friendships and connections " that have made a difference in the ways we think and maybe even the paths that we choose. After reading your thoughts about vagabonds, I've gotten a kick in the butt toward getting out of "Dodge" more in spite of money being relatively tight. I've worked for nonprofits almost my entire life and my "fixed income" is in reality a shrinking income.
Regarding stepping outside my usual circles, I have intentionally walked into seedy bars and "mainline" or evangelical churches knowing that I'm going to be uncomfortable at best. I became a card-carrying member of the "Sons of the Legion", in very conservative Upstate New York. I was most likely the only person who shared drinks at their bar with echos of Christ's word swirling around his head - "He that lives by the sword, dies by the sword." They were great guys, but I would have been an unwelcome outsider if I shared my dark side.
I have had some good times with their "Legion Riders" as the only "rice burner" amongst swarms of Harleys. Since we've moved to the Midwest my social outings have dwindled to say the least.
Sub stack has given me opportunities to reminisce and share, and more motivation to get out more. Thanks again and have a wonderful holiday and New Year - you vagabond!
Mark ... the non-profit I worked for was my own business so I understand limited resources. Thinking of the vagabond year as a one-time thing, I've decided to invest a 3-year chunk of my dwindling nest egg into this vagabond year and face the consequences later. Love your intentional visitations to places that make you "uncomfortable at best." I'm going to add that to the thinking. May 2024 bring you joyful opportunities to "get out more." best.
Joyce, let me know if you'd like to collaborate at some point in the new year. Maybe I can be a small part of your experiment!
Andrew ... that would be amazing ... anytime ... with a blank caanvas in mind, how might we do this? I've been thinking about collaboration and thinking it would be fun to do something other than a "guest" post. No idea how to do it but thinking about something like a jazz riff where writers are building off of each other with no real idea of where it's going. Not an interview. Not a prepared piece. Anyway, what do you have in mind?
That sounds great. I find collabs like this work best with a framework, but also plenty of freedom to explore. Hit me up via email and let's talk some specifics! No rush, but this could also be really fun.
Just sent one and look forward to what might come of this.