William Martin's Blog, page 7

Priorities

So much has unfolded regarding the logistics and details of our journey that I have tended to forget the intentions, indeed the vows, that have energized my path. Finding our Tiny House on wheels, visiting family, and seeing the desert Southwest have been fun and engaging experiences, but this whirlwind of activity has left me … Continue reading "Priorities"

Home

Well, our savings account is now officially empty and we’re “on our own in the big world.” We feel exceptionally blessed to have found a lovely used 2003 Winnebago whose elderly owners left fully equipped with every amenity possible. The dealer, Freedom RV in Tucson, has been delightful. They will go through it in detail … Continue reading "Home"

Stranger in a Strange Land

I woke the other morning in a borrowed trailer parked by my son’s house in Hereford, Arizona, to the realization that, “we’ve actually done it!” I feel a myriad of emotions. The desert night was cold and clear and the propane was not yet hooked up so we slept bundled under several blankets. The sunrise … Continue reading "Stranger in a Strange Land"

Traveling Thoughts

We’ve been on the road for four days now, taking some lovely side trips but in general heading for our son’s home in southern Arizona. We should complete that final leg of our trip tomorrow. Since we have not yet found the used motor home that will be our future house on wheels, we have … Continue reading "Traveling Thoughts"

On The Road

This photograph shows Nancy alongside our faithful Subaru Outback which is packed to its limits with our possessions. It sits at the bottom of the driveway to the house in Mount Shasta that we have enjoyed renting for the past three years. When I get back in the car, start the engine, and turn right … Continue reading "On The Road"

Tuck and Roll

The first technique I learned, long ago, in martial arts was the proper way to fall. It took me many sessions of patient instruction by my instructor to finally master the process. One day, after a particularly awkward fall he said, “You too stiff, too afraid. Not be afraid. Not brace – that break your … Continue reading "Tuck and Roll"

Travel Light

We were visiting in Chico, California, when the so-called, “Camp Fire” erupted twenty miles away in the mountain town of Paradise. Nancy had met just the day before with her dear friend, Sue, who lived in Paradise and who shared with Nancy some of the produce of her garden. Twenty-four hours later Paradise, a town … Continue reading "Travel Light"

Devotion

I’m starting to understand that dedication to the ideal of a “simple life” is not a sufficient foundation for my journey. All by itself, it won’t bear the weight of the transformation that is necessary. It is a needed step, an important component, but it is not sufficient in and of itself. I woke this … Continue reading "Devotion"

The Real Vote

The farther along this path I travel, the more difficult it sometimes becomes. The joy that accompanies simplicity seems to lie on the other side of intense sadness. Tears are becoming familiar companions during my days as I feel more and more completely the disconnect that human culture is experiencing and the tragedy that is … Continue reading "The Real Vote"

Potlatch

  Wow, how deep, subtle, and unconscious is the attachment to each and every possession we have. We are learning that it’s not just the logistical process of letting go that is the difficulty; it is the quantum threads that literally stretch from the smallest possession to the synapses of our brains. For some things … Continue reading "Potlatch"