Celtic Gypsy Trail

Checking In

2011-10-13T08:10:00.002-06:00

I had not realized just how long it has been since I have made a blog entry...WOW

So much has happened the past few months. Finally I am done my medical stuff, well enough for now that I am back to traveling on the road again, and that feels absolutely wonderful!

Currently back in Ontario, and both my girls came for a visit and we traveled to Niagara Falls for a family holiday, and had a great time there...and then we went about and spent time with friends that the girls had not seen since they were little, and spent time cooking and just hanging with each other . Oh and spent a wonderful time by the lake with a hula-hoop. It was great fun.

I also took a trip for about ten days to Montreal, Quebec and that was a good experience...I had never been there before and of course my high school french that I learned was pretty limited, but managed to have a great time, meet new people who enjoy the nomadic lifestyle that I like, and discovered some fabulous coffee shops along the way.

Then spent a few days at my sisters place in the back woods, and got spoiled with good homecooking...and now...back in Toronto for awhile.

Back staying with friends who live near the lake, so able to wander down to the lake and enjoy the water and quiet personal space...I can stay here for the Winter Season, and they would very much like me to design a community garden space here for the upcoming Spring...not sure what to do, I have the wandering travel spirit within me stirring, now that I am healthy enough again to be on the road.

After spending Canadian Thanksgiving apart, my girls are hinting pretty strongly they want me to come for a visit out West again...they are both in school, my oldest in university , and my youngest in College..both doing well, just struggling with what it means to be back in school full time and not have mom nearby to have tea visits, and care packages shared with them :) ( read home baking in this one)

Money of course is a factor, while out West I had financial assistance covered while dealing with medical issues, but if I stay in Ontario, or wander, that is no longer in place...and not ready for any full time work, and not sure if I can manage on just short term contract work...so am in process of figuring out financial expenses and how to have income flowing enough to cover my simple needs.

Anyway will try to post some pics...I did not have a camera as it broke, and no money to replace it at the moment, but my daughters took some pics so will try to get them posted on here :)

Happy Autumn Season Everyone and would love to hear your comments and what / where you are up to these days!

Blessings
Kylie

Feeling Good Today

2011-06-04T11:02:00.002-06:00

Ahh thank goodness it is Saturday, as by the weekend, I am usually feeling okay.

Yesterday while out and about with my daughter, I got some beautiful yellow flowers, and put them in my room, that way there is some sunshiny brightness even with the dull weather happening.

It feels good to have life around me, I look out my window and can see trees growing, and flowers blooming, and green life...and it is good!

Really makes me look forward to another month and a bit when I can get back on the open road, and surround myself with nature again.

I have been invited by a few friends to travel back east , and spend time there again :)

and I am now saving up for my trip to Ireland with my oldest daughter...gave her some money yesterday and boy oh boy did that feel good.

So I am still managing to stay focused on positive things in my life, even when I have my rough days each week...it feels good that I now have the end in sight with this treatment, and have made goals for the end of the summer for travel plans....helps keep me going!

Looking forward to reaching that rainbow, and feeling the good energy of community again!

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Gratitude Journal

2011-05-28T10:28:00.003-06:00

This morning I woke up and was feeling grateful that it is not raining outside...there is actually some sun trying to peer through the clouds. One of my first thoughts, was thank goodness, I now can get out for a bit of a walk today, and not get soaking wet like the other day :)

Then I went and got some leftover BBQ chicken from supper last night, and a bit of potato salad and again, was feeling really good, that I was able to enjoy food today. I had three days this week where having food was a bit of a challenge, but now I am thoroughly enjoying food again, or at least eating what I have here :)

I was able to connect with a couple of good friends the past two days through Facebook, and we had a chance to chat and really catch up with one another, and it was great...it is good to stay connected to friends who live far away, and although there are days where I get really frustrated with FB, then comes days like yesterday where I really appreciate FB and the ability to connect with friends that you do not see very often!

I feel very grateful, for the ability to have dreams and work towards goals...I know not everyone is in a place in their lives where that can unfold, but I feel very lucky, that I have good friends, and family members who have supported me on this healing journey and with all the ups and downs...now I am coming into the finishing weeks and I am almost done treatment, and can get back to living life and working towards my goals again. It is very inspiring, and really helps keeps my spirits up :)

and I feel blessed, that I am at a point, where I can actually enjoy coffee again!!!! This morning I made a fresh pot, of my favorite blend, and have been thoroughly enjoying my morning java :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend.

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Ireland Travel Plans

2011-05-27T01:37:00.004-06:00

Oh My Gosh!!!

I am so excited!!!

My oldest daughter shared with me earlier tonight, that she has been planning a trip to Ireland for the two of us, to take place next year sometime. I had been discussing with her, my need to make a new bucket list, and at the top of it was a trip to Ireland, as I have been wanting to go for years, and now there is nothing holding me back :)

C.C. shared with me, that she has been researching and planning a trip as a way of celebration for completing my medical treatments and a way for us to travel together ...and she knows how much I have wanted to travel to Ireland.

So now I am going to save for my air fare!!!

Oh and now to research some places to visit in Ireland :)

Hugs
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Been Awhile

2011-05-26T18:53:00.003-06:00

Good Day Mates :)

Been awhile since I have posted...really not much to say, and getting tired of saying I was sick and tired figuring folks had heard enough of that !

Health wise, I am doing better. My doc has put me on some added new meds to help with my low hemoglobin and that seems to be helping, so have been feeling a little more energy to get up and do stuff, and get outside. Thank Goodness...one can only deal with cabin fever for so long, before they get restless, and you know with my gypsy spirit, I tend to get restless pretty easily.

I have been really grateful to both my daughters who have been very supportive in coming to help me out each week, by taking me out for tea, helping with groceries or just coming to socialize. It has been my saving grace this past while!

It has been easier, now that I moved to another friends...much less quieter and I have my own space...and although I miss being outside, this is a much better arrangement . Close to all stores that I need, and groceries, and also fast food restaurants, and also on the subway line.

So I have been embracing the quietness, rediscovering my passion for reading novels, and got reconnected with internet and have been catching up on television shows. I have made more of an effort to do quick check ins on facebook for those that are on there, just letting folks know I am doing okay.

Now I am starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel, with only 8 more weeks of treatment I am now looking forward to planning my next road trip! So have been enjoying discovering new camping websites, and starting to catch up on reading travel blogs again.

With feeling better , comes being awake more and not sleeping quite as much, so this planning stage has been wonderful...especially now that I have access to cooking again, I have begun to cook meals...simple ones and easy to prepare as I still do not have tons of energy, but I am definitely eating better :)

Anyway with feeling better, thought I better post a blog and check in and let you know I am doing okay. Thanks again for your continued support, prayers and emails...they have been greatly appreciated.

Hugs
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Twitter

2011-04-15T00:41:00.000-06:00

I decided to explore the world of Twitter, and see what it is all about, at a suggestions of friends...

If you would like to network and connect feel free to add me

http://twitter.com/kyliehawk

Social Networks

2011-04-14T22:56:00.002-06:00

Social Networks are wonderful opportunities with connecting with folks across the miles...sharing info and knowledge from co-workers both present and past.

So I am exploring social networks that my online friends and tribe members make use of...

Any good social networks out there that you recommend?

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Winter Wonderland

2011-04-14T10:58:00.002-06:00

Oh My Gosh,

There is a winter wonderland out there this morning...we got so much snow, I guess this means that Winter is here for awhile longer...which is too bad, as the past couple days it looked and felt like Spring Season was on the way and it made me happy.

But guess I will keep in hibernation state for awhile...will keep reading books, watching movies, and drinking tea...

I am glad that I got to spend a bit of time outside the past few days, got some sunrays, and enjoyed the time getting a small glimpse of nature and dreaming of being outdoors .

So returning to planning and dreaming again until reality can set in.

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Almost half way point

2011-04-12T10:04:00.002-06:00

Finally getting a chance to check in here...and let folks know that I am doing a happy dance as I am almost at the half way point in my medical treatments.

For the most part they have been okay, certainly been some rough days, but now friends have gotten used to my weekly schedule and have learned that the best days to connect with me are on a Monday or Tuesday...and that I am just not able to commit to making plans , usually last minute works better as I have a better sense of energy level.

I have also learned a great lesson through all of this, and that it is perfectly okay to be selfish and take care of yourself first. I have been needing alot more personal time alone, and I have been taking it without apology. It has been pretty wonderful....taking time to rest, read, work on a homestudy course , watch movies and spend some quiet times drinking afternoon tea and with my two daughters.

Thanks to all that have continued to send messages and continue to support me as I go through this journey...and now that the sun is shining more I am dreaming of when I am able to be back on the road again...will not be for awhile yet, but it is so nice to now have the possibility of dreaming of it again.

I love the sunshine, I was sitting outside this morning, on a bench, in my friends front yard, just soaking in the sunrays, and enjoying being alive.

Hope everyone has a great week,

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic GypsyWoman

Sunny Morning

2011-03-13T10:19:00.001-06:00

Well the sun is shining this morning...my weekend has been pretty good...and I am looking forward to visiting at my daughters place tonight, with a homecooked meal. Hopefully I will feel like eating a bit more and it will not be too heavy.

I am learning to pace myself, take one day at a time, relax when I need to and enjoy living in the moment. A much better way to live , for me :)

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

Kylie

Wonderful Love sent by Mail

2011-03-12T21:16:00.001-07:00

It felt so good, to open the mailbox and discover an envelope package addressed for me from my Sisterhood friends in Ontario....wonderful Organic White Tea that we used to share in the afternoons , or often take a thermos down to the lakeshore for a walks.

Yes I miss those times, and will thoroughly enjoy the love and tea sent through the mail with all the good wishes.

I feel truly blessed to have such good friends,

Hugs
Kylie

Not Sleeping Tonight

2011-03-11T04:06:00.002-07:00

Well not getting much sleep tonight...guess my midnight snack of veggies and ranch dip with some hot tea was not a wise choice...should have had herbal tea rather than the black Earl Grey tea.

Oh well, I have been enjoying catching up on reading my vandwellers friends blogs, and realizing I have been missing out on updates and adventures...just so you know , I am slowly making my way through them and have been thoroughly enjoying sharing the stories! Makes me wish I had more exciting news to share with you.

For now, I am enjoying being at my friends D and L and they have been awesome, and we chatted tonight earlier and did a check in, and they are enjoying having me here also...thank goodness...I am also enjoying being around kidlets, and getting to reconnect with my inner child again...even did a coloring with crayons earlier today.

I am most definitely looking forward to some warmer weather, and hopefully getting outside more so...and I hear one of my vandweller friends will be passing through Ontario during the summer so would love to get back there and connect with Katie if possible.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

Good night , heading off to bed to try to get some sleep.

Kylie

Popping in to say hello

2011-03-10T20:49:00.002-07:00

Hey folks,

Yes it has been awhile since I have been posting blogs...my energy has been pretty low and I have been mainly sleeping and dealing with my health issues.

Just wanted to let you know that I am doing okay, my friends that I am staying with have been awesome, and I feel very blessed with all the prayers and emails and Facebook messages you have been sending to me...thank you so much!

My connection with my daughters have been great, my youngest has been coming to visit me twice a week, and we have been hanging out catching up on old television shows online...it has been good...and we have discovered we like alot of similiar tea flavors :)

Anyway just wanted to connect and say hi, let you know I am doing okay, but will not be online as much for the next while due to medical treatments and lack of energy.

Hope you all are doing well, and I will be taking time over the next few weeks to try to catch up on my reading of blogs and updates!

Hugs
Kylie

Urban Homesteading Solidarity

2011-02-21T20:53:00.005-07:00

I am an Nomadic, Gypsy Spirit Urban Homesteader... and today I stand in solidarity and participate as an activist in the Urban Homesteading Action Day!

Homesteading is in my spirit and in my blood and can NOT be trademarked!!!!!

For many years, I have taken jobs that involved community gardening, community development projects that shared knowledge for women to become more self sufficient...when in the city I try to garden in containers and work hard on cooking from scratch when possible.

These are skills that have been handed down through generations of families and friends, and the knowledge has been passed along so that we create community to work together and share in the goodness that comes from living closer to the land.

I have worked hard to make my life more simple, less chaotic, and live frugally, so that I can be independent and become self sufficient.

I still have alot to learn and a long way to go in becoming self sufficient...but am now taking steps to become an Urban Homesteader and combine it with my passion for Nomadic Living...

I do not believe that anyone can trademark the lifestyle of Urban Homesteading, after all I enjoy reading Mother Earth News Magazine and there are many articles on Homesteading and they have been around for many years... and so, I write this blog in solidarity with the Homesteading community in standing in solidarity and protest against recent events. To learn more , check out the Facebook group Take Back Urban Home-steading(s).

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Herbalist and Naturalist info

2011-02-06T00:29:00.001-07:00

Hi folks,

I am on the lookout for some good herbalist and naturalist books and websites...if you have some good links , can you please leave suggestions in the comments section.

Thanks and much appreciated.

Kylie

Reflections of Today

2011-01-31T19:10:00.003-07:00

I had apretty good day today, spent indoors at my friends house, as it is pretty darn cold outside...too cold for my wee bones to be wandering about.

Todays food intake consisted of : Breakfast was pancakes and banana with maple syrup, and coffee, and my lunch was a roast beef sandwich on a dinner roll, and for supper I had roast beef and potatos. ... and I had a salad just half hour ago...for tonight snack I have a Hershey chocolate bar which will be yummy.

I have been catching up with an online friend and we have been discussing ways of healing for ourselves, and today we got to discussing Mandalas...which is a healing creative process of drawing circular pictures with healing symbols within the circle.

Here are some links that I use ona regular basis:

Claire Goodwin Mandala This is an excellent website definitely worth exploring...it also has alot of links to other pages and websites that share ideas for creating Mandalas.

I would love to hear from others that have creative outlets for healing.

Blessings
Kylie

Anima Sanctuary

2011-01-31T05:39:00.002-07:00

I am very excited to have the opportunity to be working with Kiva Rose from Anima Sanctuary.

It looks like an amazing opportunity for some herbalism learning and having Kiva Rose share her teachings about nature and her life there is an amazing opportunity for me, and fits with right where I am on my life path at this point.

I feel it will help me continue to work towards my goals and continue on my path of personal growth and stretching knowledge into practical living .

Will let you know when my courses arrive.

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Creative Ways to Reach a Goal

2011-01-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

As some of you know, I do not always work conventionally in life...I often will barter my time to reach my goals..even small goals.

I do not have any special skills, or university degrees, but I have an open mind to working hard and trying new things...and of course helping others in need.

Right now, I am without an income, yet I am still working towards my goals...and to do this, means I am working creative jobs to make ends meet.

For example, I am bartering my skills and services and of course my time, by helping a friend out with childcare, in exchange for the use of her backyard shed and some food....but there are many other ways to barter your time in exchange for some items that you many need.

Other ways that might work for you:

- bartering helping out on a farm in exchange for some fresh grown produce.
- helping out cleaning our a garage or warehouse for possible items for yourself or to sell
- helping out a senior with writng out a family history in exchange for some travel money
- catering an event in exchange for some good
- helping out a friend do some repairs or construction in exchange for some supplies
- helping out a friend with car repairs in exchange for some knowledge sharing and use of tools

there are so many ways to help out others, and share knowledge and resources with each other...not all jobs have to involve the use of exchanging money to meet your goals or needs.

Many times I help out friends for getting fed a meal, meets both of our needs.

Just wanted to share these ideas for those that are struggling with have little income and struggling...if you have a desire to work hard, and be creative, there are always ways to work towards your goals.

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Slept in HIbernation

2011-01-29T08:57:00.005-07:00

I bundled up my blankets last night, and slept so peacefully through the night until the sun rays shone through the skylight this morning. I feel very well rested, and am delighted that my new Tiny Home is working so well.

The temperatures got down to minues 15 last night, but with my space heater, and the pile of blankets I stayed very warm indeed...so this is a good test for my Vandwelling experience that will be coming in the near future.

This morning I am having my morning coffee with a melted cheese sandwich inside at my friends house..My friend is sleeping in while I am watching the kidlets so she gets a bit of a break.

Off to the new Farmers Market tomorrow and I am really excited about exploring that...I had been to the farmers market at the old location but have not been to the new location, and I also have a facebook friend who is going to be there , who has a Pen to Paper Journalling business , so will be great to meet up with her.

Take care everyone and hope you have a fabulous weekend.

Hugs
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Making Progress on Reaching Goals

2011-01-28T20:26:00.005-07:00

So many positive things have been happening for me this past week. I have been helping a friend who is a foster parent and sharing my plans and goals of becoming a Van Dweller...she has a small house, but did have a shed out in her backyard...so this week we have cleaned it out, and turned it into my new Tiny Home...taking steps to becoming a mimimalist and working towards my goals. The photo above is a similar one to the shed that I am moving into this weekend!

My friend is very supportive of my dreams, and has helped me turn the shed into a living space with putting up boards along the walls, and putting some insulation in it. She has also helped me gather some camping supplies, and new blankets and carpet that I can transfer into my van when I get one.

I am feeling very good, and glad that life is starting to take a more positive path.

Will update over the next couple of weeks, as I work and make progress.

Blessings
Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Inner Child

2011-01-27T13:14:00.002-07:00

I have been having alot of fun helping out a friend with some childcare...she is a foster mom, and has not been feeling 100% the past week, so I have been coming to hang out with her and play with the kids.

It has been wonderful, spending time outdoors, exploring nature and experiencing it from a child's perspective again, all brand new and exciting. We have also spend time exploring our imagination with driving trucks and climbing hills and just being kids.

It has been very good for my inner child to come out and play for awhile and have some fun.

Hope everyone is having a good week.

Quiet Weekend

2011-01-22T13:24:00.004-07:00

WOW, this has been a whirlwind of a week, and I am very happy to have some quiet time to hibernate and relax this weekend.

Too many hoops to be jumping through to deal with the government red tape just to get some financial assistance to deal with medical issues...and I know have a much better appreciation for what my former clients had to go through that I used to work with. It takes a lot of patience and self determination to deal with the process of what officials make you go through...I have done the intake , now need to sit and wait for the assessment process which will take a couple of weeks for my next appointment. So much for getting rent paid for February 1, so will just continue to couch surf with friends for the next three weeks until finances get settled.

Too bad it is winter outside, as I would just love to take a tent and camp outside, in the backwoods...that would suit me so much better. Yet alas, I have returned to the Alberta mountains, so Winter Season will stay here for awhile longer.

I am finding that I have alot more patience within me, or maybe it is a inner resolve to just deal with the health issues so that I can get back to traveling the back roads and exploring life...so since I tend to hibernate in Winter Season ( much like a mamma bear) I will focus on health, and taking care of myself , while living within the four walls of a house again for awhile. Thank goodness for friends who understand this need, and are willing to let me rent a room, or stay a few nights on their couch in exchange for some homecooked meals :)

Guess my talents of running a catering business years ago has paid off, as I still enjoy cooking , although I would much prefer to be cooking outdoors, but for now will take full advantage of cooking on a standard stove and making homemade goodies like muffins, and casseroles...rather than stove top stews, and soups.

It is good to be in the present, and live in the season of what you need to do in your life. I have had great opportunities of travel and work, and enjoyed those times...now am living in the season of healing health, and using this time to catch up on reading books, research on the internet for homesteading internships for when I feel better, and reconnecting with friends that I do not always have a chance to keep in touch with when traveling.

Oh and of course, I am taking full advantage of having this time with my girls also...chatting on the phone, having get togethers, and just having a closeness again...my oldest is doing so well, she just finished her exams and looking forward to her next semester...and with these goals met, she will be able to move into full time university for her nursing program in the Fall Season.

My youngest has now gotten a stable place with friends, and is hoping to do some correspondance courses as she finds that she works better independantly. Hopefully things come together for her.

Anyway just wanted you to know that I am getting grounded again, refocused my priorities and taking time for healing in many areas of my life...then making plans for next Spring or Summer for hopefully doing a bit more traveling again and getting a chance to living outdoors in the warm sunshine.

For now , I will enjoy my hibernation mode, and take time for journaling, writing blogs, and reading and just using this time to re-energize myself.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend.

Blessings

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

New Year Beginnings

2011-01-17T20:23:00.003-07:00

Well it is the start to a New Year...and with it, comes new beginnings and a fresh start.

Change is good for me, in so many ways...and this is the best time for me to be exploring new beginnings . My Contract job finished in Ontario in December and I had taken on a new contract job here in Alberta...but the new one did not work out. So I had to do some quick change of plans and seeking shelter with friends for awhile while I got back on my feet, as this time I had not arranged a back up plan as I thought for sure this new contract would work out, and it had also involved housing with it.

Yet I have some very good friends, and I am to be a hermit for a few weeks while I arrange for a new plan to come together. I am now going to rent a room with a friend who has a house, and that will give me some time to make longer term plans. It is funny, in a way, as the room is quite small and my friend was a bit concerned, but I said..hey no problem, I am practising to be a Van Dweller so this is perfect, as it helps me stay on track with being organized !

I have a daybed, and am able to keep my plastic storage boxes with my clothes underneath it...just like I plan to do when I get my van...and then I bought a plastic set of drawers which I now keep my scrapbook and creative art supplies in it, and it fits nicely beside my daybed.

For now I have put my kitchen supplies duffel bag into the crawl space in her house so that it is out of the way....I have been collecting kitchen supplies and came across my pie iron again, so got busy planning some campfire gatherings so that I can make use of it . ( I personally think it would make a great winter night hot snack sitting around the campfire making hot sandwiches)

So while I am here in Calgary, I will be taking care of some medical issues that have flared up and I need to be close to the clinic where my doctor works, so I will be spending the next six months here to go through the process of getting my medical situation back on track. If I am lucky I will be able to make weekend get-away- plans for some recreational fun, but my homebase will be Calgary again.

Which is okay for now, I get to spend more time with my girls, and reconnect with friends...maybe do a bit of casual temp work depending on how well my medical situation gets taken care of. Not liking that I will be on medical welfare again, as it has been almost ten years since I have had to go that route...but at least it will provide an income to pay rent for the room where I am staying so that is okay.

Anyway just wanted to catch up with you, let you know I have landed on my feet again, and am moving forward. I just had to take a leap of faith, and make decisions and believe that in time things would work out okay. It was very difficult, but a very necessary step that I needed to take. In the end, things are coming together slowly, in a different way, but that is okay too...and I will take this time to focus on getting my health back on track and resting for the next few months while I take care of me first for a change.

I hope everyone is having a good start to the New Year and want to thank everyone who has been sending supportive messages, and emails. It has helped a great deal to get me through the rough patches.

Blessings
Kylie

Happy Holidays

2010-12-26T10:49:00.003-07:00

Happy Holidays !!!!!

For any holiday that you are participating in this Season, I wish you wonderful times filled with family and friends, and surrounding yourself with lots of comfort and rest, and good holiday spirits!

Many blessings wished for the New Year !

Kylie

Transitions

2010-12-19T10:44:00.004-07:00

Sorry I have not been blogging much lately, I have been really struggling with life in the past while. I stepped into a messy situation by attempting to help someone in need, and in the end it has cost me dearly.

I am feeling at a crossroads in my life right now, and trying to figure out a way to make some decisions that will help move me forward ... and for now just taking one day at a time.

Thank you for your continuing support, it has meant a great deal to me to know I have some folks who care enough to stay connected even while I tend to go into hermit mode.

In the meantime, if you can say a prayer and continue to send positive energy through the holidays, and am wishing everyone a holiday filled with many blessings.

Kylie

Landed Safely

2010-11-03T03:37:00.003-06:00

I spread my wings
and landed safely,
now surrounded
by Sisterhood.

Feeling blessed
and pampered
enjoying afternoon tea.

Embracing new opportunities
wondering what comes next
in this journey called life .

Reconnecting with old friends
and greeting new ones
all intertwined together
to form new networks.

All is good in my world!

blessings
Kylie

Whirlwind Week

2010-10-28T02:40:00.003-06:00

Sorry I have not been online much recently but this his has been a busy week...first off there has been some challenging community issues that needed to be dealt with this week, and I am now feeling relieved that I am free to travel.

There has been some gatherings happening, which of course means lots of socializing, cooking and eating good foods, and sharing stories. It has been a good week for connecting with friends new and old.

Now I am moving forward and preparing for my trip which starts in the early morning on Tuesday. I am looking forward to seeing my girls, and exploring what new career opportunities may unfold. It feels good!

I am so looking forward to being on the road again, and have been busy doing some shopping with my travel foods that I like to have with me as snacks.

I will have some time this weekend to connect again before heading off.

Hope everyone is having a good week, and I will be catching up on emails and group postings.

Blessings
Kylie

Freedom With No Schedule

2010-10-22T07:27:00.003-06:00

Well the sun is shining through my window and it feels good. I am curled up on my bed , working on my laptop and just enjoying the quietness of the morning.

I know that once I get up and head to the coffeemaker, there will be folks arising and starting the day and the quietness of the first morning light will be gone.

Not sure what my plans for the day are...I do not have any really as I was suppose to be gone from here and on my road trip. The reasons I had to delay have been put to rest for this week, although there are appointments to keep for next week, but for the next three days, I am without plans...

So what to do?

Lots of thoughts swirling around in my head...

- I could write some letters and continue on my mission of the Lost Art of Letter Writing

- I could make a trek down to the lake and collect some more rocks, and sit and meditate

- I could do some baking since there are supplies available

- I could write some blogs after researching some themes for Van Steading

- I could continue to explore education opportunites for Agriculture Internships

- I could get out two of my novels and spend some time reading

- I could create some more new bottles of cleaning products

- I could get out my new fabric and sew up a hoodie this weekend

So many ideas, and three days to explore having some fun and quiet time for myself...wow I cannot remember when I have had this much time and no schedule, it is a wonderful feeling to know I have the freedom to have fun and take some TLC time for me!!!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend, and let me know what you are all up to this weekend and if you are taking some time for yourself.

Blessings

Kylie

Winter and Tea

2010-10-21T06:38:00.004-06:00

Winter is certainly on its way...the weather is colder and I am finding myself wanting to get out my winter crafts and supplies for starting projects. This year there are other folks that are staying here and we have been buying fabric to make our own hooded scarves etc. I am really looking forward to making one for myself, and was delighted to find a fabric that was heavy and also to find some fleece that coordinates colors really nicely together.

I know that I am also thinking of making a quilt this year, or quilted place mats. I have always been interested in quilting, but am not ready to undertake a huge project such as a blanket...but I think smaller ones will be good. I would also like to create a Seasons of Life quilted tote bag for nomadic living.

I have now found someone that is also very interested in sewing, and quilting, so we will be starting some small projects together. In amongst my traveling back and forth, I will now have some good projects to be working on with a sewing buddy to help keep motivated!

Also I have been noticing my taste buds have been wanting Chai Tea lately, and I know that I always drink more of that in the winter time than any other time of the year! Now please note I do drink tea pretty regularly, in fact I tend to drink tea far more than coffee. But there are just some seasons that have specific tea blends for me, and I find that Winter Season brings me spicy Chai Tea.

If you have never had Chai Tea, here is a recipe that I found on the internet:

and here is the link to the website that has other Tea Blends if you are interested in making your own.

Chai Tea Blend

1/2 cup black tea leaves

3 crushed cinnamon sticks

12 crushed black peppercorns

5 crushed cloves

6 crushed cardamom seeds

1 teaspoon crushed cumin seeds

4 whole crushed allspice

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

To make heat milk and water together in equal proportions and add 1 tablespoon per cup of mixture, let stand for 10 minutes strain and serve.

Long Day

2010-10-20T16:07:00.003-06:00

Wow, sure has been a long day for me...and the day is still not over as I have a community meeting tonight. Fortunately there is apple cobbler going to be served at the meeting as a treat, so that will be good.

I am struggling this week. A big part of the reason is because I had planned so much on being on the road right now, and still being here is a challenge for me. Yet I know there is still things that need to be taken care of here before I can head off , and explore the open road and career possibilities . So here I sit, and reflect on what I can do to change my attitude, and be more open to being in the present here, rather than dreaming of being on the open road!

I am not sure why I am feeling so put out, after all it is only two extra weeks...and today , I went to the dollar store and got some more road trip foods, which is good. Also was able to organize some more books that I want to take with me, and those that I am passing on to friends. So I am still being productive.

Well off to get some supper together before the meeting. I hope everyone is having a good week, and would be great to hear what good things are happening to you this week!

Blessings
Kylie

New Projects

2010-10-19T20:27:00.004-06:00

Hey folks,

Sorry I have been away from blogging...have been doing some self care, as I was sick and I really needed some time to just recooperate and rest alot so I could get better.

Fortunately I have some amazing housemates, and neighbors who have been taking good care of me, and making sure I am eating well, and drinking tons of tea and juices. I am feeling so much better now.

Still not feeling 100 % but am definitely feeling restless which is a good sign that I am feeling pretty close to normal again. I had to make some minor changes in my road trip...it is delayed by two weeks, now my departure date is November 2nd...I called ahead and let my daughter know, so she would not be concerned when I did not arrive as planned.

So today I was out and about going for a walk, and went to the fabric store and got some fabric and my house mate is going to help me make a hooded scarf, with some heavy fabric and some fleece lining so it will help keep me extra warm :)

And I am so excited , as we also went to the natural health store and got some Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap so we can create our own homemade shampoo, and house cleaner, and also we are going to try making our own laundry soap. It is becoming our new community project!

We also purchased some tea tree oil and we will be experimenting with adding it, so will let you know how it works out :)

I have also been exploring and researching on the internet some Vansteading Crafts and will start to share some links with resources and information with you.

Hope everyone is having a great week.

blessings
Kylie

Rounding the Corner

2010-10-15T21:34:00.004-06:00

Well I am definitely on the mend and rounding the corner to recovery...my voice is still not 100 % but at least I have a voice now...just cannot talk for long or I end up in coughing fits. So short discussions :)

I have been busy working on a proposal most of the day today, and then found out half hour ago that I had an extension until Monday which is wonderful! I was feeling pretty stressed out over it as I had lost almost four days of work time due to feeling so sick.

Now I can relax and breathe and have some time to fine tune it .

I enjoyed my energy and took a walk down by the lake today, which ended up being a long walk, as I had missed being outside this week and had felt really cooped up...so today was great. I also was able to clear out the cobwebs in my brain and come back and did some serious writing :)

Anyway this will be a weekend of writing, so will also be on the internet alot and will be posting some blog entries for Vansteading, as I have been really enjoying reading Heidi's and Katies blogs and sharing ideas. Thanks for the inspirations ladies!

Hope everyone has a great night.

Sweet Dreams

Kylie

Curled up under Blankets

2010-10-14T05:34:00.004-06:00

Sorry folks for not posting much and keeping up with the VanSteaders topics , I have been sick in bed for the past three days. I finally went to the hospital yesterday at the insistence of my housemates, but they could not find anything wrong other than a really bad cold.

I have lost my voice, curled up under my warm blankets and have been sleeping oh so much...which on one hand is wonderful to just sleep all day and night, only getting up for bathroom breaks and juice breaks...well last night it was for a soup break ( I have wonderful housemates that made a wonderful pot of homemade chicken soup ) ...

I figure eventually my body will want to stop sleeping so much and then my brain will kick back into active thinking mode :) and then will share my thoughts on the updated VanSteaders topics.

Will be back online in a couple of days hopefully.

blessings
Kylie

Monday Musings

2010-10-11T11:42:00.003-06:00

Well it is a holiday Monday here in Canada...Thanksgiving. A time to share with family and friends, and this has been a good weekend. Sharing good food, good company and I also have had time to spend in quiet for self care.

I sometimes get so busy, with work commitments, and other people needing my time and energy that I forget to take care of me . i try to get time to walk by the lake and spend my nights reading or connecting with my online community friends. I made a commitment this weekend to take more time for me over the next upcoming days while I prepare for my road trips.

I am going on Wednesday to spend some time with a very good friend of mine, up in the country where we can take backroad drives and travel up the Blue Mountain and watch the wildlife. I wish I had more time with my friend CM as we spend great times together just hanging out, and it is a great getaway.

I have enjoyed doing some research online today, exploring woodstoves and ways to become a Vansteader...and realistic ways to make it happen. It is definitely something that is evolving for me, as my passion has always been living in the woods and homesteading, and yet traveling is also a great passion for me. There now seems to be a way to embrace both and have the best of both worlds.

blessings
Kylie

The Art of Letter Writing

2010-10-04T05:37:00.006-06:00

I had a wonderful conversation with a friend, last night for over an hour...and if you know me, you know I do not like to talk long on the phone, but I was out on the front porch and was just sitting drinking my tea, when my phone rang and my friend was calling me from work. She works as security and she had just finished making her rounds and called, so we got to talk for an hour .

We rarely get a chance for long conversations due to both of our schedules, and it was so wonderful to take the time to really connect and share thoughts, and so we got to realizing that with my new schedule of my consulting job and with traveling, we both needed to get better with rediscovering the old art of letter writing.

I admit I have gotten away from the hobby of letter writing, lost the art of it, where as in years past, I would write letters all the time and send them off to friends sharing details of my adventures, but with modern technology I lost the art of letter writing.

but now I am excited to be getting back into the art of it, and am looking forward to putting my thoughts on paper again and sharing photos and poetry, and personal writing that just does not come from sending emails, or text from your cell phone.

So lets celebrate the art of letter writing and stay connected with our friends while sharing adventures with them. After all everyone loves getting surprises from friends in their mail box, especially if it is not a bill :)

My friend CM is very excited to be looking forward to getting letters and packages in her mailbox!

blessings
Kylie

Swiss Room Box

2010-10-03T04:58:00.004-06:00

Wow I received this information from the Tiny House Living Newsletter about a new product that is really like a Swiss Army Knife for Vandwellers/Car Campers.

Here is the website for the SwissRoomBox for information.

http://www.swissroombox.com/swissRoomBox-home.html

and the video that shows how easy it is to put together .

Feeling Excited

2010-10-02T06:41:00.003-06:00

I woke up this morning, and am feeling well rested, and excited about my new plans that are in the works...

I am creating a life that works for me , and that feels good. Combining my passions of traveling, community, and being able to focus more on me which is what I have been working towards.

It takes a lot of hard work to get to a place in your life where you can feel happy with your choices and see the reflections of all the personal development changes that have evolved over the past while come together. It feels really good to be able to share with my friends that I am now happy and not so stressed anymore, and this is a result of not needing to work full time, just working part time and living a more simple lifestyle.

I sent an email to my daughter and let her know I was travelling westbound and we are going to be able to have a visit and she suggested taking a drive up through the mountains together :) I am really happy about this, as it will give us lots of good quality time together just with us.

I have found that moving away from my girls has really brought some positive changes to our relationship and that feels awesome. We have evolved into a more "friendship" relationship as adults now, and able to share more personal stories with one another. At first this was an adjustment but now feels good, as I have seen the definite improvements this change in our relationship has brought us!

I am slowly getting ready to gather my traveling supplies together again, as I get ready for my road trip. It feels good to be sponsored and have some of my traveling expenses covered for a change, rather than having to cover them all myself. It makes life a bit easier on me to be able to stretch my limited finances further.

I have realized this will change things a great deal for me, but you know ...I feel ready for the changes, and it is time to move forward! I am ready for some road adventures again. I have been here settled for almost a year, well ten months as of today...a few short term road trips in that time period, but for the most part, I have stayed settled here. Mind you , I have also thoroughly enjoyed being by a lake and being able to take late night walks along the lakeshore, and I admit I will greatly miss that.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend, and taking some time to relax for yourself.

Blessings
Kylie

Interesting New Blog

2010-10-01T21:37:00.004-06:00

I have just found the new blog called "VanSteaders" which is found at http://vansteaders.blogspot.com/ I have thoroughly enjoyed reading. It combines both of my passions with Vandwelling and Homesteading...so it makes sense to do some.

I have enjoyed working on farms during my travels and nomadic lifestyle and thought that I would share a list of places with you that would help those who are interested in farm training opportunities. It would also go really well with the lifestyle of being a vandweller if you wanted to explore some of these opportunities.

I found a list from the website Planet Friendly Net for Volunteer Opportunities for working on Farms. One of my favorite organizations is called Willing Workers on Organic Farms, and it is an organization that helps farms network and connect with people who are wanting some experience working on farms. it is a wonderful resource to have, and works really well with the vandweller's lifestyle.

New Job

2010-09-29T22:47:00.002-06:00

Wow, I have had the most amazing opportunity be presented to me, and I am very excited!

This will combine my passion for traveling with my consulting work, and also Community Outreach...all rolled into one amazing job.

I have also been networking and have been invited to be a guest speaker at a National Conference being held next Spring 2011. This is a huge accomplishment and recognition for the work that I have been doing for the past few years, and also represents the huge personal development that I have worked hard for.

Huge changes on the horizon, and great opportunities for more traveling.

Stayed for updates!

Blessings, Kylie

Autumn Season

2010-09-26T03:19:00.003-06:00

Wow so many changes happening in nature, and it is reflecting the changes in my life at this point. I am loving the changes.
Summer has had me far too quiet, which really has been for good reasons, as I have been Coordinator of a Community House of Hospitality and it has been a very good learning curve for me.

But now I have three others to help run the house, and the finances have been turned over to someone who is far more capable that I am, so this helps to free me up to do more outreach and wander.

Meaning I am ready for some road trips. Starting this coming week, I will be going on a road trip up to Blue Mountain Country, and exploring back country roads with a good friend of mine.

Going to be gone for a whole week which will be wonderful as I am feeling a little burnt out after so much work that has been done lately. Sometimes I turn into such a workaholic but it has all been for a good cause indeed!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY "C.C"

2010-09-25T00:30:00.000-06:00

Well it is my oldest daughters birthday today....celebrating 21 years old!

WOW !!!!

Who would have thought that time would fly by so quickly , as it still seems like yesterday that she was riding her little trike and climbing up into the top bunk to read her comic books.

Thinking of you today CC and wishing I was there to celebrate your special day, but from the sounds of it you have a very full weekend of celebrations planned.

Happy Birthday and hope you enjoy your special day!

Love Mom

So much work, So little Time

2010-08-26T03:23:00.000-06:00

Lately it seems there is just so much work to be done, and not nearly enough time during the day to get it all done.

Working as a Coordinator for a Community House has been very fulfilling, but has gotten me back into workaholic mode and this is so not good for me, definitely time to bring on some others to help out.

Time to make some more changes, as Autumn Season nears and that is always the time for new opportunities to be explored. Years past, it has always been a time when my girls started their new year of schooling, but those times are gone...well for my involvement anyway. My oldest has registered for her pre-nursing courses again, and with this year she will be able to finish them and then go into university full time for nursing next year!

My youngest finished her highschool and I am so proud of her, as it was a long time goal she has been working to acheive. Now on a break while she figures out her next step in life and goals to work towards.

Hopefully she will figure out something that works well for her.

Now to figure out what works for me and find some new goals to explore...feeling a little restless, definitely time to have a few days off and wander out into the back woods!

blessings
Kylie

New Treasures

2010-08-15T03:02:00.002-06:00

I am back for a visit to Calgary, and am staying at my daughter's place and also connecting with some of my good friends.

I had a fabulous time today with my friend Louise as we went garage sale shopping and found some wonderful treasures!

I found some great cookbooks, some brand new scrapbook supplies, and a picnic basket with full picnic dish set :)

Louise found some great furniture for her house, lamps, coffee table, and some office supplies!

We hit the motherload and had a blast exploring various garage sales. There were some that you could tell do this for a business.

Definitely worth taking the time on weekends to go exploring again for more!

blessings

Kylie

August Already

2010-08-08T18:25:00.003-06:00

Oh My Gosh,

We are already almost half through August, and I am wondering where the time has gone. I have been busy with the community house, and also doing some part time administrative work for a friend of mine, but that is slowly coming to an end at the end of this month.

Now we have a possibility of a new family moving into the house, and they are friends of mine...also a possibility of having some part time babysitting job starting in September, which would be alot of fun. I am looking forward to that hopefully working out.

The weather has been pretty good, I am adjusting to the humidity here in Ontario as opposed to the dry climate in Alberta...I think it is good, although when too warm a bit hard to sleep at night.

I am enjoying making new connections here and networking through the community...it has been interesting to expand my people circle. It has been good for me, as I tend to easily slip into the mode of being a hermit, which sometimes works out really well for me..but too much solitude is something that can be a not so good part of my life....I like a balance and if given the choice I always tend to spend too much time by myself. It is sometimes hard to get back into being able to carry on conversations with new people that I meet along the way. But part of my role as Coordinator is being able to network, so am making more of an effort to do this...so far it is a good thing.

blessings
Kylie

Busy Month

2010-07-30T18:14:00.000-06:00

July has been a very busy month, I have changed roles in the community I am living with, and am now in the role of Coordinator of the Community House. With it comes alot of responsibility but it is very good. Not what I was expecting, but it is growing on me...and I am learning to balance my work and private time...and enjoying the networking aspect of my new role. It will take some time to fully adjust and find my niche and what works for me, but in the meantime I am enjoying exploring and making what the new coordinator role mans for me.

I have also been enjoying taking walks by the lake, and sitting there at night and watching the sailboats...very soothing for me.

Hope everyone else is having a good month, sorry I have not been keeping up with my blog, but there just has been so much work with this new transition, hoping I find more of a balance between writing and working.

Blessings
Kylie

Happy Canada Day!!!

2010-07-02T04:39:00.000-06:00

Well this has been a pretty good few weeks. I now have a part time job, and I have been enjoying it a great deal. Not difficult work at all, more time consuming than anything. I am doing some Consulting work and some administrative work two days a week. It provides a bit of income and good for Tim Horton's coffee runs!

The weather has been so nice, that BBQ season has been fantastic, and I am taking full advantage of it. With being in the community, there is always folks to share food with, and this makes for wonderful potluck dinners and gathering around the BBQ. Good company and good food, what more could a girl want :)

Here we have been fully celebrating Canada Day and enjoying being by the lake. Earlier tonight there were fireworks happening and my housemates and I went down to the lake and enjoyed the celebration. A very good evening indeed.

The one thing that has been getting to me a bit, is with all this nice weather, I sure wish I was camping out and traveling...but have realized this is the season for staying put, having my roots grow with the community, and help out around here this year. There will be other seasons for traveling again.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful celebration with both July 1st for my Canadian friends and also July 4th for my American friends.

Blessings
Kylie

Time Flies

2010-06-19T02:28:00.002-06:00

It seems this week has been very busy...well maybe on purpose for me.

After my visit with my friend, I felt a need to be busy, and feeling productive. I have worked hard to create a good life for myself. A life with some meaning, and some purpose for me personally. Life has been filled with challenges over the years, and I do not have any regrets really. Maybe reflections that some decisions would have been different if I had , had the knowledge that I do now...but let's face it, if we all had the knowledge now, some of our youth years would certainly have been different.

Yet , I feel good about where I am at these days. I have worked really hard on personal growth, and maintaining my health so that I can be active. I learned how to take better care of myself, and with a proper diet, most days...I feel good.

I like that I am in a place in my life where I can work part time, and do not feel the need to work full time. I like that I can keep a balance between self care with activities of walking by the lake and surrounding myself with bits of nature.

I like that I am now back living in community, and have some social connections again. For a while I really thought that being a hermit was a good thing for me, and for some time, yes it was. I am a person that needs alot of personal space. I work , and function in life much better.

This past week was busy, and I am feeling today, a little bit too busy...so this week, I am going to take a step back, spend some time by myself, and be a hermit for the weekend. I think it is needed...at least until Sunday night when there is a BBQ at a neighbors house :)

Hope everyone has a good weekend.

Blessings
Kylie

Difficult Past Days

2010-06-17T07:08:00.002-06:00

I have been struggling the past three days.

I got a call Monday from a very good friend who I have known since I was a teen....requesting my help.

Reflections of dealing with demons from a difficult past, a journey through life that has been very very hard on her, and she is at a point where she is struggling immensely.

Some of that journey through life was shared with me, I have also had challenging moments along the way in my life, and since we have known each other for so many years, of course we shared many memories of times that we both were challenged.

It is hard to figure out why some people can move forward and others get stuck in a memory from their past. Hard to explain to folks how I have moved forward ...but just by taking one step at a time, it is indeed possible.

I am now back home, safe and secure in my own space. Took a walk by the lake last night and it was wonderful to sit by the water.

Hopefully the peacefulness returns the next few days.

Kylie

Busy Life These Days

2010-06-13T16:49:00.003-06:00

Well life sure does bring many changes, when you least expect it...the community house where I am staying these days is going through many transitions and with them, I have not been made Coordinator of the Community House.

Not at all what I was expecting when I came here, but I feel it is a position I can do well, and so here I am ...staying put for awhile.

Other plans such as trip to the States has now been put on hold for awhile. My friends surgery was delayed while she got her health stabilized, so I did not need to go there to help with her recovery.

I also have a part time administrative job helping out a friend, that will provide some added income for awhile, which is good. It will be two days a week, which is great for me...I was certainly not looking for a full time gig in any form.

So instead of traveling this summer, building up my income, and helping out with the community house for now. It feels like the right thing for me, it is kind of like a caretaking position, so that works for me.

Also getting time to spend with some friends and reconnect again.

Blessings
Kylie

Life is good

2010-05-18T11:28:00.002-06:00

I am feeling blessed!

Blessed that I have two daughters who have a inner strength within them , and a passion for life, that will carry them far!

Blessed that I have a connection with them , as they move from girls to young woman and a bond that continues to grow with us as a family.

I feel gratitude!

Grateful that I have had this opportunity of time to spend with them, and connect with them as they are now.

Grateful that I have friends who have taken care of me during this trip, and helped keep me grounded.

I feel loved!

I feel the caring support of all my vandweller's family, and feel very lucky to have you all in my life!

I feel grounded!

I feel very grounded on the life path that I traveling on at this point in my journey, as I explore new opportunities and adventures.

I feel grounded, knowing I have a community to live in, and a strong Sisterhood to connect with.

Life is good at this point. My life journey has taken me many twists and turns along the way, as I faced challenges and conquered mountains. But my path has made me strong as a woman, as an individual and I know that all that has evolved, as made me the person I am today.

One day at a time, no looking back, focusing on my future and knowing that I am in a good place!

Blessings
Kylie

Birthday Blessings!

2010-05-17T01:09:00.000-06:00

I feel truly blessed, by all the birthday greetings shared by my vandweller's family. Thank you everyone.

I had a wonderful birthday weekend, which started on Friday with going out for lunch with my friend Wayne. We went out for Fish and Chips, and I had the best fish that I have tried in a very long time. They had an amazing dip that was dill and lemon, and it tasted soooo good. I only ate about half of the french fries as they gave a large amount. I am not used to eating so much in one sitting any more.

Saturday was spent relaxing, enjoying a bubble bath, and reading a novel that my daughter had gotten for me from the library. It was wonderful to just pamper myself :)

Sunday was spent outdoors with my youngest daughter. We had fun, coloring, enjoying the sunshine, and then went out for supper and had a chicken and rice dish with steamed veggies. Very filling!

Monday , I am going out with my oldest daughter for afternoon tea after she gets off work...it will be our last visit for awhile, as Tuesday I am off again on a road trip and heading back East!

This has been a great visit, here in Calgary..getting a chance to see my girls again, and catch up on events in their lives!

I made the mistake of having some coffee in the evening and now am not able to sleep much tonight..so have been spending time on the internet catching up on emails and Facebook!

Hope everyone else had a good weekend.

Hugs
Kylie

Spring Road Trip

2010-04-27T08:16:00.000-06:00

Well looks like I am about to embark on a spontaneous road trip, this time I am off to see the girls out West. My oldest is feeling a little overwhelmed with working and school and managing my youngest daughter life adventures. So off to do some TLC mommy style!

Leaving on Wednesday night and hope to arrive in Calgary by the weekend.

Sorry will be out of internet access while I am on the road, but will touch back on the weekend and update.

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Vegetarian Chili

2010-04-25T06:01:00.002-06:00

So yesterday as I mentioned I made a huge pot of vegetarian chili which was very simple to make so thought I would share it here:

In large pot ,

saute onions, garlic, add green pepper and mushrooms
Add canned tomatos
Add beans of your choice ( we had black beans and kidney beans)
Cut up slices carrots and celery and add to pot,

For spices, I added, cumin, cinnamon, onion soup mix, curry, and oregano, and chili powder for flavoring

I also added a cup of water to this as about an hour before serving I also added brown rice to the pot to make it more filling ( and as you know, adding rice as it cooks will soak up the juices and liquid)

Note: The cinnamon is a spice that my daughter taught me to use in chili and I really like it, adds good flavor.

Let simmer for a few hours and then you have food for a feast of guests and yourself!

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Sun Shining

2010-04-24T20:32:00.000-06:00

The past few days have been wonderful with the weather...have actually really enjoyed being outside, and loved having impromptu picnic lunches on the front porch of my friends Jo J o and Claire as we have been busy the past three weeks renovating their new home. Getting ready for them to move into!

Today is moving day, and we have managed to work out a pretty good schedule with all the folks helping out. This morning I was up early to create a wonderful pot of vegetarian chili so folks would have food to sustain themselves throughout the day!

All in all I think about twenty folks showed up to help, which was such a blessing...there were guys who carried over the heavy stuff and then reassembled the shelves and loft bed, while the rest of us carried the boxes of books ( I think there were about 30 boxes full of books as both are avid readers) and then someone set up the kitchen for them.

We took a break at about 1:00 pm and someone supplied four cases of beer and some juice, someone else brought bread, and then the cookies...wow what a party!

I am feeling very tired, but great, as had a very productive day.

Tomorrow will be a day of rest comparatively as I am babysitting in the afternoon to make a bit of cash :) Well actually will be getting paid to have play time really!

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Where are you from?

2010-04-23T17:28:00.000-06:00

Someone asked on the Vandwellers Group where folks are from and so I had to think, and this is the answer I came up with as I am from all over the map but mainly in Canada.

"I am from Canada...that in the broadest sense of the word...as I tend to travel
the country ...I was recently in Alberta up until Christmas and am now in
Ontario ( not sure how long since the weather is nicer , the sun is shining, and
the gypsy spirit in me is calling out to me for another road trip)

Places I have lived in for varying lengths of time, are British Columbia ( both
in the city of Vancouver which has some great alternative minded folks) up
Northern BC off the Alaskan highway in a small town called Burns Lake.

Lived in Alberta for almost ten years, and traveled through to Banff, Edmonton,
Lethbridge, and other smaller towns.

and in Ontario, well have lived in many places...Belleville, Peterborough ( a
great town for alternative minded folks), Owen Sound, Collingwood, Toronto,
Mississauga, North Bay, Timmins, and have visited many smaller places along the
way.

Before the more stricter rules of having a passport, I have also traveled
throughout the USA and lived in both Washington and Oregon for several
months...and have taken the Greyhound bus at least three times through the
states traveling :)

As you can see, I have a gypsy spirit within me and do enjoy traveling...I keep
saying I am going to get myself a van someday, but not having one has not slowed
me down too much from exploring the open roads and life to the fullest. :)

I will get a van,as I want to get a piece of land someday, to have somewhat of a
home base, and grown a garden and actually benefit from it during the Fall
Season... "

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Impromptu Picnics

2010-04-22T17:48:00.000-06:00

I have been loving the sunny weather these past few days...which of course have led to several impromptu picnics...mainly with Jo Jo and Claire, but there have been a few other folks who have gathered with us as we ate our lunches out on the front porch .

White tea has become my new favorite tea to drink, as I discovered it in the cupboard of JJ and C as they both drink it often, although Claire likes mint tea also as much.

Have been loving the vegetarian meals, all kinds of things go on cheese melts I have discovered , and the pesto and cheese sandwiches, and hummus with veggies have been simply amazing. We have been eating huge meals, have not eaten this much in so long....I told JJ and C that they have been over feeding me as there have been somedays, that I just could not finish my meal..but of course it made for a great snack in the evenings.

We had a delicious roti from the place near the hardware store last night for supper...had spinach, potato and chickpeas in it...oh man was it good, and so big I had enough for supper last night and then finished off the rest for breakfast today.

Yes indeed, good eatings to be had when doing renovations for friends!

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Avacados

2010-04-21T17:54:00.000-06:00

Well I have been enjoying new foods, or maybe new ways of eating new foods...such as Avacados!

I have usually just eaten avacados in guacamole but my friend Jo Jo loves to have avacados in her sandwiches...so I have been trying this new experiment, and it adds such creaminess to your sandwiches..and oh so delicious with some salsa added as well.

Yummy indeed, some good eatings this week.

Sandwich Idea:

Whole Wheat Bread
Avacado slices
Cheese ( we have used both mozerella and cheddar)
Tomato slices
Onion Slices
Green Pepper Slices
and mayonaise , salasa or hummus for flavor

Delicious ideas!!!!

and oh yeah very yummy and filling!

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

Working my muscles

2010-04-20T22:39:00.000-06:00

Wow am I ever feeling those extra muscles that have been hidden away!

I have been working on home renovations for my friend Jo Jo and her partner Claire, and have been mainly sanding and stripping wall paper today. Good Golly my arms are soooooo tired, almost too hard to lift up my arms for anything useful tonight.

But feeling good, as getting alot done, and am really feeling a good sense of accomplishment!

Also working for food as pay is an excellent deal for me, as my main expenses these days is food, so this works for me! Lunch, dinner and snacks included...and as much tea as I can drink!

Too bad this will not last much past next week, but that is okay by me, we have had great discussions about philosophy of our lives through the past three weeks, which have been really bonding for us, and I have gotten to know Claire much better...she is such a sweet woman!

Well now to immerse myself in a bubble bath and then off to bed.

Kylie aka Celtic Gypsy Woman

March Update

2010-03-13T16:46:00.003-07:00

Wow, did not realize how long it had been since I had written in my blog. Time sure does pass by quickly, since I have returned to the community. Seems there is just not enough hours in the day to do all I want to get done.

I have been helping friends create their own blogs, coordinating some worship services, visiting with friends over afternoon tea and taking walks along the lakeshore.

I spent a wonderful week with my oldest daughter, who came to visit me. We did the tourist tours around the city and just had a fantastic week together. It was so good, to see her and spend a whole week together. We had not had the opportunity to do that for a very long time. I am just glad that I had not gotten a job as yet, and was still in holiday mode so that we had tons of time together!

I have just been spending a great deal of time puttering around, not getting tons accomplished, but taking time for me...which is what I have been needing to do.

Anyway hope everyone is doing well. I will take some time to get caught up on news and updates with my emails and group list.

Looking forward to celebrating Spring Season!

Happy New Year

2010-01-06T17:37:00.002-07:00

Happy Holidays to all

This has been a busy time for me, I have been on the open road for the past few weeks.
I spent the Christmas holidays with my girls out West, and enjoyed some family time together...then decided that I had enough of corporate life and left my job, to get back on the open road.

Enjoying connecting with friends that I have not seen in many years! Reflecting on past adventures and times spent together, and now have settled for alittle while with community that I visited last summer :)

Just wanted to touch base and let you all know I am well and enjoying being a gypsy spirit once again.

Hope everyone is doing well and enjoying the New Year!

Winter Season - Out of Hibernation This Year

2009-12-12T11:50:00.002-07:00

Well this year has brought about many changes both within my soul and my life. I thought that I would stay in Alberta for the winter season but has my journey in life is forever evolving, I am on the move once again. This time heading back East right after Christmas.
I have plans to spend Christmas Day with both my girls, then am catching a plane on Christmas night and heading back East to spend time with friends.

I have been feeling very stressed, overwhelmed at work, and not happy. I did enjoy taking the course for Human Resource Management at the local university, it was good for me. I discovered alot about myself, and I liked it. But realize I do not want to be in school , I want to be out wandering and exploring nature, not stuck in an office working 50 hours a week.

So talked to my girls, who understood, made plans with friends back East, arranged for places to stay and bought my plane ticket.

Ticket to Freedom once again. Gypsy Spirit is alive!

Happy Holidays to all, hope you are having a good winter season.

So Many Changes

2009-11-18T06:01:00.003-07:00

Wow, the past three weeks, have brought so many changes...good ones...but totally different that what I was mapping out to do.

I am now staying here for end of this year...for a number of reasons. My girls asked me to stay longer, my oldest is dealing with some health issues, and wanted me to support her , which I agreed to. CC is so strong and independant, so for her to say she wants mom around longer, was a huge staying factor.

My youngest JC is working so hard, at her new job and just completed her first leve in college for Early Childhood Education...she needed a bit more time to be grounded and focused. It will be good to be with family during the holidays this year, and am now preparing holiday plans .

So traveling plans put aside for now, family gatherings and education plans are embraced!

When window of opportunities present themselves, walk through the doorway and embrace them!

At least I now will have a warm place for the remainder of this year and for those of you that know me, know this is a good thing, as I like to be warm during the winter. So now onto finish my projects and get them out in the mail for those requests that have filled my mailbox :)

Not very active

2009-10-22T06:18:00.002-06:00

Sorry for not posting much these days...with working in the office these days, I am so tired when getting home that I am just crashing in the lazy chair. Not doing much else these days.

Working on Saturdays as well, to save up money for traveling again. I am now counting the days until November 18th when I will be getting back on the road again. Just another few weeks. I had hoped to get on the road by end of October but know that there is a huge order coming in and I need to get it all organized before leaving it for the next person.

I am eating better again, making sure to eat breakfast, which helps get me through the day. I had stopped eating it for awhile, but with working all day long, I had noticed I was losing energy quickly by mid morning, so am taking food with me again to nibble on. Back to eating smaller amounts , more frequently through out the day and that makes such a huge difference.

All is well with me, just working lots and trying to get ready for winter season. With my first full paycheque I went out to Old Navy store to purchase a bunch of long sleeve shirts and warm fuzzy socks. Next cheque will be to purchase a new pair of winter boots. Then I am set :)

Hope everyone is doing well . Let me know what you are up to :)

Bad Weather

2009-10-06T19:53:00.003-06:00

On the weekend we had SNOW...it is too early for that white stuff.

Tonight we are having a rain storm...

Now colder...don't feel ready for this cold weather....time to find warm places, get extra blankets, and big fluffy pajamas :)

Put on the pot of tea and join me in a quilting gathering :)

Bonding with goals

2009-10-04T20:11:00.003-06:00

It has been a very busy and crazy week for me...I have realized that I do not like chaos anymore, can't live with it. I had worked so hard at making my life simple that I want that peaceful life back again that I had during the summer season.

I am not enjoying my job. I do not want to be working full time, even if it does provide an income, but that income is what I need here...and I am quickly realizing that I do not want to be staying here long term any more. I do not like being behind a desk all day...I like my freedom to roam and wander about. I am not cut out for an office job any more I don't think. Too restrictive for me.

My youngest daughter now has a job, working in a daycare, and they have provided her with a course through the local college to get her level one. She is also now making plans to move out of where we are staying and move into a place with friends. So progress is happening. It is good to see that she now has goals and is working towards a plan. She has been working towards making changes, and trying to do things differently. Slowly but surely she is putting things into place for herself.

I got together for a visit with my older daughter and we went shopping together and out for coffee. That was fun! It was good to see her, and it was very good to hear she is now making plans to return to school and go to university next year. She is going to work towards getting her bachelor of arts. So that will provide new opportunities for her.

So it seems like both my girls are doing better. It is good that I came back , to show them that I am still here for both of them, and support them. They needed to know I would return I think, but it is also good to see them making life plans and creating goals for themselves...definitely happy they are both making plans to further their education.

I am now saving up money and making plans to return to Ontario. I miss my friends back there, and would like to be back there before Christmas. Next week is Thanksgiving here in Canada, and am glad that I will be spending it with my girls. That will be good.

Anyway hope everyone has a good week to come, and finds ways keep warm in this colder weather. We actually had snow here this weekend, but fortunately it does not seem to be staying long.

Keep Warm, and have warm thoughts :)

Realizations wants and needs.

2009-10-02T20:30:00.000-06:00

I want to only work part time.
I want to have fun in my life.
I want to spend more time with nature.
I want to move away from this city.
I want to explore life adventures.
I want to be traveling again.
I want to feel alive.

I am discovering that I want to make new goals, and create plans.
I am putting plans together to get on the road and travel again, this by working and saving money. I had such a good time during the summer months, and enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones. I miss them alot and want to get back on my road trip so that I can visit with them again.

In another month, I am hoping I will be on the way to Ontario again.

Sunday - Day off from Work

2009-09-27T17:21:00.002-06:00

Well I sure have been pretty lazy today. I am thoroughly enjoying my one day off from work this week. I have been taking it pretty easy, had blueberry pancakes for breakfast , took a wonderful bubble bath, and most of the day on and off have been playing on the internet.

Checking in with Facebook friends, Vandweller tribe, and catching up on email replies.
I am doing pretty good...not entirely happy about being back at where I am living, but renting a room close enough to work is an okay thing for now, and gives me warmth for the upcoming Winter Season...but not my ideal place .

I have been crazy busy at work, and have been reminded that I do not want to work full time forever, but having a job through the Winter Season can be a good thing for me, as most of you know I tend to become a hermit, and can become pretty comfortable with that. I am most definitely NOT a winter person, so forcing myself to get out of the house, can be good for me, and if there is a job with a paycheque, well definitely a good incentive for me. So I guess for this year I will not be so much a hermit :)

Being a mom to two teen daughters ,( well I should correct myself as my oldest just turned 20 two days ago, so she is a young woman now, no longer a teen :)) can be a challenge some days, but if feels right to be back here helping them out, so for now I am okay with my choice to return to Calgary. At least for awhile until they are more grounded and back on their feet. Funny how life can turn in a moment's notice. But they are both recoginizing that they have good support systems , just have to remember to reach out and connect with folks. I think unfornately they take after me somewhat , and become hermits except for work. My youngest lost her job, and is now living on welfare, I am not happy about this turn of events, but at least she has an income for awhile, until she figures out some stuff for herself. I help her out also as I am living in the same house as she is for now, we are both renting from my old work friend. So I am going to help out with food so she eats healthier.

My oldest decided that after breaking up her engagement, she is redecorating her apartment, so that has given her a purpose and distraction, and a new outlook ...at least in her personal space. I am helping her out with some new decorations and celebrating her birthday when I get paid next week :) A good mother /daughter bonding time together, as we are also going to go shopping.

One thing I have realized is that it has been a long time since I have worked in an office setting, and do not have any business clothing..I had a uniform from when working as a security guard, so did not need many clothes as when at home, mainly sweat pants or pajamas...kept two pairs of jeans for going out, and working nights before, well ya know did not go out much except on weekends. But now that I am working again in an office, need some business outfits, so my daughter and I are going shopping next weekend for some. I just picked up two dress pants and three shirts to get me through until then.

Anyway, back to exploring the internet and still working on that food list I talked about....will be posting it soon :)

Have a good week everyone! Oh and Happy Birthday Katie, have a wonderful celebration of life and have some fun!!!!

Weekend Reflections

2009-09-26T08:37:00.002-06:00

WOW, what a week this has been. I feel good about my week, feel I got alot accomplished, and in many ways am glad that I came back out west to Calgary and am working back with the same company.

I am liking my job as administrative assistant. There is tons of variety, and no two days are alike, so that is good. But oh the hours are so tiring at the beginning. This is because the last person in the job was not happy with their life, and did the bare mininum in many areas, so many tasks that needed to be done, are not done, and I have been working ten hour days to get caught up. I think in another week, it will feel smoother and I will not be working so many hours, ( thank goodness) but admit , I am looking forward to my paycheque that will be more that I had originally planned.

This is not something I want to do long term, but for now it feels good to have some income flowing again, and will be able to save up some more money to accomplish those goals I had set for myself...and give me a bit of stability through the winter months.

My boss has put in a microwave and small fridge in the storage room, so I can keep food in there and even got a coffee machine with my favorite coffee! He is even going to get me a shelf so I can put some dried foods or canned foods there for meals during the week.

That made me feel really good :)
He has been great about accomodating my needs so that life is easier for me. That way I can work hard to make the office run smoother and life can be somewhat easier for him, at least work wise.

I have not decided where I am going to stay during the winter months...but figure another couple of weeks and I will figure it out. I have put out requests to some friends and will see what unfolds. I do not need anything big, as I now do not have much in the way of belongings, since I did such a good job of downsizing.

My scrapbooking projects has been put on hold for a little while , so that I can regroup, get organized with working full time again, and figure out a space to work on scrapbook projects.

I have not been able to keep up to date with emails, reading vandweller messages and Facebook, but got some time on the internet today. I have seen some tribe members coming together to help out members in need and it made my heart happy to know that our tribe still works together like family. This is why we create community with one another.

Thanks for all your support, and yes will get to replying to my emails within the next few days. Know that I am doing well, getting myself grounded again, and feel good about where I am at. I know that you care, and I feel your warm support flowing. I feel loved and know that I have a great support system !

Whirl Wind Week

2009-09-20T08:26:00.002-06:00

Wow, my life got turned upside down in a matter of days.

I am now back out in the West as got a phone call from my oldest daughter who was needing me, and an email from my former boss who was wanting me to return to help him with some work.

Took a couple hours to reflect and thought, okay , what the heck..here goes my gypsy spirit traveling once again. At least I have an income flowing again for awhile, however long that is...and will visit with my girls , will be here for Thanksgiving now....so now sure how long awhile will be, but I will be going back East again....

For now have a better job, with a better pay ( my boss incentive was a raise, and he paid my way back) and I have a place to stay ....will be able to get some more supplies for the winter months which will be good, getting better prepared for the cold that is forth coming for sure.

Now will have some money to get some things done faster hopefully!

Hope everyone is having a good week.

Feeling Crappy

2009-09-14T16:27:00.002-06:00

I am still not feeling very well...sleeping alot today. Another woman who lives in the house is also sick and fighting a cold, so I suppose my body is trying to fight off sickness...but sure is weird that I am sleepy so much today.

I did go out for a morning walk , which was good, but came home and slept for 3 hours this afternoon and it is early night and already feeling like I am ready for bed.

Crazy, but sure hope tomorrow I feel better.

feeling sick today

2009-09-13T17:29:00.002-06:00

Earlier this morning, helped friends move into a house down the street from where I am...went well, made a pot of home made soup and took it over for them..they had ordered in chinese food, so had some and it tasted yummy.

This afternoon, I am feeling really crappy, having to go to the bathroom every hour...had a hot bubble bath, but still not feeling great, so just been playing around on computer and Facebook .

Sure hope tomorrow feeling better. Have started looking for a part time job, will see what is out there, as I hope to save up some money so after the winter season do a bit more traveling about and hope to get my passport so can go on some of the vandwelling gatherings planned.

Hope everyone had a good weekend and a good start to a new week.

Street Address and New Id

2009-09-12T13:41:00.000-06:00

So I got my first piece of Ontario id the other day. It was a library card. Interesting way to get my new card, as I did not have id with an address on it, and no utility bill which they say they require...so instead what they do is send you a card in the mail, and when you receive it you bring it into the library to get your card.
It worked out well for me, as I am staying at a community house, and no bills are in my name...really no way to prove I live there other than sending me mail.

Thought I would share this for anyone that might need a way to start off getting new id in Ontario.

Check with alternative communities to see if you can use their place for address purposes. The Catholic Worker communities are good ones for this, and they are all over the world..including many in the usa. So for folks who are needing a street address, you can explore this as an option.

Interesting Week

2009-09-10T21:32:00.000-06:00

This has been an interesting week....have been doing more baking, even made home made zuchinni bread earlier this week. Ha ha it was gone within a hour as everyone loved it so much...have promised to make it again. It was really moist and yummy.

A couple of folks in some of the apartments do not have their own stove, so decided that sharing baking goodies would be a good neighborly thing to be doing. Certainly has put some smiles on faces this week .

A friend of mine does some catering deliveries so we have been blessed with left overs the past couple of weeks for our household. Yummy home made soups are a real treat, it has been good to have some home made mushroom soup on hand , makes a great sauce for pasta :) One of our favorite dishes here, as it is quick and also pretty cheap to feed a crowd of folks.

Still working on food list, hope to have it complete more of less next week and will post it of non cook foods .

Have a good day!

Weekend is Here

2009-09-04T06:05:00.002-06:00

Wow this week has just flown by...there is never a shortage of things to do around here to keep busy, it is sometimes finding the time to sit and relax that is a challenge...but of course that is what afternoon tea time is all about. How did I ever fit a full time job into my life, with so many fun activities to participate in...oh wait, that happened when I got here :)

I am happy the weekend is here, a friend of mine within the community here is getting married and we are having a huge celebration. I will have the opportunity to reconnect with many friends who are coming here from out of town who I have not seen in many years. It will be wonderful! Some of them I used to travel with when my girls were younger, and some of them I worked with at a retreat centre.

I also have a friend who is coming from out of town on Saturday and we are going to pull an all nighter catching up with one another :) We have been chatting through email and on phone but have not had a chance as yet since I have come here to see one another due to her work schedule and my crazy traveling. So am very happy we finally are going to be able to connect in person, I have known her since I was in my teens, and we used to be best friends for so long until life took us in different directions and we lost touch for a few years. It will be so good to hang, go for a drive and blast music and just have fun together like we used to.

Last night I made homemade pizza with english muffins...just added tomato sauce, grated cheese and some veggies...they were very good, and sastified my craving for pizza.

My experiment with no shampooing is going pretty well. I am enjoying it. Have still been just rinsing my hair with water , have not used the baking soda on my hair, but I am using it for my deodarant and LOVE it. So much better, and is cheaper too :) One of the other woman in the house I live in has also decided to try it , and she has a friend that has a young daughter and the daughter has NEVER used shampoo for her hair and it looks GREAT...and the little girl is 6 years old. So that encouragement and inspiration has kept me going. I kind of feel like it is really easy where I am living to try out all these new ideas as alot of folks in this community are into trying alternative living styles. So that helps alot. Makes it comfortable to "be different" and yet here I am not so different, for the first time I feel like I actually fit in with other folks, cause they are also doing things off the norm of society. Pretty cool!

I love reading other vandwellers blogs to see what they are up to, what new things they are trying out, ways of living. Thanks Katie for sharing your idea of no shampooing, as it motivated me to do some research on the internet and found a whole new following of your idea which I never knew before was out there. Feel free to share more ideas :)

Hope everyone has a fantastic weekend!

Budget Further with No Shampoo experiment

2009-09-01T13:30:00.003-06:00

Well the past couple days have been sunny, so have been outside more...has been good...the weather is a bit cooler so that must mean that Autumn is just around the corner. Even wore my hooded sweatshirt, and I have not had to do that for quite awhile!

I have gotten to eating oatmeal again for breakfast. Quick and cheap and it sticks with me for most of the day until almost dinner time. I still have my afternoon tea time, but do not have such big snacks if I have oatmeal for breakfast...so it lasts me longer and helps keep my food budget stretch farther.

I also read Kate's posting about going no shampoo, so have decided to try it out for awhile and see how it works for me. On day two of no shampoo... so far have just been rinsing with warm water...and have started to use Baking Soda for deodorant and it works , and is so much cheaper also. Thanks Kate for the tip. I have been enjoying reading your posts and learning to try new things! It is really help me stretch my budget farther, which is a good thing :)

Will update you on how the experiment of going no shampoo works out for me!

Hope everyone has a GREAT week.

Board Games

2009-08-29T00:12:00.002-06:00

A few friends have been gathering to play Board Games...this surprised me as I did not realize that some folks still really enjoyed playing board games. I know that I used to love playing them when I was younger, and also my girls did too...but then lost interest or got side tracked with television shows and of course the internet and just did not play so much. My youngest daughter and I would play scrabble sometimes but that is about it.

Well now I am hanging out with some folks in a community who weekly gather to play board games...so wondered what your favorite board games are to play?

Feel free to comment, I want to hear all about your board games !!!!

Raining Outside

2009-08-29T00:09:00.001-06:00

Wow, it is raining again!

Of course it has only been a few days since the last short rain...but it does seem to me that it has rained a fair bit since I have gotten here to Ontario....fortunately I am in a place where I can stay nice, warm and dry :)

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

Change of look to blog

2009-08-28T20:39:00.002-06:00

Since wandering about on my journey and traveling, I have been wearing denim again. It has been very comfortable and I have enjoyed being able to dress in a much more relaxed clothing style. So thought that I would carry this on to my blog, as I am feeling very relaxed these days!

New journey, new look!

Greetings from the Open Road

2009-08-28T19:40:00.006-06:00

Greetings to all

Sorry for not posting much sooner, as I have lost track of time while wandering and how long it has been since I posted in the blog. I will try to be much better at getting to a computer.

Thank you for your patience as I have been traveling around, reconnecting with old friends and making new ones. This continues to be a wonderful experience and I am loving my time being on my journey.

My journey has been GREAT!!! I have loved every day...and have been having so much fun it has been absolutely incredible! This has been the best experience of my life :)

I am still in Canada, and have been traveling from Western Alberta to Eastern Ontario...making some stops along the way, but just hanging out with friends and enjoying having time for myself ..and best of all, just relaxing and not working, as I have been taking time for an extended holiday! Greatly overdue.

I have finally settled in Ontario now, and am staying with friends at an intentional community, and am feeling for the next while, however long that may be , will be making my home base here. I had felt I wanted a home base until next Spring or Summer as did not think traveling around through the Winter months would be much fun.

I am currently staying in a old house, near the lake , so get to take many lakeside walks and quiet prayer time sitting by the lake.

One of my favorite past times is to wander along the path by the lakeshore and go down to where there are sailboats...I grew up with a sailboat, so love to watch them when I can!

The other day I was able to watch some sail boats, and it was great fun.

As I was wandering back from one of my lakeshore walks, I was very pleased to see a family of ducks swimming by...so of course I stopped to watch. It was delightful way to spend some time just sitting quietly!

I will make an effort to blog more, so folks know what I am up to...but for the most part, I am taking the time to enjoy life , and finding small ways to celebrate life each and every day!

I will be working on getting my passport next so that I can make a trip across the border into the USA, but that journey will be made next year!

Beautiful Morning

2009-07-19T08:07:00.002-06:00

Ahh the sunrise was gorgeous this morning...and the birds are singing and sun is shining....it is so clear. What a wonderful way to start my new journey!

This morning I am feeling pretty good, slept good last night...I am glad that I had my flannel liner inside my sleeping bag, just feels cozier somehow :) All snug as a bug inside!

I am heading East bound , towards Ontario to start off...have some dates planned with some friends for get togethers and campouts and am really looking forward to reconnecting with my brother who I have not seen in a few years. He has remarried and now has two young children, so will be fun to meet his new family and go out on a boating trip on Georgian Bay. I have missed boating, been away from Georgian Bay since I was a teen, and will be fun to get back on the water there and see the old family house.

I am feeling quite energized this morning. Hope everyone has a great weekend and gets to enjoy this beautiful sunshine!

New Look to Blog

2009-07-18T11:50:00.002-06:00

A couple of folks had shared that they had a bit of a hard time reading my blog with the dark back ground and light green writing....so have changed the look and style to reflect summer season and a lighter background to make it easier for you.

The daisy back decorations is in honor of my mother, who passed away a few years ago. Daisies were her favorite flower.

Feel free to leave comments to let me know if this is easier for you to read.

Kylie

A Gypsy on the Road

2009-07-18T09:09:00.003-06:00

As of today, I am officially a Gypsy on the Road for the next while...not sure for how long, but my theme song will be " On the Road Again" by Willie Nelson.

Will be updating along the way as adventures unfold, and I am able to access the internet and when I can step away from being a tree hugger or playing in the woodlands :)

Ready to Get on the Road!

2009-07-15T03:09:00.004-06:00

This past couple of weeks, have been spent getting the final errands and chores completed for my road trip...time has just flown by so quickly, as I am working right up until two days before leaving. I decided to hold off an extra day as I knew I would a day of sleep before hitting the trails.

My daughter and I have been spending quite a bit of time in between chores and errands to play in the local park and have some fun and bonding mother - daughter time before I take off. Last weekend, we decided on the spur of the moment to put together a picnic and spend an entire afternoon in the park , enjoying the sunshine.

It was quite a lot of fun being "big kids" for an afternoon! Guess you are never too old for fun and playtime...even in a local playground!

I discovered, that I am still too short to reach the ground..my daughter had a good laugh over that one...still a short stuff!

Canada Day

2009-07-02T15:04:00.002-06:00

I spent a wonderful day off from work, celebrating Canada Day with my youngest daughter.

We went shopping together, had a good steak dinner, and just hung out with one another.

A relaxing day indeed!

Sunday - Day of Rest

2009-06-28T19:35:00.002-06:00

Well Sunday is a day of rest....well for most people...for me it is the day I start my week of working. I don't mind it, as I have been working nights..working Sunday night to Thursday night. The nice thing about that is that I have been getting every weekend off from work. That has been a luxury for me. I am used to working shifts, and have usually had to work on weekends, which is not great if you have family living with you.

But the past year , since I started at the new work site doing security work, it has been pretty steady night shift and having weekends off. It has been in a quiet community health centre...a good place to work and within walking distance from my house, which was a real blessing saving time on travel.

There is something to be said for having a steady days on and weekends off. It is good to know what your days off are, and to look forward to them, being able to spend weekends with your family is a real blessing.

This weekend has been a good example.

Yesterday I had a headache, spent most of the day relaxing in bed, and had a good sleep with my window wide open...woke up today, feeling wonderful. My youngest daughter Jen and I went out for ice cream and a bit of shopping for my road trip that is coming up.

The sun was shining, we were both in good moods, and had a wonderful day of mother- daughter time. ...came home, and got some household chores done such as laundry ...and we shared a pizza that we got from M&M Meat store and I made a spinach salad for supper...it was delicious.

Now I am getting ready to head back to work, and start another week of night shifts.A real blessing to have a steady income, to have a roof over my head, good food in my tummy, and be able to take road trips and holidays.

The past two years working for this company doing security work, has provided me time to for personal and professional growth, learn and develop skills in a new career, and do some healing after feeling burnt out in my last job.

I have been very fortunate to have opportunities for meeting new people, trying new careers, taking time for life learning, and creating community in my life.

Hope every one is enjoying a glorious weekend !!!

New Camera - New Pix

2009-06-28T18:32:00.002-06:00

My daughter and I went out for our Sunday ice cream get together, and I took along my camera and took some photos of the Urban Nature in our neighborhood....here are some of the gorgeous trees and neighbor gardens .

Counting Down

2009-06-28T14:44:00.002-06:00

Road Trip - Count Down - 19 Days !!!!

The sun is shining, it is a glorious day, having a good weekend...feeling positive, and ready for my next adventure!

Okay have begun the daily count down now....went shopping at Canadian Tire, picked up a cooler, and couple other small supplies...

Now getting ready to pack, put some boxes in storage or sending ahead to my destination.

Yeah 19 Days until I hit the road.

Camera - Sony Cyber Shot

2009-06-27T03:05:00.004-06:00

Here are photos and info about the Sony Cyber Shot camera that I purchased.

The easy-to-use Sony CyberShot S930 offers a great value introduction to the Cyber-shot experience. The Sony S930 is packed with serious features like Face Detection and SteadyShot image stabilisation for clearer pictures in any situation and exposure settings while a 3x optical zoom lens and 10.1-megapixel resolution deliver crisp, clear images.

Key features
SteadyShot
Face Detection
2.4" LCD screen
3 x Optical Zoom
10.1 Mega pixels
ISO 3200
In camera red-eye correction

10.1 Megapixel Super HAD™ CCD Image SensorA powerful 10.1 megapixel 1/2.3” Super HAD™ CCD image sensor helps you capture gorgeous images with superb contrast and clarity down to the finest detail. With 10.1 megapixels, you can create stunning, photo-quality prints up to A3+ (13x19”) size, or crop your images and still come away with high resolution shots.

Extend your reach with 3x optical zoom3x optical zoom lens captures sharp images, even from a distance, and enables close-up shooting up to just under 2” (5cm) from the subject.

SteadyShot™ digital image stabilizationSteadyShot™ digital image stabilization compensates for camera shake and helps prevent blur by capturing two photos at high shutter speeds and combining them into a single clear image.

Face Detection technologyFace Detection technology detects up to eight individual faces and controls flash, focus, exposure, and white balance to deliver accurate, natural skin tones with reduced red-eye. It can also give priority to children or adults. Newly added Face Motion Detection adjusts ISO sensitivity and accelerates the shutter speed when facial movement is detected, reducing blur in the subjects face.2.4-type LCD DisplayFeaturing outstanding luminance, superb colour reproduction and a high-resolution 112,000 dot screen, this LCD is ideal for precise composition and viewing of photos.

Sony CyberShot DSC-S930 retouch features The Sony DSC-S930 is equipped with tools to edit, archive and share. The Sony camera has in-camera retouch features like red-eye correction and image management to easily sort through thousands of photos in calendar view or album view. You can group favorites and filter by baby, adult, all faces or smiles.

The PhotoMusic feature offers an HD slideshow mode with transitions and music for viewing on the camera or television.

GPS unit for the Sony CyberShot DSC-S930 A newly developed GPS unit kit GPS-CS3KA can put geotag data to pictures taken by the Sony CyberShot S930, these can then be viewed on maps with Google Earth software and uploaded on major web sharing services. The key benefits over the previous model are higher sensitivity, built-in memory card and SD slots and an LCD display for enhanced usage

Good Day with Daughter

2009-06-27T00:11:00.000-06:00

It was such a good day yesterday with my youngest daughter....one of those rare days, where we just were able to connect throughout the day and enjoy each others company....she was in a good mood, and that seems to really determine how the days play out lately. ... also helped that it was payday for me, and we were doing some grocery shopping....and I had a bit extra to get some special treats. We decided to really go out and have a special dinner since I am leaving soon...so we splurged big time and had a STEAK DINNER...and oh gosh was it so yummmmy.
When my daughter wants to really take the time and make an effort, she is a fabulous cook for an 18 year old...she made us garlic butter shrimp for appetizers, a peppercorn steak, corn, peas, baked potatos with sour cream, and I helped by making a salad !!! She even cleaned up the kitchen.......Did I mention she was in a good mood :) For dessert, we bought creme brule from the local M&M meat store, and it was pretty good.

Today, I have a cash paying job doing some administrative assistant stuff for a friend who is a consultant...rather than have a regular assistant, she will pay cash for working and helping her out for a day, this time, I get lucky and get to help her...I say lucky because there is also lunch thrown into the deal, and she usually makes home made bannock :) This is a friend that I have helped out previously on many occasions and she is really good to work for...I enjoy her company and we usually have a lot of fun together, as she often has various projects on the go, so the work is interesting also. Looking forward to seeing what today brings !

So this is a bonus, since I did not know about this job until last night when she put out the emergency request by email, and I was the first to respond :) This will be extra money for road trip, or I might just put this into the cookie jar for my Van fund :) Either way it is a bonus which I am very grateful for.

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

New Camera

2009-06-26T11:39:00.000-06:00

Well I managed to get a new digital camera at Walmart this morning.

It is a Sony Cyber Shot which I have used before, and I remembered to get a memory card for it as well :) Decided to get a 8 gb memory card to hold lots of pics along the way :)

So am going out this weekend to take pics and will share them here for my favorite spots within Calgary city. Just to get started on the photo journal part of this blog...oh I am so excited to finally have my own digital camera again!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend. I am enjoying the glorious sunny weather so far, and continuing to get ready for my road trip!!!!!!

GRATITUDE JOURNAL

2009-06-25T05:45:00.000-06:00

I love working night shifts, so that when doing exterior patrols, I can feel the night cool breeze flowing ....and during the days, I can shut the curtains to block the bright sun so that I can sleep.

I feel grateful that there are so many opportunities for new adventures unfolding in my life right now, it will be hard to choose which ones to explore first, while embracing the networking and reconncting of friendships from long ago.

I feel blessed, that I have a good relationship with my daughter, so that we can talk through rough patches in our lives without totally destructing what good stuff we have gathered throughout the past few years to get to this good place we are in.

I feel truly blessed that I have a good job, and a wonderful boss, who lets me take time off from work as needed .

I feel grateful for the paycheque I gather to explore and try new foods, that provide comfort, and sustance...and oh so yummy treats.

I feel lucky to have a good doctor, who takes the time to explore all tests and see what needs to be checked and gently reminds me of getting back on track as needed.

I feel so lucky that there are wonderful cyber friends and connections that check in to say hello and keep track of me, when I forget to let you know I am okay....hence making more of an effort to blog regularly as requested :)

Thanks everyone for sticking by me, as I have explored, tried and tried again to make changes...the fruits of my labor the past year are finally paying off :) And we can all jump up and down, do a little jig and celebrate that this road trip is finally happening!

Interesting Blog

2009-06-25T03:29:00.001-06:00

I have been stumbling around on the internet and came across this interesting blog.

Thought you might want to check it out, about a guy that went to the woods, found simple living, and is now back to the city doing a bit of traveling. Lots of videos blogging also on his journal.

Interesting blog

Doctor Update

2009-06-25T02:32:00.000-06:00

Interesting turn of events........went to the doctor for my follow up appointment after having tons of tests done....and the end result was they all came back good....I am now cancer free, thyroid is good after the surgery, and my other tests such as cholesterol, and diabetes test came back good. The only thing now is the doctor says I need to lose about 30 pounds so that it does not continue to affect my liver..as I have issues with my liver, and my extra weight is causing some problems.

Okay , now I have never had an issue with my weight, in fact have always been on the slimmer side, so the fact that now I have been told to lose weight by my doctor...well where to start? Guess those late sugar fixes are now out...but working night shifts is hard when you are awake and you like to eat...but the other problem is I also eat during the day...guess eating both day and night does not make for a healthy eating habits. Lucky for me it is summer season, and I LOVE fresh salads and fruit and veggies, so that will be the place to start with, and take it from there. I CAN DO THIS!

Had a good talk with my daughter about the changes coming up....she has since lost her job, and she is feeling a little vulnerable...so reminded her of her choices , and that this does mean we are going to be separated for good...just a little holiday and then she will be free to come and join up with me, but right now I need to take this trip on my own, find a place to have a home base to work from, and reconnect with my friends...but yes I am moving EAST and getting set up. Have my glasses, going to get my learners and then purchase a van, and set up camp!

There are so many opportunities for both of us, and she wants to stay close to me, and likes the choices I am making for myself, and wants to continue to be part of it...we are both interested in getting some land some where and creating a home land base for us to work with....so that is a good sign.

I just want to get going, the date is not coming fast enough for me in one respect, but then again, it is giving me a chance to get some more cash together, and have a bit on reserve, which will be a good thing...hang out for the remainder of the summer, do some fishing with my friends, go camping, and just travel around...and start networking for temporary contract jobs like I used to do previously and loved. Just need to re -establish contacts to get the ball rolling :)

All in all a pretty good day...glad that I went to the doctor and got the results, so now am good to go, and my doctor knows what I am doing, and told me she thought it was a good idea for me as I have not been happy with my life being in one spot :)

Road Trip Here I Come !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Glorious Morning

2009-06-23T07:22:00.000-06:00

I thoroughly enjoyed my walk home from work this morning...the sun is shining, the birds are in the trees, chirping..and it is nice and quiet at home...my daughter is away at her friends until tomorrow night, and my house mate just got a job and he is away, until just after lunch...he is working as a city bus driver.

A good night at work last night, and I was busy making my lists of what foods to take on my road trip. Anyone have any good suggestions?

Kylie

Road Trip Count Down!

2009-06-22T12:22:00.000-06:00

I leave on July 16th...counting down the days now. It is now official...spoke with my boss this morning and have arranged for a leave of absence from work, that way the option to return is there.
So getting packed ...and am ready to go...got my tent packed, sleeping bag rolled up, and just need to get a digital camera, throw some clothes together and rolling on down the road!

Oh baby I am so very ready for this Road Trip!!!!

it is amazing what a couple of hours will do to change your outlook on your day and new week will do :) My daughter has taken off for a couple of days, needs to hang with some buds she says...I can understand that one, since I am taking off on my own adventure...so will see her in a few days, for now peace and quiet in the household!

Kylie

A New Week

2009-06-22T11:33:00.000-06:00

Well a new week...not off to a great start....life with teenagers can be a challenge some days!

But as I keep reminding my daughter, she is now 18...old enough to be making decisions and living with the consequences of her actions...and thus the fallout that tends to happen. I will always be supportive of her, but when her actions cause her to follow a difficult path, then she has to live with her choices or take action to make changes.

As I am being constantly reminded, the apple does not fall far from the tree...and she can be stubborn, not as much as me perhaps but still stubborn even when it works against her.

This to me is not a good trait, for me, I am oh so stubborn, but I turn it into determination and have it work for me...if I see if is working against me and I am banging my head against the wall, I choose then to step back , reflect, re-evaluate the situation and then either move ahead and fight for what I believe in, or walk away...I do not keep walking and making the same tread marks and go in the same circle.

Why do people keep doing the same thing if it does not work for them...all you do is go in circles and wear tread marks in the ground .....change your path, do something different, take a risk...have some faith, that there may be a possibility of a different outcome. Fight for your beliefs and certainly stand up for yourself.

Okay enough venting now...moving on , to go and enjoy a hot bubble bath, relax, so that I can get some sleep . Oh this is gonna be a long day :(

Gratitude Journal

2009-06-21T11:29:00.000-06:00

Today while reflecting, I realized it had been awhile since I had done a Gratitude Journal so thought that I would write one here today.

* I feel blessed that I have a good family , wonderful daughters who continue to inspire me and amaze me with their creativity and maturity.

* I feel very grateful for the wonderful circle of community in my life, that continues to support me especially on my journeys that take me to weird and wonderful places in my life

* I feel blessed to have had two wonderful careers in my life...community development that provided me both professional growth opportunities and personal growth that continues to develop within me, and my second career of being a security guard, that has given me stability and some time of healing when it was much needed. A career that has provided some good learning opportunities that will carry me through old age now!

* I feel very grateful to have had a good home based, to jump off from to explore my wild and crazy adventures, knowing that I could always return if and when I wanted to.

* I feel blessed to live in a country where there are many wonderful foods, to enjoy, celebrate with, and stuff your face...I love good food, especially a great BBQ surrounded with friends sitting around a campfire! Nothing beats food cooked outdoors over an campfire :)

* I feel very grateful to have connected with many online folks, who have similiar dreams of being a vandweller and have shared their knowledge and information to create a tribe of wonderful and quirky folks!

Here is to celebrating life, and the crazy journey that we take together to form community in the unique way that we have. Cheers!

and many blessings
Kylie

Family

2009-06-21T10:28:00.000-06:00

Well today is Father's Day...not a great day for me, as I am not really in touch with my father...but I did bite the bullet and call up my brother to wish him a Happy Father's Day. He is now a father, I have yet to meet my two little neices ( found out today from his wife they had another daughter earlier this year) and told them I would be traveling their way the end of July and would love to stop in and visit. My brother was not home, but did leave a message....it will be good to reconnect .

Today the weather is a bit cool, rainy, so glad that I do not have to be outside today....so am puttering around the house, doing household chores like laundry etc....am going to make a pot of chili for supper tonight, it just seems like that kind of day...will have to make home made biscuits rather than cornbread as we have no cornmeal and I just do not feel like taking a trip to the store...so will surprise my daughter with home made biscuits. yummy.

Anyway just wanted to say Happy Father's Day to all you vandwellers who are fathers or "adopted" fathers and have a wonderful celebration day with family ( whether biological or community members that you have taken on as family)

Enjoy your time with loved ones, as life is precious...this I was reminded of recently when I had a cancer scare, but fortunately for me I am cancer free! So celebrating life and all the good things on your journey is important to do. Take time to slow down, smell the roses, and enjoy your day!

Kylie

Living Life on the Road

2009-06-20T10:23:00.000-06:00

Well huge changes...counting down now to the day I leave the city to lead a life on the open road for the remainder of the summer...I am going to be living out of my tent, camping out and moving East...I have a place to stay when I get there ( an intentional community that I used to live in) and will be traveling around reconnecting with friends that I have not seen in several years but have kept in touch with via email.

I am feeling so free, and so excited...all my small goals are being completed, and I am taking this next step to facilitate the transition to move into a van and become a vandweller. I have a friend in Ontario that has been looking at vans for me, as she works as a security guard at an auction house...

My daughter is working full time to October, and will stay here until just before Christmas, at which point she will come to celebrate the holidays with me and then decide what she is going to do...she also talks about moving to East as there is a college there she wants to attend in another year. She wants to travel also a bit before going back into traditional school ( the past two years she returned to homeschooling ). She is registering with Willing Workers on Organic Farms and hopes to do some volunteer farm work while traveling throughout the next year before heading back to school.

I have some scrapbooking consultant jobs lined up in Ontario when I get there, but other than that, I will be just working temp jobs or get a part time security gig for when I want a steady job...not too worried about working until Autumn season.

I have plans with a friend to go fishing, and there is talk of a road trip further East to New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and PEI...but for now , am not making any concrete plans, just want to get on the road and traveling again...have had itchy feet for quite some time, and just decided it was time!

So I will be purchasing a new digital camer and will be taking pics of my road trip along the way.

Stayed tuned for updates!
Blessings
Kylie

Finally Updating

2009-06-15T00:26:00.000-06:00

Sorry it has been awhile since I have last blog...I will add some updates and share what has been happening the past month and a bit. Lots of changes coming in the near future...good things, accomplishing my smaller goals, and now leading to my long term goals. Feeling good and seeing the light at the end of the tunnel of dealing with some of my medical issues.

The biggest change that is coming in about a month, is that I am moving to Ontario..been reconnecting with friends and an intentional community that I used to live in many many moons ago, and there is openings and I am joining them again. Feels right, and brings forth the simple living goals that I am striving towards.

I have gotten my new glasses, took awhile, am about to write my drivers exam and then on to getting a van, which will happen when I get to Ontario.

I am going to be taking a Master Gardner program which is being offered online and has a practium component to it, which I am very excited about. There is also a Field Naturalist program that is being offered through a college in Ontario and is a year long program...am looking in to getting prepared so that I can take that program next year!

Lots of changes, but really just working off my list of goals that I have been wanting to accomplish and now am taking the steps to make it all happen in baby steps!

My daughter who is now 18 is almost done her year of homeschooling, is writing her exam for her correspondance course next week...and is working at an amusement park for the summer til September, then she plans on joining up with me in Ontario and doing some traveling and working as an intern on some farms. She is also planning on taking a college program in about a year which will lead to working in Parks and Agriculture work.

Will be working over the next few days to back track and let you know how the past month has been ...but know that we are good, and getting ready for our summer road trip.

Blessings
Kylie