On our Long Long Honeymoon, we often like to talking about “seizing the day.” But what does that mean? To me, it means having the courage to live the life you want to live.
A wise philosopher once urged us to “dare to live the life we imagine.” But it’s easier said than done. Dreams sometimes collide with reality. Reality usually wins.
One obvious limitation is financial. Some dreams cost money, and that money isn’t always in the ‘ol bank account when we need it. That wise philosopher? He probably didn’t invest with Bernie Madoff.
But the most pressing limitations — the ones that really torpedo the ship — are often of the mental variety. We construct psychological barriers to the pursuit of our dreams. We find reasons. We make excuses. We take the easy way out instead of boldly going for what we really want.
So it’s always refreshing to meet folks like Christina and Richard. Last year, the couple retired. Instead of making excuses or procrastinating, they hit the ground running. They bought an RV and headed south for the winter. These Canadian “snowbirds” just wrapped up their first winter season of camping along the Gulf Coast of Alabama and Florida.
They had plans to camp elsewhere along the Atlantic Coast, but once they arrived upon the Gulf they saw no reason to move. In fact, they spent some 165 days camping in paradise. They discovered new foods (including an exotic Southern dish called “grits”), made new friends, and kicked off an exciting new chapter of their lives in style.
How well did it go? The couple have already booked their campsite for next year. And the next year, and the next year, and the next year. In fact, they reserved their campsite for the foreseeable future — “as far as the calendar goes.”
So congrats to Christina and Richard. May we all follow their example and pursue our dreams. As far as the calendar goes.
Yes my good man… “plow the driveway” !!
This is a foreign concept to anyone south of the Mason-Dixon line, but is not a chore to be taken lightly. If the individuals in question want to continue receiving mail, their driveway had better be plowed….or shovelled, as the case may be.
Even though the stalward mail carriers from Canada Post are willing to brave rain, sleet or snow, they will NOT however, trudge through three foot snow drifts to get to your house.
Had to show my son-in-law how to use the snow blower when my wife and I were home for Christmas. (ok, still not used to using the term “son-in-law” just yet, but I’ll get over it.
Anyhoo…danged nice post. I’ve watched a couple times.
Many thanks for allowing some of us to live vicariously.
Bob.
Thanks Bob, I must admit that “plow the driveway” was a new phrase to me! I was wondering why you’d even bother if you were not at home, but your postal explanation makes sense.
Christina and Richard were great interviews, and we caught ’em just as they were heading home.
When we are on the road this spring I hope to do more interviews with the people we meet.
Cheers,
Sean
After 25 years of “Plowing the driveway” we are about to become (hopefully) LongLongHoneymooners” … Between the sailboat and the RV , we will enjoy “the rest” of our honeymoon.
Your site is an inspiration. Thank you. We follow you on Facebook and Twitter and are TOTALLY jealous of your film making abilities. We have only just (accent JUST) been able to put a podcast on our site ….. next!! … a video!!!
Keep the tarmac underneath you.
The Restless Soles
Welcome restless, and thanks for your recent comments! This one made my day. As a filmmaker of sorts, it’s gratifying to know that someone out there is enjoying my efforts.
We’ve learned a lot through the course of creating this blog. Filmmaking is like everything else in life — the best way to learn is to start doing it. Have fun!
Plow the driveway? It has been snowing off and on but mostly ‘on’ since Dec. 7. We just finished the strongest winter storm in 140 years according to the TV weather guys, with the lowest barometric pressure ever recorded in Reno at 28.90. And I look at this video and go ‘you got to be kidding’. I liked the beach and ocean pics.
Thanks JM, gotta love those beaches in the off season. This time of year, you pretty much have the place to yourself!
I’m happy to report that Christina and Richard are still snowbirding on the beach.
You can check out their blog at this address: http://christinaschronicles.blogspot.com/