The most difficult challenge of living on the road is by far that of loneliness. Whether you are traveling with a companion or ultimately alone, we all fight this. I’ve spoken in detail regarding the journey of finding peace and contentment within myself – a journey that I did not always enjoy, but always appreciated.
Often times, it is when we finally reach this point of peace and stop seeking more, that we find the unexpected – or perhaps the unexpected finds us.
Meet the unexpected. His name is Kendrick. While life is always uncertain, scary, and quite plain difficult at times… it is also very short. So short in fact, that there is no time for doubt and regret. And that’s almost exactly the line of reasoning I used to convince Kendrick to quit his job, leave town, and move in to my (very tiny) tiny house! Did I mention it’s tiny!?
Imagine squishing together the life and belongings of a full-time tear-dropping photographer, and a truck-dwelling dirtbag climber. Yep, seemed pretty impossible to me too!
But after a few tears and some healthy negotiation, we both learned that as long as we have adventure, we can live with a lot less stuff. I hope this video of our story helps you find peace and encouragement in downsizing and simplifying your life.
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With support from nüCamp RV | Princess Craft RV | 3 Legged Thing | Hoodman | Nikon | Westcott | Urban Hair | Precision Camera | Bear Claw Carpentry
Judith Pearson
I’m so happy for you both to have found each other. Blessings abound! Happy trails!
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks Judy! I hope all is well with you and to see you soon!
Barbara Bobbi Kolby
As a Mom I am extremely happy you are still out living life to the fullest. And I am happy too that you now have that special person in your life that you are sharing it with. Still hoping to catch up with you and meet Kendrick.
Mandy Lea Photo
Aw thanks Bobbi! I promise we will make it up to Glacier one day… just not sure when yet…. And of course I’ll let you know!
Patricia
Congratulations on your new adventures together. What a blessing to have found each other. To new beginnings.
Mandy Lea Photo
Cheers! To new beginnings!
Lorna Bone
Best wishes to you both. Every memory you make is all the more special when shared with someone you deeply care about. Enjoy 🌎
Mandy Lea Photo
I absolutely agree.. although still important to enjoy on your own as well, it’s nice to share <3
Trish Gerhardt
We enjoyed meeting Kendrick at UCamp17! Best of luck and love to you both!
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks Trish! Great to meet up with you too… keep in touch and thanks for following along on the adventure….
Joanna
Happy for both of you. Big hug!
Mandy Lea Photo
Hugs Back!
Tod Grubbs
Congrats guys! Hope your adventure together is rewarding. Having some one to share the adventure with is awesome and challenging all at the same time.
Mandy Lea Photo
You got that right! I sense a future vlog out of that one 😉
Kristi Sandberg (Wilson)
….and again you are an inspiration. I am glad you both took a chance. Adventure awaits! Many blessings to you both.
Mandy Lea Photo
Thank you! I rarely regret taking a risk, but I often regret not…
Karen Polansky
I am so happy for both of you. Mazel Tov!
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks! 😛
Scott
As you have found, sharing life’s adventures with another by your side is so much more gratifying. I sometimes wonder how it would be if I did all this alone and quickly realize it is so much better with your bestie right there with you, getting to share that experience first hand. My wife and I just returned from a twelve day trip to Colorado in our T@G and now that we are back home, I feel like I’m supposed to be doing something. I need to make fresh water, I need to setup the solar shower, recharge the battery. I don’t think my wife has sat still yet. Congrats on finding someone to share your journey with.
BTW, i love your use of light and shadows in your work, some really specatular images in your collection.
Mandy Lea Photo
Thank you Scott! I completely understand what you mean about returning home… I guess that’s why I decided I never would 🙂
And thank you for appreciating my photography. I love camping, but that is truly where my passion is.
Mitch Popilchak
Well that is just frickin awesome! Congratulations to both of you for taking a chance on each other. As a solo traveler myself, I often wonder how I would fit someone else into the back seat of my truck. But I also know what it feels like to wonder what it would be like to have a co-pilot.
Light and Love to both of you! <3
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks Mitch! Both lifestyles have their ups and downs… the important thing is focusing on the ups 🙂 Thanks for your support!
Mike Heward
Thanks for sharing your sense of exploration. Whether it’s on your blog or just stopping to watch hay being raked on the way to a hidden waterfall.
Never stop L👀 king for what is around the next corner!
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks Mike! It’s always fun to have friends to adventure with 🙂 Bring your wife next time!! <3
Mike Heward
Oh, there’s no way she’ll miss next year!
Marta Ruela
So happy that you both crossed path and took a chance on each other. I often wondered how lonely it must get traveling by yourself. Be brave for the challenges that you will face by sharing that space 24/7. Always leave the lines of communication open but above all never go to bed mad. Love and light and blessing to you both.
Mandy Lea Photo
Thanks Marta! That’s wonderful advice… something everyone needs to hear now and then <3 I appreciate your support so much!
Diane
Wonderful!! Congratulations 🎊🍾🎈
Mandy Lea Photo
Thank you Diane!!!
Lesley Vines
I am so excited for you. I look forward to seeing the pictures of your adventures and I think it is amazing that you now have somebody that you can share those adventures with in person not just those of us who follow you on social media 😉
Keep those amazing images coming and keep inspiring others to hit the road and see where life takes them my husband and I will be heading out on the open road beginning in September thank you for inspiring us both to follow our dreams and just do it!!!
Henrietta
So happy for you!!!! And Kendrick. Enjoy the road travels ahead ….bumps and all!