We’ve had a handful of big changes here in the Tracy and Shelly (and Banjo) world, and they’re happening in a mixed-up, muddled-up order. I’ll tackle them one topic per post.
Topic #1: I decided I’m done with life on the road.
I wrestled with this decision for ages, thinking I wanted to settle down, then thinking I wanted to keep going, then trying to think of a place to make a new home, then thinking that, because I couldn’t think of a place, I’d just keep going—on and on with trying to make this decision. Just recently, I knew for sure it was time to call it quits.
I won’t go into detail about my reasons because I’ve weighed the pros and cons more than enough. I will say in general that this nomadic life is an insecure life. Our immediate environment changes almost every day, and we never know what to expect. Five years of this wears a soul down. Well, my soul.
Tracy thrives on the changes and challenges.
I didn’t have language for this difference between people like us until I read the book, Orbital, about a day in the lives of fictional astronauts on the international space station. In an ah-ha scene for me, an astronaut contemplates her husband back on Earth, who says he would never go into space:
About her husband, “There are people […] who complicate their inner lives by feeling too much all at once, by living in knots, who therefore need outer things to be simple.” That’s me.
About the astronaut: “there are those who manage […] to simplify their inner lives so that outer things can be ambitious and limitless.” How like a nomad! I can’t speak for Tracy’s inner life, but he can easily “swap out a house for a spaceship, a field for a universe.” To him, dealing with extraordinary challenges is a small price to pay for an extraordinary life.
Unfortunately, my astronaut married someone who could take only five years in space. Fortunately, he’s a very good man who’s coming back down to Earth along with me.
More on the other changes later.
The choice for changing life is always a difficult one. You have to do what is best for you and your mental health. A new journey is always exciting, and scary at the same time, be it a rolling home, or a new stationary home. I am happy that you are following your heart and what you need.
Thanks so much for the support, which is especially appreciated from someone in my shoes.
Life goes on and you only look back having done that. The future, the sprit to move forward is within us, not outside having to adapt to fit in. Whatever Shelly, trust your inner voice, that inner spirit of yours.
Li, I’m having trouble replying so I’ll be brief – thank you!
Wow, big changes afoot. Embarking on a new lifestyle journey is always exciting and I look forward to seeing where my two favorite (soon to be ex) nomads land.
You’ve had adventures few can top, and wherever you do finally call home? Just think of the epic slide show cocktail parties you can throw.
😉
Dude, I wish people would look at my slide shows!! I need a new label, better than ex-nomad. Let me know if you think of one?
I would love nothing more than to sip cocktails and view your shows.
As for the name, I shall give it some thought.
😉
As we’ve followed your adventures and struggles, I’ve wondered when you might reach this point. No one stays on a single path all their life, but figuring out when it’s time to change your direction isn’t always as simple as, say, deciding when you’ve found your life partner, or when it’s time to change jobs, or retire. Those are complicated enough. Yours is a decision about completely changing the life style you’ve so thoroughly embraced. Often I’ve envied you your adventures, but I also know if would never work for me. You both have been fortunate to have had these years to make such incredible memories and forge the partnership through thick and thin, and obviously are willing to work together to decide “what’s next?” I look forward to hearing about your next phase of life. Hope it’s somewhere we can occasionally cross paths.
– Renee and Dave
Thanks for the thoughtful reply, Renee! There’s more to this story, but it’s still developing so I’ll respond in full later. With as much travel as y’all do, I’m sure we’ll see you.
Big changes, indeed. I think being nomadic for five years still is an amazing adventure that many will never experience. Everything has a shelf life and it seems for you, that’s right about now. I do still admire your life on the road . Sounds like you lived and experienced many wonderful things. Welcome back to earth. Who knows, maybe in a few years you’ll get the itch for a different adventure. Never say never.
Thanks for the welcome – that’s so funny. Never day never, indeed!
I’ve tried as I read your exciting journey not to paint the experience with my brush. I’ve always known I’d be a short timer on the road if that was home. I’d love the adventure as long as it was an adventure I could end and return to my home, my roots, my “certainty”, my memories, and my “stuff.” Nonetheless, I’ve been envious of what you’ve seen and done, the exciting people you’ve met, and your bravery for being a nomad.
I’ll accept that bravery badge, thank you!
I like the description of the two different types of people but I think it does a real disservice to those of us who want to stay home and keep things simple. Despite the very negative ‘extraordinary/ordinary’ dichotomy the author and yourself set up, both modes are essential to a well-rounded society. If we were all leaving on a spaceship who’s keeping the home fires burning and reducing their chances of dying prematurely? If we all stayed home we’d still be in caves in Africa (possibly would have been better for the planet but hey-ho). Don’t sell yourself short!
I didn’t realize my dichotomy implied negative and positive, as well. But you’re right in that any dichotomy is wrong-thinking and simplification. The author’s description right there was just so handy! Which is the allure of oversimplification, I guess. So, point taken, especially with selling myself short. (Not that we’ve been the type of explorers to plunder and colonize.)
And, thank you,
I’ll miss you! I have so enjoyed reading your posts and your photos are absolutely fantastic – do keep that up. I hope all works out for you – and for Tracy and Banjo. Do keep us post, wishing you all the best in everything you do
Why, thank you! This will be a long process ahead, so you can count on more from me.
I feel privileged to have the inside scoop and will accept the honor as a small token for being your blog mentor. 🙂
You guys have had five exceptional years of adventure, seeing and doing more than many (most) people do in a lifetime. I don’t blame you one bit for wanting to lay down roots. This doesn’t mean you can’t still travel; but there’s a lot to be said for a permanent residence too. Let me know if there’s anything I can do to help during your transition.
Thanks so much, Mentor Mark! Our heads are still spinning as we try to work through all sorts of complications. I appreciate your support and offer, for sure.
Good for you to figure out what is best for the next step in your life and to follow it. I have so enjoyed your writing, your stories, and your pictures. I am excited for you and what your next adventure will be. Please keep us posted. Thank you so much for all that you have shared with us.
That is such a generous sentiment — thank you! I certainly plan on blogging through all the upcoming uncertainty. Whether it will be enjoyable to read, I don’t know. I do appreciate your enthusiasm, I really do.