I think back to when my grandma’s brother and his wife parked their RV in my grandma’s driveway. Living next door, I had prime real estate for eavesdropping (eyedropping?). At the time, I’d never even heard of people living that way. My grandmother disapproved, of course, but to me they seemed glamorous—like runway models, only with a rolling home.
I’m back to wanting to do the same and live like a floating leaf full-time. Both Evelyn and Dave say no, they need more space, and like living in our house. So I had to accept their final offer.
For now.
So I’ve pushed the dream out about ten years—long enough for Evelyn to be in her mid-teens, maybe ready for cross-country adventures and craving a change of scenery. When that day comes, I imagine parking my rig on friends’ land or tucked into driveways.
No wonder this dream still tugs at me. I’ve lived the vagabond life, camped alongside rubber tramps and snowbirds. I know what they think of “house people” with their endless rules and stiff compassion. And maybe that’s why I shed a tear over this morning’s coffee—the clash of my “house” life and my “on the road” heart. Or maybe, if I’m honest, the tear was hormonal. Odds are good.
I also want to sharpen my storytelling. On TikTok, I have only seconds to capture a viewer’s attention before they swipe away. But does that mean I need to be shocking or clickbaity every time? I hope not.
I researched a bit and found a few tricks, so in no particular order.
Be contrarian: “You know how everyone loves pizza? Well, I don’t.” (Total lie—I’d be first in line for extra cheese.) Or ask rhetorical questions: “What’s the deal with chicken nuggets anyway?” (Still working on a punchline.) Or tie into something timely, like how today is National Waffle Day. Which reminds me—I love blueberry Eggo waffles, but don’t buy them anymore because I’m “too fancy” for freezer food. If you still pop them in your toaster, know I’m jealous.
Another tip: start with imagine. Imagine buying only the plants that butterflies land on at the garden center, then planting them in a patch in your front yard. Because that’s what I did earlier, and it was awesome.
Alright, that’s enough of me. I’ll be studying Spanish and then hitting the hay.
Take care! Love, Jaclynn
Going On 40 