Hi ya'll! Ive been lurking this site for months maybe more than a year. I'm a middle aged woman with 2 kids who are about to go off to college( hopefully ). For about 4 years I have been researching cheap alternative living. Homesteading, tiny houses, and so on. I'm done with the rat race! I have fought blood sweat and tears for everything I've ever had only to have it all taken from me. From '09 to '12 I went through unimaginable hell that changed my perspective on everything, but I'll spare you the details besides I'm ready to move on from that. At this point I want to get a cargo van and fix it up but I have no money and no job so at this point it's just a dream. However I'm going flipping insane, if I have to stay in this deadend town in the middle of the country much longer I will probably just pack up my minivan grab my cat and run away. The reason I would like a cargo van is because I am an artist and I just can't figure out how I'll haul my paints and things in something too small. I will probably have to just take what I can get and build in baby steps because I don't think I'll manage to keep myself from going asap. I'm hoping I get a job, and my Etsy page starts selling and once I get on the road I'll try to sell my paintings on the side of the road maybe do some workamping? Welp I've got some new ideas I look forward to sharing and lots more questions so I'll see you around. Did I mention this site makes me so freggin happy! I feel like I just got home.
Wishful thinking
- Thread starter Kozi_Kidy
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cyndi
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Welcome to the CRVL forums. Kozi Kidy! There are quite a few people, in the van dwelling world, doing it in a mini van. That's not a bad place to start. Some kind of income, is definitely a necessity, though.
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
To help you learn the ins and outs of these forums, this "Tips & Tricks" post lists some helpful information to get you started. We look forward to hearing more from you.
Hi and Welcome!!! 
I understand completely how you feel, having been there myself with working so hard to see it all gone almost the same years as you. Hang in there. ((hugs))
Hey, how bout packing the minivan and grabbing the cat for a weekend trip or two until you get it figured out?
I understand completely how you feel, having been there myself with working so hard to see it all gone almost the same years as you. Hang in there. ((hugs))
Hey, how bout packing the minivan and grabbing the cat for a weekend trip or two until you get it figured out?
wagoneer
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welcome aboard and please show us your paintings I also paint and will be at the RTR
Patrick46
Well-known member
Hello, and welcome to the madness!!
1.) You could always post up your mini-van for sale or trade for a full sized van
2.) I'd start your Etsy page right now, while you've still got a base to work from! (now is also a good time to get it started, as the Holiday season brings in a lot of extra shoppers looking for gifts!)
3.) Don't go insane. Use today as the 'official' starting point for you to begin your journey as a VanDweller! (OK, you might not be 'living' in your van full time as of yet...but you can start the tedious process of downsizing and organizing all your belongings, so that when the day arrives, you can make an easy transition into whatever van you do choose!
btw...where are you from?? Any critters you'd like to share?? Tell us more about the art that you do!! (pics are always welcome!!)
Good Luck and all the best in this new life as a vandweller!!
Patrick from the Oregon Coastline!
1.) You could always post up your mini-van for sale or trade for a full sized van
2.) I'd start your Etsy page right now, while you've still got a base to work from! (now is also a good time to get it started, as the Holiday season brings in a lot of extra shoppers looking for gifts!)
3.) Don't go insane. Use today as the 'official' starting point for you to begin your journey as a VanDweller! (OK, you might not be 'living' in your van full time as of yet...but you can start the tedious process of downsizing and organizing all your belongings, so that when the day arrives, you can make an easy transition into whatever van you do choose!
btw...where are you from?? Any critters you'd like to share?? Tell us more about the art that you do!! (pics are always welcome!!)
Good Luck and all the best in this new life as a vandweller!!
Patrick from the Oregon Coastline!
Thanks everybody for such a warm welcome. Yes I think if I could just take a weekend trip it would help immensely. I didn't expect anyone to be interested in my art. I need to do one of those pictures sharing things to show people my portfolio. But till then if you want to see what I'm currently doing you can visit my Etsy page.
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintedEa...=full]5399[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]5400[/ATTACH]
https://www.etsy.com/shop/PaintedEa...=full]5399[/ATTACH][ATTACH=full]5400[/ATTACH]
Attachments
Oh I forgot to mention I'm in a small town Missouri, that's in the middle of the U.S about as far away from any coastline as you can get. I plan to travel mostly the west coast, and Patrick I am drawn to the PNW in particular. Portland, Oregon sounds like my kind of place, where the town motto is "Keep Portland weird"!
GotSmart
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Kozi_Kidy said:
I am stuck in CoMo myself for the time being. I hope to leave on New Years. West to RTR!
Have you given any thought of an auction? It seems to be a huge draw here. If you are good at free hand art, perhaps bring back Van Mural art. I miss it.
GotSmart when you say CoMo are you talking Columbia? I lived there 20 years ago in an area called Lake of the Woods. Or you could be talking about Tanycomo? I'd like to go to RTR but don't know if I'll have money by then. Might do an auction but not sure if I have enough stuff for it. I had a 1600 sqft house I have been selling stuff since I lost it in '10. And Van Art I love the idea but I would have to learn how to use an airbrush and a different kind of paint. I'm a brush painter, and auto paint needed for that is super tricky. I've used it and failed miserably. Lol.
Ok back to job search. The town I live in is so small there are no jobs, so I am going to look into jobs in a large town about an hour away and I think I'll live in my minivan while I work. Thanks to this forum I've learned some tricks to get me by.
Ok back to job search. The town I live in is so small there are no jobs, so I am going to look into jobs in a large town about an hour away and I think I'll live in my minivan while I work. Thanks to this forum I've learned some tricks to get me by.
You have a great attitude. With your artistic eye, you could turn your minivan into a lovely home while you work to get a larger van. There is a trade off for everything--minivans have much less space but get much better gas mileage. When money is really tight, the loss of space may well be worth the savings at the gas pump.
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Welcome Kozy-Kidy! In this forum we are in the hope providing business!! There is hope for you, that bright light at the end of the tunnel is not a train, it's the best times of your life!
It may not all be easy, but happiness is possible and most of us found that just knowing there was another way made the journey so much easier we took it gladly. The key thing is one step at a time, steady forward progress.
Some ideas to consider, some may not work for you but hopefully some will:
1) Start getting rid of stuff by selling all you can and build up some cash. Very little can go in a cargo van so most of it needs to go.
2) As soon as you get down to less stuff, see if you can downsize to a smaller place, again, save the extra rent payment you aren't making.
3) When the kids are gone, move into the minivan and think about getting a job. Pay yourself rent every month and build it up in savings.
4) You want to build up an emergency fund, I recommend $3000 that is only for emergencies. That'll cover an engine or trans rebuild, or even a whole new van.
5) Create as much art as possible and get your art supplies down to their minimum.
6) Consider mastering the art of painting murals on the side of vans and RVs. I think there is a good market for that.
7) Start searching thrift stores and yard sales for camping supplies you'll need for your new home.
Just some ideas to get you started, take what works and forget the rest!
Bob
It may not all be easy, but happiness is possible and most of us found that just knowing there was another way made the journey so much easier we took it gladly. The key thing is one step at a time, steady forward progress.
Some ideas to consider, some may not work for you but hopefully some will:
1) Start getting rid of stuff by selling all you can and build up some cash. Very little can go in a cargo van so most of it needs to go.
2) As soon as you get down to less stuff, see if you can downsize to a smaller place, again, save the extra rent payment you aren't making.
3) When the kids are gone, move into the minivan and think about getting a job. Pay yourself rent every month and build it up in savings.
4) You want to build up an emergency fund, I recommend $3000 that is only for emergencies. That'll cover an engine or trans rebuild, or even a whole new van.
5) Create as much art as possible and get your art supplies down to their minimum.
6) Consider mastering the art of painting murals on the side of vans and RVs. I think there is a good market for that.
7) Start searching thrift stores and yard sales for camping supplies you'll need for your new home.
Just some ideas to get you started, take what works and forget the rest!
Bob
Oberneldon
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Kozi_Kidy,
MO has excellent free camping at the many conservation sites. This past spring I free camped on the Mississippi and it was great to watch the tugs and badges go by.
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/camping
Good luck getting started.
Brent
MO has excellent free camping at the many conservation sites. This past spring I free camped on the Mississippi and it was great to watch the tugs and badges go by.
http://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/outdoor-recreation/camping
Good luck getting started.
Brent
SaltySeaWitch
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Welcome! I'm in a small town in TN and can understand your frustration with lack of jobs etc but you have an amazing talent and sound determined so I know that you can find a way. I'm rooting for you!!
Key West has a long tradition of hand painted cars, bikes, and, well...boobs
I liked your paintings! You should consider putting more information on the site, specifically size and weight. And perhaps make a move to lighter weight canvas for your mobile setup...
Good luck with your goals!
I liked your paintings! You should consider putting more information on the site, specifically size and weight. And perhaps make a move to lighter weight canvas for your mobile setup...
Good luck with your goals!
Everyone has so many great ideas, some really insightful stuff I had not thought of. I'll be looking into or doing pretty much everything ya'll have said. Im also going to start a blog. I hear if you are good at it you can get some income going. I'm starting a blog about my plans for getting mobile but mostly it's a place for me to gather my findings and ideas in one place but I don't know if that could bring any income. Since my knowledge is in art/painting maybe I should go that route. Sometimes I just don't know where to start. But I think today I will focus on a job, can't get all this started without a little money.
Patrick46
Well-known member
OK...
where you need to look for jobs, is at SIGN SHOPS!!
I own one, and I've been in this business for over 30 years...and that's what you need to do. (I'll bet that this isn't something you've even considered, as most folks overlook this.)
Bring in your portfolio, and a resume'. I'd be inclined to look for shops that specialize in hand done work, but you'll likely end up 'weeding' a lot of vinyl no matter where you go. (at least for starters)
This will be a good education on how the sign business works, and you'll get used to working with the tools and supplies.
Go get 'em, kid!!
where you need to look for jobs, is at SIGN SHOPS!!
I own one, and I've been in this business for over 30 years...and that's what you need to do. (I'll bet that this isn't something you've even considered, as most folks overlook this.)
Bring in your portfolio, and a resume'. I'd be inclined to look for shops that specialize in hand done work, but you'll likely end up 'weeding' a lot of vinyl no matter where you go. (at least for starters)
This will be a good education on how the sign business works, and you'll get used to working with the tools and supplies.
Go get 'em, kid!!
Your paintings are great! I love cats so the white kitty was so cute. My fav was the black owl. Good luck with whatever you do. The main thing is to keep planning and moving forward with the positive energy that comes across in your posts.
Kathy
Kathy
