Don't be afraid
Close your eyes
Lay it all down
Don't you cry
Can't you see I'm going
Where I can see the sun rise
I've been talking to my angel
And he said that it's alright.

I've always had to run
I don't know just why
Desire slowly smoking
Under the midwest sky
But there's something waiting out there
That's says I've got to try
I've been talking to my angel
And he said that it's alright.

This town thinks I'm crazy
They just think I'm strange
Sometimes they want to own me
Sometimes they wish I'd change
But I can feel the thunder
Underneath my feet
I sold my soul for freedom
It's lonely but it's sweet.

Don't be afraid
Close your eyes
Lay it all down
Don't you cry
Can't you see I'm going
Where I can see the sun rise
I've been talking to my angel
And he said that it's alright.

Every word in this Melissa Etheridge song cannot say it better, I think, for all fulltimers. These lyrics reside in my core being.

I am the Gypsy Queen who has been fulltiming it for the past three years. Three years ago, this brilliant idea popped into my little mind (maybe not so little - being a rocket scientist), to dump the home, buy an RV and fulltime it. When I flew out to Coburg, Ore. to pick up my new Signature the first thing they asked me where my husband was. I just smiled. They then asked if I ever drove anything this big (45'). I said hell no, I've never owned an RV in my life and I'll learn how to drive it on my cross-country trip back East, just show me how to back up. Since then it has been interesting, to say the least. Immediately when I arrived home a series of calamities occurred that nearly shattered my dream of fulltiming it and traveling. Then compounded by the fact that I couldn't leave work until I turned 55, otherwise I would be throwing away a pension. That bummed me out. Friends have told me on more than several occasions to sell the coach, especially knowing that living in the Northeast, where campgrounds are closed 7-1/2 months out of the year, can and does take its toll. So for those 7-1/2 months I boondock in a very well lit shopping center parking lot next to my work. People ask me where I live and I tell them in a parking lot, that the only difference between me and the bag lady is the size of the mortgage payment. Actually the folks at the shopping center have been very gracious hosts, and the town police keep an eye on me.

People ask me if I get lonely, and after this hard winter, I am. So my angel has told me "Young Lady - Go West, there's something waiting out there and I've got to try," and be with like-minded people and maybe find a companion, at least make new friends. So, though it will be expensive - Gillette here I come!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: MysteriousGypsyQueen,

Gypsy, Welcome to the forums, nice of you to join us. You can do anything you want to do, just keep a positive mind and spirit. Out of any adversity sooner or later come the sunshine. As for the driving, I see many men who havent mastered backing up, just go slowly. Make every move deliberatly after having thought out the consequences of a particular movement of the wheel. It is a learned thing. Pratice pratice patience. Have a safe trip to Gillette. george

YOU GO, GIRL..... and the best of luck to you and the Angel guiding you! When you get a blog started, let us all know the address, ok? Wow.... I wish you the BEST!! Lee

Hello Mr. George 1,

Backing up is definitely a learned thing which I have found that I'm usually better off doing it myself then having someone 'guide" me with confusing hand signals. Actually, after three years negotiating through campgrounds in the summer folks are amazed how well I do. I even amaze myself at times.

MGQ

Thanks Lee for the support. Looks like you've been at it for some time. I can maneuver a 45' coach and even troubleshoot and change circuit boards but I have no clue on setting up a blog - go figure.

quote:

Originally posted by MysteriousGypsyQueen:
...Backing up is definitely a learned thing which I have found that I'm usually better off doing it myself then having someone 'guide" me with confusing hand signals...

After many "perfect" back ups to use my husband's words, I finally had to tell my husband that I pretty much ignore his "directions". I do expect him to holler if something is close to being hit. But my hopping out to eyeball the site usually dramatically lessens any chance of that. The Class C is mine & in my name. David said since it was mine, I had to drive it (first time was thru Atlanta traffic from SW NC to S GA). No problem but I wish I could have split the trip into two days. I figure if I could drive my Dad's dump truck, then I could learn to drive anything. Just give me a couple hundred miles and stay out of my way. If something ever happens to David, I will still be RVing... until they take my driver's license away! But first they gotta catch me! I find it a bit sad to hear of women who "have" to sell their RVs after the death of their spouse because they "can't" drive it.

Lesson I taught my daughters... you can do anything that you have to do. You may not always like it, but you can do it. You may not be comfortable doing it, but you can do it.

Welcome to the forum!!! I hit the road full-time last Oct 26 and have never looked back. I learn something new every day....and I think that's a good thing.

Blog is easy...go to http://blogger.com and just follow the basic steps for a new blog. Feel free to shout if you need help...lots of folks here to help with most anything, INCLUDING blogs!

Lorna, I love your spirit, same with me. At 16 I taught myself how to drive a stick (on the column in those days) by driving my dad's pickup in the sand pit behind our house. God forbid "IF" the license has to go.

Froggi Donna, always skipping / hopping I presume? Thanks for the blog info. I gather you will be hopping / skipping along your way with the Lily Pad and Polliwog to Gillette from your countdown trail.

Welcome Ms Gypsy!

Look me up at Gillette, I didn't think I was going BUT last night I did some soul searching, then signed up for Solos Black Hills and Gillette.. Froggi.. Be glad you didn't come here, you know where, I'm not going to stay. Talked to ZoAnn told me she visted with you and Mike V.. See you at Black Hills..Because of the change in my plans, I put a Escapee message on my Web Page..feel free to check it out..

See you girls!
Hugs
Cookie

Froggi, finally you posted a photo that looks like you! You are looking great and you know that I love your haircut.

Karen

quote:

Originally posted by Holly N. Henry:
Froggi, finally you posted a photo that looks like you! You are looking great and you know that I love your haircut.
Karen

That one is from January....Topsweep took it in their RV. I think I may have a couple of new ones coming from the HOP....we'll see how good/bad they are. Thank you.....<g>

quote:

Originally posted by Cookie1:
Froggi.. Be glad you didn't come here, you know where, I'm not going to stay.

EMAIL ME the details....I kind of figured it didn't work out. Curious....see you in Gillette (but I won't be parked with the SOLOs).

Renee-Nicole,

That is too cool! I love what you wrote in your the first post. Geez, it sure does bring back some old memories.

I am so happy that everyone is going to Gillette because I know that all of you will have a blast. It sounds like it is going to be a tremendous amount of fun plus some. I am truly jealous!

Well, Renee, I just wanted to welcome you to the discussion forum, and tell you to keep posting away.

SKP Hugs,
Kellie

BTW, Donna, I love the new photo!

Gypsy Queen....you've had quite a winter, haven't you. I left NH 9 years ago and also "went West" and it was the best thing I ever did. There's so much room to roam...and the weather is more agreeable than New England (at least in the southwest). By all means, join a singles group....there are hundred of singles out there on the road.

I only miss NH during the summer and fall....I return to the east cost to visit relatives about every 3 years. Never want to see cold weather or snow again.

Welcome to the forum.