My blog was designed to be a fun place. A place where I could escape the mundane and boring, and share things I found fun and intriguing. Not only for my treasured visitors’ sakes, but also for my own. A happy place that highlights things I want to remember forever.
The camp host told us that this was a beach rat
Like the adorable face of an otherwise disgusting beach rat at Ft. Pickens.
Gorgeous pink and yellow Florida lantana flowers.
Sunny and Sheba enjoying the outdoors.
The Aliner (years ago) perched high on a cliff on a spot that challenged my trailer backing up skills to the limit.
And even the Casita mods and fixes that I find so rewarding.
All this is to say is that my blog is veering off into a direction I don’t want it to go. Like the bathroom remodel.
Aliner at R. Shaeffer Heard COE
I am not in great health. And the constant cloudy weather this year is taking its toll. My doctor told me yesterday that I’m suffering from depression. I guess that’s why the bathroom project holds no joy for me and is something I simply must get done.
I declined antidepressants this time. I’ll see if getting exercise and getting outside and photographing the mushrooms, nature shots and such that I love can help snap me out of it. If not, I’ll accept them the next time I see her in a couple of months.
The dunes at Hunting Island
In the meantime, I will continue to plod away on the bathroom remodel and repair because it is something that must be done. But I’m not going to post about it. It’s like a 9-5 job that you must do but the time away from it is the time you really live and enjoy life.
And I want this blog to be a permanent reminder of my good times and the beauty that takes my breath away. 🙂
Wild lantana at our campground
Tinycamper's Blog 
Kim
/ August 21, 2013I was afraid that you had decided to quit blogging and am delighted to know that is not the case. You write so well and have so many followers, like me, who appreciate your serene, gentle approach to living.
You are very honest and sharing your struggles with your readers is part of that. Thanks for your honesty.
Here’s to hoping you, dear hubby, dear pets, and your beloved Casita are back to nature soon.
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Dear Kim, you don’t know how much I appreciate you and your support. 🙂
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Tim
/ August 21, 2013I enjoy what you post and because it is your blog I think you should post whatever you want.
I have many put off projects simply because I don’t have the energy to do the things I used to do. The mind remembers but the body doesn’t cooperate like it should.
For some reason our golden years seem to have a bit of rust to slow us down. But… I wouldn’t go back and do it all again because it took me too damn long to get here. If anything, I like where I’m at at this point in life. All world problems can be solved with a morning visit to the local coffee shop and then off we go to start another day.
I’ve found that days filled with humor work best for me. Sometimes it’s as easy as asking a young person “What is 20 divided by 5?” I always laugh as they frantically search for a calculator.
A sign of the times.
When they start to tell me “well back in your time…” I stop them and explain that This Is My Time and that youthful exuberence is no match for experience.
Gone fish’n.
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Tim, I love your comment. I wouldn’t go back, either, and I like who I am and where I am, with enough time behind me to have gained a bit of wisdom. I like being old-school — a time when we were taught to analyze and logically process things. A person who knows how to reason is not easily manipulated. I like that a lot.
I sometimes need a little help with the humor. When I do, I call my sister Gail. She has an amazing sense of the ridiculous and can turn any situation into a belly-laughing session.
So glad you are here! 🙂
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Roberta
/ August 21, 2013Great post! We are in the process of selling our home and wanting to purchase an Rv..It’s kind of stressful and right now I have what looks like a massive pile of paperwork on the floor to sort through. Not fun! We considered a small trailer like a Casita but with four cats we just might go off the deepend as far as space goes. Embrace each day and I start with a thank you to my creator. He understands me better than anyone..lol! Take care!
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Roberta, it is absolutely amazing how starting the day with gratitude to our Creator will turn things around. Sometimes I remember. Too often I forget. I’m working on remembering more. 🙂
If you are planning to fulltime, I wouldn’t recommend a Casita unless you are soloing. A Casita is fantastic for trips up to a few weeks for us and our dogs. But then it starts getting too restrictive. It works for us because we have a home to come home to, unload the laundry and the stuff, and sprawl out in a recliner.
But living in one takes a very special type of relationship, I would think. For most, fulltiming in a bigger rig is the sensible way to go. And as dearly as I love my Casita, I never thought I would say that! 🙂
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Gerri Jones
/ August 21, 2013I truly enjoy your blog and your honesty. Everything you write about is part of who you are and I enjoy every aspect!! Share what you choose to share and we will just enjoy that moment with you.
Great camping weather is just around the corner…spending time in nature is always good for the soul. 🙂
One day at a time…Hugs!!
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Gerri, I love having you along!
I’m am so looking forward to fall camping. In the meantime there are so many cool things to explore in our woods. I’ve neglected that way too long!
Thanks for the “one day at a time” reminder. And the hugs! 🙂
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Patti
/ August 21, 2013I am one of your “lurkers” and apologize for not identifying myself sooner.
If you need to take meds to get over depression, please know that you don’t need to take them forever! (been there, seen that, done it).
Enjoy your posts. Keep on plugging away until you’re happy again 🙂
::HUGS::
Patti
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Patti, so good to see you here. I am planning to call my doctor tomorrow and tell her go ahead and call in a prescription.
I identified a new bright red mushroom today. Am working on IDing a purple one. So that’s helping a lot! 🙂
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Carolyn
/ August 21, 2013I totally understand. My life has taken so many directions. I have almost quit blogging also. then I get so … frustrated with the stuff that needs to be done … I stop. I have always kept a journal. It has helped me to write out my emotions.
I have had a private blog sine 2008 that I just go and write … instead of a paper journal. Then my public blog serves as a sounding board … since all the decisions… oh balderdash… suffice it to say …
I have decided many many days to not continue my public blog but when I sit down and start writing and air my junk … then the comments? I forget the frustration and hassles and depression that comes from the overwhelming familial problems and house problems and taxes and $1200 oil seal thing… blast! it’s always something. AND I’m a real clutz at DIYing…
I don’t comment a lot but I read your blog and I will miss reading it. You have a peaceful blog and very easy to read. I know you will be back… and I am sending you some good thoughts … I use balloons to tie happy thoughts to and will send em over… look for them… I like red …. also green … yellow … love yellow 😉
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Carolyn, I do appreciate you being here. And your life HAS been a whirlwind. You would think that by the time you get our age that you’d be past the hard (or at least tricky) part. 😀
I do intend to keep up the blog. But it will just be fun stuff. I need that. It keeps me focused on the things that make me happy. Weird as they may be!
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Oh, the balloons are a fantastic idea. Make me grin just thinking about them!
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Carolyn
/ August 21, 2013Of course… you just said you were going to write about happy stuff. I misread. I was one who wanted you to write about your remodeling because I’m trying to do such … but writing a blog should be fun … I agree. I’m mainly posting rants right now which makes be happy … heh
And indeed … at 70? I should be eating bon bons lying about on a chaise lounge being fanned by some hunky guys… two would do … with those big fluffy plumes … BUT I’m not.
look for the balloons…. 😉
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013HeeHee….. I love your version of what 70 should be like! 😀
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Val
/ August 21, 2013Came across your blog a short while ago and do enjoy it. Hope your spirits lift soon. The big
“D” in no stranger in our family so I can sympathize. We just sold our Aliner and have a small 15″ regular trailer on order. I am curious about when you moved over to the casita.
Did you find you liked it more, did you miss the airy bright feeling of the Aframe?
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Val, I thought I would miss the high ceiling and open-all-around feeling of the Aliner. But the minute I stepped inside our Casita, I was in love. It has big windows and feels open and airy — and a lot sturdier than the Aliner. I love having upper cupboards and not having to stow everything away when we get ready to move. And I am really crazy about the Casita’s roomy bathroom…. comparatively, of course! 🙂
What kind of trailer did you order? We looked at some really cute ones.
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Val
/ August 22, 2013We ordered a a Taylor Coach. Not fancy on the outside, but ultra light and quality built by a small family business. Our build isn’t until Feb, but it is fun to daydream about it. I think I will like the top cupboards also and the small bathroom. Will have to learn about dumping tanks and all. 🙂
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tinycamper
/ August 22, 2013Val, I’ve read some very nice things about the quality and fit and finish of Taylor Coaches. It looks like you made a good choice!
Dumping tanks is so easy. After a couple of times, you’ll be a pro! 🙂
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Anne H
/ August 21, 2013I thought of you when I was camping at Cape Blanco – I saw a bunch of big purple mushrooms in the woods (have no idea what they were).
Hope you resolve the depression issue soon – sounds like you have a good plan!
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Anne, your mushrooms might have been an edible blewitt, or it could have been a poisonous cortinarius. Either way, they are cool. I found a tiny purple one today but since I couldn’t get a spore print, I can’t begin to identify it.
Yep, this is temporary! Thanks for the good wishes! 🙂
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Jo
/ August 21, 2013I get the not well and how hard it is to do something when your heart isn’t in it. I know it has to be done but take it easy. You have another bathroom so at least your not using a Luggable Loo or a solar shower hanging from a tree in the yard. 🙂
We had the same idea about the bathroom redo’s before the bigger problem you found in the other. So know I have to come clean. I cheated, yes I cheated. I stopped at Anna’s Linens to find a new shower curtain. I found one that made quite a change and so I didn’t have to paint. haha It’s probably a good thing since today I once again hurt. Going for more blood work tomorrow.
Sharon we are tough maybe not as tough as once but we still are tough. Projects just take longer but we get them done. Love your post and the pretty pictures.
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013See, there is something to smile about…. no luggable loo or sunshower! 😀
Love the way you solved your problem with a new shower curtain!
Wishing you all the best on the blood work. Sure hope you are ready to enjoy camping in your new topper as soon as you get it!
Jo, I am tougher than I ever was now. Just not as strong. But life is good.
Thanks for the kind words about the post and pictures. 🙂
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Smile
/ August 21, 2013Z
Sharon, I want you to know I am here (actually here in Pierre S D) to let you know that I am behind you and am supporting you. The reason I am here (Pierre) is because a friend cared about my mental state she invited me up for a break. I am starting to feel better already and ready for my next phase. Thinking of you kiddo.
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Smile
/ August 21, 2013Sharon it’s Emily, not Smile – but that’s good.
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Emily, I am so glad you have a friend who cared enough to invite you up there for a break. And so glad it’s helping! Best wishes for Phase II. 🙂
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Bliss Cat
/ August 21, 2013Please do what feeds your soul during this time. If it’s the bathroom remodel, do it. If not, don’t! Take good care. –Heidi, a 2 month or so subscriber.
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Heidi, I LOVE your username–Bliss Cat! I did take a break from the bathroom and went mushroom hunting late this afternoon. It made a world of difference!
Thanks for your comment! 🙂
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lynne
/ August 21, 2013I love all the support that you are getting here! This is Your life and Your blog and you can do anything you want to do.
Love you!
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tinycamper
/ August 21, 2013Lynne, that is why I love my blog so much. My wonderful readers who always give me the advice, perspective and support I need. What an incredible gift! 🙂
Love you, too!
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Bill Brown
/ August 22, 2013I am praying for you and battle you are fighting with depression.. Keep doing the things that you love to do, it sounds like good medicine!
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tinycamper
/ August 22, 2013Thanks so much for the prayers, Bill. It’s not serious yet, but it doesn’t seem to be going away by itself. And you are right about the good medicine! 🙂
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cozybegone
/ August 22, 2013Oh sweetie pie, getting caught up here and seeing and reading all the love coming to you in replies…has to feel uplifting to know how much you mean to so many. There are blogs and THERE ARE BLOGS…and yours always shines #1 in my book. May happiness always overshine any sadness…you find your way and hopeful the remodel isn’t too hard a task as expected. And may you be blessed with the biggest bumper crop of natures goodness this season! XO
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tinycamper
/ August 22, 2013Carla, I am already feeling so much better. Am making a point to get out with my camera for at least a half hour each afternoon. It’s amazing all the cool stuff you can find in just 1/2 hour!
Plus we had gorgeous sunshine most of the day. I’m bouncing back… and it feels so good!
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Nancy
/ August 22, 2013I know this sounds crazy but a friend suggested I eat a teaspoon of sesame seeds every day. It’s said to help a lot with depression. It seems to work for me and surprisingly they are quite tasty all by themselves. I just put them in a small bowl and eat them from there but have also put them on my cereal in the morning, salad at dinner or supper.
There are also a lot of essential oils that help with depression. I use several from Young Living, top quality oils, but go to a health food store and ask them for suggestions. Lemon, lavender and ylang ylang are just three that I use, not all at once, as well as Release and Peace & Calm from Young Living.
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tinycamper
/ August 22, 2013Nancy, I love sesame seeds and have a big jar of them, so that will be a great excuse to use them up!
Love the essential oils suggestion, too. I already have lavender, and maybe lemon from my soap making days (melt and pour — not from scratch!) And I love ylang ylang.
I got a nice dose of sunshine yesterday and today and that is doing miracles, too!
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Bradford
/ August 23, 2013Hi! You really struck a nerve. I know how you feel. There are projects I need to do with the van… things I want to do but can’t seem to get around to doing. LIke you, the docs told me to take meds but I won’t do it. I think too many people say we have a chemical imbalance. The more time I spend outdoors, the more things come back to center. Take care and hang in there. And keep blogging! (Yep, it’s definitely a full time job at times!). I love the pictures on your blog!
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tinycamper
/ August 23, 2013Thanks, Brad. Good to see you here. Getting outdoors and exploring is powerful medicine for me. I can already tell a difference. Glad you enjoyed the pictures. 🙂
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MarciaGB
/ August 23, 2013Please do what feeds your soul as much as possible. Life is too short and precious to do anything else! I too suffer from depression brought on by chronic health conditions and family stress. This year, I decided that I (and hubby, of course) would do as much as we can to enjoy ourselves when we can. It hasn’t always been easy (guilt comes in from time to time) but we are both feeling a little freer and happier and that makes a big difference mentally, physically and emotionally.
We all care about you so much and your blog brings joy to many folks. You are loved!
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tinycamper
/ August 23, 2013Marcia, I think that’s what’s causing mine. But I am putting enjoying living on the top of my list. It will take some budget juggling to get out camping and going and doing, but it’s critical to my well-being. Also, just getting out in our woods and taking photos is excellent medicine. I also understand the guilt and am trying to push it back where it belongs.
I like doing what I can do on the house, but this house will be here long after we are gone. So I’m not going to get completely bogged down into trying to make it perfect.
Thanks for your beautifully encouraging comment!
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Horst Kelly
/ August 23, 2013I’m Kinda late coming to this discussion…..not much for me to add….but then I will..lol…..your quote..” I’ll see if getting exercise and getting outside and photographing the mushrooms, nature shots and such that I love can help snap me out of it.”, is exactly how I try to start my day…sprinkle a bit of humor on it and it has the making for a positive day….
I would ask that you continue writing about your “Super fixing it up”….in my opinion, it is a partly what makes you such a unique, interesting and appealing “individual”….kinda a “renaissance man….I mean Lady”….and I’m guessing, those chores don’t necessary have to be done…now…the popcorn ceiling has been up for how many years..no health hazard…and if it never get done, what happens???…sorry I’m getting carried away….for many of us Bloggers, you are a unique person who we enjoy reading about…( Carla’s comment)….so please keep doing those things that bring joy to you and put a smile on your face..and as Lynn said its your life and your blog and you can do anything you want!!…..Horst sends
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tinycamper
/ August 23, 2013Horst, just getting outside and taking pictures for three afternoons running has made a tremendous change in how I feel. Mornings would be even better!
I’m putting off the bathroom until next week. I let the thought of that job, and the other bathroom, and the kitchen, and all the other jobs that will follow overwhelm me. As you said, it dawned on me that I have all the time in the world to get it done. There’s no mad rush.
I will probably post an occasional update. 🙂
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