That Van You Stole From...?

Hi there,

That van you rifled through on the night of July 2nd? It was mine. It's ok. I know the things you took won't get you much money at all, so I hope they bring you some happiness. I'm sure you could tell that I live in that van, I was just spending the night at a girlfriend's.

The mini ipod was a gift from my Dad in my first year of University in 2006. I was very homesick that year and up until then I'd been using my discman. There are at least 3 years worth of musical taste on it, I really hope you at some point take a listen and maybe like what you hear. Many of the artists on their are singer-songwriters from the East Coast whose music I will not be able to get a copy of again. That makes me sad, but music should be shared.

The BlueTooth does not work very well.

The Gerber Tool my parents bought for me when I graduated from grade 9 (13 years ago). It's wonderful, I hope it serves you well. The pocket knife was a hand-me-down from my oldest brother. I used it for opening things---I hope that is all you use it for too. The pepperspray I bought when I moved into the van. I have never used it and am sure I never would have... I actually always forgot I owned it.

The jewelry box I'm sure won't get you any money. I'm sad to have lost the locket and gold ring engraved with a 'P'.. that too was a gift from my parents when I was 11.

Maybe things have been hard for you too, recently. I hope things get better. I'm so very glad my cat wasn't in the van last night or anything else that matters.

Take care and be well. This way at least, we are a little more connected. If I think of anything else maybe I'll update this. But they are just things, I know to remember that.

Best,

Me

PS The heater will be missed come winter.

Party Trick

I've been letting the cat out lately for a few hours at a time to roam.  So today when I lay down for a nap I let her out to wander, but when I awoke?  The damn girl was curled up asleep on the front seat.  Apparently the old girl can manage her way back in when the windows are down...  amazing.

Homies be rolling

Beauty Finds Her Way. Always.

I'm resting cross-legged atop my van on a calm, dark road at the edge of the world --- or maybe it's only the edge of Vancouver Island, but you'd be hard-pressed to identify the differences.  The night is warm and my iPod sits unplayed somewhere beneath m perch, because tonight it is the ocean's playlist tempting me with her beats.

I feel free.  Employment has been spotty over the past three months; and though not my reasoning for adopting the lifestyle, certainly a fact made easier by its inception.  I feel grateful.  I am so well supported and cared for by this city and my community of loved ones.  It was my libation-indulging friends who provided the cans I returned for this morning's coffee, and a girlfriend's home that I cleaned for Vanna's gas top-up today.  Though my consumption has eased recently, my needs continue to appear and be met.

Warmer days have meant leaving the windows open at night which has done wonders for the humidity levels.  Condensation build-up throughout the night caused me to be concerned about the development of mold which for the time being seems to have been remedied.  I've also discovered almond milk as an alternative to dairy (an alternative that doesn't require refrigeration).

Things to Think About

Rite of passage for the young vandweller... Being rejected because of your circumstances... and mold.

Yes.  That is correct.  I was dumped because I live in a van.

I think.

However, because it was only the second date, it may not really constitute a full-on 'dumping' I 'spose.

Also?  Mold.

Today marks the beginning (hopefully not of the end) of my certain to be ongoing battle with mold.  I tore my bedding apart to discover black spots forming on the wood platform of my bed.  Am now in the research phase.  Will be sure to update y'all throughout the freaking process.

And also?  Girls bestfriend: memory foam.  Have been sleeping like a baby for a few nights now since purchasing the mattress of craigslist.

If You Lived Here...

YOU'D BE HOME.

My Office.

Dining room view.

Making the Most of It