White Canvas Choices

Our White Canvas

Both of us plan keeping a big toe in our existing lives. After all, we have family and loved ones nearby. Our business and relationships with people aren’t going anywhere. I want to continue traveling and telling my mother’s story, hoping someday to make a movie or series, BUT we intentionally want to make more White Canvas time for each other.I suspect nailing down the exact scene on our canvas will take a while. The plethora of possibilities flashing on and off the wall and the avalanche of ideas are numerous. Maybe not so much from me, I’m more traditional in my approach to our “Golden years.” A glimpse into my retirement picture might reveal some tropical beaches, travel to foreign countries, and a few romantic cruises. Add in writing time, a good book to read, a beautiful location, and… Ahhh bliss!  

Not so much with Gary.

He’s not one to sit still. You’ll never find him “Chillin on the couch” or relaxing the day away. He needs a project, a destination, something to fix, an interesting discussion, something to do! His thoughts and ideas revolve at such a fast pace they could easily fill a photo album. Here’s a small sample from the last few months:

• Live on our isolated Alaska property – only accessible by seaplane. Do I really want my only neighbors to be bears?
• Build a custom tree-house and live in it; can we say adventures of “Smith family Robinson?” 
• Construct a series of small cottages around our property to use as Airbnb rentals. Does that sound like retirement to you?  I think not. 
• Camp and travel throughout the country in a Motor-home or (much worse) a V.W. Van. 
• Buy an off-grid rustic cabin on an island in another country with no power or services. We’ve already taken several trips to British Columbia,.. “just to look around.” 
• After meeting a delightful couple living on their Trawler boat this Fall. Hearing about their 26 years of adventures boating up and down the West coast, the search is on for our own boat and marine lifestyle. 

I could go on but you get my point. 

I’m off to plan for our weekend adventure. You might be impressed to hear we’re expanding and furthering our education.

We will be attending classes held in the middle of nowhere, Oregon, on “How to construct your own Cob House.”  Yes, I am dead serious!

Until next time, live life to the fullest, love without limits, encourage each other always and be filled with gratitude for each day.