My DNA and me.
Often times the best things we find in life are not the things we are searching for. Such was my experience when I went searching for my ancestry.
In my last video blog I made a point about my place in life being attributed to hard work rather than luck. While I stand by that wholeheartedly, there is one area I consider myself extremely lucky… my family. Read More
How to be successful on the road.
It’s okay. Go ahead. I won’t be offended. Ask. “Mandy, how do you afford to live on the road?” Well, I’m glad you asked. It’s about time I spelled out my master plan for everyone. For without a goal, how can we measure our success? Read More
Scorpions and Spiders and Cougars, Oh My!
More and more I have been receiving the advice “Be careful, Mandy!”. While I understand this comes from a place of caring, I have only this to say: I will be mostly careful. Read More
Zion’s most popular hikes
When I was growing up, family vacations were most frequently camping trips. My Dad and I would hike the most popular trails, and then we would often point to a random peak and say “Let’s climb that one”, and then we would. I am grateful my Dad instilled in me a love for hiking at a young age, and still today it is where I do my best thinking. Read More
What Happens in Vegas…
What’s that old saying about turning lemons into lemonade? Well, despite my natural love for lemons, that’s exactly what I did this week.
After finding myself marooned in Las Vegas of all places, I took advantage of my forced hiatus from mobility. Just one night on the strip reaffirmed for me that nature is indeed where I belong. I ventured out to Red Rock Canyon, Zion, and the Valley of Fire – all of which blew my mind in a cool refreshing blast of mental lemonade. Read More
An outsider’s perspective of life on the road
As much as I adore hanging out by myself and becoming “my own best friend”, I’m pretty sure I still prefer the company of other minds! When Labor Day rolled around my friend Cassie promised to join me for a visit, I promised her an adventure. Read More
There’s no place like home
Merriam-Webster’s primary definition of “home” reads “one’s place of residence”. What does that mean for us nomads who find our residence ever changing? This week I have been defining my own version of home. The people I know and love, the friends I meet on the road, the experiences I have, and the inner most center of my being – of which I am never without. Read More
My own best friend
I recently took a trip up North and brought back a few souvenirs: A gash on my forehead, a hole in my eyebrow, and most importantly a rekindled friendship with the girl inside me. Read More
Featured Badass: Robert McGee
“Creativity is a dish best served family style.”
As photographers, painters, sculptors – any kind of artist – we must understand that when we collaborate and work together we can achieve and learn far more than we ever could alone. I have become a better photographer only by working with others who have taught me what I know. I have learned more about myself only by talking to friends who help me understand. I have gotten where I am today only by the support and collaboration of those around me. We create, we build, we become – together. Read More
How the mountains made me do it
I may be 15 years late, but I’ve finally decided to join the world of blogging. I never thought I would be a blogger, but evidence shows this might be a way for me to share the one thing I have been passionately trying to share – inspiration.
Many of you have found me through the unfortunate theft of my teardrop camper and home, Birdsong. While I am grateful for the silver lining of countless new friendships, I do not wish to be remembered for – or followed because of – an event that could have happened to any unlucky victim. Read More