Van Lifer or Homeless… things I wish I’d said
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.ย. 2024
- A month and a half into full time van life, I got ‘the knock’ and encountered some unkindness. Realizing there are perceptions about who’s considered a van lifer and who’s homeless.
For info on the bOlder women camping weekend visit the events page at ireneharlow.com
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This was a fantastic very informative post. It brings up some important points. Thanks again and keep the posts coming. I look forward to seeing what's next.
Glad you enjoyed it!❤️
You’re a kind, considerate lady & it was unfair of that woman to comment like that! In our town tourism is encouraged but there aren’t many places to park without paying. I don’t know what’s up with society. As another senior woman, I understand that we’ve paid taxes all our lives & this is our country. May you be guided & blessed to travel freely! I look forward to going on tours with you! 🤗💜🇨🇦 I love little Charlie & how he looks at you with so much love🥰
Awww, thank you!❤️
yes I am in the states just below Canada and very interested.
My dad said to me many years ago. If you wanna make it in this world, you gotta be tough baby. I have tried to remember that , he didn’t mean to be cold to people , just to realize that some people are cruel hearted, and mean spirited like that lady , and not to waste your energy on them making you feel bad. You are a sweetheart and all I am saying is ,stay that way but don’t take to heart another person s attitude problems. I am enjoying watching your channel and love little Charlie . I lost my little Miss Daisy 1 year ago . She was a Maltese. We had her for 20 years she went everywhere I went and always by my side. I miss her a lot . I will pray God protect you and Charlie and brings blessings in your life.
Thank you Sandra and I am so sorry for the loss of your little Miss Daisy.😔
Don’t you just hate when we always think of things that we should have said and we only think of it after it is too late. I hope I never come across these types of people when I start my van life. I just want to enjoy my experiences on the road. One day Zia I will enjoy possibly meeting up with you…I would love that! Take care, honey and be safe, always!!! I see that this is one of your older videos. I won’t be starting my VanLife until 5/25 😊
So true, hindsight always gives you the best responses! I certainly hope you don’t encounter any unkindness on the road and wish you the very best when you begin your nomad life in 2025! Exciting times lay ahead! 🚐❤️🇨🇦
Sadly, people are oblivious to what is going on around them in the world today. We should all have the choice of how to live as long as we are respectful and obey the laws. You are a lovely lady and I pray for your continued health and happiness. Don't let others steal your joy - something I have to remind myself of many times too. Stay strong and carry on! God Bless!
Thank you, that is so kind! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
This old saying is true~Things that come out of people's mouth tell more about them than about you. Happy travels.
So true! ❤️
ya I keep meeting the same person over and over, a script in the midwest gets you accepted. you get poked and they demand personal info in order to tell you their place on the scale, make sure it is higher than you or they keep asking questions
What a delicate, delightful episode.Well stated points,yes it does seem as though van dwellers somehow have caste into a sub- citizen category with little respect or sensitivity shown .May you encounter only kindness and beauty from here on out.Let the darkness stay with them.
You and Charlie have a blast !
Thank you!🚐🇨🇦❤️
Stay strong! Your mode of living is not shameful, you're treating circumstance as a learning experience and an adventure, she could only hope to have that outlook on life. She shouldn't make you feel that way and I'm sorry.
Keep in mind those 'what i should have said' thoughts, and you will be ready for those kind of attitudes, sending you love!
Thank you Darren. I’m fine, it was just that she caught me off guard and I will definitely be better prepared to respond, should there ever be another incident. 😊
😮😢🌹👋🏽🙂🙏🏽
Also Here in the States there are signs all over saying no overnight parking and most places have removed garbage bins and State Parks and public places have carry in carry out rule…ie. Take out what you bring in (meaning any garbage or refuse or recycling items) ….I went to a conference where the was a whole discussion on the specific subject about van/RV dwellers.… the consensus being it’s ok being in a van temporarily…traveling…vacation…at campgrounds or other designated RV parks etc. but for those living in vans full time randomly and specifically taking up residence in local public areas, it was completely frowned upon. The primary question brought up being why should van dwellers be allowed to utilize and add costs by using public facilities and areas full time (whether it be restrooms, parking lots, city streets, parks etc) for free when others living in “sticks and bricks” or business owners or renters and landlords need to use their hard earned money to pay for them through their own property costs, taxes, rents or mortgages, and whatnot. Many Van dwellers choose to live that life to get away from paying the higher costs and fees which others are paying for. So people want to know how that is fair to those flipping the bills and want special patrols checking out public places where vehicles such as Van are parked. Just highlighting what some are thinking..at least in my area in the NE U.S.
I completely understand and appreciate that point of view. However, I also feel bureaucrats need to take a good hard look at the shortage of reasonably priced housing in many urban areas. I do have a Plan B, but it may be quite some time before that is an option for me. It’s a conundrum to be sure and in the meantime I am trying to be as inconspicuous as possible. 🙂
@@chasingthemoonrv No doubt. Housing costs and affordable availability are a serious concern everywhere. Please know that what I wrote was not my opinion of you personally or of the situation across the board ….I was just relaying a overheard perspective. I’m 66 and luckily still working FT …I am hoping to still be able to do so until I’m at least 70 so i might collect my fullest Social Security and maybe even still work on the side to supplement it…whenever I should need to stop working, for whatever reason, I will be faced with a similar dilemma as I don’t believe my Social Security will be enough to sustain me and savings are limited. My husband passed 13 years ago and I’ve been supporting myself on my own since then. I do now, and will then, only have one income and whatever i can manage to bring in….I wish everyone well in maintaining a decent and comfortable life in whatever manner they can achieve that. Be well sweetie….looking forward to seeing you in your travels no matter how limited they may be. Stay safe.
@@Ladythyme I absolutely knew your previous comment was well intended and I recognize, so well, the situation you yourself are in. I truly hope all goes well for you in the next few years and you are able to live comfortably in retirement. One of the reasons I am coming out of retirement, is because if the dilemma so many of us senior women face. Often we are without the support, encouragement and resources of community and my hope is to offer that, to some degree. ❤️
@@chasingthemoonrv exactly 👍
You are nicest lady and you deserve to be treated with dignity and you keep enjoying your life because it is none of her business
Thank you Marie! ❤
I guess I better start testing the waters now as I will need to stay in my town while I still have my Mom & my horse 🐴 😊
I am so sorry you were treated like that. You sound like a very nice person.
Thank you! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
I've been on the road for 15 months. It's really tough in the beginning. I just now feel like I know what I'm doing enough to be safe as possible.
Thanks for the encouragement! Stay safe and enjoy your travels. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
You do the same. Safe travels 🙂
I’m so saddened to hear how you were treated! Keep your head up! You are an inspiration to so many, me included!❤
Awww, thanks Tina!💛😊🌼
Having goals to shoot for is so important. Since you live in your vehicle, hopefully you are striving to better yourself in some way instead of just existing. Reach out and help others less fortunate than you. Write a book about your lessons learned in life, both as a nomad, and as a stix and brix dweller. You can even take classes and do artwork. These are so important if you're going to be a nomad, and you can even get a job - far better to talk about these than the problems of those around you.
Thanks Lewis, I absolutely agree with you and I do discuss the things you’ve mentioned in a previous video. 😊 I’m always open to learning new things, visiting new places, meeting new people and improving myself. Right now, I’m editing a novel I wrote, have art supplies and books to read and even have a small lap harp in the van. I’m also coming out of retirement and you can see what that’s all about at ireneharlow.com. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
Great video! Thanks for the information. Sorry for the trouble
Thank you. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
I'm so sorry that happened to you and others. I agree there is never a reason to be mean and rude. I live on Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia. I would like to think that wouldn't happen here❤ But I met a fantastic lady (Thealmostvanlife) a couple years ago here and she had a problem in a local grocery store. It breaks my heart. People rush to conclusions. If you ever come this way, keep in touch and you'll have a safe property to stay on. Lol Wishing you the best 🌸🐓🐓🌸
Awww, thanks so much for your kind words. I was on lovely Cape Breton Island last year during my cross country road trip! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
Charlie is so adorable ❤
Thank you! ❤️🐶
Some people are just down right nasty! If she was kind, it would have sparked a great conversation. So sorry she treated you that way. You are so beautiful.
Awww, thank you that’s very kind!❤️
I'm grateful I came across your video, I didn't think I would, but I ended up watching the whole thing as your voice was so lovely to listen to and you spoke so eloquently. Thank you for making this video :) However, I do worry a little since I have heard that turning up to a parking spot after dark can be dodgy (unless of course you are familliar with it). I guess it's more important for places you don't know so well. Just a thought that crossed my mind near the end of the video.
Thank you Zoe, for watching and for sharing your thoughts. You are right about turning up after dark and I should have clarified that. When travelling I always scope out a spot well before dark, but in the city I’ve lived in for over 45 years, I don’t worry about that. I have a few choice spots, that I know well and I rotate through them throughout the week.
🚐🇨🇦❤️
That is so sad, by your vids .you seen so calm &peaceful, I was not homeless, just re-tired & having a hard time adjusting to growing old, so I decided to put my race & mechanic skills to good use & fix & modify a older van to live in & travel, the way I see it we are not homeless just "Free Range Humans", be safe
Free Range Humans…I love that! I am calm & peaceful, 99.9% of the time Kenneth, but we all have our moments and I guess that was one of mine. 😊
Yes MYOB was what could have been a good response because that’s the way of it!
Some people are just so unhappy and they can’t stand to see anyone else enjoying life!
That will be my response next time. I won’t be caught off guard again. 🇨🇦🇨🇦❤️
Well that sucks! Isn't it always the case that you think of all the good responses after the fact! Remember that other people's opinions aren't your problem. You live your life intentionally which is what matters. ❤❤❤
Yes, it did suck and you’re right about the perfect response often coming after it’s too late. I guess I haven’t encountered anything like that for such a long time, I wasn’t prepared…I am now! 💪🏻❤️👍🏻
Some people are just asking for a debate or argument and I don’t give them that opportunity. If I’m doing the right thing and someone gets into my business I just cheerfully answer None ya 🎶. I’ve even had someone answer back “ what does that mean? “ 😅
Lol, I will absolutely be prepared, if it happens again! ❤️
What goes around , comes around.
That rude woman will get payback one day for being unkind to you, a stranger.
You’re not homeless…you’re houseless!
Stay brave!❤
Awww, thanks Shelagh!❤️
Karen's are opinionated and merciless.
@@janet1744 so glad there is a name for them...this ideal person whom has it all has no compassion and is all mouth
Regardless if you were homeless or destitute, you were putting trash in a trash can! She should mind her business! You were doing the right thing! People are just so uncivilized! I hope you continue to park where the town says is legal and continue to be the kind and gentil woman that you are!
Awww, thank you. 💖
It’s important to be a positive spokesperson for people’s opinions to change. It’s narrow minded people outdated views bring negativity and hate to everyone’s lives. You made a good point that any of us could be in a situation where we might one day be homeless! Her opinion might be different it she were to walk in someone else’s shoes!
I totally agree Douglas!
And even homeless, destitute people should not be treated with arrogance and unkindness. It is the same kind of prejudice that fuels racism. I deal with that by affirming my own strength and sense of what is right and wrong and by speaking out against it. And by not letting it undermine my lifestyle. So I do hope that you know that she is expressing a 'wrongness' and you are not, and that such people cannot be allowed to get between us and our happiness, and our lifestyles. We learn from these kind of incidents, so that next time it happens, we know how to deal with them. Perhaps a casual laugh, and 'its none of your business' , or 'you know nothing about me, keep your unhappiness to yourself' or whatever feels right to say. And an affirmation (within ourselves) that prejudice of any sort is an expression of unhappiness and ignorance. It causes harm, and anger because, sadly, such people can, and do, undermine the growing Tiny house, and van life living, by obliging local councils to activate outdated regulations (as happened for Adelina).
Very well said Annie, thank you! I am definitely prepared now for any future encounters. ❤️
I need training in responding to this kind. the past 20 years in a nice area and paying rent there is a divide
Yes, there is a lot of misconception, but you can do it!❤️
Chasing the Moon RV it's always people like that narrow mind it, be strong I wish we can talk...
thank you! I shared a weak, or maybe just unprepared moment, but I’m actually pretty strong & confident! 😊
So many people leave their trash & litter all over the ground, that woman should have told you thank you if she had to say anything at all.
Thank you, I agree and will remember that if it happens again! 🙂
We people ,who live in vans are despise by people who live in houses,, because I was one them ,,I use to despise people who where living in vans,, until I myself became one of them myself,,😢❤
Sadly, I think people are often afraid of what they don’t understand Francisco. Not many people understand why people live in vans, whether by choice, or as an only option. I hope you stay safe. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
@@chasingthemoonrv Amen , thanks, 🙏
Don’t give the park woman a second thought … she didn’t sound like a happy person and was probably very envious you’re living her dream!
Thanks, you’re probably right! I’ve put that behind me and won’t be caught off guard again. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
About that Lady and the Garbage..I would have said "oh Good". Drop it in .. lol
😁
Seeing a bit of Vancouver would be awesome! It’s probably a place I will never get to and I love seeing the world through other people’s eyes and roamings….
Excellent to hear this! Stay tuned. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
:) THANKS MUCH for another GREAT share and Video! Unfortunate that a few will spoil it for ALL, and NO REASON to be looked down upon for ANY LIFESTYLE you choose! Sad tha more palces are putting up more rules and bylaws to ban or make it harder for those that HAVE to live this way, again a few bad apples make the whole community look bad :( ALL the BEST and Cheers from down South! :)
Thank you! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
👍I don't know about in your area, but people do not realize, those that live in vehicles, most likely pay, taxes too!!
Maybe not the "homeless", that have ended up parked in cities and can no longer move. But most of us do. Since I have a base camp of sorts, there's land taxes beyond all the other taxes one might have. There's the old saying about, walking in another's moccasins! 👣👣👣
But "society", has changed greatly, and to so many it's become, a "me", world. Some places have even, out- lawed clotheslines, because some with more "pull", find them unsightly. 😕 Like in the comments, some do ruin it for others, and many people can be pigs. But in so much of our world, it's only black or white, no matter what the situation is. And so much is all about money. Many parks, or forests that have pulled out the trash service, also have very fancy new buildings for headquarters. And raised rates. 🤔
I too, think of things to say, after the fact.😬
And it seems, since covid so many more people are, "angry" in their every day world. Times have definitely changed, and I can't say for the best.
May be you missed her, "garbage police," badge? 😁🚙🌻Safe travels!
I hear you, the world does seem to still be reeling since Covid. I still like to think the majority of people are kind and helpful, but running into one of the angry ones can sure throw your day off. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
Such unfortunate incidents! As in many other situations honest, considerate and aware people pay the price for those who are not. We all get our sales slip checked over at Costco because some wingnuts think it is OK to shoplift. Frustrating and annoying! It makes me think of the song "Signs". A tour around your area will be lovely!
Thanks, as always Jane and that song is really relatable right now! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
Can you park at friends or family?
None of them have a space I can park in, but I’m not afraid and don’t mind sleeping ‘stealth’, I just wish others would do the same. 🚐🇨🇦❤️
I just flund you fo you have a home or do you live full time in the van?
Hi Linda. I’m full time.🚐🇨🇦❤️
What a miserable woman to harass you like that. Wishing safe travels for you. Would be great for towns to make safe parking spots. I'm sure there will always be those who spoil it for the travellers but if they could get past that and look at the positives , it could be great for tourism.
Thank you! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
You are rising above some rude unkind woman. How wrong. We are contemplating ft rvlife next summer.
Thank you Cindy and I hope if you decide to go ahead with FT RV life, it is everything you dreamed it would be. For me, so far, the pros definitely outweigh the cons! 🚐🇨🇦❤️
Seems there’s always the few who spoil it for the rest .
Yes, it seems inevitable Carolyn! 🫤