It's coming up on three years since I originally started this blog, and I'm continually amazed at and thankful for how supportive most everyone is who stops by to read about my thoughts, experiences, and information. I more than appreciate all of the comments and messages I have gotten thus far and all the ones that continue to trickle in. Thank you all!
So much has changed in three years, and therefore I plan to make some layout and content changes to this website, gearing it more towards sharing firearms/gear/survival/preparedness/canning/knitting type information as opposed to its previous van-travelling focus. Firearms and vehicles are not a combo that works well together, so my life has been gradually turning in a different direction.
Please bear with me as I update this page and get it jam-packed with gun/gear photos, new survival/preparedness information, reviews, and more. :)
"Everything Is Free" by Gillian Welch
EMAIL: FALIAPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
72 comments:
Thanks for the update - keep your chin up- I appreciate what you've shared and it motivates me too!
Hi,
I ran across your blog while pursuing one of my day dreams of life on the road. Someday I would like to get an Airstream van or similar and go free-range.
You are a very good writer and excellent blogger! I spent the past hour reading about a dozen or so posts. Very inspiring!
You seem like a very positive, outgoing, creative woman. So whatever seems to be getting you down in this post I am sure it will pass. Time heals all right?
Well I just wanted to throw some positive words out there to you so keep on being the cool chick that you project into your writing!
If you ever need any help changing your blog or possibly monetizing it or a new site or whatever... I would be happy to help you out. Advice and answering questions = free or I would be happy to spend time and work on something for you in exchange for an awesome article or two. I am so serious you could blog for a living your articles are great!
My site is Topshelf Solutions
Have a GREAT weekend!
Hi,
I ran across your blog while pursuing one of my day dreams of life on the road. Someday I would like to get an Airstream van or similar and go free-range.
You are a very good writer and excellent blogger! I spent the past hour reading about a dozen or so posts. Very inspiring!
You seem like a very positive, outgoing, creative woman. So whatever seems to be getting you down in this post I am sure it will pass. Time heals all right?
Well I just wanted to throw some positive words out there to you so keep on being the cool chick that you project into your writing!
If you ever need any help changing your blog or possibly monetizing it or a new site or whatever... I would be happy to help you out. Advice and answering questions = free or I would be happy to spend time and work on something for you in exchange for an awesome article or two. I am so serious you could blog for a living your articles are great!
My site is Topshelf Solutions
Have a GREAT weekend!
The best of luck to you on your new direction, and you can be sure there will be many of us following along to learn more great stuff from you. Thanks very much for the hard work and effort you put into the blog.
I bet ud like Terlingua TX
Hi Sonja, fairly recently discovered your on-line musings and I enjoy them a great deal and have been inspired to move more towards that direction myself. My 2 cents, we all evolve and change. I think you should keep your current Van dwelling blog as a "historical document", and move one and create a new blog that represents where you are now. It's good to let go and start fresh, all of your personality and previous experience will come across anyway, because you are you, and you can simply reference older material when needed. I'm now a subscriber, and will probably check in again sometime. Peace!
Hang in there, life is all about changes and going down different paths. Some we choose and some are chosen for us. Keep your chin up and your wits about you. You'll do fine.
Take from someone who has written continuously since 2003, you don't need a new blog or a new website.
I went through a dozen different websites before settling on my blog. More than once I have been tempted to abandon it as well. Now, over four hundred posts and nine years later, I am very glad that every time I was tempted to change, I stayed right where I am.
In cyberspace and in the real world having a solid place to put down roots is vital to our ability to understand ourselves and plan for the future.
Readers come and go. A blog is not a news outlet (although some try to treat their own blog that way). A blog is an online chronicle of an individual life, the ups, the downs, the failures and the successes. Being able to look back through my archive and track the changes in my life is an extremely positive and stablizing influence.
Your life might take a new direction, but you don't need a new blog. Your blog is your personal history. It is important to be able to flip back through the pages and remember how you got here.
Hello,
You really got me hooked on your blog and I will continue to follow you in whatever your hearts desire.
God bless you Sonji! Never give up your blog.
Jody in Texas...
I found your blog almost a year while researching the Crossbreed Supertuck. As a gun enthusiast, I am looking forward to the new directions of your blog.
Hang in there, I wish you the best with the personal things. I admire your honesty, and sincerity.
Take care !
I so admire you and the positive changes you are making in your life. Thanks so much for your survival preparedness posts... They have been an inspiration for me to put together my own bug-out bag and start some food storage. Good luck to you!
Hi,
I love your blog. It actually inspired me to start my own. We seem to share common interests(survival, firearms, freedom...). My wife and I are at a similar crossroad. We want the freedom to move around and see as much as we can in this short life, yet also have a small, sufficient home to raise a family. We're currently considering a yurt. They seem to be a good compromise between mobile living and a traditional home.
Good luck and be safe.
~Scouti
Sounds like a good plan! Can't wait to hear more about "sprinkles". Also, I am thinking about building my own AR too! Thanks for the inspiration!
I recently found your blog from a video linked on a Michigan Firearm Forum Website (Welcome Back to Our Great State!). I have enjoyed reading your postings and share the wandering sentiments expressed here (will someday hike the entire AT Trail).
As others have opined, I would keep this same site as it is part of your life journey that you have graciously shared with others. The experiences and information learned over the past few years dovetails quite nicely with the next phase of your life's journey.
Whereas previously you experienced CRONOS Time, you now appear to be experiencing KAIROS Time. While difficult, these times are truly what shapes us into the persons we are DESTINED to become. You are strong, intelligent, and have many gifts - just hold on until the MIRACLE happens!
You will find many like-minded persons here in MI on some of the Firearm Sites such as migunowners DOT org and Open Carry DOT org. I post there as PDinDetroit.
Keep your chin up and keep smiling (it makes people wonder what you're thinking)... lol
Whatever you decide to do, you know your 'friends' from here and your utube channel will support you. We're just happy to have you back in contact again.
Take care
- Sniper-T
:)
Hi
When you sell your van have a look at these websites. Maybe one peaks your interest :) Maybe a little more space might help you stay mobile on the road and you said you were considering a diesel vehicle, well a good diesel truck goes a long ways to keep one mobile.
"Agility and the ability to move to better and more lucrative or safer environments is the essence of a free lifestyle"
http://www.FifthWheelMagazine.com
http://www.TruckCamperMagazine.com
http://www.MyOldRV.com
http://www.RV-Dreams.com
We are with you, come what may.
Chris
This blog is a story of your life. Keep it and keep posting.
I'm in the same type of boat as you. Mine's just bigger. Wave when I sail by..!!! ~JTC
1. I agree with others that you should keep the blog you have. Keeping the van living as an archive is a good resource for those preparing to evacuate by vehicle.
2. I was watching one of your videos about Sprinkles and noticed you were using the old technique to manipulate the charging handle. The preferred technique is to manipulate the charging handle by grabbing the left side of the charging handle with the left hand while maintaining a firing grip with the right hand. If you look at the video listed below between 3:30-3:45 he shows one technique for manipulating the charging handle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fz3Xq3FfcD4
3. What kind of camera are you using?
Hi, I read thru some of your web page and I think what you're doing takes guts. Congrats on making it this far.
I have same dream of being free but my approach is slightly different and I have a family. We're not hurting or poor in any way but I'm always working towards spending less each month on those small-medium size bills that all add up to a big chunk of money.
There's not many people out there that think this way, especially gun lovers!
Good luck,
Live a truly American life while America still exists. You are very smart and conservative (same thing, really).
Nice concise writing - and the guts to put yourself out there, both in real life and in the digital world, with a strange-headless twist.
There must be thousands living vicariously through you.
I also think you should keep the same blog. It's part of your history. You grow and adjust, but all the history is there in the background. I like your history and the new you too.
When you share your world, it makes things seem possible, that before I just thought of as "dreamin'".
love,
brenda from arkansas
Hello there Falia, just ran across your blog/update here, and was wondering where you were? I'm used to seeing you on Youtube. Glad to hear from you again, wish you nothing but the best, and hope all your bumps in the road, of your life, smooth out soon for you. Have enjoyed following some of your life/adventures, and hope to see more in the future. Sincerly, MrGrayGrizz/Tim. Take Care.
Hi,
You inspire a great many people in your blog and videos. We all learn from you. Wishing you the best and hope things improve soon.
A nice diesel pickup, a smaller travel trailer (or fifth wheel), a few acres of land (main requirement -- can I shoot from my doorstep?), and a building to store all the stuff in...working on a similar dream it seems.
On diesels...I like the Duramax. I've done quite a few miles with them and been impressed. Older 7.3 Fords and Cummins are quite decent too, but I'm biased to the Chevy. And the Duramax is soooo much better than the old 6.5 L. I wouldn't go that old in Chevy diesels. Ford and Dodge just had better diesels back then, IMO.
Or maybe you're thinking diesel car? Maybe...MPG is a pretty big concern with lots of traveling. Headin' south again this winter?
Good luck in whatever direction you go. I'm also a fan of keeping your website's history; it's part of who you are, regardless of what path you take in the future. I look forward to reading about your new adventures. You have a wealth of knowledge to share and I've appreciated that so much over the time I've followed your blog. You are the reason that I chose the Crossbreed Super Tuck and I don't regret it! Stay safe and I hope you keep blogging!
~Kristin
I just read your article in the current USCCA magazine. Nice going!
Your site, YouTube videos and magazine writing will help a lot of people (not just women) determine the whys and hows of concealed carry.
Congratulations on your article being published.
Rick
I like your mindset(survival,firearms)hope it all works out for you. I'm kinda in the transition stage myself, the limbo sometimes makes you feel anxious yah know but it will pass.
-Brent from Ohio
Congrats on your article in the USCCA Concealed Carry Magazine this month. Way to go! I don't know what it is about you but I would say the Lord has got His hand on you in a special way. Remember the picture "Hang in there baby" with the kitten hanging onto the end of the table cloth or on the end of a roap? Well, with God we have had it all wrong because He is the one holding on to us and He said He would never let go! Be blessed! He is doing great things with and for you.
My 2 cents worth is keep the van living site up as it is a decent reference for those interested and has a lot of interesting links.
Start a new blog as you feel the need. Like everyone else has stated, thanks for all of the good info and we are all pulling for you.
Sonja I have been following your blog for two and a half years now and I have found so much information and a wealth of resources in it. While only you can make the ultimate decision, I would selfishly ask you to keep your van-dweller information.
You are a young and intelligent lady who has a great gift for writing and conveying information in an understandable and easy to read fashion.
I wish you the best in your future endeavors.
As someone who shares your views on so many things I hope that in your process of "evolving" you realize what a mistake it was voting for Obama. McCain would have been a disaster in his own way, but how could someone who is so freedom minded have voted for someone so clearly anti-freedom and anti-American?
I really enjoy your videos and your writings. Hope to see more.
I added you to the GBBL: gunblogblacklist.blogspot.com
I hope you come back soon. And if you start a new blog, drop me a line.
Ran across your YouTube video dealing with concealed carry while looking at Glock 27 carry vidoes and immediately developed an internet crush on you (ha, not in a stalker way). Now if I could find a 40 year old version, who can rock that thigh holster like you do...
Anyway, cool blog. I think you are right to move away from car living. For a person to be truly self sufficient they should have a homestead.
The White Wulf Man
I've followed your blog for a long time and it gave me a couple ideas when I hit the road for six months. Now with this last post, I want to say, because apparently nobody else has, that I think that guns and paranoia are not the most healthy interests and this shift in your life sounds negative. Yeah, the world is going down the shitter. We know that. But we are trying not to let it happen! Just preparing your life for the worst isn't going to help anything or anyone, even you. Why "survive" when you can flourish? Few people would want to live in a van forever, but good reasons for a sedentary life are to be a part of a local community, start a garden and eat better food, contribute in the workplace, make deep connections with friends, etc. Join a sustainability club or something! But guns and survival? You are on a path. I wish you the best on your spiritual journey and hope the twists and turns illuminate the way to your true contentment.
Hi!
I'm actually preparing to become a vandweller for the same reasons that you are getting out of it! Haha! I know, it's crazy. I'm actually trying to get out of a house, because I find that the instability in the economy will make it very dangerous to be rooted in one location, like I am now.
Anyway, I've been following your blog for about a year -- you were actually one of my initial inspirations that I found while researching. And now I've started a blog about my coming adventure. Right now, I'm covering the boring stuff -- why I'm getting out of my house, why I want to become fully nomadic, etc.
Check it out!
vforvandweller.wordpress.com
V.
Sonja,
Kudos on realizing you are ready for major change, it is really difficult for people to recognize this, let alone act on it. I too, have recently recognized the need to make major changes in my family's life. Your blog and YT videos have helped me educate my wife and 3 daughters on the importance of freedom, independence, preparedness and RKBA. As for life's speed-bumps, I'm sure you will make it through in the most positive way possible, you are intelligent, prepared and have experienced more than most people in your generation. As for the blog, I agree with most of the comments, stay here, it is YOUR place, your time capsule, the following you have gained is not solely due to van dwelling, it is your outlook and knack for sharing your thoughts, philosophies and quite honestly very useful information. Hang on there, you're not alone.
You are a very gifted communicator. Congratulations on your USCCA article.
You are strong and have a wonderful spirit. You have made be better by having read your posts.
Thank you very much!
Survival ? Let me know what kind of plan you have. They say that farmers around the world are getting old and withen 10 years or so, there may be a food shortage with few to replace them with. Few people want to be farmers, can you blame them to many problems.
I also heard that by the year 2015the cost of food is going to skyrocket. I sense a bit of fear.
Too much crime, economic melt down, wars, death, destruction, loss, over population, polution, riots, and revolution.
If you buy land to grow food and have shelter, but there are tens of thousands who don't. Will you have the moral to shoot and kill them all. When they gang as a mob to steal your food, water. and supplies. They to may have guns and kill you instead.
What do you think about this type of out come? If there was ever a crisis many people will head into areas where they can find food. But to many will create a struggle for survival. That means fighting, stealing, and even killing for food.
I'm not trying to scare you, just trying to see if you can think of a better plan than just owning a piece of land. How can one really survive a crisis like a bomb, super volcano, pulsar, money melt down, and so on, and so on. So many bad things can happen now with the way the world is going. Maybe the stage is setting for all hell to break lose.
Maybe we can go live under water and eat seaweed and some fish if it's not already dead. The thing is that i just can't think of a sure fire way of escape for the average person. Can you? or anyone else on this blog.
I'm going now, I'm trying to see if i can build a spaceship in my garage{joke).
Change is the only constant. like death and taxes. Our ups in life wouldn't be as 'high' if it was not for our lows.
keep your head up, Hope to see some more of your Youtube video's soon. I'm headed next week to get my NRA pistol instructor & range safety officer certifications.
James T. (in TN)
Really i appreciate the effort you made to share the knowledge.The topic here i found was really effective to the topic which i was researching for a long time
vacation rentals in orlando
Falia,
I've kept up with your blog and youtube channel from the beginning. I love your writing style. I feel like I've gotten to know you through your written perspective. I think you should grow from the roots you have put down here. Keep this blog and redecorate, but I wouldn't start a new one. The vandwelling info is a really good resource for people facing foreclosure, those escaping economically depressed states in search of work, and those just looking to live on less. Frugal vandwelling really fits for our time. I am however excited about the new direction the blog is heading. Preparedness and personal safety are important topics for all of us to be thinking about. We live in uncertain times.
As far as the difficult personal situation you're dealing with remember, real spiritual growth and character development do not happen during times of prosperity and comfort. God doesn't mean to harm us by allowing us to suffer. Ask for God's guidance, keep your faith, and know that he has a plan.
God bless you and keep up the good work!
Sonja, you are posting way too much. Your limit should be once a year.
Ooops, it is once a year, silly
me *%#.
Anyways young child, run for the Hills ! there are way too many people to answer here. It may take more than a year, this is a full-time job. You must be thinking, escape to No Blog Country, you poor sweet thing.
Glad your taking a long time-out, you need a vacation.
Love you, and may God be with you.
I've been following you on youtube and just found this blog. Love your YT channel btw.
Girlfriend, you have a lot of followers. Get with someone and figure out how to make money money from all of these blog posts. If you haven't already done it, partner up with Youtube too. You are helping people and there is no shame in compensated for that. Get some fiat while the getting is good. It won't change your goal. It'll simply enhance the journey. All the best 2U. ShePreps2
Hey there, I live in England, I would love to one day live in America and travel the country. I have visited Florida before, but only 2 weeks in the US is nothing!
I respect your way of life and think it is very cool, the life you lead speaks volumes about your personality, skills and your van must be a sanctuary and a source of creative exploration for you. I like popping in to this blog every once in a while to see how you are getting on.
Keep it up, I hope you remain optimistic and headstrong if you ever face any adversity or hardship.
Finally, I would like to wish you luck in all your endeavours :p you should post on here more often, with all due respect, if you can, I'm sure many people would like that, and I bet there are people that haven't subscribed, but they do visit from time to time!
Jealously yours, Joe from Cheshire, England x x x
Just wishing the very best for you Falia! Godspeed and keep on looking up. Take care. Jamie
Hey Sonja, Heidi and I are always watching for your posts and new videos. You have always been a great source of information and the direction you are taking is of great interest to us as well so we will always be following along!
We have combined our vandwelling with our gun hobby and definitely understand how it can be a bit difficult! It is working out okay, but it does limit the number of guns one can own :(
-Mike
97 Roadtrek 170P "Taj Ma Trek"
HTTP://WWW.VanTramps.Com
I think I love you!
Just dropping by to say "Hey" from your youtube account, hope all is going well. God bless.
Well I finally got around to commenting on your Blog, after following you for over a year.
I just love your free spirit, and am sorry that some aspects of your life are not as great as they should be.
Keep positive and know your Blog followers wish good things for you, and your trusty VW.
Love your videos, please keep up the good work.
Aussie Wombat
New goal, we must reach 100th comment, lets get there before her next yearly comment.
Just to be real though, i hope your OK Sonja. Hope your not sick or sick of your blog. Just enjoy your long break. If you do have a medical problem just post and i'll know. I can help you, that part is not a joke.
Great to read that you are back....thanks
zoewags
Welcome Back! glad to hear you are still well. Ironically enough, I just sent you an email to check on ya. lol
:)
-Sniper-T
Sonja!! You're back!
I was a very late arrival to your blog - as in no more than 4 months ago - about when you dropped off it. I enjoyed catching up and feel like I know you - I certainly understand you. SO refreshing to see a young lady the 'gets' it i.e. where things are at and how perilous the current situation really is. /if you are ever in MN I would love to bring my wife along and go shooting with you. We are still professionals in the rat race but preparing for the collapse. Your blog has been very insightful. I am so glad you're back and hope for the best for you!
How to leave you our contact info?
We are also fairly well versed in web and web servers, etc. I may be able to help you.
Rick in Cottage Grove, MN
Hi there, welcome back again. I must be one of your very newbie fans, and found you when researching living in an RV.
Reading your blog encouraged me to become a prepper and be aware of what is going on in the outside world - we already live isolated.
Thanks so much for all your information, I will welcome the new side to your blog with crafts, knitting etc. I too knit, spin, weave etc.
I would keep the same blog as all the tags will still link people in to your information on guns, and van living.
Good luck, you write very professionally and your topics are always interesting. I look forward to some postings on crafts.
Thanks
Josephine
Hi Falia, it's YHird from You Tube. This is my first time visiting your blog here and I like what you've done with it :) I was reading your latest post and I have every confidence that with your "tough as nails" survival mindset you'll conquer whatever issues arise in life and make the right choices. A long time ago I received a piece of advise that still serves me very well today. No plan is perfect, but you'll do just fine as long as you have a plan. Stay strong, be safe and have a very Merry Christmas.
I've really missed seeing your updates and videos. You are so very good at passing along useful information in an understandable way without being condescending. I hope you are soon able to sort out those life changes that seem to be troubling you. Best of luck with all things, and may I be lucky enough to cross paths with you one day.
Kim
I have enjoyed learning of your experiences and the shared information you have passed on. I look forward to what you write about in the future, but sincerely hope you leave the current content in an accessible location. Your experience is valuable to anyone in the future who takes on vandwelling and a more mobile lifestyle.
61 comments!Clearly you are an inspiration to many. Keep up your awesome lifestyle and keep us all posted of your journey when you have time. Love your writings.
Hey Thanks for the Concealment for women youtube page! I too have been frustrated with women's fashion not really flowing with concealed carry. I bought a ruger LCP and am leaning towards the ankle holster. Have you heard of the bra holster flashbang? I'm thinking of that one too. Anyway from one card carrying CHL lady to another, you rock.
Hey Thanks for the Concealment for women youtube video! I too have been frustrated with women's fashion not really flowing with concealed carry. I bought a ruger LCP and am leaning towards the ankle holster. Have you heard of the bra holster flashbang? I'm thinking of that one too. Anyway from one card carrying CHL lady to another, you rock.
I have been visiting your site for a few years and I am happy to say that your evolution of thought is highly encouraging.
There are many out here, as I am you are aware, that need the nudge to wake up. You have woken up and it shows in your growth over the last three years. You can inspire others and do so by posting. Don't let the pervs get to you on the video page, I know they are out there, but your information is far more important.
Especially to the women that are wondering but scared to ask.
Keep up the good work and I will keep coming back.
Diogenes
Insurance is currently off my van, and it is basically a parked storage unit until I can get ahold of someone to do a few repairs to it and give it a good once-over.
Hello Friends!! This nice work and appreciating. I really love it.
Writing
nsurance is currently off my van, and it is basically a parked storage unit until I can get ahold of someone to do a few repairs to it and give it a good once-over.
This blog is representing the reality of the real world through the article provided here and it is nice to read the information. I like such article which is related to the real world.
This is really a nice post, that you have updated us with all of nice information that can be very useful for future.
The blog was absolutely fantastic! Lot of great information which can be helpful in some or the other way. Keep updating the blog, looking forward for more contents...Great job, keep it up..
Commodity trading is done in MCX and NCDEX. Commodity traders dealing in GOLD, SILVER, COPPER etc should look for some commodity tips from the reliable sources so as to make their trading sessions as profitable sessions. Commodity market is picking pace at very rapid speed and offers very good returns.
Post a Comment