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The Happiest of Hours

I’ve been thinking about this post for a very, very, very long time. I’ve written I don’t know how many drafts. I am struggling find the right voice to both not sound completely entitled and bitter, but also to convey the immense gratitude I feel towards so many of my readers.

This is not a good-bye post per se. This is a “blogging hasn’t been working for me for a very long time and I’m trying to find another way to share what I want to share so I’m going to be quiet for a while” post.

Every time I start to get enthusiastic about blogging again, something comes up that dampens that enthusiasm. I recognise that a huge part of that has to do with how both the blogosphere and I have come of age in the decade since I started doing this. The default mode online these days is to not only take personal offence at everything, but to be very judgemental. I’m finding myself dreading the “you’ve got a comment” emails when I used to be excited by them. (Let me stress here that if you’ve commented in the past weeks and your comment is still there, you are most definitely not part of the problem!)

Coupled with that is that I have finally grown into myself as a person and to put it very bluntly, I don’t have the patience to deal with other people’s bullshit and fragile egos anymore. There are too many wonderful people in my life for me to expend energy on disrespectful people or to defend myself against a completely innocent comment that someone chose to see as offensive.

I’m also uncomfortable with the level of energy a couple of readers have spent thinking about me lately — it borders on stalking and I wondering what if the next such people aren’t harmless? I’ve always been careful about my personal security as I travelled and it seemed easier to keep an air of mystery to my location when I was hopping around. Now, it’s probably impossible.

I have met some truly incredible people in my travels and made some genuine friendships. Readers have sheltered me and fed me, provided me with a listening ear, taught me so much, and more. I have enjoyed meeting so many of you over the years and I should be meeting another one of you in the next couple of days (waves to D&L!).

One thing I am considering is finding a way to keep the blog for a closed group only. I just haven’t figured out a way to do that what wouldn’t result in my accidentally omitting someone who should have access. It’s easy to send out invites to anyone who emails me off blog, who hasn’t been banned from commenting, and who interacts on the Facebook page, but I don’t want to omit all lurkers by default. I guess what I’m trying to reach at is that, should I decide to keep on blogging the way I’ve been doing, I want to know who is reading my blog and limit access to it.

But right now, blogging isn’t something on which I want to expend any energy. I’ve got too much going on with work and my new house and discovering Mérida. I’m looking at maybe “micro blogging” on my Facebook page or Instagram, but that’s just a thought at this point.

For those of you who come here genuinely interested in what I’m doing and who care about me, I want you to rest assured that I’m in a really good place right now. Yes, a few bad apples have definitely contributed to ruining this for the rest of you, but, really, this choice at this time is motivated more by how many positive things are going on in my life right now than by jerks behaving badly. Frankly, it is a relief to me that something needs to give in my life and that I’m electing to spend less time at my computer online and more time out in the World.

I email with some of you on an occasional to frequent basis and that won’t change. Please continue to reach out as I will miss my tribe!

Algún día en cualquier parte, en cualquier lugar indefectiblemente te encontrarás a ti mismo, y ésa, sólo ésa, puede ser la más feliz o la más amarga de tus horas. — Pablo Neruda

(Someday some place, somewhere, you will inevitably find yourself, and that, only that, may be the happiest or the most bitter of your hours.)

90 thoughts on “The Happiest of Hours”

  1. Have enjoyed following your travels over the years and found your blog most enjoyable to read, will sadly it it.
    First time commenter.
    Doug

  2. Those we love never leave us because we carry them with us in our hearts and a piece of us is within them. They change with us and they grow old with us and with time, they are a part of us, and thank God for that.

    (John William Tuohy, No Time to Say Goodbye: A Memoir of a Life in Foster Care)

  3. As you have traveled around the world finding your place, many of us have silently followed you and been amazed at your boldness in taking on new challenges. I have traveled with you to countries I could never have imagined visiting and I thank you for that. Now that you have settled for awhile, I am not surprised that you want to step back from blogging. If you do make that decision, you will be missed.

  4. We spoke on the phone but couldn’t make the time or dates or something jive, by now I can’t even remember why we didn’t meet, I have enjoyed tagging along on your journeys. I’ll always be interested in how you’re doing so I’ll check your facebook once in a while instead.
    I’m there under Elaine McCullough May. If you put me down as a friend I should get a
    note when you do post.
    Good luck and I know you are and will enjoy Merida. Jim and I don’t do much traveling anymore, but if this had been a few years ago, we certainly would have visited you there.

    Have a nice Christmas season and if you ever do post again you have my address.
    Elaine

    • Elaine, we’ve been like ships passing in the night for years! Thank you for following me all this time. I will certainly let you know if I start posting again.

  5. I understand completely.
    I too, do not understand the negativity and judgemental attitudes people seem to have.

    And being “ offended” at everything and so none of us dare say anything for fear of “offending” anyone.

    I say “ get over yourselves, people!”😤

    I love your blog. If you continue “mini blogging” on FB I will look forward to your posts, whenever and how often, or not, they come.

    On another note, I have “ password fatigue”. 😜I am so tired of having to make a new password and sign into everything!!
    We all reach our limits on different things.

    You are the only blogger I follow that I fairly often (still, not much) comment to.

    All the best in your future adventures.

  6. I’ve never commented but for me it’s because it felt like most who commented know you well. The last two years or so have been tough, and reading blogs has been a happy escape for me. Reading about your travels has been lovely, I’ve looked forward to each post. I wish you well.

    • Thank you so much for unlurking, Teri! Everyone I know so well is one who was once upon a time a stranger, but then took the time to reach out. 😉 I hope the months ahead are easier for you.

  8. I to haven’t commented before but have read your blog for many years. You have given me a glimpse into places I will never be able to go, but for a moment in time, I felt I was there. Thank you.

      • If i were much younger…and knew what I know now…I would have done some of the same things you’re doing…I have no regrets in the journey my life has been…but I preach to my students…and now the young teachers that I mentor…take chances…travel…and I’ve used you as an example…come on sister…don’t leave me hanging!…

        • Hi Lisa, I knew a decade and a half earlier what I wanted to do, but wasted ten years trying to follow a more “normal” path. I think what young people need to learn is that being young doesn’t mean you’re stupid or impulsive and lack personal insight. If I’d been allowed to listen to my own heart at 15, I wouldn’t have wasted so much money and energy to get to this point. Of course, I recognise that I can likely better appreciate my life since I have so few “what ifs” left, but I would also likely be retired and rich by now had I not gotten such a late start. 🙂

  10. Well…..poop. I dont follow many people, but you have such a great style of writing. I have commented once or twice, but mostly lurk. It must be odd to know that people whom you have never met know your struggles with what color kitchen towels to purchase (grins). I would have never known what it is like to live in the far north of Canada or Eastern Europe! You have brought the world to my tablet and I thank you.

    • Thanks for the kind words and the laughs, Caroline (the colour struggle is real!). I appreciate you being along for the ride.

  11. Although my husband and I have traveled a bit, I have thoroughly enjoyed following all of your posts from one part of the world to another. I have been most impressed by your strength and determination with your various moves through out each area and your willingness to share on your blog. I have really enjoyed reading about your move to Mexico and your various shopping situations etc. I follow you via email and I admit I would miss seeing your posts but I also understand your situation with regard to people with bad attitudes and more. I hope to see more but wish you the best either way and wish you continued success in your new home.

  13. Well, darn. I will sure miss tuning into your adventures. We visit Mazatlan a few times a year, and will be walking the beach on Stone Island next week. May even have a chance to wave at Contessa. I have always learned so much from your posts, and have marveled at all the places you have lived. If you ever get around to opening your home as an AirBnB, we have dibs on being your first guests! Best of luck to you, and your choice of turquoise is outstanding… :))
    Blessings,
    Kathie

    • Kathie, you get first dibs at submitting a request to to stay in my Airbnb, a request that will be thoroughly vetted. 😉 😉 😉 Thank you for your kind words and approval of my colour choices. 🙂

  15. Well bugger, shit and bloody…how dare there be idiots bagging you…I, like all the rest, enjoy your informative descriptive blogs. You can’t leave us hanging….the house hasn’t been fully furnished yet!!! Your decorative colours and arranged configuration is still in infacancy! !! But in all seriousness I know how you feel. Have a Merry Xmas, and rest, relax and if we are all lucky we will see you in the New Year. I do follow u on The book of Face..lol…Cheers and all the best from Australia

    • Leslie! LOL I suspect that if you check in on the FB page periodically you will get some hints of what is going on decor wise… Happy holidays!

  16. I too have been a lurker for several years and NEVER miss reading about your wonderful adventures. I am sorry to see you leave, but truly understand why. Can I follow you on FB? I don’t have your complete name to search for you. Ruth in Ottawa. BTW Merry Christmas

  17. Just wanted to unlurk and wish you well. Thank you for sharing your adventures. Like many other commenters, I love reading about other people’s everyday life experiences in places I may never have the opportunity to visit.

  18. You are appreciated and will be missed. I love your blogs and don’t let the naysayers dim your sunshine. You are a fantastic blogger. If you are ever in the Kawartha’s, look me up and we will go for coffee. Wishing you all the best and Merry Christmas Rae.

    • Hi Emily, I’ve been meaning to go back to the Kawarathas since I left 15 years ago! I will definitely look you up if I finally manage it.

  20. I have been following your blog since your days of Miranda. I love living vicariously through your adventures. I have gotten to “go” to places I have always wanted to. Thank You for taking us along on your adventures

  21. This is also my first time commenting. I have enjoyed reading your adventures and thank you for the time you have spent blogging for us all.

  22. Totally understand, trolls can be such a pain. Yes people get really obnoxious. You might try Patreon, Technomadia does it for their people. One tier all access for $1 usd a month. Others go more but I like the way Technomadia does it, I can afford a buck, not so much more. Anyway, whatever you decide, I am sure all us followers will support your decision.

    • Thanks for the thought! My readership has always resisted any attempts I’ve made to monetise the blog, but this isn’t an angle I’d considered…

  23. We met many years ago at NuggetCity~ you painting for work,we did the RV park, enjoyed following your travels over the years, will miss your blogging! Take care.

  24. Well, guess I am a lurker, but have commented a few times. I have enjoyed all your adventures and am in awe of how you adapt to whatever country you are in. You are part of my morning coffee routine and always look forward to a new post as you are so clear on what it looks like to live as a “local”. I live on Vancouver Island.

  25. Thank you for sharing, I love your adventures and amazing spirit. I wish I had been so willing to take on such a life. I hope someday I can do at least a little! Thank you, I will miss this blog!

  26. Hi Rae, I started reading you in 2011 when you did that RV Show in Vancouver. I had read in a magazine or newspaper about you. I’ ve enjoyed all the ups and downs.
    Now we have just purchased a longer RV and put a towbar on our car for our trip to Florida this coming Spring. We have had our ‘maiden’ voyage so to speak and managed to scrap the back end of the RV on a tree first night out!

    Will find you on Facebook. Have a lovely Christmas Season down there in the tropics!

    • Hi Norma! How exciting it is to have a new rig! Now that you’ve got the kinks out of the way (I feel your pain), you should have a smooth trip! The link to the Facebook page is at the top of the website. Happy holidays to you and your family as well!

  27. Well, poo. I only occasionally comment but have read you for years. Can’t blame you, tho. The world has gotten really rude. You save us from the nastiness but you having to read them takes a toll. Glad you are happy and doing well. Just followed your page on fb.

  29. My feeling is.. I’ve enjoyed your blog for a very long time and would love to see you continue on; however, nothing lasts forever, so I completely understand that you’ve moved on to other things. I wish you the best of luck no matter what you decide.

  30. To all you lurkers, thanks for unlurking on Rae’s behalf. Those of us who write blogs on a regular basis, take a good deal of time from our daily life to put them together. We appreciate each and every comment, even if you only comment occasionally. It means a lot to us to know that someone cares to take the time to read what is posted.

    Perhaps if more of you lurkers comment here Rae will find a way to keep posting.

  31. One more lurker😄. Been following you for some time and have enjoyed your journeys. Love seeing your home in Merida and your colour choices! Always looked forward to your next blog. Actually, was a little concerned with your recent lapse. We will be on the Isla for three months beginning Dec. 31st, might just meet up with Contessa and Colin, who we also follow. All the best!

  32. I’m one of your regular, but lurking, readers. I’ve so enjoyed following your international travels and the ups and downs that have led you to this exciting new location. I can understand your frustration with obnoxious commenters/harrassers (is that a word). I hope you will find a way to continue blogging as I really enjoy all the detail in your posts, but will gladly follow on FB as well.

  33. Rae, wishing you well. I have learn much reading your blog for a couple to three years. Especially to go bold with color! SandyM

    • Thanks for coming along for the journey, Sandy — and not being one of those people who is trying to encourage me to become allergic to colour. 🙂

  34. Thanks for all the memories Rae, or should I say your memories 😎
    I do understand entirely having been a service granny of sorts for the last twenty odd years on the net I’m burnt out. I feel it is a good time to step away from the iPaddy and breath. Perhaps I’ll see you in Merida In 2018 or later? Mi esposa and I have sold our home and are moving to another next queek so we are living out of a suitcase at the present with a dog in tow who is used to looking out of windows and barking at people so we’ve cramped his style for the time being. Any way have a wonderful life without all us hangers on hanging out in the shadows. For many years I was hankering for a hovel to renovate but visiting may be the way to go down there!
    See you on farce book 😉

    • Hi Colm! Lots of changes abound for you, your esposa, and your perrito! Enjoy it! Let me know if you come to Mérida. I know I’m here for sure through the end of September 2019.

  35. Rae, this is my second comment to this post. Over the years many bloggers have switched to Facebook. It must be extremely time consuming to write and post blogs. I must say that I am really enjoying your Facebook posts; they are so spontaneous. Good decision.

  37. Well Rae, you MUST “do what you gotta do”. Your faithful readers, myself included, are along for the ride solely courtesy of your generosity, and I’m grateful for the time I got to travel with you as a digital passenger for the last five plus years. I’ll keep checking here (not on Facebook much anymore). If you do some blogging, good. Your choice. In the meantime, I wish you: “Vaya con dios” on your upcoming long journey – life.
    – Jack (SunRambler)

  38. If you decide to close the group… please don’t leave me out! I’ve been checking your blog several times a week. I’ll slow down on doing that — but don’t want to lose touch altogether.

    Merry Christmas to you…
    from your Colorado host(ess)

  39. Unlurking… Travelling with you helped me get through some grey days, while also learning a lot. I looked forward to re-read some of your posts when voyage planning. Thank you for all your effort. I wish you all the best.

  40. Well drat Darling. I’ve been so preoccupied of late I’ve been lax in commenting and/or contacting you. Please don’t leave me out if you go by invite only! I stop by here every morning over coffee and would miss you – too, I’d worry about how you’re doing, and miss your updates. Pray forgive my absence of late. I do understand what you’re saying here – yet I’d miss you. I’m thrilled about your current abode and set up. You Go Girl! I wish you a lovely Christmas and hope Santa brings your every heart’s desire. XO

  41. I posted this on December 17 but it did not go through. I am glad that I have continued to receive your postings.

    Carl

    This is Carl, (long ago I offered to help you repair Miranda’s generator but it wasn’t important at the time) and I have read your writings since you started your mobile life.

    I am sorry that others are causing you online problems.

    I am much older than you and I have taken an interest in your growth over the years and wondered how my daughter (26) would handle the challenges that you have faced.

    I think that you have made excellent progress especially considering the very unorthodox and sometimes difficult life choices that you have made.

    I will miss it if I won’t be able to keep up-to-date.

    BTW I am fluent in Spanish (and other languages) so I can appreciate that accomplishment too.

    Anything that you decide to do should be acceptable to those of us who have been watching your life ‘from the sidelines’ please take care of yourself but don’t allow anyone or or anything to influence you excessively, you have done an excellent job.

    All the best
    Carl

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