A series of unfortunate events: Solo Female Van Life

Join us as we navigate two major life events: saying goodbye to my van and supporting my beloved dog through critical surgery to remove cancer.
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[@justusandgod783]

Much love to you and Abi. Glad to hear you have a new van to look forward to.

[@tobyalza7220]

Many thanks for sharing…you are brilliant 👏👏🤗🤗🙏🙏😃😃👍👍

[@sdearing6375]

I will not treat older dogs for cancer either - I keep the one I have now comfortable but I will not subject them to treatment that will not greatly improve quality of life. I am glad Abby is recovering well

[@lyndalouk7056]

I love your attitude, Brenna. Thanks for the update on your life. ❤

[@1999nathanule]

Beautiful Abby little sweetheart . Thank goodness you and Abby are ok.

[@catherinelauda6948]

That’s the way…forward!!! It will be great to see you build again! Cheers!

[@carolcopley3639]

Agree! Be strong!

[@theresawright3842]

I’m glad to see you back 🎉 looking forward to see your build ❤

[@cherylolsen4420]

I wish you & Abbey well & BEST WISHES going forward !

[@carolgray8391]

Look forward to your new van lovely

[@linricks3634]

glad Abby is doing well. sorry about your van, glad you have a new one. I am 74 and going to be house-sitting for my brother over Xmas and beginning of January in Manjimup. I to am going to re do the inside of my van, again. this will be the 4th time I have done this. its always so exciting to start a new project. good luck with yours hope to see you on the road.

[@elaineinnz]

An old door closed for a new adventure to begin! Looking forward to seeing your new van & the rebuild! One of the advantages of not fixing everything down in your old van meant it’s been relatively easy to get your stuff out! 👍 Sorry to hear Abby hasn’t been well but glad she’s on the mend ❤

[@alicebarrington1109]

Great to hear, you have been manifesting your new van and the universe has provided for you I love watching your videos and your dog Abby. Next year is all about new things happening in our lives.

[@wandoorose]

GGlad you are ok Brenna. Happy Birthday & many more joyful travel adventures to you.

[@Kiwiwanderer]

Fantastic !!! 1. Abby is so lucky to have you. 2. Can’t wait for the new van 🚐…fit out. Are we naming her?? 3. Happy happy birthday 🥳

[@delmiller4184]

Hi Brenna, Wishing you and Abby a very happy future and I really hope the weather is not super hot while you are working on the new van. All the best. Del

[@kimcharters1957]

Happy 60th Birthday for last week Brenna. Good to hear that Abby is doing much better. I can't wait to see your step by step van build. I am eagerly sketching plans in preparation for my soon to have van so your videos on how you approach it will be hugely beneficial to me. Thanks Brenna for all your effort in bringing us relatable and interesting content.

[@carolcopley3639]

Ditto! Lots of love

[@madbiach]

I am so glad that everyone is safe and well

[@nataliemitchell9576]

Hi Brenna, so glad you are both doing well. I love your positive attitude, wishing you well and looking forward to your next video. Take care

[@digginsmaggoo]

Happy bday brenna, good luck with your beautiful dog and good things are coming your way. Cant wait to see your new van.

[@anniewisecarver744]

I support you 100% regarding your decision about Abbey. At her age (any age!) cancer treatment can be brutal and the cost devastating. I have had many dogs (rescues) and I have an animal care service. I think a good way to look at it is that a dog gets to have a wonderful life, you keep them comfortable to the end and then you are left with beautiful memories....and there are many other dogs out there waiting to be rescued so they can have that same chance.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

My thoughts exactly 👍 and I have given Abby a wonderful life 😊

[@debralarcombe8662]

Everything works out the way it is suppose to. The important thing is you and abbey are safe. So much to look forward to now. ❤️

[@carlenefreney4781]

Oh Brenna I feel for you. Had my van written off after sideswipe. I was lucky I had a Ute that I was trying to sell so am using that one. Will be watching your work on new van so I can use when I get my new van. Happy belated birthday.

[@cindyjohnston3134]

very happy you and abby are doing great :)

[@ShirleyCarnall]

I am glad both you and Abbey are doing well and safe. New van was meant to be enjoy.😊

[@nurseadrianern]

Happy Birthday 🎉That’s wild that it was a total on the van- Congrats on the new Van.

[@ArisArisKaye]

I don't normally comment on YT, but watching this I'm glad that you are ok. Looking forward to seeing your new van 😊

[@creatinghanley]

Brenna!! Happy birthday! Hugs! You actually ran the van until the wheels fell off. Incredible! Love Abi❤❤❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

😂😂

[@bill13690]

@@creatinghanley 🤣🤣Evil lol🤣🤣very true 👍 🤣 🤣

[@creatinghanley]

@@bill13690 here in the USA, where I live, we have a saying that “we’ll drive the car until the wheels fall off.” I didn’t consider that evil, I consider that basically using the vehicle to the end of its life (instead of selling it for a new one.)

[@veronicabalfourpaul2288]

Wow! Im glad yr ok. My van had an accident too and now Im living in a caravan. You will be fine. I look forward to the new build. 😊❤

[@pamelaanderson1833]

So glad Abbey is recovering well and so happy you are both safe! ❤ Happy 60th Birthday 🎉

[@katewalker5358]

hope all goes well for both of you

[@della7]

You're getting a new van anyway! Wow. Looking forward to seeing it. The good thing about self-build is that you can transfer from one van to the next. Thanks for keeping us updated. Glad Abbey is feeling better.

[@claire3598]

So glad you’re both safe. ❤ I look forward to seeing the new build.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you, me too. 🥰

[@joannagrimmer]

Oh my! What an introduction to your 6th decade! But so glad you and Abby are safe and doing well. You're right: the Universe wants you in a new van 😊. And has even provided accommodation for you to set it up! Looking forward to seeing your new fit out. Hope your new 61st year is one of the most positive you will look back on. 😊

[@kathysearl9470]

Happy 60th Birthday Brenna. Glad you are ok. I was actually wondering what had happened to you, glad Abbie is doing well. So happy that everything has turned out well and yes there has been a reason for all of this. Can’t wait to watch you rebuild. Fay is an awsome friend to you.

[@banksiasong]

Great attitude Brenna. Some life tragedies, some serendipity, and great examples of resilence and taking responsibility. Really looking forward to the new rebuild, love Toyota Hi-Aces. Did you ever record the number of kilometres you did in the Old Girl, must be near 100,000kms? Best wishes to you to for your birthday and moving forward with aplomb, to your great mate Faye, and my love to dearest sweet Abby who always shows us what's important.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

I record my kilometres every Sunday. Last record was November 17th at 352,454kms. I put on about 110,000kms in 4 years

[@della7]

Happy 60th birthday, Brenna!! I just had my 55th birthday.

[@Tessienz]

Happy birthday Brenna. So happy that Abby is recovering well. And how exciting about your new van. Can’t wait to see the new videos.

[@bonnierichardson4568]

I pray you are blessed abundantly with inner strength to carry you through this challenging time. lots of love Mom XXX

[@MichelleGraham-y3q]

Happy Birthday, wishing you every happiness. Things are what they are, hopefully the wheels falling off has a silver lining. Love your videos. Xxx

[@shamsshams20261]

This shows how important it is to know how to take decisions in such risky moments. I am very happy that everything is being resolved so well and what happiness to have a good friend at such a delicate moment. New stage at 60 years old 💫 , thank you very much for telling us.

[@dustyroadtherapy]

OMG what a rollercoaster of a year! You handled your wheel overtaking you like a pro and I am so glad you and Abby are safe and you were able to keep all of your belongings, thats such a great help and relief I imagine. And how exciting, a new van! Cannot wait to see it! And your build, so interested to see your plans, what you are keeping and changing, and the process. And Abby, what a trooper! She constantly amazes me and she is so lucky to have you ❤ I am so glad you both have somewhere safe (and cool in the summer heat) to stay, Fay would have had you anyway, but its cool it worked out this way. Big hugs to you both and a massive Happy Birthday Brenna 🥳 I am so sorry I missed it! Xxx

[@kayemmae6733]

looking forward to the new van build vids!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Me too!

[@helenlizzystewart4908]

I will say 2 things Brenna, happy birthday to you and all the best for Abby's recovery

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@dianemurillo6017]

wow that was a lot .so happy to see you and abby again. sorry for the stressful year, but you look relaxed and wonderful so great job. looking forward to the new build and i hope you make a special art area to continue your great art. love to you and abby i look forward to your videos so much. i have been checking out more australia history storys and hope you will continue to show us historical spots in australia. take care

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you so much!

[@judyoliver533]

Prayers for you both.

[@MrHiss2011]

Happy birthday 🎉a new adventure awaits , ❤️ to yourself and Abby

[@silliesallie302]

1964 good year! Happy 60th birthday. I turned 60 also this year. Glad you and Abbey are safe.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Happy 60th to you too 😊

[@catthe131]

🎉 Happy Birthday 🎉 The new van is an awesome birthday present

[@wagonwitch]

Glad you and Aby are both well and got a place to stay for a while. Respect your decision about Abi. I have made similar decisions for my dogs when they are seniors. Take a good break and enjoy your new van build. Hope it’s a pop top as you can stand up and it’s like camping & vaning combo.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you, I am glad we are all safe and sound.

[@debbiebabb9018]

Happy belated birthday 🎉. So glad things are working out for you. Look forward to watching the build of your new home. Please take care. ❤

[@amandadaisydogwanderings]

wow - what a turn of events! im glad you have a new van. look forward to seeing more adventures :):)

[@AGirlADogandABus]

Gosh Brenna what an eventful few weeks! Sad to lose your home but I'm glad that you and Abby are both ok and that you were able to salvage most of the things inside the van. Looking forward to seeing the new one.

[@MellanieBroad]

Happy Birthday! I'm glad you and Abbey are ok and Abbey recovering xx. Look forward to watching the new van build.

[@DonnaBMacK]

So glad you are safe and well. Wishing Abby a speedy complete recovery. Enjoy this next chapter. Looking forward to seeing your progress.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you so much!

[@Jodesnaturepics]

Just glad you're both ok. Happy birthday.

[@kirrigriffiths2007]

Thank goodness you're both safe. Happy birthday and a merry, peaceful, and probably busy Christmas season putting together your new home.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks! It is going to be a busy one.

[@JimD-mb9bh]

Wishing you and Sweet Abby much love. Stay strong.

[@finallyawakened3350]

Hugs to you both!! You've both been through some traumatic stuff. Prayers and love 🙏 ❤️

[@allegrosotto2126]

All the best Brenna, to you and Abbey❤️ glad you’re staying with a Toyota 👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Is there anything else 😂

[@sandrahoskins6883]

Oh my goodness ! Glad you & Abbi are OK. Your guarding angle must need a holiday too. All the best.

[@strawberryroad1347]

One door closes and another opens. Looking forward to watching the rebuild, and it's good it didn't happen before it did (like it didn't happen while driving to her operation, or back, but just at a shopping run) My biggest regret, was treating my dog, the first time it got really sick from his heart condition. In hindsight, I wish I had let him rest then. We only got 2 weeks, before he had another attack and was then let to rest.

[@jayniecharlton4882]

Happy birthday Brenna…. Been watching your videos a long time…..woo hoo….new van….can’t wait to see the new fit out….hugs and kisses to Miss Abbey….and to the negative Nancy’s….piss off…you’re brilliant lady…❤

[@julieharding6631]

Sorry for recent events Brenna - great that Abby is recovering well; You have been blessed by things falling into place for you whilst you have no wheels - positive thinking helps create that i believe. Looking forward to your van buils as i hope to have my own to do very soon ( I am 70 and intend to kit it out myself ) although i will not be full time in it . Yes, the picture is old!!! ha! blessings x

[@kathleencomyn5228]

Happy 60th birthday 🎉 I am glad Abby is recovering well. Best wishes for the new van

[@babsinoz]

Happy birthday and glad Abby is recovering…things work out as they should..

[@TheRubeeRose]

IKR! Yep, it is what it is. I'm glad things are sorted for you. Can't wait for the new videos on your build.

[@estelleS2243]

Happy 60th birthday Brenna. Im glad Faye is comfortable. Shes a very lucky little dog to have a loving owner. A new van home is exciting and I can’t wait to see it.💖

[@KerrynWoodward]

So glad Abby is getting better ❤ A new van, how exciting!

[@TurnThePageWithRenae]

😱Sad news about VAN #1 but you got to travel many miles with it 🎉 🤗New beginnings for you and Abby in your NEW VAN… ENJOY THEM ALL ❤ Renae I am looking forward to seeing the new build!

[@lcdesilva]

I'm glad you're both alright. Exciting to get a new generation van. Thanks for sharing

[@cynthiareimer2020]

I have been concerned, so very glad to hear from you today! Even if it’s not all the best news. I know it’s been hard but you are moving forward and I’m excited for you to welcome your new van home. Special hugs for Abby. 😊💕

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@victoriasmith8570]

Oh! I’m so glad to see a post from you! I’ve been wondering what you and your puppy were up to and where you were during the holidays this year. Happy to see that neither of you were hurt. Hope that Abby continues to heal and that there are no further issues for either of you! I’ll be watching for a video of your new van. Stay safe, happy trails, have a blessed birthday & may 2025 be wonderful for you both!

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Wishing you the same 😊

[@edithsymmans3273]

Hi Brenna, I remember you saying that you would keep driving your van till it dropped, you did. I am so grateful for you and Abby were not harmed in any way. This is the silver lining that has come into your life and now you can take your time to build out your new van. So happy that Abby is recovering so well now. Hugs, love and prayers to you both and your wonderful friend. Please enjoy a safe, happy Christmas and New Year 2025. 🙏 Everyone has a Guarding Angle and was by your side when that wheel came off.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes, it has all worked out well 😊

[@didevilliers1238]

Oh wow - Happy Birthday ! Doesn't the Universe work in marvellous and miraculous ways ? You really had to have a "new" van. How exciting it is going to be, watching you do a new build. 💙🦋

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes! Thank you!

[@leeleek9677]

Happy birthday Brenna! and glad Abby is recovering well. I look forward to watching the new build 🌺

[@woodrisinglass]

Wow, glad to hear that you're safe and Abby is recovering well. Take care and have fun with the new build 😀

[@katrinawilliams6295]

Oh wow, I think we've all had a crazy year 😢 I'm so glad to hear Abby is doing well, poor baby. And 60, you're still a spring chicken. Congratulations on your new van. I'm looking forward to seeing the fit out

[@1whiteraven]

Happy birthday Brenna !🎉. So good to hear from you. I'm excited to see your new van as you build it. ❤ to Abbey

[@soundslikesweeney]

Oh wow Brenna! Firstly, a big big happy birthday from me. And a big pressie to yourself in the form of a new van. Can't wait to see it. But just so glad to know you're both doing ok which is always the main thing. Gosh, sometimes life just keeps throwing the curve balls huh?! Good thoughts from me from SA.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks Jason and yes 2024 has had a lot of curve balls 🥎

[@LeeOla8]

So glad you're safe and well... sorry to hear of the unfortunate wheel issue. Looking forward to witnessing your new van build 🙏❤

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

It has all worked out as it should.😊

[@StylistixCreations]

Glad you and Abby ok. Have great Xmas and all the best for 2025

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thanks! You too.

[@YolandaAttrill]

Happy Birthday!!! So glad that Abby is doing well. Looking forward to seeing your new van.

[@Bluebutterfly1122]

So glad you are ok and that Abbey is doing well. Look forward to your next video. Great attitude Brenna! 💐

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@InfiniteSoul91]

Brenna! You're a spring chicken! 60 years young is a brilliant age and You're looking great. Yes, 2024 has been a shite year for me too but am feeling a positive vibe for 2025. Blessings to us all, and all the very best to you! Love your vlogs, cheers from NZ 💙🌏💙

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you, I appreciate your kind words! 😊

[@bridgetoconnor7229]

A big Happy 60th Birthday to you!!! And Congratulations on getting the new van that you didn't/did want!! Can't wait to see it! I wish you, Abby, and your newest home-on-wheels much health and longevity!! God bless!!

[@kathrynhogan9829]

Im so relieved that you and Abby are both ok and are still continuing van life after all your trials and tribulations. You are an inspiration to us all and I love watching your videos. Happy birthday for the other day 60 and fabulous. Best wishes to Abby and i hope she recovers consistently. I look forward to watching your progress on your new home x

[@rettesvanlife]

Isnt it amazing how everything aligned so beautifully, the universe knew the van was going to go so placed you close to support, help and guidance, gave you a new home and Abbey can heal over christmas. Hope all is goes well over the break and look forward to seeing the new van.

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Yes, I am very blessed 😊

[@youraussienomadfriends]

Wow!, ok great to hear Abby is doing great. You are a fantastic fur baby Mum. Sorry to hear about your van but you are moving on which is fabulous. Happy Birthday, Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy , Safe New year to you both. Sending lots of great vibes and love❤️🤗👍

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Same to you ❤️🤗😊

[@letsgotravelaustralia]

So sorry these events have happened. Dogs are so much part of your family, especially when you are on your own, great companion and lots of love. We lost a wheel many many years ago on the Tanami so no RACQ. Ours snapped we think from over tightening by the people who fitted so new tyres. Whatever the reason it happens and can be a bit scary. It has amazing worked out for you, glad this is not the end for you and you are moving onto a new chapter with the new van. Good on you. Look forward to watching your new build.

[@kiaoraable]

Happy 60th Brenna.🎉 thanks goodness you and Abby were ok with the wheel coming off. It is odd eh! With how events happen, so glad you got the other van so now it’s another adventure in a different vehicle. You’ll have fun building this new one. Cheers, Have a great xmas, its good you’re house sitting. Cheers Judy

[@deeoh3708]

Good to hear you are sorted again Brenna.. best wishes for your new adventures!

[@shannoncathary8119]

Sounds like the universe was taking you where you needed to be Brenna! Best wishes to you and Abby.

[@michellec8273]

Healing love to Abby and kudos to you for sensible decisions and listening to the universe's leading. Enjoy your new processes ahead. I look forward to seeing your new Van adventures.

[@natalier4101]

So good to hear you are Abbey are doing ok Brenna. (A van is replaceable, human life is not!) Really looking forward to seeing you build your new van 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@bw4433]

Happy birthday fellow Saggie! I had a back wheel come loose on my Kombi due to the previous owner painting the inside of the rims. How wonderful you have a new van and you have somewhere to stay. The universe works in beautiful synchronicity! Looking forward to your next video and seeing your new van

[@maryhaas4869]

Happy birthday 🥳.

[@EllenOConnorRK]

Happy birthday and good luck for the new build! Exciting new chapter for you and Abby, glad she’s on the mend. ❤

[@leonieh2400]

Hello Brenna, I’ve so enjoyed your videos & learning about van-life. Wishing Abbie a speedy recovery and well done for the way you are problem-solving and taking life’s events in your stride. I’m looking forward to seeing you build your new home. Hope to meet you on the road one day 🙏😊

[@BrennaLivingJoyfully]

Thank you 🙏

[@melissamiamoo]

What a rollercoaster! Firstly, I'm so happy to hear how well Abbey is doing and that she's feeling better ❤️ Secondly, happy birthday! 🎉🎂🥳 Thirdly, I'm glad you're both ok after what happened with the van. Love your perspective of moving forward. A new van, new adventures and all in time for a new year. Looking forward to coming along for the ride 😄

[@chinchilla1956]

Happy 60th birthday 😊 Congratulations on your "new to me" van ❤