[Vlog #27] I am grateful!

[@leebyrd1434]

You are doing a great job! I am 65 years old and still don't know what I will be when I grow up.

[@mayah3342]

Sometimes letting go of how I want a dream to be is exactly what has to happen for it to show up in its own time and way. There is a beautiful balance you seem to be finding between letting go and not giving up. I appreciate this video on many levels. Thank you for sharing.

[@lchandlerjr]

Please, for you own happiness and mental health, don't stop pursuing your dreams! I'm now 70 years old, and let my career and "obligations" stop me from pursuing my many life long dreams. I thought in retirement I would have time to pursue dreams, but now old age, health, and money has forced me in to realizing life has passed me by. God Bless you and chase those dreams until your last breath. God Bless young lady and enjoy life. L.C,

[@tryadifferentone354]

I love many things about your videos, and one think I really appreciate is your sound editing, not many videos have this quality of sound editing... It's calming and focused on the essential sounds. I am grateful for that. ❤️

[@adventuredenali]

Thank you so much!

[@johnlopez3996]

When we wake every morning, we are given the gifts of dreams, expectations, hope, and love. Some dreams may never be fulfilled, but life has a strange way of making detours or diversions that give us a sense of peace or fulfillment in another way. Thank you for your video presentation. Take care.

[@regularlyirregular8876]

That trail looks incredible! I drove through Flagstaff back in May while driving coast to coast and loved it there, especially a little coffee shop (I think it was called "Campus Coffee" or something). Seeing this though makes me wish I could have spent more time there! Your dream home sounds like something here in the PNW! It is expensive, I'm sure everyone is aware of that, but living here is truly incredible and my partner and I couldn't be happier. Give Portland a visit sometime!

[@donconrard533]

If you're ever in Seattle be sure to take Fig to Marymoor Off Leash Dog Park. It's 50 acres with wooded trails, a large grassy area where the dogs can run around and the meandering Sammamish River where the dogs can swim. People call it "Dog Disneyland." Its consistently rated the best dog park in the United States.

[@adventuredenali]

Oh that sounds dreamy!!!

[@debbierussell9162]

You are also fortunate to have the companionship of a beautiful soul in Fig! Plus you don’t have to do the 9 to 5 office grind like so many, but you already know this. Blessings to you from the UK

[@shaigluskin1225]

Thank you. This was beautiful in so many ways.

[@PuffPets]

You've got plenty of time. Famous artist Grandma Moses didn't even start painting until age 78. Go with the flow :)

[@adventuredenali]

Wow, that’s so incredible.

[@madisonjo7944]

I sympathize. There's nothing available in Idaho anymore that's within my budget. If I decide to move it will be to another state and that's so unnerving. I always dreamed I'd have a small farm in Idaho.

[@darlenesmith515]

Thank you for sharing with us.

[@jennieeveleighlamond]

Yay Fig! Way to go puppers! It is so rewarding when your pets learn to do something that has been challenging to them. I hope that you are feeling better, and that you are healing well. I live in a little historic house in a town where I can walk or bike to everything. We only have three seasons, though - snow, summer and fall. Come visit Quebec some time!

[@roadrunnerand1]

Thank u for sharing the beautiful view. I saw a Rainbow today. U know for some ppl its when u let go...is when The Lord allows things to happen..n then youre in a place youve always wanted n u dont even know how and when u got there.😁

[@GALAXYGAZER]

All of the video posts have been inspirational, enlightening, intriguing, enriching, illustrious, educational, and insightful. The Discovery of your channel initially resulted from a search for fountain pen reviews. Whereupon further content revealed a world, which included a plethora of subjects, such as violin rehearsal, organization of notebooks, ukulele opuses, Desert / Mountain trekking, and of course sharing the joy of an antique typewriter. After reading through many replies specifically referencing these topics, there is one worth highlighting, another aspect of these videos that is just as beautiful and mesmerizing: your hands. Throughout all of these videos, it has been your hands that held my attention. They radiate with an unrivaled beauty; moreover, agility, dexterity, fluidity, and elegance, far beyond the scope of a camera lens. Words are similar to admiration from afar; however distant the stars, the night sky still hold a place for them among the multitude.

[@andrewnicholls3730]

Great place to reflect and gather your thoughts. Enjoy your time in that beautiful part of the world.

[@joymusterer]

I feel you on the pain of letting go of some unrealized dreams and the awareness of how quickly life passes us by. Gratitude definitely helps to find peace in it all. Thank you for taking us along. I always enjoy “tagging along” on your adventures. 💛

[@user-rw9vo8jp2n]

I ~~♡♡♡♡♡♡~~you! Your smile,your eyes,your gestures,your hair....... There's nothing to throw away ^.^

[@terriamann4420]

No...no... don't give up your dreams! Otherwise, what is life without them. Never give up!!

[@VenisPonce]

You have become one of my favorite people. So much more than a KZbinr. Your presence and style and spirit are beautiful. Thank you for doing what you do!

[@adventuredenali]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I appreciate your being here. ❤️

[@tattooedcat]

I really enjoyed your talk of dreams and expectations and some thoughts came to me as I watched and listened to you. First, when you dreamed the dreams of your childhood, what spoke to you about the airstream? The freedom? The simplicity? How has the root of those dreams manifested in your adult life? Have your priorities changed so that now your current life best fits what you need, like location and a grounded home? I don’t think there is anything ungrateful about what you said. It feels like a search for proof that you are living the life that feels the most true to you and checking in with your past self to make sure you are forgetting something. Like others have said, things will pop into your life when you least expect them. I went through a journey to reconcile my childhood dreams with my adult ones also, and had to reevaluate which ones would stay and which ones I would lay aside in favor of new dreams. It was wonderful to hear you talk through them. Thanks for the reminder that it may be time to revisit that list again. Enjoy your travels and thank you so much for sharing!

[@DrGreg28]

Fantastic! 🙌🏼🙌🏼 It seems this hike was very cathartic for you in many ways. You either took Something or you left on that mountain that day! Sending good vibes!

[@jamesfahey7188]

I loved watching this vlog. Here in Victoria, Australia we’re stuck in lockdown and can’t go further than 5km from our homes. Who knows when its going to end. It was so great to see somebody out and about. Arizona looks like an incredibly beautiful place. Thank you for helping me escape my current situation, albeit vicariously!

[@michemman]

Hi James. We are not "Stuck" if we change our language, do a bit of maths, find other ways of connecting with friends and family. Doing something worthwhile, like art, music, writing helps us. It could help you too! pi r squared, with 5km radius, means that we have 78.5 kms squared in area to explore for exercise, or new shops that are still open. Phone someone, that is really much safer. Write a letter, send it. Make up a care parcel. Sort your movie collection. Paint something. We get groceries delivered, parcels come to us. We are busy at home, making the most of being able to write from home, and illustrate, not stuck at all. Grateful. Having the AZ today, felt empowering, relief, and we had a lovely stroll back to our car via the botanic gardens, out of our area! In kindred spirit Eliza, Dulwich Hill, Sydney Australia, 2 months lockdown.

[@lyndasmith593]

Thank you for your thoughts. Taking us on that was wonderful in the drive to the beautiful aspens I live in salt Lake City Utah and our mountains are spectacular and I drive up there and see our gorgeous trees and just enjoy being in the West hi too I'm extremely grateful.

[@lyndasnart7823]

I. Loved the video …and yes we dream our dreams …but sometimes they can,t be fulfilled but then out of the fog will arise something special that you had not “planned or dreamed for”. "…. That fits into your life so well. …..Your four and two legged family carry you through …stay safe stay yourself in this crazy new world we have found ourselves in and keep your vloggs comeing , some of us far away and in constant lock downs and stress around us need them …Huggs …..☕️🌍👍🇦🇺😷

[@randy-9842]

Lynda - that's so very true. Sometimes the "unplanned" adventures create the best memories.

[@tinacallahan6749]

You’re human ♥️ dreams are good…🦋

[@da2357]

Thank you, Alicia, for sharing your life with us. I think we all go through a phase where we critically examine our lives and dreams. For me, I’ve set aside some of my younger dreams for new ones that more closely align with my current life… AND I’m OK with that. This examination of our lives and dreams can-as you did in this video-lead to moments of gratitude for all the blessings we do have. Thanks again for sharing your life with us! Sending you lots of positive, creative vibes!

[@eddiemoore1533]

What a beautiful hike. And, such majestic views, on the fly? Keep on keepin on!! Thank you for posting! Made my day.

[@eddiemoore1533]

I cannot journal, quite yet (I turned fifty this year). With each letter, with thousands congested behind, I fight through my self-taught loathing, of each stroke..(I spent 300.00 on the most personal writing instrument, 5 yrs ago……to log shuttle occupancy, to and from, the Las Vegas Airport…Only I knew the value of that pen… I’m getting repaired, for entirely different reasons, soon. You are an inspiration. Yes, across spectrums. To me, too. Ok. I’m as creeped as all readers reading…Pen to paper…

[@get2riz]

Dealing with disappointments is difficult. But you handled it. And, as it turns out, giving me something to reflect and write on my diary.

[@randy-9842]

Would it be possible for you to look any happier than you did in the thumbnail to this video! :) I sincerely hope you fulfill the huge majority of your dreams and that you enjoy them all, but I also hope your bucket list is never empty! ==> I grew up LOVING _Horny Toads_ too. They are awesome! (Texas panhandle - and, yes, officially it's "Horned Toads," but we called them Horny Toads sixty some years ago.) Aspen trees are wonderful too, especially in their fall colors. Oh, my, I am so envious of your trips -- plural _!_ [sorry for the edit, something went wrong with the formatting]

[@marthaanderson2346]

That cover for the back seat is wonderful! My daughter has one in her car for the dorkies and Australian sheep dog.

[@adventuredenali]

It really is a wonderful thing to have!

[@retrochristmaschic]

Gratitude is so important! The more thankful we are, the happier we are! It is so refreshing to see this video! So much beauty and happiness everywhere! God bless, be safe, and enjoy!

[@sarahsilvere]

Thank you so much Alicia for this video! ✨I always love your vlogs and especially this one with this conversation that I'm sure, resonated with a lot of us ❤️

[@aliciajipson8718]

Love to hear your outlook in life…dreams, expectations and the lot..specially from such a lovely place as is Flagstaff. I need to get to walk that trail and write about the experience in my journal…thanks so much for your posts and greetings from a another Alicia in Phoenix , AZ.

[@dawndavidson6062]

Thank you Alicia - what a wonderful vlog! I so enjoyed accompanying you on your day - the trip to the coffee shop (seeing you write in your journal!) the stunning scenery, and much of what you said which resonated with me. Thank you again!

[@swyftty2]

I don't think you should give up, look up mortgage rates and a down payment. Dreams are what makes you unique. But it seems the older you get the better you understand just how big a dream it is, and then in turn appreciate the life in pursuit of an ultimate goal.

[@michemman]

Sometimes reality is harsh, but real. Sometimes our romantic notion of our dream, is altered and changed, and this is so okay. Take the essence with you. Not so much the how, but the why you need the mountains. It is one thing to picture ourselves there, but actually living there, is based on health, climate, current situation, which may be very pleasing indeed. It may mean you need alone time, regular time or a reason. Filling your heart with the feeling, can be done where you live too. Hope this helps. For example, a few years ago I wanted a rural life, full of farm animals, self sufficiency, gardening, and a small 1 acre block of land. To be a Montessori teacher. When I lived away from the city by 2.5 hrs, south west of Sydney, in a city country town called Goulburn, I found that my health didn't like the country. It was cold. I didn't get 4 seasons of growing. I got confined, in Winter, or we moved away to the city, or to Cairns for a holiday, completely ignoring the country life. The farm animals we never had in a city block with a small garden was too much, and too big, and while a small veggie patch was an idea, but in reality, it would have meant my partner looking and caring after me, and them and it. Too much for any one man. Now we live in the city. I have two balconies in this unit...I am happily growing veggies, flowers, and plants, that I can manage, and it is enough and everything. We were on the move for a year, house and pet minding, and now we are so happy that we are finally "home", 20 mins drive from the city. I love learning how to grow mushrooms, and took a 2hr practical course, I am writing my novel, and doing illustration. I call myself a writer now. Not a teacher, not a farmer, not a gardener. My life is so complete, when the lockdown is over, we can travel to the country for black and white photography, and the friends we met. We can go every season to see the change in the trees and flowers. I can enjoy the lovely old homes. For us, it is much better to visit, than to live there, and we can visit and stay for a weekend, in at least three of the seasons.... I put this single question to you Alicia, with me and you there on your hike, and in your car, is this a change or heart, or mental clarity and grateful new reality? Sometimes what we think we want, are not what we need? In kindred spirit Eliza Most Beautiful day is today AZ vaccine day, and some time in the city, in the botanic gardens, empty. 23rd August 2021 9:58pm Dulwich Hill, Sydney, Australia xx

[@adventuredenali]

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. It is inspiring. I’m so glad you found your place in the world, the thing that makes you tick, the place that feels like home. It seems even though things look very different from how you expected, there’s a certain essence that remains.

[@michemman]

@@adventuredenali very much so. take this essence and bottle it! a bit of balcony gardening suits me well. a bit of lovely sunshine, lovely rain. A studio, a huge garage, no street noise, no headlights as we are at the back, quiet neighbours. We get food deliveries, parcels and we cook from scratch at home. Just really ideal. We can catch a bus, or train to the city or take the car in like we did the other day to get our vaccines, stopping at the Botanical gardens, the top end has the rainforest, marble statues, structures and open areas of grass with huge trees, all on the way, back to our car, while in lockdown, this was really special, empty, fresh air with our masks on and just being there again.

[@deborahmeyers7839]

You have all the time you can even imagine I'm 58 or 59 I have my dreams too never too old and just having my feet on the earth standing up and walking is a blessing love and light hugs too 🙌❤️🙌

[@laitae]

I'm grateful for you. What you said about dreams, fulfilling or letting go of them, even though that is so hard because they are part of your identity, resonated with me. I'm currently in the process of decluttering before a move. A lot of these things I'm removing from my space have been part of my identity. As an introspective person I spend a lot of time thinking what makes me me and building my image is linked with/supported by these items, so it's a difficult process overall:( I thoroughly enjoy your vlogs, all these trees and paths *heart eyes*

[@michemman]

Laitae, perhaps you could learn the power of the abstract form of these things? Identity, and joy are different. Artists and thinkers need to be inspired, so we have lots of things. These things are our tools.

[@Fedy_Corleone]

I love it..

[@user-pp2rz2mh3f]

thanks

[@godfreycarmichael]

Dreams schmeams. Focus on the present. Be happy. Love your sweet dog.

[@wittwittwer1043]

Socrates: "An unexamined life is not worth living." Further, writing separates us from the other animals, and not that long ago, humans didn't have alphabets, so they didn't have history.

[@lensolla7777]

I love this format of vlog! Also really enjoyed your thoughts around dreams and expectations

[@MysticFox05]

This was wonderful and inspiring to watch. Thank you for sharing =) I noticed you have no cover on your A5. Is that because you sold the ones you had? You had a Maverick & a Buttered Rum, right?

[@frankbruno7122]

Great video.. Love Fig! My buddy was city manager there in Flaggstaf for a few years.. he was a deputy city manager for me when I city manager in Boulder. I keep meaning to experience Flaggstaf.. looks like a nice hike.. Frank in Colorado

[@MinaMimosa]

How do you keep the camera so smooth and not bouncy while you walk? Beautiful adventure. Great topic of conversation as well.

[@adventuredenali]

My phone does a good job! It’s an iPhone 11 Pro Max, I think there’s an image stabilizer

[@rvg55]

Nice to hear your thoughts on goals, dreams, gratitude and stuff...and happy for you

[@Robert-rx6rk]

There's a lot to unpack from your latest video, so I'll just focus on one small tiny little thing . . . the horned toad lizard. I have a print by M C Escher, drawn in a way that only Mauk and his beard could have drawn it, showing a parade of snappy little lizards walking around on his drawing table. You might like it. Most of my friends who see it get stuck on the reptilian motif and are aghast, but I don't think that would be an issue for you. It is titled "Reptiles", from 1943.

[@darylyeo1446]

I love watching your video..your lifestyle is my dream. In most cases, people always dream of what you don’t have…. You already living out in my dream. Btw, where is the place ?

[@adventuredenali]

Thank you! It’s true, I am living a dream in many ways. This is Flagstaff, Arizona.

[@anjichurch4406]

You would be well suited to Brattleboro VT in my humble opinion!

[@Tarkmanoiza]

So cute

[@brendaspoon8803]

You may loose some dreams, But even better ones will come along to replace them.

[@CydPiper]

The sites looks so full of color and adventure. Love us some Fig for sure xo. Thank you for sharing your inspirational journeys Alicia. Q: love the look of your hiking hat; is it a brand to be found? TIA

[@adventuredenali]

It’s a Brixon hat! Got it for my birthday in 2020. It’s been a great hat.

[@wesdenham282]

¡Un video encantador!

[@PuffPets]

looks like you've mended up nicely. And fig is so well trained! Do you do much creative writing?

[@adventuredenali]

I do a little creative writing here and there. Not as much as I would like to. Sometimes the inspiration strikes, and that’s always exciting, haha.

[@civrn368]

Love your neckerchief. ❤

[@adventuredenali]

Thanks!

[@lindahawke7953]

I so love Flagstaff and birch trees and pine. We looked to buy a specific home there in 1993 but $$$!!! SQUEEE horny toad!!

[@TFrogz1]

I keep waiting for you to list your shop to check it out.

[@YOUNANsDolls]

Hello my dear old friend, 👋🏻😄 I don't know if you remember me or not, I’m Bustamante119 I change my name to Younan because I really love this name 😁 but I'm really happy for you and I feel like I'm enjoying seeing you go on a nice trip as if I'm the one doing that I wish you happiness and a healthy life Stay safe❤️

[@adventuredenali]

Hello!!! Of course I remember you! It’s so great to hear from you! How have you been?

[@YOUNANsDolls]

@@adventuredenali I'm great 😊 , thank you. I've been through bad things in my life, but now I'm better and better. I just want a Journey as you do to recover. This is the best thing I do. When I see you go on a journey or write and feel calm and comfortable, I tell myself that's what I really want Thank you very much You always inspiring people 🙏🏻❤️

[@pantaksianno2236]

Beautiful

[@arguchik]

I can't help noticing how smooth your camera work is, even when you're walking down a rocky section of trail. Do you have your camera on a gimbal? (I'm very curious about what equipment you use for filming, in general.)

[@adventuredenali]

Thank you! The only thing I have is my phone! It’s an iPhone 11 max pro, I suspect it has some sort of image stabilization. It’s done a great job.

[@LivingAsVicki]

You can have your dreams, but it takes planning, work, and trade-offs. Would you give up your weekend adventures for the time being to work a job 5-7 days a week? The money will add up and you will be able to buy your travel trailer. Your dreams aren't unattainable, but you have to work your bum off.

[@Mmmyess]

Going from any Airstream (other than a Basecamp) to a Casita is a pretty significant downgrade in terms of space. I, too, dreamed of owning/refurbishing/living in an Airstream -- all aero and shiny and schmancy -- but the more you know about them, the less attractive they become. (One word: Hail.) I very nearly bought a Casita (long live fiberglass, eh?) but it was just too tiny. And I'm not a big person. I ended up buying an Escape and my launch date is September 1st. Hope you enjoy your stay in Flagstaff...such a lovely little town. Cheers!

[@adventuredenali]

Oh actually, I realized that in the context, the Casitas sounds like the trailer, but by casita, I meant a little guest house, brick and mortar style. What’s the Escape? And by launch date, do you mean you’ll be hitting the road and traveling?

[@Mmmyess]

@@adventuredenali Yup, you're reading everything in my message correctly. Casita is a brand of fiberglass travel trailer, as is Escape. Escapes are a step up in size, quality, and price from Casita and a step below Big Foot and a few steps below Oliver. Launch date does, indeed, mean the start of camping across this great country. I'll probably spend September in Colorado...in the vicinity of Durango, Telluride, Marble, and Crested Butte. After that, who knows? Probably stay to the south for the winter. I'm glad to see that you've rebounded so quickly from your surgery! Hope you enjoy your time in Flagstaff (...guess we'll find out in your next vlog).

[@adventuredenali]

@@Mmmyess wow! That’s so amazing! Congratulations! I would love to hear an update on how it is all going. How long have you been preparing for this? How long do you expect to be traveling? That area of Colorado is wonderful. Bon voyage!

[@adventuredenali]

@@Mmmyess oh and I am familiar with the Casita, it’s one I looked into as I was leaning towards a fiberglass trailer when considering moving into a trailer full time. Scamp, Boler, Burro… there’s so many! I’ll look up the Escape!

[@Mmmyess]

@@adventuredenali Thanks for your support! I've been preparing for this since December 2020. (Long story why the delay...I'll spare you.) I don't know how long I'll be traveling. I'm looking for a new home, so we'll see if any place feels right. I want to check out Ashland, OR, and Charlottesville, VA, and other smallish towns in between.

[@user-tz9kc3cw7d]

Youre the cutest looking woman ive ever seen.. sorry if i sounded creepy

[@leopoldoparada76]

Hi baby, nice place! Take care of yourself and stay safe, Leopoldo

[@Bettystroup]

You be careful.. out there.

[@robmc120]

But who are you grateful to? "Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

[@douloureux.]

No thank you.

[@robmc120]

@@douloureux. Respectfully, you proved my point, when a person is thankful, it's TO somebody. The most worthy thanks to give would be to the One who gave you breath, "He Himself gives to all people life & breath & all things" (Acts 17:25), but people "exchanged the truth of God for the lie, & worshiped creation rather than the One having created" (Romans 1:25) as the Bible accurately prophesied. God bless!

[@douloureux.]

@@robmc120 once again, no thank you. I’m not actually thankful, I’m respectfully declining and asking you to stop.

[@robmc120]

@@douloureux. "no thank you. I’m not actually thankful...." Respectfully, that's your choice to live in contradiction & you're welcome to it, I'm just pointing out the breakdown of logic here & who is most of all to be thanked/praised/worshipped if you ever change your mind. Thanks for being respectful, God bless you!

[@ms.reezee4415]

Are you an Empath ?