After lengthy careers maneuvering the treacherous waters of corporate America, Terry and I decided in August of 2011 that life was too important to take so seriously. We wrote what was to be our final resignation letters, stuffed our backpacks to maximum capacity, and headed south of the border for a Mexican adventure.
We had been slowly moving away from the rigors of corporate life even a couple of years earlier as we closed up our Sedona, AZ home and headed to Yellowstone National Park, where we lived and worked in a setting full of wonder and awe each time we stepped out our door. Nature soon became our temple.
After a year in Mexico, we decided it was time to move back north, but wanderlust was firmly ensconced in our souls. There was no way we were going to be content sitting at home so the decision was made to take our home with us. So began our gypsy lifestyle, traveling across this beautiful country in an RV as we surrounded ourselves in nature.
Although we have recently created a wonderful home base for ourselves at Jojoba Hills RV Resort near Temecula, CA, our hearts still long for the open road and we follow that yearning as often as we can.
My blog name “paint your landscape” seems a fitting metaphor for how we envision a good life, doing what makes our hearts sing, coloring our world with broad brushstrokes.
Paint Your Landscape 
We have been wondering what you two have been getting into.
What and where will you be on Christmas? Brad is heading for California and I am heading for Colorado. We will then meet in a month in Houston for the America’s Classic Dance Competition for West Coast Swing. A four day event with workshops along with competitions….We are excited to be learning a new dance and meet these great professionals.
Hugs, We miss you both, Geri & Brad
Hurray – so nice to meet fellow ex-corporate America members – You have picked great areas!
Thanks. When I listen to my friends who are still in stressful corporate jobs, I feel truly blessed.
Terry & LuAnn,
Ran across your Blog looking for pictures of Puerto Vallarta. My wife & myself traveled may places in Mexico in the past 20 years, but Vallarta 20 years ago was something to behold, and will always be in our memories. We are also RVers, though not retired quite yet. Please contact us, would love to share pictures & stories.
We really enjoyed our time in Mexico. How do I get in touch with you? Would love to share experiences. 🙂
LuAnn and Terry – I love your blog and am nominating you for the Reader Appreciation Award. Check it out along with the rules for how it works on my blog. Keep up the great work!
Hi LuAnn and Terry,
I work for Travel Lane County, the tourism marketing organization for Lane County. I love your blog posts on your visit. You touched on so many unique and wonderful pieces of our community. I, too, loved the music of this year’s Brews & Blues Festival. Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to make your visit even better or to help you plan your next trip. Thanks for coming and for sharing your experience with others!
Molly
Molly@EugeneCascadesCoast.org
Hi Molly,
We love Eugene, as I knew we would from speaking to other friends who have been there. Sadly we left today but did not go far and are staying at another Lane County RV Park in Florence – Harbor Vista RV Park. Do you have any tips on must-sees in the Florence area. We are planning to see a couple more lighthouses, as we enjoy those lots. Thanks for stopping by!
Dune tours are very popular. I’m taking my family on one later this week. I recommend Sand Dunes Frontier. I’m guessing Haceta Head Lighthouse is high on your list. It is under construction right now. You can’t tour it, but you can get close and see it. Old Town Florence is charming and full of lunch hot spots. I love the fish ‘n chips at Mo’s. Also, the Sea Lion Caves are something you will only see in Florence. It’s the largest sea cave in the world. There’s a great view of Haceta from the back of the caves. Bon voyage!
Thanks so much for the great tips!
I have nominated your blog for an award. Check out my post Cotton Candy (http://wp.me/p2eEip-zi) to learn more. Remember you do not have to take it if you don’t want to, just know I love your blog.
LuAnn & Terry,
Molly shared your post. I like the way you travel. Ask for a docent tour of the Siuslaw Pioneer museum in Florence. The collection is eclectic and the historical photographs give you a great prespective for touring Old Town. There is great hiking north of Florence. I suggest hiking the Valley and Hobbit trails at Washburne State park then walk the beach back to the car. Don’t miss the lookout on Whispering Spruce trail at Cape Perpetua. The view from the stone lookout is amazing. Have fun!
PS Sandboard. It’s a hoot.
Thanks so much Samara! I just hope we can cram in everything we want to do in one week. We just read about sandboarding today so that is on the list, as well as Cape Perpetua. Thanks again!
Nancy, thank you so much for your kind words and for the nomination. Perhaps deep down I do not feel worthy when I read blogs such as yours and others who are so profoundly deep. I worked in the corporate world for many years and never really took the time to have fun and get to know myself, so that is what we are doing. I hope you understand if I say a heartfelt thank you and leave it at that. I also hope you will continue to check in. I will continue to follow your blog and as I said on your most recent post, you have a big fan in me! Thanks again!
Hi LuAnn & Terry!
I’m a coworker of Molly and Samara at Travel Lane County. I love all your posts from our area. You had an amazing time! I was curious if you know circulation values for your blog or could guesstimate the number of folks who follow/read your blog? Feel free to email me if that is more comfortable for you. Thanks!
Hi Corrie! I just forwarded an email on to you. LuAnn
Thank you LuAnn. I haven’t received anything yet. My email is corrie@eugenecascadescoast.org in case something didn’t go through. Thanks!
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog
You are welcome. You write beautifully. 🙂
Like your posts, unique and very personal.
Thanks much! 🙂
hi LuAnn–had to drop by–I am LouAnn
I have been reading your blog and I love it. You’ve got a new follower. 🙂
LouAnn and LuAnn are following each other–how apropos
😀
Hi LuAnn,
I’ve nominated two awards http://shareandconnect.wordpress.com/2012/10/28/see-the-world-as-it-isnt/ If you decide not to play, I understand…
Thanks for visiting my blog & checking out some of my posts.
Thought I’d stop by & visit you too.
Will be seeing you on my Reader & hope to keep seeing you visit me too when you get a chance!
PeAce-
RoSy
Thanks RoSy. You will be seeing me around your site quite often. 🙂
Lovely posts… those that I’ve looked at… I see you have recently started to follow me and I’m grateful for that… looking at your posts… I’m definitely going to be following you….
You know, shame on me, I have been reading your wonderful comments to other bloggers but have not checked out your blog until now. Your photography is beautiful and I plan to spend a lot more time surfing your site. Happy Sunday to you Bulldog. 🙂
LuAnn, I am enjoying your blog (and you) so very much…
Without obligation I award you –
http://abcofspiritalk.wordpress.com/2012/11/22/wonderful-team-member/
Congratulations on your choice of living your dream. I have recently retired, and my husband and I are doing a lot of that as well. I am nominating you for a Very Inspiring Blogger Award as a way to say thanks for being part of my blogging world and posting clear beautiful pictures and travel information. http://wp.me/p2jC53-Q1
Thanks so much Marsha. I was a little concerned about retired a bit early but am having a blast. Thanks so much for the nomination and I look forward to following along on your adventures. 🙂
I’m loving it!!! I’ll look forward to getting better acquainted in 2013!!! 🙂
A star for you, LuAnn…!
http://abcofspiritalk.wordpress.com/2012/12/04/lifes-little-pleasures/
A very humble thank you Carolyn. 🙂
I wanted to give you a star for your great blog! See here: http://utesmile.wordpress.com/2012/12/09/more-stars-to-shine-even-more/
I humbly thank you Ute and hope you have a beautiful week. 🙂
Lovely lovely lovely…..kisses from Florence…
Thanks for visiting. 🙂
Great to meet you. My hubby is Terry, too. If you two lovebirds ever make it to near Ojai, it’d be fun to meet. Thanks for visiting my site.
I will see if our time here will allow for it and keep you posted. Thanks for visiting my site as well. I am looking forward to spending more time on yours. 🙂
I want to comment here just because I haven’t. This must be the most substantial comment this blog ever received.
😀
Rommel of The Sophomore Slump misses you.
And I miss him. Is he ever coming back to California?
Because YOU are a shining STAR! http://wp.me/p2oM0H-Q2
Hello LuAnn & Terry, I’m so happy to have found your blog. Wishing you a most joyous New Year and look forwards to sharing ideas and posts with you. Be well!
Thanks Madeline. I look forward to following along with you in 2013. May the upcoming year bring you much lightness and love. 🙂
Lu, email is goinsra@triad.rr.com. Last winter was first time in over 20 years we did not go to Mexico. Was just to much bad news coming out of Mexico. We hope to go full time RVing in the future, would love to run into you guys.
I will send you off an email and see how we might connect.
Lu Ann, I have nominate you for the Gargie Award, please check at http://meirozavian.wordpress.com/2013/01/04/the-first-nomination-in-the-beginning-of-the-year/
Congratulations!
Warm regards,
mei
Mei, thank you so much for the generous nomination. I am truly touched and am so grateful to have found your blog. 🙂
Dear Lu Ann,
I have nominate you for the Shine On award, please check at
http://meirozavian.wordpress.com/2013/01/14/shine-on-award/
Congratulations!
Warm regards,
mei
Mei, I am humbled by this nomination. Thank you so much. 🙂
My in-laws have retired and become RV-ers during the summer months. I love the adventures and photos they share as they travel cross-country…there is so much beauty to see!!
It certainly is a fabulous way to see the country. 🙂
I nominated you for an award but I think it went into the spam folder
I have not seen anything but thank you Alastair. 🙂
You’re welcome LuAnn 🙂
Hi LuAnn, Are you interested in the ligo haibun challenge. Here is the link:
http://call2read.com/2013/04/13/ligo-haibun-challenge-peace/
Thank you Nightlake. I have been pondering what direction to take my blogging since we are now not traveling for several months Perhaps I should try my hand at this, although with so many of you who do such a fabulous job, not sure I’m in your league. However, I am certain it will help my writing skills. When is the next one being presented?
You are for sure a good writer. I remember the three of you won in Penny’s contest titled, ‘Unrequited Love’:) Do take your time though:)This one, ‘Peace’ ends with Friday night, I suppose..The next one begins on Saturday and stays till next Friday/Saturday.
Thanks for the information. I may await the next one on Saturday.
Hi LuAnn, This is the next challenge: http://call2read.com/2013/04/20/ligo-haibun-challenge-photo-prompt
Do go through, when you find time
Thank you for the reminder Nightlake.
I wanted to acknowledge your beautiful blog, so included you in my nominations for this award. No pressure to accept of course. 🙂
Thanks so much Sylvia. I have not been acknowledging awards but do so much appreciate your kind words and your follow. I love your blog. 🙂
Sorry, forgot to post the link. 🙂 http://adinparadise.wordpress.com/2013/05/16/wordpress-family-award/
Dear LuAnn and Terry,
I am an archival researcher with CMJ Productions Inc. – a Montreal-based documentary film production company. We are currently producing an episode that includes Amitabha Stup, which will be part of documentary TV series that will broadcast on the Evasion channel in Canada. I am contacting you because I was hoping you could provide some archives (photos) of the Amitabha Stup for the episode. Please email me at: p.wu@cmjprod.ca if you are interested.
I would be happy to provide more information on our program and answer any questions.
Thank you and I look forward to hearing back from you soon.
Best regards,
Phoebe
you guys have the best life ever! enjoy!
Thanks so much. You live in a part of the country that we will most likely settle in someday. 🙂
please do, please do…and as the arabs would say…”ehlen, ehlen”…welcome, welcome!
😀
G’day! Great news LuAnn bout Terry today, true!
I read and enjoy each post you do!
I can’t find a CONTACT ME link…as every post (no html etc, no links), it prevents me from posting a comment…Can you please contact me? Thank you!
Cheers! Joanne
Sorry, this comment could not be posted.
Thank you for your comment Joanne. I do see this comment so I am not sure I understand. If you could provide me with some clarification, I would be happy to check into it. 🙂
Hi,
Just found your site and wanted to invite you to guest post on our retirement site Retirement And Good Living http://retirementandgoodliving.com
Please send me an email if you are interested and I will send additional information.
Thanks,
Simone
Hi LuAnn, nice to meet you. Don and I both completely understand the joy of being retired, and being free to move around as we wish, though your stint at Amazon sounds pretty challenging. Do you think you’ll head south with your RV through Central and South America?
Thanks for visiting our blog and for following. I hope you enjoy the stories of our adventures, both internal and external. I know you know this – travel, and living an unconventional life-style changes you. For the better.
Blessings
Alison
Alison, we will probably not take our RV outside of the US, although we know many we have. Our experience of living in Mexico and some of the road conditions there, and what we have seen in Costa Rica makes us pause. We have been talking a lot about doing some international traveling and will probably do so in 2015. The beauty of an RV is that we can out it into storage while we are gone.
We look forward to following your adventures this year. Love your blog!
Oh I love that – that you can just put your home in storage. It makes me smile.
Our “home” is also in storage only it’s 6×8 storage locker with a few essentials like bureaucratic papers and winter clothes.
I do know what you mean about the roads. They can be brutal, especially if you have to maintain a vehicle.
Thanks re the blog. I love doing it.
And you do it so well! 😀
I’m inspired by your blog LuAnn; it’s good to know the nomadic lifestyle works! My feet are itching to get on the road again too, after the winter passes. All the best from Scotland, Nancy
Thanks for stopping by Nancy. Yours is a country we hope to visit someday. Have a wonderful 2014! 🙂
Hi LuAnn,
I’ve been wanting to sharing this travel information some time ago. We have used the travel books and DVDs by Rick Steves, as we traveled Italy four times, France four, five times…. Rick started traveling Europe since he was a kid, then started taking neighbors when he was 18 yrs old 🙂
We’ve used his book and DVDs (by country) to plan our trips since 90s, I even used his travel route. Normally, I start to plan 12 to 8 months before we travel…
He also gives travel tips, hotel price (its address and email address, and $, $$, $$$ info), restaurants with addresses and locations… each city or town has a simple and easy to read map for sites, hotels, and restaurants. All are 100% dependable, never fail. Here is his website http://www.ricksteves.com/.
I also took a trip with his travel group and we will go to Spain in May with his group.
When you decide to go, you also can make train online reservation (from town to town or city to city). They are making travel too easy 🙂 Be happy to help, if you need more info.
Later,
Amy
Thanks so much Amy. Terry and I are considering an international trip in 2015. We knew that once we covered most of the US we would want to turn our attention elsewhere. There are so many places on our list so we are just going to have to narrow it down.
We have watched Rick Steve’s program on TV and I always wondered about his books and DVDs. I will certainly check them out. 🙂
Once we decide where we are headed, I may email you if you don’t mind.
Thanks again! 🙂
Please feel free to contact me 🙂 I may have a few personal tips to share it with you. Enjoy the sunshine!
Thanks so much Amy. Have a wonderful week! 🙂
You guys have a very nice blog site …I hope ours looks as good as yours does someday.
That’s very kind of you to say! I am going to enjoy following along on your adventures. 🙂
LuAnn, I was looking for an email address for you. In skimming over your website I am in awe of what a wonderful job you have done. Envy really, as it is what I have wanted to create but have never taken the time to do anything more than my blog. In looking around I see that we have much more in common than I even thought at first. Cancer is part of our fulltiming story as well. Would love to have you email me to talk more personally.
Sherry
http://www.directionofourdreams.blogspot.com
RVDreamlife@gmail.com
Oh Sherry, I was telling hubby this morning that I wish I could write like you! I wish he would write the travelogue bit and let me explore the spiritual side of this journey, but I can’t convince him and he must do what resonates (or doesn’t) with him. I will be sending you an email sometime this evening. My email address is lu.oburn3@gmail.com. 🙂
Thank you for sharing and Greetings from Gede Prama 🙂
My pleasure Gede. I love your writing! 🙂
LuAnn, I just got your comment and Thank you so much. It’s the comments that keep me going. I am concerned that I did not get your email. Did you send it to RVdreamlife@gmail.com? What was the address from which you sent it? I’m going to try to find out what happened. I hate that you thought I didn’t respond. I love emails, not quite as much as hand written letters, but almost. So I’m bummed that I didn’t see it. Let me know. Sherry
Sherry, yes I did send it to RVdreamlife@gmail.com and no problem. I was just a bit concerned when I responded back to your email regarding our travel schedule and hadn’t heard back that something may be wrong. Glad to see that wasn’t the case. Take care and safe travels.
Your About page made me realize that you are doing exactly what we would love to do someday! We travel mostly because I work for Discovery Education training teachers, a job that has taken us both to states and rural areas we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. So glad you are following us, and we’ll be watching where you go next! Best wishes for safe travels. http://ohtheplaceswesee.com
Thanks Rusha. I look forward to following your adventures. 🙂
Hi, LuAnn. Thought you might like to know that your blog is one of my recommended blog hops for Marianne’s monthly theme. http://anotherday2paradise.wordpress.com/2014/06/16/cbbh-photo-challenge-high-tea-and-food-glorious-food/
Thank you so much for the mention Sylvia. I love visiting your blog. It is obvious yours is a life well-lived. 🙂
Hi! Enjoy reading your blog and hope you would consider following my blog at http://winecoastersblog.wordpress.com.
We are part time RVers currently hosting on the Oregon Coast. Safe travels! Gail
Thanks for stopping by and I look forward to following your adventures as well. 🙂
It was nice meeting you upon registering at Jojoba Hills and even more fun playing pickleball with you. Of course if I knew you were a friend of Al and Ingrid I may have been a little more suspicious of you! I just signed up to follow your blog.
Thanks Cheryl. I went over to your blog yesterday. How do I go about subscribing? Perhaps we can play pickleball again. I will be going over tomorrow morning.
Hello LuAnn, thanks for taking a look at the Hammer Home Street Photography Project.
My pleasure!
Absolutely LOVE your blog and the things you share 🙂 Glad to have stumbled across it!
Thanks! 🙂
Very happy to have found your marvellous blog. I’ve always wanted to do roadtrips in an RV, that is the dream! Perhaps when my son is older! You have been all over – so I am looking forward to reading about your adventures and taking inspiration from them! 🙂
It is a fabulous way to see an area in depth. Thanks so much for stopping by. 🙂
Oh Yellowstone NP, one of my best memory of my road trip in the US ! so much to see, interesting wildlife and scenery. I’m following another couple of full time RV, ExploRVistas, they are from Michigan (may you are also following them on wordpress?) : http://explorvistas.com/
It’s always interesting to follow these kind of travels 🙂
Yes, I am following ExlorRVistas as well. My husband and I spent two years in YNP and loved every minute. 🙂
I can imagine !! Did you stay at the same place or you moved a bit ? I will try to dig some old posts on your blog to find more information about it 🙂
We lived and worked inside the park, exploring as much of it as we could in two years. 🙂
This is just awesome !!! 🙂
It was pretty special. I wish I had been blogging during our entire time there.
Hello DTerry & LuAnn,
I’ve been researching places in California, and found your post Of Fire and Ice ~ Lassen Volcanic National Park. So much details! And some great photos – I really like to read very detailed travel posts like that. Usually I don’t travel a lot but I love reading posts from those who do.
Some time ago I started thinking about improving travel and photo blogs to make them more informative. How do I read blogs? At first I open Google Maps and look for the place in the post. After that I try to figure out where those pictures were taken? So maps and some waypoints would be helpful. And finally, what if I want to do a similar journey? It would be great to see a trail or a route.
To make life better I and my friends created http://www.track-kit.net – a place where routes, tracks with photos and waypoints can be stored, edited and viewed. Most important is tracks can be easily embedded into WordPress blogs as an interactive map with multiple map sources including topo maps, OSM etc. Your readers could also enjoy track statistics, speed and elevation, look at images and see where they have been taken. Here is a description of all major features:
http://track-kit.net/manual/embedding_tracks.html
You can upload tracks from a smartphones, PC or Mac. You can even create a track right at the web site. Here is a video to explain it better:
We tried to put all the great features in one place to make your readers more interested in the blog and attract more followers.
So give it a try: use Track-Kit for your blogs (it is free) and let me know what features you would like to have – and we will make them for you.
Thanks a lot for great posts!
Alex
alex@lifewaresolutions.com
http://www.track-kit.net
Thanks so much Alex. I will definitely look into it. 🙂
Hola Lu & Terry
This is Geri C. If you are still in Oregon send me an email and let us know as we moved back from San Antonio, MX and are living south of Portland and would love to catch up with you…
Hi there! Unfortunately we are now in WA on the Olympic Peninsula, where the internet is very sketchy right now. I will send you an email in the next few days to try to catch up.
Sounds great. Look forward to catching up with you two…
Likewise.
Thank you for your kind remarks. We are in FL for the winter at Sanibel Island NWR.
Regards
Joe
I’m interested in One of your images for a Project? Of mine,
Which image is that Christian?
Love it! Looking forward to seeing where you’ve been / where you go next!
Thanks for stopping by!
Pictures of Glacier brought back wonderful memories of camping there two summers ago. Love hearing about lives that don’t follow the ordinary. Thanks!
My pleasure! Glacier has become one of my favorite national parks. 🙂
You are living an enviable life! Keep living it!
We do feel blessed to be on this journey. Thanks for stopping by!
Hi! I wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Liebster award. You can find all the info about how to accept the nomination here: https://handstandsaroundtheworld.wordpress.com/2016/11/26/liebster-award/
Diana
Hi Diana! Thank you so much for considering me for the Liebster Award. I had stopped accepting awards several years ago so I hope you will settle for a heartfelt thanks from me instead.
Of course I will, you’re most welcome 🙂
Thank you for the beautiful pictures. I really enjoy your blog and I have nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award. Check out the details here: https://luvthatmouse.wordpress.com/2016/12/12/the-sunshine-blogger-award/
Thank you so much. I hope you will accept my heartfelt appreciation for the nomination as I am no longer participating in the WordPress awards. Thanks again!
Hi LuAnn and Terry, Thanks for following my photography blog. I hope you enjoy my work. Your blog is terrific and I look forward to following your travels.
Thanks Jane. I am a novice photography who is always looking to step up her game. 🙂
To just up and leave your busy corporate life is risky while on other hand inspiring. It shows that you you really want something, take a leap and go after it. Changing up your lifestyle the way you have is not always as easy as it sounds. So thank you for sharing your dreams with us. Happy travels🙂
It wasn’t easy and certainly isn’t the right move for everyone. It is a personal journey for each of us. Happy holidays!
Hi LuAnn! Wanted to let you know that I nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
https://wanderlustphotosblog.com/2018/02/15/sunshine-blogger-award/
I am so touched Josh. I long ago stopped accepting awards but I sincerely thank you for thinking of me. I am so excited to have found your blog.
No problem LuAnn 😀👍
Thanks again so much for the good thoughts Josh!
No problem 😀👍
Happy trails…hope to follow your lead once the kiddos are grounded.
A fantastic lifestyle! I hope you will be able to hit the road in your RV again soon. Nothing like it! 🙂 I enjoyed – and felt totally in agreement – with your last post about passion. Well-said!!! I couldn’t leave a comment there, so I’m doing it here.
It is a fantastic lifestyle Leisbet! On another subject, we will be housesitting for a couple that you have previously housesat for – Christine and Alan in Albuquerque. What a small world!
That’s amazing!! Enjoy your stay there, say hi to Alan and Christine for us, and give Beckwourth and Gunner a big hug!!!
Will do!
Hi, LuAnn – I am dropping by on recommendation of Janis (Retirementally Challenged). I look forward to reading more.
BTW – Liesbet and Mark were just at our home in Vancouver Island. Sounds like we have some great mutual friends!
So glad you stopped by. I will be making a visit to your blog soon. It is truly a small world. We will be doing a housesit in the upcoming months to a place where Liesbet and Mark also sat. We would love to explore your neck of the woods someday.
Hi LuAnn,
I found you by way of Retirement Reflections…and got sooo engrossed in exploring your blog, looking at all the gorgeous pictures, and reading some really elegant posts. You have done/are doing what I aspire to on my new blog. A way to explore and define life after exiting the “career world”…for me that means leaving nearly 30 years in education behind. Thank you!
Thanks for subscribing Nancy. I am looking forward to following your adventures in your ‘Third Age’. Love the name of your blog.