Yes, I did say ‘vanlife’!
I apologise for not being in touch with you that much this year but things around here have been K.E.R.E.Z.I. š
You see…
Many moons ago I fell in love with kombis and even had one of my own in which I could store my clothes, cook, sleep and chill out.
It was yellow and I named it Little Miss Sunshine!
For a homebody (who also loves to travel), having my home come with me wherever I went was so powerful!!
I felt like like I had wings.
I felt more centered.
I felt more open to possibilities because I felt centered and like I had wings š
I felt STRONG.
I felt like I could dream new dreams!
I don’t know if you feel the same but, I also feel all those things when I make art.
I need my little ‘world’ around me… to come… with me – whether that world is a kombi, or an art journal.
And of course, combining both would be tots awesome, like the kids say these days (or has it changed already??)
Could it get any better?
Yes!!!
It gets even better when you have someone to share your dreams with – in this case: travelling all around Australia!!
My other half Pete was not super keen on taking this 20000 km/13000 mile journey but after slowly working on it (for over 10 years hahaha), he finally agreed to take the plunge with me.
HOO-FREAKING-RAY š
We started converting a big van on an off for a year and then… Everything happened really quickly!
We sold our house and chaos happened…
Watch the video below where I explained how it all happened!
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What about all my art supplies, and the shop??
Ohhhh that was hard!!
Closing my shop The Mixed Media Store after dedicating over 6 years of my life to it (including many nights and holidays) was a very difficult decision!
I thought about it back and forth for a long time, weighing the pros and cons and then… I came to this conclusion:
“I am not prepared to put off my dream any longer.”
So the Store is closed – for now – as sometimes you have to make sacrifices to follow your dreams…
And turning my whole studio into a mini portable one was a mission and a half!
I spent about a year trying different options and spent so much energy trying to work out:
- what I could physically take with me
- what I needed the most
- how I could store it all
- how to make it as versatile as possible so I could create art indoors AND outdoors and…
I think I have managed to make things work for me in the end.
Click below to see a little video of my outdoor setup (I will show what it looks like inside the van soon):
What now??
- We are now vanlifers and have been on the road for about 9 weeks and it is awesome!!!
Sharing a tiny space every day is a challenge but we are making it work š
Discovering new things every day is truly special – and Elliot (my fluffy goofball of a dog) adores his life on the road š - While it’s a bit harder to create youtube tutorials, I still plan on creating some as soon as I get the chance.
I am also working on new online classes! - Since I can illustrate and work remotely, you’ll be seeing more mixed media printables coming your way very soon.
In the meantime, remember there are hundreds of files you can download now – right here.
- I created another YouTube channel called ‘Furry Adventures OZ’ AND another Instagram account also called ‘Furry Adventures OZ‘!
The sole purpose of these accounts is to document our travels and shenanigans, and to have FUN (it is not about getting subscribers or tons of views because we don’t plan on becoming full time YouTubers/vloggers LOL).
I post videos/photos as often as possible (and as soon as we manage to get internet) so feel free to check it out and see how beautiful Australia is! - I am still art-ing almost every day (more than ever before) and posting photos and videos on my regular IG account so I hope to see you there (on in the Facebook Tribe)
If you made this far, thank YOU!! I hope you enjoyed getting a little glimpse into my life lately š
If you have any comments or questions, please post them below and I’ll be sure to respond.
With Love and Sunshine,
xx Mimi Bondi
Mimi I have been following you for years. 5 years ago my life changed and will never be the same. You need to grab your dreams as soon as you can or they may only stay a dream.
I am so happy for the three of you and cant wait to see your art as it becomes inspired by your wonderful journey
Awww Lynne, thank you so much for being around for so long, really appreciate that! And you are so, so right, sometimes, you just ‘have to’ go for it š
Mimi this is so wonderful – I have followed you for many years. 5 years ago my life changed in a moment and will never be the same. So when you have dreams just go for it because if you wait you may never get the chance – so I think this is wonderful and cant wait to see your work and how it reflects your new adventures, love and hugs to the three of you cant wait for videos and stories
That is so, so true Lynne!! It can be hard to push ourselves but you feel like you just have to do it, then you should try your hardest!!
Thank you so much for your lovely and kind support over the years, it means a lot to me š xxo mimi
OMG what an amazing adventure, I am so jelly, and you get to create art as well. Hope you guys enjoy yourselves.
Love and sunshine to you both and furball.
Lyn Dubbo NSW
Thank you so much Lynn, thatās so lovely of you! šš
What an amazing adventure you are on. Enjoy every moment š
Thank you so much Mel š
How wonderful – to follow your dreams AND make art along the way! Safe travels. May the force be with you.
Hahaha the force is with me Anne, thank you š š
So brave of you but exciting too! I hope you have a wonderful time with your handsome husband! Has it really been ten years since you wore that beautiful colorful wedding gown!! Anyway, just wanted to say I love your videos and look forward to seeing more of your travels! Be safe!
Valerie in California
How sweet of you Valerie, thank you!!! Itās been 8 years since we got married but been together 12 š