Here's To Now...

I've been told over and over that it's now or never. I'm 25 with a college degree, no children (with the exception of my pup, Alfredo), a waitress in a gastropub, no serious relationship, and very little debt. I feel like up to now, I've done everything that has been expected of me. I have been taking care of myself financially since I graduated college, and only asked for help in times of serious need. Two years ago, I moved to Asheville, NC from Savannah, GA with the hopes of finding inspiration and independence, both of which I achieved. However, throughout this transition I've learned who I am, and what I really want out of life. I want to live each day in the moment. I want to feel like what I do has purpose, has meaning, and I want to be able to help other people look at life in a positive way. I don't want to look back with regrets of missing out on opportunities that were present for me because I was too afraid or unable to financially support it. I want to live my life right now for what it is.

After my cousin Jason unexpectedly passed 4 months ago, it put things into perspective. He was like a brother to me and we were extremely close. He inspired others to be themselves and not dwell on other's opinions. We are both artists. He was a musician and I'm a painter. His passing changed my life and I've begun to set things in motion in order to achieve the lifestyle I want for not only myself, but also my future children.

If any of you have ever worked in the service industry, you understand it is hard. The Winter season in a small tourist driven town make it even more difficult. The lease on my house ends in December of this year, only a couple months away. I have put in a notice at work, and talked to my managers about taking a leave of absence from Dec - Mar. The restaurant where I work gets so slow that they often cut servers during the off seasons. It's hard to make rent during those months for all of us. Thus, my decision to join the WWOOFing program.

I've always wanted to have my own farm. It's a LIFESTYLE choice for me. I feel like people today are becoming more and more disconnected from where their food comes from. No longer do people know or appreciate how their food grows, how to harvest it, or the hard work and dedication required. Most people don't even know the basics of being self-sufficient in our current society. I crave to learn these things. I think the best way to do that is to immerse myself in the culture of farming and self-sufficiency and LIVE IT. This is why I feel that WWOOFing is the best solution for me. WWOOFing (World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms) is a work exchange program where you volunteer on an organic farm and in exchange, the farm feeds and houses you (and sometimes your pet). In return for your hard work, the farmers teach you various skills about operating privately owned land in a sustainable and responsible manner. It's a great way to learn hands-on.

January 2013, will mark the BEGINNING of my stay at Catawba Valley Vineyard. The vineyard is right outside of Morganton, NC about and hour and a half away from Asheville, where I currently live. The farm owners, Randy & Rebecca, are very welcoming and are great teachers. Alfredo and I already did a trial stay last month, and it seems like a perfect fit. There's a separate trailer for WWOOFers to live in, with a pretty nice setup. Some farms just do camping, so this is ideal for the winter months. During our trial stay, I learned how to can and pickle various vegetables, harvest okra, shitaki mushrooms, and repair an electric fence. Alfredo had a blast running around and playing with the other farm dog on the property. It was a complete shift from my current lifestyle, one which I was welcoming of. Randy & Rebecca invited us to stay during the winter months to help with the young vineyard and continue to can & pickle for next spring.

I'm already packing, downsizing, and ridding my life of excess.
My friends and family have all been really supportive of my endeavors, and for that I am humbly thankful.

This has left me with the entire month of December, of which I will be pretty much homeless, lol. Even though friends and family have offered housing for Alfredo & I to stay during that time, I decided it's the perfect opportunity instead for me to go on an EPIC ROAD TRIP! Explore what life has to offer. Get inspired to paint and create again. Live life the way I want to. No expectations. No regrets!

So finally, I am to the point of why I could use your help...

December 2013, I'll be going on a cross-country road trip with my good friend Joe, his dog Gabe, and of course Alfredo. We will be stopping in numerous National Parks and will be backpacking/hiking along the way. There is a lot of cold-weather GEAR that I've been gradually purchasing, but I still could use some help with the bigger stuff. My plan is to live as simply as possible during this time as a reflection of the future I wish to have: less is truly more.

Just a few places we plan on checking out:
-Grand Canyon
-Big Sur
-Joshua Tree
-Rocky Mountain National park
-Grandfather Mountain
-Yosemite National Park
-Red Wood Forest

I'm excited for my journey and my new life ahead. All monies raised will support my friend and me with the road trip and also with my transition to the farm. Considering I will be unemployed during this time, any donation will be greatly appreciated. Thank you so very much!
I hope I can convince you as well as the people on my journey to follow your heart and DREAM BIG!


-Elizabeth