mini van – Eat, Pray, Roam

Since I am a healthy eater, adhering to a plant based vegan diet, it is important to me to have a functional kitchen. I put a lot of thought into putting this mini-van kitchen together in a way that didn’t require a lot of stuff, but still got the job done. For example I have one large sauce pan with a steamer basket and lid, and one frying pan. That’s it for pans. I have two forks, knives and spoons, and one set of bamboo utensils including spoons and spatulas. I have two bowls, two plates and a couple storage containers with lids. I’ve got two dish towels and a couple dish cloths. Trader Joes also carries these amazing inflatable sponges that take up very little room. All of the above fit into my Walmart crate that fits on the bottom rack of my two rack shelf unit. The Coleman two burner cook-stove fits perfectly on the top rack.

I love my igloo 12 volt fridge/cooler. You can set it upright or use it like a regular cooler. I choose to set it upright to create more space for my two small drawers that house my food and spices.

I am giving you a tour today as I create a delicious Tempeh Stir-fry. A very quick and easy recipe that can be made in fifteen minutes. I just saute’ red onion and peppers, add a block of cubed tempeh (a fermented soy product) and add spices, like cumin, turmeric, chipoltle chilli seasoning, and Tamari. I brown the tempeh first and then throw in the onions and peppers, but you could do it the other way around. I just like my veggies lightly cooked.

For a quick “van tour” my friend Hinton took a video that you can watch here.

Several years ago I had the idea to write a book called “Flying Solo” as a journal and guide to embracing life single. There is so much negative energy around “being single” and finding “the one.” Well, I have given up all that. If someone special comes into my life, great. But I’m not going to wait around for it and find fault with myself for not having met “the one.” After working through all my stuff (well, most of it) around being single and not belonging to anyone, I have realized that I belong to the world and I’m going to live my life with passion.

Although the book itself, is still a work in progress, as am I, I thought it was time to share a deeper part of myself with you. I want to share the depth, the emotion, the excitement and the adventure. How can being single or “flying Solo” be a rich, rewarding and spiritually actualizing experience? Well, let’s explore the many possibilities, together.

Flying solo doesn’t eliminate the possibilities of sharing the journey. It is a journey unto itself. Sometimes we walk alone. Sometimes we walk with others. Both paths are beautiful.

Recently, I made the decision to buy a minivan. I wanted a red minivan and this is what I would manifest. My plan was to outfit my minivan for camping and hit the road, allowing my intuition and my excitement to guide me. I would stop and smell the roses; hike as much as I could and experience nature on a deeper level.

In today’s mad technological world, we have become so separated from nature. We hole up in our safe homes and “plug in” to the Internet, our Cell phones, social media, and all those things that distract us from being out in the world, experiencing life and our connection with nature. I’m guilty of doing the same, and this is why the road is calling.

I’ve done a lot of traveling over the years, but mostly staying in AirBnB’s. The Van Life would give me the opportunity to be more spontaneous and not have to plan where I’m staying or how long. If I feel like “moving on” I just crawl in my Mini Motorhome and go….

Well, I bought my red minivan and I’m on my way. I hope to share my journey’s with you and perhaps even inspire others who are “flying solo” or even “flying in a flock,” and those who are just learning to fly.

See you on the road!

Kaleah