I should start by saying that this is not how I was brought up. I was taught to work hard, save up and – if necessary – take a bank loan to achieve any goal that needed funding. Crowdfunding wasn’t a thing back then, nor were angel investors. Or maybe they were, but not in the circles that we moved in. That is why at this time, when everyone is asked to donate to real and serious humanitarian causes such as war and hurricane relief, I feel extremely selfish for asking for sponsors for my own – well – less lofty aspirations. Especially since everyone on the platforms that I have asked on is already donating towards the abovementioned funds.
But I also don’t. Yes, it’s a big deal for me, but some people can take $10.000,00 out of their back pockets without even blinking. A part of me hopes they don’t. But I know they can.
I really want that war mobile that I mentioned in a previous post. I can already imagine myself fixing it up properly with a bunk and a bathroom, a decent kitchen, and a breakfast nook/worktable. There will be travels, stories and photographs, and probably a book or two to match the blog and YouTube channel. Maybe I will go alone, or maybe I will find a partner along the way. Life happens.
I earned some money from my books. Not much, but enough to encourage me to keep writing. Hopefully, the sales weren’t flukes and people think my work is good. Most of the writers I know of who make writing their full-time jobs have at least ten books out. I am not there yet, by any stretch of the imagination.
And yes, that thought of “I’m not good enough!” is a b… female dog! I know it’s not only unproductive, but also hurtful, but I can’t get it out of my mind. Years of conditioning, I suppose. So now I need to UNCONDITION myself. That’s difficult too, like unlearning.
So, let’s dream a little here. It’s a Big Hairy Audacious Goal, isn’t it? Finding and purchasing a vehicle to use on various transcontinental journeys. And there are quite a few things that should happen before I take this crazy leap. Not that anyone who knows me would be shocked, anyway, but there is always someone who witnesses my actions and doesn’t know me all that well.
I need to…
- get my passport in order. It expired way back when and I haven’t replaced it since!
- apply for and pass the appropriate driver’s license tests.
- raise the money for the purchase. I need at least 10.000€ or the equivalent in the local currency.
- fly to Europe to find the truck. I have found GAZ-66 trucks in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, and I am sure there are others in other parts of the former Communist Bloc, but there is a war on now, and I don’t think “the people” would consider a woman traveling alone sensible.
- register the truck in my name and get it through all the necessary roadworthiness tests.
- repaint the truck.
- outfit the truck properly, inside, and outside, with all the necessary creature comforts and communication technology, as well as safety equipment.
- learn to drive that specific truck under all road/driving conditions. That includes snow, mud, and sand.
- get myself set up as a one-person production crew, with all the gadgetry that’s involved there.
That’s an extensive list. And yes, it’s an expensive one, too. While I don’t want to travel in unnecessary luxury (I won’t have the space!), I also have no intention of cutting corners. Especially not as far as safety equipment is concerned. And OK, I’m going to go big on creature comforts too. It will be my home after all is said and done! So a proper bathroom, insulation, heating, and cooling will be non-negotiable, as will a full-sized fridge/freezer in my kitchen and a proper bed and mattress. All these seemingly unimportant things will add up to big money.
This leads me to my conclusion… Whether you have deep or shallow pockets doesn’t really matter to me. I don’t need all your bread money. Little bits help too. (Ask any kid who saves up quarters!) But yes, a donation to this project will be very much appreciated. I will acknowledge every cent I get, in some form or another.
Donate by clicking on the link in the sidebar, or here! Specify the donation as going to the Willewragtig Expedition Vehicle Fund, or else the money may be spent on chocolate, and that will defeat the purpose of this post.