Life Is God

Welcome!

NEVER give up dreaming!

Both Jeff and Valerie are dreamers at heart, both entrepreneurs in business, always wanting to make their own path, both adventurers, always looking for the next exciting adventure on the road, always thirsty for an even more liberating and exciting experience... just around the corner!

Many times, they have discussed hitting the road and living full-time in an RV, exploring the nation's back-roads, awesome coastlines, deserts and mountains, with the attitude; OUR HOME IS WHERE WE PARK IT!

During our lives, we put on many masks. Some that hide our true selves, our smiles and true expressions.

OUR goal is to LIVE LIFE to the fullest. To WAKE UP "OUR" HAPPY!

We invite you to WAKE UP YOUR HAPPY with us.

See you on the road!

“When you feel butterflies in your stomach,
invite them into your heart.” ~ Kelly McGonigal

MEET VALERIE

I’ve always felt I was a gypsy and I pretty much lived my life to the beat of my own drum though many times I let someone take over that beat while under their spell I lost myself. I am grateful for many mentors that gave me the courage to shake loose from that and live my life authentically being me.
 

SERVICES SHE OFFERS:

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MEET JEFF

Jeff was born in San Francisco in 1951, and lived all along the coast, down as far as San Clemente and Bonsall, and back-and-forth to Tucson and St. David, AZ. He is currently mobile, living the life of a gypsy nomad in a fifth wheel, with his partner Valerie. Jeff has been a Jack-of-all-trades, with a mastery of at least a few!

SERVICES HE OFFERS:

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OUR NEXT CHAPTER!

Full-Time RV Living

Scary and exciting, all at the same time! Jeff and Valerie finally took a LEAP OF FAITH, needing to feel the freedom, eager to spread their wings. Fear? It's there, but they chose to champion the unknown, to embrace it... to LIVE IT!

Their motto and business; "WAKE UP YOUR HAPPY", directs their personal and business lives, on and off the road.

Jeff and Valerie encourage everyone to take the time to look inside, know who you are and express that to the world. "We are all unique, just like a snowflake and a gift to all" says Jeff.

While on the road, Jeff and Valerie offer their daily experiences online; questions, fears, answers, excitement , accomplishments and challenges, and invite you all to follow. They also offer their services to generate an income, allowing them to continue to pursue their dream, WAKE UP YOUR HAPPY.

Please JOIN US on the road!

OUR NEXT CHAPTER!

“Just living is not enough "said the butterfly, "one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower." -Hans Christian Andersen

SHOULD WE STAY, OR SHOULD WE GO?

SHOULD WE STAY, OR SHOULD WE GO?

Fear of the unknown, and perceived potential discomfort, clouded our decision, at first. Then our fears gave way to curiosity, and the infinite possibilities to be revealed, "just around the corner."

5TH WHEEL, CLASS A OR CLASS C?

5TH WHEEL, CLASS A OR CLASS C?

Through many hours of watching YouTube and videos, we found, that many R.V.ers started with something small, like a camper, conversion van,...

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or Sprinter, only to grow into a class-C, and eventually into a class-A for extended vacations, or ultimately, a fifth-wheel, as a full-time “home.” So at our age, and with our budget, we wanted to shorten the learning curve, and started where so many ended up…with a fifth wheel.

TAKE THE PLUNG!

TAKE THE PLUNG!

So the search began for just the right rig. We wanted a “four season.” And it was important to us to have a separate water closet, from the shower. We’ve lived with a single bathroom long enough. And sometimes it’s a real pain in the “nuisance!”

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We also wanted extraordinary quality. This is going to be our home for some time. Also, we learned that a used rig is best, so the “bugs’ would be worked out. (At least for the most part). The “Montana” kept coming up. We wanted to stay around 34' to 36’, so our options for campground availability was increased. The search was on! …R.V. lots, classified ads, social media…nothing local here in California was found, or even within the eleven western states...Argh! Well, let’s look nation-wide. “Hey honey, look at this one!” “Seriously... Virginia?” “Well, let’s check it out.” The owner of the rig Steven, called back immediately, and was so personable and excited to call, instead of texting or e-mailing. His enthusiasm for the rig was contagious. We soon flew to Roanoke to see it in person, and were astounded by the quality and cleanliness. Even the “garage”, was spotless. It was better than showroom…absolutely perfect in almost every way! Well, except for the size and budget. At 39’ and about ten thousand over what we wanted to spend, we had decisions to make. With only a bit of trepidation, and some lively conversation, the decision was unanimous…a resounding YES! How could we find a more perfect fit? Lifelong friendships made, with Steven and Gary. DONE DEAL!! Hand shake…deposit, and on our way home back to California to make arrangements to sell virtually everything, and give notice.

Oh…and the search then continued, looking for a new truck. My F150 would not do the trick, even though I really like it. …Nothing local in California…Sound familiar? Way out of my price-range…sound familiar? OK, keep looking. My research kept leading toward the Ford F350, “Dually”, between 2015 and 2017, with a 6.7 liter, Power-Stroke diesel. That seemed to be the “sweet spot” for that engine and I appreciate reliability. Search some more…"Ahh…Look at this! Utah Country Truck Sales…in Lehi, Utah.” I had a deposit on another truck in Texas, but it was taking a long time while in the shop to make repairs and cosmetic replacements. But this one in Utah looks extraordinary, and it’s about $15K below market! I better go have a look. A $500.00 deposit took it off the market, so on my way from California to Utah to check it out, I had time to fly up to see my Dad and family in Oregon, then down to look at the truck. It’s perfect! 2015, looks brand new, low miles, very little wear and runs like frightened rabbit!! I’m all in, and settle up right then and there. Proudly, I drive it home to California with 18.4 MPG, listening to CD’s I brought with me (just in case), getting familiar with the amenities that come with the Lariat model and making sure my girl will be comfortable.

ME TIME!

ME TIME!

More decision making…Hmmm…pull a car, in addition to the fifth wheel? After all, there is the consideration for “alone time.” Further investigation confirms, that only a few states allow a second vehicle, behind a trailer.

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Oh well, we have to manage the energy of two strong personalities, confined within a small space. But, we have electric bikes that we will mount on a bike rack, in front of the truck. On good weather days, take the bike. On rainy days, take the truck and escape for a bit of refuge and self-indulgence. Now, just need to teach Valerie to drive the new truck!

HITTIN THE ROAD!

HITTIN THE ROAD!

With the new truck now back home in California, the fifth wheel hitch is ordered, and none too soon because we have two weeks to pack, load and be gone. ...

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Oops! The hitch arrives, with hardware for the wrong truck! Will, atU-Haul discovered this, while checking the part numbers. Feverishly, he’s on the phone with the distributor to correct the problem, and another installation date is set to install the hitch. The parts are promised to arrive on the day before we are to leave. The blood rushes to my head and I have to trust, that all will be well. Meanwhile, my other ’09 truck is on the market for one day, and the first guy to look at it, counts out the exact cash that I wanted for it. No negotiating. It was looking nearly new, in spite of 245,556 miles of hard work. That F150, served me well, and I’ll miss it. The packing, moving and shuffling continues. Two trips to our Bullhead City condo to drop a few things there, and the rest is sold, stored and donated to dear friends, Good Will, Salvation Army and the local dump…at such a pace that I’m sure there will be some collateral damage and things we wish we had kept, and much more we wish we hadn’t taken! The hitch arrives as promised. Will Haney, at the U-Haul in Costa Mesa, installs the hitch and the front receiver for the bike rack, (also purchased there), and we are ready to pack the truck, the trailer, and load the bikes. We are already exhausted from weeks of planning and logistics, but the journey to Virginia starts, pre-dawn as planned, and we are up to the task. Excitedly, we were looking forward to the journey and the goal, to get into our Montana 3402RL and begin our exploration of this stunning country. We plan to go north first, to enjoy the changing colors of fall on the East Coast, then down to Florida, to see Valerie's grand-children. From there, anywhere our hearts, and the weather, lead us. So the journey begins. First stop, Bullhead City for one more drop-off (Valerie’s car), then Taos New Mexico, to visit friends Lee and Barbara. Their place is beautiful and comfortable. It’s good to see them and enjoy their company. The ride through the mountains was spectacular, with vivid colors, vast wilderness, and lush forested mountains. Williamson was like going back in time, to the old west, and the food was fantastic. Arkansas next, and another great visit with a good friend…along the 40, and Rout 66. Nashville! Oh my!! What a time! Finally arriving in Roanoke, Virginia, we spend the first night in our new home….Yeah!!! Next day…trial by fire!! I learn to hook-up the rig, under the instruction of Gary’s watchful and helpful eye, take it up the highway, and back it into the space three separate times, to get the feel for a 39’ tail on my truck! If you’re a newbie, don’t be frustrated by the challenge, and make sure your “guide” communicates the way you want them to, and can ALWAYS see you in the mirror.

God speed, Wake Up Your Happy, and “see you on the road!!"

OUR FIRST WEEK

OUR FIRST WEEK

Oh boy! We’re off! Leaving Roanoke was like leaving home for the first time. Pulling the 39’ rig into the unknown, learning how to manage the traffic and physics of maneuvering over 20,000 ...

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pounds of machinery, was a bit unnerving at first. Only four hours on the road and I’m tired!! The scenery is truly spectacular. Pines, oaks, evergreens of various species and narrow winding mountain roads, as we get off the beaten path and take the scenic routes. Many 25, 20 and even 15 MPH turns, but Virginia roads are extremely well designed and maintained. The leaves are changing by the day and we are delighted with the colors, beginning to show among the canopy and across vast valleys of lush green grass. As we approach our first camp, in the Virginia State park known as Douthat lake, the concept of full time RV living has not set in, but the thrill of adventure and curiosity, overpower any anxieties and misgivings. The camp is forested and inviting. Right away, there are people to greet us and offer help with anything we might need. Setting up for camp proves to be a bit challenging, and the details need to be attended to, in proper order and completed, without exception. Now to relax under a starlit sky, with a campfire warming our feet and hearts. Hikes up and down winding trails, through tall grass and changing trees. The lake is small and we rented a boat, to motor around it, in about three quarters of an hour. A two stage dam, small inlets and a grassy plateau, on the south end, punctuated the bright blue sky. Three nights there and we are in our way again, to Shenandoah National park. Colorful lights around the camps, and active families are a nice addition to the vastness and quiet wonder of the Blue ridge Mountains. A mildly challenging hike up Turks Trail, brought us to a huge view of the Shenandoah Valley, where we met some young hikers who were on the last few days of a six week trek. We casually walked back to the truck, even more thankful for the creature comforts of our fifth-wheel. Back roads lead us to Elkton. A small sleepy suburban town, which was apparently hub of transportation some 100 years ago. Like a magnet, I’m attracted to a brewery, aptly named, “Elkton Brewery.” After a delicious porter, we interviewed the bartender, who is one of the brothers, of the family owned and operated, historic building which is now the new home of this great little brewery. It’s definitely a suggested destination. Another couple nights and breaking down camp once again, to get on down the road. I’m getting more comfortable pulling this behemoth, and a very narrow wood bridge, only about three feet wider than the truck and rig, challenge my new skills, but it’s fun, and proves invigorating to champion. So ends our first week, and two campgrounds, of our journey. And only the beginning of many memories and new friends.

“Let go of the past, Trust the future, Embrace change, Come out of the cocoon, Unfurl your wings, Dare to get off the ground, Ride the breezes, Savor the flowers, Put on your brightest colors and Let your beauty show.

Life On The Road…

Join Us!

Wake Up Your Happy
Wake Up Your Happy
Wake Up Your Happy
Wake Up Your Happy
Wake Up Your Happy