A lot has been written and discussed about this past year. Jokes were made at the start of it. 2020. It looked interesting; sounded promising. New in so many ways. Now, it’s almost over. And it still went fast, despite the dreadful circumstances.
Santa in the cauldron, Tubac, Arizona
The pandemic messed things up for all of us. Nobody was immune to it. Yet, some people struggled more than others. Financially, mentally, physically, socially. In our circles, the lack of hugs, social interaction with friends and family, gatherings for special events (from celebrations to a funeral), and being able to go out for a meal or a chat seemed to be the extent of the “suffering.”
Christmas tree in the American old west
Most of our friends managed to work from home (embracing the extra time spent with household members and not having to drive the kids around for activities); our families remained healthy or recovered from physical and mental distress. Mark and I were fortunate because of the lifestyle we’ve chosen – an individualistic approach to work and travel; a situation that naturally induces isolation and living in nature.
Usually, in my end-of-the-year posts, I summarize our travels and experiences with a few words and photos, sectioned per month. I looked back at the ones from 2019 and 2018. So much fun! So much diversity! So much ground covered! So much seen and explored.
Christmas tree made of books, Bisbee, Arizona
For 2020, I’ll keep it brief. Firstly, because I’m tired after an extremely busy year, work-wise. Secondly, there is not much to report on. The separate posts (see links, archives, or keep scrolling down) do it justice enough.
Christmas decorations in Tombstone, Arizona
The first three months of this year, Mark, Maya, and I camped in different locations in Florida. We met a few friends before Covid arrived, enjoyed a few wildlife encounters, and visited a few places. Mostly, I worked on my manuscript of Plunge and – unsuccessfully – contacted traditional publishers.
Mid-April, we abandoned our lifestyle for the time being. Campgrounds – even the free, dispersed ones – closed down. The logistics to sleep, fill and empty our tanks, and shop became frustrating. Plus, Mark’s elderly parents could use help. For the next six (!) months, we lived in the “room above the garage” of my in-laws’ condo in Newburyport, Massachusetts, and made it more habitable with a make-shift kitchen and borrowed college refrigerator.
During the spring and summer, we managed to go on a couple of short excursions throughout New England in our camper van, Zesty, but we mostly stayed put and worked. Because of this prolonged stay in one place, a “lost” year turned into a “productive” one!
Mid-October, the three of us hit the road again, indefinitely. As usual, plans and destinations changed. Progress west was slow, due to the tight schedule we had given ourselves to complete work on my travel memoir, Plunge. About a month ago, we reached Arizona, our temporary home, at least until the end of the year. Who knows what (and where) is next?
Our location near Ajo, Arizona, where we will celebrate the holidays with our “bubble of nomad friends” – the same two couples from Thanksgiving and my birthday
I had three personal goals for 2020: read more than six books, publish my memoir, and travel beyond North America again. I failed on two accounts: the traveling due to the pandemic and the reading due to achieving the third item. Yes! As most of you know, I did manage to self-publish Plunge, on November 28th, 2020. Right in time! Who could have guessed that this process would take five years of my life and so much work, dedication, effort, and patience, because, in the end, we followed the self-publishing route?
My own book!
Thank you to everyone who has bought a copy and special thanks to those who left a review on Goodreads and/or Amazon! If you want to find out more about Plunge – One Woman’s Pursuit of a Life Less Ordinary, click here.
Let’s ring in the new year already!
My desires for 2021? Other than a semblance of normalcy for all of us? On the book front, I hope that Plunge becomes successful and leaves a positive impact on its readers. On the travel front: it would be nice if we could immerse ourselves in new cultures, diversity, and excitement again. On the blogging front: I will keep reporting on our adventures, experiences, and expenses and I remain extremely grateful for all of you, readers, followers, commenters of Roaming About! And of course, I wish for everyone’s good health and sanity!
May these last days of the year bring comfort, warmth, love, and enjoyment to all of you. Happy Holidays and a fantastic New Year from Mark, Maya, and me!
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December 24, 2020 at 18:25
Liesbet, It’s been quite a year. Your Plunge book launch makes 2020 memorable in a positive light. Merry Christmas and happy New Year to you and your family!
December 26, 2020 at 11:30
Thank you, Natalie! You have been able to make the most of 2020 as well, with all your activities and exercises for the mind and the body. We all try our best to make sense of life, no matter the circumstances. Have a wonderful and pleasing 2021!
December 24, 2020 at 18:50
Merry Christmas Liesbet and Mark! One thing is for certain, 2020 will be forever etched in your mind as the year your first book was published and launched…that NEVER goes away. It is an amazing accomplish that few ever achieve. There will be travel and adventures again for us all but that milestone is one for the memory books for sure. Meanwhile, stay safe, sane and healthy and who knows? Our paths might cross again in the near future. ~Kathy P.S. we drove through Ajo on our way to Tucson in November. It is a very beautiful and scenic area and a great place to spend the end of one and the start of another year.
December 26, 2020 at 15:23
Hi Kathy,
You are correct on so many fronts! Like my oma used to say that “All that traveling I did in my twenties… Nobody can ever take it away.” The same is true for publishing Plunge. It’s done now and it’s been an accomplishment. Yet, 2020 will be remembered for many other things as well.
And, you are right about Ajo. It’s a pretty area. Mark and I spent time here, near Organ Pipe Cactus National Park in the spring of 2018 and remember it being nice. It is. Pretty, peaceful, and quiet.
If we venture into Southern California and/or your area, I will let you know! We might spend New Years near Yuma, as that, truly, is the warmest place in the southwest of the US. 🙂
December 24, 2020 at 19:10
I’m glad you are keeping safe and happy in Arizona! You both deserve some relaxation after a… ummm… interesting and memorable year. Enjoy your Christmas and New Year celebration with your bubble friends. I look forward to a time we can roam freely again. Hugs.
December 26, 2020 at 15:25
Hi Janis! I hope you and Paul are enjoying your bubble, your balcony, your views, your yard, and your other surroundings as well, these last days of the year. That the weather is pleasant and the food will be scrumptious. 🙂 Hugs back to you both.
December 24, 2020 at 20:26
Congratulations on your memoir. Such a year of upheavals and adaptations. Happy holidays to you 🙂
December 26, 2020 at 15:27
Thanks a lot for the wishes. It seems like we are all adapting and making the best of our individual situations. Cheers to a happier 2021 with a lot of book reading. 🙂
December 24, 2020 at 20:58
Happy holiday and Merry Christmas to you. I am so blessed to have found you as a friend this year, Liesbet. Here’s to a great 2021.
December 26, 2020 at 15:31
Hi Jacqui! So true! Another treasure that 2020 brought me: you as a friend, cheerleader, and inspiration. Let’s continue that into 2021 and beyond! 🙂
December 25, 2020 at 01:45
Hi, Liesbet – I love how you turned 2020 into a highly productive year. As other commenters mentioned, you, Mark and Maya definitely deserve some relaxation. Enjoy!!
December 26, 2020 at 15:34
Hi Donna! The pandemic did give me the perfect opportunity to complete Plunge. No excuses (of being on the road) allowed anymore. 🙂 We do need a little break. Maybe this next week will bring it? Time will tell. We are playing with the idea to park ourselves somewhere in Mexico for a month and take it easy, other than some blog and book promo work. Again… we will see what happens. 🙂
December 25, 2020 at 02:50
Have a great Christmas in spite of it all and enjoy your fabulous achievement of 2020.
December 26, 2020 at 15:34
Thanks a lot, Trace! And the same wishes for you and Jim!
December 25, 2020 at 05:27
Happy Christmas! And best wishes to you all for 2021.
December 26, 2020 at 11:33
Thank you Anabel! The same to you and John as well.
December 25, 2020 at 07:43
You will never forget 2020! Merry Christmas to you and your family, Liesbet. Enjoy some rest!
December 26, 2020 at 11:33
Thanks a lot, Jill! And a big congratulations with a productive year for you as well!
December 25, 2020 at 10:22
You did the most important thing in 2020: Publishing your first-rate memoir, PLUNGE. Now it’s time to rest and re-coup. Remember: You deserve it. Kudos also to Mark, who struggled by your side to make your memoir come alive.
We are lucky ducks: You are married to a software engineer and I, to a graphic artist!
Enjoy the holiday and be glad you’re not in Florida, which is holding just above freezing now and will go below this evening.
Happy New Year! 🙂
December 26, 2020 at 11:38
Oh, I remember those cold days and nights in Northern Florida from last year. Unfortunately, the weather has been similar in Southern Arizona the last couple of weeks. Other than the gorgeous blue skies. We needed the heater on at night, since it was freezing. One morning, we woke up to 17 degrees and a frozen water pipe! This had never before happened. Luckily, the coming days – and nights – are very pleasant!
I hope to add in some rest and book reading the coming weeks, but it’s very important to start promoting my book to a wider audience soon as well. It’s been a struggle to combine work and leisure on the road, especially with antsy companions and good friends around… 🙂
December 27, 2020 at 09:40
😀
December 25, 2020 at 14:29
You had the quite the year, Liesbet, productive but different. You literally took the “plunge” with self publishing and I’m sure it’s paying off. No doubt Arizona will be good to you while you are there. I was the opposite of productive on my fitness book, but used my energy on the new property and home. New inspiration for 2021 for all of us! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ????????
December 26, 2020 at 11:42
Oh Terri, the self-publishing endeavor was so much work and determination. Better to “plunge” into it and not expect anything, counting on perseverance to make it happen. Otherwise, nothing will come of it. It’s not paying off yet, but I hope it will in 2021! 🙂
You had a lot going on in 2020, Terri, emotionally and logistically. Your focus and effort went where it was most needed! There will be time in 2021 to work – and maybe complete – your fitness book, once you are settled and comfy in your new home.
December 25, 2020 at 15:14
Hi Liesbet – I love your reflections on this challenging year and hearing about how the two of you made the most of it and still managed to have somewhat of a nomadic lifestyle. And huge congrats on the publication of Plunge – what an achievement! I also thought I should try to write a book about our sailing travels, but it never quite happened. Now I’m enjoying yours vicariously 🙂
Here’s hoping for a New Year filled with opportunity and a return to some of the normal things we used to take for granted (although I doubt we ever will again!). Onward and upward!
– Susan
December 26, 2020 at 11:47
It’s never too late to write a book, Susan! I’m sure you have notes and blog posts (and lots of photos!) that can help you piece the adventures back together when memory fails. But, it’s a big commitment to do, for sure. Your blogs are a fantastic testament of what you’ve been up to and you have a big group of people following along.
Yes, let’s hope we all get to travel again in 2021. Luckily, you two, as well as us three, live in a country with a lot of interesting places to go overland if all else fails. 🙂
December 25, 2020 at 19:36
Happy holidays Liesbet! We have to have goals in order to get things done. We don’t always accomplish everything, but eventually – we get there. <3
December 26, 2020 at 11:50
I love your positive spirit, Debby! This is the second year I reach one of my three goals. Maybe I should try and set one goal a year! I’ve gotten better with my other lists of things to do. I create a work list for one day. It has ten items or more on it. Not feasible, but I like to aim high. Then, the list remains in my head or in my face for a week, by which point, I really hope to have marked most of it off! 🙂
December 26, 2020 at 14:43
That’s exactly what I do. I live off lists! I write down what I must accomplish for the week – in life and writing. I know that whatever gets leftover from one day will be added to another, lol, so it becomes a mission to accomplish, and gratified at the end of each week it all gets done. But I must write it down – like a good storyline – if I don’t write it down it evaporates. 🙂
December 26, 2020 at 15:40
Yep! I do still have some mental lists, but they make me feel overwhelmed. Writing things down takes the stress off my mind just a little bit. It makes our tasks more tangible and achievable. 🙂 Happy de-listing!
December 25, 2020 at 21:46
Love the book tree, very creative. All the best Liesbet and Mark for 2021 and I’m looking forward to reading about your next adventures and generally how you’re both getting on. Take care.
December 26, 2020 at 11:52
The book tree was placed on the porch of the local library. I found it very fitting, Suz! I played with the idea of putting my own book, Plunge, at the top and leaving it as a gift to the town. But then, I forgot about it by the time I returned to our van.
Happy to have you along for the ride here! All the best to you and the squire as well in 2021!
December 26, 2020 at 09:02
You made great use of this pandemic year, Liesbet, by staying in one place (Mark’s parents are peaches) and finishing up your amazing memoir. I wrote reviews on Amazon and Goodreads because I want others to know how great your book is. Yes, I think we all can learn from your open, honest, and revealing book – I know I certainly have, and I’m re-reading it a second time. I look forward to meeting you “in person” – maybe in 2021! – but truly, I already honor our friendship and connection. <3
December 26, 2020 at 11:56
You have been a fantastic cheerleader and friend, Pam! Thank you so much for all the kudos and positive reviews for Plunge. It warms my heart that my book has made a difference to you and that you are even reading it a second time. What an honor and what a reward for me! I’m so glad we have connected virtually and I do hope to meet you face-to-face one do those years!
December 27, 2020 at 03:33
It’s been a huge year for you, Liesbet, finally achieving your published novel. You must have sometimes despaired that it would ever happen. Happy for you that it has, after all your hard work. Time to enjoy the success and relax in each other’s company. No doubt come Jan 1st we’ll all be setting new goals 🙂 🙂 Too late to wish you merry Christmas but I hope you have a very Happy New Year!
December 27, 2020 at 14:36
Thank you so much for the wishes and the recognition of all my hard work regarding Plunge! 🙂 Yes, 2021 will bring new goals, but for me they might be a tad less ambitious than last year. 🙂 Have a fabulous 2021, Jo! I hope the year will bring happier moments and no more losses!!!
December 27, 2020 at 15:29
It’s certainly been an extraordinary year, and some people – like you – have used it well. Congratulations on your new book. It is on my ‘must read’ list!!
Best wishes for 2021. Even in the middle of a pandemic, great things can be achieved ????
January 4, 2021 at 17:11
Thank you, Joanne! I’ve been enjoying your last blog posts. Very inspirational and fitting to your remark about great things being achieved even in less than idea conditions! I hope you will enjoy Plunge and am curious what you think about it.
December 27, 2020 at 16:54
Oh, poor old Santa! 🙁 Love the book tree idea. What a pity you forgot to put your memoir right at the top of the tree. You’ve had such a busy year and have had so many adventures along the way. May 2021 be a very good year for you both with lots of happy times and excellent good health. xxx
January 4, 2021 at 17:13
It would have been fun – and a great gift to this cute town – to leave my book at the top of the tree, Sylvia! Another time? Thank you for your kind wishes. I hope 2021 will work out well for you too – a year in which you will be able to enjoy travel, friendship, love, and the presence of your garden friends. 🙂
December 27, 2020 at 18:16
I am really impressed with how you guys were able to turn this mess of a year into a productive one. I, personally, have found it incredibly hard to focus on anything. I had the best of intentions when we settled into our Air BnB in March and figured I’d have all the time in the world to get to projects I’d been putting off, but with the exception of a handful of things, I didn’t get them done. This year has just sapped my focus and my motivation. And I know I am not alone in feeling that way. So for you guys to have accomplished your goals, in spite of all of it, is truly impressive.
Anyway, I join you in hoping for a much better year all around in 2021. It can’t get here soon enough!
Stay well!
January 4, 2021 at 17:18
Hi Laura!
The main reason we could “turn this year around” was by staying in the same place – a room at that! – for six months. If we would have remained in Zesty, boondocking about and moving every few days, no way could we have been this productive. In the beginning of the pandemic, I had a hard time focusing on anything too, feeling too depressed and shocked. But, as we found ourselves “stuck” with unlimited electricity and a book to publish, my attention and focus shifted and I am glad that it did. On top of that, Mark managed to work for two months and make a bunch of money, because we were living in Massachusetts during that time. So, even though everything took much longer than planned and I had aspirations to do much more over the summer – I guess 2020 worked out okay for us. 🙂
December 27, 2020 at 19:53
Good job rolling with the punches in 2020! Happy New Year to you guys!
January 4, 2021 at 17:18
Thanks, Lexie! And, the same to you both – and the new pup. Hopefully, we can finally meet in person this year. 🙂
December 29, 2020 at 15:01
You did well despite the odds! Here’s hoping 2021 will be a more “normal” year. (And I love the Christmas tree made of books!) 🙂
Happy new year!
January 4, 2021 at 17:20
Happy New Year to you too, Diane. I am so happy, excited, and proud that I finally achieved something substantial!! 🙂
December 29, 2020 at 17:40
Finally have good enough internet to read this. Sitting in the Yuma library downloading Netflix before we head off into the desert again for good times with good friends to ring in the new year.
You did awesome with your goals! I think we can count Tombstone as another culture! And I imagine you read enough words this year to equal 6 books.
2020 may have not been what we were expecting but despite the bad, there was good. It may be a turning point year for me – we will see. I know it is a year we will never forget.
See you soon!
January 4, 2021 at 17:23
I forgot I had all these comments to reply to… Yep, not me, usually… Busy times, as always. I just loved your remarks here, Duwan, about Tombstone being a new culture, the reality that I read more than six extra books just in blog reading alone, and your other comment elsewhere about just planning one thing at a time. So many unknowns. Always. Even now. Hoping to “see” you again soon as well!
December 30, 2020 at 20:17
Happy New Year, and enjoy Arizona. Can’t wait to see where your travels will take you in 2021!
January 4, 2021 at 17:24
Me too, Deb! I can’t wait to see where our travels will take us. Everything is up in the air right now, but there’s a chance Mexico is on the agenda soon. 🙂
January 1, 2021 at 17:40
I would say a huge accomplishment in a year when the world turned upside down. I’ll be interested to hear what comes next for the three of you. Wishing you a brighter and more travel filled 2021.
January 4, 2021 at 17:25
Thank you, Sue. We wish you and Dave a wonderful and adventurous 2021 as well – close by or further afield! Sending you lots of love and hugs. xxx
January 3, 2021 at 16:46
Happy New Year Liesbet! First we want to congratulate you on the publication of PLUNGE! It’s extraordinary – just like you. James and I are both reading it and loving it. We knew that your life has been full of adventure – but WOW! It’s a great achievement and we’re so happy for you.
We’re looking forward to your continued adventures – wherever they may take you. 🙂 Wishing you and Mark a fabulous 2021. Big Hugs, Terri
January 4, 2021 at 17:27
Hi Terri! Thank you so much for the compliment about my book. Likewise, I am curious to see where/what 2021 brings you, both travel-wise and blog-wise. You two have been so awesome at adapting to and being creative in this past pandemical year!!
January 3, 2021 at 21:40
It’s true — somehow 2020 went by very fast despite everything. Liesbet, you really made the best of your six months above the garage to focus on publishing your book, and you did it! It will be interesting to see what 2021 will bring.
Jude
January 4, 2021 at 17:35
2021 will be interesting indeed, Jude! In some ways, I felt like I accomplished a lot above that garage, but in other ways, I could have done so much more if I made different choices and decided to focus on Plunge quicker. The first two of those months, basically nothing productive happened, so I had to catch up quickly! 🙂 Wishing you all the success with your novel this year!!!
January 3, 2021 at 23:19
Hi Liesbet, I am behind on reading my favourite blogs and I don’t want to miss out on your updates. “…the lack of hugs…” hit a nerve. I read recently how when we are needing hugs the most we are not able to hug anyone. Since I have been following you on this journey, Liesbet, I do see how a “lost” year turned into a “productive” one.
Your effort, dedication and patience has paid off, Liesbet. “Plunge” is an excellent book! Engaging, fascinating and I appreciate your candor. I began reading it on Boxing Day and I am savouring it. I look forward to sharing and connecting in 2021. Happy New Year to you, Mark, and Maya. ❤️
January 4, 2021 at 17:40
Hi Erica!
You are in good company! I am ALWAYS behind with my blog reading, commenting, and replying to comments here, apparently. Life has been so busy and yet, it feels like I never get anything done. Don’t you hate it when that happens? 🙂
I’m so glad you are enjoying my book! I thought about you, when I read your comment on Janis’s blog that her recent story made you cry. If you haven’t gotten to those parts in Plunge yet, I suggest you keep a tissue handy… Lots of emotions went into living – and writing (and for others reading) – this story.
Happy 2021 to you both and, yes!, let’s stay connected! xx
January 4, 2021 at 21:07
❤️❤️❤️
January 5, 2021 at 14:17
Congratulations on your memoir! I am excited to check it out. The Arizona landscape looks delightfully cactus-y in your photos. Wishing you a very healthy and productive 2021!
January 6, 2021 at 14:08
Thank you very much, Anonymous! 🙂 I hope you enjoy reading Plunge. As for the Arizona landscape: we do love being back in the desert. Except for the dirt and the wind… The scenery amuses and enlightens us.
January 6, 2021 at 11:09
Liesbet, It is lovely to get this summary of what 2020 was like for you, Mark and Maya. Your goal of publishing your travel memoir was an amazing achievement. I loved reading your book and could not put it down until I finished it. I am a big fan of memoirs, since I think real life makes for the best stories. I felt immersed in your life on that sailing boat, your feeling and thoughts felt so honest, real. I also love travelling and it gave me a taste of what life would be like on a sailing boat.
I hope 2021 will be a great year for you, Mark and Maya and I am sure your book will be a great success.
January 6, 2021 at 14:13
Hi Gilda! Thank you so much for purchasing Plunge and I am delighted that you enjoyed the story and the way it was written. I know you were looking forward to the read. Hope lovely that it wasn’t a disappointment! 🙂 I’m with you about memoirs – real life stories are the best (and most relatable). I wish you and Brian a fantastic 2021 as well, with enough adventures (with or without the motorhome) to satisfy your wandering appetites!
January 6, 2021 at 13:06
I read some of those reviews. Looks like you hit it out of the park. Way to go. 🙂
Anna from elements of emaginette
January 6, 2021 at 14:13
Hi Anna! You always beat me to the posting of my IWSG post with your comment. Working on it right now!!! 🙂