Living in a van I spend far more time outside, breathe far more fresh air and do daily 'step exercise' as I go in and out of the van oodles of times every day. I wander around more with a camera and really see my surroundings. I may not go to a gym for exercise but I certainly feel well. With a 52ltr fridge and no freezer I believe I eat better than I did when I had a huge pantry, a big fridge and another separate freezer. How could one person have had so much food storage? I manage well with staples of rice, pasta, tinned fish, sauces and spices and and veggies. Wherever I am I grow food. Sometimes not much but always enough. Even at the 'shack' near Armidale I have a little herb garden and have even harvested a couple of fair sized cucumbers there! Living the mindful life, as you must in such a small space, is good for the body and for mental wellbeing too. Peaceful, mindful, whittling seems to be good for my soul too - now that I have stopped cutting myself! I've taken the iMac down and now the space has more plants, also good for health and wellbeing, a mirror, so I can actually remember to comb my hair before I go out and a tidier 'bits and bobs' space. Change is good especially when it gives you a sense of space and beauty. If it doesn't look good.....change it 😊 Van spaces become ever changing art galleries and that has to be good. The spoons hanging in the window make a lovely sound in the breeze and deter flies too. I'm not the only one who likes my van. Jordan Osmond of 'Happen Films' did a little doco on me and my van at the last vandweller gathering in November. His filming and editing, not to mention his lovely friendly, unassuming self made this a very watchable video. Here it is. It seems that a whole heap of people, all over the world, like my little Mouse House and don't mind my 'non rehearsed', natural self either. As a result of a couple of the many comments on this film I have moved the fire extinguisher to a more accessible place and also drilled more holes in the cabinet where the fridge lives. Jordan's documentaries are fantastic and well worth watching. I'd watched many of them before I even met him or knew of him as a film maker. I met him as a fellow van dweller when a dozen of us went walking with our cameras at the last gathering. I spent 4 days and nights out at my little block recently and really enjoyed the silence and the cooler air. I sealed the gaps in La Shack and fixed up (a bit) a broken window.12 new trees got planted and I'm happy to say that there is plenty of water in the tank to water them. The drive out a few days before with Ali, her ute and some 'saved from the tip' timber was lovely. It gave me a chance to take a few photos as we drove. Click on any one to enlarge See the smoked trout sign? It got well and truly smoked as the fires went right through this area. Green has returned thanks to the lovely rains we've had recently. It was so beautiful when I awoke early one morning that I just had to wander around and film a bit to share with you. Here's a little film I made. Fortuitously, back in Dorrigo, when I went to see if I could get a replacement window for the shack from the demolition team dismantling the Service station, I was offered a whole wall of mahogany siding boards fo free. No window. 'Oooh yes', said I. 'You have to take them away by this afternoon', the big fella said. Ahhhh!!...it was already 2pm. I called Pie (he who helped me with the corrugated iron a few months prior). 'Meet me there', he said. I went straight there and he was already loading it onto his ute. Brilliant! Next day at 7am we left with a ute full of great timber for ‘La Shack'. There is enough to clad all the internal walls. I am very happy with that! Before I go today I would like to welcome the many new subscribers to this this little blog/story. Welcome one and all. I hope you enjoy the journey and maybe there are a few useful or amusing bits and pieces for you in here. Clare 🤗
23 Comments
Robyn
3/2/2020 03:36:04 pm
Love the bunting!!
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Helen Ruby
3/2/2020 04:13:08 pm
Oh, what a treat it was to watch and listen to your latest update, and the filming was wonderful. What a record. The block is taking shape nicely and the rain - oh what a bonus it has been. Congratulations on your new life dear Clare, you deserve all the contentment you are receiving from your choices. Love and blessings...Helen Ruby
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Clare Colins
5/3/2020 11:14:04 am
Thank you for you kind support Helen.
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Jane Gordois
3/2/2020 05:36:19 pm
Your sweet videos always remind me of what I'm seeking. I love seeing how green it's becoming up 'the hill" from Coffs. You are making the most wonderful progress at a perfect pace. One day I hope to meet you and some of your tiny living (but with your own space) magic rubs off on me :)
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Clare Colins
4/3/2020 03:53:28 pm
Hi Jane,
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Ruth Hall
3/2/2020 08:13:16 pm
Thanks for putting the time in to make your videos and blog. Is so uplifting and encouraging seeing and hearing your story...
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Clare Colins
4/3/2020 03:52:17 pm
Thank you so much Ruth 😊
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Lare
9/2/2020 01:46:39 am
Thank you for your kind comments.
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Clare
9/2/2020 05:47:54 pm
That’s Clare...not Lare 😊
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Serena
10/2/2020 08:21:49 pm
Hi Clare, sending a big hello from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada☺️. I just watched Jordan’s Youtube video introducing yourself and your adorable mouse house and I was drawn to come take a peek at how you manage in such a tiny space. I have often wondered if it’s something that I could do being in such a pack rat!! Lol... I’ve been slowly purging and gone from a 4 level split 3 bdrm, 3 bth house, down to a 3 bdrm, 1 bth bungalow on slab and wow, didn’t realize how much stuff I DON’T need... you’ve inspired another round of purging with hopes that I can one day have an option to do what you did! Thanx for opening up your mouse house and sharing, I will return!! Safe travels and happy gardening💜💛💚
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Clare Colins
4/3/2020 03:51:33 pm
Thank you Serena....all the very best with your 'downsizing' journey,
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Amanda
12/2/2020 01:56:08 pm
Clare, just came across Jordan’s video and your wonderful Mouse House! Thank you for sharing your home with us - so beautifully designed, warm, and inviting in every way. And you are a complete delight. Looking forward to following your journeys.
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Clare
13/2/2020 09:39:39 am
Thank you so much.
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jane
25/2/2020 03:34:19 pm
Hi Clare, I just found you via Jordon's film. It was wonderful to see how much you can fit in such a small space. As I sit in my 3 x 2 house avoiding all the many many chores waiting I am totally in awe of the life you have. An inside toilet, such a luxury that I didn't think was possible in a van, well done. cheers. Jane, Perth WA
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Clare Colins
4/3/2020 03:50:17 pm
Cheers Jane,
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Scott
3/3/2020 06:00:59 pm
Love your story!!!! Your van is perfect!! I’m so jealous 😀. From Okinawa thank you for sharing your adventure.😎
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Clare Colins
4/3/2020 03:49:21 pm
Thank you Scott.
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Tara
4/3/2020 11:16:50 pm
I stumbled upon the video of your van tonight and it truly warmed the cockles of my heart. Your van is so snug and beautiful and so well planned. What you are doing embodies everything my heart wants to do. Thank you so much for sharing and just being you.
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Clare Colins
5/3/2020 11:12:54 am
Thank you for you lovely comments Tara.
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Brenda sipes
7/3/2020 12:32:40 am
Would love to connect with you...... are you on Facebook or Instagram
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Brenda sipes
7/3/2020 12:48:58 am
Oh and btw I so love your tiny home what a great job you did.....I would love to do this! Safe travels and God bless you!
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Clare Colins
7/3/2020 07:56:16 am
Hi Brenda,
Anne H
23/3/2020 02:43:54 am
Admiration from British Columbia, Canada! I look forward to following your adventures in that beautiful little van. You're an inspiration!
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