This Is How I’m Doing It
I’m one month into my 8 country Crone Journey, focusing on my deep self- care through writing, reading, reclaiming and resting:
WRITING: My blog, the children’s stories I’ve had bumping around in my mind, and what I facetiously call me memories titled There’s No Place Like Home, Thank God.
READING: I’m studying Italian and French, compassionate peer support and herbal medicine.
RECLAIMING: As Auntie Maxine says, reclaiming my time, relearning to embody sensuality, sexuality and joy and
RESTING: because a sista needs a minute to put her feet up!
Many women my age feel the pull to explore the world and refriend themselves, but are constrained by finances, family or fear. Several women have told me that I inspire them, and with encouragement, one friend rented out her apartment and is currently housesitting in Mexico. I’d like to be an example of how a Black woman with “everything going for her” decided to leave it all behind in search of Self. I’m not a Trust Fund kid, so I had to figure out a much less expensive way to travel. It’s important to me that I have an immersive experience to learn about the culture and language, so I chose two volunteer organizations which provide a home stay. Heads up—you will be LIVING WITH OTHER PEOPLE, not staying in a hostel. The host will list what tasks are expected of you (20-25 hours/week), meal arrangements and what your accommodations will be. Sometimes it’s a single or shared bedroom or a tent. You will be a witness to their life, hearing what goes on in the house. That can include the screams of a baby, an argument or lovemaking between the couple, or late night parties when they have friends over. Home stays will work best if you are patient, discreet, self-motivated and have a great sense of humor. People asked me how I know if the hosts aren’t serial killers. During our initial conversations, I trust my instincts about the hosts. I’ve only felt hesitant about one couple who interviewed me and they didn’t pick me.
WWOOF WorldwideOpportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF) is a worldwide movement to link visitors with organic farmers, promote a cultural and educational exchange, and build a global community conscious of ecological farming and sustainability practices. Fueled by memories of my favorite childhood book, Heidi by Joanna Spyri, I spent a month on a goat farm in the foothills of the Alps in the Piemonte Italy. Miki and Hannah tended 7 goats which they milked twice a day and turned into amazing cheese. Instead of focusing on the goats, I worked supporting Hannah in the house with cleaning, painting the walls and refinishing the floor. I enjoyed being there so much, that I’ve been back twice to visit and work and Hannah is now one of my best friends!
WorkAway is for those who want to give back to the communities and places they visit, open to helping hosts and using the experience to learn and immerse in the local culture. While the majority of posts are with families, there are housesitting gigs available. Tasks range from farm work, to setting up social media for businesses, childcare, staffing reception at a hostel, or home renovation. My first WorkAway was in Abruzzo, Italy caring for a one year old and helping around the house. Every morning I took the little one for a walk in the nearby national park, and the parents invited me on hikes with their friends and out for gelato and dinner. They were kind and patient with my rudimentary Italian and I had many interesting conversations about politics, history and parenting with the mom. My next two WorkAways were in Croatia. I lived with a family for a month, helping with the kids and house and refinishing furniture. Next, I housesat for several weeks, caring for 6 dogs, 4 cats, harvesting apples and organizing their sheds. the added treat was swimming with their dogs nearly every day in their pool. Use my invitation link to get one month free on membership.
Trusted Housesitter Stay for free with adorable animals in unique homes around the world. Sit as often as you like, wherever you like. TH is a great way to check out a new city you may be considering a move to, an inexpensive way to get away for a few days, or even a way to just get away from people who are getting on your nerves. I had a 5 day sit in DC while my kitchen was being remodeled. I’ve taken care of cats, dogs, chicken and currently, 7 sheep on sits. I’ve been to Italy, Virginia Beach, North Carolina and England and will be in Crete this year via this platform! Some hostess’ let you use their car and eat whatever they have in the pantry. I’ve been fortunate because my hostesses introduced me to their friends, so that I had people to hang out with during my stay. Now, those people are my friends and I have folks to visit this year! An added bonus is that I’ll be housesitting for one of them! I have friends who are on year 4 of housesitting. They teach remotely, and have been to Turkey, France, Italy, England and Spain. Other friends, retired Black women over 50, are enjoying a semi-nomadic life in South and Central America. My current plan is to live outside of the USA half the year via TH for the rest of my life. Use my invitation link to receive a 25% discount on membership.
If you have any questions about any of these, hit me up.
