November 3, 2026 — Garden of the Gods, Shawnee National Forest, Illinois

What a roller coaster of a day!

It began with the excitement of getting my little home on wheels ready for another adventure. After days of rain and clouds, I was looking forward to some sunshine and a visit to the Garden of the Gods. I celebrated a small but meaningful victory: after six weeks of back pain, I realized I could move freely again.

Getting out of the muddy vineyard was another story. For a terrifying moment, my heavy van was stuck, wheels spinning in the mud. But I made it out, and the adventure continued.

The Garden of the Gods rewarded me with spectacular rock formations, glimpses of sunshine, and two wonderful hours of walking. Back at the campground, I managed a work meeting, finally mastered the art of taking a hot shower in my van, and enjoyed a somewhat surreal vocal lesson with David, surrounded by nature.

There was more good news: my beloved broken guitar might actually be repairable, and my plans for Nashville were finally taking shape.

The day ended with a delicious steak, an orange, and thoughts of the people I love, whom I somehow feel closer to despite the distance.

And a reflection on life’s unpredictability. Every choice opens countless possible futures, a realization that brings both excitement and anxiety. But I remembered something beautiful my son Luca once told me:

“You don’t make the right choice. You make your choice right.”

Perhaps that’s what this journey is teaching me. To embrace uncertainty, trust my choices, and make the most of wherever life takes me.

Tonight, I feel happy, peaceful, and deeply connected.

Exactly where I’m supposed to be.