Storytelling | Van Life Missouri
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Storytelling is one thing all creators have in common but as times change so does the acceptance of those stories. This week we continue our journey to Alaska …
I love that you mentioned three different States in your opening sequence. I am finally in Missouri and have travelled through Washington, Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, and now Missouri. I know that the distance you’ve done roundtrip is over twice what I’ve driven, and I respect your ability to make that happen and remain as sane as you are!
Ember is a unique partner in your adventures in that her needs are basic, yet specific enough to require deviation to routes in order to meet those needs. Imagine what she’s thinking? Imagine what changes she’s thought of? Or does she even think of them? Imagine for a moment that she’s wondering why the water smells and tastes different? Imagine her wondering about the different temperatures of water that she’s encountered. Imagine her wondering why some of the water you take her to is salty, while other water is murky and tastes like mud? Once you actually try to see the adventure you’ve gone on through her eyes, and her senses, you come to understand that there must be a great deal of confusion involved. That’s when a dog is relying on their senses. They “read” their human and will be concerned if you are, stressed if you are, scared if you are, and most importantly, happy if you are. Going out of your way to find her fun water spots to play in is, in a way, making all of your adventures more fun.
Seeing you do the whole Metropolis thing with all of the kid stuff and Superman everywhere immediately made me think of your trip through North Pole, Alaska. I also find it quite charming that you collect stickers everywhere you go. In a rather odd way, your Revel is a sort of Passport. Sure, the stamps are different, and tell a different story, but they are no different in their ability to be an interesting “story map” of sorts.
I loved seeing you hold up the bottle of Woodford Reserve. Now that I’m most decidedly closer to Kentucky than I was living in Edmonds, I’m going to keep that National Landmark on the map! I’d love to go tour the place and see just how it’s made. I’d wager that they even have a selection of special bottles that they only sell on site. If that’s the case, I’ll certainly pick up a special bottle for you! The scene immediately cuts to your Dreamcatcher. It made me think of something. You need to modify it a bit. Has it ever occurred to you that the things in the web are supposed to be bad dreams, or negativity that get caught until the sunlight burns them away? There’s too much uniformity to them. Perhaps your mission ought to be to search out, and find, a few new “nightmares” to add to it? Who says that adding to a Dreamcatcher can’t be a thing?
And don’t think for a second that I didn’t notice that your video is 22:22 minutes long, and was released on 10/10.
I was happy to see you doing your part to clean up places. I always try to leave places better than I found them. I’m glad you feel the same.
I loved Jim’s InstaPot Inspiration and the use of the Woodford Reserve Bourbon was an interesting one. Were you able to actually taste it? Seems to me that the other flavors added would have drowned it out. You specifically mention that it was “worth it” so I’m going to trust your judgement on the issue.
Throwing stuff for Ember does bring up a good point. In all the years I’ve known you, you’ve never gotten in the water with her. Does she just swim circles around you? Does she try to climb up on you? The last time I saw you two actually get into the water (without Ember) was at the hot spring where Jim wore the cactus shorts for the first time and your hair turned white from frost!
Your comment about bugs in the lower 48 did have me laughing quite a bit. This coming as it does from an Alaskan who has practically been carried off by the mosquitos in Alaska. We’ve seen from your videos that they approximate the size of large hummingbirds. I fully understand being a bit weirded out by the ground coming alive at night, but the bugs ought to have been a non-issue given that there are less than a hundred flies, and yet billions of mosquitoes! I suppose it ultimately comes down to the “Devil you know”.
By the way, Zataran’s Dirty Rice is incredible, provided you load it up with sausage like you did. It’s easy to make and always hits the spot.
Seeing Cynthia whitewashing the fence was such an awesome moment for anyone who’s read those stories. I agree with you that sometimes it’s better to not go inside and just let the imagination run wild.
Your videos are so good! It’s truly awesome how far you’ve come.
Isn't it funny the relationship between couple + dog + Revel?! Our aging terrier was 3/4 of the reason why we got our Revel to begin with, so he could continue to adventure with us in his old age. Now? We're excited to introduce our new pup to the van. He has no idea what kind of joy and excitement awaits him when he sets paw into the van. For us? Seeing the joy on your dog's face when you find the right lake, the right trail, that quiet spot in nature, it really brings you closer together as a couple.
I love that you guys embraced the midwest! There really is a certain kind of beauty and tranquility there despite its flat nature. I spent a few years there as a kid and I can't wait to get back to Illinois to explore the underappreciated places of my youth.
Safe travels back!
Good to see you guys again. Raining tonight here in Alaska.
verry Nice & good mb sprinter 💯✅🚐
🥰🇺🇸🥰
🥰mountains i love it 🌲🪵🌳
love your line about stories shaping perceptions and biases! Another great video didn't want it to end!
Love the meal Jim cooked instant pot. I’m going to try and cook that one. Today I cooked tuna Casserole. Yesterday it was a chicken Fajita. I always love seeing Ember jump into the lake. She is a great swimmer. You stated at a nice park it seems like. Nice camp fire. Nice and toastie. Hope you have an enjoyable night abs week. See you soon. Stay safe.
Good day you two wonderful people. Ive watched this twice so far and will probably watch a third time yet before turning in tonight. So awesome that you got to see all you did on your way back to Alaska and while you were down here in the lower 48. Your inspirational videos keep the fire lit not only for me yet for others I’m sure !!! One HUGE decision to be made is which one to save up for…. the REVEL or the EKKO ??? Winnebago definitely HAS MORE STORAGE than the one I “thought “ i wanted !!!!! Been watching the newest videos on the 2022 on YouTube. Your insight is definitely HELPFUL / necessary. Thank you and keep on LIVING YOUR BEST LIFE inspiring the rest of us :). Hugs, Deb
I love to see that you go out of your way for Ambers happiness! My time is getting closer every day and I’ll be traveling with Boo and Possi Marie both Boarder Collies. Our destination Alaska
Very enjoyable video guys keep them coming take care be safe till next time.
Do you have a cookbook for all your instapot recipes?
Hello you three, very nice video. Laugh, oh yes Mark Twain reminds me of my school days, we had to read, was at least, something meaningful and some written with humor.
I think of your last years, you can tell a lot and in connection with Jim's cooking skills, that would certainly be interesting reports / books. Grin, must to the refrigerator,
Greetings from Frankfurt
I believe that the place at the campground with the benches was an amphitheater for talks. Ember had two completely different accesses to the water, one off a boat ramp and the other off a drop to the water (but she didn't seem to mind either of course). That 2nd campground looked like you had it about all to yourself, great time of year to be traveling with the lessened crowds. Travel safe.
Bless you for picking up after others and keeping America beautiful! Glad Ember found some refreshing water to enjoy in Missouri.
Hı ☺ everybody. .all is wonderful lookn but Amber so sweet. ..☺
Great update guys, thanks for sharing
Another great week of sites and sounds of your travels. Some pretty cool stops in this one and again enjoyed seeing Ember splashing about in the different lakes. Thanks as always for including us in your adventures Cynthia, Jim and Ember. Peace and Calm. 👍🏻😎🇨🇦
It was great to hangout with you guys yesterday! Thanks for taking the time to see us! We have had fall for a while back here… ha ha I’ll bet it is nice to be aback up here too!
Hi! from the Kansas City area–perhaps you passed through? Safe travels back to my favorite state & spirit home!
Thanks for sharing your experiences.ove your channel.
Hey guys, thank you for making another Sunday morning a little more exciting. I guess there isn’t much to show us when all you have to do is drive. The van and all it’s changes seems to be working for you all. I asked the question a little while ago, can two people live full time in a van like yours and it seems it can be done comfortably. Cheers!!! Thanks for the entertainment Ember! Cheers!!!
Love, laughter, and happiness ❣️
Awesome video from San Martin Ca. Safe travels.
As usual another great video, Thanks for sharing Jim and Cynthia. Stay safe and healthy. Viva Alaska… Larry
Been waiting for this upload absolutely love this channel stay safe and sending my cuddle to Ember just love how you look for places for her to go swimming take care love from England
I have always enjoyed your channel especially the visits to the various places which i prob will never go to in my life. To see through your eyes and videos thousands of miles away from where I am. Keep up the good work!
I just love your videos.
It was a pleasant surprise that you took us to the home town of Mark Twain. Tom Swayer stories were & still are our favourite. Nice little quite town. Watching Tom Swayer fence was fun . Watching this part of your video brought lot of my childhood memories.
Hi guys,
Enjoyed your visit to Metropolis and Superman…cute little town.
I see Ember finally got her water…how old is she now?
Jim, dinner looked really good…
Hannibal was a nice place enjoyed hearing your narrative…
Once again thank you both for sharing your adventures…
Cheers!, Your friend from Perth AU
James
Good morning from Lancaster SC. Been enjoying your travel.
Hello again y'all.