The booklet series

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LET’S TRY TO avoid any confusion right off. One option is a series of seven electronic booklets to read on your Kindle or Kindle app. The first is priced at 99 cents, each of the others at $2.99.

OR … get all seven parts compiled into one e-book for $9.99, a savings of 47 percent.

OR … if you like something to wrap your hands around, the compiled series is available in paperback for $15.99, probably plus postage unless you have some arrangement with Amazon.

IN SUMMARY, if you’re interested in all or most of the topics listed below, you’ll probably want to purchase the compiled version. If you only want the booklet concentrating on overseas travel or the two focusing on RV life, for example, you can order them singly. If you really aren’t sure this is for you, buy the 99-cent introductory booklet to get a feel for things.

Oh, you’re asking what “kickoff series” means above? I’ve not mentioned this before, but there may be other booklets as needs arise and if interest exists, but that’s well down the road. Current, however, are the free articles on this website, the number of which will continue to grow. Poke around and, by all means, leave your comments and tell your dream stories.

Here are the books…

Dream Chasing 101 (Compiled)

Listed below are loose descriptions of what is contained in each chapter, so let’s consider what Dream Chasing 101 is not. It’s not a travel guide to any particular place, though it discusses many. It’s not a step-by-step guide for everyone as each person’s desires, knowledge, ability and willingness will affect his or her specific dream.

Our dream was early “retirement” and the ability to travel, so those themes play heavily throughout the book; yours may be similar or excessively different. The overriding idea is to help the reader realize – partially by relating our stories and experiences – what is possible and to recognize it is all right/ to pursue dreams.

It’s worth noting that the information is written from the perspective of a resident of the United States, but the lessons should transfer well to others.

Click here to buy the compilation in an e-book.

The e-book compilation

Click here to buy the paperback.

Paperback compilation

The series

1. How we made our travel dreams come true

The idea behind this series came from friends and strangers who, through the years, have asked questions, expressed interest, and followed our adventures. Many of them couldn’t envision such things, but a lot of them were tempted to consider possibilities.

We had only barely considered it until a cancer scare drove home the realization we’re not promised any certain number of years. The path we chose included selling our home, buying an RV, and working summers in places of interest. The plan worked and, as time passed, we tweaked it to open new opportunities. We’re still doing that; we’re still loving it.

This 99-cent introductory booklet starts the conversations that follow in the next six and within the website. Click here to buy Book 1.

2. Why should I travel?

undefinedWe met a 29-year-old woman several months ago who mentioned she had never traveled too far from home and had never left the state of Texas. Years ago, teaching in a small, rural school, Leah had high school students who had never left the county. Late in his life, my father announced he had no need to ever again leave the county in which he lived. I believe he succeeded.

Book 2 opens the discussion with folks who are hesitant to change the way they’ve always done everything. We talk about seeing new things and meeting different people, recognizing their value, and generally learning to accept that people and places are good even though they’re not what one is used to. Click here to buy Book 2.

3. Seeing the USA

undefinedBecause we were initially in the category, we recognize a lot of Americans have no strong desire to travel overseas. That’s OK, but we make the case that those folks owe it to themselves and to society in general to get out and see their home country.

It’s true, there’s enough to see in the United States to keep most travelers busy. Plus, one encounters fewer obstacles such as an unfamiliar language, converting currency, and different cultures. Well, actually, there are diverse people and cultures in this country, which is another bonus to visiting around. We also offer some tips to help deal with certain hang-ups and hesitations. Click here to buy Book 3.

4. Overseas jitters

undefinedThose contemplating overseas travel probably have some understandable jitters about making the trip.

On one hand, we try to ease those concerns with calm words and our own experiences. On the other hand, there are many things to be aware of and to plan for, so we try to help there, too.

I don’t want to press people into international travel before they’re ready, but we have a deep-seated belief that getting to know our fellow Earth inhabitants better goes a long way to us all being happier and healthier. Click here to buy Book 4.

5. Could I work in national parks and other cool places?

undefinedThe first attention-grabbing aspect of our plan was working the summer of 2013 at Canyon Village in Yellowstone National Park. Friends were envious, surprised, maybe even impressed. At work, park visitors were often asking where we were from, how we got the jobs, where we lived and ate, etc. In one form or another, over the past seven summers, we’ve repeatedly heard the question, “Could I work in a job like this?”

In addition to working in a cool location, there are other factors to consider: where you’ll live and eat, availability of communication, whether you can afford it, medical needs, laundry, entertainment, number of hours working, worship and shopping. Oh, and let’s not forget how you’ll find these jobs in the first place. Let’s have that discussion. Click here to buy Book 5.

6. Is RV life for me?

undefinedWhile selling our home and acreage and buying an RV were integral to our plans, it’s certainly not required in order for you to achieve your dreams. Since living in an RV is something many people are not familiar with, and since it can be adapted to help pursue many goals, we’re going to talk about it a bit.

We have found many great reasons for living in an RV, but some people would find our pluses to be minuses. Take proximity, for example. We’re approaching our 43rd anniversary soon, so we’ve spent a lot of time together. Living in an RV ramps up the meaning of togetherness. We’re OK with that. What about you?

Other questions: New or used? Fifth-wheel, bumper-pull or motor home. What size? What options? Click here to buy Book 6.

7. What is work camping?

undefinedWork camping is a much broader term than just working in parks. Having your home hooked up behind your truck opens many possibilities for employment. Not all are glamorous, to be sure. Working the sugar beet harvest for two weeks is intense, but it pays well. Tending a gate in a national forest might border on a Zen experience if you don’t need a livable income.

Certainly, not all work camping experiences are the same. Let’s take a look at some potential problems you might avoid, as well as taking a peek at how you might uncover some hidden gems of jobs. Click here to buy Book 7.

Continuing education

We’re still learning and we’re continuing to adapt both our dreams and how to chase them. That’s what this website is for. While many items will be sorted out in different sections, almost all of them will initially appear as a simple blog post, so click the button in the left sidebar called “Follow us via email” and receive notices when new posts go up. Just above it are links to our Facebook and Twitter accounts. Finally, feel free to leave a question under the Q&A section.