I must admit , so far , the idea of “downsizing” our things to fit into a tiny bus conversion, was initially one of the most uncertain aspects for us. .
See, we are a family of “collectors” , collectors of many things that probably serve little purpose, other than to bring us joy, because they are fun to look at. Or they hold some special memory, or represent some place in time that we hold dear . We tend to all be quite sentimental when it comes to objects , so there are certain things that must come , like my husbands grandfathers antique razor kit , a guitar, and a ukulele my mother and father gifted me . A folky painting the children’s grandmother painted (that we adore ) when she was in art school many years ago. The list goes on, and would be long , and as we narrow down our “things,” it seems to get harder and harder to decide what ultimately will come with us on the bus .
Another big question is what we will do with the bigger things that won’t fit. We have thought about perhaps gifting some of them to close family and friends , or having some things “babysat” for awhile, until we eventually get our little piece of land , to settle and build on, and then, we can bring these things back.
We know that we will always enjoy Knick knacks , and yard sales , and collecting bizarre and quirky objects . They bring us comfort, and make us feel at home . I must admit , that once we do settle , I am almost positive that we will begin the cycle again of collecting random yardsale objects, we can’t seem to help ourselves !
But as our bits and bobs diminish, it’s been incredibly freeing and we have been really enjoying the reduced clutter ! We have been pleasantly surprised To learn how much easier it is to find things in the cupboards when you get rid of 3 quarters of the Tupperware that had missing lids anyways !
So it’s still a slow work In Progress , but we are making great progress, we haven’t felt the need to summon a hoarding specialist intervention just yet! ,
Slowly, as the house gets emptier, we actually don’t miss anything at all yet , in fact, we can barely remember what’s gone !
We’ve also made a bit of extra cash to put towards our project , selling a few of our unwanted things on kijiji, and other sites , which is a great bonus ! We have plans to gift some other things , and donate various objects as well.
A big thing we are working on is all our extra clothes! But I saw another schoolie family who made really cute rag tie curtains (which I thought was brilliant, as who makes curtains sized for bus windows?? And another idea for all of those cute baby clothes I just can’t part with, is to make a lovely little quilt or throw pillow! , In some strange way, it’s actually exciting watching the house empty of all these objects that we really can’t remember when we used last! Most of them have been stuffed away in plastic totes, and taking up space for years, with us burdensomely carrying around , not even knowing what is inside most of them!
So, in a nut shell, downsizing hasn’t been nearly as scary or overwhelming, as we’d feared, we are taking it slow and steady, and at the end of the day, as we watch things go, we feel good knowing that we are making room for our new dreams !

We Bought a bus!

We are excited to announce that we have taken a giant leap of faith leap towards a new adventure, and goal of creating a solar home on wheels, which will tow a traveling mobile art studio & gallery,

After dreaming, planning, and overcoming that little voice of doubt that often comes with any big change or decision, We have purchased a partially converted  international diesel school bus, and will begin modifying it to incorporate the design, and features we want for our "Abode on Wheels!" Buying it, was the scariest part for us, as it somehow said, "okay we are doing this, no turning back! We haven't had an ounce of regret thus far, and have even given it a cute little name "The Painted Pineapple Art bus." -That name somewhat evolved, with a few names before it, but we love it, and it's here to stay! -Perhaps,  I'll talk more on that, in another blog

Big hopes, for our little bus
We plan for our "Abode on wheels," to be a fully functioning home, that, once finished, we plan to live in full time-but for how long, a year, 5 years, forever?
I'd imagine that living in a small space, will have it's challenges, but we have decided to take things as they come, in deciding the answers to these questions.
Once we have had the chance to truly experience tiny living.
We know that it is not for everyone, but right now, it feels like something that fits for us, and our family.It will, of  course, impossible to  to say we could ever know for sure until we try!
The most important thing for us,and this is a BIG one, is making sure that we all are still enjoying it!

Downsizing
Since living in a bus ,Even with the roof Raise expansion we have planned, won't lend us much square footage, and although it will afford us some small extra storage, the towable trailer will be reserved mostly for the purpose of a our mobile creative Studio, and tools, and, so downsizing has been a must!

Confession! Being a family of at least 3 knick knack junkies, ( the second child, is still young yet)
Downsizing, has been a challenge for sure,, yet, surprisingly, it has also been a very freeing, and enjoyable experience!
If you want to hear more about our experiences, and current thoughts on downsizing our entire home to prepare to live "Tiny," Ill be making another blog dedicated to all things downsizing, titled, "Embracing minimalism- Yardsale Junkie Style."

The road ahead
Thank You for your interest in our new adventures, and keep watch as we will be updating our blog as we dive further into our conversion build, and studio build.
You can also follow our facebook group here:www.facebook.com/groups/670190250033591/


 

                         "The Great Canadian Natasha Moustasha Art Tour."
 
    So far, it's an idea, a conversation, and a passion.
 Soon, I aspire  to connect with Canadian Artists, in a unique and special way.
I aim to blog my travels and greetings into a video diary, to answer what it truly means to be an artist, through the many different lenses of Canadian artists.
    
     Going into this, I have no idea what type of people I will meet, what stories I will hear, what kinds of fascinating artwork I will get to see, or what Challenges I can predict, but the wonder is the best part. 
     
     I want to find out how people's surroundings, stories, and unique experiences, spark the truly individual , and awe inspiring artworks they produce, and give way to seemingly endless passion, and creativity.
  We will hear their stories, view their work , and even explore creative spaces, to see a special glimspe into how each artist incorporates creativity into their own lifestyle, and what it all means to them, and others.
     I am appreciative of the technology, which enables me to connect with people and artists, all over the world, Now I want to dig deeper, and make some real life connections. I wan't to smell the scent of oil paints & glazes,  I want to walk upon a floor covered in wood shavings, and watch the skilled blade of a pallet knife, building beautiful layers of wonder upon a canvas.  I wan't to hear the laughter and be astonished by the insight, and  personality that lives inside these artworks.
I want to meet the eccentric man, who makes lawn art out of his garage.
 I want to see real faces, vs. "facetime".
Have tea with the most unlikely of people.
Be inspired by the passions of others.
​   I want to adventure into each city, and day with the mystery, excitement, and the honour, of meetings artists all over Canada .
The street performers, the photographers, the poets, and painters.  Whatever art is to you...I wan't to find out! 
For now, this is an aspiration of mine. but One day,( perhaps not that far in the future) I believe there is a great chance that if you see a mobile art studio driving by, that might just be me waving from it!

* If you live in a Canadian City, and would be happy to share your artwork/creative space or just a cup of tea with me, please register and tell me a bit about yourself! See You Soon!