For my blog entries back to 2007, click on "View my complete profile," scroll down, and click on "How did I do that?" (It's about my first bout of breast cancer.)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Off the Map


I’m going to live alone in a small cabin along the Kickapoo River for two weeks beginning June 3. The cabin has battery-powered lights, no heat, an outdoor grill and a private outdoor toilet. The town of Viroqua is a 10-minute drive from the cabin.

I’m planning to take books, notebooks, pens, and good walking shoes. This is something I’ve wanted to do since I got out of high school, to see what it’s like to spend time in my own company in quiet, unfamiliar surroundings. Somehow I’ve managed to put if off for 41 years. As I ponder this experiment, I come up with the following possible results:

I will love it.

I will be lonely.

I will miss my daily routine.

I will sleep through it.

Whatever the case, I will have a new experience, a slice of the very simplest life I can create for myself.

(I’m fortunate to have a husband who supports me in working my way through my bucket list, as I support him with his. Amen to enjoying freedom, though married.)

9 comments:

  1. If you have to pee in the middle of night, be sure a bear doesn't nibble your buns on the way to the john. I've never had to use an outside toilet, but I assume bears would be an issue...

    -mit

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  2. In no way need you be ascared of bears nibbling anything, they are more afraid of you than you of them.
    I travel the scenic road to Viroqua quite often, if the cabin is in those hills it will be beautiful, you will love it, you will be lonely, savor the loneliness! You will not sleep through it or miss your daily routine! don't forget to "shutup" so you can hear your own heart speak.
    Bro, Lee

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  3. I just looked today for your blog on my home page and got oldish items.. Sam's birthday. So, now I know where you are and so does EVERYONE!!! Is there electricity? That I could not do without, as I cannot see anything without light anymore. I know you will just love it, but lonely? I have doubts. I, however, will be lonely without contact....rogosaki

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  4. That looks awesome -- minus the outdoor toilet part.

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  5. Well this sounds absolutely fabulous and couragous! Whatever you may experience, it will indeed be an "experience." And it sounds like that is what you are seeking, after all.
    Don't allow the "unknowns" to grow bigger then your dream.....and remember, they only grow if we feed them.
    2 weeks without you in his routine sounds like this may be an "experience" for Greg too.

    Neighbor, Diane

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  6. Good for you girl!!! That sounds very peaceful and relaxing. I'm not sure I could live without electricity but I would love to just walk, read, cook and unwind. Have a great time and fill me in with all the details when you come back.

    I will miss you.

    Dianne

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  7. But will you have access to coffee??????
    PSullivan

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  8. Wow, Mary! You are adventuresome! Oh... that outdoor Privy.... been there, done that when I was a kid. Not so fun especially if you have a gerbil size bladder like I do!

    Good luck and enjoy! I'll be waiting to hear all about it.

    Cousin Sally

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  9. How fabulous that you are doing this for yourself! It will certainly be an adventure of the spirit. Way to go. :-)

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