Hi I’m Zia (my family nickname) and I make videos about full time, nomad life, as a Canadian,solo, senior female in a shuttle bus. I’m seeking the freedom to experience amazing new places, interesting people, creative inspiration and the serenity and healing found in nature. My hope is to share insights, encouragement and inspiration to anyone thinking about this lifestyle, whether full or part time, female or male, young or not so young.
Recently, I decided to come out of retirement. To find out more about that, visit me at ~ www.ireneharlow.com
I tidied up my desk/craft space and the pleasure and joy I felt when I was done was amazing. You're so right -- the little things. Glad you got those small repairs done. Have a great week!!
Ha, that’s one of the very best things that I love about your videos, your honesty. Unfortunate things happen to us all and I love how you wade through your problems and show us the journey, then you show us how you fix them. Keep bringing us this honest content, keep it real!
Hi Zia , hope your day is going well and that your feeling better. After reading your blog yesterday I decided to comment on this particular blog from last week. I don’t do well with the grieving process and I know it’s hard for you as well as other caring fur baby people . I used to follow so many on IG but gave it up due to reading about the loss of so many precious ones. Sometimes I have wondered what it would be like if my brain didn’t process these losses so hard. I’m still dealing with the loss of my happy boy Teddy . He was a 17.5 yr. old Pomchi and been gone since Feb/2023. Every day i am so thankful to wake-up to the joy of my 13 yr. old blind little Shih T Zu and 9 yr. old Calico. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🐈🐶They have such short lives . You are so right about the grief sneaking back now and again. I find these feelings easier to get past when I take a long walk out in nature. Grief takes so much out of you. I miss dear Charlie too. I’m just starting to get used to you in your new digs without him. Also, I forgot to mention yesterday about the space behind your bed. The harp looked very fitting in the little vignette you created. 😊❤️🐶
Hi Zia i couldnt agree more with the lttle things the sandwiches and banana looked so good and nice that you had help good video thankyou late afternnoon here uk 😊 🚙👍
I'm so glad to hear that you received help on getting those 'little things' fixed. When you have a multitude of little things, they add up to a big pain in the neck. Small successes are a super dooper cause for celebration!
Today, one little thing was a ride on my bike which allowed me to see, feel, and appreciate nature and fresh air. You're right, Zia. Remember the little things. Hooray for River and Keith's help today, too!
A bike ride in nature is definitely a little thing that brings so many great benefits to a day! Keith and River have been such great friends and I’m very grateful for their help. 😊
I couldn't agree more that the little things can bring the most joy. What are my little things? A text from a friend like you ❤, a cuddle with Sophie, a good cup of coffee on a sunny morning. Thank you for reminding me of that my friend. ❤
I like your honesty. I like the way you are fixing your home. I’m looking forward to when you feel it’s time to get you a little traveling partner. Keep up the good work.
There are so many great poems called "The Little Things" I was reading quite a few after your video Zia. It's so very true how important they are, and for me I particularly appreciate it when people smile or say hello if I'm passing them by on a dog walk. I have to say the majority do not, but if it never happened at all, how cold life would be. I'm so grateful for a hello or thank you when I let them pass first. It probably means nothing to them. I'm LOVING your harp in that new position !!! Hey you can almost practise it in bed now !! ♥
Getting little things done can be so uplifting and motiving - and little things can add up to big things too :) Thanks for your video, always love to watch.
I appreciate you sharing and keeping things real. I had an amazing camper van conversion, and thought I’d own it for the rest of my life. Unfortunately the universe had other plans. I lost my beautiful home on wheels due to a negligent mechanic not properly reinstalling the fuel line after a routine change of the fuel filter. It caught on fire and was a complete loss. I think I’ll mourn that loss forever. I try to remember the blessings that I’m ok and wasn’t injured. I have a beautiful sticks and bricks home still. It has been 10 months since the fire and I’ve still not received a penny from my insurance company. The mechanic denies any wrong of course. I’m no longer in the same financial position I was when I bought the van so I will likely not ever be able to own one similar again. I will definitely figure something out once the insurance is settled and get back on the road again. I love exploring new places but I also love having a home to return to. I’m always cheering for you and wishing you the best.
Oh Matilda, how awful! I can’t even imagine that and thank goodness you were okay. I’m so glad you still had a home to return to and certainly hope the issues are resolved soon and you can once again head out on the road. 🚐❤️
So happy to hear you got your cabinet fixed. What nice people (Keith & River) you have to help you. About the ice in your cooler,...I use empty plastic water bottles, fill them 3/4 of the way, freeze them and when they thaw out, the water is contained and can be used for other purpose . Perhaps this may be useful to you. Have a good week.
Little things bring joy and a sense of accomplishment. Life is full of up’s and downs.The downs make one appreciate the good things in life. Have a great week Zia!
So happy for you that you have those little things fixed. Always feels like such an accomplishment when small jobs get completed. You bus looks amazing and hope you have many more happy adventures. Stay safe.
Hi Zia from cold and wet Victoria, Australia. Today, the little thing that brings me comfort is an open fire on a cold day. I love your channel and watching your journey. Do you play the harp ?
Thanks for sharing! I love an open fire too…such a comfort on a drizzly, grey day! Your question about the harp, needs more than a yes or no answer, so I I’m going to save it for my next Q&A. Stay cozy! ❤️
This was a good video. I am glad that you got some of the little things fixed. Like you said things will get resolved. It is good to see the "little things" bring happiness to you. Have a good week, looking forward to your next post
Thank you, Zia, for your authenticity and your stories. I appreciate ALL your content. I feel like you've become a friend by your sharing the up and down moments of your life. It really is the little things day by day that give us the opportunity to express gratitude. Wishing you blessings in the new week! ❤
A sunroof is much better than an electric fan. There's a factory stamping on the roof that a 15x30 CR Laurence sunroof fits perfectly. The glass is removable. Not only does it provide light but if you aim a Dewalt battery powered fan up at it you have a fan. You can also prop it up while driving and when parked the hot air will naturally exhaust through it.
Hoping your spirits have lifted Zia since this video was made. Your honesty is inspiring, and talking it out does help get you back in track. You have many people supporting you so hang in there ♥️
Zia, it’s important to vocalize and get your feelings out. If you keep it all bottled up it’s harder to pull yourself out OG the van life blues. Thank you for sharing . Have a wonderful week.❤
Very courageous to share all this! The fact that you did shows a very positive person (ironic huh?) It's true! A survivor! 😊 everyone gets blue from time to time. That's what ice cream, chocolate and weepy movies are for! To quote one of your Subs, "Atta girl...and You got this" is truth. 🎉 one step at a time. 😊
Thanks for sharing this video. I solo camp in my van often during the summer, and I hope that I will be full-time one day, It is so much fun and can see so much stuff but it isn't always endless great times. I am also healing from life events and I take that time to be alone and reflect on life; it can be a challenge. I really appreciate this real and raw content, to me it makes the channel authentic. Remember to be kind to yourself. I recently heard someone say that how a memory is stored, that's how it will be remembered and released, it is important to let it flow in order to heal. Find a beautiful spot to rest and rejuvenate.
Keep praying…to lift your spirits… Whe you are done your renovations… anther dog will help aswell..! I think no matter where you live or what you live in… you have troubles and hardships…. Pray helps.. Go see more people and spend more time with them or doing something else just to give you a break…it gives a different perspective on your life situation,,, 🙏🤗😀 Your neighbour in Alberta..
Hi Zia sorry to hear you have the blues but i think you have done realy well .maybe you could do with some rest perhaps even treat yourself to something nice 😊💐🌈
Grief is a like a horror movie. It sneaks up on you and surprises you when you least expect it. It’s so frustrating because you can’t tell when it’s coming and you can’t prevent it when it finds you. Then add common issues and every day problems in to the mix and it can get overwhelming. I’m happy you took a time out Zia. It’s the very best thing you can do for yourself!!!
Allow you time to grieve over your baby and don’t forget things can change day to day it’s harder in our older years so pace yourself and know that tomorrow the sun will rise and take it in‼️❤️💪🏼🎼🎶
ZIA, I can relate to you and your challenges . I've begun to realize that grief of all types never leaves us ,we just eventually try the best we can to live with it. I lost my wife of 30 years in 2019. and still have my low and sad times, but I'm doing better at living with my grief one day at a time.. you are an awesome and strong lady .Just give yourself a break and Pat yourself on the back a little more often,allow yourself some needed space, to reassure yourself that it's all going to be ok...hang in there .,you have the right attitude . God bless...
I have been doing that and trying to contain any leaks so that I don’t damage the fridge. So far that water always finds a way out. It’s difficult to empty because the fridge is very heavy and tightly strapped to the slide out. Certainly better than nothing though!😊
