Beyond VAN LIFE: Owning 40 Acres in the Desert! 🏞️ // Navigating Grief 

Thank you so much for allowing me to share something a bit deeper with all of you. At this very moment, I am waiting in the airport for my flight to Peru! I'll be traveling and filming for the next 3 weeks :) Also the January newsletter will be sent out in a few days, if you want to stay totally in the loop, here's a sign up link! eepurl.com/ixzQQc Much love to you all!

Your Dad is all around you - you just can’t actually see him. My dad passed 7 years ago on 12/21 and, on that date last year, he sent me an unmistakable gift. One of our neighborhood squirrels came up to me and, for the first time in the 26 years I’ve lived here, she took a peanut from my hand. Thanks Dad, I miss you……❤

I love episodes with your mom. It warms my heart.

Any video that includes your mom just makes me smile so much. Sometimes even brings me to tears. She just really seems like such a sweet and supportive person. Her kindness really shines through in your videos.

This one got me right in the feels!😢 The relationship you have with your family is so special, you are very lucky to have family who share your adventurous spirit and love and laugh without judgement. Your dad is certainly with you on your property, living on in all of your hearts❤

This was the third holiday season since I lost my wife of 42 years. This was without a doubt the hardest one so far. It should be getting easier. But time, it sees doesn't heal all wounds. Thanks for sharing your feelings

Not everyone believes like me, but I Fully believe your Dad had a hand in your well water... I totally had happy tears when you hit 570 ft... 🤟🤗

This is such a beautiful video, brought tears to my eyes. I lost my mom in September unexpectedly. You and your moms relationship is absolutely beautiful. I admire it❤ I miss my mom dearly.

This episode brought tears to my eyes - both happy and sad 💛 Thanks for sharing Linnea! I am certain that your Dad is so very proud of you and all you have accomplished. I often have those moments of grief for my Dad as well. We should be thankful we have loved and been loved so deeply 💙💙

I lost my dad when he was 58. I miss him so much, but I see him in my kids, and my brothers. He died in 1985, in January. It has been many years, but listening to you talk about your dad, I shed quite a few tears remembering him as well. Love your new place!

What a beautiful video Linnea. Please have no doubt your Father has seen your property and is with you there.

It's the catch 22 of love, right? The fact that at some point we may have to travel our life without those that we love. I'm so sorry for your grief and that you lost your dad when you were so young. I can definitely see his spirit (and that of your mother) in you. I was stunned at how much your brother Noah looks like your dad! I'm so glad they were both able to travel to your space and celebrate with you. What an adventure. (And seeing Akela comfort you. You two are so connected and it's beautiful.) I know you are not super comfortable with these types of videos but I am thankful and humbled that you opened up your heart in this one. May your dad rest in peace knowing he and your mom set their children out with amazing skills and memories.

My dad passed 4 years ago. He is still around you and sees your accomplishments. Grief is real. The pain of losing a parent is very real. He sees you, he is celebrating, and 100%, he is helping you on your way.❤

Absolutely beautiful video. I love when you and your mom get the giggles. You both are very lucky and adorable 🥰

Watching you hug Akela at the start of this video brought me to tears. Losing my beloved dog Freddy last month has stirred up feelings of my parents being gone. There is no instruction manual on how to go through grief, but what you said is so true. We are not alone. Look forward to your next chapter while drinking "my" tea. In gratitude, one of many dedicated subscribers.

Thank you!! I love being along on your journey. Your Mom came for a visit and your Dad is always with you ❤

The apple hasn’t fallen very far from the tree. Great to see your mom getting to spend such quality time with you. ☺️✌️

I’m an Idaho Mountain Woman and you have a place here at 7500 ft any time you want to park! I’ll tell you my well stories. I’m 70. Kat

I sincerely appreciate the love you have for your Dad, Mom, & brothers. You & your Mom have an infectious laugh...can't help but smile with you. Chris and the dogs are pretty special too. Sometimes appreciation for family isn't fully realized until some have passed from this life. In the last 10 years, I've lost my family...my brother, Dad, & then Mom. I, like you, am so blessed to have or to have had a loving, wonderful family. I miss them terribly. But I have the best of memories & of being loved unconditionally. I am so excited for your land purchase, your water discovery (I had all my fingers crossed), & look forward to your progress on the land, & all your other adventures. God bless!

My heart is so full of love for you and your family Linnea thank you so much for sharing your grief and your love and joy! Many beautiful memories and new opportunities to look so forward too!

I lost my dad tragically, suddenly in June of 2020....I feel every single emotion you described in this video!!

❤❤❤ this! I lost my mom this past March and what I would give to spend some time with her.

I understand your feelings and pain! My dad died when I was 23. He was the adventurous one in our family and I followed in his footsteps. I loved him so much and enjoyed all our Colorado vacations. He was packing the trailer to go to Colorado elk hunting that cold day he passed away, unexpectedly on our farm. My mom still lives on our farm about 10 min away from where I live now. It's so wonderful to have the farm my dad worked so hard for. He would have been retired now, fishing, hunting, enjoying his farm and the mountains is where you would have found him. It's hard, HE was my favorite thing about life! HE will always be. I was blessed to enjoy the adventures that I could with my dad. I enjoy the mountains of Colorado when I can, where I feel very close to him and the memories we had every summer camping in the mountains. Many blessings to you and your new land. I didn't know Elsa and Barron were your neighbors!! I follow them to. I love that so much ❤

I love when you share things that include your family. I lost my father when I was 25. It's so sweet how your brother and mother come to support you throughout your journey. You're a lucky gal to have such a loving & supportive family. You laugh just like your momma. ❤

I love how you tell your stories! The fact that you are so real makes them so special! I lost my parents a few years ago and this story brought me back to remembering the sweet times I used to have with them. Thanks

I don't often comment but this was a beautiful video. Your relationship with your family is so fun to watch. I am happy that you found your homeland and that you landed in an amazing community! Colorado Girl

I get it. My dad left too soon and mom gone 4 years today. Grief, it never goes away, you just make room for it in your heart... So happy for you, the property is awesome ! ❤

I love love love the amazing relationship between you and your mom/family. My mom, brother, sister and I are all so different. So we don't really do things together. Your dad is with you every step of the way. And so proud of you. ❤ Oh P.S. You have your mom's laugh. It's awesome.

Honour your dad in this. Let his memories be a blessing to you. Dedicate sections of whatever buildings, plantings and forests you do, to your dad. My sons went thru this as well. And the first house they bought my sons dedicated it their dad and named it after him. They knew he would be so proud of them and he would have whole heartedly done repairs, renovations and gardening for and with my sons. Take heart, be grateful for your dad, he is very proud of you💖💖💖

I lost my dad when I was young-over 50 years ago - and still miss him. I love telling his story; he was such a special person. And I am so blessed to still have my mother. She’s over 100 years old (yes, I’m a very senior lady) and we are loving together, sharing jokes and memories, facing challenges, and passing the days together. I wish you and your mom many years and many adventures. ✌️❤️👩‍👧

I laughed, I cried. Really love this channel. I'm sure your dad is so proud of you. You and your mom are adorable.

It's so wonderful and warming to read through the comments of this wonderful community. The sharing of comfort and sharing memories of loved ones feels like a group hug eith friends - even tho noone really knows each other. I'm so thankful, that you crated this space, Linnea, for this lovely crowd to come together. ❤❤❤

You are right when you said that grief is uniquely one's own, but it is also a universal experience. Everyone at some point in their life will experience a heart-wrenching loss. I have been there unfortunately too many times. Having people you cherish near you as you celebrate those big moments really does matter. Your mom and brother stopped their journey to share your journey it is just amazing. Tell your mom that her morning photography looked pretty awesome.

Silly, HE never left you ..He breaths when you do ..And lives when you think of him ..I love your life style..Happiness 😊

Linnea, you are your mother girl. Y’all have the exact same laugh. Your Daddy is there in every breath you take and I am positive he is very proud of his baby girl.

A beautiful story. You carry on your Dad’s strength, sense of adventure, and love for our world. I see him all around you. Thanks for taking us along on your journeys.

This was such a loving and beautiful video. I'm sure your dad is looking down and very proud of you. You are truly blessed to be living your life the way you see fit. Please continue to inspire us.❤

Your mom is such a beautiful soul as you are! Thank you for sharing with us! As I watch your video I find myself smiling from ear to ear at your laughter, your contentment and the amazing moments you allow us to be a part of.

Grief is a personal journey. I lost my Dad 3 yrs ago this coming July. He was my best friend, my mentor,encouraged me, talked everyday with me....he was/ and will always be my hero!!! Thankyou for sharing your feelings with us....its true...we are not alone. You are blessed to have your Mom, I lost mine many years ago. We have to appreciate all the joy we have and love. Cheers !

Currently line in NM and moved from IN. I am so happy to hear other people who love the beauty of the desert. I live in “the armpit” of NM and people complain so much but I love it! I really hope you build an earth ship like your friend! 😊

I love seeing your mom! She is so awesome. You two are so extremely blessed to have each other!

I enjoy watching you & your mom together. How she understands why you love where you are & sees the beauty of the land & all it has to offer. My mom came to see me in Vermont when I lived there. She said it reminded her of home & the Ozarks. It meant so much that she came to visit & I am so thankful for the time we had together. I miss her so much. She was hit & killed in a car accident by a guy who was texting when he was driving. The suddenness of that loss was like a grief I've never experienced. I feel your dad is smiling down on you both saying, "that's my girls!"

This was such a beautiful video. I am so thankful that you got that one on one time with your mom especially after that moving story about your dad. it just felt so right. Grief is deeply personal but each of us recognizes our collective grief of having lost a loved one

I have found that losing my folks, my Dad at age 62 in 2006 and my Mom at age 67 in 2013 has been the most difficult time in my life. Something I doubt I will ever recover from as I miss them so much every day. If they'd had the opportunity I have had, they would definitely be living every moment out in the wild. I have been so fortunate that they shared the joy and wonderment of living and being outdoors when I was growing up - I feel it's in my soul. I know you enjoy and appreciate all the wonderful moments with your Mom and Brother and know your Father is always with you 🌻

So cool that you are in the area with Elsa Rhae and Barron, and James and his wife. You have a tribe to help you build a house and like-minded community. Congrats!

So happy for you. You found your property, now have a well and your mom and brother went to support you! 🥰

OH Linnea!!!! Grief is soooo hard and never ending! my mom left this earthwalk 5 yrs ago. my dad died when I was 12, never really knowing him with very few memories. I've had so many moments that I wish my ma was still here to see! like our granddaughter penny, or her grandchildren hitting those milestones. I talk to her daily and I know she's around me all the time. I feel your pain and knowing that you aren't the only one who understands this pain is very comforting! I'm sorry you lost your dad way to early but I know he's with you every moment!!! 💜feeling all the feels with this one !

I want to tell you that I am happy for you. For the new chapter that is beginning with you and your property. I know that a lot of your followers are happy for you too.

Crying through the first bits. Your dad was so cool, but as a kid I always thought your mom was absolutely magical! So fun to see you all.💕 Living vicariously through your videos!

These are the magic moments you share with your mom and your brother to as well as Chris and both dogs ❤❤❤

It always amazes me how animals especially dogs can feel our emotions and be so compassionate.❤

Awww🙏💞 I’m 70.. my grandmother died in 1972. I talk to her everyday. She’s my angel. I’m sure it’s the same for you. Keep the faith!!

I love and appreciate your authenticity so much. Thank you for sharing your life. The pure love between you and your mom is so beautiful ♥️

I am sorry for your loss. For your grief. My mom passed away last February. The desert home will be a place of peace, an oasis for you. Grief doesn't end quickly.

It’s great to see your mom again! I think she and I have a lot in common, and could be good friends. If you haven’t read the book, “Woodswomen” by Anne Labastille, I recommend it. There are additional books too. They are old, but still good.

3:03-I so appreciate this video so far. In the last six weeks of 2023 I lost three people very dear to me. I took care of my stepfather and was holding his hand when he died. Grief is a strange animal. My mom died 14 years agoand I can randomly be driving down Lakeshore Drive, think about her and lose it. Sending you the biggest hug ever from Chicago, Linnea.❤

Cherish your mom….i know you do. You 2 are great together….Your mom should get a van

I can only imagine that was tough to talk about him with us, it’s not fair how it happened either, his truck might not be there but he is with you every day lady. I am sure he is very proud of the women you have grown to be as well. Thank you once again for all that you teach us through your videos and for sharing so of your personal things as well ❤ Jim Wendy and Kira your Michigan fan club as always 🙂

My mom passed the day after my 29th birthday, so i feel that grief. It never gets wasier, but maybe a tiny bit lighter with time. Seeing you hang with your mom made me miss mine, but also made me so warm and happy to see another good relationship! Keep that bond, keep being goofy, and spending time together! Loved this video❤

Your brother looks just like hour dad!! Prayers for your grief. It’s proof he is still with you ❤❤

I’m full time for 3.5 years now and you still continue to inspire me. You’re very good at what you do. ❤

Let’s get this party started. I’m excited to get an update

I lost my mom and dad in 16 months. It knocked the wind out of my sails. I still miss them beyond words! Pray for help and keep him in your heart. ❤️

It gives me great comfort in knowing that we are eternal beings, that energy never dies, and can only be transferred or transformed. when we graduate from this life, and before the next, we are simply pure positive energy. Stay positive, happy and keep your vibration high and don’t forget to quiet your mind to receive. ✌️❤️🐾

Like you, I lost my mother when I was 24 yrs old. My life has been full of loss. My brother at 13, my mother at 24, my grandmother and several aunts and uncles along with a miscarriage the same year as my mom. My Dad passed 10 yrs to the day, same place and nearly the same time as my mom (the love of his life), three more miscarriages and then the hardest, my 20 yr old son. I won't lie and say that time heals everything. What I can say is that, like you hitting water in the desert, the deep holes left in our hearts somehow grow beautiful flower gardens around them. And though they may still be watered with our tears they become easier to visit. Bad memories fade and the good become treasures. ❤ God Bless you...sending much love. ❤

Your Dad will ALWAYS be a HUGE part of you! I lost my Dad May 31st, 2023. I think of him every single day. I am thankful he taught me SO much. I know how to build because of him. I am starting a new cabin build on my land, and I will need his guidance, and I know he will be here, helping through. I was blessed to take him off hospice to take him on his dream trip to Alaska just 3 weeks before he passed. I will NEVER regret everything it took to get him there. I know your heart aches for him, but he also makes your heart full. ❤ Love and hugs to you. Enjoy your mom and your new adventure!!

My parents have been "gone" for 19 years. If i sit quietly i can still feel them. I swear my Dad's hand rests on my right shoulder when neededI can feel their love. Don't ever be afraid to reach out. ❤

Beautiful! I also lost my dad way too early (68 yrs old) and can relate to missing the chance to share life’s events. Questions often come up that I know he would have been able to answer. Congrats on achieving this much of your dream so far. Your mom has an incredible spirit about her, which you have inherited.

I get it. It’s been almost 19 years now since my dad went on to whatever is next. All of my childhood was filled with stories of his adventures on Backbone Mountain. And now, my view from our home we bought 2 years ago, is Backbone Mountain. He was born just the other side of the ridge that I gaze upon every day. When mom and I sit on the porch in spring and summer, it hits hard knowing just how much he would absolutely love where we are now… so I replay those stories to my kid, and often just in my head.. because it’s all I’ve got now. ❤

Tears and cheers for you. When we can hold the joy and the sorrow in the same palm - ahhhh, that is life.

Can’t wait for the update. Was on pins and needles waiting to see that water flow. Happy New Year to you, Chris and the pups!

I am touched by your story. The loss of your dad has been an undercurrent on your channel, not always prominent, but with you, and so a part of your story. I think you are blessing everyone who watches your story here. Americans don’t do grief well. We don’t make it a part of our shared culture, “not burdening” others. We are so often tongue tied about it, so I see your bravery and the blessing you are bestowing by sharing. Thank you. If I may, I’d like to remember my mother here too… I’m 59. My mother died when I was 34. It wasn’t my first loss. It’s very unlikely to be my last. I know in some deep place that I’ll outlive nearly everyone I love as the years of my life pass. I have always thought so. Grief has been part of my life since I was a girl. My mother was a nurse. She loved it. She took care of my grandfather, and others. And I watched the death process first hand, and serious illness for that matter. 34 was quite a while ago. Months might pass without thinking of my mom or someone else I’ve lost. And then something beautiful will happen and the grief is no less, stealing my breath with the yearning that Mom was here to share the joy with me of watching my grandchildren. Or when I graduated college in 2015. She always pined the loss of college for herself. My son was the first and I was the second to graduate in our family. I could almost see her standing beside my son, watching me. Or I get out the game my grandfather made and think of my family playing it for so many hours. And then, the moments pass and the grief seems gone again. It doesn’t cloud everything. It doesn’t spoil my happiness or the greatness of any moments, but it’s a part of my life. I accept it the way I accept a worn out shirt she gave me, that it’s time to let go of. Or the way my hair looks just like hers or when I hear a phrase leap out of my mouth that I heard her say so many times. She’s with me. And still, I am older than she was when she died. I have been fortunate to know some amazing women, younger, older. Every one of these women are her, saying the countless things she might have said that I still need to hear. That’s the grace of life. I think that those of us who sit in companionship with this aspect of life, are especially blessed because our hearts are open and wondering and jubilant in a way a person just can’t be if death and loss are unspeakable. You are doing something beautiful in these moments, remembering him. That’s a good energy to bring to your new home. Congratulations on your new home, your new relationship this past year, new friends, lots of fun challenges. I’m so very happy for you. I’m sure he is too. ❤ A suggestion? Make a spot for him there. A bench by a particular vista. Plant something he loved. Whatever holds meaning. Then you can visit together there…

❤💔 Another amazing video. I cried start to finish. When you mentioned the anger of your dad not being able to be here for this big thing in your life, I felt that. It’s been 4 years and 2 months since I lost my mom and while it has gotten better, I’m still angry and still so hurt that my biggest fan isn’t here to see the life I’m living now. She was the only person who didn’t call me crazy when I first said I wanted to be a nomad. She was excited for me. She even helped me remove the bus seats before she was diagnosed. We were going to go to Skooliepalooza 2020 together, but she never made it. I moved into the bus Nov 11th 2019, she passed Nov 17th. Thank you for talking about grief. ❤ It helps.

What a beautiful and moving video! Your mum is brilliant! Thanks for sharing

Yes, many of us have had to deal with grieving the loss of loved ones, I hope you know you're not alone with that. I also suspect you are able to talk to your family about it, which often ends in laughter after the tears, at least it has in my family. I have lost 5 of the 6 family members I grew up with. Today my younger brother would have turned 60, we lost him 12.5 years ago. His widow shared a video of their youngest daughter in a video doing a retro ski week dance for the ski area she works for. Certainly made her mother and I laugh, and we are both grateful she's as silly as her father was. I hope you take comfort in knowing your dad is enjoying your success with you, as you know he would.

I lost my dad close to when you lost yours. He is holding you tight and lives in the beautiful love your beautiful family has for each other. ❤

I'm sorry for your grief, please don't take this the wrong way, I have to say you are so blessed having such wonderful parents, and family. Although you lost your Dad at such a young age, you have had the privilege of having both him and your Mom, many are not so blessed. You're parents helped you be the amazing person you are. I love your Mom such a warm beautiful woman, it's so nice hearing your laughter with her. Your family is amazing! Thanks for being so open and vulnerable with your emotions! ❤

Thank you so much for making this video Linnea. I am grieving my mother and my uncle who passed away five months apart both from severe illness. Sometimes it really helps to hear that others are struggling too. Best wishes and big HUGS!

I had to find some time alone to watch this video. Whenever the topic of grief comes up, I needed to prepare myself, now having lost my father 4 months ago to a sudden illness. It feels nice to know that I am not alone feeling waves of grief every now and then. My dad had always been present in life, and even if I can't see him in person now, somehow I feel he is never really far away. I still miss him regardless, and forever will.

I certainly can’t feel how your feeling because I lost my Dad back in 23 (26June-6pm) here at my home with the family doesn’t matter how old you are I’m 51 but I can’t tell you how much I miss him we are a close family and we appreciate things in life as you should we laugh about certain things, mum lives with us in a granny annex that they where having built while we were taking care of dad but unfortunately he didn’t get to see it all done so it’s a completely new start for mum she’s 81 and has family and grown up grandchildren around her all the time but sad to see her on her own. Enjoy every day on your new property it’s lovely and you can speak to your Dad at anytime and shed those tears take care. Juliet🤗🇬🇧❤️🐶🐾

Your story is so very inspiring I am very grateful for your joy and encouraged through your goals accomplishments . Such love lived wisely and appreciate your honest heart sharing the present loss of your father yet he is amongst you too. Great dog lovers too God bless

I lost my father to cancer 15 years ago, so, yes, I understand!! Prayers and blessings to you and your family!!💚

Thanks for sharing. I can't help but think of my own daughter and how very proud of the young lady she is becoming.

I just want to say that I don’t watch RU-vid except for when I search how to videos. I stumbled upon your channel and I binge watched every video and now that I am all caught up I’m distraught. You are lovely and inspiring and I fully understand your grief with the loss of your parent. Keep on doing what you are doing girl and please hug your mom extra tight the next chance you get for me, I sure wish I could hug mine. ❤

I literally cried when u talked about ur dad. I too lost my dad very young, unexpectedly & super fast. It's been 18yrs & I still miss him more than life itself. He was my biggest supporter. I'm so happy u have ur mom & Chris. I'm not close with my mom & sometimes feel very alone. I love watching ur journey & wish u nothing but happiness & success in ur adventures.

Your mother is such a beautiful soul.

Nature is so healing. I believe the land came to you at just the right time. Sending love to you and your family ❤️

Your Dad is going on this journey with all of you and he’s so proud 😇❤️🙏

Oh, you made me cry. I know the loss of a parent. Lost both mine at age 14. I'm in my forties now, and i still have moments. Just so you know, it's okay, your dad is with you forever he is and always will walk every step you take with you. Your mom is such a breath of fresh air. She's so happy and loves the raw beauty of all the land we live on offers us all. Sending happy new year vibes and many more blessings to come your way. My love to the pup's.

"we can feel that grief, and still create the life they would be proud of as well" - this made me cry in the best way. I lost my grandfather, who was an incredibly big part of my life, two years ago and have since moved into the house he grew up with, along with my husband, and grandmother, to help her and to raise my family here someday. I know he would be so proud and happy to see me here, but the grief can be so overwhelming.

I miss my mom, my best friend for life, for over 10 years, I know what grief is too. You are not alone

Linnea, This was especially beautiful as I’m a loving dad estranged from two of my daughters. It has been so hard, and not a day goes by where I don’t think of them and pray for them. Your dad would be so proud, and he lives on in you, be the reason someone smiles today! Bryan from Vancouver

100% Daddy's girl here....lost him 26 years ago and still hurts like it was yesterday. Lost my mom 3 yrs ago...still find myself picking up the phone to call her or thinking "I gotta talk to mom about that!" The ONLY good I've found so far is that I KNOW they're back together again.

You are such an amazing person and journey has been incredible to watch. I pray you get what you are looking for because that's the point of life is to fund your purpose. May your journey continue to prosper 💕

Linnea that was a beautiful beautiful beautiful video. Thank you so much for sharing. I definitely feel your pain and understand where you’re coming from. My mother and best friend died on my 21st birthday. It has been many years since and just watching the video and saying these words still bring tears to my eyes and pain in my heart. Time does make it easier to bear, but their memory will never leave you and they will always be with you. I love your land and your family and I of course follow Elsa and Barron. I look forward to your videos every week and find them enriching. I’m hoping to get tickets to Fjallraven this year in Colorado July 24-26 which Elsa and Barron have attended these past 2 years. Who knows, maybe I’ll get to meet you all there. Much love to you. 🥰

Your dad isn't gone he surrounds you and will be in every step you take. I said this about your mom when you both were in Spain. Your mom is beautiful. She has a peace and graceful confidence that so many strive for. I am a mom to my amazing 18 year old son. To see you both laugh and talk endlessly as a parent is priceless. I am happy for you.

Your Dad is there with you in Spirit and He is watching over you all the time.

Woof-Woof! “Hug those who hugged your Father and relish in this, the both of you.”🐶🐩

Incredible video of your joy and love for your family and your land! Our family lost a beautiful young woman 19 1/2 about 11 years ago...she was a great adventurer and loved the outdoors! I carry her with me in all of my travels! You and your family are deeply blessed! Much love and joy during your Peru and Amazon adventures! 💚🕉💚

What a family...such love you all share for each other, the earth, and respect for all around you, Namaste. Love to Akela...I'd love to hug her...