Tales of a Female Nomad
TALES OF A FEMALE NOMAD is the only adult book I’ve written. I have an anthology coming out in July with stories and recipes from readers of the Nomad book…and seven new stories by me. It’s called, “Female Nomad and Friends, Tales of Breaking Free and Breaking Bread Around the World.”
But first….something about the first Nomad book
WHY I WROTE THE BOOK? – Every time I tell people about my life, they tell me I’m courageous. Now I have to admit that I like the fact that people are impressed with what I’m doing. I mean it does set me apart from the run-of-the-mill, seventy-two-year-old, overweight woman next door. But there is always a part of me that is whispering in my ear, Tell them how courageous it is to walk along a path in the middle of the rice fields of Bali, flirting with the farmers and waving at the dragonflies. Or to move into a village in New Zealand and join the Kiwis in their community activities and volunteer-teach in their schools. Or even to blow bubbles with a mother and son in the swampy jungle of Irian Jaya. It is in fact glorious, gentle, and not the least bit dangerous. It is most likely infinitely less courageous than dealing with many of the life situations that the run-of-the-mill woman next door is having to face.
I wrote the book to let people know that if they dare to dig up the buried person inside, to uncover the dreams and desires of the young man or woman they once were, they will probably realize that they can make some of those dreams happen.
I do not expect men and women to leave their families and run away to do my life. Admittedly, I’m extreme. But I am hoping that within the context of their own lives and their own dreams, readers will awaken some of the spirit that lies trapped inside. Maybe it’s just to sing out loud and loudly. Or perhaps to sit through three movies in one day. Or to go deep sea fishing some weekend when everyone thinks you’re at a church retreat. How about going to a strange city and playing your saxophone on a street corner? Don’t forget to leave the open case with a few dollar bills in it just in front of you.
My wish for you readers of NOMAD is that it inspires you to break free and release yourself from the inhibitions that have settled in over the years. You will rediscover how much fun it is to feel naughty!!



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Got your Website from a young friend that I served with in the Peace Corps in Botswana (2006-08). I love your description of being different than most 72 year old, overweight women. You sure are and you are a great role model for me. I’ve done some adverturous things (volunteered in Kenya on my own for 1 year at age 59) I’ve found myself thinking, I’m getting to told for this foreign adventure stuff (now age 66) and your adventures and attitude makes me realize my age is in my mind. Thanks and I’ll keep up on your adventures through your blog, while I “think big and start small” with my own adventures.
Sonya, Hi’
No you are definitely not too old. I’m on hold while I get Let’s Get Global off the ground, basing myself in DC for a while. But once I have enough funding to hire a coordinator, I’m taking off again….by then I will be 73. I have no intention of stopping…though I probably won’t be climbing mountains. (I did go paragliding (tandem) in Peru a year of so ago. Had to run off a cliff. It was incredible!) So, please do revisit those dreams. rg