Ever feel like your biggest dreams have an expiration date? This one didn’t. I’ve been holding onto it since 2002 — and now, it’s finally taking shape.

The dream of adventuring on the road has begun!

Finally, I can claim the title of Newbie Nomad. I am playfully experimenting with the concept, something I have wanted to do since 2002.

At the end of June, I embarked on my first escapade with the centerpiece being a James Taylor Concert at Blossom Music Festival near Cleveland,  my first time seeing this legend in concert since the 1980’s.

Maybe you’re thinking “Aren’t you a bit old to be starting on a new dream?”

Maybe you’re thinking “You wanted to go to a concert alone? By yourself? Without a friend-group to enjoy it, too?”

No, I am not too old and yes, I wanted to go to the concert and if I didn’t snap up the ticket before trying to recruit other people to go with me, I might not make it.

I did that last summer and like me, James Taylor is not getting any younger. It’s now or it might be never.

The desire has been here for years.

Starting last Fall I asked myself, “How can I go from desire to execution?”

My recently retired cousin invited me to house and dog sit while she was on a month long cruise. It would mean I would be on my home turf for six weeks in the winter season. It would be a good taste of the nomadic life as I would continue working on my business at the same time.

It was a decent trial, but it was rather heavy on visiting my local California friends and rushing from one activity to the next to get a true taste of nomading. 

I did like it enough to agree to return next winter. ☺️

I liked the idea of having a comfy home base for free and even making some money while taking care of animals I inevitably fell in love with – so heading off to a home outside of Pittsburgh seemed ideal.

I consulted a map and a calendar and thought, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful if I visited South East Ohio, too, and got to walk parts of the Grandma Gatewood Trail?”

Then I thought, “These cities are fascinating… Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Cincinnati…” and then I found out they collectively had a name: The Rust Belt… and from there, I whipped up a fascination among my possible destinations.

The Rust Belt: cities that saw a steep decline in manufacturing and were tasked with either remaking themselves or… not.

Learning about the Rust Belt reminded me of my life. I had bumped into a succession of barriers that knocked me down repeatedly. Taking steps toward this particular dream is one way I can physically proclaim I am not going down without a fight.

I had a concept.

I had a first destination.

I had a magnetic purpose, a “why” – 

Next, I needed a plan.

Have you ever resurrected a long-held dream? I’d love to hear your story in the comments (or a private message if that feels better).

📍Stay tuned—this is just the first chapter in my Newbie Nomad & Travel Stories.

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About the Author:

Julie Jordan Scott is a newbie nomad, award winning storyteller, and creative catalyst for midlife women seeking meaningful change. Whether she’s hugging trees, house-sitting in unexpected places, or journaling in the wild, Julie helps women rediscover their voice and write their next chapter with joy and courage.

Feeling the pull toward your next adventure? Start from within. Download your free copy of the Grace, Grit, and Grow Mini Journal—a simple, soulful tool for your journey inward and beyond.