I’ve been thinking about the direction I’m taking this blog (stories, van dwelling info, stripping info, etc.), and I have some questions for you guys. If you’re reading, leave a comment and let me know:
How did you get here?
How long have you been reading?
Why do you come back?
What do you want to see here?
And, of course, who are you?
Last time I did this there were a ton of responses and they were enlightening at the time, but I think I forgot some key questions.
Hey
How did you get here?
Chris Harnes TruckHouse blog. It’s on the side of the page in the “Hobos And Wanderers” page. I went to school with him.
How long have you been reading?
I’d say since sept of ’07.
Why do you come back?
I enjoy your wit and the way you carry yourself.
What do you want to see here?
Maybe a basics on mixing herbs to heal. I know there’s a post on it around here somewhere but I’m talking strict “Never done it before” stuff. just a thought.
And, of course, who are you?
I’m from Delaware and proud to say that. I enjoy my relationship and learning about how people act the way they do. I play guitar (have for years) brew beer and exercise for hobbies. I enjoy football (american) and nice scenic places – seriously; too much pavement around here.
Thanks for asking : )
Additionally I wanted to point this out to you if you didn’t know it:
http://www.herbsguide.net/
How did you get here? I’m sure I followed a link from another blog–probably another woman who is an exotic dancer.
How long have you been reading? 3 or 4 months.
Why do you come back? Your writing is fresh, you teach me things (especially about the traveling stripper life), and your story keeps me engaged. Most of the time I’m wondering, “What will happen next?”
What do you want to see here? More of the same.
And, of course, who are you? Lia Scholl. I run Star Light Ministries, an outreach organization to women who are exotic dancers.
I don’t remember how I found you but I do read a couple of the blogs in your sidebar. Which btw, are you sure Wide Lawns is a sex worker?
I’ve been reading for several months and look forward to new posts.
Why I come back? I’m living vicariously through you! My life is 180 degrees from yours and there’s times I feel refreshed after reading your posts. If I didn’t think my tits sagged too much and I had a little more courage, I might consider begging you to take me along on your journeys. I like the varied content-never a dull moment reading what you have wrote. I have even worried about you a time or two.
I’ve been researching living in vehicles for a long time, and I ran across truck house, which led me here, because your site is updated a lot more often.
I’ve been reading since about Christmas
I come back partly because I need all the knowledge I can get before I move into my van, and partly because I enjoy reading about your adventures.
I like the blog the way it is, with stories and musings and occasionally technical manuals. The only thing I’d like to see more of is what you do when you aren’t driving or working. What do you do for fun when you have time off? How do you pass the time? Things like that.
As for me, I’m Chris Fuqua (my name is fooqwah on everything), and I’m currently a student in central California. I’m planning on moving into my van summer 2009
Hi!
How did you get here?
Wide Lawns’ blog.
How long have you been reading?
A few months.
Why do you come back?
Although in real life I play a law student and appear responsible, I’ve always had a wonderful crazy dream about living in a van/RV and flying by the seat of my pants. And, of course, there’s one about wanting to show my tatas all over States. Besides that you’re a great writer and I love your varied stories.
What do you want to see here?
A picture of Bro? Maybe you have one up, but I haven’t seen it. I love dogs.
And, of course, who are you?
I’m in law school, but I was an English major and love creative writing. Am living with my chef boyfriend, and am happy. I’m from eastern PA and have a sinful love of shoofly and whoopie pies. The only hole in my life is that I want a pug dog.
How did you get here?
Via Grace Undressed
How long have you been reading?
About three weeks now.
Why do you come back?
I am interested in the perspective of dancers on their work and how it effects their relationships. I keep coming back because the writing is interesting and you are good about updating with new entries.
What do you want to see here?
Whatever you want to write about. What you have going is already interesting.
I also found your blog from truckhouse.
I started reading in November 07
I like your easy style of story telling. I find what you have to offer interesting.
I like it the way it is.
I am from California. Thinking about becoming nomadic.
How did you get here?
— Yahoo’s Van Dwelling Group
How long have you been reading?
— Since December ’07
Why do you come back?
— Don’t know really, just find your posts unique and intriguing. Always hoping that you’ll post a pic of yourself one day. But I really enjoy your unique viewpoint
What do you want to see here?
van living stuff… stripping stories…
And, of course, who are you?
Just a regular guy.
I came here from a yahoo group, you announced that you started a blog.
I have been here from the beginning.
I come back because I enjoy your writing. I especially like hearing how you live with Bro and want more about him and the adventures you go on.
I am Paige, living in Florida, attacker of mean dogs who bite my dogs.
How did you get here?
You were linked from another blog but i’m afraid i forgot which.. i was hunting down new reading material so i was all over the place
How long have you been reading?
about a month now i think
Why do you come back?
because i enjoy reading you! (duh :roll:)
What do you want to see here?
Hm.. more of the same i guess 🙂 i liked the idea of the previous comment, for someone that is used to the comfort of a “big” home, it’d be interesting to see what one can do with spare time when living in a car!
And, of course, who are you?
norwegian 20-something woman, fascinated with stripping, america and roadtrips! I wish i had the courage to do what you do. oh yeah.. maybe thats why i come back 😎
I got here: from another forum at which you dance.
I’ve been reading since: last month, and have read all of your posts!
I come back because: your blog is well written, savvy, full of life, compassionate, and a window into a world I’ve never known. Also, I share some of your thoughts on life, I love to travel and live in unconventional ways, and I respect and admire your wisdom and that you follow your heart.
I want to see: more of what I’m already seeing 🙂
I am 🙂
How did you get here?
I came here from the Wendy usually Wanders blog.
How long have you been reading?
It has been a while, I would guess about six months.
Why do you come back?
It is very interesting hearing about how resourceful you are.
You carry yourself well (no matter the situation).
What do you want to see here?
Pretty much more of the same. I have enjoyed each section of your
site
And, of course, who are you?
Just your everyday (sometimes less than anonymous) reader :>
I got here because I’m involved in a play for the local Fringe festival about sex and sexuality, and when searching for Stripper your blog came up. Or a blog that linked to your blog. Actually maybe it was searching “stripper” and “tax” that brought up a post about paying tax. Most strippers in New Zealand (where I am) don’t seem to pay tax…although they legally should – not sure if they get caught out in the end!
I’ve been reading over the last month, but have read nearly all your posts.
I come back (originally) because you have a different view of stripping than most strippers here – those I talked to here said “Because I’m an exhibitionist and love the money”. I’m still coming back cos I love reading about your life and adventures – you write well and it sounds like you live well.
Want to see- more of the same. Who am I? Young and therefore not sure who I am 🙂
I come here to learn about van life, because i’m about to take the leap in 2 weeks. I’ve read for about a month and i found you when searching for hobo sites. i really love your practical tips for living in a vehicle, especially with an animal since i have a cat. i appreciate your presence on vandwellers and i think you give great advice.
your stripping stories are captivating too, i like peeking in a world that’s largely unknown to me, and the way you write is always enjoyable. i hope to bump into you one day!
I arrived here by way of Susie Bright.
It seems like a few months now.
You write so well, with a perspective I can relate to, about stories that are both similar enough and different enough than my experiences to make it highly interesting and entertaining. You re-mind me in a good way. You feel like people I know well.
It’s nice to know of another intuitive travelor, eco fem, not quite dominant paradigm form fitted, who experienced the strip industry and hear how you see and make your way with it all.
I return because you are a talented story teller. And your stories are therapeutic (whether intended so or not).
oh, and as is evidenced by my lack of vocal sounds today from sinus issues- I have strayed from my herbalism and wise way(susn weed). Your plant posts soothe.
I have not been reading your journal long.. i found you through a livejournal community called poor_skills..
I find your life fascinating… truly and the fact you survive in such cold weather climates like this.. wow…. the only part i do not understand is how you get to shower.. i am one of those people who has to shower everyday.. so i was just curious about that…
I am a guy who lives in North carolina who likes strip clubs and so reading your journal is just a natural extentsion..
thank you for your journal
Chan
I don’t remember how I got to the blog anymore. But my RSS reader shows I’ve been reading it for close to 5 months.
I come back because you seem like a genuine person. Your life is unorthodox (by my point of view) and very interesting.
I guess I would like to see more of what you’re doing so well here, I wouldn’t change a thing. I an curious to know what you look like though (I’m not coming from the horny guy angle, I’m just interested in what someone who’s look matters for her job looks like).
I’m a guy (32) who lives in Albuquerque with my family, going through my “normal” existence.
I got here after seeing you linked on the pages of several folks I enjoy reading and one whom I know in person.
I’ve been reading for a few months now- and delight in it. I come back because I find your blog to be interesting, educational and completely refreshing. Your experiences of life are compelling, your honesty and insight ring true and you spin stories in a way that I can’t help but love.
I’d love to hear more about your use of herbs. I’ve noticed that there are some that are constants in my medicine that you’re using for completely different things, and it makes me curious about what else you’ve discovered. I’m a big fan of the eco-feminist posts, among others.
I am a writer by trade who’s skirted the edge of sex work in the past. I’m classically trained dancer who’s gone modern, an absolute word addict, a kitchen witch, and a kinky, strong woman. Or something like that.
A friend told me about your blog about a week ago, and I subscribed to the feed in Bloglines. I love reading interesting personal stories. It’s like eavesdropping, except you’re inviting us to listen.
What do I want to see here? Is more of the same bad? I just like honest, open voices, and good writing. As long as that’s here, I’ll keep visiting.
Came here via Panther in Pumps blog if i recall correctly.
Been reading you for a fair while now, i like reading about other peoples wiev of life even if i can only live my own, somehow trying to understand other peoples way of living feels a little transcendant 😛 or sumethin`^^.
I do not think id like you to change much of anything (except maybe to make navigating your archives a bit easier, either that im just not smart enough to figure it out, its 50/50 probably)
i`m a 20something taking an education to be an Art Historian in Denmark, so im living the bi-sexual and narrow, but i like to read about the wild and free.
HOW DID YOU GET HERE?
I found you on the Susun Weed Forum
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN READING?
Since sometime in the Spring of 2007
WHY DO YOU COME BACK?
I check up on your blog just about daily, and for many reasons.
I love how you write, and I love reading about your pov as a sex worker, herbalist, feminist and hobo.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE HERE?
Just keep doing what you are doing! If you want to expand, maybe do some more interviews (like the ones with you Mother) with other sex workers, hobos, herbalist etc.
WHO ARE YOU?
A former sex worker, sex workers’ rights activist, tree hugger, dirt worshippin’ pagan, and a feminist in Northern Ontario.
I think that about covers it. 😉
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO SEE HERE (PART II)
I forgot to add maybe more from your Materia Medica as well!
Hi Tara – nice to meet you and thanks for asking 🙂
How did you get here?
By way of Jim Kloss’ “google shared stuff” page after he posted your entry about visiting him a while back.
How long have you been reading?
Ever since I read that entry.
Why do you come back?
You’re an excellent storyteller and the universe keeps throwing you more interesting situations to tell about. I also really like your attitude. You’ve had some difficult times but you are very practical about how you handle it – there isn’t whinging, simply getting what needs to get done done.
I’m also here because it keeps me in touch with another side of myself but more on that in ‘who I am’.
What do you want to see here?
I’m here for the stories and to keep in touch with a life similar in many ways to what I left years ago.
And, of course, who are you?
I’m a 37 year old man working a fairly nondescript corporate-type job that occasionally has me travelling. However, just after my son was born in 1998, the whole family moved to a yurt in the Missouri Ozarks and I blogged about that for a while (http://tyrtle.wordpress.com/yurt-years-faq/). Finances got a bit tight after a couple years and eventually I went back to consulting. In the fall of 2003 we had had enough of the US government and started hunting for jobs outside the US and ended up moving to Toronto where we’ve lived for over four years now.
While I love the life we’re leading now and the city life really suits us, there is something about reading what you’re writing that keeps me in touch with that side of my personality – the one who didn’t work for a big corporation – and I really appreciate that.
I got here through the Grace Undressed blog
Started reading about Nov. 07
I come back because your lifestyle is something I never knew existed and I always like to learn about new things, because you write very well, because you’re witty and insightful.
I’m not too much into the herbs stuff, but I find the mentions of them totally fine. I love all the stripping related stuff, though what I really look for is the behind-the-scenes stuff from your life: i.e. your van-dwelling life and how to do it, Bro (I want some pics too, I love dogs and yours seems like a total trooper and cutie), the difficulties you face in various states etc.
I’m a 22 year old, half German, half French journalism student, living in Zurich, Switzerland. I’m a film buff, I acted in theatre, I do make-up design, I write, I sing, I paint, I read and I swim. That’s the good stuff (I wouldn’t want to admit I can be suuuuuch a bad procrastinator, or? ;))And as well as reading many blogs each day, I also entertain two of my own. The one that is clickable above and this one: http://www.golden-lasso.blogspot.com
How did you get here?
Via the Wise Woman forum.
How long have you been reading?
Only a month or two at most, but I’m hooked!
Why do you come back?
Hmmm, let’s see: quality of writing, sense of humor, overall enlightened attitudes. You remind me of one of my best friends (now a massage therapist, but a former stripper!).
What do you want to see here?
The van stuff always fascinates, but really, more of the same. Oh, maybe more Alaska stories (only if you wanna tell ’em).
And, of course, who are you?
I’m a library science grad student in New York.
How did you get here?
a friend emailed me a link to one of your blog posts a while back about boundaries in your profession. she felt your thoughts were universal and could be applied to our professions too (she’s a professional tarot card reader, and i’m a holistic practitioner)
How long have you been reading?
since this past summer 2007. i love it so much that i actually syndicated your blog to livejournal so that your posts would come to me automatically. you’re syndicated here: http://syndicated.livejournal.com/hobostripper/
Why do you come back?
because what you say resonates with me.
What do you want to see here?
you continuing to share your beautiful self and life journey!
And, of course, who are you?
0uroborus.livejournal.com
Got here via SW.
Started reading last year.
I stay because I dance too, I love to daydream about vandwelling, and love puppies.
I’m cherry_sin on the forum. Currently living and dancing in the midwest. 🙂
How did you get here?
I have no idea. I know that I followed a link from somewhere.
How long have you been reading?
About a year? No, maybe nine months. I don’t drop in as often as I would like to but I do when I have time.
Why do you come back?
Your writing is excellent, your stories are invariably interesting, and I’ve developed a liking for you.
What do you want to see here?
I would never stipulate what goes in a personal blog so I’ll pass on this one.
And, of course, who are you?
I’m tenderhooligan (of tenderhooligan.wordpress.com), but you can call me Alice.
I was linked here from Susie Bright’s blog a few months back. I like reading about your work and especially your relationships with other strippers and people in the industry. I guess I’m here to just enter, in a measured way, into someone else’s experience–aren’t we all?
And me? I’m a graduate student nearing thirty in Texas. I spend my days procrastinating and then frantically trying to read thousand-page novels. Once I finish my coursework…well, then it’ll be procrastinating all the time. 🙂 My favorite procrastination techniques are cooking, knitting, cutting little things out of paper, reading blogs, and really anything else that doesn’t look like work.
How did you get here? VanDweller link on Yahoo
How long have you been reading? Months
Why do you come back? I appreciate what you share.
What do you want to see here? Your continued sharing.
And, of course, who are you? A fellow van dweller.
How did you get here? From your link on Susun Weed’s site
How long have You been reading? For the past week.
Why do you come back? I suppose I’m fascinated by your lifestyle and outlook on life.
What do you want to see here? I’m quite happy with what is here already. I’ll keep coming back every so often to see how you’re getting along.
Who are you? A middle-aged English woman into herbalism and nutrition, and living simply and honestly.
Hi. I got here via Susie Bright’s blog and I’ve been reading for about six months now. I have read all your back stuff too. I ccome back because you are interesting and I love to read about interesting people. I read memoirs in my spare time as well. I enjoy your postings and that’s all I want to see. I can picture your shares about the view or landscape or feelings or even the weather. I am there with you, like a fly on the wall.
As I am a suburban housewife with a grown son (moved out) who’s too shy to be naked and live in a van, I live vicariously through you. I see your life like a book with chapters.
Thank you and please, keep up the good work. I hope it fulfills you as well. (=
How did you get here?
My daughter told me recently that she was planning to live in a van and urged me to google “van dwelling” when I was less than enthusiastic about the idea. Your blog was on the first page of “van dwelling” google results.
How long have you been reading?
About a month
Why do you come back?
You are a great writer – that’s the primary reason. I like the herbal information and plan to try nettles when they show up next spring/summer as a result of your writing about them.
Your description of van dwelling makes me a little more comfortable with the idea of my daughter moving from apartment living to van dwelling in a couple of weeks. That’s probably the 2nd reason. Uh, your stripping adventures….not so much. Though I hesitate to mention that due to your reaction when folks disapprove or try to talk you out of it.
As a few others have mentioned “wanting to know what happens next” – this is a serial real life story. I’m into memoirs big time but they are written after the face. Interesting to read the story as it happens.
And, of course, who are you?
Live in PA, business owner, mom of three grown kids, happily married for 38 years, watching over elderly parents’ care and well-being, knitter, weaver, spinner (yarn, not stories!), and a follower of Christ.
Make that….”I’m into memoirs big time but they are written after the fact. Interesting to read the story as it happens.”
Hi,
I came here through Susie Bright’s blog, so I’ve been reading since sometime in the fall.
I’m a feminist comedian in Chicago.
I love your portraits of other people in your life. Your mom, your friends, other strippers, clients.
I would also like a picture of Bro!
How did you get here?
I think I found you on the sidebar of Mistress Matisse’s blog.
How long have you been reading?
3 or 4 months
Why do you come back?
I’ll probably never be a stripper or a van dweller, but there’s aspects of both lifestyles that appeal to me. Reading about your experiences here lets me live a little vicariously, I guess.
What do you want to see here?
However much more of your journeys you feel like sharing with us. You’ve got a wonderful writing style, and a compelling point of view. 🙂
And, of course, who are you?
Just a Canadian prairie girl who spends too much time on the internet.
How did you get here?/How long have you been reading? – Hat-Ma led me here, by the heart and the weblink… she told me about you in a phone call, I brought up the link, and I’ve read it almost daily ever since…
Why do you come back? – You write honestly and very well, and as a once-upon-a-time frequenter of strip clubs in Denver (where I met Hat-Ma) I respect your profession greatly. It’s a fusion, this blog, of sacred and profane elements alike, which is irresistible to a sinner like me.
What do you want to see here? – your ideas and perspectives as they’ve been expressed thus far make it what it is, so leaving it as it is works for this mick … I just hope it doesn’t become like a StripTravelLog version of “The Sopranos†where it’s awesome the first two years, draws me in like heroin, then sucks forever afterwards.
And, of course, who are you? I teach high school English in Southern Cal. Anymore than that might really bore the shit out of you… 😉
~Irish
Oh yeah, I failed to mention WHEN I started reading … sorry … sometime on Sept 22 2007, according to my webrowser history… Irish
I always find the responses to these posts fascinating. So many interesting readers!
I followed Susie Bright’s recommendation over to your blog last year – September, I think – and have stuck around for your great writing, interesting experiences, and take on life.
I personally find your stripper experiences more interesting than your van-dwelling ones … but the van-dwelling ones surprise me more often. So perhaps that’s not accurate. It’s all interesting, but in different ways. I can just relate to the former a bit better than the latter.
And me? I’m a happy fat kiwi polyamorous pansexual sex-blogger – and chose those labels myself 🙂
xx Dee
How did you get here? Since Audacia Ray did her review of your blog.
How long have you been reading? See the above response.
Why do you come back? Several reasons. You’re a good writer, you’re an interesting person, you tell good stories and I like to see that you’re still posting and are safe. 🙂
What do you want to see here? I’d like to see stories about your life, the people you meet, what it’s like being a stripper, how Bro is,
And, of course, who are you? I’m a US expat living in New Zealand
How did you get here?
Via Stripperweb Link
How long have you been reading?
Since April/May 07
Why do you come back?
I love the wide variation of topics. It’s not JUST a stripperblog.
What do you want to see here?
pictures!
And, of course, who are you?
Avalon (aka Britneyireland on Stripperweb)
oh
and
For the Susan Weed resemblance and re-minder.
For the Bukowski resemblance too.
I can’t remember how long I’ve been reading, but I came here through Wilderix and I stuck around because you have such fascinating stories. I like to hear about living in Alaska. I never knew anything about the stripper lifestyle, so I find that interesting. I don’t understand the question, “Who are you?” Do you want to know my name, what I do, or what?
Call me Desha, I am a newly psuedo-named, formerly public blogger, gone underground to explore sex, relationships past and present, family, love and religion and its often-damaging effects on our lives. Ok, MY life. You can find me at thelongversion dot wordpress dot com (Desha Vu)
I got here via WideLawns and need to link you asap now that I don’t have a “PG” rated blog!
I have been reading here probably 6 months or more- I’ve commented before but not under this name.
I came for the funny title and stayed for all the great stories. I especially like the “on the road” and dog/friends/strangers/Alaska stories. And the stepping ones, too – I’ve never been to a strip club and secretly would love to!
I’d love to see a picture of your dog and/or van, or just the views you see.
Thanks for everything!
We’ll I guess I’m the newbie on the block. I just started reading your blog today. Not sure how I found the site, I’m sure it was a link from somewhere. 🙂
So far, your blog is ROCK’IN!! I still have the archives to go through.
I’m HOOKED!!
Canis
You blog was linked about two weeks ago on a favorite website of mine, disinfo.com. I come back because I am a huge fan of your blog and a writer myself, so I try to check it out every other day or so. I was also grabbed by the fact that you are reading Ishmael, one of my favorite books. I like your story and your perspective on life. I’ve also always wanted to live a nomadic life with few attachments, but I’ve never had the courage to do so myself. I admire that about you :).
By yes, my name is Lauren and I plan to keep coming back if you’ll have me.
How did you get here?
From Wide Lawns, via Waiter Rant.
How long have you been reading?
Since last summer.
Why do you come back?
Your writing. I am totally enchanted.
What do you want to see here?
Anything you want to write about. I know nothing about people who live in
vans, cars, buses etc., or females that work as strippers. Then, here I find a blog written by a woman who has an amazing perspective and writing style … much better than many published writers or industry leaders … living and working in such unconventional ways. You are quite a natural talent.
And, of course, who are you?
A mother/student/office worker/history teacher wanna be living in California.
How did you get here?
From Susie Brights blog.
How long have you been reading?
About 6months, I’d say.
Why do you come back?
Entertaining writing, great story-telling, unique subject matters. Another key element is my appreciation for those in life who have common sense skills. I work in academia (or so they call it), and I have a theory of common sense: It is inversely related to any letters following your name. The more letters, the less common sense you have. The wisest persons I have ever met or read, were those that were self-educated, who lived their education. You not only have lived your education, but have communicated some of the most important lessons here.
What do you want to see here?
More of the same, see above.
And, of course, who are you?
A thirty-something partnered lesbian, working at 2 midwest universities, chasing a dream, all while raising 7 cats, 2 dogs, a hamster, chinchilla, and several tanks of fishes. And no, the dream is not being a vet, although it would save me money in the end.
My sister told me about your blog. I’ve been reading a few months now because I like the way you spin a tale and harbor secret fantasies of taking to the road myself. I enjoy all the herb stuff so keep that up. Actually, I like it all, don’t change a thing. I live in Portland, OR where I grow food in my yard and take lots of walks.