Hi, I’m Amanda. I love traveling, making art, and sharing my adventures online. I’ve visited 37 states and 6 countries and have lived in over 20 different places. Five years ago, I had emergency surgery that changed my life. When I woke up, everything was different.
Just two months after turning 21, the strong abs I was proud of were replaced with over 20 staples down my stomach. Learning to walk again took a long time, and I had to drop out for the semester from West Virginia University.
I was really looking forward to being 21, but then my doctor told me I couldn’t drink anymore. Everyone tried to protect me because I kept getting sick from all the germs at college after my surgery. I saw this as a chance to do something different.
I realized how quickly life can change, and I didn’t want to spend my life working a regular job and only traveling a few times a year. That just wasn’t enough for me.
I always believed there was a better way to enjoy life and its unique beauties. So, I finished my degree in Forensic Science with a minor in Sociology at West Virginia University.
I worked hard as a bartender and managed a bar in New York City to pay off a lot of student debt. I also saved money for a big but small change in my life.
It’s time to finally show you the last tour of “Crystal 2.0,” my second do-it-yourself tiny home on wheels. Crystal is a 2018 Ford Transit with a 148-inch wheelbase. I bought her in September 2018 and moved in right away, sleeping on a cot and keeping my clothes in bins.
With my friend Wess Lewis, I built everything except the solar and plumbing in 18 days. Then, I hit the road to keep traveling.
During my travels, I met Phil who helped redesign the space in my tiny home from the kitchen back. He also improved my storage, built a rooftop deck, and set up solar and plumbing.
I see “Crystal 2.0” as a moving piece of art made with the help of many talented people. I am so thankful for how she turned out and all the great memories I made while building her and traveling.
All my videos and posts are free, so if you enjoy them, please consider donating. You can also subscribe to my channel at YouTube and buy art or stickers from my website at Art Van Grow.
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