Who are You, and Why are You Here?
tell me why you're reading this
This newsletter now has 800+ subscribers.
I know some of you. Most are strangers.
Who are you?
I began this newsletter with the goal of deconstructing the modern idea of “adventure.” Now it’s the Blake Boles variety show, in which I…
Describe the ups and downs of my peripatetic, low-income, high-freedom existence
Share book notes, a-ha moments, and entrepreneurial schemes
Tell outdoor and travel adventure stories
Lightly psychoanalyze myself
If you know me personally, I can guess why you’re here—this is the easiest way to stay in touch until we cross paths again.
For everyone else, I’d love to know: Why are you here? What’s the draw?
Finally, a request: Please comment.
When you comment on these posts, I feel like I’m not whispering into the void.
You can send supportive comments (lifetime achievement award:
). You can send challenging ones (like when said I just want to date myself). You can just say, “I vibe.”If you’re not someone who typically comments on stuff like this, I invite you to give it a shot. These aren’t formal articles; they’re glorified blog posts. Remember blogs? Their informality and interactivity contributed to their charm and genius.
Try it out. Leave a comment. Tell me what brought you here, or who you are, or what you’re hoping to find.
At the end of the day, I’ll write what I want. But it’s nice to know who’s listening.
Thanks for your attention. It’s a gift.
Hi Blake! I’m a mom of 3 unschoolers, 2 who are now adults. I enjoy reading about ways you’ve cultivated a life without the common restraints.
I vibe. :) Hi Blake! It's Ivey and I FEEL like I know you, but of course, we've never met. Mom of three semi-grown kids 18,21 and 24, and a gap year consultant. I don't remember how I chanced upon you and your work, but am guessing it was researching gap year programs....many moons ago. Our family did two extended trips where we forsook all that we had and took off, often times to the chagrin of our kids. I understand how one can plug into the electrical current of world travel and be almost wholly fortified AND the call of a home base and a family and have tried to staddle that situation for my entire adult life. Our children have now answered the call and I am living vicariously through them as they explore the world. We TRIED to settle down, but will put our house on the market soon and cash out and hit the road. My work is remote so it's not a total gamble. I read your words like a groupie and am always excited to see you in my inbox. You're sort of a 'remote' mentor. I gave your book to my middle child (age 21) who is currently living in Argentina and he thought it was prophetic. He went as a study abroad student and then told us he was staying. He's now fluent and has an Argentine girlfriend and will likely finish college in BA, in Spanish...which I'm so proud of. You could say that it's a ripple effect of your influence. I remember reading about your first Argentina trip so long ago and being inspired. Also, and I may be off base on this one...but, based on your description of what you look for in a partner, I think I know her...and she'd be down for your shenanigans. I tried to connect you a few years ago.... I hope you're well and all the best! Thanks for narrating your life.