A Year of Fire, Water and Epic Adventures

2024: A Year of Fire, Water, and Epic Adventures If I had to describe 2024 in one word, it would be "unforgettable." This was the year I poured my heart into creating something meaningful, traveled across two continents, celebrated milestones, and tackled a few unexpected challenges. While I didn’t blog last year, I was living the stories I’m finally ready to share with you. ​

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The year kicked off with Freezerburn, a Burning Man regional event in Texas. Temperatures dipped below 8°F, and we were all sent home early before the cold turned us into popsicles. Later in the year, I experienced two more Burns in Texas, including Alma Burn, a tiny event with only about 80 participants.

Alma Burn was truly magical, as we got to witness a total solar eclipse with this intimate community—a moment I’ll never forget. From the chill of Texas, we transitioned to the warmth of Uruguay for three incredible weeks in the spring. Anand and I immersed ourselves in learning Spanish in a completely different way. The unique “shhhh” sounds of Uruguayan Spanish were so distinct compared to the Mexican and Spanish Spanish I was used to. We explored beautiful beaches, visited an acquaintance of a community friend, and discovered how to navigate food and culture in this wonderful country.

Next came Europe, where Anand and I embarked on a 10-week adventure that started with a Burn in Spain. Six days in a stunning desert, complete with composting, recycling, and even urinals for people with vulvas (brilliant idea, right?). It felt like Burning Man with a European twist, and the sense of connection and creativity was just as strong as it is on the Playa. After the Burn in Spain, we made our way through Scandinavia, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Basel, and Portugal. One of the highlights was biking the Portuguese Coastal Camino de Santiago. Every day brought new sights, fresh air, and a sense of accomplishment as we shouted “Bom Caminho!” to fellow travelers. Of course, we couldn’t visit Europe without stopping in Germany to reconnect with some of my long-term friends from when I lived there. Spending time with them and visiting my niece and nephew was a highlight of the trip. I even got to meet my niece’s partner for the first time—it was wonderful to see her so happy. After all the exploring, we ended our journey with a week relaxing on Portugal’s pristine beaches, soaking in the sunshine and reflecting on everything we’d experienced. Of course, my journey wasn’t just physical—it was deeply connected to my passion for empowering women in postmenopause. From building resources like Vitality After Menopause: A Pocket Guide to Holistic Living to creating the companion workbook for men, much of my energy went into helping others navigate this transformative phase. Back home, life kept me on my toes.

We returned to find a water leak in our yard, which eventually led to a 30-foot trench for 2 months, and no water for a week. (Pro tip: And just when I thought things had settled, jury duty came calling—because why not?

But 2024 wasn’t just about challenges—it was also a year of incredible milestones. I earned my Master’s degree in Health and Wellness Coaching from MUIH, became a Certified Menopause Coach (finished this month), and published Vitality After Menopause 1: A Pocket Guide to Holistic Living. This book has already started to make a difference for women navigating postmenopause, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work I’ve done to support this community. When I wasn’t traveling or working on my book series, I enjoyed hiking and biking around Austin or doing Tai Chi with my friends Karina, Stacey, Kelly, and Joel. My partner and I explored markets, visited the Museum of Illusions, and shared countless laughs along the way. These moments reminded me of the importance of staying active and connected, especially during life’s transitions—postmenopause included. Looking back, 2024 was a year of growth, adventure, and resilience. From dusty Burns in Texas and Spain to the serene beaches of Portugal, every moment was an opportunity to learn, connect, and thrive. Much of my inspiration this year came from my work in postmenopause wellness, and I’m excited to keep sharing these stories and creating new ones. Stay tuned for more adventures—and maybe fewer trenches in my yard! Here’s to thriving together,

Rusty Alexandra Ferrel
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The more I hold myself close and fully embrace who I am, the more I thrive. – Elliot Page, December 1, 2020

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