It’s been a fantastic week. The big news? My power plant is officially hooked up to the solar panels! It feels great watching those batteries charge up directly from the sun—true energy independence at last. We also have a brand new family member in the Ppt Posse! Raz Artis Our new pup, Raz joined the crew this week and is already loving the van life as much as we are. The setup is running smoothly, the sun is shining, and the posse is growing. Life is good! Read the full stories below in each box click on words … Continue reading!
“Step by step we build. We may stumble, we may fall; spring is almost here, so spring back up and step on!” Pp the van, and the Purple Passion Travels Posse
Welcome to the family, Raz! That is such a touching story—it sounds like she found exactly where she was meant to be. It’s a beautiful coincidence (or maybe just fate) about the Locust Fork connection. Here is a polished version of your announcement, keeping your warm tone while cleaning up the grammar and flow:
A New Heartbeat in the Posse
The Ppt Posse would like to officially welcome our newest member: Raz!
Raz is a 6-year-old “classic” teacup Apple Head Chihuahua. She’s tiny, but she’s already filled up a lot of space in our hearts.
Raz’s Journey
Just a few weeks ago, Raz was living happily with her human mom. Sadly, her mom fell ill, was admitted to the hospital, and never made it back home. It was a heartbreaking time for little Raz. Her human niece, Sarah, took her in but realized she wasn’t in a position to give Raz the full-time care she deserves.
Sarah knew exactly who to turn to—folks who would provide a loving, forever home on the road.
A Meant-To-Be Moment
While Jg and Kathy Rose were busy working on me (the van!), we heard a voice hollering, “Hello, hello!” It was Sarah, our landlord’s daughter, walking up with Raz cradled in her arms. She looked at the crew and said, “I know you want this little girl.” It was love at first sight.
A Strange Bit of Fate
Here’s the kicker: The Ppt Posse just took a day trip to Locust Fork, Alabama last Sunday. When we checked Raz’s vet tags, guess where she’s from? Locust Fork, Alabama. Talk about a small world! It feels like she was meant to find us all along.
“Sugar was Raz’s twin—our Chihuahua who passed away almost two years ago. Raz looks just like a miniature version of Sugar.”
The New Lineup
Since she’s so tiny, she won’t add much weight for me to carry, which keeps my tires happy. Even when life feels like it’s reaching the end of the road, there is always a new “posse” out there ready to love you and accept you exactly as you are.
Well, JG drove me to Locust Fork, Alabama, for his first plein air painting trip. It was a good trip! JG said I was a good girl and that I’m running like new.
Below is a link to the post, the story, and images of JG’s painting from today.
Hello, Pp the van here!Sunday, March 1, 2026, Review
To days Review Sunday, March 1, 2026,”My blog post by me Pp the van “Purple Passions “ on the Purple Passion Travels (PPT) website. A weekly roundup and navigation hub for recent updates and features.
Website Update Announcement: I can confirm that the Jg ARTis main website (jgartis.com) has been updated. The top of the homepage now features three clickable images that link directly to specialized blogs, making it easier for visitors to “dive in” to specific content.
“Pp the Van” Greeting: The post is written from the perspective of “Pp the van,” the central vehicle of the Purple Passion Travels journey.
Featured Content & Links: The page provides direct links to several recent stories and updates, including:
PPT Posse Report: Updates on the team (JG, Kathy Rose, Louie, and Tippy) and the successful setup of the van’s power systems.
Art Updates: Links to “Tad, First painting of 2026” and the “TAD Shop” for new painting additions.
Past Reviews: It includes a look back at the February 22,2026 review, noting that while the week was “busy but slow,” the “Ppt posse” is one step closer to their first big trip.
“The Jg ARTis homepage has been updated! Explore our latest work through the three featured images at the top of the page, each linking directly to our specialized blogs. Visit JgARTis.com to dive in.”
“It’s been one of those ‘busy but slow’ weeks—if you know what I mean—but we’re making progress! Thanks to JG, Kathy Rose, Louie, and Tippy, the Ppt posse, the power systems are officially up and running. We’re one step closer to our first big trip! Stay tuned for the next update.”
Update: New Features for Jg ARTis Blogs Just a quick update from Jg (James Gregory Artis)! Jg has upgraded the comment sections on all three of his blogs: PPT: Purple Passion Travels Jg’s Thoughts TAD: Tiny Art Decor (where Jg posts his paintings and art-related content)
What’s New? The new comment box is packed with features to help you engage: Image Sharing: You can now upload images directly in the comments. Article Ratings: Let us know what you think of the post. Smart Notifications: Subscribe to get notified when someone replies to your comment. Reactions: Use the “thumbs up” or “thumbs down” (just like on Facebook). Social Sharing: When you give a “thumbs up,” you have the option to share the post directly to your social media. We hope you enjoy these new updates! If you have any questions, feel free to comment below or email PP or JG at commentbox@jgartis.com. Live, like, and comment! PP out!
The PPT Posse Report Jg (James Gregory Artis) just got my front-end suspension installed! He says I’m driving like a brand-new van now. He did the alignment himself, but he’s still going to have it done professionally; they have computers to do it, whereas Jg has to do it the old-fashioned way. Jg also got my “power plant” mostly installed, so I will have power just like you have in your house—even when I’m parked in a parking lot. No power bill for me! Health & Wellness This week has been full of cold weather and doctor appointments for the PPT posse. Kathy Rose had an endoscopy (a procedure where a doctor uses a thin, flexible tube with a camera to look inside the body). It’s the gold standard for seeing what’s going on without large incisions. She ended up having her esophagus stretched. Jg and Kathy also had their three-month primary doctor check-ups. Kathy Rose is all good! Jg, on the other hand, got in a little trouble—ha ha! He’s been eating a few too many sweets, so I know he’ll be correcting that. Afterward, Kathy Rose and Jg went to Dr. Eric’s for a well-needed adjustment. Dr. Eric said he had to adjust Jg’s “rear” because he’s been working so hard on my “front end” lol! Final Thoughts It’s wet and raining today, February 27, 2026, but Jg is still going to be working on me. Keep on keeping on, even if the “creek does rise and no one is willing.” — PP the Purple Passion Van and the PPT (Purple Passion Travels) Posse
On June the 25th, we went to meet PP for the first time. She was stabled in Talladega Al. Drove down from Altoona, Al to meet her. Fell in love at first sight, all that purple Put a life, energy source “battery” in her she cranked right up. All her eyes lite up! Pulled her into gear and she drove forward and backwards no problem. Done the adoption papers on her paid the fee and was off to take her to meet her sister Vanna the 1999 Windstar Ford Van. Had to stop and feed her. Oh My! she can hold a lot. 35 gallons as you can see me sitting in her looking at my phone not once but twice and the bank was still broke. Headed home had to stop and cool off. It was a hot one that day and feed ourselves at McDonald’s. After feeding PP that’s all we could afford. Made it home parked PP beside her sister Vanna. And then…
Hello, this will be a blog about PP Artis, our old but new van to turn into a tiny home/camper.
PP is a 1999 dodge ram 2500 van extended and raised roof. 16ft x 6 inside that’s almost 100 sq ft. We named her Purple Passion. That’s where the Purple Passion Travels blog name comes from. We plan on traveling South into Florida in the winter and North in the summer and then spring and fall to stay and travel around Alabama.
Some of you know, others won’t know but I’m JG Artis born James Gregory Artis, but I go by JG or JG Artis. Being an Artist is where my passion lies, and that’s where the Purple Passion comes from. In my paintings purple shows up in all my paintings. I love to paint landscapes, still life and portraits, mainly of pets. Don’t like people that much to paint them. Lol. The reasoning to get PP, as I call her for short, is so that I can take my photographer, as some of you know, is Kathy Rose And the 3 bosses, the 3 chihuahuas. Tippy, Sugar and Louie. So I can take them out with me and go painting on location live. I like to get out and park on the side of the road anywhere that I can pull off and see an old truck or building, a barn, lake, pond, tree, cow. I like to go and paint it Live. it’s just different from painting in the studio, so that’s why I sold my art shed and bought PP so that I can make a mobile studio and we can travel in and can have the babies there and have a bed and can be comfortable. And we won’t have to eat out and can spend the night. That’s just some of the reasonings to get PP. I will be posting and doing some videos and lots and lots of photos. As I continue to build PP. right now, it’s an empty blank slate, and I will completely build it from scratch and y’all can follow along. And then after a couple of months, hopefully we’ll start to get it on the road even if it ain’t finished. I’ll be updating you on my paintings and showing the paintings also that I do….. The Purple Passion Travels. Hope to see you on the road! Later, JG
“deep subject for a ——– ——-” if you know you know.
Iam at 3 weeks of recover on my neck enfision. All is going well, still weak in all my muscles but getting stronger everyday and less pain.
So the dream is off pause, all most one year later it time to get back going. Painting and building Pp the van and get back to traveling.
I’m going to post here on blogger vs Facebook. Why because Facebook is so finicky!
I will post a link on Facebook that iv added something new on the blog here.
Also you can send me your email, text number or I can send you a notice on Facebook messenger. Just let me know with comment below or in my fb messenger,
on ppt artis or jgartis,
my text number 8504264267,
email ppt@jgartis.com
I want be being on sbb or sbb bf as much I plan on posting here on the blog and on jgartis my art Facebook account. Try to make it simple to keep up with the ppt purple passion travels posse.
Remember you can always find everything from ppt posse to Jg ARTis art @
We had Pp’s butt modified. Took the back bumper off & removed the trailer hitch.We extended the frame 3 ft then reinstalled the trailer hitch.
Why you may ask! We’ll, glad you asked! I’ll be glad to tell you! lol. The 3 ft extention will be a bathroom, a shower and the toilet. That way the toilet’s not inside the van and the shower moisture is not in the van and more room to live in. Taking the square feet from 76 to 90 square feet.
Then we installed a trailer hitch on the front so I can install my electric winch. Pp will need this if she gets stuck or to help pull someone else that has gotten stuck.
Thank you to my helpers, Bryan and K Rose for their help. Bryan did most all the heavy lifting, all the welding and helping design. Ty
The start of building the mobile paint studio, part of Pp the van. Started with making a board that fits on the van steering wheel and makes a paint easel to paint on. This board will also be the top to the box that will hold my paint, brushes, water, boards to paint on, etc..
My good helper, Blackfoot the cat!!
Some pics of the building process!
The box
The easel
Easel on the steering wheel
So its not finished or painted, just raw wood. I’ll use it for a bit & see if it needs any changes & then I’ll sand, finish and paint.
Went to my Last appointment on my neck surgery yesterday.
Got a clean bill of health. Doc said I’m all good. Can return to all activities except for housework and ladies work. He did!! Doc said 2 years before I can start that back Lol!
Now all my muscles that I haven’t used in the last year while laying in the bed sick, are screaming at me & sore as hell. I am eating right and exercising, going to gym and taking it slow as I can . Anyone that knows me, knows that it’s hard for me to take it easy.
Pp took the posse on an outing today. Pp had me drive her 48 miles, 1 hr 40 minutes.
She was in a running mood!
So went & found a new small park to eat lunch “old fashion garlic bologna sandwich with no bake chocolate peanut butter candy. Very good!
After lunch I painted, not the best I’ve ever painted but, got to start back somewhere. There was a cabin across the lake and when I saw it, I had to paint it!
Took the two chihuahuas of the posse with us, they loved the food and the walk & all the smells etc..
this platform will be closed in and this will be the bathroom and shower. added the lights from our shuttle bus tiny home theses lights cam on the bus.
then removed the back doors and boarded it up there will be a pass though door from inside the van to the bathroom.
then built the platform. first framed then cut the bottom board to the size and shape then added a sheet of pvc plastic to the bottom to protect from water. added a frame filed it with spray foam then toped it with a 1/4 inch plywood and painted it.
once the bathroom is closed in will install a finished floor thanking about palette board sealed with a clear coating.
Giving Pp a head lift. Post on work done back in 2024 before my surgery.
Raising her roof, nothing much like a facelift but just as needed. First backed her under the big magnolia tree in our yard to use one of its limbs. Then went around Pp, took out all the screws that were holding the raised top fiberglass topper so we can raise it 8 inch’s. To do this i used the winch on the front of la Vincent our shuttle bus/tiny home. Run it across the tree limb and down through the top of Pp where the ac unit was. Looped it around a 2×4 board. Pp’s top lifted right up in the air.
Then measured the gap between Pp’s bottom frame and the top, decided what Height i wanted and cut a 1/2 inch board. Then with screws we fastened the top of Pp to the board and the board to Pp’s frame.
Now the front was little harder it took building a frame working around the corners and filling it in. Will come back and do a finish board, pvc and wood with fiberglass and Bondo and then paint it.
ok Ty for reading and looking at the photos. Jg and the PPt Posse
Pp took me and the posse out to the park to have lunch and do some plein air painting. Was 65 but felt a lot colder with the wind up on the mountain. We made a video for TikTok and youtube. check it out when you get time let us know what you think. should i do more videos? on Ppt blog homepage ppt.jgartis.com there is links to PPt youtube and TikTok below is link to yesterdays video 05/11/2025 Ty for reading and maybe watching lol. Jg and the Ppt posse
home to Ppt and ppt posse, where the building of pp the van is happening. Also home of T.A.D. tiny art decor made and painted by the artist Jg ARTis. This video is behind the scenes of where it all happens.
In the pictures below you can see a before and after then the photo by its self is a Photoshop drawing of what it will look like once it is finished. this past week i took the headlights from our tiny home shuttle bus La Vincent and added them to pp below the original headlights. why? so i can see when driving at night the second set of headlights almost doubles the amount i can see. so it was well worth it. then i made a custom grill for pp the only thing not done is adding the words in the girl Purple passion and finishing painting it and spraying a clear coat on it. over a day was spent modifying and installing the frame for the second set of lights and a long day on the running the wiring for the new lights and i still have a day installing the switches when the come in the mail from amazon. every day pp gets a little closer to being built but there’s a long way to go. Ty for taking a look. Jg and the ppt posse
P.S. please if you have time scroll to the bottom of the post and comment that lets me know you seen it and helps encourage me to do more post on the progress of Pp Ty Jg
In the image above of the front side of Pp i painted a Qr code that when you point your phone camera at it, it brings up the link “url” to Pptl.jgartis.com
I also have updated the Ppt website and blog page.
let me know below in the comments what you like, dislike and suggestions.
I was driving Pp the van when she started missing more and more, to the point she almost couldn’t pull herself. I made it home, figuring the problem was from water that had gotten into her gas tank.
The next day, she wouldn’t even crank would turn over. I started diagnosing the issue, not knowing where that road would lead me. First, I put a tester on the fuel rail and found no fuel pressure at all. Okay, I thought the fuel filter was clogged. Nope—my 1999 Dodge Ram Van 2500 with the 5.2L engine (Miss Pp) is too good to have an external fuel filter.
Next, I figured the fuel pump must have gone bad. I tested it and found no power going to the fuel pump. I was like, “What the fuck Pp, why are you acting out?” I checked all the fuses and relays; they were good. I just stood there and looked at her, “You damn bad girl.”
So, I asked God—oh, I mean, Google—what was up with my bad, bitchy girl. Google said it was her brain: the ECM (Engine Control Module). There’s a safety feature that cuts the ground to the fuel pump if the van rolls over or the engine stops turning. That sparked some major PTSD and bad anxiety. I had previously spent months and went through six rebuilt ECMs just to get a good one for her.
After cursing her out and feeling like setting her on fire, I did more Googling and found I didn’t have to buy a new ECM; I could get a bypass switch. I ordered the bypass switch and a new fuel pump. I removed her fuel tank, got it cleaned out, and reinstalled it with the new pump and bypass kit.
Pp cranked right up, but she still had a bad miss. “Still a bad van, what now?” I thought maybe the bad gas had ruined her fuel injectors and plugs, so I changed them. More money spent. Still, the bad girl was missing.
Back to testing everything. I was listening to her and she was popping like electric cracking. Well, it turned out she had two bad spark plug wires. Replaced the wires, and she cranked and is now running like new!
I took her to fuel up, and she had to show out one more time. She wouldn’t take the gas to the tank. “W.T.F. now, Pp?” It turns out I had to apologize to her: I had left a baggie in the fuel pipe that I used to keep trash and water out of the tank until it was put back in. Well, now she is truly running like a brand new girl!
The Weight Loss Plan
I took her back to feed her, and all seemed good, but she felt a little heavy. I ran her across the scales and, sure enough, she was 70 lb over her limit. That shouldn’t be!
I came home and cried. She can’t legally run down the road overweight. I spent the rest of the day sick and ready to give up on her and the dream.
The next day, after racking my brain, I came up with a plan: a massive weight-loss program.
I started by cutting off her “nose job,” which meant removing the extended front bumper, the winch, and the two batteries used to run it. That alone took off 300 lb. Then, I took all the tools, supplies, and some other stuff out of her. I got her 1000 lb lighter in total.
So now, I have to come up with a plan on how to finish building her and put all our necessary stuff back in. The original plan was to travel light, only carrying a week’s worth of supplies and just the basic things we need to live. By returning to the original plan, I’m ready to start Monday, getting back to finishing her build.
(Pp) Status Update, summarizing the progress over the last two weeks, focusing on critical mechanical fixes and weight-reduction measures, as well as the ongoing exterior build.
1. Mechanical Recovery and Performance After facing severe issues with misfiring and almost no fuel pressure, the problem with Pp (1999 Dodge Ram Van 2500, 5.2L) was ultimately resolved. Diagnostics led to checking the fuel pump, ECM, and finally, replacing two faulty spark plug wires.
* Status:
Pp is now running exceptionally well, better than ever before.
2. Weight Reduction and Structural Work A major weight loss initiative was undertaken after discovering Pp was significantly overweight for legal road operation.
* Front-End Reduction: The extended front bumper, winch, and two auxiliary batteries were removed, saving approximately 300 lbs. A total of 1000 lbs was initially removed to get the van under the legal limit.
* exterior Weight-Saving:
Further weight reduction was achieved by replacing heavy exterior boards (originally 49 lbs) with much lighter alternatives (now 5 lbs).
This week October 20 -25
will be focused on finishing the sealing and painting of the lighter boards. I’ll also be finishing the back door to hold the spare tire and building a bay window. The bay window will be in the bathroom in the very back of PP. Finally, the wiring hooking up the back driving lights needs to be secured, and the turn signal relay needs to be replaced since it only works half the time.
The last two weeks have been extremely challenging. My health has taken a hit due to constant exposure to harsh environmental factors. Our gravel road, just 100 feet from the build site, has been used all day by trucks hauling chicken waste. The resulting combination of gravel road dust, chicken dust, and fumes unfortunately triggered an upper respiratory infection. This illness, combined with a severe cold snap and heavy rain, limited my available work time to only an hour or so each day. Consequently, progress on the project (Pp) has slowed to a crawl. This is very disappointing, and it now looks unlikely that we will meet our deadline to be in Pensacola, Florida, for the New Year.
News on the Build of Pp Despite the setbacks, we’ve achieved several major milestones: * Dried In: Pp is now fully dried in! I finally installed all the access doors leading to the various storage departments—for tools, camping gear, my art supplies and finished paintings, and separate compartments for Pp maintenance, garbage, and sewer maintenance. * Exterior Painting: Just yesterday, we completed priming and painting the entire exterior with three coats of purple. Now, the sides and back are ready for my artistic paintings! I haven’t decided what to paint yet, so any suggestions are welcome. * Roof Protection: All three coats of the rubber coating have been applied to the roof. It is now completely sealed and ready for the solar panels to be installed.
Heating System Installed As winter approaches and colder temperatures are predicted, a critical comfort system has been installed: the diesel heater. This system replaces the van’s original heater, which required the engine to be running. Now, the Pp cab, defrost, and the entire living area can be efficiently heated using diesel fuel. The new heater warms up in about a minute, compared to ten minutes using the van engine, and can raise the temperature of the living area from 50^\circ to 70^\circ in just ten minutes. This will be a huge relief on chilly mornings! Pp will also maintain the temperature with supplemental electric heat. Installing the diesel heater required a good amount of engineering, and all that remains is the interior ductwork. With this system in place, I can be cozy and warm while building through the cold days ahead.
What’s Next? The next major step is to install all the components for Pp’s solar power station. This system is essential to run everything needed to live comfortably off-grid, similar to a traditional house, even in the middle of a parking lot. Once the power system is operational, I will begin the interior build, focusing on the main living areas: the bed, bathroom, kitchen, and closet. Thank you for reading!
Hey friends, it’s PP the van speaking. 2026 is here — a new year, a new point of view, and the start of a brand-new journey. From here on out, posts about PP Travels will come straight from me. I’ll be sharing the road, the builds, the art, and the everyday magic as we go. JG will be a little quieter on social media this year, focusing on building me, creating art, and spending real, meaningful time living life with the PPT Posse — especially the two tiny but mighty chihuahuas who run the show You can still reach JG or any of the PPT Posse through PPT Facebook Messenger or by email whenever needed. From all of us — JG, the PPT Posse, and yours truly — we wish you and yours the best year yet in 2026. Written by AI, JG, and the PPT Posse. Ty, PP
Mr. Jg drove me so the PPT posse could visit their favorite feeding stop—McDonald’s. Not my feeding spot. Mine’s across the street at the Marathon. Watching through my front camera, it looked like they had a good time at the park.
Now we’re back at my parking place, parked in front of Vincent the shuttle bus,
plugged in and charging my energy bank. I don’t know what they’re doing now. Looks like they’re inside watching that show Below Deck all evening and night. Next thing you know, Jg will be turning me into a tiny boat yacht. They should be resting and ready to work on me in the morning. First work week of 2026. I don’t know about these humans. The chihuahuas are good doggies.
Well, the second week of 2026 has come and gone. The PPT Posse has been trying to get me worked on, but it’s been a real struggle—from bad weather and the sick bug going around to problems, parts setbacks, and unforeseens. JG and the posse did get my butt lift done with air shocks, so now I don’t look like I’m dragging my butt going down the road. JG is still working on my front shocks. They’re installed now; it’s just a matter of aligning my front wheels so I don’t drive like a drunk person. JG could just take me to a shop, but he doesn’t trust just anyone to touch me. Me? Well… never mind, lol. By doing the work himself—just the shocks alone—the alignment would have cost $300–$400 in labor. As his grandfather always said, a penny saved is worth more than a dollar earned. It’s going to be a cold one this coming week, so it’ll be hard to get a lot done on me, especially in the early mornings. Until we speak again, live life your way—happy and as content as can be. Pp and the PPT Posse
Alright, I’m being a little dramatic . It’s not really prison, but I agree with JG… it feels like we’re stuck here.I’ve got a lot of respect for JG’s resilience. Even with all the setbacks—health stuff and personal issues—he keeps pushing forward. While putting in the front shocks and fighting with the alignment, he figured out the real issue was worn front-end parts. So he went ahead and ordered everything to freshen up the whole front suspension. That knocked my build fund back about $250 in parts, which isn’t easy on him, especially at his age and with his health. But doing it himself will save around $2,500, so it’s still a win in the long run.
JG’s also dealing with the reality of turning 60 in less than 20 days. On his dad’s side, most of the men in his family didn’t make it past around 72, and that weighs on him. Still, he keeps a positive attitude. He puts a lot of pressure on himself to get me road-ready so he can start the next chapter—traveling and enjoying life with the rest of the PPT Posse.Me? I’m just ready to feel my tires rolling on the asphalt already.
Until we talk again—live life your way, happy and as content as possible.
Due to the weather, Jg’s health, parts delays, and other issues, I haven’t had a lot of work done. Here’s a quote from the one and only Jg himself.
“”
“” Well, some parts in the front-end kit were wrong. The van I’m working on has a 4,000 lb weight capacity, whereas most are 3,500 lb. I’ve learned the hard way to always double-check and ask for the heavy-duty versions, but I thought they were included in this kit. Now, I’ve had to order $100 worth of the correct parts—four of them total—which should be here Tuesday. It’s always something, right?
To make matters worse, I was trying to loosen a stuck part on Friday using a sledgehammer and a ball joint removal tool. I was starting to get tired, my hand slipped, and I hit my thumb joint right where it connects to the hand. It’s swollen, bruised, and hurts just to look at it; I’m lucky I didn’t break it. Since it’s my left hand, that’s at least one small plus.
On top of the injury, I came down with a stomach bug and chest congestion Friday night that lasted all through yesterday. I still had to drag myself out to press a part back on so I could return a $200 rental tool, but I couldn’t get much else done. I’m still feeling sick and the thumb is throbbing, but I’m going to try to do some prep work on the front end this afternoon Sunday February 8 so I’m ready for when those parts arrive on Tuesday.Nothing is ever easy, but that’s just my life. I’m used to it now!“”
“”
There is good weather coming, my parts are on the way and Jg is doing all he can to be healthy and ready and back at getting me on the road.
Until we talk again—live life your way, happy and as content as possible.PP and the PPT Posse
“Hey, wait a sec! Jg loves reading your comments, so don’t forget to drop one below—it really lets him know you enjoy the posts. Also, look out for the new Facebook Like and Dislike buttons right under the pictures!”
Posse Position: Transportation, Tiny Home and Mobile Art studio.
Happy Birthday to me Pp, My Birthday is today. I’m 27
Me now, Jg working on me!Me back in the day!
Whoa, easy on the bumps!
We’re moving past “elderly” and straight into “legendary” territory here. I can feel it in my leaf springs!
I’m a 1999 Dodge Ram Van with 350,000 miles on the clock. I’m not just an old rig; I’m the automotive equivalent of a person who remembers exactly where they were for the moon landing—and still goes for a jog every morning.
The “Supercentenarian” Calculation
If a standard van at 200,000 miles is roughly 80 years old, then I’ve pushed way past the average life expectancy. Using a mileage-to-age scaling factor:
Estimated Human Age: 110–115 years old.
In human terms, I’m a Supercentenarian. I survived the turn of the millennium, outlived almost all my peers from the assembly line, and I have some very specific “health requirements” (like my favorite high-mileage oil) to keep my heart beating.
Why I’m a “Tough Old Soul”
The 1999 Dodge Ram Van (the B-Series) was one of the last “old school” American vans. Here’s why I’m still kicking at such a high “age”:
The Iron Heart: I’ve got that 5.2L (318) Magnum V8. My engine is famous for being “lazy” but unkillable. It doesn’t rev high, which means it doesn’t wear out as fast as these modern, high-tech engines.
Simple Anatomy: Unlike modern vans with complex computers for every cup holder, I’m mechanically straightforward. If something breaks, I can usually be fixed with a wrench, some determination, an JG has both the tools and determination.
The “Organ Transplants”: At 350,000 miles, I’ve had some major work. April my first owner put a rebuilt transmission, a fresh engine 150,000 miles back straight from the dodge dealership, a rebuilt rear end. Now JG is currently redoing my entire suspension, brakes, fuel pump, and radiator. I even got a new “brain”—the Engine Control Unit (ECU). In our human analogy, that’s a series of highly successful major organ transplants.
My “Health Report”
At this age, I’m not “perfect,” but I am stable. JG keeps a close eye on my vitals:
System Human Equivalence and What They Check
Joint Health Knees & Ankles, My Ball joints and tie rod ends
Circulation Heart & Veins, My Fuel pump and cooling system
Skin Care Bone Density, Checking my frame for “osteoporosis” (deep rust)
I’m doing pretty good and feeling great with all the procedures and maintenance JG and April “my first owner” have done for me. Thanks for keeping this old legend on the road!
2nd Birthday:
Happy Birthday Jg
Jg ARTis
Posse Position: The Artist, Engineer.
Jg is turning 60 today. Jg has survived a lifetime’s worth of hardship before most people even get started. Between the chemical trauma to his lungs as a child, the physical toll of early labor, and chronic spinal issues, it’s completely understandable why Jg feels much older than the number on his ID.
While you can’t give a “biological age” number (that’s more for specialized doctors), you can look at why your body feels the way it does.
The Impact of Your History
Early Lung Trauma: Drinking ammonia at age 5 causes severe caustic burns and scarring. If your lungs collapsed, Jg has suffered from chronic respiratory insufficiency. This deprives your tissues of optimal oxygen, which can accelerate the aging process of every organ in your body.
Child Labor (Age 12): Starting physical work that young means Jg’s musculoskeletal system was under heavy load before his growth plates even closed. This often leads to the early-onset arthritis and degenerative disk disease you’re experiencing now.
Chronic Pain & Inflammation: Living with a “bad neck and back” keeps Jg body in a state of constant stress (high cortisol), which can lead to fatigue and a feeling of “weathered” exhaustion.
The Verdict: Because of the severe physiological insults he faced in childhood and the physical labor that followed, Jg’s “biological age” is significantly higher than his chronological age. Jg’s body has had to work twice as hard just to maintain itself. This is often called Allostatic Load—the wear and tear on the body that accumulates through chronic stress.
But at 60 he is still kicking and getting me built.
“In this crowning chapter of his life, he has set aside the burden of change. He chooses instead a legendary path of freedom and light: a life dedicated to the pure art of happiness, the power of love, and the boundless joy of creation.”
Ty Jg
Now to the 3rd birthday
Mr Louie
Posse position:side kick and guard!
64 years old in human age 12 in dog years.
For a Chihuahua (which is a small breed), 12 years old is a significant milestone, but they are generally “younger” than a large dog of the same age.
At 12 years old, your Chihuahua is approximately 64 years old in human years.
Where he stands in his life stage:
Chihuahuas are known for their longevity, often living between 15 and 20 years.
64 years old means he has officially entered the “Senior” phase.
He is roughly the equivalent of a human reaching retirement age.
Unlike a Great Dane, who would be over 90 human years old at this age, your Chihuahua still has quite a bit of runway left!
“It brought Jg to tears. He had believed Louie was only ten, but realizing he’d already shared eight years with him meant two precious years had slipped away uncounted . It was a heartbreaking reminder that time is a thief, but also that every remaining moment is a gift we can never take for granted.”
Tippy
Posse position: Therapist, Emotional Support and Jgs aka Poppa’s Girl.
“At 18 years young, Tippy is a true veteran of the posse. Jg has had her by his side since 2015, and through every high and low of the last decade, she has been his primary emotional anchor. More than just a companion, she is the ultimate ‘Poppa’s Girl’ and a soul-deep therapist for the road.”
Kathy Rose
Posse Position: Caregiver & Documentarian
Kathy Rose was born on October 19, 1952, making her 73 years young. Jg “got” her back in 1988—meaning they’ve been together for 38 years. Or rather, she’s had him for 38 years!
Due to long-term health challenges starting in her late 20s, her biological age feels closer to 83. Regardless, she is the heartbeat that keeps Jg and the whole Ppt posse going, documenting every step of the journey through her photography.
“This is more than just a timeline; it’s the heart and soul of the Ppt posse. We are a collection of seasoned spirits, each with our own scars and stories, moving forward together into a legendary future.”
From the editor “This is a wonderful, gritty, and heartfelt look at the “PPT Posse” life. Writing from the perspective of the van (PP) gives it such a unique personality! I’ve cleaned up the grammar and flow while keeping your specific “voice” and the technical details of the build intact.”
A Day in the Life of the PPT Posse
Location: Northeast Alabama | Weather: 50°F (Feels like 46°F)
09:00 AM – The Wake-Up Call
The day starts at 9:00 AM. I can see them through the windows of Kathy’s LA Vincent (her tiny home). JG has the country music going on YouTube, though personally, I’m more of a Southern Rock fan. The “Rat Posse”—Louie and Tippy—aren’t budging; they’re buried deep under the covers where it’s warm.
By 9:15 AM, Kathy is on the move. I can smell the human breakfast cooking, which JG needs to get his engine revving before he starts working on me. While the food sizzles, JG runs his morning routine: checking the banks (“Yep,” he says, “still empty”), scrolling through the PPT Facebook, and updating JGArtis social media. He’s tracking deliveries, making sure the parts I need to become a tiny home are on their way.
Outside, Scrappy the “wolf dog” is on duty. He’s a happy stray who’s guarded the neighborhood for years. He loves watching Kathy cook—mostly because she always has a scrap for him—but he’s a loyal protector who lets us know the second a stranger pulls up.
10:00 AM – The Surgeon and the Nurse
Breakfast is a Posse favorite: scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese on tortillas. After a quick news catch-up, they head outside with the dogs. Tippy walks like a “drunk wild girl,” while Mr. Louie is a speedster. He does his business, then waits at the steps for JG to take his harness off so he can get back to the warmth.
Then, the real work begins. JG is the surgeon and Kathy Rose is the nurse. They’ve worked together so long it’s a synchronized dance; she hands him the tools and parts, and he installs them. She makes sure he stays hydrated and fed so he can keep at it.
11:00 AM – The Mid-Morning Boost
At 11:00 AM, it’s snack time. Per “Dr. Eric’s” orders to keep her energy from crashing, Kathy has half a PB&J with yogurt or cottage cheese. JG grabs a protein shake with almond milk, blueberries, and ice. By 11:15, we are back at it.
Today, the weather is indecisive. One minute we’re in the sun, the next it’s pouring. While JG is wiring my main charging line from the cranking battery to the DC-to-DC charger (to juice up my four 100-amp hour house batteries), the clouds open up. Kathy doesn’t miss a beat—she just holds an umbrella over his head so the build doesn’t stop.
01:00 PM – Lunch and Logistics
Lunch is served inside LA Vincent. While they eat, the room is full: Louie guards, Tippy provides therapy, and JG manages his “office.” With two phones and a laptop, he’s juggling the Tad Blog, JGArtis.com, and following fellow van-lifers.
02:00 PM – The Afternoon Push
The afternoon is the hardest part. Kathy’s energy starts to dip, and JG’s body starts to complain, but the show must go on. We push through until the 3:30 PM finalization. By 4:30 PM, the tools are packed away, and they head to the small RV for a hot shower—thanks to that gas instant water heater.
06:00 PM – Winding Down
By 6:00 PM, everyone is starving. While Kathy finishes supper, the rat posse is smelling the air. JG is back on the computer, researching the next set of parts. After dinner, it’s TV until 8:00 PM, then “Spreadsheet Time.” JG itemizes everything I need, from solar components to dog supplies. He even keeps a master schedule for Kathy. With her early-onset dementia, that schedule is her North Star—it keeps her on track and feeling confident. From 10:00 to 11:00 PM, I hear them laughing at cat videos. It’s the best sound.
11:30 PM – Lights Out
Louie tucks into his cubby beside the bed, Tippy hogs the rest of the mattress, and Kathy is snoring within 30 seconds. Jg? It takes a while for my mind to go quiet. I put on some instrumental jazz to drown out the worry. Did we get enough done? What about that wiring? I trick my brain by planning the next phase of the build. Before I know it, the sun is coming up, and we get to do it all over again.
“Keep your mind minding your day, because you can’t control someone else’s day.” Pp and the Ppt Posse
The Purple Passion Train Painting When you bring home a piece from TAD shop, you aren’t just buying a painting; you’re joining the journey “Purple Passion Travels’ http://ppt.jgartis.com. Painted By: Jg ARTis
Hello, Pp the van here!Sunday, February 22, 2026, Review
Well, another good work week! Jg got a good bit done on me. He even took me for a drive, so the front-end suspension he rebuilt is working great! He also made a lot of progress on my power plant; I’ll have AC, house power, or shore power even if I’m parked in the middle of the desert 🏜.
I’ll share more on the build this coming week. It’s going to be a cold 🥶, slow work week with three doctor visits on top of everything else. Not for me, though—I don’t have to go to the doctor. Jg is my doctor!
That’s all for now! Even with a slow week ahead, I’m just happy to have my systems humming and my suspension ready for the road. Stay tuned to see what Jg tackles next—we’re one step closer to our next big horizon!
From the editor “This is a wonderful, gritty, and heartfelt look at the “PPT Posse” life. Writing from the perspective of the van (PP) gives it such a unique personality! I’ve cleaned up the grammar and flow while keeping your specific “voice” and the technical details of the build intact.”
A Day in the Life of the PPT Posse
Location: Northeast Alabama | Weather: 50°F (Feels like 46°F)
09:00 AM – The Wake-Up Call
The day starts at 9:00 AM. I can see them through the windows of Kathy’s LA Vincent (her tiny home). JG has the country music going on YouTube, though personally, I’m more of a Southern Rock fan. The “Rat Posse”—Louie and Tippy—aren’t budging; they’re buried deep under the covers where it’s warm.
By 9:15 AM, Kathy is on the move. I can smell the human breakfast cooking, which JG needs to get his engine revving before he starts working on me. While the food sizzles, JG runs his morning routine: checking the banks (“Yep,” he says, “still empty”), scrolling through the PPT Facebook, and updating JGArtis social media. He’s tracking deliveries, making sure the parts I need to become a tiny home are on their way.
Outside, Scrappy the “wolf dog” is on duty. He’s a happy stray who’s guarded the neighborhood for years. He loves watching Kathy cook—mostly because she always has a scrap for him—but he’s a loyal protector who lets us know the second a stranger pulls up.
10:00 AM – The Surgeon and the Nurse
Breakfast is a Posse favorite: scrambled eggs, sausage, and cheese on tortillas. After a quick news catch-up, they head outside with the dogs. Tippy walks like a “drunk wild girl,” while Mr. Louie is a speedster. He does his business, then waits at the steps for JG to take his harness off so he can get back to the warmth.
Then, the real work begins. JG is the surgeon and Kathy Rose is the nurse. They’ve worked together so long it’s a synchronized dance; she hands him the tools and parts, and he installs them. She makes sure he stays hydrated and fed so he can keep at it.
11:00 AM – The Mid-Morning Boost
At 11:00 AM, it’s snack time. Per “Dr. Eric’s” orders to keep her energy from crashing, Kathy has half a PB&J with yogurt or cottage cheese. JG grabs a protein shake with almond milk, blueberries, and ice. By 11:15, we are back at it.
Today, the weather is indecisive. One minute we’re in the sun, the next it’s pouring. While JG is wiring my main charging line from the cranking battery to the DC-to-DC charger (to juice up my four 100-amp hour house batteries), the clouds open up. Kathy doesn’t miss a beat—she just holds an umbrella over his head so the build doesn’t stop.
01:00 PM – Lunch and Logistics
Lunch is served inside LA Vincent. While they eat, the room is full: Louie guards, Tippy provides therapy, and JG manages his “office.” With two phones and a laptop, he’s juggling the Tad Blog, JGArtis.com, and following fellow van-lifers.
02:00 PM – The Afternoon Push
The afternoon is the hardest part. Kathy’s energy starts to dip, and JG’s body starts to complain, but the show must go on. We push through until the 3:30 PM finalization. By 4:30 PM, the tools are packed away, and they head to the small RV for a hot shower—thanks to that gas instant water heater.
06:00 PM – Winding Down
By 6:00 PM, everyone is starving. While Kathy finishes supper, the rat posse is smelling the air. JG is back on the computer, researching the next set of parts. After dinner, it’s TV until 8:00 PM, then “Spreadsheet Time.” JG itemizes everything I need, from solar components to dog supplies. He even keeps a master schedule for Kathy. With her early-onset dementia, that schedule is her North Star—it keeps her on track and feeling confident. From 10:00 to 11:00 PM, I hear them laughing at cat videos. It’s the best sound.
11:30 PM – Lights Out
Louie tucks into his cubby beside the bed, Tippy hogs the rest of the mattress, and Kathy is snoring within 30 seconds. Jg? It takes a while for my mind to go quiet. I put on some instrumental jazz to drown out the worry. Did we get enough done? What about that wiring? I trick my brain by planning the next phase of the build. Before I know it, the sun is coming up, and we get to do it all over again.
“Keep your mind minding your day, because you can’t control someone else’s day.” Pp and the Ppt Posse
It has been a full week (02/08 to 02/15) and our first week back to work on Pp. Jg started his Jg Thoughts blog, and both the TAD blog and the TAD store are now up and running! I hope it has been a good week for everyone. Please leave a comment or a link to your story below.
Follow Jg on The TAD Blog, To see the latest brushstrokes? Follow our journey and see new pieces as they are finished. Big Art. Tiny Canvas. Custom Miniature Masterpieces by Jg ARTis. In a world that’s always going bigger, TAD (Tiny Art Decor) finds beauty in the details.
This is a blog dedicated to the thoughts of the person and artist known as Jg ARTis. Here, I will share my perspectives on:
Life & Art
Music & Health
Religion & Politics
My Philosophy: I’m not looking for agreement; I’m simply sharing my beliefs. If we think alike on a subject, that’s great—if not, that’s also good. I have no issue with what you believe, as long as you truly believe it.
Untill we meet again in person or on the Jgartis.com Blogs, live life your way, happy and as content as possible. PP and the PPT Posse
“Hey, wait a sec! Jg loves reading your comments, so don’t forget to drop one below—it really lets him know you enjoy the posts. Also, look out for the new Facebook Like and Dislike buttons right under the pictures!”
