Change of mindset

[edkemper]

Miles,

The goal in life? A supportive wife/family. A house and all the toys you need and debt free. The freedom in that is what life is about. Easier to see the older you get.

[Miles]

I may be a young buck-27 but i think im starting to figure this out. Debt freedom and most importantly personal freedom is a very tall order in the southern parts of the northeast where i live. Thats why im looking to move south, and finding this site and becoming involved is a big leap toward that goal i think.

[Mrs. Len]

Thanks mrs len! I gota say i was waiting for you to chime in haha. Ive seen quite a few of your posts about things on this topic. I think its so awesome how resourceful you guys are. I grew up on whats called hundred acre cove and although i didnt realize it at the time we were very resourceful growing up. We harvested fish, quahogs, clams, lobster duck and goose hunted. Unfortunately all the shellfishing is done there due to pollution. Now besides hunting and wetting a line as a pleasure/escape ive strayed away from much of this with the hustle and bustle of daily life and "growing up". Im so excited to have found this and pray that we can actually realize our dreams and get outa here to live a simpler life.

Ive done a whole lot of soul searching lately. Ive attained what everyone sees as "the goal" around here at a very young age. Got my dream job, nice new shiny truck, a house and best of all my fiance. Ive made it to everyones end goal and my life feels quite hollow. Like im working to live and not living at all. I recently had a very close call at work and was one step away from cashing the big check. You never know what could happen so we have the opportunity to do this while were young and why the hell not right!?

Absolutely, go for it! Life is too short not to What would you like to know about, first? I could actually write a book, lol, due to the many years of experience doing so many different things. There is nothing to describe the feeling of picking fruit off a tree that you planted yourself, cared for, and are now reaping the benefit of. The same goes for harvesting anything off your own property, chopping your own wood, logging your own trees, and that list goes on and on. Since I canned over 400 jars of food last year, I can just grab a jar of crab, venison, etc.., makes for a faster meal. Before, when I had my garden going, I seldom had to shop for anything. Speaking of mushrooms, I just wrote a short blog article about a few mushroom varieties:

http://www.sequimforlife.com/

You can always check back to see what I have written, as I will be covering a variety of topics, including plenty related to self-sustaining.

[blane]

My wife may be unique on this point. She found the LHBA web site and showed it to me after a disappointing trip to a kit home manufacturer, she knew I was the one that wanted to have a log home, she would just be happy to see me have what I wanted. So she advised me to take my son since he would be the one helping me. She never bucked anything I decided and left everything up to me. she was my biggest cheerleader. The only thing she insisted on that I didn't want to do was sanding and staining but she says if we ever do another one she will listen to me.

[Plumb Level]

" I'd say the same thing if she were my Daughter or you were my Son.

Love, Dad"



And the family tree keeps sprouting new branches.

[Shark]

Read Dave Ramsey.

This.
We cut out most of the *un-needed* stuff during our build (cable tv, eating out etc) , and although we used a good chunk of savings, we ended up mortgage-free and had a log home to live in. Guess what, it is *Amazing* how fast you an rebuild a savings account when you do not have a mortgage payment. seriously.

[Miles]

Any suggestions on a book to build my foundation on foraging mrs. Len? Or a good sustainable living iintro type book?
I was at the used bookstore quick today before work and found i think what was called the last real man or something to that effect. I didnt see a dave ramsey book but i was only in there for a few minutes. Gona swing back by tomorrow if i dont have to work overtime

[slamasha]

Hey Miles. There is a lot of info on the internet.

Regarding the sustained gardening, here are a few pointers to get you inspired. It is about new approaches that are creating self-balancing echo-systems which boost production of food yet reduce the amount of maintenance:
1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v_FkRehjsTM
http://www.geofflawton.com/fe/46743-...ce-on-a-budget
(subscribe, it's free) -- tons of information to digest;
2) http://www.backtoedenfilm.com/
3) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IbODJiEM5A
Keep digging, you'll find lots of relevant info.

Regarding foraging, this book (and the blog) was interesting to read, but I am not sure you'll be able to find it in the used bookstore. Sometimes authors of such books give talks in small bookstores (I met the author of this book at mycology society event).

Just a gentle set for Mindset shifting (within self-sustained and minimalist living context):
1) https://sites.google.com/site/livingwithoutmoney/
2) http://zenhabits.net/archives/
3) http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...sert_Solitaire
4) the classics:
http://thoreau.eserver.org/walden00.html
5) http://www.amazon.com/How-Survive-Wi.../dp/1895629683
6) maybe outdated, but inspiring about mortgage free

Once you start exploring I am sure you'll find more relevant information that fits your particular interest. Good luck!


+= motherearthnews.com

[Mrs. Len]

Any suggestions on a book to build my foundation on foraging mrs. Len? Or a good sustainable living iintro type book?
I was at the used bookstore quick today before work and found i think what was called the last real man or something to that effect. I didnt see a dave ramsey book but i was only in there for a few minutes. Gona swing back by tomorrow if i dont have to work overtime

There are numerous books covering both topics. Where do you plan to live? The USDA Zone and climate determines a lot (books are applicable for different parts of our Country). My favorite mushroom resources are both written by the same Author, "All That the Rain Promises and More," by David Arora. He has also written, "Mushrooms Demystified." David does an excellent job at simplifying identification. Most places I have lived have mycology societies.

As for "Back to Eden," I have not only met Paul Gautschi, taken his tour, but live 15 minutes away from him! In addition, I began using his methods 4 years ago with great results. I have also studied Permaculture and can recommend the best book I feel fits the climate. My gardening is a combination of multiple methods, is done organically, and also utilizes companion planting. I also grow edible perennials. I enjoy watching YouTube videos, but also like to read from books.

[Mrs. Len]

One of my favorite self-sustaining books is not a new one, but is, "Back to Basics," by Reader's Digest. There are newer issues of this book and I'd recommend it highly. Another one, more basic and newer, is, "Self-Sufficiency," By Gehring.

As for Wild Edibles, the best books cover different parts of the Country. I just need to know which City/State you are planning to live in.

If you like surfing the net, check out: http://www.homesteadingtoday.com/

There is a literal plethora of info on that site!