Where are kindred spirits?

[jajbellsouthnet]

Anyone had success in finding kindred homesteading/self reliant spirits? If so, how did you do it? We volunteered at a local history/pioneer skills/education center and found some people of similar interest but believe it or not, we also encountered hostility from some of the staff who feared that we (unpaid volunteers) were a threat to their positions. We attended one "rendezvous" of "homesteaders" and found out that there are many varied definitions of "homesteaders". Most of the people at the rendezvous were druggies, wannabe's and curiosity seekers. We made the mistake of advertising in a local publication seeking to form a group of homesteaders. Boy, was that a mistake. It was turning on a light to attract mosquitoes. The quality of the respondents made us want to disassociate ourselves from the label of "homesteaders". All we got were replies from derelicts, psychotics and wannabe's. Are there any normal people out there who are into growing their own food, producing their own energy and fixing/building the stuff they need? If anyone has had success finding such people, how did you do it? For lack of common interests with other people, we have reverted to the role of anti-social hermits. We are sort of comfortable with our own company but realize that it is not a normal sociological condition. Any suggestions?

[rivahmom]

Where are you located? We are in the same boat right now but that is because we live in the city. If I were to stay in this area, I would get to know those at a farmers market, hang out at the gun range, or possibly join a yahoo group. When we move to the country our stratagy will be try to become part of the local community by volunteering and eventually we are hoping that we will meet or run into others of like mind. I'm not sure what your political leanings are but many libertarians are into a self-reliant life style so by going to local meetings may also be a good way to network as well.

[stonecypher]

Well, misery loves company ;) so maybe advice from someone else who's BEEN-THERE-DONE-THAT will let you feel you're not alone in how you're feeling and maybe even give you an idea or two.

My hubby and I are both from farming backgrounds and chose not to have kids. Right there, since you don't speak potty-training or building-self-esteem-in-a-preteen, or view a "play date" as something other than taking in something by Shakespeare at the local community college, you've set yourselves apart from the mainstream BIG TIME. Conversations with other couples in our 30s and 40s about self-reliance and even gardening were awkward because we didn't view our self-sufficiency pursuits through the eyes of parents concerned with planning and participation by their kids.

I earned my Master Gardener and Master Food Preserver certifications through our county extension service in order to extend my knowledge and abilities to reach out to my community to give seminars on saving money in the food budget and becoming more self-sufficient. It was an uphill battle, to say the least, as the majority of my audiences gave feedback concerning their commitment to the usual junk-food diets their kids were hooked on. So I started judging at 4-H competitions and county fairs, interacting directly with the children themselves. Yay! I think I converted a few young minds to the concept of a balanced diet being both FUN and TASTY! :)

So my best advice to offer is to pursue your idea of hooking up with kindred spirits through your county extension service. Become a volunteer or get certified in one of their programs, and chances are you will be able to connect with people in your area who have the same goals as you do. Talking to children about self-sufficient lifestyles, farm animals, gardens, etc. may end up producing like-minded sets of parents who will help you form that group.

Good luck! Let us know what happens.

;D

[RangerRick]

Not many real self-reliant types out there but many posers as it is one hell of a hard way to make a living and given a choice most would rather "rely" on the dollar and the "things" that brings instead of living really "close" to the land. You might want to drop around your local "county extension center" where you will find many that have an interest in selling their organic produce and livestock thereby and hopefully making their homesteads a paying concern. Kindred spirits are where you find em.

Rick

[jajbellsouthnet]

Re: County extension service:
I attended one of their gardening seminars. Felt like a high school senior among 3rd graders. The Master Gardener instructor didn't even know about the Florida Market Bulletin which is the holy grail of self reliance. I sent a sample of soil from my raised beds to the local extension office and got back a note that advised me that they don't do analysis on what is obviously commercial potting soil. Thanks for the input, guys.

[WileyCoyote]

I too have had bad experiences with county extension folk. I went there to talk to them about organic gardening and soil improvements, natural fungicides and insecticides, and they looked at me like I had grown a third head! They shoved some generic FedAg pamphlets at me and went off to teach their "Master Gardener" class about the joys of Miracle-Gro. The only one I had any valid discussions with was the one in ID when I was visiting my brother there - they could talk soil all day long. When we moved here, it is mostly a grassfed-beef area, and they could talk all about artificial insemination and bulls and heifer breeding, but soil - um, not so much. Folks here still rake their leaves and take them to the dump! Nary a compost pile anywhere... my neighbor asked me what I was pouring on my roses this summer, and I told her, "coffee grounds". She'd never heard of it. Oh, well, that will change the longer I'm here and teach people the joys of 'growing your own'.

[walls0stone]

remember, some of those orgainic products compete for the grant money from the state that the county folks want as well. it's like asking the Frd dealer to give you advice on your Dodge.

All self reliance is some what fake. none of us can live totaly on our own. Its who and how we let into our world that makes us more or less independent.

I find the same such hostility in many places. I'd also say that yea, sometimes the better educated is a threat. Or like Farm Fads... who ever comes up with the newest idea is the expert for a time, they publish a book get a few ideas and bang, instant expert. Now they are on the look out for the one who will knock them off.

I don't find many who are on my wave other than the people were I come from.

[bookwormom]

I stopped and talked to the couple that moved in the old farmhouse and got 40 goats. *Nice folks, trying very hard, little experience,working very hard, the man loves to come to our house because of my cooking ( no bragging). *There is that young man with triplets who is building a nice looking house with his wife and no outside help. *We have to stop by sometime and say hello and invite them over. I find that a lot of folks will not make the first move, ( my hubby is one of them) so I figure it is up to me. *I met a nice old lady at the hardware store checkout line over a year ago. boy do we have a lot in common. soapmaking, organic gardening, Dexter cattle and Saanen goats, putting food by, prepping. *
the folks we bought our goats from have become good friends, we love their children and they call me aunt. *
We have not been able to get close to any of the natives. *All our friends are newcomers to the area like us. *Maybe because we need each other, but the natives have family and friends from childhood and do not need anybody new? *the folks at church are friendly, *but they are set in their way, they know everybody in town and in the graveyard, went to school with each other, are related with half the countryside and do not care much for keeping chickens, milking goats, raising gardens, with the exception of my neighbor Judy. We trade back and forth, praise each others flower patches. *

[ozarksnick]

We've met a number of folks in our area. We meet them through the farmer's market, through the local CSA farm. We also meet a rare few through groups like freecycle.

[RobJob]

I know one or two I have met over the years that would qualify for the standards many of you acheive. I think there are many degrees of self reliance and all/most of us are slowly getting there thanks to sites like this. My trek towards self reliance started as a teenager with not much money so I learned how to change the oil and work on various equipment, etc. It slowly evolved into cutting your own firewood, gardening and so on. One thing builds on another. I lurk here a lot more than I sign on because there are obviously plenty of you that know more than me.
I bought a sweet peice of property when the cubic centimeter of chance came within reach and luckily I was in a position to beg borrow and steal enough to get a down payment. Now it's almost paid for and I have been able to do some improvements along the way. I hope by the time I retire (still a ways out) I will be living close to self reliant and have something to pass on to my young son. I hope.
Right now I'm in the middle of trying to settle separation/divorce agreement with wife. Not fun. She does not even comprehend the satisfaction of becoming self reliant. Enough said on that.
Back to the original subject. I have noticed in small towns, especially in agricultural areas, there is still some appreciation and knowledge of doing things for yourself instead of always looking in the yellow pages to find someone else to pay to do it for you. Running to the store for every little need. Or, neighbors helping neighbors with jobs. But, there's definitely room for regenerating more of that positive spirit.
I wasn't really looking for this site when I found it. Looking for something about potatoes I think? But when I saw the large menu of subjects on here I was kinda hooked. Hey, that's me too! Well, some of it. Thanks ya'll. I'll be a lurkin' ;D

[Cil]

Are there any history societies in your area? If so, check them out. Couldn't hurt.

[pinetreefarm]

We have lived in this area for 21 years and joined the History Center, knew th county extension people when they had them and none were "self-reliant" people. I usually do not discuss prepping with people for I don't want to have everyone know that we do. So it is hard to meet others that probably feel the same way.

Pine

[CarolAnn]

Bookwormmom - you've hit on a common problem in moving to the country: the folks that have grown up there often are somewhat closed to those from "outside." The only solution I see to that is - stick it out and try to blend slowly. Some locals may never accept you, but don't give up. There are also certainly some that are worth waiting for!

When I moved to Arkansas in the late '70s, I met a woman who said she'd lived there for 18 years and she was still an "Outsider." She was bitter and somewhat hostile, and while I can understand why she might have felt that way, her own attitude was part of the problem.

I suspect she started by pushing too hard at first, and put people off. (I know I didn't go back to see her, after listening to her complain for an hour!) I'm not real outgoing, so it took me a long time, but after I met some of the local people and we got to know each other - they were (and are) precious to me and I'm thankful for knowing them.

I also met people that should have been kindred spirits - age, lifestyle etc. - and I could hardly stand to spend time with them. (Maybe they were TOO much like me?) :P I don't know - but you can find wonderful friends in the most unexpected places and age groups!

One thing for sure - if you've been there all your life, you didn't choose it and you might not even appreciate it. If you move in - you've got a different set of experiences and expectations! Sometimes that takes time to resolve.

[yenta]

It appears that kindred spirits are hard to find. We, too, have become hermits. Perhaps, BHM is a means by which we can connect . . . at least . . . via the internet.

[EarthMama]

It appears that kindred spirits are hard to find. We, too, have become hermits. Perhaps, BHM is a means by which we can connect . . . at least . . . via the internet.

Yenta, how very true.

There are several members and I who still belong to the same organic food co-op that we joined about 20 years ago. But even within those friends of mine, their lifestyles have changed over the years. Most of the women have left the home and gotten jobs during the day... and by the time they get home, they're so tired they just plop down on the couch with a bologna sandwich and call it a day.

I have such fond memories of years past... when all of us women would get together and talk about soap making and bread baking and canning and all that jazz. Now we don't talk about much anymore. Rather sad.

So I think it's a changing of the times too, which makes it harder to find others of like-mind. At least we all have each other through the internet.

Life.... it is a'changin'. *sigh* And not for the better, I'm afraid.

Peace~ EarthMama

[mudd]

i really liked reading all your comments.i live about a 6 hr drive from a man who we are realy good friends.or kids grew up togeather.my husband died 2 yrs ago,him and his wife divorced 4-5 yrs ago.all of us bought land and lived the old way.no electric,milk cow,pigs,garden canning,i mean it was the hard way.we used to find like minded people we could all barte,trade dicker with.had like minds.we talk on the phone all the time,we both still are on some acreage and want to buy a peice of land and live like we used to.but we as sad as it is know people are not like they were at one time.time has really changed all of us.we both stay to our selfs a lot,cant find people who relate to our lifestyle,even people who live in the country,just for the most part are not what we call homesteaders.i have even tried teaching a certain church group who are suppose to want to be PREPARED,that was a real joke they thought i was crazy,yo couldnt get more than 3-6 at any of these lessons.and if it wasnt about some fancy oil lamp they didnt want to listen,because its crazy to think you in this country might have to dig and buid a outhouse,milk a cow,butcher,can or learn how hard it is to plant a lg gardenenough to can and last a whole winterand many other things most of you already do.you are right it is near inpossiable to find folks with a like thinking and to help one another as most of grandparents knew you had to do survive.but our modern way of living for so many years is very fast catching up with everyone.i hate seeing a way of living and thinking that has but forsome disappeared.i am so glad to read that many of you see and find it hard to make friends of a like mind,i thought maybe it was just my friend and myself getting old and not thinking right!thanks for giving me back my sanity.i had even wanted to start up a comunity for older people homesteading,market gardening togeather ect,i thew that out with the dishwater.good luck to all.

[bookwormom]

Carol Ann,
I don'thave any problems with the locals, but the question was

Anyone had success in finding kindred homesteading/self reliant spirits?

not among the locals. I play bunco once a month with a group of women who are from here, we have a really good time, I *casually mentioned a couple of times "the forum" *that I am a member of, nobody is interested and I am sort of exotic to them. *They tell me, you gotta quit doing the things you are doing, you wear yourself out. *when I had seven stitches in my pinky from chopping wood they were aghast. *I am friendly to them, they are friendly to me. *We have very little in common. *the lady I met at the hardware store and her husband just built a cellar and last time I was there she showed me the shelves with canned goods she had just built. *Last year she got one of our bucks to be butchered, I am going to borrow her new Saanen buck and she just had a bull butchered and her freezer is full. *We found out the guy who does the butchering from her. If you live in an area that has had a high influx of outsiders who got there because of an ad in Mother Earth News *you will find some folks with our mindset. *We just are so darn busy all the time, with just the two of us and we are not spring chickens anymore and need to take a nap at times. Our place still needs so much work. *I have wanted to stop by a place on the way to church, down on an out of the way lane, where someone has put out a big garden and is living in a RV. *Looks like an elderly man is living there. I'll be very surprised if it is a local. The last people who moved here and are working on selfsufficiency are from Washington state. *Good neighbors, *good garden, hard workers,and spending their spare time going from house to house *spreading their version of the gospel in town. WE have hired their teenage kids to help us when we cleared pasture, picking up the brush we were cutting. Nice, homeschooled kids.
Look for the places with gardens and goats, *laundry on the line. *those are advertisments that there is at least a chance of a kindred spirit there. *More than likely they are in the same predicament you are and glad to meet you.

[Northern_bushrat]

Well at least you still get out enough and have a chance to eventually meet a kindred spirit or two. We moved out into the bush 3 years ago, no road anywhere close by, and we would LOVE to find another bush person tucked away in the woods with a similar attitude towards the wilderness (ie, respect and enjoy instead of shoot, fear, pollute and abuse). There's a few people we know who aren't as extreme as most die-hards out there, but not to the degree that we really click with them. Since we don't get out a whole lot and other bush people are normally hidden away in their neck of the woods, chances are close to nil to finding our kinds of kindred spirits. Hardly anyone uses an HF radio anymore; maybe as more people get satellite internet out in the boonies, a couple might start showing up on a forum.

[documania]

What's REALLY hard is trying to break into the homesteading world. I come from suburbia, have always been interested in learning how to live more directly on the land, to handle livestock, to grow and prepare, but finding groups or mentors, or being able to afford training, has so far defeated me.

I now live in rural Vermont, and there are people around whom I could perhaps work with, but the us-vs.-them mentality works in reverse, too! The folks who have already found kindred spirits aren't very interested in bringing newbies into the fold who don't know how to do anything and can't commit 150% overnight.

And just how does one make a transition between worlds when the same imperatives apply no matter what world you live in -- meaning, gotta make a living, keep from going under, through the skills I have in the businesses I know, sorry if they tend to be not-homesteading!

[WileyCoyote]

There's a lot of situations like that, documania. Some folks don't trust new people (sometimes with good reason - lotta con artists out there) and some folks don't trust new ideas. Local ranchers thought and still think we are a little bit crazy; they own thousands of acres and we own 60. They can't understand what we are going and want to do here. Most are pleasantly indulgent and give good advice. I have found that a person who asks questions, and asks for explanantions, usually has a better reception than one who comes in and says, "But why don't you do it THIS way, it's so much better?" or "Well, I think you should do it like THIS!" They can save you a lot of wasted time, money and effort if you are willing to listen to them. The best ideas in the world that worked somewhere else simply may not work in that area, with that soil and that climate - or maybe they just haven't been tried or never been heard of before, or have been tried and they failed. Many folks say, "that's the way we've always done it!" without ever knowing why - and some really DO know why.

On our new homestead I listen and learn and ask questions and show my happiness, interest, and curiousity in an open and friendly way, and people respond to it by being helpful and friendly and taking the time to explain. (Most folks are overjoyed when you ask their opinions.) I don't mind if they think I am crazy; as long as I get the answers I need and forge the friendships I want.

PS just because you ask for their opinions and advice doesn't mean that you have to do what they think is right! As Heinlein said, if the locals rub blue mud in their belly buttons, you do the same - you don't have to THINK or act the way they do, but you can still be polite and friendly and respect their education, knowledge, and experiences.

[flatwater]

I think we don't have to wait very much longer and people will be flocking to you for info and advice and help. That's what happens when things get tough , the unprepared need help.
Flatwater

[macgeoghagen]

Mine are in western NC, off the paved roads and far from the resorts and casinos. They live in little houses back in the woods and don't want to be bothered. They don't live in mc mansions or condos overlooking "shoppes", they don't drive fancy cars down the 4 lane to work in the city every day. They work with their hands, eat at the bbq pit when they go out, and keep guns and dogs in their trucks.

[etxhomesteader]

Hi you'all , Im mike and i live in east texas , in the sabine national forest next to the very big toledo bend reservoir , it is very buitiful here and has a grate growing season . land is very cheep , i got 14 ac with big 4 bd room brick house , barn and pond , 5 minit walk to the lake for only $69,000 . for the first 3 years only the bad druggys nabers stop by to say hi and see what i had and where it was , but after a few trys at getting some of it thay noticed thar my dog was not going to let them in and was that i sometimes am wharing my hand gun , so thay stoped coming by , but now after 3 years im finily meeting a few homsteader type people thank God , it takes some time hang in there , mike

[etxhomesteader]

Yesterday when i renewed my subscription with countryside magazine , i asked how many subscriptions thay had for my zip code and thay sead 45 , so im going to see if i can find these people and get them to gether for a pot luck meal one day , maybe a few adds in the local paper and a sighn at the bizzy corner in town , plus the buliten boards at the feed stores . eny way theres a few more ideas ,,, Good Homesteading All ,,,, mike

[mtdrtbag]

This is an interesting thread. I happen to be one of those locals mentioned in a spot or two above. One of the things that i have noticed to a great degree is that we are getting alot of wannabe's around here. Those trying to escape the rat race, but unfortunately bring it with them. Mostly southern californians who are moving in by the droves. They hang out at the farmers market and get their kids involved in 4-H try to get involved in the community....really try to make a good show of it with their little "ranch" with a couple of horse and of course, a llama. When they buy our hay they roll it between their hands and sniff ....maybe even give it a taste. Then try to con you out of more hay when a bail doesn't weight exactly 80 lbs. We now sell our hay by the bail and not by the ton consequently. You drive by their place and they have their horses dressed in fashionable over coats immediately following the first fall frost. They are rude and unfriendly, wouldn't stop for anybody broke down along the road but have no problem beating on your door late at night or early in the morning to ask if they can hunt on your property. They stick out like a sore thumb and unfortunately any new face in town is automatically assumed to be "one of those". It's a sad deal because alot of good new people are given the cold shoulder because of those who came before them.
I have another dilema with not being able to find like minded people. I am a 45 year old male. Single parent of a 12 year old son who I have been raising on my own since he was 2. I have met several women along the way who I believe were "intrigued" by my self reliant lifestyle. Maybe even found me to be somewhat of a novelty, but when it came down to being able to commit to this lifestyle. They just simply couldn't understand why an educated, well employed man like myself would want to live like I do. After all. I could aford to buy any of the the things we use. Why would I want to make them instead? So.......here is my dilema. Where do you meet like minded women interested in living a rural life style?

[LeatherneckPA]

Yesterday when i renewed my subscription with countryside magazine , i asked how many subscriptions thay had for my zip code and thay sead 45 , so im going to see if i can find these people and get them to gether for a pot luck meal one day , maybe a few adds in the local paper and a sighn at the bizzy corner in town , plus the buliten boards at the feed stores . eny way theres a few more ideas ,,, Good Homesteading All ,,,, mike
I LOVE this idea!! I am going to have to do something similar next fall when it is time to raise the frame of my new home. somehow I think a bunch of Countryside readers would be interested in a house raising.

[LeatherneckPA]

Where do you meet *like minded women interested in living a rural life style? *
A - There is a Singles Bar way down the list of forums here, and I know of another one on the Homesteading Today (http://www.homesteadingtoday.com) forum as well.

B - Catalpa was just saying in another thread that she was looking for a man to provide for her. ::)

[mtdrtbag]

Cool.......Thanks!

[Catalpa]

Well, ::) back at ya. There's a lot more to it - I'm very old fashioned, and see a man as a protector, provider, and partner. I believe a woman should take care of the home and children, cooking and cleaning, gardening and preserving, etc. They should also contribute to the support of the household by selling eggs, meat, home-crafted items, and maybe even holding a part-time job. I do think it's a man's job to provide security for his family.

I am NOT hoping to marry someone just to sit home and be 'kept' - my apologies if I took it wrong, but that's kind of how your comment came off.

[LeatherneckPA]

Catalpa my dear!! Where were you 28 years ago?!? I didn't think women with that "archaic" outlook existed anymore.

From all of your posts that I have read, it never occurred to me that you were looking to be "kept". But if I weren't happily married, baby, you would high on my list of prospects. ;D

[Catalpa]

Thanks for clearing that up! ;D I feel better now. :D

Let's see...28 years ago....I think I was in college. Hard to remember that far back. ;)

Yep, that's me. An anachronism in my own time. D'ya reckon there's any single men out there that would appreciate my viewpoint?

[TheUnboundOne]

Howdy, Folks! Howdy, Jajbellsouthnet!

Not meaning to distract your attention from this wonderful Forum, but I am a member of several other Forums which have put me in touch with local like-minded people interested in self-sufficiency, Survivalism, and Preparedness. Here are a few:

XColony
http://www.xcolony.com

SurvivalistBoards
http://www.SurvivalistBoards.com

The Omega Man
http://www.theomegaman.org

The Zombie Squad Forum
http://www.zombiehunters.org

Just check out the Introductions, the local meet-up threads, State-based Social Groups and chatrooms, and even member lists. Between these, you're bound to find interesting people in your locality. I hope I have been helpful.

[LeatherneckPA]

Yep, that's me. *An anachronism in my own time. *D'ya reckon there's any single men out there that would appreciate my viewpoint? *
Ooooh! A woman who uses anachronism and reckon in the same paragraph! I am SMITTEN!! Don't know about the single dudes, but you have an admirer in PA.
;D

OK, seriously, I live right in Amish country. But I don't think they are kindred spirits. A little too simplistic for my tastes. And most of the newer "estates" I see being built have BARNS I wouldn't mind living in, never mind cabins. But the land I am looking at right now is on the very edge of a wonderful "dark skies" area. Perhaps I'll find some in that area.

Somebody, I think it was flatwater, mentioned wanting to travel and visit a few of the forum brethren. And since I'm retired and not yet homesteading, maybe I'll take a week or two this summer and motorcycle around some.

[johnjmw]

I'd be very interested in meeting some of the others also. State meeting groups? Mmm at least they would kinda be local. I figure I already travel from Cleveland to Marietta several times a year, I could probably cover the rest of Ohio if others were interested in getting together.
John

[farmmilkmama]

The Countryside idea is great...I never would have thought of that.

The kindred spirit issue is hard. Our issue is age. I'm 29, my husband is 31. Most people our age with kids our kids' ages...well, we don't quite relate. Its nearly impossible to find people even NEAR our age who are doing what we do or don't think we are total freak outcasts. (Then again, perhaps we are total freak outcasts?) Its sometimes equally as hard to find older people (who we relate to quite well!!) who will take us seriously. But we also understand that its annoying for self-suffcient type folks to hear the constant "I want to be like you" from people who will never actually do it...you know, the "simple life" isn't actually very simple at all. *But it is the "in thing"!...I guess those of us looking for kindred spirits just have to...prove ourselves as not part of the stupid majority who thinks self-sufficiency is quaint and cute and something you can do on Saturdays when the weather is nice?

Looking forward to the challenge. ;)

[Archangel]

The problem with self-relient people is they are too independent. I to am Smittin and also taken. :-[

[cubcadet]

This may be a thread I`m looking for. Hey, anyone out there live in the Scranton PA area? Interested in fellowshipping with a Christian homesteader? I am not into GREEN things, as the world calls it. The earthy type folk here are into all kinds of witchcraft. Looney new age stuff. I don`t do drugs. I have 11 acres I am working, some in apples, and huckleberries, most wooded. I`m in Susquehanna County. I`d be interested in corresponding through emails for a while.

Joe

[catrules]

Hey Farmmilkmama. *I hear you on the age thing. *Hubby and I are both 34 with a young child. *Most of the folks our age think that we are a bit old fashioned. *I'm not throwing stones. *Up until about two years ago, I was one of the unenlightened.

I know however, that I live in a very special community. *There are an incredible number of hunters, fishers and trappers here. *There is a small liberal arts college in my town (my alma mater) full of people who believe in the merits of sustainable living. *There is also a Uniterian/Universalist Church in my town where my family attends occasionally. *We have probably met more like minded people there than anywhere else. *For those not familiar with the UU church, it is for all intents and purposes non-denominational. *There are atheists, agnostics, ex-catholics, pagans, jews, buddhists, and hindus who attend my church. *So there is very much a live and let live attitude by the people who attend there. *

I have also found that the local farmer's market, small coffee shops, and the food co-op are great resources.

Other than that, I take my home canned goods, and baked items to work and to friend's homes to share. *Then I explain to them why it makes sense to do this. *I think that an important part of being "self" reliant is having a sense of community with people who have skills and resources that you may not have.

[EarthMama]

we would LOVE to find another bush person tucked away in the woods with a similar attitude towards the wilderness (ie, respect and enjoy instead of shoot, fear, pollute and abuse).

I think all of us earth lovers should try to congregate in one spot. ;D

This is the reason I won't tuck myself away in the woods somewhere. It'd be my luck that I'd get wedged between some crazies on both sides of me (even if there's acres and acres between us) who indeed do "shoot, fear, pollute and abuse" and then I'd be miserable until I moved.

I live on 2 acres of mostly wooded land but have city-fied neighbors. City-fied folks just work all day and sit in front of their flat screen tvs all night, then go to bed and get up the next morning and do the same routine all over again. I don't see much of them, which is the way I like it.

[duckidaho]

I have had a homestead attitude for 20 years living in both rural and urban areas. I've learned a lot along the way sloooowly. From urban gardening and communal living years ago, to my currant status in rural Idaho. I have met people here since moving here who don't think of themselves as "homesteaders", they have just been getting by all thier lives this way. My landlady,who's 78, still butchers her own livestock, makes her own lard, and hunts whatever walks by her porch with a 30-30 she keeps behind the kitchen door. We pitched in with the butchering chores last time, and in return got a lot of knowledge and a cheap side of beef.

[silvergramma]

yes we're out here but we 're all in hiding lol
its a long story but even those who were making good money didnt like where we were or what we were living
a strong pull we believe by divine providence pulled us out and sent us to North Dakota,,i actually moved here with a large charles chips can full of seed packets..
we bought some city lots that had been turned into a garden huge piece of land bout the size of an acre..
and some other lots for planting fruit trees on in the future then we wound up moving outside city limits
we're hoping to turn that land into a community garden to be used by those in need
here where we are now we rent...... how are you