Note: Homesteading is a pretty neutral topic in my opinion. I mean, other than the drama that surrounds food freedom issues (like the sale of raw milk), most people are pretty supportive of the concept, even if they don’t want to do it themselves.
I’ve noticed recently that a handful of folks seem to be taking “offense” to the recent increase of interest in modern homesteading lifestyles, and I can’t help but scratch my head. This letter is not written to any person in particular, but I did want to address some of the negative comments I’ve heard coming from various folks.
Dear Homesteading Critic,
When I hear some of the ways that people try to pick apart the modern homesteading movement, I can’t help but feel rather perplexed.
I mean, it seems pretty easy to be supportive of someone who wants to grow their own tomatoes and make their own cheese, don’t ya think? (Especially if they are willing to share!)
In my opinion, homesteading seems pretty neutral and wholesome, but today I want to address a few of the common “objections” I have heard floating around.
Objection #1: “It’s just a fad.”
Maybe. But so what?
I agree, there is an impressive increase of mason jar and burlap pins on Pinterest lately. And books on backyard homesteading and keeping chickens are popping up left and right.
It’s possible that people are just trying to “Keep up with the Joneses” when they build a chicken coop in their backyard.
But maybe… Just maybe… The idea of being more self-sufficient and becoming connected to the land speaks to something inside of us… Maybe it inspires us to be something more than just mindless consumers dependent on produce departments and big box stores to give us everything we need.
Maybe… just maybe…. People are feeling the satisfaction that comes from creating and growing and producing and crafting and repurposing and they like it.
Sure– in the years to come, some people probably will end up giving away their chicken tractors and decide that tending a garden is a pain, but I’m betting there will still be a large portion of folks who will stick with it.
After you’ve felt the empowering feeling that comes from growing and producing your; own food, it’s pretty hard to go back to complete dependence on the grocery store… Just sayin’…
Objection #2: “Homesteading is a dumb name- you aren’t a “real” homesteader…”
Obviously, The Homestead Act of 1862 is no longer in effect. So yes, that definition of the word is technically extinct.
However. The online Merriam Webster dictionary has several definitions for the word “homestead,” and the first one is this:
1. A house, esp. a farmhouse, and outbuildings
That fits us modern-folk quite well, don’t ya think?
And honestly? I don’t know how else to describe what I do…
Even though I sometimes call our place a “farm,” to me, a farm or ranch is a large operation that makes a full-time income for its owner. Our 67-acre, “Old Macdonald” set-up (as in “E-I-E-I-O,” not the Golden Arches…) hardly qualifies as a working farm, even though it does produce an impressive amount of food for my little family.
Sometimes I call my crazy life a “mini-farm,” but that seems rather vague as well…
Therefore, I’m stickin’ with the term “homestead.” I like the word-picture it evokes in my mind when I say it– it makes me think of old-fashioned, wholesome, and worthwhile pursuits. And that’s what I’m all about.
So when someone asks what I do, I prefer to say “We have a homestead” instead of saying “We have a small piece of land that is technically non-profitable, but we have one milk cow and some beef cows and some chickens and some goats and a garden and I cook from scratch and I hang my laundry out on the clothesline.” Whew. 😉
Objection #3: “I’ve been doing this stuff forever… I don’t know why you people are suddenly so excited about it.”
True. Canning and milking and making bread and growing vegetables are old-fashioned skills– I most definitely am not claiming to have come up with any of these ideas. And I know there are many folks who were raised in the country and who have been practicing these skills for their entire lives.
However, keep in mind that not everyone was raised like that. In fact, many of us were not…
If you had a mother or father or grandma or grandpa who passed their knowledge and expertise down to you, that is SO awesome. In fact, I’m actually a little bit jealous.
But what about those of us who DIDN’T grow up in the country, or have a wise, seasoned mentor? What are we supposed to do?
I personally did not grow up in a farm. I grew up on a tiny lot in a tiny neighborhood. I would have loved to have a goat or a chicken coop or a root cellar growing up, but I didn’t.
I would have loved to have someone teach me how to make homemade cheese, but I didn’t.
I would have loved to have corrals to muck out, but I didn’t. (I actually used to push a wheelbarrow around our lawn and pretend I was cleaning stalls… Yeah, for real.)
I wanted something more, so I went after it. When people try to put me in a box and tell me I can’t do something, (“You can’t ride horses for a living– you grew up in town… You won’t ever own land, you grew up in town.”) I tend to fight and kick until I smash that box down. 🙂
As a young adult on my own, I chased down the rural lifestyle and claimed it as my own.
And I taught myself how to make cheese, and keep goats, and milk a cow, and grow and preserve food.
I don’t claim to be an expert, (I make a whole lotta mistakes!), but at least I’m trying.
Maybe that is why I get so excited about this lifestyle- because I know what it is like to want it so very badly and not have it.
And, that is also why I want to encourage those of you who are or were in the same boat as me. It CAN be done, even if you weren’t raised in this lifestyle. It’s still possible to grow and learn and change.
I’m a firm believer of doing things outside of your comfort zone- it definitely makes you a stronger person in the end.
So there you have it, my dear critic.
I suppose we homesteaders do look a little crazy sometimes— having access to every modern convenience imaginable, yet still choosing to do things the “hard” way…
BUT…
If you ever have the chance to eat a meal made entirely from ingredients produced on your own land…
Or welcome a brand new baby goat into the world in the stillness of a darkened barn…
Or tuck your animals into their cozy pens in the midst of a raging blizzard…
Or work in your garden at dusk, all by yourself. Just pulling weeds and listening to the crickets…
Then I supposed you just might understand why we all get so excited about this crazy lifestyle too. 🙂
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🙂 Love this, Jill. Very well written. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Jill;
Way to go. I personally believe that if we all had a little hand in Producing- and those who have more space producing a little mor to Share–we would all be happier and more satisfied with what we have and we would not be so dependant on the poison BIG Producers put on the shelves. With their medicated, GMO’s and treated products.
Grow an apple tree–bonsai style if you have to. Support the little guy, I wonder why his food has to cost so much- when you can afford it..cook from scatch as much as you can especially for you children’s sake. Eat mostly what God has caused to grow well in your neighbourhood—It’s probably the best food to keep you healthy where you live. Always think about everything especially big science and big government .they want power and money not really what’s best for you but if they can keep youn believing in them you are their’s and they maintain the upper hand. YOU CAN DO for YOURSELVES. Blessings to you
“Big Science” is not usually bad and evil on its own. It’s when “Big Science” meets “Big Business” that things can get dicey pretty quickly. As a physicist who is a part-time homesteader in my spare time, I take pride in growing and preserving as much of my own food as I can. And I want to let the other homesteaders here know that us scientists totally support what y’all are doing!
I couldn’t agree more Darlene!
Jill, keep on keeping on!!! Don’t let the ba@#*rds get you down!! Blessings to you too!!
love from Heather, ‘self proclaimed farm girl who doesn’t have a clue but is soooo happy doing it!!
stay the path, little sister….some of us SINCERELY APPRECIATE your efforts and energies! THANK YOU for sharing your stories, recipes, and glimpses into your heart…….(don’t let the naysayers get you down…they are either lazy or jealous…or both!)
Yes yes yes!! I love that you “chased down the rural lifestyle” and not only claimed it but are SHARING it!
Dear Jill;
I understand perfectly well what you are trying to say. I live in Bolivia, a country where everybody has a maid who does everything at home: cook, does the laundry, iron the cloth, does the cleaning at home,even raise the children of the family they work for. I came here 22 years ago, well in fact I did not come, I was brought, and kept my way of living although I came from a wealhy family. I did the cooking for everyone at home even the gardener (here people make grat difference with the people who work for you,they even make them eat a different food form the one they eat, I mean cheaper) and the people here thought I was out of my mind. I taught the gardener how to sow all kind of veggies and my kids used to plant and take care of them with me. I made a project for my sisiter who lives in Argentina where you can live in a small farm 10.000mts, and each one can plant different things and share the production. In that way the maintenance of the land is not so difficult and the roads and the pruning of the big trees is done by the “club house” lets call it like this.
I raised 4 children in a foreign country fighting agaist domestic violence with my husband. The way of keeping my kids together and always being with them keeping them mentaly safe, was by being in contact with nature.. Now I am divorced long time ago. My kids are older. The youngest one was 4 years old when I got divorce and because I knew how to do everything at home, did not waste a bit anything I started again and could raised my kids. The problem is people ´s habbits and mental chip. Now a days people think that “having” is better than “sahring” and it is a HUGE mistake. I am planing to move to another country, I hope I can make it to Canada and have a house, a small house where I can grow and do all the things you do and cook all kind of goodies, home made goodies that everybody loves to eat. All my friends keep telling me to start my business with all this. This is my dream and little by little I am getting near to it. Keep it up with your idea. Many of us love this kind of life, and little by little we will be changing people ´s attitude towards the world, nature, and healhy habits. I did lots of your recomendations,antigrease liquid in the TV show we have here in Bolivia. (A TV programme that teachs how to cook, higiene and HACCP rules) Because I belive the world needs this change and this will be the solution for so many violence we are being witness of. KEEP IT UP. Thanks for your time and for sharing so many good information and teaching us different things. With love from my heart
Florencia.
Florencia,
Canada is a wonderful place to choose! Depending on where you are looking at you could have a very short or a nice, long growing season.
And as another survivor of abuse, I understand what you mean about being able to protect and care for your children to the best of your abilities–good for you! It can be a long, hard path getting away from the abuse, but so worth it in the long run.
I am lucky in that I grew up in the country and my parents had a garden, preserved food, raised chickens, ducks and turkeys. My Mom baked our cookies and made homemade meals. Now that I live in a city (sad face) my husband and I have turned our tiny back yard into a little garden filled with flowers and some vegetables. I am learning many new things and loving it!
Good luck with your plans,
Tasha
Wow Florencia, YOU, my dear, are an incredible inspiration! I sincerely hope that your dreams come true and that you make it to Canada someday soon. I’ll be keeping you in my prayers. I am blessed to have you as a reader! <3
Love your article.I think Homesteading is something maybe God put in us a desire to do.I have lived in the country most of my life.Learned a lot growing up.Then life got busy and the land has just laid idle.All you young folks getting into Homesteading has got me back to wanting to get back at it.We have 10 acres plus access to my moms 20.It is going slow right now , but at least it is going.Just keep it up.It is the best life to live and you will be healthier for it.
Perfectly put! From another excited person who didn’t grow up this way, but loves any part of it I can get my hands on! Hopefully more soon!!
Love it. I grew up as a city girl & wish I’d learned more “homesteading” skills growing up. I long for that life. At 56, I’m finally trying some gardening and looking into chickens! Trying to set an example for my daughter. so she’ll be able to teach her future children. I agree it’s empowering to be able to provide even some food for your family. It’s unfortunate that some people see that in a negative light. Thanks for your blog. For me, it’s definitely an inspiration.
When making these sprays with the oils, they tend to leave an oily residue on the wood floor or materials, what do you suggest to absorb these oils, so that this will be less noticeable. Is there something I can add to absorb at least some, i.e. corn starch?
Dear Jill, I LOVE YOUR OPEN LETTER!
I write for MaryJane’sFarm magazine and one of the reasons I fell in love with her magazine is because of her tagline” farmgirl “is a condition of the heart” …Like you I always wanted to live on a farm, but grew up in suburbia only dreaming about having my own horse someday and land to spread out on…I’ve yet to attain my horse ( still planning on it and I’m 51) and I ” farm ” our 1/4 acre near Cape Cod in Ma. In fact, I recently added the word ” homestead” to my blog header… Dandelion House ~ Deborah Jean’s Homestead… I keep 9 laying hens, cook from scratch with backyard fresh eggs, grow blueberries, rhubarb, strawberries, squash, cucumbers, snap peas, radishes, swiss chard, lettuce, tomatoes, parsley, basil, rosemary, and mint to add to my summer cooking. I also grow a 600 square feet of cut flowers in addition to other garden areas in my yard.
I’ll be hosting my first garden tour this summer and an other one in October with a local publisher of the magazine EdibleSouthShore… I am thrilled to be able to share what I do on my tiny piece of land and hope to inspire other backyard gardeners to grow more of everything! I am a backyard homesteader and love being out in my garden at dusk picking weeds, listening to the crickets…. Oh, and one more thing. I don’t believe ” modern homesteading is a fad”,. That’s what they said about organic gardening in the 1970’s and it’s still here and growing by the day!
I think most people who love gardening, will always love gardening and farming… it’s in our blood!
Great letter Jill, and Happy Homesteading!
Deb
Yes- my dreams started out with horses as well! 🙂 Sounds like you have a fabulous operation there– keep up the great work! (And I LOVE MaryJane’s work.) 🙂
I loved what you said you told the truth and unforchanetly some people cant handle it.
Thanks Gary!
Just a note to you. I love your blog and feel you need no justification for what you choose to share with us. They are the sharing of topics that you find useful and interesting and are thoughtful enough to put into words and photos….for us. It takes time and talent to construct a daily blog. It takes seconds to criticize it. For those inclined to criticize, I think they need to “walk a mile in your shoes”. I feel today’s society could use a good lesson in manners, as well. It’s okay to disagree, but there is no need to “tear down” a person because they are putting some topic out there that you disapprove about. Just agree to disagree and if you feel you opinion is warranted, then respond with a constructive criticism…not hate or cruelty or meanness. Just because nobody can see your face doesn’t mean that your response and name won’t be associated with it. This is just my opinion and it is a stand I take. Also, I am speaking out be ause I take a stand against online bullying and some negative responses are nothing but that
Aw, thanks Dee! 🙂
I cannot understand why someone would criticize the way of life that their very own grandpaarents or great- grandparents lived their life. There weren’t always microwave ovens, or cell phones, or automatic washing machines. Matter of fact, I did grow up on a small family farm, where we grew and fished and hunted for our own food. There is something so satisfying about doing things the ” old fashioned” way. When I first married back in 1992, I used a Maytag wringer washer, and hung the clothes outside on the line years. And yes, my friends giggled. But I was happy. Yes, genuinely happy. I still do things the ” hard way” as my husband puts it. We now live in the city, but I am still Washing laundry with a breathing hand washer ( love this thing!) when there are machines available in the public laundry at our apartment complex. There are plants all over my patio. I wear blue jeans and tshirts and have long, straight hair, and don’t use makeup. I make alot of food from scratch. I use essential oils to heal and clean my apartment, and am totally happy doing things the way my mom did back in the ’70’s when I was a kid. It’s hard to describe, but living this way just comes naturally to me, as I am sure it does to many. Perhaps the nay-sayers should give it a try.
Great letter. sites like yours are idea sharing, and get us to thinking “hey I never thought of trying it that way. It is sad that there are people who want to put a negative spin or ridicule. But one thing I know for certain we are eating way healthier than anything they buy, I love going in my garden and grazing and taking care of the animals. perhaps they do not want to put forth the effort it takes, and just like the convenience of eating the lab food from the stores
I don’t doubt that it will fall out of style in time, as all things do, but can’t we just enjoy it while it is in style?? I feel like the people who have been doing it for ages have two options: embrace the movement and become a mentor because you truly love the concept of everyone being more self sufficient, or complain about how they are no longer unique in their endeavors. Honestly, it isn’t as if there are a set number of gardens allowed in the country! This really is a “The more the merrier” type of thing!
Yes indeed– the more the merrier! 🙂
Very well thought out and written. I did grow up on a farm and loved it. Then I lived in subdivisions with my hubby for many years, dreaming of moving back to the country.
I can’t understand why anyone would want to poke a hole in the homesteading lifestyle and drain all the fun out of it. Maybe they are just jealous. So many people have a vague sense that things are not right with the world, and that they would be better off doing things for themselves. But they just don’t have the get up and go to just get up and do it! So instead they want to rain on someone’s parade. Or if the they are doing it, they may feel threatened by an influx of newbies. Whatever the reason, ignore them…no one needs a negative ninny spoiling all their hard work.
PTHHHH on the critics. I grew up in the country, but not on a farm. My mom knew nothing of gardening or raising animals. I think the only thing I really learned from her was how to crochet…..lol. None the less, she was an AWESOME mom. I have sincerely grown to appreciate doing things from “SCRATCH”. More folks ought to try it. They might……….JUST MIGHT……..feel the gratification that come with COMPLETING SOMETHING WITH YOUR OWN TWO HANDS. This is………IN MY OPINION……the laziest generation of folks (generally speaking), that I have ever come across. There IS gratification is a HARD days WORK!!!!! Try it sometime folks………..YOU JUST MIGHT LIKE IT…. Just sayin’.
I grew up in the country on a farm. Lord, the hours I spent standing on my head picking butterbeans! lol But I KNOW why you want to homestead. I have “been there; done that” and I know how it feels. It’s a feeling of accomplishment that can’t be matched by anything else. I admire the fact that you’ve learned to do it on your own without the benefit of generations of farming/self-sufficiency that I had at my disposal. Unfortunately, I allowed the modern conveniences to lure me away from my roots. I’m back in the country now on the family farm/homestead and am slowly working toward the lifestyle you have. Congratulations to you!! Keep up the good work.
Let’s remember Adam and Eve were “in a garden”……not born in a shopping mall…….even our Lord was born in a stable…….I am fortunate that I was raised in a small town in Missouri but my grandparents and aunts and uncles all lived on farms which we would get to share in the produce and farming way of life……I wore blue jeans before blue jeans were cool…..ha…..anyway, I have no idea why people would criticize this way of life….perhaps a little bit of envy? They are the ones missing out so to speak…….and good luck and God bless your dream Florencia….I hope you make it to Canada…..oh, one more thing……I don’t think it’s a fad, it’s a way of life….one that is here to stay as the world gets more and more unsettled. Happy homesteading even if all you have is a back yard.
Yes indeed Aunt Pat! And you guys do a wonderful job of homesteading your backyards! 🙂
Wow – only someone with a very limited vision could not understand the larger significance of people becoming more interested in homesteading activities. Are these critics content with buying cheap crap that quickly fills our landfills (and oceans), buying their food and take-out blissfully munching on GMO ingredients? Or perhaps the snooty ones who can afford super-expensive handcrafted furniture and only organic foods – but all produced by someone else because they themselves have more important things to do?
I grew up in the country learning a lot of self-help, self-reliance skills which came in handy when I was on a limited budget, in grad school, raising a baby by myself; which came in handy later when I bought my first house in the city still raising my child by myself. Friends of mine who made a similar salary but didn’t have my skills couldn’t afford to live in their own house. City living made me appreciate what I learned growing up in the country. The longer I lived in the city working at my job that required a high level of education (that I got to get away from peasant living), the more I yearned for a simpler life in the country.
When my daughter graduated from high school and lived on her own, I was able to leave the city behind and build a homestead in the mountains. It’s been 8 yrs and only occasionally I feel a need to surround myself with city energy (e.g. a museum exhibit, big conference). I love living self-sufficiently, growing my own food (using my scientific skills to experiment with various growing conditions and keeping records over the years), hosting visitors for whom this place is sanctuary. Mental and physical skills all come together (anyone read the book Shopcraft/Soulcraft?), there is no differentiation. It is immensely satisfying – which most people with a desk job (no matter what their salary) can only dream of…
And then there are the geo-political and environmental implications of the homesteading lifestyle which would require another long paragraph… so I’ll stop here.
Thanks for all the good work you are doing.
Well Said! I think you wrote a great post,but probably wasted on those who criticize. I find people like that are generally unhappy in their lives and instead of doing something to change their lives…they attack others to make themselves feel better. Just keep on doing what you are doing! You are appreciated by many of us! Darlene
I love your website, and this was a gracious way to address the “haters” out there. People tend to criticize what they don’t understand, as I have been accused of being gluten free because its a current weight loss plan (not because gluten makes me sick and my GI doctor finally diagnosed me 🙂
I grew up in the South and although my parents didn’t farm, or grow even
A single tomato plant, my Grandparents all did. As soon as I went on my own, I started learning to grow from organic seed, and learning all about the owner of herbs in our health. My husband and I were the only house in the entire neighborhood with an herb garden, and everyone picked on me saying I must think that I’m a medieval witch making potions. Well, those herbal concoctions have treated MANY conditions for myself and my family over 20 years! It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to make tinctures for insomnia, upset belly, anxiety etc. and not ask the doctor for a pill!
So yes, I strive to be more self sufficient and love reading your blog for new inspirations! I just started my blog and would live any feedback… Newbeginningsglutenfreeherbal.blogspot.com
I could have written everything in #3 myself. I grew up in the city, but have imagined owning a farm one day for as long as I can remember.
I live on a farm now, although it’s a shared property with my in-laws. I have big dreams for this place, yet I feel like there’s people who scoff and my ideas…like somehow growing up in the city disqualifies me from living a proper rural lifestyle. Boo to them, I say.
Thanks for this post!!
Jill, You go girl! I think it is sad that some people have nothing better to do with there time than to crisis someone elses chosen lifestyle. The Lord gives each of us one life to do with as we choose. I think that you should be admired for having the curage to go after your dream. If I’ve learnent anything with age it is that the person who critisis the most usually are the most envious. I applaud you ,for your courage and forsight to live your dream, and know for everyone who critisises you there are a hundred other women rooting you on, God Bless.
Ha! Love it! Thanks for writing this! I find that most people we talk to about our itty bitty (1/8 acre “farm”) undertaking are intrigued…however, there is a good handful of people who cock their heads and look at us like they have no idea what we’re talking about. People are silly, no doubt!
Thank you for this post! I don’t have 40 acres and a mule….I have 1/8th of an acre and dog, but I grow what I can in my 300 square foot Garden of Eatin’, I am learning to preserve foods through the ‘old fashioned’ methods, and I try to take a baby step or two everyday towards the lifestyle that my soul cries out for! As far as I can see, I won’t ever have a 40 acre farm, or a mule, but I can take my little 1/8th and make it something special. Something wholesome. Something useful! That makes me a homesteader! Blessings to you!
Teresa@thisacreofdiamonds.blogspot.com
Teresa, it’s excellent and very commendable what you’re doing with what you have. You’re doing *way* more with far less than most people could or would, for sure. However, if you want to get some land, then you can get some land! Yes, you can. We did. We were boxed up on a 1/4 acre lot for 25 years. There were city codes and restrictions on everything, and nothing but traffic noise, pollution, and sirens 24/7. It was driving me to despair and I saw no way out. But, nine years ago, we bought a cabin on five acres that we used as a weekend getaway. A year later we bought an adjoining 10 acres. Nearly four years ago we moved here full time and it’s been *great*. Never mind that we were *terrible* at farming and the soil was poor; we knew we could improve our skills as well as the soil. Our chickens helped the soil and fresh eggs are the best! We still have much to learn, but Jill is an outstanding mentor and the growing community of homesteaders are wonderfully supportive, too. So if you want to get out in the country, start looking. Opportunities are out there!
“Garden of Eatin'” <---- Love it Teresa! 🙂
I visited my Amish friend Ruby around the corner from me just a couple of days ago. Our discussion was of sharing our knowledge together (soaps, yogurt, cheese, laundry, gardening) because one, we “respect ” eachother and secondly because “The Time” is coming. That is how my dear friend Ruby puts it. She tells me that her community needs to take a step back a bit from the modern world, the temptations are so great. I look at her and feel pity for my community because we have handicapped ourselves far worse than hers.
Given events going on in the world today it is awful difficult to discredit our life’s manual and I feel sorry for those who will still choose to turn away from it. He promised not to send another flood (rainbow) but do “floods” always come in the form of water?
Many are blind to what we do. But I know I for one and many of you who visit Jill here WILL NOT be the ones wiped out by the next flood.
Jill, I am so sorry you had to address some of these issues. But you did it with grace and poise. Hopefully now that this is behind you, you can get back to more important things…
People that criticize you for your farming abilities and farming must be out of their mind. Someday when the don’t have any food, etc, they will be sorry the didn’t take the time to learn. What you and a few others have to offer us is a valuable tool in today’s world. I grew up in the city, but came from a farm background. My grandma, my mother, and aunts gardened and canned. I learned how to can at about age 23 all by myself while my parents were out of town. Couldn’t wait for help. My kids who know nothing about farming, etc started raising chickens in a little town about 20 miles north of us. They are doing a fabulous job. My son-in-law made an incubator and hatched about 30 chicks in late February and March. My 2 1/2 year old grandson has made a pet out of a little naked neck he was given. It wasn’t old enough to go out with the rest so it thinks little Lukas is its mama. You keep up your good work and many of us look forward to your posts. God Bless and have a good day!!!
FANTASTIC letter! I to was city raised in a very dysfunctional family momma had it all and dad grew up on farms. I got the farming gene. Every time I started to grow veggies in my little plot out int he back yard boy did the fight ensue. But I kept going. I am still looking for that home with a nice sized backyard or a an acre so I can really engage in my passion. …
Life was just the opposite for me. Spent my younger days in the country, teenage and beyond in the city. Have always had a garden, go to the farm supply store each spring and look at the chicks and ducklings. Just about ready to retire, have little house, a few acres, and the longing to go back to the homestead.
I do understand the problem with “raw”milk, it can carry TB, and TB has become a problem again in our society. Why altered veggies aren’t considered a problem is rather odd, selling food products tainted with all kinds of carcinogens doesn’t seem to bother the vast majority of our population, improper/dirty food handling is reported but really nothing is done about it.
At our house, we used home canned veggies, meat from a chemical free “farm”, purchase produce from our chemical free neighbors and use whatever I can grow in our garden. We give away jelly, jam and canned breads. We make some of our own soap, spin our fibers, knit/weave some of our clothing. I can’t wait to live in our country cabin full time, make the garden twice the size it is now, have a “few” chickens, maybe a duck or two, would love a couple of goats (for fiber and milk), and whatever other animal I can talk my husband into.
There is an old saying, “Different strokes for different folks”, and it’s so sad that people think they have to bash those who are trying to make things better for their family. I lived on a farm for 24 years and grew a big garden and canned, raised chickens, milked cows,and all the other things that go along with farming. I’m now retired,but I still raise a garden and can and dehydrate foods, bake all my own bread and now get milk & fresh eggs from a daughter who lives close on a ranch. I pity the people that criticize us “farm folks”. They don’t know what real food tastes like. I admire all of you younger gals for your determination to make things better for your families. Keep plugging away regardless of what criticism comes your way. You don’t have to answer to anyone for your ways and beliefs. This world is so used to “instant” things, they don’t have a clue as to what the benefits they would reap if they took the time to try what a lot of us are doing. Your response to the person who thought it necessary to bash us ‘rural folks’ was very tactfull & directly to the point. I like to follow your blog as one is never to old to learn and try new ideas that may improve on what we are already doing. You go, girl! May God bless you abundantly for your dedication to your cause and family.
Thanks so much Mary- I’m so happy to have you as a reader!
Wonderful letter! I adore what you do and cannot wait to get “there” as well. I’m in my thirties and still live in a condo with my husband and three small children. I yearn for some land, a few animals and a big plot of dirt I can sink my hands into to cultivate. I’m not sure when it will happen for me but I have the dream and hopefully some day it will come to fruition. In the meantime, I love reading your blog and learning things I can and hopefully will use later.
It’s gonna happen for you Michele– just keep working towards it! 🙂
Thanks 🙂
Thank you for placing into words my own thoughts. While I was raised in a rural setting it wasn’t until I was older with grand kids that I began to long for the simpler life. So we moved out of the city and moved back home to my roots. I’m working harder than I ever was before, (sunrise to sunset) but I’m more at peace and happier now than my previous life. My parents are teaching me many of the things I need to know to be more self-sufficient and live off the land, but I use the internet all the time to learn new techniques and even teaching them a thing or two…the old with the new…its a good way to live. Even now I can hear the rooster crowing in the background reminding the good life that I live.
It is a good life, isn’t it? 🙂 Keep up the great work Laura!
Thanks for sharing. I identify as both a homesteader and corporate guy, which I think is rare. I’m in a lot of meetings, dinners, events, etc. and here is my secret: whenever we get on the topic of where/how I live the conversation does not end. People are fascinated by it – the animals, the hay, the manure, the firewood – everything. Most often I have to forcibly change the conversation back to business. And I think the more senior set appreciates even more than the young ones still gunning for the corner office. It really is interesting to observe.
That IS interesting– and I love that you are sharing your lifestyle in the corporate world. I’ve also noticed that people love to talk about our lifestyle. It seems that most folks have some long-lost memory of happy times spent on a farm with a family member or friend. It really speaks to a lot of folks. 🙂
It’s hard to believe anyone is pooh-poohing on homesteading/modern homesteaders. I’m convinced some people are critical of every possible little thing.
So very proud of you!!! I totally understand where you are coming from and want to be there again myself. I used to stay at home, have a big garden, can and freeze all sorts of things, hung my babies’ diapers out on the line (how fresh and good they smelled after being out there in the sunshine!), but am now working full time until I can step away and be home again. You give me encouragement and can’t wait to be home again! Blessings!
Aw thanks, Kim! Blessing to you as well. 🙂
Jill…Fantastic note!!! I too am the girl who was raised in town, but managed to get myself to a barn. I am the girl who lived in town and was a part of 4-H, and later FFA. All my friends were farm kids, and didn’t quite understand my need to be mucking stalls, feeding, brushing, and showing horses. But I loved it!!! After being a military spouse for the last 20 plus years….I am finally getting to live the dream! I am also the girl who with a very loving husband said we need to move away from San Diego…moved to Spokane sight unseen last June. Found a place with close to 2 acres on a lake to live, and learn about this great area until we finally find the farm. I am also the Mom who picked every fruit I could from whatever tree was ripe with the kids….and picked up canning supplies and made up tons of jam. My 14 yr old wanted chickens…so my husband (engineer) built this amazing coop with a run that has a view of the lake. Making an observation deck soon!!! They are just sooo much fun to watch. No eggs yet…still too early…but there will be enough to share. Finally have a garden…I was able to getting vegi packs from my neighbors green house, and also planted seeds straight into the ground. I dunno what will work, but worth finding out!!! We built a compost pile out of pallets…I dunno if I am doing it right, but worth finding out. I find pleasure in picking weeds, watering, talking to the chickens who come running to you even w/o a treat, talking to the vegetable garden, and hanging out with the kids seeing what has sprouted or grown over night. We didn’t want to wait 3 years to figure out how to use the land in a new area, new climatic zone, and couldn’t be happier for the results!!! I am so excited to share the bounty from the garden this season!!! My neighbor is happy to see the dust bowl next to her house being used! She loves the chickens too! So this girl gets the note…and will someday have a patch of heaven with horses, cows, and a tractor!!! And will have farm kids….and my fabulous engineer/farming husband who can build anything I draw. Wow what a difference a year makes!!! Happy Homesteading!!! And now I am off to let my girls into the run, and get my hands dirty…..
Way to go Christine! And yes, I was also a 4-Her, even though I lived in town. 🙂 I saved my pennies and got my first horse when I was 14 (we boarded him at a friend’s house) and I ADORED 4-H and mucking stalls. Keep up the great work!
Objection #1: “It’s just a fad.” – No, it is not. When your mental, spiritual and physical health depends on it, it becomes a way of life. MY way of life and my family’s. Knowledge is power, and it can not be taken away from you.
Objection #2: “Homesteading is a dumb name- you aren’t a “real” homesteader…” Semantics, semantics, semantics… that’s all they have to say? It is like talking to a 12 years old…. oh, and by the way no, I don’t live in a farm I live in a house and I have an outbuilding: my shed. Enough for me! untill I can learn how to manage this little “homestead” to graduate to the “farmstead” …or not… I don’t know. I live in the present and loving it to pieces. That is what homesteading is about: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” – Theodore Roosevelt
Objection #3: “I’ve been doing this stuff forever… I don’t know why you people are suddenly so excited about it.”: soooooo sorry to hear you’ve lost your excitment…. now go on with your life and live me alone I am too busy celebrating how good my hanging tomato plant in my window is doing. (Yes , the horror!: I take pictures of it and look at it every day in amazement!, again: so sorry to hear you’ve lost your sense of wonder)
Jill thank you for writing this post, and thank you for sharing all you know with us.
“The meek and humble, will inherit the earth”
Well put Gracie! And yes, I totally agree- knowledge IS power! 🙂
Love the letter. Thanks for sharing. You are such an encouragement. I also know “what it is like to want it so very badly and not have it.”
Also I have that EXACT same vase in the photo. I thought it was an antique. I got it resale but now I’m wondering if it is just a remake. Do you know anything about it?
Thanks again
Isn’t that vase the greatest? My mom got it for me at an antique store, actually. It came with a basin as well, but it broke (sob). I think she found out that it was made in the 1960s- so not super old, but still lovely, I think.
Well said!
Your letter made me think quite a bit. I was one of the “lucky” ones, I grew up in the country. We did not have a large farm, it was 10 acres, there was no milk cow, we walked a half mile to the dairy down the road, we had no money to even raise a steer, but neighbors shared wth us because both mom and dad helped with the butchering and the neighborhood did all the packaging themselves too. So yes, I was “lucky” to grow up in the country where people looked out fore one another. Thank you for bringing these memories back to me.
Donna
What an awesome post, Jill!! I just don’t understand why people have to be so critical of the choices other people choose to make. Yes, it may be a fad but in our little community which is a farming community we are starting to see more and more people choose the homesteading/natural way of life. I think a lot of people are starting to wake up to the fact that the majority of foods offered in the grocery stores are killing us! When I was little we basically grew up on my grandma and grandpa’s homestead with horses, chickens, cows, gardens etc. and I have always longed for that way of life again and have finally reached a point in my life where that is a achievable!!
I applaud you for the lifestyle you have chosen and the fact that you are excited to share. My momma always taught me that if you can’ t say something nice don’t say nothing at all!!
Thank you miss Tammy! 🙂
Pity the naysayers for they don’t understand the concept of believing in a dream, chasing one’s passion and doing that which soothes the soul. I myself have always felt the most free while driving and so I pursued truck driving at the age of 22 in 1976. So many naysayers then too. “You can’t do that, you’re a girl” they said. My mother taught me to stay true to my dreams, that I could be or do anything I wanted in life if I were willing to work at it. I have recently retired with close to 4 million miles traversing the lower 48 and now I am growing tomatoes and making soap because soothes my soul. Do what makes you happy and answer only to God.
Wow Michele- you rock! 4 million miles! 😉
Poop on the haters. The internet makes people such big mouths.
Being a lucky girl (now an old woman) raised in the country by parents who today would have been called ‘homesteaders’ but then were just poor (and wise) country folk, it is amazing to me also that a country lifestyle, raising your own kids, and growing, preserving, and cooking your own food needs explaining or defending, but it seems to these days. I love the term ‘homesteading’. The English language is a living language, and new words, and new meanings for old words are always making it into the dictionary. I hope that this ‘homesteading fad’ will grow and last and become an important definition of the word in the dictionary. The closer we are to the land and to the production of our own food, the better our whole society will be! I loved your answer to critics, it was heartfelt and timely, and non-confrontational (my favorite part). Keep on sharing! I hope that through you many young families will be inspired to do whatever they can to get closer to the land.
Me too Donna!
well said – great letter- keep up the terrific work!!!!!
You go, Girl! Is there anything more inspiring than seeing someone follow their dreams and seeing the passion that moves them?! I love this letter because your passion comes across so eloquently. Let the ‘naysayers say nay’. Whatever. They don’t inspire or move me with their negativity. For me, I also feel the desire to be more self sufficient. I do live the ‘homestead’ life on my little farm and am grateful for it. I avoid falling in the trap of *the easy way* because I feel it keeps me stronger. Kind of like sitting on the couch is easier than exercising – but the benefits of getting up off that couch? Ya, they are worth it. Keep up the good work. You are inspiring and mentoring many and the more strength we have as a nation… the better off we will all be. Here’s to the people strong enough to follow their passions and get up off the couch!!
You betcha! The “hard way” is definitely worth it, huh?
Very well written! You have hit the nail on the head, for me at least.. I am in my 50’s and am pining for a place to spread out.. I was married to a farmer years ago (a different story..won’t go there!) and had chickens and a garden and learned to can. After that phase of my life was over, I went back to being “the consumer.” Now, It has a deeper meaning and significance for me and my longing is visceral. My husband thinks that I am not a little crazy and doesn’t seem to understand my need to be connected to the land and part of the never-ending cycle of life that goes on around us.. I love history and just wish for a simpler way of life.. Don’t get me wrong, I love my smart phone and my laptop and many of today’s technical advantages (to a point!) but when it is all said and done, I want the satisfaction of knowing that I am part of something bigger than myself and our existence is in thanks to my provisions. I love to collect vintage kitchen utensils and tools and use them as they were intended.. I, too, pretended to be a farmer as a kid.. I have wanted a milk cow since early childhood and asked for latex gloves in my Christmas stocking (and got them!) so that I could poke a hole in the fingers and tie the glove onto the faucet spout and “milk” the water-filled glove. Who cares what the critics say? It is not their life. If they are content with their situation, so be it.. Me, I will keep striving for that which makes me happy.
Hehe- your rubber glove story made me laugh! 🙂 And I agree with you– I do enjoy some modern conveniences (computers!) as well, but it’s nice to be able to pick and choose.
Very well written! I am 23 years old, just graduated from college, married, expecting my first baby and new to homesteading. We just bought our first chickens, started a garden, and I learned to can 2 years ago,(etc.) Many of my classmates and family members are perplexed and ask me often: why? Why did you buy 15 chickens? Why not just buy strawberry jam at the store? I can’t ever explain it well enough to anyone, why a young woman (with her whole life ahead of her) would choose to spend her days at the stove making banana bread from overripe bananas, and weeding out in the garden in the middle of summer,,,accept for it makes me happy. It makes me so happy to harvest vegetables out of the garden, and watch OUR chickens scratch around knowing they are having a healthy happy life (instead of one sitting in a cage.) I don’t see why people feel the need to criticize a lifestyle that promotes less time in front of the television, healthy eating, more time outside, and built in classroom for children. The luxury of living in the time that we do, is we get to CHOOSE how we want to live our lives whether it is commuting I-80 to get to the office, or spending days milking goats and making jam. EVERY lifestyle that is positive and promotes happiness should be encouraged. 🙂
Well said Brianna! I’m 28, and yes, people especially scratch their head over us “younger” homesteaders… I just think how much farther ahead we’ll be by the time we are 50! 🙂
I find your blog very helpful, I’m glad I found it. We are working our way to self sufficiency and appreciate your hard work! Just like the tv has an off switch the internet has other blogs etc…to read. To each her own.
Great post! Hmmm….maybe you should share this on some of those local buy/sell/trade Facebook pages! (Maybe that’s where you got your inspiration for this post?) Ha! I’ve seen people on there complaining about modern homesteaders and it makes me want to rant at them, but I’ve held my tongue (or typing fingers)! Seriously, what do they want us to do? Live in town, eat junk, and support Big Ag? I’ve seen some of them make the arguement that the “fad” of homesteading is causing everything to go up in price…which I agree is kinda sad! But really, I don’t see any of them offering their livestock or whatever for cheaper than the going rate!
Ha- yes! I did have some of those particular folks in mind when I was writing this article… I’ve had to hold my tongue on those pages too!
I so agree with you, I was raised on a dairy and I always here why would you work so hard when you could just buy it at the store? They don’t get it!
Thank you Jill! I get so offended when I’m made to feel like I’m just following a fad or doing something stupid. Like you I grew up city but I remember even when I was small begging my folks ‘can we live on a farm?’ My husband and I are just starting out with this lifestyle and we know we are going to stumble and fall along the way but there is another reason for wanting to start this lifestyle. Independence! The economy in so many places is heading down the toilet. National pensions are going down the toilet, and here in Canada we wonder if there will be any by the time we hit that age. We have no savings. How will we live? Our hope is that if we can provide most of our own food and resources (we want to go off grid as well) that at the very least if the manure hits the fan, we will still survive. We’ll still have a roof over our heads, heat in our home and food on the table. Knowing that we will have that security is comforting. Most people say ‘wow, you’re brave. I would love to do that but I’m too scared to try’ But now and then I am accused of being one of those crazy survivalists or a nutcase following a stupid trend. I don’t have a bunker in the back and I’m not isolating myself from the community and stockpiling weapons and food. I just want to know that we can live on a limited income down the road when we are older. I just want the security of know that what I’m putting on the table isn’t full of strange ingredients and toxic chemicals. I want to know that if my pension doesn’t arrive in my bank account I can get a few eggs from the coop, some milk from the goats and make myself an omelet while I wait. I want to know that if disaster strikes, chances are some city folks will be at my door asking for help and I will have the resources to give it. And best of all, I’ve escaped the rat-race, the consumeristic pandemonium and dialed things back to a simpler way of living that will ultimately be better for my blood pressure and my health and result in better mental health from the peace that comes with working close to the land in the quiet of the countryside. I only have 8 small acres but I also have the advantage of being two minutes away from a nice beach for those times when I feel like I need a mini vacation. I’ve been here only a month but it sure beats the city! At least for me. I’ve never claimed that it’s better than what other people are doing or that they should follow in my footsteps. For me and mine it’s perfect.
Way to go Connie! Sounds like you have a wonderful homestead there. 🙂
Amen!
This is such a wonderful post. I once read a raging comment on Facebook about the homesteading/self-sustaining movement telling people to get over themselves cause unless they ‘make their own baskets’ and every single thing they ever use, then they are neither homesteading or self-sustaining. People baffle me sometimes. This post is well done, with just the right amount of tactful snark.
“Tactful snark” 🙂 hehehehe
Hi. Great little article. I was wondering does your husband work off your homestead or on? What does he do? We have a little homestead too; Chickens, Turkeys, ducks, rabbits and maybe in the fall a Milker. We would love to have my husband at home with us working on the homestead and us doing this on our own and surviving. Not surviving as per American standards, but the old standards or survival, well I guess more by God’s standards. 🙂 Sometimes it can feel like his off the homestead up takes up so much time, it keeps us from doing what we would really love to be doing. Like a perpetual cycle. Does that make sense? Well I would love for your families prayers for our family and I will be praying for yours too. Blessings to you. Siobhan
My hubby works in town where he teaches in a trades program at the local college. So yes, it definitely takes him away from the homestead a lot! Much of the homestead-duties are left up to me, but we still get by. 🙂 I’ll keep your family in my prayer as well. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Jill,
Just a note from someone from the wrong side of #3. I grew up on a cattle ranch in S Oregon. My family homesteaded here, like original homestead act homesteaders. Wait before you roll your eyes and start hatin’. 😉 I LOVED my childhood. I knew I was lucky and when I hit high school I sat down with my family and professed my desire to buy the ranch from my grandparents. The answer was a flat NO. I asked several times over a few years and the answer was always the same. Go to college they said. Get a “real job” they said. There is no longer a profit in farming or ranching. There are so many things that they WOULDN’T teach me because there was no need. I wouldn’t be a rancher. I asked again after I graduated from college. I offered on our dilapidated homestead but my family had sold it to a developer. There are now 50 track homes in our pasture and a paved cult-a-sac over the most fertile soil in the valley. It hurts my heart. I had to watch my home get dismantled and sold off piece by piece. The cattle, the garden, the pastures and finally the house all sold off and taken apart. Now here we are a solid time frame later (Don’t want to date myself too badly) Here we are, I was talking to my Mom and Aunt the other day and their biggest regret is not having taught us more as children. The food system and economic climate today are things that our parents and grandparents couldn’t fathom. They never imagined pink slime would exist or that berry puree from the store would contain Hepatitis A or that milk, raw or otherwise, would be a hot topic. I guess my point here is that there are some of us who grew us on a farm or ranch that feel like we should know more but are in the same teach yourself boat. It is an odd position to be in knowing that I have seen cows raised from birth to death and knowing that I couldn’t raise a cow, or drive a tractor, or raise a pig. I have had to learn things the hard way, just like most of you. Except I have this stigma of ‘well you grew up on a ranch, you should already know this’. Or when I ask my mom a question about milk cows, or canning or butchery I get the response — you know this! We used to do it all the time when you were growing up… yes THEY the adults did things when I was a CHILD. They have conveniently forgotten that we children were shooed away to not be under foot or directly told that it (it ranging from home canning to haying) wasn’t worth learning as it wouldn’t be a skill necessary in my later life.
What a loss! You can always make your life what you want it to be though. Study and learn these “old ways”. I had a similar experience with my family of origin. They had a huge farm and then decided it was not worthwhile and moved to town. All that way of life was lost and they said good riddance! I now have a “hobby farm” which is very satisfying to me to practice a different way of life. There’s no need to fit the cookie cutter mold that has guided our culture for so long! Follow your heart!
Hi Dawn- thanks for the comment! I totally understand where you are coming from- in fact, I know many farmers/ranchers who might run a large operation, but have really no idea how to have a vegetable garden, or milk a cow, or do any of those homesteading-type things. So, I don’t think your situation is as uncommon as you might think. 🙂 But I still think it’s awesome that you are learning homesteading skills later in life, even though you might not have had them taught to you as a child. That’s pretty darn admirable in my opinion!
GREAT open letter! There will always be those who have to be negative – I feel sorry for such people. Back in my day, we were called, Hippies, Back-to-the-Landers, Granolas and many other things that were meant in a mean-spirited way. Again, I feel sorry for those folks. We need more young people to carry on these traditions, and if we can use “social media” to encourage them and help them learn the skills to be more self-sufficient, that is all the better! Keep up the good work! I have been doing this for a long time, but am always open to learning something new!
You betcha Karin! I think social media is doing wonderful things for the homesteading cause. 🙂
Wonderful!! How I wish I could have even a 1/2 acre and once again raise chickens and a large garden.Not comp;aining though. I still have the skills, cook from scratch,make bread, raise vegestables in mostly pots and hang out my clothes. So I am very thankful!! Keep on doing what you love, .the wheels of time turn and we can’t see the future.
Hi Jill:
Almost all of us are no more than two generations away from living on a farm. My father grew up on a farm that started as a homestead, authorized by that 1862 Act, but in 1905. That Act was in effect for a long time. Our current ‘life-style’ didn’t become widespread until after WWII, with the development of corporate agriculture and industrial food processing, which really came out of the war, and the need to provide food for the tens of thousands of soldiers far away from home. And many of the posters here have spoken of being much closer to it than that. In fact, we all lived in situations where we had to grow, make, or build anything and everything we needed for thousands of years before the Industrial Age came into being. So, it’s no wonder we feel a tug to return to it – sometimes, indeed, more than a tug, an irresistible pull, in fact, that we ignore at the cost of an inexplicable, profound unhappiness. We belong living on the ground, as part of it, rather than 50 floors above the street, surrounded by concrete and glass, with a ‘view’ that could never compete with that gained from climbing a small hill to look over the valley. Even though he left the farm, my father always kept a compost heap/bin/box somehow, putting in lawn clippings and kitchen scraps, as long as he had a place for it, and as long as his health allowed – it was just what you did, on the farm. That compost got used for many things, from new shrubs and flower beds, to small gardens, for years, even briefly in the arid conditions of the desert southwest, shortly before he died.
I still do it, though my effort is to generate a little trash/garbage as possible, and the small city I live in has a composting program for residents, collecting the material, turning it, housing it through the winter, and ‘selling’ it back to us for $10 a yard – which helps cover the costs.
By the way, as others have said, don’t be deterred by the nay-sayers – some are envious, perhaps, some truly don’t understand out of ignorance. There may be, too, a troll or two, who believe it’s their duty to discourage anything that looks different from the ‘american way of life’. Ignore them. You can’t convert them, or dissuade them. Engaging them just encourages their efforts, misguided as they are. Only a personal epiphany will ever change their minds. As many others have said, too, I admire your efforts, your willingness to learn, and/or re-learn, and your determination to keep on keepin’ on.
Well said Gene! Yes, my dad was raised on a farm, but sadly, he left it and never went back. 🙁 And my sister and I grew up in town. So, it’s definitely in my blood, but just a couple generations back. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Jill, I loved this today! You said it perfectly! I feel better knowing there are so many others out there trying to “homestead” despite what people may think about it and I love that we are trying – whether we are failures or not!!
I absolutely love this! You are spot on about HOMESTEADING! As a young girl I basically learned farming on my friends farms. I had horses for 25 years and then married a wonderful man and moved to the suburbs. I have always considered myself frugal and resourceful at the same time. I guess that is what happens to those of us who had parents who grew up during the depression. My parents and grandparents always told us to be prepared and that there is always more than one purpose for most things. Now, we were not hoarders, but we did have a good stock of used jars, coffee cans, canning jars and other items that could help one sustain one’s self during “hard times.” I do believe with the economy of all countries in a seemingly endless decline, many people are starting to realize that their had earned dollars are being stretched to the max! Many people are finding that they are definitely living on a more fixed type of income and are looking for, or have found ways to make the ends meet. We live on an acre of land and have a raised bed garden. My husband who is a “City Fella”, has found a great pleasure in just watering the garden and picking the fresh veggies when they are ready! If you have never planted a garden or don’t have the space, get a pot and grow a tomato plant. I will guarantee that you will gasp with delight when you see that first tomato starting to grow. I also make some of my own household products which have not only saved us money, but have kept my asthma at bay! So, call it what you will, but more and more people are seeing the benefits of the “Homesteader Type Life” For my family it has brought us peace and pleasure. Thank You Jill for this article. I hope more of you will take just a little step into this type of life and see how happy it will make you!
My family lived on the edge of rural areas until I was 5 and then we moved to a cow ranch, I lived there for 2 years before we moved again and I was crushed. I always wanted to live that ranch lifestyle. The wind, the grass, the smells, the animals. It was all wonderful to me. I helped my mom every year with the garden and started organic gardening on my own when I was 16 when my mom went back to work. People treat me like I couldn’t know anything about organic farming and why am I being so faddish about it. This was how I was raised, this is what I know. That is all there is to it. The essential belief in America is to follow your dreams, and you did. Good on you. Some of us are born into our natural environment, some of us end up in our natural environment and some of us most go find it. I love your website. It reminds me of all the things I knew of when I was a kid but haven’t seen or done in 20 years, except for the organic gardening part.
I love your letter….I’ve always been the nutty “black sheep” in the family that likes to garden, raise animals, ride horses, make my own cheese and soap, etc. I worked in several office positions and felt like a fish out of water, but when I started gardeniing, breaking horses, and raising critters, I finally felt like I had found myself. Gardening is a real challenge for me, but I struggle on with it because the produce tastes so much better, and I know how it was grown.
Personally, I think the people that criticize us are just too lazy to do what we do. But, they realize that what we have is better, so they try to stop us with insults. When that doesn’t work, they make government regulations to stifle our productivity. They get away with this because as a whole, homesteaders are usually a “live and let live” type, and the rug is pulled out from under us before we know what happened.
I’d like to challenge each of us to be more aware of the legislation being introduced and fight to save our dwindling freedoms. It only takes a minute or two to call or write your congressman, and be sure to VOTE intelligently.
I agree Glenda! We do need to be aware of our legislation– it’s too easy for them to slip things in under our noses. 🙁 (And you know what? Gardening is a struggle for me, too!)
I was homesteading back in the late 60’s when we called it surviving. I love this site because people things are getting worse. Food is getting contaminated by Monsanto. Learn as much as you can from this site and people. I use to be a farmer. I can, dehydrate, pickle , and whatever I can get my hands on. If they call martial law good luck getting food if the store runs out. Wake up people. The people here are more on the ball than you complainers.
Thank you. THANK you. Thank YOU!
This was so eloquently put and much appreciated! Maybe the naysayers have too much idle time on their hands and thus have time to think about what other people are or aren’t doing correctly or incorrectly. (Undoubtedly they must NOT be ‘homesteaders’ because if they were they simply wouldn’t have time for the negative thoughts! Ha!)
I applaud you for doing what you do for you, and for your family. I, too, am learning everything from scratch without mentors. My beloved mentor passed way too early. If it weren’t for kindred spirits like yours to help me along my way I would still get it done, no doubt …. but it would take me longer to figure things out and much more trial and error! 🙂
PLEASE keep doing what you are doing because there are SO many of us out here that do appreciate you. We also appreciate every other homesteader out there. I, myself, am a proud wife, mom, and homesteader (even if I’m only ‘steading on about a third of an acre!)
Thank you so much for your kind words Faith- I’m honored to have you as a reader! 🙂
Love, love, love this post! Every bit of it was so true and was something I have thought at some point. I really liked the part about calling it a homestead. I struggle so much with that when I talk to people. I’ve used farm, mini-farm, backyard farm, etc. But homestead seriously seems to fit what we do the best. Thanks for the great post!
I’ve discovered that people often just want to criticize what they don’t understand. It’s frightening to people to have to deal with the fact that others want to dedicate their lives to something “better” – especially if that better is not their version of better. Criticism makes them feel safer, more secure, and more superior. I’m trying to learn to homestead in my 800 square foot apartment (check wherethesidewalkends.com to see how it goes!) and it’s very challenging to learn these crafts via the internet. I’m sucking up all the knowledge from those I know that I can, but it’s still mostly Farmer Google that gives me the advice I need. (Plus, of course, your amazing blog.)
Hehehe, “Farmer Google” 🙂 Keep on sucking up that knowledge Kat! Glad to have you along for the ride. 🙂
I agree with you. I grew up on a small farm, and we canned all our food, grew our little bit of pork, beef, and chicken. We had the old fashioned smoke house, potato banks for our potatoes. I married and moved to the city and missed all the good old food. However I have through the years canned and froze my veggies. In 2009 I had heart problems, and my heart doctor told me to go home, get me some chickens, eat my own eggs and chickens, grow my veggies and if I did not grow it, do not eat it! I still live in the city, and grow enough for my personal family and enough to share. My heart is fine now, no problems in more than 2 and 1/2 years! God has Blessed me every day! I have really enjoyed your blog, I take time to read it, but not to blog. My children and their family are all “HOMESTEADING”! May God Bless you!
Wow! I can’t believe that people really don’t have better things to do than to bash someone else’s way of life. Pathetic and sad. Way to go standing up for your way of life!
Thank you for writing this! I have been thinking the same, I can’t understand why people criticise homesteading (or even worse, here in Australia its sometimes called a “hobby farm” as if its not really serious, just a hobby). The weird thing is all the feminists that are upset about it. Apparently convenience foods “set us free” or is that just want the marketers wanted us to think? I’d rather make and grow my own 🙂
Yes, isn’t it funny how some folks this convenience foods have “liberated” us from the kitchen? Personally, I felt so much liberation and empowerment as a woman when I learned how to cook and actually prepare my food, instead of just reheating it from a box. 🙂 Of course, I still do enjoy conveniences like my dishwasher and washing machine, but there is something to definitely be said about learning to cook at least some of what you eat with your own 2 hands. 🙂
Hi! Great Post. And well times for me as I’ve just these last two days been navigating the relationship with my neighbour who has some suburban expectations about what my 5 acre block should look and smell like.
I’d also like to back up what Rose said way up the top in the third comet. I’ve encountered a bit of anti science talk among fellow homesteaders of late. Its important to remember that science is a natural thing, the observation of the natural world, with a constant admission that we don’t know everything yet and still have so much to learn. When you see selective snippets of science used to manipulate, promote consuming and distance us from the natural world that is big business talking.
Great post Jill! I’ve encountered the same resistance to calling myself a ‘chicken farmer’ or ‘farm’ girl’. Okay, so I don’t raise hundreds and hundreds of chickens like my grandparents did and they don’t provide our sole source of income but you hit that nail on the head when you commented on the satisfaction of growing your own meal. I have always thought that ‘farming’ and ‘homesteading’ are a state of mind and whether you have 100 acres or 1 acre, if you grow/raise/build/make things, you’re doing far better than most.
Lisa
Fresh Eggs Daily
http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com
Reading your post was a wonderful way to start my morning. I agree wholeheartedly with your words and the philosophy behind them. Unfortunately, people question what they don’t understand. So many people don’t understand the satisfaction that I get from picking a ripe heirloom tomato straight from our garden or making a batch of cheese from the raw milk I collect from our goats each morning. One taste of either and I’m willing to be that they’d be a lot more interested in learning about homesteading and producing some of their own food!
I just shared this with the members of .The 1840 Farm Community on our Facebook page. I am a proud co-host of the From the Farm Blog Hop. I know that our readers will love this post as much as I did. I hope that you will take a moment and add your link to this week’s collection.
Jennifer @1840Farm
Wonderful!! I grew up living this lifestyle, so it’s pretty normal for me to want to garden and preserve anything I can. Right now, I live in the suburbs, but still have the family farm in the family…I hope to buy it one of these days, but I spend as much time out there as possible. I think in the summertime, we’re there more than at our house. My girls are learning to garden, we’re getting chickens soon, my girls love the country life. They help in the garden, but they love to explore around the farm more. I know, I call it a farm, it’s no money maker, just a food maker, but that’s what we grew up calling it, a family farm…it provided for us growing up. Most people in the area I grew up in had day time jobs, then came home and tended the farm and weekends were all about farm work. It’s a great way of life. We weren’t called homesteaders, but that’s what we were, we just called it living on a farm! So, since I can and preserve everything I can, and like doing things the ‘hard way’, I guess I am a homesteader!! yay!! I love it, my girls love it, my hubby loves the results of it, although he is a suburb boy, I’m not sure he will ever enjoy doing the dirty and nitty gritty work of a farm, but he sure does love going out there and certainly enjoys the results of all of our hard work. There’s nothing like starting something from seed, watching it grow, harvesting and then feeding your family with something that you grew or made yourself. Love it!!
Well spoken. I think the world would only change in good ways if everyone became a little (or a LOT) more in touch with the Earth. And you are so right – it is incredibly hard to be dependent on a grocery store once you’ve grown your own food. I had to go back after my separation/divorce because work hasn’t allowed me to do gardening anymore, but I now have a new man in my life who is every bit as inclined as me to return to sustainability and we’re almost at that point of being able to do it. This excites me like nothing in my life has ever excited me before.
I’m totally SHARING this one!!!
I’m proud of you! I did grow up on a farm with those traditions passed on to me by my mother and grandmothers. I’ve always had a garden and canned produce but at age 51 I just got 9 chickens. I’m trying to talk my husband into goats but I’ve got more work to do on that 🙂
Hi Jill,
I work a job away from our little family farm, and so does my husband. Many of our co-workers are our best customers, yet sometimes our biggest critics! Just recently, some co-workers were talking about their “dandelion problem in the neighbourhood”, how would they rid them, and which spray was better!!! I suggested they pick them, and eat them in some way. Or dig up their grass/weed problem and plant an edible garden in an area or their city lot. Besides, I said, they were putting in so much effort ridding their lawn of something, their efforts could be used to grow food instead! One person asked “what colour is the fence in your world?” He meant it too! I asked him “How lovely it would be for his 2 year old and newborn baby to play on the lawn he just sprayed with toxic carcinogenic chemicals? Why have all that extra worry? Just plant something they can eat and not die from!” While I realize this might seem an extreme answer to some folks, it was on point for our whole conversation. We continued to banter about growing food for less effort it takes to grow a lawn, etc and the rewards and savings that could be reaped as well. Most just looked at me like I had 2 heads, while others just focused on ‘how much work that would be’. I politely ended the conversation suggesting they could buy my veggies and chickens to feed their families.
For the most part, I’m not regarded with criticizism, but more of an oddity! Its not only with our co-workers either…our family members think the same of us! That suits me just fine 😉 I cannot imagine what our lives would be like (my family’s) if we had not made such a conscious change in our lifestyle!
I’m one of those folks that grew up on a farm, we raised everything we ate. I have a real problem with something you wrote, you should Always call your place a farm and your homestead. I don’t care how big it is if it feeds you at least some of what you eat, IT”S A FARM, small farms were the backbone of this country and will be again. A lot of folks are moving from the cities and congested suburbs, trying for a better way. Some will fail just like the old days, that’s life. So the next time someone says or writes something against your lifestyle changes, realize they are jealous.
Good point Dennis. In the future, I’m not going to have a problem with calling our place a “farm.” You are right- the original definition of a farm was a small operation that fed a family, not the mono-culture giants of today. Thanks for helping me realize that. 🙂
Dear Jill,
GO GETT”EM GIRL!!!! This was a great letter. You explained us (homesteaders) so well. You may not have all the answers, but your blog is one of the first places I go when I get stumped. have a blessed day :O)
Well, I don’t have all the answers either, but glad to have you along for the ride! 🙂
I’ve been “homesteading” off and on for nearly twenty years, so it’s not merely a current fad. But there has been another resurgence lately. I think it is due in part to nostalgia, a longing for a simpler life. Also for some it may be based a little bit on uncertainty about the future. Not wanting to be so dependent on others to provide things for our families.
As for me, it simply gives me satisfaction to do things myself. 🙂 I find it comforting and homey. 🙂
OMGosh, there are no words to describe how much I LOVE THIS POST! Thank you so much for putting it out there. Everyone does what they can, no one is expected to be an expert in all areas. But if you have a dream of becoming self sufficient, of doing more for yourself and making you life more meaningful, why in the world wouldn’t you go for it?? Thank you so much for sharing this post.
~Taylor-Made Ranch~
Wolfe City, Texas
My thoughts exactly- if you wanna do it, then go for it!
Well said Jill! your blog is such a find, I will be following!
I was one of those lucky people who grow up doing many of the things that fall under the heading of “homesteading” now. I have come to realize how important those skills are and how many people now want to learn them; I think it’s awesome and I hope it is not just a fad but a lasting change that means people want to do more things for themselves! Your reaction to the ney-sayers is much the same as mine, I just can’t help but wonder if they really knew what it was all about if they would still say those things? After making their own cheese, eating that meal of all home raised food, seeing the fruits of a full years work in a pantry full of jars and a full freezer i think they might talk about “homesteading” a little differently. I guess what I’m trying to say is that those people are the ones we need to have over for dinner the most!
Well written and you hit the nail on the head!
I wholeheartedly support your efforts, Jill. And those of us who practice homesteading…in big or even in small ways…need to gently help others understand how rewarding it can be. Setting a good example is a good start. Keep doing what you love! Blessings to you!
My husband and I have made our way to homesteading gradually. After starting with a tiny garden in our backyard in the city(I still laugh about those first gardening attempts), we finally made our way to our homestead (3 acres outside a tiny township). After living here for 2 years we have established a large garden, are building a greenhouse (all repurposed materials!), have laying hens, turkeys, and are pasture-raising chickens the “Joel Salatin” way. We both have grandparents/great-grandparents who farmed. We sincerely believe we are returning to those roots. It gives us a connection to those who came before us. Each time I’m canning our homegrown foods, I think of my dear grandmother and the countless hours she spent doing the same thing. It’s not about being trendy; it’s about sharing with our family God’s wonderful creation. There is nothing like picking vegetables in the quiet early morning hours before anyone else is awake or listening to the excitement in my children’s voices when the seeds they helped plant are beginning to sprout.
So, thank you Jill for your letter. It reminds us all of the purpose of homesteading. I truly believe there is something inside each of us, calling is back to a simpler way of life. A way of life where there is quiet time to stop and thank God for His tremendous blessings. Blessings and prayers dear fellow homesteaders. Thanks for the encouragement!
Yes, yes, yes! I have one thing to add: I am not trying to one-up anyone on being the best person, mother, treehugger out there. I’d have no shot in he** in that quest. Besides, I don’t meant to intimidate or outdo others, if anything I hope for mutual respect and admiration!
In the age of pinterest and mainstream organic food kind of making eating a two-class society (those who can afford it vs. those who can’t), let’s stop competing and each see what we can contribute to a new, better world.
Well done! I love the posts. I love that you share the good and the bad. I too was not raised in the country. I have had to pick things up as I go. Thanks for the “country lessons” . Love your site-don’t change a thing.
The critics have SOUR GRAPES. Face it, if they criticize your posts, could you imagine if they had the ability to create their own page-their toxic airs would have NO FOLLOWERS. I would have followed-up with, tell the Negative Nellies to take their brand of hate/ negativity/ lack-of-manners to another site where the other followers enjoy nit-pick everything.
I love your website. You do such a great job with it!
Thanks so much Lisa 🙂
Ah heck, no matter who does what, there will ALWAYS be critics. People love to complain about things, especially things that aren’t any of their business. I personally find homesteading a dream of mine. I am very jealous that you have a 67 acre place that allows you to do that. And I WOULD call that a farm!! I have lived in the country all my life, but on never more than a few acres. Today I have 2.5 acres, but still do not have all the animals and lifestyle I dream of having. We do have a nice garden, but that is the extent of my homesteading experience. Don’t let anyone bother you with snarky remarks. If they don’t like what you do or the words you use or how you do something, then let them find another blogger to bother!!
I have lived this way on and off depending on my dwelling place since the 60’s. Yes the ‘back to earth’ movement was a fad! And some of us loved it, and still do. It has changed and grown up just like us. I wasn’t a flower child or a Hippy, just a person that loved nature and fending for myself. No government, no parents money, no hand-outs. I think that is where many people are at: they are preparing for the health and well being of their families in a mixed up and unstable time.
Well, if it’s a fad, then maybe I’ve been with it for a long time. Despite the size of my tract neighborhood homestead, my kids grew up wanting to do the same as me, learning to be self sustainable. Although a real farm homestead would be nice, but to me, any home is a homestead if you want it to be. Despite my tiny little homestead, we were still able to do so many things, like hatching and raising chickens, growing our veggies, learning how to eat healthy and prepare our foods properly. I don’t think the size of ones homestead is a negative to teaching our children all these skills. While it may be a passing fad for some, then so be it. At least they are giving it a go, and we should always encourage anyone to join in.
“any home is a homestead if you want it to be” <----- EXACTLY! In fact, I wrote my first eBook on that very subject- love your can-do attitude! 🙂
I’ve waited my whole life to be where I am today ~ living a homestead life. It is not a lifestyle many would embrace, but for those who do I believe it answers an inner call that can’t be denied. I too was raised in an “urban” setting, in a neighborhood of homes and all the conveniences. Wishing for the animals I saw on my grandparents farm. Those weekend and summer visits gave me a taste of what spoke to my heart. Creating a desire for a one day in the future fulfillment. We moved to our homestead 4 yrs ago this past June. It has been a slow process in establishing what lies around us today. I tell everyone who comes over it is a work in progress. WORK in the physical sense, day after day, regardless of the weather. Work in the emotional sense in trying to decide what takes precedence that day or any given moment. Plus work in the waiting, waiting for crops, waiting for improvements, waiting for animals to be born and waiting for dreams to be realized. Each day is fuller than the rotation of the sun allows. We love it! Yes, there are moments of frustration, fatigue, or doubts. We homesteaders don’t have all the answers and most often a learning curve is in place with what ever we are “attempting” to do. But that doesn’t stop us or cause us to quit just because someone (family, friends, strangers) think we are crazy for wanting the lifestyle and living it. Never apologize for doing what you have felt led to do, we don’t walk in each other’s shoes. Hopefully we just take inspiration and encouragement from those who are walking in the same beat of the drum.
Jill ~ Well said. It doesn’t matter what we call ourselves but the word “homesteaders” seems to hit the nail on the head. We only have 8 acres with chickens, turkeys & 2 dogs but we consider ourselves homesteaders. We have a large garden, a small orchard and we live in a log cabin with a barn (in need of repair) in a very rural area. We are trying hard to be self-sufficient and provide for ourselves as much as possible. If the nay-sayers think it’s a fad, let them think that way but I dare to say that this movement of ours is as old as time, itself. It’s just been rejuvenated because people want to feel close to nature and want more control over their lives. Whatever this lifestyle is called, it is wonderful & I wouldn’t live any other way.
AMEN!!! I am just getting caught up on reading and came across this post. I was blown away that people are like that; but then I remember that I work with several similar types. I can’t wait until my family can get to our property that we have purchased; in fact, we talk about it daily. The yearning to be closer to the land is the strongest pull I have felt towards something in decades. We do what we can on our little suburban plot (including being lucky enough to be able to have chickens), but we cannot explain, as well as you have, the reason why we want to. Thank you for the post.
We have a neighbor who looks down his nose at our chicken pen & coop in the backyard next to our 1,000 sq. ft. garden and shows off to all his visitors “the white trash” that lives behind him. Needless to say, he has received NO fresh eggs or vegetables! Neither has he benefitted from any fresh meat (rabbit or chicken)! When TSHTF, I’m sure he’ll be first in line for handouts. NOT gonna happen, pal!
Ugh– folks like that make me SO angry! In my opinion, people who have a clothesline, keep chickens, and grow veggies couldn’t be farther from white trash– they are the ones who truly have it figured out!
I have to add: Wish Jill had been around 30 years ago for moral support! Many neighbors have shunned as especially when our youngest would invite his friends during butchering weekends. That DIDN’T go over well! I can still hear him telling his father to “Make the chickens dance, Daddy!”.
People choose to ignore the way of the universe until it is put in front of their noses and then they either do something extreme about it or just turn their noses up and turn the other way.
I envy you…the times that I did live on a farm it was pure love…would love to have it again!
I am glad that you have said these things. Some people are completely close minded to anything besides what is now days socially “Normal”. But if it were not for people who wanted to farm and homestead the world would starve because there would be nobody to grow the food people buy in the stores. So i say that you are doing a good thing….. You are teaching people about the joys of farming and making your own foods and i say keep going!
Yeah– I wish our society’s view of “normal” wasn’t so skewed! It’s downright scary sometimes. 😉
I am planning myself to leave city job in the next few years and move out to my family farm land and at the very least grow my own food for survial. I see in the near future no job and want to be able to self sustain with food and shelter the basics and then maybe find something i can do that brings in a little bit of money. This is MY american dream. not fancy cars, big houses and material things that bring no happiness to me anyway. I say to each his own can not believe people are being negative about this type of lifestyle, maybe they know deep down that being reliant on corporate america is getting scary could get laid off any second and being independant is something they would like to do too but do not have the means to start it.
I say u go girl……. those idiots that r critizing u should just find another blog if they dont like what u r trying to show and tell the ones that “R” interested in what u have to say……good grief theres always someone who has to critze about something…..give it a rest people and enjoy what she has to say or go somewhere else….we dont need ur negatizam …… we all use modern day convieneces but theres nothing wrong with learning how to do things “the old fashion” way….and saving a little $ where we can… and most of the time its better for u in the long run and theres nothing wrong with that at least I assume there isn’t. ?….right?….and if thats what a person wants to do what gives u all the right to put them down about it?.
I recently started following your blog and am enjoying reading about your family’s homesteading life. I believe we’d all be better off growing our own food, etc, but I know that it’s not for everyone. My husband of 40 yrs and I, have raised 5 children. He came from a family of 9 children and grew up in the country, milking the cow and slopping the hog every morning. I am from a famliy of 6 and grew up in town. When we married we bought an old house in the country, but only had one acre. Still, we managed to have a few chickens and a cow. We bought calves from the dairy and raised them on a bottle. Our kids got a little sense of what farm life could be. In 1987 we bought 44 rolling acres of forest land. It was a couple of yrs before we moved onto it in a 14×70 mobile home. With 4 children and me eight months along with the fifth, think sardines in a can.LOL My husband works for the railroad and hasn’t had much time to work with the land. We are just now in the last couple of years getting it in shape for pastures. We have a Jersey milk cow., Elsie, who just gave birth to her third calf, a beautiful little heifer. Her first calf, Sally, is now springing and will be coming in sometime in the next month or so. We have a black/white faced heifer who has not been bred yet. We are about to retire, so there will be more farm related goings on here at our house in the future. Lately I have been making preserves and apple butter. We won’t be doing as much as you and your famliy as we are getting older and have some health issues that prevent us from some things, but I admire those of you who can do so much. I’m going to check out your cheese making process. My efforts in the past left a lot to be desired.
I have a niece who, along with her husband and two girls, have started incorporationg a farm life into their modern day existence. They bought a piece of property that borders on three creeks, so it is named Triple Creek Farm. They plan to sell as much as they can from vegs, eggs, to meats. A new generation of farmers. I love it! I look forward to reading more about the Prairie Homestead. : )
Well said! I suppose your critics expect you to go without radio, TV or a computer, too. You can’t live up to their images. It’s your life & its a privilege to be able to read your articles about homesteading with your family. My husband & I were reared in large cities. We are retired and now live on one acre in the country. Taking care of 1 acre – with a garden and chickens – is a lot of work for us. I can’t imagine all of the work you and your family do with 67 acres. One of our favorite organic – cooperative farmers (Pigman’s Farm) in Olympia – has only 6 acres and they have to hire help during the summer to get all of their produce to the Farmer’s Market in Olympia.
Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to write about your way of life. Your articles are thoughtful and helpful for those of us who are struggling to learn how to manage our own small, family land-sanctuary. I look forward to reading more of your articles in the future!
I have to say that I am thankful for the information that you share. I was born and raised in Detroit but my grandparents had a farm in KY. My brothers and I would go to visit every summer and my job was cleaning the chicken coop ( I hated the rooster) and mucking the horse stall. I learned that my dad had a very large family. they did EVERYTHING together. Dinners were from scratch. I didn’t learn anything then because I thought that I would never have to use it. Now I’m forty and my children are almost grown and it’s sad to see what they have missed out on. So to me learning to homestead isn’t about being old fashioned but healthy and building stronger bonds with my family and my community. Yes I know its hard work but it’s worth it. I have control over what my family, friends and pets are eating. Please keep up the good work that you do. there are a lot of new beies that depend on you. Thank you!
Seems “THOSE IN AUTHORITY” just want everyone to be dependent and be a ‘cookie cutter’ version of a human being. WELL, thanks to people like YOU, dear Jill, we are re-learning the art of INDEPENDENCE! And, THAT’S NOT political. “It’s a fact, Jack!” The sad little people who complain about your site are either jealous of not doing it first or are disappointed in their decisions and want everyone else to be just as miserable as they are! BOO HOO for them.
I think a lot of the criticism comes from jealousy. Homesteaders today see something wrong with the way they are living and decide to make a change. However, other people may see something wrong with their life but feel like they cant do anything about it.In a way homesteaders are more independent and more courageous and that pisses people off. There really is nothing to be done about that. Some people will always find something to criticize, something to hate, and something to be jealous of. Just enjoy your life and understand that how others feel is not your responsibility.
I know this is an old post but I love it so much I feel the need to comment…I’m a young suburban homesteader dreaming of the country. I have a first-year garden, clothesline, and I cook from scratch and pay a little more to get eggs from a farm because they are so delicious. I’m excited about my life. But for some reason, a variety of people feel the need to tell me it’s a lot of work (well yes, but it’s work I choose to do, y’know, for fun), it’s a waste of time (but I like it…), and it’s something I’ll eventually stop doing (Why would I stop doing something I like?). Why is “I like it” not justification for how I spend my free time? I love your story and this post! Great blog.
Sometimes you just have to turn a blind eye and a deaf ear to the critics (AND the flatterers). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okxp7frh_C0