I have been reading a lot of the posts today and kind of reveling in the many diverse thoughts and opinions here. This forum is kind of like main street USA in some ways. What is it about homesteading that manages to bind us all together? We're all doing it. We all have different reasons for doing it, but I think there is a basic simplicity we all desire. As much as we differ we all still want a simple life close to the earth. I want it because I see God in his creation. In some ways I feel we are all drawn like fireflies before a flame. What do you all think?

Little Bit Farm

-- Little bit Farm (littlebit@calinet.com), October 31, 2000

Answers

It is a bond, Little Bit. For me the bond began with the magazine. All these years reading about people like me. People not afraid to eat a real chicken egg or drink real goats milk. Or raise a beef or hog just to EAT it. Spending hours in the garden and loving it. And building things out of unwanted or unconventional items. Other people think we are nuts!

So many people won't even taste goats milk or try fresh eggs. They say "That's gross." or "I can't eat it unless it comes from the store." They think we are mean for raising a animal to eat. You can't explain it to them, I'm sure all of us here have gone thru this with people we know. The world is going down the superhighway and we here are still on the dirt road. But we are thankfull to be on the dirt road and thankfull for all we have. And we come here to share knowledge and help each other.

-- Cindy in Ky (solidrockranch@msn.com), October 31, 2000.

Little Bit - I started out coming here because I don't know any other folks that don't think I'm a bit off when I start talking about milking and slaughtering and egg gathering, etc. Like Cindy said, people are squeamish and afraid to try new things. Now, you guys are like old friends, with a deep common bond that allows us to overlook the various disagreements and get on with living!

-- glynnis in KY (gabby@msn.com), October 31, 2000.

Little Bit, I'm here because this forum is like having coffee with good friends at the local restaurant, and I don't have to leave home to do it. It's so great to communicate with people who don't look at you like your crazy if you talk about casterating/detailing lambs or skinning out a baby goat that died. They all love the pelt, will pay a fortune but, boy don't tell me how you got it.

I'm involved in homesteading to be self sufficient. It started when my girls were little and we were struggling financially and it saved money to grow my own food and make do. Now, due to my parents being frugel I could probably spend the money and not raise a finger but I now feel it is important to grow my food so that I KNOW what is in it. I've lost several close friends to cancer and am beginning to believe it comes from the food additives.

I also take a great deal of satisfaction in DOING IT MYSELF. I love learning how to do something. Several years ago I came to the conclusion that I was going to work at a job I didn't like to earn the money to pay someone to do the things I'd wanted to do. So I checked out of the rat race.

The people on this forum are amazing. Just reading the posts about what women wear shows that we are all very honest real people, no make believe to impress someone, just basic good people. I find I have less and less tolerance for the yuppie buy, buy, buy group.

-- (betsyk@pathwaynet.com), October 31, 2000.

Because just about everyone else thinks I'm nuts ! My family lives in the city and thinks I'm nuts for doing what I do .There are so many like minded people here , that no one lifts an eyebrow when I come up with some of my 'strange' ideas. They sure do enjoy the fresh veggies, eggs, and meats when I come to visit .

-- Patty (fodfarms@slic.com), October 31, 2000.

I think i am like Patty, almost all the family thinks we are nuts,way off the deep end! It is hard to get advice for people unless they walk your walk and talk your talk!

-- renee oneill (oneillsr@home.com), October 31, 2000.

Personally, it's boredom.

-- (silentrunner_again@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

As far back as I can remember I have always been fasinated with knowing "how that is done, from scratch". Watching and learning making choices about how I want to live. All of those years of watching have come together now at middle age and a strong feeling for the entire cycle of life has emerged. I think we are a people who listen to our souls and truly want to live life to the fullest.

-- Tina (clia88@newmexico.com), October 31, 2000.

If there is one thing that I really want my children to learn, it is that we are not placed here on the earth to live a life of slavery to another man's idea of how we should live. We are here to grow, learn and experience joy and love. When we are so busy living the fast paced lifestyle of the common man, we are too busy to enjoy the beauty and love that surrounds us. This forum is the one place that I can check in and chat with others that feel that same way. The one place where I am not "different". I wish that all mankind could experience the peace and joy that comes from living your own life in the bounteous earth that the Lord has given us. This time of year always reminds me how truly blessed we are.

-- Cheryl (bramblecottage@hotmail.com), October 31, 2000.

Like Betsy said, it's like having coffee with friends. I grew up on a large dairy farm and now live in a tiny town but work in the city, so while I'm sitting here at work and have a minute, I like to communicate with people who I have something in common with. I work with a bunch of computer geeks and yuppies so I find it a little hard to carry on a conversation with most of them. I'm a computer artist and this site gives me a chance to get away from work for a minute and to visit with good country folks. In the near future I plan to get away from all of this and move to the desert in West Texas where I can breath.

-- Shooter (jcole@apha.com), October 31, 2000.

I totally agree with Betsy & Skooter--it is like sitting down with old friends & haveing a cup of hot herb tea or coffee together! I use to have oldier relatives that I would ask questions about different things I had for gotten, or needed their advice! Now I am that oldier generation as most of my oldier family are gone. This is like a small town, in a Rural area/ where all the neighbors cope with each other/ & in a lot of cases really like each other. We have a lot of common interest & common bonds. I like the "familiar feeling", when I come here--like I know most of you--even through I may not really know you! When ever we travel, I like to stop in the coffee shops in the small towns(the ones with the pu trucks on a rainy day)& listen to the farmers talk about their crops & cattle prices, etc. I'm pretty out going & usually in a short time some have asked us to join them! That is kind of how I feel here/ I like to know what is going on, in your world as we have a lot of the same interest! Sonda in Ks.

-- Sonda (sgbruce@birch.net), October 31, 2000.

I like the challenges of the lifestyle, going more to the direction of "modern homesteader". Calling the shots on my own terms, not doing things "simply for a paycheck" (I'll leave that to apartment dwellers in the cities). I remember days of living in apartments, working a full shift, just to go to the store for groceries, living paycheck to paycheck. At least now, if it all blows up, I have an alternative to unemployment. This forum is a great source of information and knowledge towards my goals.

-- Jay Blair (jayblair678@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

Little Bit, I agree, we want the simple life and see God's beauty in it. I believe most of us have been through the "rat race" and realize it doesn't bring happiness or satisfaction. This forum gives me some place to "visit" with like minded people - let's face it - we are the minority. So many people think we (me included) are crazy for what we do. Even most of my family think I'm crazy but I wouldn't want to trade this life-style for anything! It is so nice to have you all to "talk" to and know you understand and don't think I'm crazy!

-- bwilliams (bjconthefarm@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

I think the "nuts" responses pretty much sums it up for me also.

-- Vicki McGaugh TX (vickilonesomedoe@hotmail.com), October 31, 2000.

Not many of my friends are interested in the Homesteading life so this is a good place share. I am always learning someting new on this forum. It's exciting when someone ask a question that I know a little bit about and I can help with an answer.

-- Mark (deadgoatman@webtv.net), October 31, 2000.

Well, I'm blessed to live in an area that has a good proportion of alternative living types. Nearly everyone around here has had a goat at some time in their life or at least knows someone who does. I don't get out much though, except for church and bible study, and I get bored, lonely, and my brain seems to atrophy if I don't interact with other adults. I am very shy and self-concious in person, and so this is a nice place to visit and talk about really interesting things without feeling hurt or rejected if someone doesn't seem to like you. It is kind of beginning to feel like a group of friends or extended family.

-- Rebekah (daniel1@itss.net), October 31, 2000.

It's funny you should bring this up--I had one of those experiences the other day that reminded me yet again how differently I think from the " normal American woman". I had been outside most of the day rototilling where the garden will be, turning in leaves, manure and straw--and admittedly was not the cleanest I have ever been. I remembered at the last minute a school conference for my son--didn't have time to shower, or even change, but did at least take my dairy boots off! I went running in to the school a few minutes late feeling like I had just made it in time, sat down for the conference when I looked down at my hands, which were filthy. Tried to hide them--but I never know what to do with them in a situation like that even when they are clean---my sons teacher just looked at me--waiting for an explanation or so it seemed--I tried to say I had been outside working in the garden, etc. etc., but looking at her combed, groomed and well dressed appearance, finally just stopped trying to explain, and instead asked quietly about my sons schoolwork. How do I explain the way I am?? I have always just been this way--a tomboy when I was young that loved to ride horses and tractors--preferred jeans to dresses--could hardly stand to be cooped up inside. Now I am pushing fifty--married for 23 years and now single--but still the same as I ever was. Needing to be outside working in the garden, milking the cows, raising calves, pigs, chickens, and rabbits. Preferring the smell of hay in the barn, and freshly turned soil to the finest perfume. Used to be I tried to make myself be more " normal ", now I have realized for me this is normal, and this is where happiness andpeace and contentment is for me. It is truly a blessing to me to know you are all out there, wanting and doing the same things. Lynn

-- Lynn Royal (homesteadmama@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

No one I know wants the same things that I do. Some garden, a few raise poultry, my neighbor even makes jams and jellies. We all live in a small town, but no one else I know wants to do these things for more than just an interesting hobby. I'm not sure even my parents understand what I am trying to do with my life-my mom just tells me to find a "good man" to take care of me and then I won't need to live alone. "You can't do that all by your self. It's to much". No one said that to me here when I shared my decision to begin to order my life so that I can follow my dream when my son is ready to leave home. You all are the "we can do it, so can you" cheering squad. I'm glad I found you, and no matter how tired I am, I pay a visit each evening to this forum to see what I can learn, or what new way to think about things I might find today. Thanks to you all-betty

-- betty modin (betty_m9@yahoo.com), October 31, 2000.

I'm not a true homesteader so I can't answer as to what has drawn me to homesteading.I love the country;I love His Creation. As to what draws me to this forum,there are many reasons!Since I've started visiting y'all here,I've learned so much really neat stuff,met so many nice people,gotten into some brain-tingling debates,laughed and cried at so many stories,been encouraged and helped,hopefully been able to encourage and help some,etc.etc.etc. This is so neat to me especially because I am quite shy in person.Many friends-but none especially close.[My best friend went home to the Lord 3 years ago;I still miss her.]I am really grateful for this forum and all the folks on it[even when we disagree].In sincerity, God Bless,~~~Tracy~~~

-- Tracy Jo Neff (tntneff@ifriendly.com), November 01, 2000.

Procrastination? (I have a paper to write, and I don't want to get started!)

Seriously, because you are all human beings who are so interesting! I love to read what you write. We all seem to be striving toward our best, and we are great at helping each other. What more could one ask for?

The rest you have all said very well.

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.net), November 01, 2000.

This forum offers such a wide range of experience and knowledge -- even if I had someone locally that was like-minded about homesteading, I would still come to this forum because no one person, or two, or three, can possibly know everything. I do have people here that are like-minded about the Lord and the Bible and church, which are the most important things in my life. But none of them are homestead types, so there is a gap there. I was raised pretty differently from most of them; I managed to learn their language and customs (LOL!!!), but it's nice to hear my native tongue once in a while!!

-- Kathleen Sanderson (stonycft@worldpath.net), November 01, 2000.

I believe it is stupidity. Well, maybe vapidity.

-- Nolo (nolo@tattoos.com), November 02, 2000.

Nolo, then you must be on the right forum! Pull up a chair and set a spell!

-- sheepish (rborgo@gte.nte.), November 02, 2000.

I can't tell you the confidence I have gained in my homesteading abilities since I've been on the forum-so much knowledge. I ask a lot of questions I already know some answers to, but that doesn't mean I have all the best answers and usually you all have many more. I like to try most if not all of them and see which ones work the best. This is the first place I really feel comfortable expressing my opinions. Even if you don't agree with me on one thread, you'll answer my questions on another one.

Even though I'd be willing to live without any or most modern conveniences, that's not my reality at this point. So I'll enjoy what God has given me. Homesteading and the forum. I believe God has led us where we are and put in our hearts what is best for us. I'm glad I listened when he said Homestead

-- Cindy (atilrthehony_1@yahoo.com), November 03, 2000.

LBF, you answered your question for most of us. "As much as we differ we all still want a simple life close to the earth. I want it because I see God in his creation." My reply to you, ditto.

-- Phyllis (almostafarm@yahoo.com), November 03, 2000.

Well, it looks as though I'm the "odd man out" tonight. I come here because I have a dream. The more I come here and "talk" with "real" homesteaders, the closer I feel to that dream.

My mother told me that God has given me the interests that I have and I should NEVER abandon them.

I have alot of questions and I know that THIS is the place to get them answered. By the time I'm ready to live my dream of the homesteading lifestyle, I will have much more knowledge (gained from this site)and be better prepared. Thank you all for caring and sharing.

-- Greenthumbelina (sck8107@aol.com), November 03, 2000.

I learned a lot just reading this thread. I thought I was about the only single woman trying to do this myself (no children either) Yes, it is too much and I could really use some help, but at the end of the day its me and my animals in my dirty house with no one to answer too. I still have to work full time,but have a job I emjoy and my co-workers understand my lifestyle (actually I can't keep up with the demand for real eggs) but don't share it. My neighbors are traditional farmers and think I'm weird. I'm a vegetarian so butchering is not an issue for me. Just nice to come here and not feel so isolated!

-- Dianne (yankeeterrier@hotmail.com), November 04, 2000.

I have been a reader of Countryside off and on for years and always liked the stories of how people coped I can now get them everyday and if I want to know about any specific question I have I just ask. This forum has given me many e-friends. I don't know but guess the comparison to a back fence for friends to talk at. Guess in the age of the internet this is my e-fence. Thanks to all of you for so much help and support that I have received here. It is worth the trouble getting on just proving that nothing worth while is easy. gail

-- gail missouri ozarks (gef123@hotmail.com), November 04, 2000.

Love of Life!

Many of us have found that we were merely "existing." What we have really discovered is life as it was meant to be and we love it.

-- Melody, AL (namedlynn@aol.com), November 06, 2000.

Hey from NM, Little Bit. Congrats on your new home, by the way. I'm one of those that has a job in town and homestead on the side with my goats and chickens and pitiful little garden. Why I do it is because it's real. It's sort of a bleed-over from my horse grooming days back in the 70's. When I was a little girl I wanted to be a cowboy. Society told me I couldn't do that, so I groomed show horses and that was close enough. If I had it to do all over again, I'd have looked a little further at ranchwork possibilities... turns out, LOTS of women work on ranches... and not as cooks, either! When all that ended after 8 years or so, and I had to get back to the work-a-day world, I had some serious withdrawal! Working with animals was hands- on, life & death... it does bring you closer to the All, or God. It's real, it's proof that all things are connected.

Why I get on this Forum is to keep in touch, to connect, to learn, to converse with other 'real' people! You're out there! And I'm TOTALLY addicted to it and I've learned so much... can't wait to get a computer at home someday so I can indulge when I'm not in the office (because this can get me fired!). Yours in the SW, debra in nm.

-- debra in nm (dhaden@nmtr.unm.edu), November 06, 2000.

We live in a very rural area of Ohio ( yes that does exist here), and are 150 miles from our family and old friends (we moved here in 1994), and while we have made some new friends, it takes quite a while to do so in an old fashioned style community. My best friend, a widow homesteading on her own in the suburbs of Cleveland, is a long way from here, 140 miles, so it's really nice to be able to converse, discuss, share ideas, and yes, even to rant sometimes, to folks that care about the same things we do, and try to help in the best way they know how. Thank you everyone for sharing your ideas, your dreams, your fears, and most of all, your expectations of a brighter tomorrow! Dianne, you have my heartfelt admiration for making a go of it on your own! Annie in SE OH.

-- Annie Miller (annie@1st.net), November 06, 2000.