Speaking to Me

This cottage is REALLY speaking to me! Not quite sure why…but I’m willing to follow along and discover what’s there. It may lead me to somewhere else, who knows…

Like I said earlier, I’ve looked at a LOT of houses in the past 3 years. This one seems the most well suited for me in SO many ways. I know it’s early in the process of researching and seeing what it’s all about, but I almost feel like I’m being led to a door and big piece of the puzzle to pursue my career as photojournalist. Knowing  I don’t need a ton of money to take care of my needs, knowing I would have space to grow a garden, raise chickens, being off the grid, etc leaves me quite giddy at this point.

I believe this cottage (or one similar to it – not hitched to an outcome here!) may be the result of many years of my moving toward being “off the grid” and self-sustaining. This past summer I finally went “zero trash”….a few years ago I started using a Diva Cup in lieu of tampons…these 2 things combined are a huge step in being self-sustaining. It’s no coincidence meeting Jayne and learning some more things from her regarding food prep and preservation, etc. I have a few friends who live off the grid and they all love it! Says the only regret is in not doing it sooner.

As for no electricity, that would be a something to get used to. Years ago I researched LP refrigerators, as well as solar and wind power. I’ve also talked with folks who use “people power”, connecting a bike to a turbine driven system which charges batteries. It provides exercise PLUS energy…a win/win!

Tonight my good friends Mickey and Tom stopped by for a visit and to see pictures of the place. She’s as excited as I am! She said that if I could pay it off in less than five years, THAT is a wonderful retirement plan. I never thought of it like that! Between now and then, I’ll continue to work on my portfolio and work toward my photojournalism dream. Having this cottage/land would be perfect “base camp” to travel from. After it’s paid off, there would be nominal upkeep costs and taxes. Mickey is going with me on Saturday. She has bought enough homes, combined with her life experience, etc, I trust her judgment and insight so I don’t get carried away with enthusiasm.

Speaking of enthusiasm: A few weeks ago when I talked with my parents about the yurt, Jayne and the Eco Learning center, my Dad made a comment that stuck in my head, “Living close to nature is all fine and good, but there’s no sense in going overboard”. In essence I know what he meant; and yet…isn’t that what life is ALL about? Going overboard? Putting it ALL out there? Giving it our best? I don’t see a point in holding back. Years ago, I operated from that position…out of fear, out of not trusting myself. In the end, I discovered I actually short-changed myself as well as seemed to self-sabotage my relationships…not only in relationships others but with myself (combined with making poor choices).

I don’t believe I could have found a place like this a year or two ago. I wasn’t in a place to really trust myself enough to “Leap and the net will appear”. It’s a wonderful place to be!

Over the years, ever since I was a kid and running through the woods in my denim moccasins, learning how to live off the land, I’ve dreamed about living off the grid, being self-sustaining. I’m thrilled that even if this particular cottage & land doesn’t come to fruition, I know that a another/better opportunity is out there. I’m comforted knowing that as I keep living in the question, keeping an open mind, I’m able to see boundless directions to explore and be led where I need to be. Life is good!  I’m humbled and awed…

Here's to adventures wherever they may lead!