Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Freedom to live

  Hi everyone, thought this would be a good time to talk a little bit about freedom but, not in the political sense. I am talking about the freedom to be ourselves and live the way we want. You see more and more blogs turning up about living off the grid or very remote living. I see more and more people returning to doing things differently than living in a more modern society. People growing their own food, raising animals, cooking more healthy, making and repairing things rather than buying them and raising their children in a more positive way. Their are more who are embracing the most remote lifestyle than ever in this crazy world.

  It is my belief this is a way better life than living with blacktop and concrete. Cities that keep growing tend to become a colder, unfriendly environment. City people tend to look down on others who grasp a more simplistic  lifestyle as people who can't afford a more modern lifestyle. I have had many people ask why I live the way I do and I respond, why not? They tend to think I live an unhealthy and less than clean life. This makes me think they are either ignorant or uneducated. I try to tell them, I live my way because, I am free to and they are held prisoner to an electronic, political and a want more world.

  In my life, I live not to just live but, to enjoy Nature in its natural state everyday. When I wake in the morning, I see a beautiful, sunrise, all types of wildlife, trees, clean air, quietness and freedom to decide what I want to do that day. They have an alarm clock that tells them they have to get up, they have the regular schedule of getting ready to go off to work, rush out the door to fight traffic to get to work or some meeting of some type. They have to sit in their office or stand up in some factory listening to the drowning noise of everyday city life, the constant reminder of crime around them, worrying about something happening to them on the road as they drive.

  I think you kind of get my drift. People who have decided to downsize and live their life in a fuller and more positive way do tend to healthier and more aware of good things and tend to spend more time together as a family doing something simple and teaching their kids to respect nature and not some electronic gadget.

  I have lived a remote life most of my life and I don't take it for granted. At my age, I have learned a lot from people through their blogs and some have inspired me more and more as I sometimes forget the things I should be doing. Quite frankly, I have been leaning towards a more simpler life than I live already. I have been watching some movies lately about how cowboys lived out in the open range, sleeping under the stars owning just the clothes they have on and washing them when it's time for a bath in a lake or river. Cooking simple food over an open fire and answering to nobody but themselves.

  I have been changing a whole lot of things in my life, I have gone back to letter writing instead of emailing, I send actual Christmas cards to people and I buy old cards from the 30's 40's and 50's from Ebay. I have antique Christmas ornaments. I make my coffee on the stove. Even at my age, I am starting to travel back in time. I am starting to buy things off of ebay I remember as a child, hand cranked coffee grinder, meat grinder so on and so on.

  All I know is, something has to change dramatically and soon. I am thankful to those of you who have remained reading and commenting on my blog, there has been many times I felt like closing it down but, for you few, it has been fun and comforting. I thank you all for that.

  Here a few random photos for you: My old fry pans

Nasty, eh?

New pans, these work very good




Early morning visitor

Sunset





Last nights dinner, Moose Burgers on toasted English muffins

I suppose this is enough for one sitting, I promise to be back and hopefully entertain you more. Take Care

34 comments:

Michael said...

Believe me you are not the only one who thinks that way. Its a nutty world out there. Some of us are slaves to the mortgage and can't wait to get away, but for now we do dream of doing what you are doing and live vicariously through folks like you who set the example for us to follow.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Michael, thanks for your input. Just felt like I needed to write this.

Evano said...

Keep being you John, I enjoy every post!

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Evano

Art said...

I would encourage you to continue your blog. Your writing is fine and your introspection and life-simplicity is inspiring. Currently my life is bogged down with way too many 'things' and I check in here periodically for motivation and encouragement that I can simply things. Thanks.

Washkeeton said...

For those that have never lived a simple life with very few things, you don't know what your missing. Every time I go see John I am reminded of my life on the edge in an 8 x 20 travel trailer, in Fairbanks. Every time I go just sit in his cabin, there is a peace I haven't felt for years and every visit with him there is a renewed energy for me to down size in a major way because I miss the peace I had in my life and the freedom that he has in his.

What a wonderful post, thank you.

Wash

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Wash, you are a very good friend. You proved that by being there when I was down. I'm sure your goal will be met soon.

wvhiker said...

First, there will be no talk of stopping your blog! I thoroughly enjoy reading it :) And you have me looking for property up there from time to time. We have slowly been whittling away at a lot of the 'stuff' that bogs us down here on our little homestead but I can't make any really big moves until my youngest is out of high school. It is what it is but someday.....

Anonymous said...

Hey John,
good to see you post again. Was thinking you'd gone to your remote property..
Speaking of growing our own food, raising livestock (chickens, rabbits, etc) you probably haven't seen where Michigan has passed a law outlawing back yard gardening (farming); raising livestock; etc.. I guess I'd be one of the first hauled off to jail because no politician is going to tell me I can't grow a garden.
I need to do some downsizing here myself. That last boat we bought had an over abundance of tackle and gear, that mixed with what I've accumulated is just too much. But I don't want to deal with a yard sale and the crowds they attract, so guess I'll just take some photo's and post them on Craigs List, and elsewhere..
Have to chuckle John.. you talk about returning to a simpler life, then you show those ultra modern pots and pans. I thought you'd go to an old cast iron skillet and maybe a dutch oven.. (: >))
Scuttlebutt says the rivers are wide open now. Trying to make up my mind when to run out to the cabin and see what that old black sow has chewed on this time.. Stay Well
Old John

Carol said...

Hi John, All I can say is "Amen" We do look odd to some but I don't care really what they think of us and how we live. They are missing out on something very special. Keep writing John and your pics are beautiful. Your visitor is very cute:-)

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Art, It feels good to help others with entertainment and motivation.

Bushrat John said...

LOL, ok hiker, I'll keep blogging. I know how you feel wanting something that is within reach but, just can't touch it. Hang in there.

Bushrat John said...

Hi John, this is why I dislike living in a city. I have many cast iron cookware at the remote cabin. I should be going to the cabin the middle of June. If you want company on your trip, let me know.

Bushrat John said...

Amen Simply and thanks

grammie g said...

Hi John... You know I like being alone people say you need to get out where there are things going on!!
Well I like doing things I want to
Like taking pictures of birds and outdoor life, way better then being in a crowded movie theater, or sitting around at a party and making small talk!!

John your old pans look like mine,but I am not getting new ones
just yet : )lol!!
It is good that you are happy with your life the way it is, people are so caught up in having what other people have, and are deep in debt!!

I have to do more blogging though..I don't know what is wrong with me!! I want to but just don't get to it!!

Take care and thanks for coming by my blog!!

Grace

Bushrat John said...

Hi grammie, I think you are my East coast equivalent,lol. I just wish we had the many different birds you do. You have made a big influence on me as far as birds go. I find myself looking for them more. Thanks.

KC said...

Hi! What a great post! Everyone needs to do some reassessment of their lives to help the future generations to live in a less stressful life, a cleaner environment and to have a more healthy and happier life and to be more kind and considerate.Sorta like enjoy life, make lots of memories and only leave footprints behind. Enough of my rambling! Thank you for your posts I really appreciate them.
KC

Bushrat John said...

Thanks KC, I believe if all people slow down and pay more attention to our enviroment, it would be a nicer world.

Anonymous said...

Hiya John sounds like you pretty much put things into perspective and that's why I love reading your post.If we cant live the life you have we can at least simplify our lives.We have all become way too accustomed to "To Much Stuff".Life should be simple and enjoyed not rushed and stressed.Like the new frying pans and tha moose burgers.Never for one moment think what you have to say is uninteresting ,love reading all your post.Take care of yourself my friend....Bert from Bama

Bushrat John said...

Thanks Bert, I have decided that my posts shouldn't have to be about me but, the lifestyle. I think, but not sure, it is the lifestyle you live, makes you who you are. Good to hear from ya.

Unknown said...

I envy your freedom and honestly if I had it to do all over again I would choose an entirely different path. I follow your blog because I get to see a rare glimpse of what that other path might have looked like. You can talk about whatever you want yourself your lifestyle or just post more of those amazing pictures and I'll be reading. By the way what does Moose taste like?

Bushrat John said...

Hi Laura, thanks for your nice words. Even I at one time wished I had taken a different path. This is what I chose. Not sure how to explain what moose meat tastes like but, it is better than beef.

Unknown said...

Hi John,

I hear what your saying. I have thought often about just shutting down the internet all together. It sure is handy though to look stuff up when a problem arises with one of the animals or the kids ask a good question that I can't answer. I don't have much time for all the blog stuff these days but the computer sure makes a great library and encyclopedia when you live remote. :) Best of luck in all you do and God Bless.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Sarah, I know having the Internet makes life easier in some ways but, can be an interuption as well. I sometimes wonder about blogging myself

Debi said...

don't you dare stop posting on your blog. lol there is this amazing balance in life of peace and technology to stay in touch. I live rural, love it, yet nothing wrong with connecting via the internet now and then either. I can step outside my door, grasp nature at her finest, be totally reclusive, yet not feel like I've failed if I find a friend on the internet now and then. :) I love hearing every detail of your day, your life, and drool over your lovely dinners! keeping your blog to me says you have it all. your life on your own terms, but friends out there that care. :)

Bushrat John said...

Hi Deb, LOL, Ok, I will keep blogging. Life is pretty good living away from the city life. The Internet does have it's good points but, there are times I want to throw my computer and cellphone in the lake. I don't want to pollute the lake, LOL

Debi said...

I hear you there, John. I often swear I'm never logging on again. but...here I am....lol!

Bushrat John said...

I am glad you are here enjoying my blog

CottonLady said...

Hi John, just back from a 10 day trip to see my mother for Mother's Day and am catching up. Please do keep blogging even tho it can be a trial at times. Love keeping up with you and your life style and wishing it were me! Your pictures are lovely... I like the little visitor you had! Pretty sunset and yummy looking burger. I've had buffalo, but not moose.

Going remote soon?! Take care and be careful. Blessings!

Bushrat John said...

Hi Cotton, nice to have you back. I will keep blogging. I've had buffalo before, it is tasty and good for ya. I will go remote about the middle of June.

Anonymous said...

Hiya John juss checking on you haven't posted in a while.Happy things are going well with you and I know your looking forward to going to the remote cabin.Just don't disappear I would be so very sad if you did.I love your updates and all that you do no matter how small and insignificant it may seem to you it means a lot to me and it warms my heart to know someone out there is living my dream.Stay safe and take care my friend...your friend Bert from Bama

Debi said...

hey John, what's up? when you go to your remote cabin, will you have a garden? your cabin you post looks remote, so what is the difference with your remote cabin? nosy girls want to know. :) how do you shop? do you have stores close to you? I hope weather is kind to you now. check in, because I like to know what you're up to.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Bert, sorry, been busy and lazy. I am looking forward to working on the remote cabin. I will continue blogging and enjoy letting you follow my life.

Bushrat John said...

Hi Deb, I will go about the middle of June. The difference between both cabins is one has a road to it and one doesn't. Stores are close to the town cabin. I travel to town to shop.