This is why what you do makes me cry. It’s a long story and the wisdom you’ve gained was what life is about living. The legacy you want to live and leave is as shallow as those around you everyday or as deep.
My wife and I are in our 70s and we live this life because it's how we were raised. However, none of our family is involved or interested in this kind of life. All of our contemporaries are getting old too.
FINALLY, someone said it. I have left so many homestead "channels" because of the Doom and Gloom! The only way to survive a catastrophe is to band together and create a community. A group of people with different skills, with the same goals. I am 54, I can no longer do what I used to do in my 20's. Arthritis, exhaustion, lack of assistance, makes for a very tough life. And knowing I consciously chose this way of life at one time,... I just shake my head. With age comes wisdom. And now I am semi self reliant, I have friends who are semi self reliant, and we all know we can depend on each other for what ever is needed. Weather that be emotional, mental or physical assistance.
Jess from Roots and Refuge Farm has a similar outlook on homesteading. If you don’t follow her you might want to check her out. She’s very positive and uplifting.
@@mountainsandmayhem739best homesteading message I have seen ever. Now go vote not out of fear but for community that serves one another and honors one another.
Me too, except that I'm 63 and my husband is 74...AND we never had children. So while we've done a great job working hard, living frugally and now having a relatively large tract of land where we're building our homestead, etc, we're clear that a strong, nurturing, reliable community is our answer to a good life in our old age. Who wants to live alone anyway?
It’s not just animals. I don’t know where it comes from, but I recently heard, “No one should be alone with a crying baby.” We have atomized our community to the point that we do hard things alone and we just aren’t meant to do that. We started as communities with specializations, and we specialized ourselves into complete isolation.
The idea of community is wonderful but only when it's open and based on like-minded philosophies. Staying independent while in a community is a delicate matter.
And it's every single other homestead person out there. Every other prep channel you come across it's not about actually being prepared for an emergency or something. It's about isolating yourself completely to the point where it's almost like they want us to live in the old colonial days. And I'm not talking about in a village or town. They want us to live like the people who are exiled from the village or town in the woods all alone where no one can hear you scream
@@robertaylor9218It can be but having a support system for yourself and the baby is very important. I am a parent of a 7-year-old and 5-year-old and it is so nice to be able to call my mother-in-law or my mom for anything. Any advice or in rare cases? Emergency babysitting. There are so many ways our society has told us we're on our own or that we need to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, but that is not how our ancestors did it. My great-grandmother had 21 children and there was no way she could have done that by herself lol. She always talked about how most of the time five or six of her kids were over at either her mother's or some other neighbor's house and it wasn't like she was pawning them off. It's just kind of how it all worked
Living through the recent (and ongoing) devastation of Helene in western NC, I have seen first-hand the futility of trying to be a silo and go it alone. Community is not only the spice of life, but a necessity of it.
I grew up farming and ranching. It is a lifestyle, it is a community. It is not to be taken lightly and done on a whim. I appreciate your words today, the honesty of doing it because it is a purpose in your life. We do not garden, raise livestock, preserve food etc because a doom scenario - we do it because we can, and we love it. Thank you again.
@@LiamGardner-u9k I actually do love it. Everything is a sacrifice, that I will not deny. However if one has to sacrifice - why not sacrifice for something you love rather than something you despise.
@@shelli9566 I agree 100%. I too grew up on a farm. Didn't realize it at the time the blessing it was. Living in the country, doing all of the things that go with tending livestock/ field work, somehow worked it's way into my soul. I LOVE the smell of freshly mowed hay, the smell of freshly plowed soil. Even the satisfaction of a newly cleaned out livestock pen. I could go on, and on. When I'm dressed toasty warm in my Carharts/ rubber boots, and the winter wind is biting my face, it's dusk and the snow is gently falling... my heart swells with gratitude. I do love it. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
@@douglasm1075 I think you nailed it - it works into your soul. It was passed to a portion of us as we grew, through generational wisdom. However, a lot of our wisdom is being lost as we all get older (as farming and ranching was left behind for bigger corporate positions in the world). I does make me happy to see people embracing the lifestyle again, even if it is starting with these tiny "homesteads" and people just looking to learn the crafts of living. (growing their own food, raising animals, preserving, cooking from scratch, sewing, knitting/crocheting, spinning, quilt making, you know - all that fun stuff that really does make life that much more enjoyable 😄☺ Hope you are well this season of chilliness.
@@PazLeBon Fear is unsustainable and can only motivate in the short-term for poor or deteriorating results - this is not the same as purpose. When fear is used on the farm, it can harm the health of the animals and cause more work than you needed or give you bad produce. When used in your town or community, it will make your relationships shallow and sow distrust. When used at home, it will harm everyone around you. All will see diminishing returns and burn out. Fear is not purposeful, it's short-sighted.
My mom used to tell me that the best cure for loneliness is service. You expounded on that so well. We need people in our lives, we need community to thrive and to shine. Blessings on you and yours Anne of All Trades!
Anne, my respect for you just increased exponentially. More than twenty years ago, I made the conscious decision to avoid "news" outlets that seemed geared to keeping us frightened, angry and ignorant - probably the smartest thing I ever did. I'm now mostly surrounded by otherwise decent people who have self-radicalised to the point where they seem to want to burn it all down. Knowing there are folks like you in the world keeps me from despair. Keep doing what you're doing, and God bless you.
This is the result of willful under education. It’s decades of teasing guts for being “nerdy” Of everybody was as intellectually curious as a nerd, misinformation would have no place to take seed.
It’s why human civilization exists and not just human culture. One person feels the need to grow so much more food than their own home can eat so we share.
YES!!! You go girl. I’m a grandma. My grandparents were original authentic homesteaders. They were in the hills of Tennessee. We would, as kids, spend our summers with grandma and grandpa and I was always so amazed with how they lived. They milked the cows, slopped the hogs, and us kids would collect the eggs every day. The chickens just ran around and roosted in the 3 sided garage like structure grandpa built. They were fed vegetable scraps from preparing meals, 3 a day. (Huge spreads each meal) Grandpa drew water from a well beside the house which was just a pipe in the ground and a well pipe bucket. We went to the outhouse. The slop for the hogs was meal leftovers and dried corn I believe. I helped grandma churn butter and rub sage. I’ve strung tobacco. Us kids would stomp down the hay in the wagon, horse or mule drawn, while grandpa pitchforked it up. (After we got home from there, store bought milk tasted like water.) Country hams hanging in the shed. It’s a beautiful way of life. A physical way of life for sure, much hard work involved, but boy did you always sleep so well. Neighbors ALWAYS helped neighbors. They all depended on each other. It molded the way I live. I’ve always had food put back. I’m always ready for any emergency that could happen. Thank you!
and Mother Nature was happier too, living as we should Now we pay to exercise, buy ready made garbage quality food, and have sleep issues.Not the right direction, clearly
My grandfather was a peach farmer in the Niagara region, a mason and the grand son on a Presbyterian minister. He was my male mentor growing up and taught me to “never let a man suffer alone”. Today we have a 6 acre farm in the Annapolis valley as well as our home, for winter, near Halifax. We made no attempt to isolate, instead I found a farmer to mentor me and we help him with everything when he needs. Moving animals, haying, millling lumber, butchering goats and chickens…digging potatoes. Next year we will be planting 3 acres of land and giving away all the food. The prophet Isaiah told us that we must clothe, house and feed people…two of those are really hard to do personally. But I think we can feed some of them…so let’s go be a community.
Things started falling apart soon after the industrial revolution because that is when the unit of production was extracted from the home and sent far away in factories/mines/etc. That is when money started becoming the most important thing, and any action or activity not doing that became devalued... hence why house work (and traditional women work) started to be seen as "not real work" and became entirely taken for granted. Time spent with family? Time spent on hobbies? Time spent in nature? Everything not producing profit for a corporate overlord was increasingly seen as less important. It's not truly government that is the enemy. Large societies do need governments of sorts. The problem is the big corporations and billionaires who bribe governments and push for them to work for their best (financial) interests at the cost of society's best interest. The more corrupt a government becomes by those wealthy elites? The more money they can siphon from the working class, and the bigger and stronger they grow... and the cycle continues in that direction. Ultimately they become leeches on society, socializing their personal corporate projects AND the consequences of the destruction they cause, while privatizing any profit made! A few handful of monopolies, for example, control much of the global food trade! They get to squeeze both farmers and consumers to death, while oftentimes also leaving paths of destruction in poorer countries where they exploit both land and locals.
@@kated3165 I didnt intend to assert that governments were to blame for the fall of things. In fact, I’d put far more blame on the ever increasing societal pressure to push the easy button and favor short sighted, short term, selfish/self-serving rewards over short term sacrifices in service of long term gains for both self and community. Few things that are instant/easy offer much in the form of long term positive movement.
I'm an introvert, but I'm an introvert in a community. Nowhere through history was one person supposed to do everything on their own. "It takes a village" is about more than just raising children, it's about mutual support.
Tears in my eyes watching the last few minutes!!! In today’s world everything is so fear based, especially with things heating up in an election year. Anne continues to be a beacon of light & hope for us all. What a beautiful reminder that fear will never win but love & purpose always will. 🤍
"Long term motivation requires something far more powerful than fear, that's a sense of purpose. You don't get purpose from fear." Whewww I needed to hear that today!!
I have found that going back to my original reasons. The fact that I LOVE this life, that I love old fashioned living, that I love nature and being in sync with it. That is what has kept me going past the burn out. Burn out is real, but if you’re doing this because you love it, because it’s your calling, you can keep going. Fear is a horrible motivator… I’ve been through all that as well, feeling the need to be self sufficient. Now I’ve just come back to doing what I love because I love it. If the world falls apart, it does. But I’m not living like it’s going to anymore.
If you think on it, fear is a reaction of the body to imminent danger. Its a healthy emotion, meant to keep you from getting hurt or killed. however, like any other emotion, its not meant to be a permanent state. The modern world has made it so, which is the reason most people are stressed into unhealth and break down far before their time. Humans are designed to live lives of farmers, hunters and gatherers- its literally how we're built, which is why so many people who go this route BY CHOICE are generally happier than their fast-living, miserable urban kin.
Deeply appreciate this video, and your take on the homesteading movement. Having grown up in a Farming family and Community, moved to town, and now back into regenerative agriculture, it is refreshing to see some truth telling that isn’t so common on these channels. I find it fascinating that a lot of homesteaders and preppers rail against the government, but almost no one talks about the corporations that have co-opted all of our systems, including our trust, our creativity, and our Institutions. We throw stones at the government, but give these huge multinational, corporations, many of whom are much larger than governments, a free pass. It doesn’t make any sense, especially since corporations are beholden to private shareholders and the government, at least ostensibly, is us. We are it. So if our government has been co-opted by avarice and greed, that’s on us. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
It’s baffling how people blame the government when it’s obvious that private interests have crippled it. Of course the government is incompetent, it’s been made that way on purpose so that corporations can eventually replace it.
Appreciate how you call out the reality and practicality of self-sufficiency in being part of a community. Fear creates silos. Learning how to be a part of a community in a purposeful manner is something we all need to become better at.
I have stopped watching several TH-camrs because they focus so closely on self, on fear, and on proselytizing their own particular faith. (I think faith is a marvelous and wonderful thing, but I also don't want to be beaten over the head with someone's take on it, especially when it's in service of bolstering that fear-and-scarcity mindset.) Thank you so much for this compassionate and generous video.
Wisest video yet. You had me in tears. My parents raised me, ready for a socioeconomic collapse, and they worked at doing it alone. I was burnt out by the time I grew up and left home with no social skills. So I've always known the self sufficiency model, as presented from the 70's until now was a lie. Being called a hippie, when people didn't, wouldn't want to hear or understand, my parents were not hippies, but back-to-the-landers and there is no glamour in that lifestyle. Thank you for your genuine reflection 💕
What took so long for the TH-cam algorithm to lead me to this wonderful channel? The interdependence of living in a small community, being able to rely on the talents of others, and providing one's own special talents in service to others is a wonderful thing. Physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, just wonderful. Anne's passion for, and obvious joy in living and sharing her lifestyle, again, is wonderful.
I wish the core message of this video could be spread beyond just farming. I am so tired of hearing "I don't need people" or seeing people going it alone. It's amazing how having other people around makes life such much easier to handle.
I love this video. I am so glad you came into my world. I am now approaching my 7th decade. I struggle with on one hand wanting to be left alone, and on the other, the reality that I can't live in isolation. I have stopped watching so many channels because of the fear mongering. But I have found a few , like you , that speak to need for community and living with purpose not fear. Knowing your background story gives me more to admire about you. Keep speaking your truth.
I'm sitting here in tears at this video. I'm thankful for your honesty. Some parts of life are so hard and sharing them with someone else just makes it easier. I feel so isolated but I'm surrounded by many. Left the big city and trying to gather knowledge and funds to buy our own place, while raising a family, supporting aging parents and trying to make new friends in a new place. Life sure does have some steep roads. Love the message in this video. Thank you for sharing this valuable advice.
Our family grew up on a 200 acre dairy farm, and you so hit the nail on the head!!!!! can't do it by yourself. Well, you could, but you know how that ends.❤ When our hay loft caught fire, our almost 200 y/o dairy barn burned to the ground. Our heard of 40+ milking Holsteins had to be milked that morning or we could have lost more than just a barn. The whole town got word and banded together, at midnight no less, to help us. By noon the next day, our herd were trucked to a dairy barn across town and we started milking. Bless every one of them.
Oh Anne, as a traditional British farmer’s wife this resonated on a level only other agricultural families can relate to. Really rather emotionally impactful. Thank you. Farming is, when surrounded only by your own land, naturally very isolating. Years ago farmers were seen as Nobel land gentry. In the UK many people are so disassociated from where their food comes from, that they neither understand or respect the farming communities around them. I love my life but it is also relentless. You said you need a purpose but you also need a passion to endure the highs, lows and physical and mental exhaustion of farming. It’s a way of life, not just a job. A way of life I truly adore. I see so many people dream of this type of existence, without realising just how tying it also is. We are truly custodians of the land and our commitment to maintaining good animal husbandry for our livestock, ensuring they lead the best lives they can whilst they’re here. We aren’t self sufficient at all, and neither do we claim to be. I’d love to have more of an open community here, like you do there. Farming is viewed very differently here though, which is a shame. I love all that you do. Thank you for sharing your journey with us ❤
I can't speak for others, but I feel it's about the feeling of exploitation in modern life. Yes, farming is hard work. But working 3 jobs just to stay afloat isn't? If you're doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and working, while all the benefits of your labour go to strangers, then how can farming possibly be worse? Even if you continue to do nothing but eat, sleep, and work, the purpose of doing it for your own benefit and the benefit of family and friends makes a difference.
@ personally the issue is that the sort of community that was had in farming villages 50-60 years ago has all but been lost due to societal changes in the UK. We seem to be a nation that either wants to keep themselves to themselves, or expects something for nothing. Neither of these philosophies go hand in hand with building a community. Trying to make changes is met with distrust and cynicism by those around you. We aren’t working all the hours of the day but it’s impossible to take holidays or have sick days when you have animals. You simply have to get on with it. That’s more what I meant. We live a simple existence and aren’t struggling financially. Our farming was scaled back to address the work/rest balance more for our family but it still doesn’t mean you can have a day off from tending your animals. I’m not complaining. I’m just saying that often times people outside of our way of life simply don’t understand how tying agriculture is. The perk of that is being surrounded by nature and finding the joy in that. Not everyone wants to travel the world…
Community Is so important! Together we are stronger. Absolutely love this message, we try to remind people how important it is to build a community so we are not trying to do everything alone. Thanks for this important message beautiful we love and appreciate you ❤
I'm here listening to this video while washing dishes, struggling to keep my small apartment habitable, while I'm studying for university as hard as I can, not even taking summer break off. I'm working so hard so that one day I can be a productive part of a strong and close community that works together, raises kids together, lives together, and relies on each other. What I'm trying to say is that it's very hard to wash dishes and rñcry at the same time! I feel your feelings, and I see that you feel mine! I'm happy you found your community, and I hope I find my own soon.
Wow! This hit me hard. For a long time I have been wanting to grow my own food and found myself isolated instead of finding a community… also… not making enough money to have my own place, I’ve been living in other’s homes and none of them share my love and respect for the environment. I am so happy you found your people and a community to grow together. I have hope that soon I will find my own. Thank you so much for sharing this video. With all the natural disasters happening around us, it is paramount to remember that our connection to the earth and the power of community are what will elevate our experience through life ❤
OMG! I am sitting at work and was taking a break looking for homesteading videos after purchasing 10 acres in Az. I am sitting here almost in tears! I completely resonate with everything you had to say. I just want to live this life more than anything right now. Being a country girl from CA this life is how I grew up. I now want this life for my girls. I am starting out with a vegetable farm and really want goats and chickens. Thank you so much for posting this video!!
The Big Lie of Modern Homesteading highlights such an important conversation! It’s refreshing to see a candid look at the realities behind the idyllic image, reminding us that while homesteading is rewarding, it also requires resilience, hard work, and adaptability. Truly thought-provoking!
Anne, thank you! Well said! We thought the same. I, personally, wasn't interested in the doom and gloom side of self-reliance or prepping. My grandparents immigrated to one of the thirteen colonies to have a better life. As a child, I was taught many things since they were born in the 1800s. Along with the many chores (they had a root cellar) helping your neighbor pick tomatoes, grapes, figs etc...was one of the many things that moulded or influenced my way of thinking today. I'm grateful and fulfilled. 😉 👍 ❤
Thank you for making that statement about fear being a major motivator for a lot of people in the self-sufficiency movement and dispelling some misconceptions about it. “No purpose from fear” I love it so much I subscribed! Do it for the joy of it is what I say and how I try to live.
I agree wholeheartedly with you. No man is an island. My husband and I moved to MN thinking that wed would find that community. Did not happen. My husband became ill and has passed away. I am now alone. There us no community here. Now I am unable to move because of prices on land. It is a devastating realization that if you need help with something or are injured, that noone us there for you. We tried. We got involved with church and community but what happened was as long as we continued to do, we were accepted. The minute my husband became ill and needed around the clock care, everyone disappeared. They did not even come to visit with him or me. I am fed up with users. We thought that we had a good community connection until we didnt. How do you trust after that? How do you trust yourself in finding that connection when you have screwed up so royally? I have never vern a needy person and am very independent. Like you multiple skills and people around here find that very off putting. I do things around the farm that women should not be doing, according to them anyway. Like you with woodworking, running a chainsaw, helping with births, building barns etc. making me persona non gratia. Apparently I should not be trying to be a man. I am told often enough that women are not strong mentally or physically to do that type of work. Not sure what species they are but I was made mentally and physically different I guess. Live your podcast. It fits in so much with my lifestyle. Lol but you have taken it a step further. I do not have large stock anymore. Not enough land. Downsized the animals when my husband became ill because I could not do it all. I am slowly starting to rebuild.
So sorry to hear that. I can understand although never been married. It’s hard to be a bit different and find your people - I’m glad we have TH-cam channels like Anne’s ❤
You have the choice don’t listen to peoples B S do what things you have to do.As longest as you have health to do so.The pioneers done what they had to do for the home stead.We let life become way to easy best wishes and health to you.🙏😇🐴🐂🤠
Anne, I'm glad you came out and made this video. Just had a conversation, with a man who grows big bountiful amounts of food. It was for his mom. She's passed. It's his sole purpose to give it all away. Even at 65 , he's still fighting out life. Makes me think. I'm a seed saver. Food grower. Conservationist. Food supplier. Caretaker. Stewart of the land. Ahh me.
Faith over fear is my motto. Although I love off-grid, solar-powered, well-watered, gardening, tiny, country life, this year's sunflower field helped me realize that age has slowed me down. At 61, I don't have enough strength left to be fully self-sufficient. If the SHTF, I don't want to survive it and live like a pioneer. My people are at my church, but everyone lives far apart in our farming community--some an hour away. So, I no longer buy into the self-sufficient fantasy. I do what I can to be as self-sufficient as possible and thoroughly enjoy it without killing myself to reach some unreachable goal. I love your channel. Have a blessed, beautiful week.
I hear that. I’m 76, brain damage & recent back surgery & am so frustrating can’t do what I used to do. I’m finally accepting my limitations. Bless you & have a great day 👵🏻❣️
@deecooper1567 I believe learning to deal with your physical limitations is one of the most difficult things to come to grips with. The frustration level is off the charts. I contracted Lymes, and it was untreated for close to 2 years. It's taken its toll . It took me 5 years to let myself be OK with my limitations.. God bless
It's so refreshing to hear someone who has been living the lifestyle. I grew up on a farm and during covid we're became suburban homesteaders - and yes in part that was due to fear - we had 5 kids at home and some of the longest lockdowns in the worlds. Fast forward to now and what my partner and I want for our homestead acreage is so different. Community and alternate income sources is our main priority. Yes grow veggies and fruit, but we don't want to have animals that tie us to our land. We want a trusted community where we all work to our strengths and help support others, and share and grow food as a community. As we become empty nesters we want simple, slow, fulfilling lives and to be able to travel. Homesteading is so different to everyone, and taking the time to really consider what it is you want your life to be is so important.
This video hits so hard! You are absolutely right about community and finding people who are going to be there for you. I am the product of farmers for many, many generations. I grew up in this way of life. We always planted more, hunted more, raised more not so that we could have an overabundance but because we shared so much with our family and friends. Even from a young age I remember everyone getting together to do all sorts of things involving farm life. The good times and the bad. These are some of my most treasured memories.
Thank you for posting this. More people need to take it to heart. I am tired of fear driving everything and everyone. I refuse to live my life that way.
This actually motivates me to push harder to build connections with other like-minded people in my urban/suburban area. They exist! Community resilience, not individual fortressing, is key.
New subscriber!! What an amazing video. Self-sufficiency has been on my mind. My dad died in June and we’ve been back and forth to my moms 5-acre property in Oklahoma trying to help her get her bearings on her own. I’m so grateful to get this perspective now, as we’re on the precipice of doing some of the homesteading things. Thank you!
I can't love this video any more! ❤ Thank you for being so open with your life and your heart. You remain a blessing to your family (2 and 4 footed), friends, local and online community.
I don't live the lifestyle you do, but my grandparents were Dairy farmers in a tiny town in Phillipsburg Mo. What I really resonate with you is the want and knowing, we need community. I read so many comments nowadays, people saying, "yeah move here, but mind your own business, you will fit in. " I am stunned by this new belief. It was never like that in the country, only the city. I am grateful for your beautiful incites. Love how you treat your cows, they are intelligent and gentle beings.
Oh so well said! I have been listening to many “self sufficiency “ homesteaders and the fear that they are talking about and it grieves me. I never started homesteading out of fear but about helping others to share abundance. I just want to raise and grow sustenance and grow a community to share food, friends and feelings. Thank you for putting it into words .
This video is so timely. I recently visited a friend's farm and became overwhelmed and terrified that at my age it's too late to start. I gave into the fear of "big government" and the need/desire to become self-reliant. I'm going to step back, rethink my goals, and even if I start with one small thing, I'm going to at least do that and do it well! And seek community! (Can't believe that didn't dawn on me ~ LOL!)
I feel the same way! Also in Washington! I wish we could have a place like your square dance but we’re a gay couple and one of us is Asian so I think we would stick out like a sore thumb at that square dance and my wife probably wouldn’t feel safe.
You're so right! Exactly what I'm going through but making changes! I had nothing to look forward to anymore, working 70 hours a week, building a homestead by myself also and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... things are turning around!
Finding your people is so important. I was in my 30s when I finally found my "clan." Life is so much better in a mutually loving and supportive community. Sometimes it seems we are all trying to give a little more than we receive. This kind of community profit is the most rewarding you will ever earn in your lifetime.
Thank you for this video, it has really hit me hard! I live in northern MN and I am trying to do it ALL! My husband helps on some things but this is my thing not his. It is so hard and I get so discouraged when I keep failing. I admit that I did want to become self sufficient out of fear. I always feel that I am running out of time to get this right...but I can't do it alone anymore. I am 60 years old and every year the work gets more exhausting, but I love the feeling of being able to provide for my family so I keep trying.
Community is so hecking important for absolutely everything, doing something that is important to you and sharing that joy with other people makes hard things worthwhile.
This made SO much sense to me. I am not a young person, but my actual (city girl) soul is BEGGING for this life. I want all of this in my every day. I want to work hard, work with and for my community and learn ALL the things. I can't explain why or where it was born from...but I know it in the depths of every cell, that this is the life I want...until it is my time to leave this earth. Thank you so very much for sharing your perspective, your heartfelt love and passion for this life. I admire you and wish you only successes, good health, love and peace in your life.
Fun to watch her video. The cows waiting at the gate, going to their own milking stalls. Memories for me, grown up on small dairy and subsistence farm, as the second World War began. The cows would come to my grandfather's gate across the dirt road, walk over to the barn into the milking area and go to their individual stalls, there were about 20 cows. They all knew exactly what to do. 4:00 AM, rain, snow, hail, whatever. Always the same. Sometimes one or two of us kids went along. The women were warming the kitchen and prepping breakfast, on the wood stove. Kitchen was warm and breakfast was ready when the guys came back in. The men and the women had everything timed perfectly. Loved the video. The pics brought back so much. Thank you, thank you.
Hi Ann! I'm following you getting inspired to make my own mini farm outside of Saint Petersburg, Russia) For now making a foodforest on my hectar. Wish you all the best! Hope you come to visit us someday😊
When I was growing up, my grandfather had a farm and raised cattle, one of his neighbors out the road raised pigs, so they would trade pork for beef. There were a few other farming families in that small area, and they all helped each other, and went to church together. I witnessed first hand community self sufficiency, the memories of that inspired me to get a couple acres that I will be moving to soon and living the way I grew up. Not out of fear, but from a love of the old ways.
Did farm for 30 Years. Many days with 16 hours, now I am homesteading on a small scale and I still have a lot of work. I am 73 years old and would like to see young people coming to the farm and start this grazy life, too.
You are doing the right thing. I had a governement job in Germany. Gave it up and moved to Canada, to be a farmer. Having a good income and plant a garden is the real thing.
Hi. Your willingness to learn is beyond commendable. More tham impressive. And you sound more than average educated, your english and good communication skills are exceptional. You must have had some super parenting. If not you are a natural like Mozart (though Mozart's father was a powerful force in his life). I'm subscribing. I am so needing to find a partner. In a community. You are so right on! Find my people! Yes. Be that people. Yes. Thanks for this. That dancing looked like a beautiful gathering. Yeeha!🌱
I would love to be part of a group but so far no group to be found. We just recently experienced the devastation of half our town from flooding and many volunteered to help and still do so. But not with the field work. So I do what I can and considera that one day I might be joined by others. There is a time for everything. Thank you for sharing your experience. By the way, I am 72 years old, and female. My husband is recuperating from illness and our daughter has Down Síndrome. We are very thankful to be together with our weaknesses and strengths. God is our companion and we somehow always make it. Best to you all.
I call it autonomy. Im autistic and wish to be my own island. So far, spot on. I'm 75 and going strong . . . All alone. I don't NEED to leave my homestead . . . Got all my needs / wants met right here, right now.
Anne, thank you for sharing this! I wish I was 30 years younger. My husband and I started the Homestead journey a little late in life. But I have enjoyed it so much. We live on the outskirts of Gig Harbor Washington. “Find your place and find your people” is so right. We’ve been at this doen6 years now and we’re starting to find a few people who are into this homestead journey. It’s much more fulfilling when we do it together. ❤
THANK YOU! I am not a homesteader, but I was raised by survivalist preppers. We lived in a suburb and my folks had a 140 acre piece of property about an hour and a half away. It had a 1 br home with a 2 oven cast iron wood stove and no running water. We had a well, we had a toiled which we flushed by pouring a bucket of water into the tank every time. We had a spring house. We had springs at a few different locations away from the house and had city electricity…. We knew all of the edible plants available on that property and picked them to eat. We spent all of the free time my folks had at that place. I knew, from the time I was 8 years old, that their may come a day when I would have to shoot some people in our neighborhood… When I finally made it out of the house and into college, I ended up with a nervous breakdown so bad that I came down with shingles…an 18 year old with effing shingles. I found out that my suspicion throughout my childhood, that preparing for the complete breakdown of society by cloistering one’s family was not going to work. To survive, throughout human history, people have worked as a community to take care of the needs of life. To do this, people have to be able to trust others to some extent. I was taught to never trust anyone. When I would go home to visit and my dad would start spouting off about learning more skills and having more equipment, I would say, “why don’t you just grow a garden?” I was into gardening since childhood, and only got grudging support from my folks. It was all about firearms, knives, and searching for food in the wild with them. We live in the suburbs, my family and I. I am very much into gardening. We raise chicken for eggs (it is illegal to raise them for meat in our town but, when they get old, 🤷🏻♀️.) We get some good soup stock out of it. We are all about sustainability and being prepared for power outages. Solar… Our neighbors are avid gardeners as well, and we share our bounty…some of the things each household grows are different, so we get more variety that way. I just can’t bear to hear people talking about “doing for themselves” without a community because of my childhood experiences. All I can think when I hear that is, “yeah, you are stupid if you think that will work in the long term.” So, yes THANK YOU!❤
And probably not your fault. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find people who have a non-selfish approach to everything. Many times it will require for you to physically move somewhere else just as they did.
SO agree. There is sustainability with working with in your community and leaving fear out of it. I am just getting started on doing some mild homesteading but its more about removing my reliance on a grocery store for my food supply. My wife and I have been moving away from eating processed foods and looking at getting back to basics. I still work a regular job. But I know myself well, and when I retire I will need something to work at or I will be a grump. Love the site and your energy.
So glad someone finally said it!!! Homesteading is great! Trying to learn the old ways is AMAZING! But even back in the day, you needed community. Not everyone has access to the same resources and has the same skill set. That is why we have to love and care for our neighbors/ community. Hurricane Katrina taught many of us this very lesson
I want that sense of belonging so much too. I hope so badly that I can find a homestead community. Can you make a video about finding those communities?!❤
I would be careful with a homesteading "community" and instead look for places where folks have some farms in their backyards. As she mentions earlier in the video, some homesteaders are very fear-based. Healthy homesteaders you can probably find at your local farmer's market.
God I love that someone is finally talks about community! I'm tired of the fear mongering and thanks for being the counter to the drama. May you continue to be blessed and continuing to spread the power of coming together
I keep trying to learn it all and do it all myself for years to take care of my family and you’re right! I need to change my strategy. I was just sitting down to start my Bible study and I landed on you, I haven’t been able to watch you for a while being so busy. Thank you and God bless.
Even if you are doing things by yourself, you still need other people to purchase your products. You still need feed stores. You still need veterinary services. You still need pharmaceuticals. You need canning supplies. You need other people to teach you. We just need other people. Thank you for this wonderful video! Truth is power. You are a wonderful person.
You're right, 100%. I started a homestead/ orchard out of fear, but I'm tired now, worn out. Message received. Thank you, I really needed to hear that.
I want to homestead so badly and your message was so comforting to the choices we've made before we were able to start the garden or get the chickens. We picked the best community to align with those values and find our place. Thank you ❤
Spot on. The choice to be self sufficient is so much more than fear. Very few decisions in life should be based on fear. Thanks for sharing. I can tell wisdom is growing within you.
All for one and one for all. This is how humanity survives, especially in tragedies. It is our natural response, not greed. Greed is taught (& technically it’s legalized in law by placing the individual rights to profit higher than the human right to exist for all). The fear to trust people often breaks down to areas where injustices occurred at an individual’s expense and another’s greed. There is a natural element of self preservation, but we are all born in a one for all all for on need to survive, not all my needs and screw everyone else. A baby would die or be mistreated being raised this way. So naturally we care for another’s life equal to our own to ensure the survival of the species. Important facts of life that get shot down by more barbaric thinking and I just wanted to be sure it was included in your message here. 💗
I totally agree! We moved from a place where we were the only farmer in our 'group". We moved to a place where there are more farmers, more friends, and a big sense of community. It matters. It matters a lot.
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This is why what you do makes me cry. It’s a long story and the wisdom you’ve gained was what life is about living. The legacy you want to live and leave is as shallow as those around you everyday or as deep.
My eyes didn't well up w tears at the end of this vid ok ? YOURS did.
Happy Yule Anne, fam and anim fam, all kith and kin ✨💖✨
Here I am in NJ, a 71 yo man, why am I crying ?
My wife and I are in our 70s and we live this life because it's how we were raised. However, none of our family is involved or interested in this kind of life. All of our contemporaries are getting old too.
FINALLY, someone said it. I have left so many homestead "channels" because of the Doom and Gloom! The only way to survive a catastrophe is to band together and create a community. A group of people with different skills, with the same goals. I am 54, I can no longer do what I used to do in my 20's. Arthritis, exhaustion, lack of assistance, makes for a very tough life. And knowing I consciously chose this way of life at one time,... I just shake my head. With age comes wisdom. And now I am semi self reliant, I have friends who are semi self reliant, and we all know we can depend on each other for what ever is needed. Weather that be emotional, mental or physical assistance.
Yes, well said! 😊
Jess from Roots and Refuge Farm has a similar outlook on homesteading. If you don’t follow her you might want to check her out. She’s very positive and uplifting.
@@mountainsandmayhem739best homesteading message I have seen ever. Now go vote not out of fear but for community that serves one another and honors one another.
Totally agree
Me too, except that I'm 63 and my husband is 74...AND we never had children. So while we've done a great job working hard, living frugally and now having a relatively large tract of land where we're building our homestead, etc, we're clear that a strong, nurturing, reliable community is our answer to a good life in our old age. Who wants to live alone anyway?
It’s not just animals. I don’t know where it comes from, but I recently heard, “No one should be alone with a crying baby.” We have atomized our community to the point that we do hard things alone and we just aren’t meant to do that. We started as communities with specializations, and we specialized ourselves into complete isolation.
I love that saying.
I don’t know how to process that. I have always assumed that’s part of being a parent.
The idea of community is wonderful but only when it's open and based on like-minded philosophies. Staying independent while in a community is a delicate matter.
And it's every single other homestead person out there. Every other prep channel you come across it's not about actually being prepared for an emergency or something. It's about isolating yourself completely to the point where it's almost like they want us to live in the old colonial days. And I'm not talking about in a village or town. They want us to live like the people who are exiled from the village or town in the woods all alone where no one can hear you scream
@@robertaylor9218It can be but having a support system for yourself and the baby is very important. I am a parent of a 7-year-old and 5-year-old and it is so nice to be able to call my mother-in-law or my mom for anything. Any advice or in rare cases? Emergency babysitting. There are so many ways our society has told us we're on our own or that we need to pull ourselves up by the bootstraps, but that is not how our ancestors did it.
My great-grandmother had 21 children and there was no way she could have done that by herself lol. She always talked about how most of the time five or six of her kids were over at either her mother's or some other neighbor's house and it wasn't like she was pawning them off. It's just kind of how it all worked
Living through the recent (and ongoing) devastation of Helene in western NC, I have seen first-hand the futility of trying to be a silo and go it alone. Community is not only the spice of life, but a necessity of it.
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🙌🎯
Without it there is also no purpose.
Man made weather - controlled and directed.
Why are they doing that?
Why are you thinking ‘man made Weather’? Did you hear that and became their echo?
I grew up farming and ranching. It is a lifestyle, it is a community. It is not to be taken lightly and done on a whim. I appreciate your words today, the honesty of doing it because it is a purpose in your life. We do not garden, raise livestock, preserve food etc because a doom scenario - we do it because we can, and we love it. Thank you again.
Doubt you love it ,,you love the results cause you know the sacrifice .
@@LiamGardner-u9k I actually do love it. Everything is a sacrifice, that I will not deny. However if one has to sacrifice - why not sacrifice for something you love rather than something you despise.
@@shelli9566 I agree 100%. I too grew up on a farm. Didn't realize it at the time the blessing it was. Living in the country, doing all of the things that go with tending livestock/ field work, somehow worked it's way into my soul. I LOVE the smell of freshly mowed hay, the smell of freshly plowed soil. Even the satisfaction of a newly cleaned out livestock pen. I could go on, and on. When I'm dressed toasty warm in my Carharts/ rubber boots, and the winter wind is biting my face, it's dusk and the snow is gently falling... my heart swells with gratitude. I do love it. Wouldn't trade it for anything.
@@douglasm1075 I think you nailed it - it works into your soul. It was passed to a portion of us as we grew, through generational wisdom. However, a lot of our wisdom is being lost as we all get older (as farming and ranching was left behind for bigger corporate positions in the world). I does make me happy to see people embracing the lifestyle again, even if it is starting with these tiny "homesteads" and people just looking to learn the crafts of living. (growing their own food, raising animals, preserving, cooking from scratch, sewing, knitting/crocheting, spinning, quilt making, you know - all that fun stuff that really does make life that much more enjoyable 😄☺ Hope you are well this season of chilliness.
"You don't get purpose from fear." is so succinct and perfect.
Tho I'd say you prob do :)
@@PazLeBon Fear is unsustainable and can only motivate in the short-term for poor or deteriorating results - this is not the same as purpose.
When fear is used on the farm, it can harm the health of the animals and cause more work than you needed or give you bad produce. When used in your town or community, it will make your relationships shallow and sow distrust. When used at home, it will harm everyone around you. All will see diminishing returns and burn out.
Fear is not purposeful, it's short-sighted.
Excellent point!
Beautiful Quote. Thank you!❤❤❤
yep, i always aim for the positive
My mom used to tell me that the best cure for loneliness is service. You expounded on that so well. We need people in our lives, we need community to thrive and to shine. Blessings on you and yours Anne of All Trades!
Anne, my respect for you just increased exponentially. More than twenty years ago, I made the conscious decision to avoid "news" outlets that seemed geared to keeping us frightened, angry and ignorant - probably the smartest thing I ever did. I'm now mostly surrounded by otherwise decent people who have self-radicalised to the point where they seem to want to burn it all down. Knowing there are folks like you in the world keeps me from despair. Keep doing what you're doing, and God bless you.
❤ Mi too no news of anything one more left is internet to be given up.
I’m 30 and I practice the low information diet too. I’d say it’s the most instrumental thing contributing to my happiness.
This is the result of willful under education. It’s decades of teasing guts for being “nerdy”
Of everybody was as intellectually curious as a nerd, misinformation would have no place to take seed.
Farmers are severely under-appreciated. Just want to say thank you for all that you do.
It’s why human civilization exists and not just human culture. One person feels the need to grow so much more food than their own home can eat so we share.
YES!!! You go girl. I’m a grandma. My grandparents were original authentic homesteaders. They were in the hills of Tennessee. We would, as kids, spend our summers with grandma and grandpa and I was always so amazed with how they lived. They milked the cows, slopped the hogs, and us kids would collect the eggs every day. The chickens just ran around and roosted in the 3 sided garage like structure grandpa built. They were fed vegetable scraps from preparing meals, 3 a day. (Huge spreads each meal) Grandpa drew water from a well beside the house which was just a pipe in the ground and a well pipe bucket. We went to the outhouse. The slop for the hogs was meal leftovers and dried corn I believe. I helped grandma churn butter and rub sage. I’ve strung tobacco. Us kids would stomp down the hay in the wagon, horse or mule drawn, while grandpa pitchforked it up. (After we got home from there, store bought milk tasted like water.) Country hams hanging in the shed. It’s a beautiful way of life. A physical way of life for sure, much hard work involved, but boy did you always sleep so well. Neighbors ALWAYS helped neighbors. They all depended on each other.
It molded the way I live. I’ve always had food put back. I’m always ready for any emergency that could happen. Thank you!
and Mother Nature was happier too, living as we should Now we pay to exercise, buy ready made garbage quality food, and have sleep issues.Not the right direction, clearly
My grandfather was a peach farmer in the Niagara region, a mason and the grand son on a Presbyterian minister. He was my male mentor growing up and taught me to “never let a man suffer alone”. Today we have a 6 acre farm in the Annapolis valley as well as our home, for winter, near Halifax. We made no attempt to isolate, instead I found a farmer to mentor me and we help him with everything when he needs. Moving animals, haying, millling lumber, butchering goats and chickens…digging potatoes. Next year we will be planting 3 acres of land and giving away all the food. The prophet Isaiah told us that we must clothe, house and feed people…two of those are really hard to do personally. But I think we can feed some of them…so let’s go be a community.
Things started falling apart soon after the industrial revolution because that is when the unit of production was extracted from the home and sent far away in factories/mines/etc.
That is when money started becoming the most important thing, and any action or activity not doing that became devalued... hence why house work (and traditional women work) started to be seen as "not real work" and became entirely taken for granted. Time spent with family? Time spent on hobbies? Time spent in nature? Everything not producing profit for a corporate overlord was increasingly seen as less important.
It's not truly government that is the enemy. Large societies do need governments of sorts. The problem is the big corporations and billionaires who bribe governments and push for them to work for their best (financial) interests at the cost of society's best interest. The more corrupt a government becomes by those wealthy elites? The more money they can siphon from the working class, and the bigger and stronger they grow... and the cycle continues in that direction. Ultimately they become leeches on society, socializing their personal corporate projects AND the consequences of the destruction they cause, while privatizing any profit made! A few handful of monopolies, for example, control much of the global food trade!
They get to squeeze both farmers and consumers to death, while oftentimes also leaving paths of destruction in poorer countries where they exploit both land and locals.
Agreed 100%
@@kated3165 I didnt intend to assert that governments were to blame for the fall of things. In fact, I’d put far more blame on the ever increasing societal pressure to push the easy button and favor short sighted, short term, selfish/self-serving rewards over short term sacrifices in service of long term gains for both self and community. Few things that are instant/easy offer much in the form of long term positive movement.
Totally agree with this assertion
Yep!
You absolutely Nailed IT!!!!!!
I'm an introvert, but I'm an introvert in a community. Nowhere through history was one person supposed to do everything on their own. "It takes a village" is about more than just raising children, it's about mutual support.
As a fellow introvert, I agree. I love introverts🙄😳😆🥰
I believe those days are over, I go at it alone. Don't expect nothing from anyone, peace
@jess_giggles2795 i hope exos too. Cuz a community has a blend
@michaeljackson7361 I'm sorry to hear this... everything we do is due to others and for others (not escapable)
Tears in my eyes watching the last few minutes!!! In today’s world everything is so fear based, especially with things heating up in an election year. Anne continues to be a beacon of light & hope for us all. What a beautiful reminder that fear will never win but love & purpose always will. 🤍
Couldn't agree more
Well said!
Me too, tears in my eyes.
"Long term motivation requires something far more powerful than fear, that's a sense of purpose. You don't get purpose from fear."
Whewww I needed to hear that today!!
Saying LOUDER for the ones in the back🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I have found that going back to my original reasons. The fact that I LOVE this life, that I love old fashioned living, that I love nature and being in sync with it. That is what has kept me going past the burn out. Burn out is real, but if you’re doing this because you love it, because it’s your calling, you can keep going. Fear is a horrible motivator… I’ve been through all that as well, feeling the need to be self sufficient. Now I’ve just come back to doing what I love because I love it. If the world falls apart, it does. But I’m not living like it’s going to anymore.
If you think on it, fear is a reaction of the body to imminent danger. Its a healthy emotion, meant to keep you from getting hurt or killed. however, like any other emotion, its not meant to be a permanent state. The modern world has made it so, which is the reason most people are stressed into unhealth and break down far before their time. Humans are designed to live lives of farmers, hunters and gatherers- its literally how we're built, which is why so many people who go this route BY CHOICE are generally happier than their fast-living, miserable urban kin.
I love my life too.
Right. If the world falls apart, a few cows and guns aren’t going to save you for long. We all need each other for this whole thing to work
Deeply appreciate this video, and your take on the homesteading movement. Having grown up in a Farming family and Community, moved to town, and now back into regenerative agriculture, it is refreshing to see some truth telling that isn’t so common on these channels. I find it fascinating that a lot of homesteaders and preppers rail against the government, but almost no one talks about the corporations that have co-opted all of our systems, including our trust, our creativity, and our Institutions. We throw stones at the government, but give these huge multinational, corporations, many of whom are much larger than governments, a free pass. It doesn’t make any sense, especially since corporations are beholden to private shareholders and the government, at least ostensibly, is us. We are it. So if our government has been co-opted by avarice and greed, that’s on us. The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.
It’s baffling how people blame the government when it’s obvious that private interests have crippled it. Of course the government is incompetent, it’s been made that way on purpose so that corporations can eventually replace it.
Appreciate how you call out the reality and practicality of self-sufficiency in being part of a community. Fear creates silos. Learning how to be a part of a community in a purposeful manner is something we all need to become better at.
I have stopped watching several TH-camrs because they focus so closely on self, on fear, and on proselytizing their own particular faith. (I think faith is a marvelous and wonderful thing, but I also don't want to be beaten over the head with someone's take on it, especially when it's in service of bolstering that fear-and-scarcity mindset.) Thank you so much for this compassionate and generous video.
Wisest video yet. You had me in tears. My parents raised me, ready for a socioeconomic collapse, and they worked at doing it alone. I was burnt out by the time I grew up and left home with no social skills. So I've always known the self sufficiency model, as presented from the 70's until now was a lie. Being called a hippie, when people didn't, wouldn't want to hear or understand, my parents were not hippies, but back-to-the-landers and there is no glamour in that lifestyle. Thank you for your genuine reflection 💕
What took so long for the TH-cam algorithm to lead me to this wonderful channel?
The interdependence of living in a small community, being able to rely on the talents of others, and providing one's own special talents in service to others is a wonderful thing.
Physically, emotionally, spiritually, socially, just wonderful.
Anne's passion for, and obvious joy in living and sharing her lifestyle, again, is wonderful.
I wish the core message of this video could be spread beyond just farming. I am so tired of hearing "I don't need people" or seeing people going it alone. It's amazing how having other people around makes life such much easier to handle.
I love this video. I am so glad you came into my world. I am now approaching my 7th decade. I struggle with on one hand wanting to be left alone, and on the other, the reality that I can't live in isolation. I have stopped watching so many channels because of the fear mongering. But I have found a few , like you , that speak to need for community and living with purpose not fear. Knowing your background story gives me more to admire about you. Keep speaking your truth.
I'm sitting here in tears at this video. I'm thankful for your honesty. Some parts of life are so hard and sharing them with someone else just makes it easier. I feel so isolated but I'm surrounded by many. Left the big city and trying to gather knowledge and funds to buy our own place, while raising a family, supporting aging parents and trying to make new friends in a new place. Life sure does have some steep roads. Love the message in this video. Thank you for sharing this valuable advice.
Our family grew up on a 200 acre dairy farm, and you so hit the nail on the head!!!!! can't do it by yourself. Well, you could, but you know how that ends.❤ When our hay loft caught fire, our almost 200 y/o dairy barn burned to the ground. Our heard of 40+ milking Holsteins had to be milked that morning or we could have lost more than just a barn. The whole town got word and banded together, at midnight no less, to help us. By noon the next day, our herd were trucked to a dairy barn across town and we started milking. Bless every one of them.
Very wise.... and refreshing to hear. "Modern life is transactional not relational.." nailed it.
Oh Anne, as a traditional British farmer’s wife this resonated on a level only other agricultural families can relate to. Really rather emotionally impactful. Thank you.
Farming is, when surrounded only by your own land, naturally very isolating.
Years ago farmers were seen as Nobel land gentry. In the UK many people are so disassociated from where their food comes from, that they neither understand or respect the farming communities around them.
I love my life but it is also relentless. You said you need a purpose but you also need a passion to endure the highs, lows and physical and mental exhaustion of farming. It’s a way of life, not just a job. A way of life I truly adore.
I see so many people dream of this type of existence, without realising just how tying it also is.
We are truly custodians of the land and our commitment to maintaining good animal husbandry for our livestock, ensuring they lead the best lives they can whilst they’re here.
We aren’t self sufficient at all, and neither do we claim to be. I’d love to have more of an open community here, like you do there. Farming is viewed very differently here though, which is a shame.
I love all that you do. Thank you for sharing your journey with us ❤
I can't speak for others, but I feel it's about the feeling of exploitation in modern life. Yes, farming is hard work. But working 3 jobs just to stay afloat isn't?
If you're doing nothing but eating, sleeping, and working, while all the benefits of your labour go to strangers, then how can farming possibly be worse? Even if you continue to do nothing but eat, sleep, and work, the purpose of doing it for your own benefit and the benefit of family and friends makes a difference.
@ personally the issue is that the sort of community that was had in farming villages 50-60 years ago has all but been lost due to societal changes in the UK. We seem to be a nation that either wants to keep themselves to themselves, or expects something for nothing. Neither of these philosophies go hand in hand with building a community.
Trying to make changes is met with distrust and cynicism by those around you.
We aren’t working all the hours of the day but it’s impossible to take holidays or have sick days when you have animals. You simply have to get on with it. That’s more what I meant.
We live a simple existence and aren’t struggling financially. Our farming was scaled back to address the work/rest balance more for our family but it still doesn’t mean you can have a day off from tending your animals.
I’m not complaining. I’m just saying that often times people outside of our way of life simply don’t understand how tying agriculture is. The perk of that is being surrounded by nature and finding the joy in that.
Not everyone wants to travel the world…
Community Is so important! Together we are stronger. Absolutely love this message, we try to remind people how important it is to build a community so we are not trying to do everything alone. Thanks for this important message beautiful we love and appreciate you ❤
I'm here listening to this video while washing dishes, struggling to keep my small apartment habitable, while I'm studying for university as hard as I can, not even taking summer break off. I'm working so hard so that one day I can be a productive part of a strong and close community that works together, raises kids together, lives together, and relies on each other.
What I'm trying to say is that it's very hard to wash dishes and rñcry at the same time! I feel your feelings, and I see that you feel mine!
I'm happy you found your community, and I hope I find my own soon.
Wow! This hit me hard. For a long time I have been wanting to grow my own food and found myself isolated instead of finding a community… also… not making enough money to have my own place, I’ve been living in other’s homes and none of them share my love and respect for the environment. I am so happy you found your people and a community to grow together. I have hope that soon I will find my own. Thank you so much for sharing this video. With all the natural disasters happening around us, it is paramount to remember that our connection to the earth and the power of community are what will elevate our experience through life ❤
Hey, I just wanted to let you know you aren’t alone. It sounds like you’re going through a hard time and you’re doing great! You’ll get there
OMG! I am sitting at work and was taking a break looking for homesteading videos after purchasing 10 acres in Az. I am sitting here almost in tears! I completely resonate with everything you had to say. I just want to live this life more than anything right now. Being a country girl from CA this life is how I grew up. I now want this life for my girls. I am starting out with a vegetable farm and really want goats and chickens. Thank you so much for posting this video!!
Where in AZ? I’m in Tucson and I’m getting ready to build a greenhouse and get chickens. 😊
“Find your place, and find your people!!” Community is absolutely critical!
Ouch. That is a very strong message.
Especially coming from a someone with your profile / experience.
Resonates deeply.
Thank you for sharing!
Isn’t the statistic that most homesteaders burnout after 3 years? I think you’ve nailed the reason why.
@@Consciouslightwarriors exactly what a 🐑 would say
The Big Lie of Modern Homesteading highlights such an important conversation! It’s refreshing to see a candid look at the realities behind the idyllic image, reminding us that while homesteading is rewarding, it also requires resilience, hard work, and adaptability. Truly thought-provoking!
Anne, thank you! Well said! We thought the same. I, personally, wasn't interested in the doom and gloom side of self-reliance or prepping. My grandparents immigrated to one of the thirteen colonies to have a better life. As a child, I was taught many things since they were born in the 1800s. Along with the many chores (they had a root cellar) helping your neighbor pick tomatoes, grapes, figs etc...was one of the many things that moulded or influenced my way of thinking today. I'm grateful and fulfilled. 😉 👍 ❤
Thank you for making that statement about fear being a major motivator for a lot of people in the self-sufficiency movement and dispelling some misconceptions about it. “No purpose from fear” I love it so much I subscribed! Do it for the joy of it is what I say and how I try to live.
I agree wholeheartedly with you. No man is an island. My husband and I moved to MN thinking that wed would find that community. Did not happen. My husband became ill and has passed away. I am now alone. There us no community here. Now I am unable to move because of prices on land. It is a devastating realization that if you need help with something or are injured, that noone us there for you. We tried. We got involved with church and community but what happened was as long as we continued to do, we were accepted. The minute my husband became ill and needed around the clock care, everyone disappeared. They did not even come to visit with him or me. I am fed up with users. We thought that we had a good community connection until we didnt. How do you trust after that? How do you trust yourself in finding that connection when you have screwed up so royally? I have never vern a needy person and am very independent. Like you multiple skills and people around here find that very off putting. I do things around the farm that women should not be doing, according to them anyway. Like you with woodworking, running a chainsaw, helping with births, building barns etc. making me persona non gratia. Apparently I should not be trying to be a man. I am told often enough that women are not strong mentally or physically to do that type of work. Not sure what species they are but I was made mentally and physically different I guess. Live your podcast. It fits in so much with my lifestyle. Lol but you have taken it a step further. I do not have large stock anymore. Not enough land. Downsized the animals when my husband became ill because I could not do it all. I am slowly starting to rebuild.
So sorry to hear that. I can understand although never been married. It’s hard to be a bit different and find your people - I’m glad we have TH-cam channels like Anne’s ❤
You have the choice don’t listen to peoples B S do what things you have to do.As longest as you have health to do so.The pioneers done what they had to do for the home stead.We let life become way to easy best wishes and health to you.🙏😇🐴🐂🤠
Anne, I'm glad you came out and made this video. Just had a conversation, with a man who grows big bountiful amounts of food. It was for his mom. She's passed. It's his sole purpose to give it all away. Even at 65 , he's still fighting out life. Makes me think. I'm a seed saver. Food grower. Conservationist. Food supplier. Caretaker. Stewart of the land. Ahh me.
Faith over fear is my motto. Although I love off-grid, solar-powered, well-watered, gardening, tiny, country life, this year's sunflower field helped me realize that age has slowed me down. At 61, I don't have enough strength left to be fully self-sufficient. If the SHTF, I don't want to survive it and live like a pioneer. My people are at my church, but everyone lives far apart in our farming community--some an hour away. So, I no longer buy into the self-sufficient fantasy. I do what I can to be as self-sufficient as possible and thoroughly enjoy it without killing myself to reach some unreachable goal. I love your channel. Have a blessed, beautiful week.
I hear that. I’m 76, brain damage & recent back surgery & am so frustrating can’t do what I used to do. I’m finally accepting my limitations.
Bless you & have a great day 👵🏻❣️
@deecooper1567 I believe learning to deal with your physical limitations is one of the most difficult things to come to grips with. The frustration level is off the charts.
I contracted Lymes, and it was untreated for close to 2 years. It's taken its toll .
It took me 5 years to let myself be OK with my limitations.. God bless
It's so refreshing to hear someone who has been living the lifestyle. I grew up on a farm and during covid we're became suburban homesteaders - and yes in part that was due to fear - we had 5 kids at home and some of the longest lockdowns in the worlds. Fast forward to now and what my partner and I want for our homestead acreage is so different. Community and alternate income sources is our main priority. Yes grow veggies and fruit, but we don't want to have animals that tie us to our land. We want a trusted community where we all work to our strengths and help support others, and share and grow food as a community. As we become empty nesters we want simple, slow, fulfilling lives and to be able to travel. Homesteading is so different to everyone, and taking the time to really consider what it is you want your life to be is so important.
This video hits so hard! You are absolutely right about community and finding people who are going to be there for you. I am the product of farmers for many, many generations. I grew up in this way of life. We always planted more, hunted more, raised more not so that we could have an overabundance but because we shared so much with our family and friends. Even from a young age I remember everyone getting together to do all sorts of things involving farm life. The good times and the bad. These are some of my most treasured memories.
Thank you for posting this. More people need to take it to heart. I am tired of fear driving everything and everyone. I refuse to live my life that way.
This actually motivates me to push harder to build connections with other like-minded people in my urban/suburban area. They exist! Community resilience, not individual fortressing, is key.
New subscriber!! What an amazing video. Self-sufficiency has been on my mind. My dad died in June and we’ve been back and forth to my moms 5-acre property in Oklahoma trying to help her get her bearings on her own. I’m so grateful to get this perspective now, as we’re on the precipice of doing some of the homesteading things. Thank you!
Best and truest message ever. Self reliance IS interdependence with the land and her beings, including other humans.
I absolutely love everything about this video. I have found my online community to follow and am currently trying to find my in person community.
I can't love this video any more! ❤ Thank you for being so open with your life and your heart. You remain a blessing to your family (2 and 4 footed), friends, local and online community.
I don't live the lifestyle you do, but my grandparents were Dairy farmers in a tiny town in Phillipsburg Mo. What I really resonate with you is the want and knowing, we need community. I read so many comments nowadays, people saying, "yeah move here, but mind your own business, you will fit in. " I am stunned by this new belief. It was never like that in the country, only the city. I am grateful for your beautiful incites. Love how you treat your cows, they are intelligent and gentle beings.
Oh so well said! I have been listening to many “self sufficiency “ homesteaders and the fear that they are talking about and it grieves me. I never started homesteading out of fear but about helping others to share abundance. I just want to raise and grow sustenance and grow a community to share food, friends and feelings. Thank you for putting it into words .
This video is so timely. I recently visited a friend's farm and became overwhelmed and terrified that at my age it's too late to start. I gave into the fear of "big government" and the need/desire to become self-reliant. I'm going to step back, rethink my goals, and even if I start with one small thing, I'm going to at least do that and do it well! And seek community! (Can't believe that didn't dawn on me ~ LOL!)
Still looking for my people, but i dearly enjoy and learn from your videos! Thanks Ann, from a fellow Washingtonian ❤
Hey hey! I am from NW Washington 👊🏻🌻👊🏻
I feel the same way! Also in Washington! I wish we could have a place like your square dance but we’re a gay couple and one of us is Asian so I think we would stick out like a sore thumb at that square dance and my wife probably wouldn’t feel safe.
You're so right! Exactly what I'm going through but making changes! I had nothing to look forward to anymore, working 70 hours a week, building a homestead by myself also and not seeing the light at the end of the tunnel... things are turning around!
The feeling you get from sharing IS the good stuff ❤
Finding your people is so important. I was in my 30s when I finally found my "clan." Life is so much better in a mutually loving and supportive community. Sometimes it seems we are all trying to give a little more than we receive. This kind of community profit is the most rewarding you will ever earn in your lifetime.
Thank you for this video, it has really hit me hard! I live in northern MN and I am trying to do it ALL! My husband helps on some things but this is my thing not his. It is so hard and I get so discouraged when I keep failing. I admit that I did want to become self sufficient out of fear. I always feel that I am running out of time to get this right...but I can't do it alone anymore. I am 60 years old and every year the work gets more exhausting, but I love the feeling of being able to provide for my family so I keep trying.
“Fear only gets you so far” I love that! When I pushed beyond the fear, we made our mini farm a reality!
Just wow! Possibly your best and most meaningful video yet. Your lessons can be applied to any life path.
Community is so hecking important for absolutely everything, doing something that is important to you and sharing that joy with other people makes hard things worthwhile.
Thank you for another honest and heartfelt video. Instead of calling it self sufficiency maybe we should say community sufficiency
This made SO much sense to me. I am not a young person, but my actual (city girl) soul is BEGGING for this life. I want all of this in my every day. I want to work hard, work with and for my community and learn ALL the things. I can't explain why or where it was born from...but I know it in the depths of every cell, that this is the life I want...until it is my time to leave this earth. Thank you so very much for sharing your perspective, your heartfelt love and passion for this life. I admire you and wish you only successes, good health, love and peace in your life.
Good morning beautiful SoilSista! ❤
Fun to watch her video. The cows waiting at the gate, going to their own milking stalls. Memories for me, grown up on small dairy and subsistence farm, as the second World War began. The cows would come to my grandfather's gate across the dirt road, walk over to the barn into the milking area and go to their individual stalls, there were about 20 cows. They all knew exactly what to do. 4:00 AM, rain, snow, hail, whatever. Always the same. Sometimes one or two of us kids went along. The women were warming the kitchen and prepping breakfast, on the wood stove. Kitchen was warm and breakfast was ready when the guys came back in. The men and the women had everything timed perfectly.
Loved the video. The pics brought back so much. Thank you, thank you.
Hi Ann! I'm following you getting inspired to make my own mini farm outside of Saint Petersburg, Russia) For now making a foodforest on my hectar. Wish you all the best! Hope you come to visit us someday😊
When I was growing up, my grandfather had a farm and raised cattle, one of his neighbors out the road raised pigs, so they would trade pork for beef. There were a few other farming families in that small area, and they all helped each other, and went to church together. I witnessed first hand community self sufficiency, the memories of that inspired me to get a couple acres that I will be moving to soon and living the way I grew up. Not out of fear, but from a love of the old ways.
Did farm for 30 Years. Many days with 16 hours, now I am homesteading on a small scale and I still have a lot of work. I am 73 years old and would like to see young people coming to the farm and start this grazy life, too.
I prefer my government job with pension
You are doing the right thing. I had a governement job in Germany. Gave it up and moved to Canada, to be a farmer. Having a good income and plant a garden is the real thing.
"Long term motivation comes from purpose, not from fear" ❤ Loved it!
That's the most beautiful video I have ever seen. Thanks Anne, Penny and I always look for your videos.
Love you so much.
Hi. Your willingness to learn is beyond commendable. More tham impressive. And you sound more than average educated, your english and good communication skills are exceptional. You must have had some super parenting. If not you are a natural like Mozart (though Mozart's father was a powerful force in his life). I'm subscribing. I am so needing to find a partner. In a community. You are so right on! Find my people! Yes. Be that people. Yes. Thanks for this. That dancing looked like a beautiful gathering. Yeeha!🌱
" Find your place, and, FIND YOUR PEOPLE"!!! Great Video!!!❤❤❤
Wow! This brings a tear. My grandfather was a farmer. He was born in 1887. I think he lived 87 years. I remember him so well. He was my hero.
It takes a village.
That might be the one thing Hilliary Clintoon said that was ever correct.
@@pH7screwtube If you move away from folks who peddle fear, you might find she said some other correct things.
"Find your place, find your people." That really struck me. Never felt "at home" in any places we have lived. Need to find that right place.
A great message. Thank you for sharing.
You made me tear up! It is harder when you feel like you're doing it alone and people don't understand the point!
Beautiful, And such a salve in a time of fear.
I would love to be part of a group but so far no group to be found. We just recently experienced the devastation of half our town from flooding and many volunteered to help and still do so. But not with the field work. So I do what I can and considera that one day I might be joined by others. There is a time for everything. Thank you for sharing your experience. By the way, I am 72 years old, and female. My husband is recuperating from illness and our daughter has Down Síndrome. We are very thankful to be together with our weaknesses and strengths. God is our companion and we somehow always make it. Best to you all.
I call it autonomy.
Im autistic and wish to be my own island.
So far, spot on. I'm 75 and going strong . . . All alone. I don't NEED to leave my homestead . . . Got all my needs / wants met right here, right now.
Anne, thank you for sharing this! I wish I was 30 years younger. My husband and I started the Homestead journey a little late in life. But I have enjoyed it so much. We live on the outskirts of Gig Harbor Washington. “Find your place and find your people” is so right. We’ve been at this doen6 years now and we’re starting to find a few people who are into this homestead journey. It’s much more fulfilling when we do it together. ❤
Probably the most inspirational video on TH-cam. Yeah, that hit hard
THANK YOU! I am not a homesteader, but I was raised by survivalist preppers. We lived in a suburb and my folks had a 140 acre piece of property about an hour and a half away. It had a 1 br home with a 2 oven cast iron wood stove and no running water. We had a well, we had a toiled which we flushed by pouring a bucket of water into the tank every time. We had a spring house. We had springs at a few different locations away from the house and had city electricity….
We knew all of the edible plants available on that property and picked them to eat.
We spent all of the free time my folks had at that place.
I knew, from the time I was 8 years old, that their may come a day when I would have to shoot some people in our neighborhood…
When I finally made it out of the house and into college, I ended up with a nervous breakdown so bad that I came down with shingles…an 18 year old with effing shingles.
I found out that my suspicion throughout my childhood, that preparing for the complete breakdown of society by cloistering one’s family was not going to work. To survive, throughout human history, people have worked as a community to take care of the needs of life.
To do this, people have to be able to trust others to some extent. I was taught to never trust anyone.
When I would go home to visit and my dad would start spouting off about learning more skills and having more equipment, I would say, “why don’t you just grow a garden?”
I was into gardening since childhood, and only got grudging support from my folks. It was all about firearms, knives, and searching for food in the wild with them.
We live in the suburbs, my family and I. I am very much into gardening. We raise chicken for eggs (it is illegal to raise them for meat in our town but, when they get old, 🤷🏻♀️.) We get some good soup stock out of it.
We are all about sustainability and being prepared for power outages. Solar…
Our neighbors are avid gardeners as well, and we share our bounty…some of the things each household grows are different, so we get more variety that way.
I just can’t bear to hear people talking about “doing for themselves” without a community because of my childhood experiences. All I can think when I hear that is, “yeah, you are stupid if you think that will work in the long term.”
So, yes THANK YOU!❤
I haven't found my people... yet.
And probably not your fault. It's becoming increasingly difficult to find people who have a non-selfish approach to everything. Many times it will require for you to physically move somewhere else just as they did.
Same❤
SO agree. There is sustainability with working with in your community and leaving fear out of it. I am just getting started on doing some mild homesteading but its more about removing my reliance on a grocery store for my food supply. My wife and I have been moving away from eating processed foods and looking at getting back to basics. I still work a regular job. But I know myself well, and when I retire I will need something to work at or I will be a grump. Love the site and your energy.
Self sufficiency is a misnomer ... we have abundance to thrive in not JUST survive
So glad someone finally said it!!! Homesteading is great! Trying to learn the old ways is AMAZING! But even back in the day, you needed community. Not everyone has access to the same resources and has the same skill set. That is why we have to love and care for our neighbors/ community. Hurricane Katrina taught many of us this very lesson
I want that sense of belonging so much too. I hope so badly that I can find a homestead community. Can you make a video about finding those communities?!❤
I would be careful with a homesteading "community" and instead look for places where folks have some farms in their backyards. As she mentions earlier in the video, some homesteaders are very fear-based. Healthy homesteaders you can probably find at your local farmer's market.
God I love that someone is finally talks about community!
I'm tired of the fear mongering and thanks for being the counter to the drama.
May you continue to be blessed and continuing to spread the power of coming together
At 3:00 I already love your message. Fear is a terrible guide.
I keep trying to learn it all and do it all myself for years to take care of my family and you’re right! I need to change my strategy.
I was just sitting down to start my Bible study and I landed on you, I haven’t been able to watch you for a while being so busy.
Thank you and God bless.
This is a woman who only grows more beautiful as she gets older..... naturally.
Even if you are doing things by yourself, you still need other people to purchase your products. You still need feed stores. You still need veterinary services. You still need pharmaceuticals. You need canning supplies. You need other people to teach you. We just need other people. Thank you for this wonderful video! Truth is power. You are a wonderful person.
You're right, 100%. I started a homestead/ orchard out of fear, but I'm tired now, worn out. Message received. Thank you, I really needed to hear that.
I love your content!
I want to homestead so badly and your message was so comforting to the choices we've made before we were able to start the garden or get the chickens. We picked the best community to align with those values and find our place. Thank you ❤
I’m starting to learn everything from you😊❤🎉😊😊😊😊
Spot on. The choice to be self sufficient is so much more than fear. Very few decisions in life should be based on fear. Thanks for sharing. I can tell wisdom is growing within you.
All for one and one for all. This is how humanity survives, especially in tragedies. It is our natural response, not greed. Greed is taught (& technically it’s legalized in law by placing the individual rights to profit higher than the human right to exist for all). The fear to trust people often breaks down to areas where injustices occurred at an individual’s expense and another’s greed. There is a natural element of self preservation, but we are all born in a one for all all for on need to survive, not all my needs and screw everyone else. A baby would die or be mistreated being raised this way. So naturally we care for another’s life equal to our own to ensure the survival of the species. Important facts of life that get shot down by more barbaric thinking and I just wanted to be sure it was included in your message here. 💗
So much wisdom in this video and in these comments.
I totally agree! We moved from a place where we were the only farmer in our 'group". We moved to a place where there are more farmers, more friends, and a big sense of community. It matters. It matters a lot.
Keep smiling !
Perhaps one of the most beautiful meditations on homesteading I've ever heard. Thank you.❤