3 years off grid! And............

David, John and Thomas!

To each of you I want to extend my thanks for your interest and willingness to take a moment and share you wisdom and encouragement.  I often feel like 'freak of the week' as others seldom understand 'why' I have committed myself to take such a seldom trodden route.

Keeping the faith, if you will, has been the most difficult challenge to the project.  David, your kind words and gift have made such a significant difference, allowing my re-affirmation.  Society pays lip service to valuing green living... but the reality is that on the daily, society also communicates that those who don't participate in the current value system simply... must be lesser beings.

Thomas, your comments regarding our recent transition to energy dependence are thoughtful and informative.  Might I add to your commentary?

There are several cultural components now missing that, in my mind, causes a distinct difference in comparing the off grid life of the American Pioneer to that of today's off gridders.

Primarily, in the past, a community had folks which were regarded as 'experts' in their field.  Expertise was shared, barn raising, crop harvesting, well digging, etc. 
My experience, although I am very big on barter, has been that in all but a few communities, we have become far too individualistic, desiring payment at time services are rendered.  This diverges greatly from a community perspective in which we might for example, help farmer Joe with his wheat crop now because in the fall Joe helps us with our fire wood.  Even if the desire to 'help out' is present, most people wouldn't take two weeks off from their day job to help a neighbor with a project... they can't afford to.  Hence, we have seen a demise in the ability of small communities to share expertise and shed dependence on the current societal constaints. 

Another societal difference is acceptance.  Although I would be considered, 'well educated' by today's standards, let me go to the local hardware store to get parts without the car clean, fingernails well manicured or with a well loved pair of work jeans on.... and....  the clerk earning minimum wage will certainly look  down their nose at me, consistently.  This is in sharp contrast to our pioneer history.  Wait a minute... in the movies the cowboys were clean....

There is a good deal of social ostracizing that occurs... even by those who pay lip service to similar lifestyle values.

No negativity here, just a pragmatic observation.  I'm solid with my choices.... and I look forward to fulfilling my basic Maslowian needs.  But the romantic ideal of the Laura Ingles picture is surreal, always was.  Bathing on Sundays was/is a sure way not to travel alone (i.e. mites, and lice).  IcK! Now add pettie coats...

Times... they are a' changin' 


With a bit of ABS glue still under my nails I wish all who read this peaceful blessings and big smiles, Karen