Kp Johnson

So, I was listening to the radio, I can't remember which station - it might have been 98.9, and there was a woman explaining the issue with this sort of urban farming initiative in North Minneapolis. The issue is that you have chemical plants in the near vicinity, and that soil quality is going to be toxic - at least to grow food that you plan on eating.  So, while the education is good and the intention is totally spot on... you really should not be growing food to eat in North Minneapolis.  I would argue not growing anything at all in the cities, unless perhaps you can contain everything in a greenhouse or something.

Thank you for the warm welcoming  I will definitely check those resources out, Jim and Saana... and if time permits, the bootcamp does sound great, too.

Cade, you bring up a good point in terms of location. I suppose I am more or less flexible with regions, but it really depends on the specific place, like anywhere. I'm a US citizen, and after spending quite some time outside of the country, it was a real setback working with visas. At least that was my experience. PR wouldn't have that issue, so, that is a plus. And you are higher up in elevation, and that is great, too. And yes, "promised land" is quite subjective!  I'll be more open minded about these things.

Hi Jed,

I have some building experience under my belt, mostly interior trim work and cabinet making, but I know how to use tools. I also took half of the classes in the Adobe in Action program, and one of them was on the New Mexico Earthen Buildings Code. So, I might be able to help you with drawing designs for permits, too... at least be able to help figure things out. Anyway, sounds like a potentially rewarding project to get involved in.

Best,

-Kyle

kjimbob@gmail.com

Hi Phillip...

Just checking in here.  I'm curious if everything is relatively the same set up as a year ago - from the original post? Seems like a great project you have going on.

I just posted in the 'jobs wanted' forum, in case you want to know more about myself:

https://permies.com/t/241778/jobs-wanted/experiences/promised-land-Skilled-laborer

All the best,

-Kyle

kjimbob@gmail.com

Hi all!

I'll try to make my story short. I used to be a full-time bassist and toured around in cruisehips and Asia until Covid hit. Before that, I took time off to get my PDC in northern Thailand not far from Jon Jondai's home base. Anyway, I did some work-aways in Australia for a short stint on some permaculture homesteads (2016-2017). That was awesome.  But when Covid hit (I was performing full-time then), I returned to the US and switched my career and became a union carpenter. Did that for almost a year, mostly trim work, then I installed closet systems for a private company, then worked at a small cabinet shop and also installed cabinets, too... now I'm in construction dealing with fiber optics and running cables through rafters and all that "fun" stuff.

Point is, city life isn't my style, and looking to find a place/situation with like minded folks who might need some help! I would love to work more with plants/farming, but I do love building, and I'm good with tools. I also have some knowledge on natural building (but mostly theoretical). I'm pretty much open to learning new things, I love challenges.

Not sure what else I should include here, so feel free to ask anything. I'll be 42 this summer, would like to find a situation where I can possibly earn an income as well (doesn't have to be too much) - even though I have no debt and have saved up some.  So, if it is in a place in an area where I can pick up side work from time to time? I am open to ideas!

It would be great to find a situation where I can earn a modest little bit of land to build a little shack on (or yurt? depending on location?), with some sweat and elbow grease and all.

Maybe I am being idealistic here, but I don't see the harm in being somewhat specific as this would be a major life change. I think the main priority is finding a place/land that I resonate with and especially people I resonate with, too! I think all the details and logistics are minor compared to 'the people' and 'the land'... you know?

I'm in the Twin Cities now (Minnesota), but I'm open to go to many places in the US... such as: other areas in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Montana, Arizona, New Mexico, Washington, Missouri, Arkansas, Maine, New Hampshire... anywhere in Appalachia (but ideally high up in the mountains). Doesn't necessarily have to be those places... but I generally want to stay away from coastal regions or heavily populated areas, just a preference!

Thanks for reading, and all the best to everyone here!  Also... if there is someone else reading here that is in a similar boat as I am, please feel free to contact me, too!

-Kyle
kjimbob@gmail.com

p.s. that's my real name... I noticed someone else on the forums that has my full name already... hence the alternative spelling

Fukuoka is the guy.. I love One Straw Revolution! This sounds like a cause I'd be into.  I do have some know-how working with Adobe, plus commercial carpentry and cabinet making experience. I also have permaculture and some homesteading experience.

I may have time to travel there in late March, or early April this year (2024).

All the best!

kjimbob@gmail.com