Hello everyone checking in from New Jersey here. Yes, we have more than highways and refineries. I'm currently in a small community in North Western Jersey. Going on a year some of my personal life goals have fallen to the side as I become more of a property care taker. As much as I don't mind this since I can find almost any type of work fulfilling, my personal goals are still falling to the side. This lead to my discovery of permies.com!
I have lots of odd skills and work experience. Some is transferable to permaculture and community living, example - mechanics/engineering. My personal interests baking, food preservation - canning, fermenting, smoking, etc.. Cheese making, charcuterie, gardening and of course cooking/eating in general. With appropriate tools I can fix 4-wheelers, tractors, mowers, chainsaws, small engine things and sorts. I was a jet mechanic in the Air Force, worked in aerospace for a few years after. Spent a decade as a professional photographer, loved taking photos, hated doing it for money. Worked in the chemical, medical device and pharma industries. Hated it, taught myself coding and switched to web development.
My determination to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail (goal is to hike 2021) has lead me to significantly change my life. I do not have a day job, I live on a farm with some self sustaining goals.
I have had to become a crafty fellow as far as daily living, food, shelter and the prospect of other people coming into this community is not where I need it to be. Feeling like the situation has gone from helpful to off-balanced I'm looking to have some more interactions with other communities out there. If anything to learn how to push things forward here or possibly, if I find the right community to join them permanently.
I do care for the people in my community and consider them family but we live once and need to find how we fit into everything in a meaningful and deeper way. Aside from not seeing the opportunity to complete my hike if I remain here I'm not sure if where I am is the place I resonate with in a way that contributes to my happiness and makes me feel like I am contributing back in a meaningful way. So, I'm looking to see what the universe has to offer me.
I am spiritual but seriously shy away from organized religion. Though, I am not one to judge others and believe everyone should practice what is "right" for themselves.
I'm very very easy-going.
I am single.
I'm 42.
I have a daughter, she does not live with me.
I am 420 friendly, I believe it is nature's medicine.
All that being said, please feel free to reach out if you want to connect, ask, communicate, share, talk..
I look forward to learning, sharing and seeing where this takes me!
Thanks! Be well!
Bryan
