Lakin Allen

Does anyone know of any upcoming 2017 cob workshops in or around Missouri? I plan on attending one in Kentucky in May, but one that's a little less then a 9 hour drive would be nice. If anyone knows of one please let me know. Or if anyone wants to teach one I have land to do it on in Pleasant Hope , MO. There is already the start of a straw bale house there now.

Rent is my biggest expense. But here's my hold up on cutting back on my living space...  I'm a huge animal lover and have 2 dogs and 4 cats.  I know that's a bit excessive and I don't plan on replacing them once they pass away but I don't have the heart to rehome any of them. They mean the world to me. And it's nearly impossible to find anyone who will rent to me with all my animals let alone a smaller place. I was lucky enough to be able to rent from someone I have known for years and he will allow all my pets because he knows I take good care of them and they aren't destructive.

I am super new to the permie lifestyle idea but I already love it and want to work towards transforming from living amongst the rat race to a much simpler less environmentaly harmful life. Im currently living paycheck to paycheck in Springfield Missouri and when I invision this dream I often get overwhelmed with where to begin. Does anyone have any advice of the first steps or changes needed to make this transition. The finances worry me. I can live simply but it seems like there is a startup cost so the speak to changing lifestyles. I know once I've settled into my homestead money won't be so much of an issue in comparison to the things I can provide by being self sufficient. But what about the cost of  providing my own solar or wind powered utilities? Any advice or share of experience is appreciated!! Thank you

I am also from Springfield Missouri. I would love to hear more about what you develope.