L Ann

Loved that movie! So very good! And it all started with John Silveria's ad. BWH is the best!

Hi S,
The people who  go to your store seem to want project based classes, but most of the folks I know doing fiber arts on the farm never go to classes. I know at least 20 guys and gals like this just in my county. Andi don't get out much..... so there are all these different folks all over. I am glad your store provides such a needed service to get folks into this way of life!

I am currently trying out a few varieties of cotton to see if it will grow where I live. I am 99% a book person and dont mind spending on books. I would love to see info on growing cotton in northern-ish climes (I have a warmer micro climate) and making simple looms. I currently spin wool from sheep I sheared, on a hand spindle I made and knit many of my garments. I often am faster at spinning on my spindle than my freinds who use spinning wheels. But knit wool everything is not all i want to wear...
I am very interested in your project...

Coopers strain of bantam chickens. They forage really well, they are really friendly, they often raise three batches of babies a year, while still supplying eggs. They also have nice large pieces of breast meat for their size. They are perfect for a small Homestead and are self-sustaining. To top it off they come in a range of beautiful colors.

My son never knew I was putting 2 cups of pureed winter squash in my spaghetti sauce so he would eat squash..
I make a lot of things with winter squash added.
1 cup in a normal whole wheat loaf of bread, adding it to any pudding recipe.. especially in the spring when the hens drown me in eggs and the goat doe drowns me in milk ( Toggenburg goats will freshen without being bred after they have had at least 1 baby and you start graining heavily and fake milking them).
I raise a winter squash that keeps for over a year.  

Darn, you can just put it in anything!☺

I noticed a few posts about rape and fears.
It is a real issue. Some men sometimes view single women living alone, far away from quick help, as fair game. Partly because of our twisted TV culture. Here are a few thoughts on it.
Get a gun, shoot it often, learn how to use it, be comfortable with it. Love the gal with the bow.
Cultivate great relationships with close neighbors, They will be the ones to come to your aid.
Be aware of your surroundings always.
Project confidence EVEN WHEN YOU FEEL NONE.
YOU are STRONG !! Even if you don't think So! You're  out here doing this off grid thing.. You ARE strong!
Take a few self defense classes.
I had some on specifically on management of a rape in progress of you. Tough class. I learned how to get men 3x my size off and injure them enough to get away.
Big dog(s), great first line of defense,  but you have to back them up.
Allowing fear to take over is the worst.  Practice what you would do in your head until the fear of (whatever) is more manageable.
It is rare to have attacks by others but a real possibility.

That said.  I would never change this life. It is SO Awesome!  I WILL NOT allow the fear of what might happen rule my life.
I am so awed of all you amazing gals..I am not alone doing this after all!☺
Don't let them win.

SW OR Scientist and permie living F here.  Sounds like your fairly frustrated by your situation and looking to make a change for the better. One step at a time and you'll get there.

I am doing what you are doing,  just happen to be in Oregon. I too have sheep and bees, and a few other critters... 300 fruit and nut trees, large garden.. can fix or build most things. Life like this is the very best life. I spin and knit in the winter. Eat my own food, milk my own goat. I am female, 47, and been doing this on my own for years and am happy. My life is like a fantastic carrot cake, a good man would be frosting. Carrot cake doesn't need frosting, but is even better with good frosting..

I live semi off grid, alone. No family, totally alone, and here been doing it for a fair bit. I freaking love it! I do have a couple large guard dogs tho. More for cougars than trespassers,  but they are protective of me around people too. I have a huge skill set I cultivated by reading books and trial and error. I am 47. Gals, believe in yourselves even if you are afraid, try new things with bravery even if your heart quavers. Be ready for some failures, these only strengthen your knowledge. What is the worst that can happen? You end up back at a 9 to 5 job? If you are injured, call 911, carry a cell phone everywhere and learn first aid. Then go follow your heart and be free..

Very well said