Brian Briggs

Sorry about that image. That is my dream dress I plan to sew myself before my birthday next year.

Hello Lisa,
How would you feel about mostly self sufficient on 40 acres in East Texas? Please don't think of East Texas like the Texas scenes in old Spaghetti Westerns. We are often called "The Piney Woods". The terrian is rolling with elevation chages of up to 100 feet. A mixture of forest and pasture. Under the new weather patterns, we have about 2 weeks of Winter with snow, ice and extended freezes. On the flip side is 10 weeks of Hell in the summer. One learns to work indoors (or Siesta)  from 12:30-4:30 from Early July to Mid September.
Folks around here are genuine and friendly. There is a Civic Theatre in a nearby town that has been staging productions for 52 years now. There are weekly Farmer's Markets where you could market your Remedies. And our local Electric Co-op provided us with Fiber Optic Internet in 2024.
Frankly, life here is great.
Brian

Hello Michelle,
I have a 40 acre homestead in East Texas that I am seeking to share with collaborative people. It would be extra special to find a soul connection as well.
If you care to know more, feel free to send a PM. Or post a comment here .
Brian

This is an old thread. Hopefully it will find new life.
When I started my homestead dream in 1999, I was married and she embraced the idea. About 2010, she began to grow weary of the hard work and lack of monetary gain. We divorced in 2014  and the logical division of assets was for me to get the property and equipment. She got other assets plus cash.
I have enjoyed sharing the homestead with partners since then. The romantized image of weed free gardens, livestock without deadstock and spontanous trips to Dallas or Houston fades soon enough. Even with an enthusiastic partner, managing a homestead can be a burden.
So many write about the same situation. I have to wonder why haven't Homestead Collaboratives caught on?
Three or four individual 1-2 acre sites sharing common land and equipment. Coordinating vacations so chicken and goat sitters are not an issue. Shared labor and the benefits of buying in bulk are also benefits.
What are your thoughts on the concept?

The store bought tote bags/ reusable grocery bags have become crap. The Recycled Plastics fabric deteriorates quickly and the seams are often not tied off so the open up.
Does anyone have a method or pattern for turning old t-shirts, shirts, jeans or whatever into a strong and durable Grocery Tote?

Howdy and welcome to Texas.
I have a little place down near Reklaw, TX.  I too battle clay soil and the intense sun of July and August. I consider that I have found ways to deal with each.
I would be more than happy to share Knowledge and Wisdom.
Go ahead and send a PM.
Brian

Hello Brad. I am from Wisconsin originally so I understand your desire to head South.
There are a few projects I could use some assistance with.
Please send me a Purple Mooseage and we can work out the details.
Brian

Brandon,
Please send me a Purple Mooseage and we can share details.
Brian

Dennis,
Please be more specific what you are interested in. Intentional Community, Homestead Collaborative, Shared Property.....

Jimi,
Sorry I missed your reply. I will have to look into my notification setting.
Are you still interested in helping with growie things and building things?