Homestead mailing list

[EarthNSky <erthnsky AT bellsouth.net>]

Clansgian AT wmconnect.com wrote:

> So, yes, there are people who are just starting out.  But it is an 
> entirely different matter to be a beginner than to be a wannabe.  The
>  word ‘wannabe’ is ostensibly a contraction of ‘want to be’ but it
> has taken on a much more specialized meaning.  For example, someone
> who buys a guitar and signs up for lessons is a beginner.  But
> someone who learns two chords and one turn-around and five years
> later that’s still all they know, yet at every opportunity they have
> some comment on the subtle differences between this and that brand of
> string and the effects of placing the pickup 1/32nd inch to the left,
> etc. is a wannabe.  That is, someone who gets their jollies from
> basking in the guitar world and injecting themselves into it any time
> they can, but has no intention of disciplining themselves to actually
> learn the instrument.
>
> Can you tell me that you do not see a stark difference between the 
> posts and comments on this list from people for whom homesteading is 
> an art and a lifestyle they are pursuing and those who want to talk a
>  good game so long as it is a good distance from any actual muck?

I'm going to use Bob as an example because I know a bit about Bob and
because you and he have been butting heads, which drives me crazy.
Bob has already bought land.  I believe he has bought land in several
states, just to hedge his bets on what the right place at the right time
would be for HIM.  Some of his land is near to the rest of his family,
some is not.  That might be a consideration down the road.  Now, I don't
know when he bought it, or even where it is, but I believe him that he
has land.  Also, he has subbed to this list and hung around for 15
years, which in my mind shows good intent.  A wannabe is just not going
to put up with us that long.<g> Just like Gene's plans to move to
Heartwood full-time were waylaid, perhaps Bob's plans have also felt the
unwanted wrench.  I don't know, but I don't really think of him as a
wannabe, just a city dweller who knows of a different life from his
childhood and who wants that again, but more, one who has taken steps to
have that again.
<thinking> I recall describing myself as a wannabe back in the mid 90's.
<more thinking> I kind of see Bob as a lookout on the mountaintop, a
ranger that isn't quite with the tribe down in the muck of the
valley<g>, but tries to lookout for the dangers that the tribe, who is
busy growing food, doesn't see coming.  He has knowledge that I
certainly don't, interests that I don't have, but I think Bob
certainly has a place in our community. He's just specialized in a
different way.  When we have engine questions or tractor questions, we
look to Don, when we have real estate questions, we look to Gene or
Lisa, when we have economic questions, we can look to Bob (and
apparently Leslie!)  Everyone has something to offer, and I really wish
lurkers would post more....even if they are wannabes.

But to answer your question honestly, yes, I do see a difference in
posts from those who are mired in the muck and those who are not.  I
just don't draw the same conclusions as you do on that.

> Can you appreciate how 180 degree different this is than those posts 
> we used to get here from others who were constantly demanding that we
>  validate that they were great and noble for planting a radish in 
> spite of the terrible pain in all the diodes down their left side?

I guess I don't see it that way because people have different ways of
expressing themselves.  Here, if it needs to be done, it is just done.
I went out in the rain this morning to shoot at a dog, but I put wood on
the porch last weekend because I knew it would rain all week.  If I had
a 105 fever, I'd still have to keep the stove going, you know.  I
complain because I remember how easy it was to turn up a thermostat,
which would be great when you are sick, but making a decision to heat
with wood requires health and strength and a commitment that even if you
are so dizzy you can't walk, you should have prepared ahead of time and
had the wood near the stove...the easy way is not always the best way ;)


> Like that Wannabe Bob seems to see us homesteaders as fleeing and 
> hiding from society and authority and we represent to him the sort of
>  escape he is seeking.  It’s as if the essence of homesteading is not
>  a continuous and enduring muck filled life of prosperity by our own 
> work, but rather a matter of sewing some gold coins into the lining 
> of one’s coat and disappearing off the radar. Alas, homesteading has 
> nothing whatever to do with that. More often just the opposite.

There are many reasons for living this lifestyle, some are
philosophical, some are to save the planet, some are cultural, some are
"the only way I know" some are out of poverty, and some are out of fear.
My reason may not be your reason, but all reasons, IMO, are valid and on
the right track for society, for future generations, for personal
health, and for the planet.  AFAIAC, it's all good.

Bev

--
The true significance of Sacajawea's involvement in the Lewis & Clark
expedition is that it was the first documented trip in history where men
asked a woman for directions and followed them, allowing them to arrive
at their destination.