Homestead mailing list

[Gene GeRue <genegerue AT ruralize.com>]

On Jan 4, 2009, at 8:54 PM, Clansgian AT wmconnect.com wrote:

> > > James,would it be more like homestead beef if I were to trade my  
> > > extra beef
> > raised, of course, on surplus grass, for honey or maple syrup or  
> > other
> > such?  You really seem to be stretching here.
> Cathy, the distinction I make, and it is not always a popular one,  
> is that if
> one goes about on a small farm to raise some farm product with the  
> full
> intent of not using it themselves (or all of it themselves) and  
> instead raise it
> with the full intention of selling it for cash, that is a business  
> and in my
> parlance it is not a function of a homestead.

We revisit the definition of homesteading here fairly often. I guess  
we are fascinated with our unique selves, we people who are often more  
than a bit outside the mainstream. Each of us has our own thoughts on  
the subject and each of us define ourselves, just as each of us have  
unique backgrounds, philosophies, life plans, and changing views on  
more than a few things.

Carla Emery knew thousands of people who call themselves homesteaders.  
She met them mostly when she was traveling around the country giving  
talks and selling the nine editions of her wonderful book. Here are  
Carla's thoughts on the meaning and conditions of homesteading:

http://www.carlaemery.com/homesteading.htm