I grew up in the west of Ireland, and we were almost totally self-efficient we had our own milk, butter, eggs, fish, beef, pork, lamb,chicken, we grew our own vegetable, soft fruit and we made our own bread, now when I look back on that childhood I realise how fortunate we were, I live in NYC and I am planning on returning home to the west of Ireland.
@@redrobin4026 Where I grew up hasn’t changed much, it’s the far north west coast of county Mayo we don’t get any tourists or really anybody there it’s just all locals.
In the USA there are people that live in Appalachia (Appalachian mountains). People often call them hillbillies or hillfolk. People came from without to study the Appalachian folk and told them that they were poor. Many of them had no idea they were poor until someone from the outside told them they were. They had everything they needed. Poor is a mindset. I was poor compared to many of the friends and kids I grew up around, but I never felt poor. I had my family, my friends, food in my belly, clothes on my back, roof over my head and plenty of fun to be had, most of which was entirely free.
To my regret I never bothered to learn things from my dad, probably thinking there's plenty of time to learn how to garden, decorate, fix cars etc, unfortunately there wasn't enough time and my dad died far too young. I'd encourage anyone to learn from their elders, they aren't around forever
We should teach our children as soon as they understand... sadly my late husband passed when our son was 10 so he never got to teach him as much as he would’ve liked....
i have been able to turn my hand to anything i needed or wanted to throughout my life, never out of work and a bit of a jack of all trades with such a variety of employment and self employment over the years, at 50 i was still extremely fit and strong and capable, then i had a work place accident, now i am all but useless physically, my brain still tells me i can do anything, i still dream about all the things i had always planned on doing, but, ultimately, here i am watching other people living there lives and my dreams on youtube, 58 years old and still full of desire, i just no longer have the physical capacity to make those dreams come true, look after your health.
There are many of us there, John. I try to tell myself it's like early wise elder years and consciously share my experiences/knowledge with younger folks to feel worthy of having received those things instead of turning bitter. Just a different thought. Bless you in your journey. ✌️
I read "Moominpappa at Sea" as a kid, very very fond memories. I should re-read it. It was given to me by my teacher at the end of year 3 (thank you so much, ms curzon!). Moving to that lighthouse... full of mystery, and of trying to make a new life there, is what I recall. Given what you've done, I must assume you were touched by that one as well! :)
Somebody needs to reach out to the publisher and demand that they pay you to do the voice for the audiobooks. I'd pay good money to hear you read them. Your voice is wonderful.
I am an accountant but never in 3 lifetimes would I ever imagine building a boat on my spare time. I love what you said about the power of self learning that your dad taught you. Thank you! Very inspiring!
we moved from Hampshire to Lincolnshire to become smallholders. We now have a home with 3.5 acres. Trouble is, we had a mortgage and both still had to work full time. We decided to sell the smallholding, and with the money we too are going to move to Ireland mortgage free thankfully. We are just waiting to complete, then of course we need permission to travel again! Can't wait...
@@davidnyc487 Thanks, we've found lots on daft.ie but can't travel and our sale has fell through three times (no fault of ours!) so we dare not do anything till the money is in the bank...
This is without doubt, one of the best RUclips videos I’ve watched. It’s encouraging me to pursue my life in the unconventional way I need to and to believe in myself... your dads line “ failure is the path to success” or something similar, is just what I needed to hear.
First! I wanted to thank you for inspiring me and my partner to stray from the well-trodden path. We're buying our own plot of land! Very exciting. Thank you again!
Oh well done and good luck... I love it when people do what they want to do and not what society instilled in them. I have some money tucked away and I’ve been looking for a small plot of land not found it yet will keep looking.... Best wishes Suzanne
@@SuzannesSimpleLiving Good luck to you both ladies..I did it ten years ago, left my job in London UK and moved into the mountains in central Italy, I grow my veggies, keep chickens, etc..will never go back to my previous life😳💚
I have my Dad's old beaten up copy of Seymour's book! He gave it to me a few years back and I absolutely love it. Invaluable. Happy Saint Patrick's Day Daniel ☘️
Hi, as a dyslexic The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency is one of the few books that I have read cover to cover! Love the line that says how sensible the Welsh are having a national emblem that you can eat. 😃
You would be absolutely great at recording audiobooks, such a great story teller. I love the readers digest book, back to the basics. My best memories growing up were on my my grandparents 80 acre farm with cows and chickens, loved gathering eggs, hunting for kittens in the barn, and exploring. The only time we were not allowed in the pasture with the cows, was when they had calves. Outside of the one bull that went 'nuts', the bulls were gentle, he had herfords.
What wonderful tributes to your grandfather and father! And you have spoken to more than your younger self, about starting the journey to build a life that makes you happy. I'm a lot older than you (turning 50 this year), but nonetheless, I credit you and some other inspiring RUclipsrs with lighting a fire beneath me, to change my life while I can. I left a 25+ year career in education last Fall, still unemployed, building a little garden in the suburbs and trying to write those novels that have been in my head for 35 years. Happier than I've been in decades. If I ever meet you, I'd like to shake your hand (and Moss's paw) in thanks.
I turned 50 last year, changed my lifestyle and feel newly invigorated, and finally got started on writing. not quite reliving my teenage years but exciting times.
I got trapped in an office once. I lasted three days and walked out. The supervisor was very understanding and asked if I’d like to go now or finish the week. I got my coat. Try reading ‘The Ringing Cedars’. It sounds like a grown up version of your book. It’s about a woman called Anastasia who lives in the forest in Russia and lives with the land. It’s translated from Russian and it’s amazing.
I recently rediscovered the Moomins after sending a few books to my friend's daughter who loves to read. I'd forgotten how therapeutic and lovely the Moomins are, they've really got life figured out. I'm now trying to re-read as many books from my childhood as I can!
First time I came across Seymours book was in my grandparent's tiny cottage amidst countless veggie patches. I was about 13 years old. I read the book cover to cover and have read it countless times since. It was my biggest influence into becoming self sufficient. I've been gardening on tiny patches, balconies and allotments for the past 15 years. This year we are finally taking the leap and getting a house with a big garden and enough land to raise some sheep, chickens and pigs. I feel like I've finally reached my goal. Who cares about career, money and prestige when you can stand in your garden, pulling up carrots for dinner while watching your kids play wild and free?! I love your channel, you are an inspiration right along the likes of Richard Perkins, Charles Dowding or Joel Salatin ❤️
That is absolutely wonderful, I couldn't agree more. Personally I came across my copy in a bookshop. A world opened up for me and ever since that day I have been working towards more self sufficiency. I've recently also started reading Fat of the land, by Seymour and it is ever so entertaining and informative. It shows how he settled down on a farm with his wife and daughter and had to learn all the skills he later teaches all of us about.
Thankyou for this peaceful post from Mossy Bottum. You're a credit to your father and grandfather and beautiful Ireland. I was having a restless night but now I think I can finally doze off. 😴
How interesting..it’s good to just listen..I’m glad that you choose my Country and found what you were looking for..Good luck and many blessings to you.
You are amazing. Living your dream. You are a fantastic story teller as well. I admire your lifestyle. Love your farm animals. Your dog is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your life with us viewers. Praise to you from Rhode Island
John Seymour was one of my inspirations too. I bought my paperback copy in about 1980, after which we sold up in the city and moved to a labourer’s cottage in a country village 120km from Cape Town. It was a glorious life. Then we moved to New Zealand and did it all again here. Now at nearly 70 my garden is much smaller but I still grow a lot of our food, keep chickens and love it still. We have had our share of volunteers over the years and I hope that in some way we have inspired them. I love. Your videos and your life. Thank you for sharing it 💕
As always you are a joy to listen to. I’m pleased to tell you my spinach is growing very well (following your recommendation) I’m 62 and have just finished the upcycled veg trough to plant it in. The wood all gathered from neighbours cast offs 😊
This resonated with me. I spend my childhood holidays near a farm (although in France) and befriended the farmer there, spending all my time with him. I had the same freedom as you, freedom that kids don't seem to have nowadays. Long story short, I moved 5 minutes away from that farm on a piece of land where I pretty much do what you do. Garden and keeping animals, chicken and sheep. Oh and I've been following you since the very beginning. And if I can suggest something...I noticed your videos are available in super high quality, up to 4k and I question the necessity of it, as it's mainly you talking and when you consider the energy it takes to cool big data storage facilities. Just a thought...
Oh my... You gave me goosebumps, this video is almost spiritual. And the best: your favourit book is the very same bible that inspred me and my family to life on a smallholding on a finnish island. As always thank you SO much! Rebecca from Åland
You delightful philosopher. The Moomins - I really didn't expect that! You explain sanity beautifully. Without competition or arrogance. Well done you.
We have Seymour's book, too. Bought it in the eighties when we moved to a cottage in Clare from a housing estate on the east coast. I still use it for inspiration and reference. Thanks for posting your story, it will inspire many.
Just looked up the book on Amazon, $596.02 hardback, $212.95 paperback (Used) I'll have to check out the second hand stores. Wonder why it's so expensive?
@@maryrose4712 I'm not sure my first reply posted but if not you can get Seymour's book from Book Depository. It's not expensive and they ship for free worldwide, check out their website.
@@maryrose4712 I'm not sure my first reply posted but if not you can get Seymour's book from Book Depository. It's not expensive and they ship for free worldwide, check out their website.
This segment was just lovely! While I too waited to long for a rural homestead, it has been thrilling to design a urban homestead where having both self-sufficiency and modern conveniences in a smaller town. Thank you for sharing these insights. In my early 20’s I spent three months working on a farm outside of Taos, New Mexico with no running water or electricity and that experience never left my heart. Spirit works in mysterious ways.
Lynn, sounds like you have the best of both worlds. Being close to a small town will prove valuable as you don't have far to go to get supplies. Urban homesteading is a fine solution for many people. A veggie garden, chickens, and an orchard will go a long way for self sufficiency and healthy living. Wishing you the best.
Great video. The poem about the composting toilet reminded me of Paul Kingsnorth (author of Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist) who saw the flushable toilet as somehow symbolic of our modern way of life where we just dispose of stuff, including our own faeces, in a mindless manner. Needless to say he has a composting toilet where he lives in, I think, Galway.
Thank you for this lovely video, sharing your story. Learning skills from family members when you are young is very important and useful to be able to fix and grow things later in life. I loved reading the Moomins for my kids and they have many of the books ane read them for their kids/my grandchildren I live in Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸 and a little over 20 years ago I inherided 5 hectares of rugged land in the country. I had for a long time wantd a place where I could grow trees in our treeless country. Since then I have produced seedlings and small plants from cuttings and planted them in my land. Since we built a nice cabin there my children have loved to stay there with me and mynhusband who lost his health a few years ago and needs lots of attention and care. They are growing potatoes and I grow carrots, swedes and strawberries and some greens. I have watched all your videos. They all go straight to my hearth, your voice seems to have a healing sound. I hope you have a good health but living alone there could be difficult if you get ill, so I wish you and all your animals all the best.
I always enjoy your videos and this one was great. Thank you. Finding ourselves can take all roads and I'm glad you found yours and it's a good reminder that no matter who we are, where we live, we can find ourselves. Following our dream is important that is for sure.
This video has inspired me so much. I bought the book instantly. I was so glued to it that I could not leave it. All I need now is just the courage to face my fears and live the life that I will like to live. This book is a good value for money. Incredible. Thanks for all you are doing. Simply amazing
Thank you. You have further inspired me to start planting some veg on my sunny balcony. I tried last year, but I live in a town centre and rats ate the shoots. This time I will construct cages from heavy duty chicken wire to protect the veg.
I used to be Mumintrollet as a kid then slowly life transformed me into muminmama... My children expect my handbag to hold anything they might ever need. I said; you think I'm some sort of mcGyver? Empty looks... No mama, you are like the mumin Mom ...we know you have it in your handbag!!!....somehow this make them always seem safe....whatever happens mama can fix it ....with something from her handbag🤔😚☺️thankyou as a finnish swede in Stockholm Sweden 🤗👍
Hello, I’ve been following you for a while but I haven’t seen your videos lately, the last one was when you’ve made the kitchen coop. Hope you have a bless day and hugs to your dog. Take care.
Tanks again for an inspiring video😀👌 As a swedishspeaking finn I have of course read all the moominbooks. When you read them in different ages you realise that you find differens things in them. Some things you like as a child and others you understand as an adult. You can read them over and over again as Seymores book. The moomintrolls really are good examples to us all. Say Hi to Moss...and enjoy the coming season! Lots of love🎶❤
The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful part of the world and hopefully one day I will be able to move there and create a smallholding for myself. I have the same John Seymour book as yourself and it's an excellent read. Thanks for another inspiring video Mossy - P.S. your calendar is hanging on my kitchen wall :-) Cheers Adam....... Allotment Grow How 🌻🍅🥕
Over 4 years at Hort/agriculture working on farms arable/animal working at garden centres and so on........ I have learnt the people I have met have a passion for growing/animal care, it is in you and unlike my family ancestry not in mine. I hope to rekindle these skills perhaps your vlog may help. Shovelling grain in 60 ton bins with rats for company 12hr day’s field operations,finishing beef cattle including no 37 ,yes all animals have personalities. I respect your determination and courage . Well done you are comfortable with your life.
Awe... Love this video! Check 8mim 16secs in and just as you begin to speak about your Grandad a wee white orb, or something, a kind of light appears to move downward on the screen... Maybe your Grandad giving you a Hello 🙏
The complete book on self sufficiency. Wow. Didn't know about it! It looks fabulous and I will definitely buy it. Thanks for sharing what inspired you 🙏
Your dad sounds just like my dad. He also built a boat in our yard, and musical instruments, and all kinds of things. I definitely learned a lot from that, and it seems you also have.
Oh yes! I grew up with the Moomins. There's something very special about the stories. I loved the clouds that come out of the hat! Also, the John Seymour book. I used to read it and dream of having a homestead. I do now. Thank you for your interesting chat about what inspired you.
A good episode. I especially liked the parts about reaching back to your childhood to discover your authentic self and how those pieces fell together for you. Good info for everyone to think about. Thanks for sharing
This was lovely! Your trip down through your past triggered so many memories of my own, especially of the Yorkshire countryside and my granddad. I tried to give my kids the simple life holiday experiences eg living on a farm in Kerry, cycling in a remote part of the Netherlands, walks in the Dales... They are now glued to the internet, like most young adults. I too love the internet but, after 20 years, I'm fully aware of the way it can remove you from real life experience. Can't wait to see you more in 2021. x
There were so very many messages within this relatively short video that have been literally life-changing for me. Thank you so much for your heart and mind and everything you share with us. Like your father and grandfather before you, you have become a man that many will look up to, learn from, and respect.
I loved Moomins books as a kid! read them translated to Slovak language ... recently we read them with my children in English translation.... and I very much agree with your sentiment on the story
Thank you for sharing your stories of your father and grandfather: two fascinating men who helped mold you into the good man that you are, Daniel. They must be very proud of you. I loved the James Herriot books when young and thought the country life--especially in the Yorkshire Dales-- to be incredibly romantic and inspiring. I truly enjoyed this video!
I'm glad I found this channel! I tried some farming with my parents in northern Maine for about 7 years, but due to personal circumstances, I moved back to the area I grew up, unfortunately to an apartment. I miss it though, and would love to have even just a small patch of land again someday.
Your videos are so inspiring! I also did WWOOF in Canada and loved it. I hope to also be able to live in a similar way as you do one day. Thank you for all the insights into your life!
Me and my sister both are big book nerds! I'm always on the quest for interesting and especially old books to gift to her whenever I find them. Now that I'm disabled, my ambition is to build my sister's library...one to rival the one in Alexandria! Lol! Good to see another viddy! Great haircut...hope you let the wild birdies have the tresses you trimmed away! Many Springtime nesters would appreciate that a lot. Nothing like finding a family of wrens and spotting a little nest with your own hair all woven through =)). Snoggies to Moss!!
You are a fellow after my own heart. Even though I don't foresee a time when I am on my very own patch, I am fortunate enough to rent a small home where the garden is mine to do whatever I wish. I don't get the animals but I do get the veg and the full days in the garden. Your values and goals are similar to mine. Treading gently on this planet. Watching your videos reminds me there are kindred spirits everywhere. I have John Seymore's book but find enthusiasm lapses when I think "oh, but I dont have my own patch." You have reminded me why I bought it in the first place. The joy is in the doing and discovering. Thank you for continuing to share your journey and your thoughts.
I'm a big fan of the Seymour's books too! I have their big book, but I have three smaller books from them that I like a lot too, The Fat of The Land, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, and one other that I'm forgetting right now. These smaller books are more on the philosophy of homesteading. In I'm a Stranger Here Myself there is a chapter on farming commercially. While having 6 shows was comfortable and profitable for them, committing to a farming plan and increasing all livestock according to government grant mandates, was very stressful for them.
Absolutely lovely videos Daniel, only discovered the channel a couple of days ago and have watched nearly all of them :) I and a group of very good friends have already been planning and studying for the sort of permaculture life you're living, and we haven't bought land yet but will do in the not very distant future, including hopefully an old building to restore, and been studying a lot of self builds as well. So keep up the amazing work, you've got a really warm personality and your videos are brilliant.
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I grew up in the west of Ireland, and we were almost totally self-efficient we had our own milk, butter, eggs, fish, beef, pork, lamb,chicken, we grew our own vegetable, soft fruit and we made our own bread, now when I look back on that childhood I realise how fortunate we were, I live in NYC and I am planning on returning home to the west of Ireland.
Need a like minded girlfriend?
Will it suffice for your wife and kid
I wouldn’t bother if I were you it’s not the Eire you left behind😢😢😢
@@redrobin4026 Where I grew up hasn’t changed much, it’s the far north west coast of county Mayo we don’t get any tourists or really anybody there it’s just all locals.
@@davidnyc487 Mayo? God help us.
In the USA there are people that live in Appalachia (Appalachian mountains). People often call them hillbillies or hillfolk. People came from without to study the Appalachian folk and told them that they were poor. Many of them had no idea they were poor until someone from the outside told them they were. They had everything they needed. Poor is a mindset. I was poor compared to many of the friends and kids I grew up around, but I never felt poor. I had my family, my friends, food in my belly, clothes on my back, roof over my head and plenty of fun to be had, most of which was entirely free.
Good message 🙏
@@robbie4787 "The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less" - Socrates
Good old Dolly Parton sang it so well in a song called coat of many colours- " One is only poor only if they choose to be"
Great way to live not everyone wants to live in grand style a simple life like Appalachia’s is great and loving friends make life wonderful
To my regret I never bothered to learn things from my dad, probably thinking there's plenty of time to learn how to garden, decorate, fix cars etc, unfortunately there wasn't enough time and my dad died far too young. I'd encourage anyone to learn from their elders, they aren't around forever
We should teach our children as soon as they understand... sadly my late husband passed when our son was 10 so he never got to teach him as much as he would’ve liked....
I invite you to not to have regrets. It wasn't your path ,you have another Destiny 💚💜
I can relate to that, 100%
It’s never to late to start or to learn.
SO true, Steve. It's not until they are gone--we realize how much we could have learned from them. Now we can't get those opportunities back.
i have been able to turn my hand to anything i needed or wanted to throughout my life, never out of work and a bit of a jack of all trades with such a variety of employment and self employment over the years, at 50 i was still extremely fit and strong and capable, then i had a work place accident, now i am all but useless physically, my brain still tells me i can do anything, i still dream about all the things i had always planned on doing, but, ultimately, here i am watching other people living there lives and my dreams on youtube, 58 years old and still full of desire, i just no longer have the physical capacity to make those dreams come true, look after your health.
I'm with you on this. I'm 53 with a lung condition that prevents me from doing so many things I'd like to be getting on with.
I'm sorry to hear that, please never stop dreaming, the power of mind is amazing, I believe you can do it and live the life you want. All the best
@@thelandofmint thank you Sue
There are many of us there, John. I try to tell myself it's like early wise elder years and consciously share my experiences/knowledge with younger folks to feel worthy of having received those things instead of turning bitter. Just a different thought. Bless you in your journey. ✌️
John Skelly how bloody true. Life throws a curved ball all the time when you least expect it. I wish you luck.
Your life and channel is an inspiration and a light unto the world 🙏
that's just creepy - he's a youtube e-panhandler, not Jesus Christ
@@jonathann5205 yep, creepy
I read "Moominpappa at Sea" as a kid, very very fond memories. I should re-read it. It was given to me by my teacher at the end of year 3 (thank you so much, ms curzon!).
Moving to that lighthouse... full of mystery, and of trying to make a new life there, is what I recall. Given what you've done, I must assume you were touched by that one as well! :)
As a swedish speaking Finn, Moomintrolls has been a natural part of my life. Already as a young girl, Snufkin was my idol and he still is
So lovely, that you have grown up with Moomins and you understand the philosophy of them. Regards from Finland 🇫🇮👍
Somebody needs to reach out to the publisher and demand that they pay you to do the voice for the audiobooks. I'd pay good money to hear you read them. Your voice is wonderful.
I am an accountant but never in 3 lifetimes would I ever imagine building a boat on my spare time. I love what you said about the power of self learning that your dad taught you. Thank you! Very inspiring!
Cat sleeping inside, Moss sleeping outside. 😴 💛
I never let my dog sleep outside..that’s wrong in this day n age.
Moss has always slept outside. It was in an early video. So he's not been displaced by the cat.
Moss has his own house that is probably warmer than the caravan!
A home without a cat is just a house🐨🐨🐨🐨🐨
we moved from Hampshire to Lincolnshire to become smallholders. We now have a home with 3.5 acres. Trouble is, we had a mortgage and both still had to work full time. We decided to sell the smallholding, and with the money we too are going to move to Ireland mortgage free thankfully. We are just waiting to complete, then of course we need permission to travel again! Can't wait...
Good luck with your move to Ireland, there’s a RUclips channel it’s called Cheap houses in Ireland you may find it helpful.🇮🇪
thats great we managed to escape to mayo last june, really hope all goes well for you
@@davidnyc487 Thanks, we've found lots on daft.ie but can't travel and our sale has fell through three times (no fault of ours!) so we dare not do anything till the money is in the bank...
miles lindley good plan, keep going though to ach your goal.
This is without doubt, one of the best RUclips videos I’ve watched. It’s encouraging me to pursue my life in the unconventional way I need to and to believe in myself... your dads line “ failure is the path to success” or something similar, is just what I needed to hear.
Thanks for posting and sharing. I visited John Seymour when he was living in Wales, and stayed with him and his family on their farm for a week.
First! I wanted to thank you for inspiring me and my partner to stray from the well-trodden path. We're buying our own plot of land! Very exciting. Thank you again!
👍👍
Oh well done and good luck... I love it when people do what they want to do and not what society instilled in them. I have some money tucked away and I’ve been looking for a small plot of land not found it yet will keep looking....
Best wishes
Suzanne
@@SuzannesSimpleLiving Me too. Just an acre or two would do with a bit of woodland and a bit of space for growing veg. Hopefully this year or next.
@@alisonbrockbank6677 Yes absolutely perfect and chickens 🐓😊👍
@@SuzannesSimpleLiving Good luck to you both ladies..I did it ten years ago, left my job in London UK and moved into the mountains in central Italy, I grow my veggies, keep chickens, etc..will never go back to my previous life😳💚
Your kitty has grown so much and is so pretty! 😻
Thank you for reminding me that my great love of the outdoors and all things self created and natural gives the most satisfaction.
I have my Dad's old beaten up copy of Seymour's book! He gave it to me a few years back and I absolutely love it. Invaluable. Happy Saint Patrick's Day Daniel ☘️
With such a soothing voice,audio books for children is a perfect extension to your personality.
The hair looks perfect😁
Hi, as a dyslexic The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency is one of the few books that I have read cover to cover! Love the line that says how sensible the Welsh are having a national emblem that you can eat. 😃
I eat shamrocks
You would be absolutely great at recording audiobooks, such a great story teller. I love the readers digest book, back to the basics. My best memories growing up were on my my grandparents 80 acre farm with cows and chickens, loved gathering eggs, hunting for kittens in the barn, and exploring. The only time we were not allowed in the pasture with the cows, was when they had calves. Outside of the one bull that went 'nuts', the bulls were gentle, he had herfords.
Back to basics was an amazing book!
Omg! Had that book in my youth, loved it!
I loved the snoozing animals and the ease in to darkness in the background :-)
What wonderful tributes to your grandfather and father! And you have spoken to more than your younger self, about starting the journey to build a life that makes you happy. I'm a lot older than you (turning 50 this year), but nonetheless, I credit you and some other inspiring RUclipsrs with lighting a fire beneath me, to change my life while I can. I left a 25+ year career in education last Fall, still unemployed, building a little garden in the suburbs and trying to write those novels that have been in my head for 35 years. Happier than I've been in decades. If I ever meet you, I'd like to shake your hand (and Moss's paw) in thanks.
I turned 50 last year, changed my lifestyle and feel newly invigorated, and finally got started on writing. not quite reliving my teenage years but exciting times.
@@Theflyingpotato Hurray! Isn't it wonderful? Cheers to you!
I got trapped in an office once. I lasted three days and walked out. The supervisor was very understanding and asked if I’d like to go now or finish the week. I got my coat.
Try reading ‘The Ringing Cedars’. It sounds like a grown up version of your book. It’s about a woman called Anastasia who lives in the forest in Russia and lives with the land. It’s translated from Russian and it’s amazing.
Finally you're back!!!!love from Hungary
I recently rediscovered the Moomins after sending a few books to my friend's daughter who loves to read. I'd forgotten how therapeutic and lovely the Moomins are, they've really got life figured out. I'm now trying to re-read as many books from my childhood as I can!
First time I came across Seymours book was in my grandparent's tiny cottage amidst countless veggie patches. I was about 13 years old. I read the book cover to cover and have read it countless times since. It was my biggest influence into becoming self sufficient. I've been gardening on tiny patches, balconies and allotments for the past 15 years. This year we are finally taking the leap and getting a house with a big garden and enough land to raise some sheep, chickens and pigs. I feel like I've finally reached my goal. Who cares about career, money and prestige when you can stand in your garden, pulling up carrots for dinner while watching your kids play wild and free?!
I love your channel, you are an inspiration right along the likes of Richard Perkins, Charles Dowding or Joel Salatin ❤️
That is absolutely wonderful, I couldn't agree more. Personally I came across my copy in a bookshop. A world opened up for me and ever since that day I have been working towards more self sufficiency.
I've recently also started reading Fat of the land, by Seymour and it is ever so entertaining and informative. It shows how he settled down on a farm with his wife and daughter and had to learn all the skills he later teaches all of us about.
Thankyou for this peaceful post from Mossy Bottum. You're a credit to your father and grandfather and beautiful Ireland. I was having a restless night but now I think I can finally doze off. 😴
How interesting..it’s good to just listen..I’m glad that you choose my Country and found what you were looking for..Good luck and many blessings to you.
James Herriot's books were my introduction to the Yorkshire Dales. I can imagine how wonderful it was for you growing up there.
I loved those books then born on the city moved onto a hobby farm i had many funny mishaps ,sheep in the house etv..
Currently watching this in my work office. This life is the goal. Keep up the great work!
You are amazing. Living your dream. You are a fantastic story teller as well. I admire your lifestyle. Love your farm animals. Your dog is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your life with us viewers. Praise to you from Rhode Island
The Little house on the Prairie series influenced me throughout my life.
Me too! One of the first “chapter” books I read (the whole series) and now 50 years later I still secretly want to be Laura Ingalls! 😋❤️
I loved the life and times of grizzly Adams He had a Fox on his knee and a skunk on his shoulder outside his shack in the mountains
FYI your grandads gardening may have spoke to you, but you may not realize - the storytelling was also a gift he gave you! ☺️
John Seymour was one of my inspirations too. I bought my paperback copy in about 1980, after which we sold up in the city and moved to a labourer’s cottage in a country village 120km from Cape Town. It was a glorious life. Then we moved to New Zealand and did it all again here. Now at nearly 70 my garden is much smaller but I still grow a lot of our food, keep chickens and love it still. We have had our share of volunteers over the years and I hope that in some way we have inspired them. I love. Your videos and your life. Thank you for sharing it 💕
As always you are a joy to listen to. I’m pleased to tell you my spinach is growing very well (following your recommendation) I’m 62 and have just finished the upcycled veg trough to plant it in. The wood all gathered from neighbours cast offs 😊
This resonated with me. I spend my childhood holidays near a farm (although in France) and befriended the farmer there, spending all my time with him. I had the same freedom as you, freedom that kids don't seem to have nowadays. Long story short, I moved 5 minutes away from that farm on a piece of land where I pretty much do what you do. Garden and keeping animals, chicken and sheep.
Oh and I've been following you since the very beginning.
And if I can suggest something...I noticed your videos are available in super high quality, up to 4k and I question the necessity of it, as it's mainly you talking and when you consider the energy it takes to cool big data storage facilities. Just a thought...
Oh my... You gave me goosebumps, this video is almost spiritual. And the best: your favourit book is the very same bible that inspred me and my family to life on a smallholding on a finnish island. As always thank you SO much! Rebecca from Åland
The Summer book is one of my favorite books ever. So small, about such a limited space and life and still about everything!
☘🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from Canada 🇨🇦☘
You delightful philosopher. The Moomins - I really didn't expect that! You explain sanity beautifully. Without competition or arrogance. Well done you.
We have Seymour's book, too. Bought it in the eighties when we moved to a cottage in Clare from a housing estate on the east coast. I still use it for inspiration and reference. Thanks for posting your story, it will inspire many.
Just looked up the book on Amazon,
$596.02 hardback, $212.95 paperback (Used)
I'll have to check out the second hand stores.
Wonder why it's so expensive?
@@maryrose4712 I'm not sure my first reply posted but if not you can get Seymour's book from Book Depository. It's not expensive and they ship for free worldwide, check out their website.
@@maryrose4712 I'm not sure my first reply posted but if not you can get Seymour's book from Book Depository. It's not expensive and they ship for free worldwide, check out their website.
This segment was just lovely! While I too waited to long for a rural homestead, it has been thrilling to design a urban homestead where having both self-sufficiency and modern conveniences in a smaller town. Thank you for sharing these insights. In my early 20’s I spent three months working on a farm outside of Taos, New Mexico with no running water or electricity and that experience never left my heart. Spirit works in mysterious ways.
Lynn, sounds like you have the best of both worlds. Being close to a small town will prove valuable as you don't have far to go to get supplies. Urban homesteading is a fine solution for many people. A veggie garden, chickens, and an orchard will go a long way for self sufficiency and healthy living. Wishing you the best.
Great video. The poem about the composting toilet reminded me of Paul Kingsnorth (author of Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist) who saw the flushable toilet as somehow symbolic of our modern way of life where we just dispose of stuff, including our own faeces, in a mindless manner. Needless to say he has a composting toilet where he lives in, I think, Galway.
Thank you for this lovely video, sharing your story. Learning skills from family members when you are young is very important and useful to be able to fix and grow things later in life. I loved reading the Moomins for my kids and they have many of the books ane read them for their kids/my grandchildren
I live in Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸 and a little over 20 years ago I inherided 5 hectares of rugged land in the country. I had for a long time wantd a place where I could grow trees in our treeless country. Since then I have produced seedlings and small plants from cuttings and planted them in my land. Since we built a nice cabin there my children have loved to stay there with me and mynhusband who lost his health a few years ago and needs lots of attention and care. They are growing potatoes and I grow carrots, swedes and strawberries and some greens.
I have watched all your videos. They all go straight to my hearth, your voice seems to have a healing sound. I hope you have a good health but living alone there could be difficult if you get ill, so I wish you and all your animals all the best.
I could watch and listen to you for hours - so relaxing and very informative.
Yay I've had ur hair cut looks great . Soon be spring Daniel 🌳🥀🌷
Your videos are always excellent, but this one was extraordinary!
I consider this kind of lifestyle to be best for everyone
Love you and your channel. Inspiring and soothing. Don't hesitate to block the trolls, you don't need the negativity.
Always a pleasure to watch! You are a natural in front of the camera and have a talent for distilling the essential ingredients of a good life!
Wonderful post!
I always enjoy your videos and this one was great. Thank you. Finding ourselves can take all roads and I'm glad you found yours and it's a good reminder that no matter who we are, where we live, we can find ourselves. Following our dream is important that is for sure.
Happy Patrick's Day 🍀
You are such a lovely, eloquent person. Thank you for the gentle and inspiring videos!
Happy St Patrick’s Day ☘️ 🇮🇪
There may never be another Patrick's day parade. Just saying.
This video has inspired me so much. I bought the book instantly. I was so glued to it that I could not leave it. All I need now is just the courage to face my fears and live the life that I will like to live. This book is a good value for money. Incredible. Thanks for all you are doing. Simply amazing
It’s better late than never
I’m so glad I have come across your videos
Stay as good as you ARE
THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF
Thank you. You have further inspired me to start planting some veg on my sunny balcony. I tried last year, but I live in a town centre and rats ate the shoots. This time I will construct cages from heavy duty chicken wire to protect the veg.
I used to be Mumintrollet as a kid then slowly life transformed me into muminmama... My children expect my handbag to hold anything they might ever need. I said; you think I'm some sort of mcGyver? Empty looks... No mama, you are like the mumin Mom ...we know you have it in your handbag!!!....somehow this make them always seem safe....whatever happens mama can fix it ....with something from her handbag🤔😚☺️thankyou as a finnish swede in Stockholm Sweden 🤗👍
Thanks very much for the book suggestions daniel. You are a fountain of happiness for all of us.
I deeply admire your life style and effort to live out your dream. Greetings from Denmark 🙏🏼
Hello, I’ve been following you for a while but I haven’t seen your videos lately, the last one was when you’ve made the kitchen coop. Hope you have a bless day and hugs to your dog. Take care.
I love how moss gets in on the act even when he's out side and you are indoors 😂😂😂🐶💕
Tanks again for an inspiring video😀👌 As a swedishspeaking finn I have of course read all the moominbooks. When you read them in different ages you realise that you find differens things in them. Some things you like as a child and others you understand as an adult. You can read them over and over again as Seymores book. The moomintrolls really are good examples to us all.
Say Hi to Moss...and enjoy the coming season! Lots of love🎶❤
Love the hair!!
The first book that set me on this path was Back To Basics. But The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency followed pretty quickly.
Maybe one of those volunteers would like to come and tend to my backyard garden here in the Netherlands. I'm physically unable to do so anymore.🌹
The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful part of the world and hopefully one day I will be able to move there and create a smallholding for myself. I have the same John Seymour book as yourself and it's an excellent read. Thanks for another inspiring video Mossy - P.S. your calendar is hanging on my kitchen wall :-) Cheers Adam....... Allotment Grow How 🌻🍅🥕
Over 4 years at Hort/agriculture working on farms arable/animal working at garden centres and so on........ I have learnt the people I have met have a passion for growing/animal care, it is in you and unlike my family ancestry not in mine. I hope to rekindle these skills perhaps your vlog may help. Shovelling grain in 60 ton bins with rats for company 12hr day’s field operations,finishing beef cattle including no 37 ,yes all animals have personalities. I respect your determination and courage . Well done you are comfortable with your life.
Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Canada. :)
Awe... Love this video! Check 8mim 16secs in and just as you begin to speak about your Grandad a wee white orb, or something, a kind of light appears to move downward on the screen... Maybe your Grandad giving you a Hello 🙏
The complete book on self sufficiency. Wow. Didn't know about it! It looks fabulous and I will definitely buy it. Thanks for sharing what inspired you 🙏
Your dad sounds just like my dad. He also built a boat in our yard, and musical instruments, and all kinds of things. I definitely learned a lot from that, and it seems you also have.
What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing.
Based upon your recommendation, I ordered a copy of The Moomins and the Great Flood today!
Oh yes! I grew up with the Moomins. There's something very special about the stories. I loved the clouds that come out of the hat! Also, the John Seymour book. I used to read it and dream of having a homestead. I do now. Thank you for your interesting chat about what inspired you.
A good episode. I especially liked the parts about reaching back to your childhood to discover your authentic self and how those pieces fell together for you. Good info for everyone to think about. Thanks for sharing
This was lovely!
Your trip down through your past triggered so many memories of my own, especially of the Yorkshire countryside and my granddad.
I tried to give my kids the simple life holiday experiences eg living on a farm in Kerry, cycling in a remote part of the Netherlands, walks in the Dales... They are now glued to the internet, like most young adults.
I too love the internet but, after 20 years, I'm fully aware of the way it can remove you from real life experience.
Can't wait to see you more in 2021.
x
There were so very many messages within this relatively short video that have been literally life-changing for me. Thank you so much for your heart and mind and everything you share with us. Like your father and grandfather before you, you have become a man that many will look up to, learn from, and respect.
I loved Moomins books as a kid! read them translated to Slovak language ... recently we read them with my children in English translation.... and I very much agree with your sentiment on the story
Slovakia :) Ahoj :) What's the book called in Slovak?
You've hit a grand slam homer with this video Daniel.
Oh wow I loved the moomins 💜 just listening to your voice makes me instantly relax. Love hearing your stories & inspirations 🙏
Thank you for sharing your stories of your father and grandfather: two fascinating men who helped mold you into the good man that you are, Daniel. They must be very proud of you. I loved the James Herriot books when young and thought the country life--especially in the Yorkshire Dales-- to be incredibly romantic and inspiring. I truly enjoyed this video!
So glad your back! Have missed you
I grew up reading John Seymour's book! He really had a wealth of knowledge and experience. A true inspiration.
You’re an interesting and remarkable man and I thoroughly enjoyed this vlog. Thank you.
Beautiful, thoughtful and true. Thank you for the wisdom and memories.
Great videos one of my favourite channels on RUclips 👍
Top of the Morning to you! Thank you for such an inspiring personal video. CaT
I bought "The New Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency" in your recommendation, and it's such a joy to flip through! 😊
I'm glad I found this channel! I tried some farming with my parents in northern Maine for about 7 years, but due to personal circumstances, I moved back to the area I grew up, unfortunately to an apartment. I miss it though, and would love to have even just a small patch of land again someday.
Ha ha, I wondered if the John Seymour book was part of the inspiration, great book, and a great video as usual, thanks for sharing your memories.
Your videos are so inspiring! I also did WWOOF in Canada and loved it. I hope to also be able to live in a similar way as you do one day. Thank you for all the insights into your life!
Me and my sister both are big book nerds! I'm always on the quest for interesting and especially old books to gift to her whenever I find them. Now that I'm disabled, my ambition is to build my sister's library...one to rival the one in Alexandria! Lol! Good to see another viddy! Great haircut...hope you let the wild birdies have the tresses you trimmed away! Many Springtime nesters would appreciate that a lot. Nothing like finding a family of wrens and spotting a little nest with your own hair all woven through =)). Snoggies to Moss!!
You are a fellow after my own heart. Even though I don't foresee a time when I am on my very own patch, I am fortunate enough to rent a small home where the garden is mine to do whatever I wish. I don't get the animals but I do get the veg and the full days in the garden. Your values and goals are similar to mine. Treading gently on this planet. Watching your videos reminds me there are kindred spirits everywhere.
I have John Seymore's book but find enthusiasm lapses when I think "oh, but I dont have my own patch." You have reminded me why I bought it in the first place. The joy is in the doing and discovering.
Thank you for continuing to share your journey and your thoughts.
Happy Saint Paddy's day mo chara, wish you all the best!
I'm a big fan of the Seymour's books too! I have their big book, but I have three smaller books from them that I like a lot too, The Fat of The Land, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, and one other that I'm forgetting right now. These smaller books are more on the philosophy of homesteading. In I'm a Stranger Here Myself there is a chapter on farming commercially. While having 6 shows was comfortable and profitable for them, committing to a farming plan and increasing all livestock according to government grant mandates, was very stressful for them.
The moomins hehe. I was listening to the description of the books and was expecting the Swiss Family Robinson!
Me too!
Me too! Loved the recording I had of that as a child; my imagination always was even better than later movies.
Absolutely lovely videos Daniel, only discovered the channel a couple of days ago and have watched nearly all of them :) I and a group of very good friends have already been planning and studying for the sort of permaculture life you're living, and we haven't bought land yet but will do in the not very distant future, including hopefully an old building to restore, and been studying a lot of self builds as well. So keep up the amazing work, you've got a really warm personality and your videos are brilliant.