Can Lou PLEASE start a channel, his craftsmanship is amazing! The fact that he’s able to build all of that is insane. I’m sure many would like to see the building process with Lou
@@abbyholman1090 Thanks, Abby :) Domo, yes, this is the channel, you can keep up to date with all the builds by following us here! happy to have new folks along for our adventures, welcome!
Our daughter went to a nature-based micro-school for her first school-aged years and it was amazing!! Everything was done outdoors - snacks, learning, reading books. They only spent about 1 hour (or less) inside the schoolhouse doing art or quiet time. It was about a 5 hour day (9-2) which gave her a perfect balance of school time and home life. The kids went outside rain or shine. They wore rain jumpsuits and boots on rainy days and were barefoot during the hot months. The school had a garden and raised chickens from egg to chick. It was amazing! Dana, you would be phenomenal at it. Highly recommend!
It really doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can have house in town days and days where you are 1/2 on the land and 1/2 at the house in town. And fixing meals in town and taking them up to the land to reheat eliminates the cooking time needed. It’s 100% doable living in both spaces. It doesn’t need to be one or the other
Really proud of you both for being so flexible and open, not trying to stick with systems that don’t work for you. Keep doing what makes you both the most happy and healthy. We’ll always be here. Twenty-Twenty-Thrive!
I have generally enjoyed this channels over the past years but there seems to be a recurring theme. From the boat to the home in Hawaii to this "off grid" phase, it seems many great ideas get thought up that result in a tremendous amount of work for Lou. Then, the realization sets in that particular phase is really hard and/or inconvenient, then someone thinks up another great thing (outdoor school or build an actual house) that will make it all good, but will likely result in a ton more work for Lou and eventual disenchantment with the current state of things. Not trying to be a Debbie downer but hard not to notice this theme.
Not to mention the funds and resources (supplies, equipment, trees etc) used for first the wall tent (which now sits dormant) and now the shipping containers. Not sure how much money the channel makes or whether they’re approaching their lifestyle from a sustainability standpoint but it seems kinda wasteful to start new projects without thinking through what the lifestyle will actually mean (they intentionally chose not to have amenities (dishwasher, running water for the chickens etc) but somehow didn’t think through how inconvenient that would be over a whole year?
They seem to be open to learning and growing. The skills they've learned with the container and tent build were to help when they built a home on the property. I'm pretty sure they mentioned that as being the plan when they first bought the property. Yes, they've done quite a few different projects...van life, boat life, Hawaii, etc...but life is like that if we are brave enough to try new things. The skills that they both have at a young age is honestly inspiring. I understand what you are saying and to us it may seem like sporadic jumps but we are just seeing a glimpse into their life. They seem to work well together and I'm sure they are planning things out more in their real lives.
I imagine this is a lifestyle they're enjoying based on what I've seen from them over the years - a life of exploration, curiosity, adventure. Some of us are eternal seekers. Part of the fun is in the learning and trying of new things! :) Plus they're young and look at everything they've already experienced! I think it's amazing and wonderful, personally.
No matter where we are there are difficulties. Dana, don’t be too hard on yourself. Giving birth changes your life for years. The fatigue that creeps in from being mentally and spiritually present 24/7 is not respected in our country. I hope you know that this season of your life is going to bring up these feelings. Lou, you’re also a rockstar. I’m a woman and I wish I could do what you guys do. There’s a lot of noise from people who can’t hack it. It’s just noise.
Can't begin to tell you how much this comment means, it feels like a hug through the screen ❤ thank you so much for the encouragement!! and sending a huge hug your way from all of us :)
I don't understand why the negative comments! You guys are just trying to figure things out, like most of us, and having fun. I love your channel! Happy 2025!
Hey! Great reflections on life in this video 😊 Just wanna say as a Norwegian that the reason that Nordic kids get to spend so much time outdoors is because childcare is a priority and relatively cheap here. The kids are in kindergarten/pre-school all day while both parents are at work/doing things at home. That's how you make it work. So don't give yourself a hard time over not being able to do as much outside, especially during the winter, we have a totally different system here with other negatives. Such as not being able to spend as much time with our kids 😊 Finding the balance is key!
@@WildWeRoamall Norwegian childcare happens outside to some degree. I don’t have kids myself so don’t know all the details of how it is right now. But there are also special outdoor childcare that you can send your kids to. Seems similar to the forest school that you have in the US. When children start school at six they are all drastically more indoors, but still quite some outdoor time compared to other parts of the world I assume.
@@WildWeRoamoh yes, a lot of it happens outdoors. I used to work in a kindergarten and we would spend most of the day outside if we could, there's a lot of research being done currently on the difference in kindergartens that have a lot of nature and natural outdoor areas compared to the ones who only have small playgrounds and plastic playground flooring. The kids with access to the more natural outdoor areas seem to thrive :) I mean we are considered insane by some people because we leave our children to have their naps in their buggies outside even during winter down to -10 degrees Celsius 😅 but the fresh air is good for them!
I really appreciate you two. Right from the start of your adventures, your dietary changes to meet your health goals to now, having a beautiful family. I learn so much through your trial and error. ☀️
Endlessly in awe of the craftsmanship, creativity, and mindfulness shared between the two of you. You look more at home than I've ever seen you. As always, I'll be looking forward to the next uploads, xx
We live on our land in a camper with our 2 children. Cooking outside on the fire has been a great way to be able to stay outside for our family. Many blessings on your journey
Keep on being honest. Yes we have 2 or more feelings at the same time. Yes we make choices and sometimes do a C turnaround. And when we take on tasks sometimes we find out it’s too much. Or sometimes one person is a powerhouse and one person can’t keep up, LIFE. Good on you for being openminded and good to each other.
Dear Dana! I think community is the key to your thoughts about the balance of spending a lot of time outside while organizing a household. If multiple families work together, jobs can be divided. One or two adults watch the children play, while the others have more time to do whatever they need ir want to do. Someone else could watch the children every day, almost like a community kindergarden (i guess there is no nice forest kindegarden close to where you live? I know they exist where i come from) Also cooking lunch could be organized in a community, cooking for more then 3 is much more efficient... Maybe you can really talk your neighbours into such a structure (: I wish you all the best! Kathi
The sheer AUDACITY in this comments section. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I've really enjoyed watching you and your ideas grow, wherever you are. If that means constant rethinking and inevitably change, if that's what you need to grow and find your safe space in this challenging world, then so it be. Make sure you take care of yourselves and your little family. Love, only.
In 2025, May the pure Light of Truth, Love and Peaceful Presence shine upon you & yours... upon this fabulous community.... upon ALL Creation... always & ALL WAYS!!!! TY for sharing your life with all of us. You both are huge inspirations to me and mine!!! ♾💟☮🕊
You hit the nail on the head- its all about the gear! Make sure both you and Max have clothes choices to keep you comfortable. Likely to look and be different for both of you. As for food use crockpot, instant pot-all the appliances that can help you with food. Of course that depends on you solar.
Hi friends :) I came here to say thank you for continuing to post these vlogs about your evolving life. It’s been SO inspiring for me as someone who also has huge goals that require a lot or evolution or transformation to achieve.
Do people not realize this is how they are. The build create and move on to the next big thing like any other artist/creator does. If they werelike everyone else that just settled in one place there woukd be no point of this channel all together. People just forget the poin and are mad and dont like change but babies that is what it is all about.
Happy 2025!! Sounds like you’ve got some great plans and ideas for how to navigate this season and I can’t wait to see how it all pans out! Love seeing your learning-as-you-go process and praying for wisdom and guidance as you do this beautiful life ❤
Hi Dana, Lou, Max and Happy New Year! I am so in awe of your lives together ( and apart) and i appreciate the way your videos help me think “outside the box”. You’ve helped me grow and stretched my imagination in so many ways. Makes me wish we were much younger ! And we are so fortunate to have you here in our mountains , I’m so glad you followed your instincts to come back to the east coast. Winters are hard, and i hate being cold , but there’s no place I’d rather live than on the top of our mountain. So, Happy New Year! May you continue to thrive and grow and appreciate it all! Sending hugs and much love! JennyK
For any of the people complaining that Dana and Lou change a lot: SURPRISE they never said they would stay the same. That's an absurd expectation. Seriously, the goal of this channel has always been to document their plans, dreams, trials and errors. It started as a vegan and photography channel, then travelling with Ody (their van), then the sailing adventure, tried living in a permanent house for the first time while getting their first dog and finding out they were expecting a baby. HOW can anyone be mad that they left Hawaii to pursue another dream that could be better for them AND their baby? It's called adaptation. You have an idea, you create a plan (with limitations because they always exist), act on it and see what happens. If the result pleases you, you stay with it. If there is something bothering you, you try to make the necessary changes so it can be better. All we know about them is what they show us. Honestly, who cares if they changed their minds? How many people can say they truly throw themselves into a project? Very few, because it is a priviledge and very challenging. If they are able to do so, why does it matter to someone who's not living their lives? That being said, I appreciate all the projects you try to bring to life and can't wait for what's next! Hope we all have a wonderful 2025!
I lived off grid for seven years. Now I have a flat and the challenges shifted. There is no better life or worse Life it is an illusion. You yourself have to become kind and compassionate that is all that matters.
I am nordic, swedish to be precise. Almost all kids go to kindergarten at 2,5 years. We have paid parental leave for about 1 year and some months so many children start when they are 1 years old. The system here is that both parents work. And many kindergartens spends alot of time outdoors with the children. So naturally they get alot or hours outdoors. Many have their naps outside even in winter and freezing temp. Are you outside more, the house gets less dirty 🙃 And can you start to have a routine with the other families to watch each others kinds for some hours to get some effective foodprep hours in?
Dana I love when you share your realizations. They are so valuable it's so special hiw alive and there you are for the changes and listening to inputs you get. They show how choices and approaches affect you over time. And just today it aligns so much with honestly painful experiences I was reminded of or complex choices I made when I chose to get pregnant a long time ago and what drove me back then and the events I couldn't foresee would happen at the time. Even with trauma happening I realized, there is no way I could have expected myself to know more than I knew. Letting myself off the hook. I just love the level of honest reflection you are able to share. It's such a beautiful human quality. Btw what about skishoes and skiis? I SO enjoy the white color of snow landscapes, they cleanse the aura thoroughly ☺️
For this season of life you might really like the book “there’s no such thing as bad weather” it’s written by a Scandinavian parent. Also if the snow gets deep, having snowshoes or cross country skis would be great on your land. I really like our osprey poco hiking carrier for our toddler. I have carried her in this through snow and with snowshoes for winter walks. You can also get a Thule chariot with skis to pull behind you while cross country skiing. It may be fun to think of winter activities like this that you can do. If it’s consistently below freezing, having a skating pond would be fun for max as well. We started my daughter on skates at 18months last winter. When she gets tired I keep skating around and pull her in a sled. I live in a part of Canada where we have snow from November to sometimes April and many days of -20 or -30 Celsius. The right gear is essential. I say all of this though as someone who enjoys going outside as much as possible for winter activities and being in nature but having a house in the city to return to. I fully understand how challenging your current living situation would be in winter with a toddler. I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to not have running water and be in such a small space in winter with a toddler who always wants to run and jump. It makes a lot of sense to me why you would live in town during this time. I hope you’re able to get the water situation figured out for next year. Have you guys considered getting a pre-fab home? Would save so much time and be ready to go and have more space and comforts.
Yes! I've recommended it to her before too especially when she was asking about how she would even dress Max for the outdoors back in the day😂. It's such a great resource!
how great, thank you so much Caitlyn for the recommendation and Katy for recommending it in the past (I knew I had heard of it somewhere before!!) this sounds like an excellent book for us :) wishing you both a happy new year!! ❤
Two cents: Lou (apparently) likes to stay busy. Life is never normal. There’s always a monkey wrench to deal with, in any life giving scenario. It’s enjoyable to see Their situation, because it is unique, but not totally out there. I knew some people who lived in a small trailer with seven children, that was unique, too. Life is not a Hallmark movie. Glad to see you’re successfully making it through another winter. 💜🙏🏼🙂 hang in there ❤️
I understand about having two feelings at the same time sister. Its hard to explain to people that have not experienced it. Hang in there. Prayer has brought me through these challenges 🙏
Ive been following since the van days and I know this is a period of growth, but I think there is a lot of over talking and envisioning happening and not a lot of actual work being put in to it. Lou is focusing all his labor on the wrong things imo. The springs are cool, love that. Also, Max is Dana’s first kid, I totally understand why she would want to spend every second with him, but I think long term she is creating a dependency if she is unable to leave him with her parents for a few hours every other day to help Lou. She used to be so hands on, and if this is how their relationship has evolved and they are both on board I am so happy for them. For me personally I am starting to get weird vibes from their relationship but we only see barely smidgen of what goes on in their lives. I will always root for them and this is their channel to do whatever they want with, but I wait for updates every week and as someone who doesn’t like words over action it does bother me. I can’t judge them too bad though, I live in FL and would never deal with snow so I imagine it’s absolutely a hard life. Winter is a slower season, looking forward to Spring and Summer for this little family. Hopefully they settle in and get better at it!
Two things, you should check out the book, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather. The second would be to invest in wool base layers. It makes the being outside in the cold so much easier by helping with temperature regulation.
Hi Dana, I just found your channel by accident! As the mum of teenagers who have always been homeschooled (Steiner/Waldorf family), with regard to your question about food & spending more time outdoors, have you thought about preparing and cooking outside, and involving your child in the process? Perhaps you could have a makeshift outdoor kitchen (search Talasbuan, they have a great outdoor kitchen setup in a cold climate.). You could involve your little boy with kneading bread, stirring things, etc, and as he gets bigger chopping things with a kiddie-safe knife, washing dishes in his own little tub of warm water, etc. He could also ‘cook’ his own little creations with scraps you give him and a few little thrifted pots & utensils of his own alongside you, whilst you cook the real food! ☺️ It might not be practical for every day, but maybe sometimes? Otherwise, like someone else suggested, you can’t beat Instant Pot or slow cooker meals which cook themselves whilst you enjoy the outdoors, or batch cooking less often to make life easier. In my experience, just as you said, kids rarely notice the cold - we as adults do! One way to get around that is to have a daily rhythm of coming in and out, in and out (like breathing!); where you spend a short time outdoors, come in to have a hot drink or snack, and warm up a bit before going back out again for another spell outdoors. (Steiner education is very big on rhythms and routines, and also on observing these sorts of daily and seasonal cycles).. Just a couple of little ideas! 😁 Where I live in rural Australia, we have it the other way around - our tricky time of year was/is always summer, when its often too hot to spend long outside, and we have to find ways to work around the heat and strong sun! Glad I found you, dear; you seem like a lovely person. Blessings from Australia 🙏
The thing about living remote is that no one is coming to bail you out. We had a water system that would freeze at the pump during winter ice storms. Resource scarcity trauma is real. A winter mantra that gets me outside in challenging conditions, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices." Wool is an incredible fiber for all seasons of clothing. Layering tips: Keep your feet dry. To keep feet warm, the pants base layer covers at least the quads. Alternatively, a puffer skirt over pants is a great convertible layer. Insulated coveralls that open at the legs for venting, yet another option. To keep hands warm, the shirt base layers cover shoulders, and glove base layer covers forearms.
I know this is niche, and a bit of a cautious mom-comment or whatever, but Lou please wear ear protection when using power tools! As someone with tinnitus, it's a small hell I would never wish on anyone else.
Get the bathroom in a container next to the bedroom. With washer and dryer. Also organic stores have premade meals that can be frozen and also just refrigerated. No reason these days to cook three meals a day for three people.
The absolute irony after the last video. Don't start and commit to a new project until you have what you need to stay on the land, especially one where you want other people involved. If heating and laundry are your biggest issues, sort that out first. Buy another container and expand your kitchen or build an insulated shed, help Lou sort running water. Prioritise the things that will allow you all to stay together on the land. Don't flee because it isn't ready, double down and make it ready. There is no reason why another container, or an extension couldn't be made to house a shower/bath and laundry room, all your heavy water usage in one place. You want a forest school in the future? Construct it around a laundry/kitchen that allows you to do things while kids are outside. Ideally you want some sort of toilet and washing facility if kids are out in snow and mud, so plan it and build it. Work smarter, make your goals align instead of giving up because you don't have x or y. I feel like your biggest hurdles are your expectations and lack of imagination in getting to it. Lou is a machine, if you can actually articulate in advance what will work for you, he will make it happen. If it takes too long prepping food, simplify your food ideas, or prep in advance. Do it the night before when it's too dark to be outside. Build an outside chiller storage, it's cold enough to help keep food fresher longer. Just dream big and make it happen, you can do it if you don't stop yourself.
How wonderful said, but I presume that this lady does not exactly know what she wants. Sorry to say this but she talks and talks and talks and no facts. Maybe I am wrong but in each video she only explains herself and we do not see any improvement from her side. She is running away from house and day by day house work, but this is life and so many years women survived without electricity , dishwashing, just doing it. She knows that this doesn’t last for ever so don’t talk so much, just do it! I do not want to offend her, far away from this, but it is hard to hear how she is complaining and instead of doing things she takes her child for so long time from his father and she leaves her husband alone. Sorry, I do not criticize it is only what I am feeling watching these videos. Family is the best thing we can have, so we need to stay together and help each other. Happy New Year!
Winter is very hard with a toddler but I have to say, having lived in VT with 2 toddlers, it won’t get much easier. It can be very isolating. If you can make things more comfortable (seating, rugs, a stand alone tub or outdoor sauna) you might feel better. In the end, it will be so good for Max. Exploring nature as a child is irreplaceable, so is learning how to occupy their time.
Thank you, those are some good ideas about adding comfort, and the reminder in your last sentence as to why its all worth it :) thank you for sharing!!
Hello lovely people. Please be kind to yourself through this period. It's immensely challenging. Re the balancing food making and playing etc. I had the same difficulty when my son was little (he's 18 now). My suggestion would be to take the quick wins, and yes, potentially sacrifice some of the cooking from scratch where you can in order to make your life easier. Maybe make a list and decide what are the non-negotiables food-wise, and what things are sometimes ok to substitute. I would personally have really struggled without a space that my son could play in safely in a vigorous way/running around etc. without having to watch him every second. Also maybe re the outside time, aim for 2 hours, and if you see that is manageable maybe the following week aim for 2.5 hours and see how that goes and so on. What you are both doing is incredibly hard and my hat goes off to you. I possibly find organisation easier than you Dana, but I would never in a million years have done up a boat and taken it sailing. The world needs all sorts of people and one of the reasons that people love your challenge is that you are open to trying new things, sharing how it is to do them. Thanks for the video and wishing you all the best for 2025 x
Jc, this is such a beautiful comment, thank you so much for taking the time to share your encouragement, experience and wisdom! this all sounds so smart and sensible. Thank you, really :) and wishing you all the very best for 2025 too x
check out justin rhodes videos for ideas on an ever waterer for the chickens. if you have space below the pond, it could be gravity fed? just a thought
I used to enjoy watching this channel, but I find Dana to be immature and self-centered. There is more to life than a dishwasher, central heat, laundry, etc. Decide what you want and follow through.
The judgement people put on these RUclipsrs we do not actually know makes me wonder and feel sad for how they might judge themselves. We all have our own paths and who knows whats really going on. Just enjoy the youtube. ❤
I’m not a parent yet, but my partner and I are planning for the near future. I know forest schooling and a life centered in nature will be a huge part of our values as parents, as they are with our own lives, and I would LOVE to see what you come up with!
LOVED THIS VIDEO! 👏❤ Loved the videography, your realizations about the role that the land itself has taken in your development, and your brainstorming about an informal outdoor school… All are wonderful! I love your vibrancy, your enthusiasm, and your dedication to living the dynamic life that you want to live. You are an inspiration for so many of us! Wishing you a Magical 2025!! ❤❤❤
Wow... that's rude to type to someone you don't actually know. They each have their own paths and if they are happy with it why or who are we to judge them. People can uniquely live their lives.
Not sure if this is just me, but I’m here to watch Lou complete his projects. I’m not as invested on watching his wife and tend to fast forward through her portions.
Trying hard to stay engaged, but way too much of Dana talking and not doing. Ideas are great, but follow thru is important too. Dana lives in la-la land in her mind. Get real woman! Spend 3 days on the land living with your husband and your son’s father and then go to town and take advantage of your parents graciousness in using their facilities to do laundry and shower for a day or two. Heating water on your stove on the land for Max to have a bath in a plastic tote is ok. He will still love his bath and he doesn’t need one everyday. It’s hard for sure, but that’s the life you’ve chosen and it won’t be forever. Bailing on Lou when the winter sets in is not good for him or Max. Set an example for your son that when life gets tough you dig in and put forth that extra effort knowing Spring will come. Some seasons are easier than others, but there are blessings to be reaped whatever the weather. Stop looking for that perfect scenario, Dana. I would think by now with as many reiterations as you and Lou have tried, it would be obvious. When Spring comes, making a priority of connecting the shipping containers, building a connected bathroom/laundry space and having water available throughout the year should be the 2025 priority. Making your living situation 4 season functional should be the first priority. Building a ‘real’ home is going to take years and depriving Max and Lou of the family unity for 4-5 months every year is not a sustainable plan. You both need to get on the same page and get your priorities in order for the sake of your relationship and your son’s wellbeing. Being with his father is more important than a daily tub bath and lots of indoor room to play. Put your dreams into perspective and learn to live in reality.
I decided to unsubscribe when I saw the water plumbing and outside shower setup, as I was concerned about its sustainability for a child during winter. Additionally, I prefer not to support channels that feature filming of children. I feel there might be room for improvement in connecting the project to nature and promoting nature conservation, especially with the use of plastic and scattered storage containers on the hill and different materials. I'm a bit confused by the various structures and makeshift bathroom arrangements; perhaps focusing on just two wooden structures, like a small cabin for immediate living space and a larger cabin for future use, or even three connected containers, could be more practical. Like GBU. The long monologues are overwhelming. Building and living in this environment is definitely hard work, not just a simple task of picking flowers and carrots. What you are putting in videos, is definitely not your real life, not a real full day in a life of Lou. Your off grid life is obviously very dependant on having parents close and I don’t blame you. I think this is the only reason why this chapter is longer. It’s nevertheless a good lesson to viewers who might be contemplating this. I wish you could be a bit more open with the realities of this chapter.
I’ve read a lot of the comments from your past couple of videos, and aside from the extremes-the few cynical “she’s using him for the money” (???) or the vacuous “life is magical unicorns! There is no reality!”--they’ve seemed intended to help. I’ve actually recognized some things in my own thinking and behavior from reading. Anyway, I’m going to offer my less-than-2 cents-worth of opinion. I’ve been watching you guys in interludes since the van days, although I missed a large swath of the Hawaii section. What I’ve noticed in the NY homesteading section (along with the snowy scenes, which I love) is anxiety. I almost feel it. it could be anxiety from the situation, or anxiety, period, attributed to the situation. I’ve learned that some people have anxiety from change, and some people have anxiety from staying in place. In my experience, the feeling that things are not quite right or never enough can inspire creativity, but it can also eventually kill it. I’ve focused so intently on situations and how to change them and in what ways to change them that I’m inhibited from doing anything and want to get out and get into something new for a fresh start, at which point I feel energized, not anxious, for a while. I may be completely off base here (and forgive my overall presumptuousness), but I recall the video when you guys visited some other homesteading youtubers in CO (I forgot their names-she makes cool jewelry), and you spoke like you felt like that place was better than what you were doing. I wonder if all of you traveling more often and sharing your trips would give you a taste of what you used to do in your earlier days and also give you a break from this constant focus on your living situation. Just an idea. I think I’m going to start doing this tomorrow, myself, instead of just opining on your channel. Best of luck, and take care.
I was raised in Wisconsin in a house without any of the amenities Dana calls "ease" -- i.e. running water. It was a chamber pot for first thing in the morning needs or after dark, and an outhouse during daylight hours. Or school, which was nicer. We also had no central heat, so it was two wood stoves. I slept in an unheated attic. Our driveway was a quarter mile long and if the neighbor didn't come plow with his tractor, we didn't leave the house. I survived infancy, toddlerhood and into adulthood without any difficulty. I'm pretty sure Max and Dana would survive Upstate New York as well.
She's never happy! I feel sorry for Lou! He does anything she wants but she's never happy with it! So he lives alone on the property while she lives in town with her family! Grow up girl! The world doesn't revolve around you!
She doesn’t want to make and live on a homestead, she wants to be taken and plopped down on a fully built homestead. This guys over here pulling water out of literal stone and making a home, he needs to feel like it's for someone other than himself and that they want it as bad as he does.
I know I've recommended it before but... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER is an amazing book and resource for Mom's especially with the nature play you want to do now.❤
May help to post more on Instagram and discord to build up the community you are looking for. Seems like a lot of negativity in the comments. They don't seem to feel connected with you and your vision.
Very disappointing you choose this life and then now this isn’t good enough either. You leave your husband for parents because of no bath for your son. Warm the water and put him a plastic container for a bath. Dishwasher really? Who are you many homes don’t have a dish washer. I can’t watch this anymore. Poor Lou because you are never satisfied for very long
Id love to hear you both talk about the love of adventure and trying new things. Lives change and things happen and in my opinion its perfectly fine to change and get a new goal, a new plan, something else to have fun with.
Dana, you bugging out with Max is ridiculous. People homestead on remote properties. People homestead on remote properties with children! I don’t even consider your property remote because you can actually drive your cars up to your house. You have everything you need on that property. You don’t need running water, dishwashers, laundry, a bathtub. You just don’t want to do the additional work needed to live in your connex home. Why is your time with Max so much more precious than Lou’s? No matter how you try to justify it, Max is acutely aware he’s not getting daily interaction with his father, even if it’s brief due to busy workdays. Quit using your parent’s home as a crutch and go home.
You didn’t need to move!!!!! It’s a wonder she didn’t have him take the generator to her parents house. She is trying to stop the backlash of last video. Stop whining and go use your dishwasher. You haven’t done it Lou did. Still unsubscribed.
I think that your 4-6 hours are not 4-6 hours of you playing one on one with Max. I mean he is 2 so he can't be independent but it is you doing your jobs and Max helping with scheduled Max play time within that. I feel super strongly that littles need to learn to guide their own play, it fosters their own creativity instead of teaching them to rely on you. So it's not you following Max around entering him the whole time. Making time for that too but maybe you have some "jobs" that you do together. Haha us parents all know that the jobs you accomplish with a toddler is far less productive than alone but if there is some rhythm to the outdoor time it would be more achievable. That could look like a lot of things, start the same way everyday and have different jobs depending on the day of the week with Wednesdays being more of a kid day with friends coming up. And I am not talking jobs like hard labor jobs but tasks that fill the time with purpose for both of you. ❤
Can Lou PLEASE start a channel, his craftsmanship is amazing! The fact that he’s able to build all of that is insane. I’m sure many would like to see the building process with Lou
This is his channel
@@abbyholman1090 Thanks, Abby :) Domo, yes, this is the channel, you can keep up to date with all the builds by following us here! happy to have new folks along for our adventures, welcome!
Lou is an amazing craftsman & problem solver!
Loved the Huzza chant!
there should be a Wild We Roam 2 for bonus content :) you may need to hire an editor though ha
Our daughter went to a nature-based micro-school for her first school-aged years and it was amazing!! Everything was done outdoors - snacks, learning, reading books. They only spent about 1 hour (or less) inside the schoolhouse doing art or quiet time. It was about a 5 hour day (9-2) which gave her a perfect balance of school time and home life. The kids went outside rain or shine. They wore rain jumpsuits and boots on rainy days and were barefoot during the hot months. The school had a garden and raised chickens from egg to chick. It was amazing! Dana, you would be phenomenal at it. Highly recommend!
It really doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can have house in town days and days where you are 1/2 on the land and 1/2 at the house in town. And fixing meals in town and taking them up to the land to reheat eliminates the cooking time needed. It’s 100% doable living in both spaces. It doesn’t need to be one or the other
Really proud of you both for being so flexible and open, not trying to stick with systems that don’t work for you. Keep doing what makes you both the most happy and healthy. We’ll always be here. Twenty-Twenty-Thrive!
Aw, Twenty-Twenty-Thrive, I looove that!! thank you so much for your kind words, too, they are really appreciated :) ❤ happy new year to you, too!!
I have generally enjoyed this channels over the past years but there seems to be a recurring theme. From the boat to the home in Hawaii to this "off grid" phase, it seems many great ideas get thought up that result in a tremendous amount of work for Lou. Then, the realization sets in that particular phase is really hard and/or inconvenient, then someone thinks up another great thing (outdoor school or build an actual house) that will make it all good, but will likely result in a ton more work for Lou and eventual disenchantment with the current state of things. Not trying to be a Debbie downer but hard not to notice this theme.
Not to mention the funds and resources (supplies, equipment, trees etc) used for first the wall tent (which now sits dormant) and now the shipping containers. Not sure how much money the channel makes or whether they’re approaching their lifestyle from a sustainability standpoint but it seems kinda wasteful to start new projects without thinking through what the lifestyle will actually mean (they intentionally chose not to have amenities (dishwasher, running water for the chickens etc) but somehow didn’t think through how inconvenient that would be over a whole year?
They seem to be open to learning and growing. The skills they've learned with the container and tent build were to help when they built a home on the property. I'm pretty sure they mentioned that as being the plan when they first bought the property. Yes, they've done quite a few different projects...van life, boat life, Hawaii, etc...but life is like that if we are brave enough to try new things. The skills that they both have at a young age is honestly inspiring. I understand what you are saying and to us it may seem like sporadic jumps but we are just seeing a glimpse into their life. They seem to work well together and I'm sure they are planning things out more in their real lives.
I agree. Lou is amazing, but what next for him? So many projects - just stick with something
I imagine this is a lifestyle they're enjoying based on what I've seen from them over the years - a life of exploration, curiosity, adventure. Some of us are eternal seekers. Part of the fun is in the learning and trying of new things! :) Plus they're young and look at everything they've already experienced! I think it's amazing and wonderful, personally.
It’s life. Ideas spring up in the process.
No matter where we are there are difficulties. Dana, don’t be too hard on yourself. Giving birth changes your life for years. The fatigue that creeps in from being mentally and spiritually present 24/7 is not respected in our country. I hope you know that this season of your life is going to bring up these feelings. Lou, you’re also a rockstar. I’m a woman and I wish I could do what you guys do. There’s a lot of noise from people who can’t hack it. It’s just noise.
Can't begin to tell you how much this comment means, it feels like a hug through the screen ❤ thank you so much for the encouragement!! and sending a huge hug your way from all of us :)
I don't understand why the negative comments! You guys are just trying to figure things out, like most of us, and having fun. I love your channel! Happy 2025!
Thanks so much for your kind words ❤ happy new year to you too!!
I hope the chickens are safe. Wishing you a healthy and happy new year!!
Hey! Great reflections on life in this video 😊 Just wanna say as a Norwegian that the reason that Nordic kids get to spend so much time outdoors is because childcare is a priority and relatively cheap here. The kids are in kindergarten/pre-school all day while both parents are at work/doing things at home. That's how you make it work. So don't give yourself a hard time over not being able to do as much outside, especially during the winter, we have a totally different system here with other negatives. Such as not being able to spend as much time with our kids 😊 Finding the balance is key!
Oh, I see! Does a lot of the childcare happen outside? Thank you so much for sharing ❤ Your last sentence is so true and great reminder :)
@@WildWeRoamall Norwegian childcare happens outside to some degree. I don’t have kids myself so don’t know all the details of how it is right now. But there are also special outdoor childcare that you can send your kids to. Seems similar to the forest school that you have in the US. When children start school at six they are all drastically more indoors, but still quite some outdoor time compared to other parts of the world I assume.
@@WildWeRoamoh yes, a lot of it happens outdoors. I used to work in a kindergarten and we would spend most of the day outside if we could, there's a lot of research being done currently on the difference in kindergartens that have a lot of nature and natural outdoor areas compared to the ones who only have small playgrounds and plastic playground flooring. The kids with access to the more natural outdoor areas seem to thrive :) I mean we are considered insane by some people because we leave our children to have their naps in their buggies outside even during winter down to -10 degrees Celsius 😅 but the fresh air is good for them!
I am just a poor kid from California and whenever you show me snow I am always amazed at how gorgeous it is most people just don't record it.
I really appreciate you two. Right from the start of your adventures, your dietary changes to meet your health goals to now, having a beautiful family. I learn so much through your trial and error. ☀️
Endlessly in awe of the craftsmanship, creativity, and mindfulness shared between the two of you. You look more at home than I've ever seen you. As always, I'll be looking forward to the next uploads, xx
We live on our land in a camper with our 2 children. Cooking outside on the fire has been a great way to be able to stay outside for our family. Many blessings on your journey
Keep on being honest. Yes we have 2 or more feelings at the same time. Yes we make choices and sometimes do a C turnaround. And when we take on tasks sometimes we find out it’s too much. Or sometimes one person is a powerhouse and one person can’t keep up,
LIFE.
Good on you for being openminded and good to each other.
Dear Dana!
I think community is the key to your thoughts about the balance of spending a lot of time outside while organizing a household.
If multiple families work together, jobs can be divided. One or two adults watch the children play, while the others have more time to do whatever they need ir want to do. Someone else could watch the children every day, almost like a community kindergarden (i guess there is no nice forest kindegarden close to where you live? I know they exist where i come from) Also cooking lunch could be organized in a community, cooking for more then 3 is much more efficient... Maybe you can really talk your neighbours into such a structure (: I wish you all the best!
Kathi
The sheer AUDACITY in this comments section. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, I've really enjoyed watching you and your ideas grow, wherever you are. If that means constant rethinking and inevitably change, if that's what you need to grow and find your safe space in this challenging world, then so it be. Make sure you take care of yourselves and your little family. Love, only.
In 2025, May the pure Light of Truth, Love and Peaceful Presence shine upon you & yours... upon this fabulous community.... upon ALL Creation... always & ALL WAYS!!!! TY for sharing your life with all of us. You both are huge inspirations to me and mine!!! ♾💟☮🕊
You hit the nail on the head- its all about the gear! Make sure both you and Max have clothes choices to keep you comfortable. Likely to look and be different for both of you. As for food use crockpot, instant pot-all the appliances that can help you with food. Of course that depends on you solar.
You are beautiful beings. Sending love to you. Go your way.
Hi friends :) I came here to say thank you for continuing to post these vlogs about your evolving life. It’s been SO inspiring for me as someone who also has huge goals that require a lot or evolution or transformation to achieve.
Do people not realize this is how they are. The build create and move on to the next big thing like any other artist/creator does. If they werelike everyone else that just settled in one place there woukd be no point of this channel all together. People just forget the poin and are mad and dont like change but babies that is what it is all about.
Happy 2025!! Sounds like you’ve got some great plans and ideas for how to navigate this season and I can’t wait to see how it all pans out! Love seeing your learning-as-you-go process and praying for wisdom and guidance as you do this beautiful life ❤
Hi Dana, Lou, Max and Happy New Year! I am so in awe of your lives together ( and apart) and i appreciate the way your videos help me think “outside the box”. You’ve helped me grow and stretched my imagination in so many ways. Makes me wish we were much younger ! And we are so fortunate to have you here in our mountains , I’m so glad you followed your instincts to come back to the east coast. Winters are hard, and i hate being cold , but there’s no place I’d rather live than on the top of our mountain.
So, Happy New Year! May you continue to thrive and grow and appreciate it all! Sending hugs and much love! JennyK
If I lived closer, this would be ideal! I homeschool all 4 of my kiddos. Being outside is a huge thing we're implementing in 2025.
Beautiful Winter Wonderland~❄🌲❄ I sure liked Lou's assessment on driving in the snow. Be Safe and Be Happy~! HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025💫💚💛💙
First, you two are awesome! Thank you for an honest sharing the ups and downs of your journey.
That takes courage!
Take care of each other
Thanks so much, Renee! Really appreciate your encouragement :) wishing you a happy new year!!
The fact that Max is giving warm clothes input is funny!
Happy New Year to all! You both have done so much on your land and I look forward to seeing what's to come in 2025!
My God! The comments in this video! So much judgement. These young adults are learning so much in real time. It’s beautiful.
Agree. Sad people can be harsh
Thank you Ginger, thank you alittleheavenonearth ❤really appreciate your kindness
Appreciate the way you share your beautiful life. Love the long Dana debriefs with the stunning videography.
For any of the people complaining that Dana and Lou change a lot: SURPRISE they never said they would stay the same.
That's an absurd expectation. Seriously, the goal of this channel has always been to document their plans, dreams, trials and errors. It started as a vegan and photography channel, then travelling with Ody (their van), then the sailing adventure, tried living in a permanent house for the first time while getting their first dog and finding out they were expecting a baby. HOW can anyone be mad that they left Hawaii to pursue another dream that could be better for them AND their baby?
It's called adaptation. You have an idea, you create a plan (with limitations because they always exist), act on it and see what happens. If the result pleases you, you stay with it. If there is something bothering you, you try to make the necessary changes so it can be better. All we know about them is what they show us. Honestly, who cares if they changed their minds? How many people can say they truly throw themselves into a project? Very few, because it is a priviledge and very challenging. If they are able to do so, why does it matter to someone who's not living their lives?
That being said, I appreciate all the projects you try to bring to life and can't wait for what's next! Hope we all have a wonderful 2025!
Outdoor "school" and play groups are soo amazing for kids!! The Hudson Valley has several. Happy New Year!
Any reason why Freja doesn’t have a snow jacket?
I lived off grid for seven years. Now I have a flat and the challenges shifted. There is no better life or worse Life it is an illusion. You yourself have to become kind and compassionate that is all that matters.
really love this message, Nae ❤ that last sentence... thats what its all about :)
Outdoor kitchen and oven 😍
Happy New Year!
Happy new year!🎆Hopefully you’ll have an amazing 2025. I am looking forward to the videos and changes this year.
I am nordic, swedish to be precise. Almost all kids go to kindergarten at 2,5 years. We have paid parental leave for about 1 year and some months so many children start when they are 1 years old. The system here is that both parents work. And many kindergartens spends alot of time outdoors with the children. So naturally they get alot or hours outdoors. Many have their naps outside even in winter and freezing temp.
Are you outside more, the house gets less dirty 🙃
And can you start to have a routine with the other families to watch each others kinds for some hours to get some effective foodprep hours in?
Dana I love when you share your realizations. They are so valuable it's so special hiw alive and there you are for the changes and listening to inputs you get. They show how choices and approaches affect you over time. And just today it aligns so much with honestly painful experiences I was reminded of or complex choices I made when I chose to get pregnant a long time ago and what drove me back then and the events I couldn't foresee would happen at the time. Even with trauma happening I realized, there is no way I could have expected myself to know more than I knew. Letting myself off the hook. I just love the level of honest reflection you are able to share. It's such a beautiful human quality. Btw what about skishoes and skiis? I SO enjoy the white color of snow landscapes, they cleanse the aura thoroughly ☺️
For this season of life you might really like the book “there’s no such thing as bad weather” it’s written by a Scandinavian parent. Also if the snow gets deep, having snowshoes or cross country skis would be great on your land. I really like our osprey poco hiking carrier for our toddler. I have carried her in this through snow and with snowshoes for winter walks. You can also get a Thule chariot with skis to pull behind you while cross country skiing. It may be fun to think of winter activities like this that you can do. If it’s consistently below freezing, having a skating pond would be fun for max as well. We started my daughter on skates at 18months last winter. When she gets tired I keep skating around and pull her in a sled.
I live in a part of Canada where we have snow from November to sometimes April and many days of -20 or -30 Celsius. The right gear is essential. I say all of this though as someone who enjoys going outside as much as possible for winter activities and being in nature but having a house in the city to return to. I fully understand how challenging your current living situation would be in winter with a toddler. I can’t imagine how challenging it would be to not have running water and be in such a small space in winter with a toddler who always wants to run and jump. It makes a lot of sense to me why you would live in town during this time. I hope you’re able to get the water situation figured out for next year. Have you guys considered getting a pre-fab home? Would save so much time and be ready to go and have more space and comforts.
Yes! I've recommended it to her before too especially when she was asking about how she would even dress Max for the outdoors back in the day😂. It's such a great resource!
how great, thank you so much Caitlyn for the recommendation and Katy for recommending it in the past (I knew I had heard of it somewhere before!!) this sounds like an excellent book for us :) wishing you both a happy new year!! ❤
What a beautiful video...full of wisdom, promise and joy 💚
Thank you so much, that means a lot :) happy new year!!
Two cents: Lou (apparently) likes to stay busy.
Life is never normal. There’s always a monkey wrench to deal with, in any life giving scenario. It’s enjoyable to see Their situation, because it is unique, but not totally out there.
I knew some people who lived in a small trailer with seven children, that was unique, too.
Life is not a Hallmark movie.
Glad to see you’re successfully making it through another winter. 💜🙏🏼🙂 hang in there ❤️
Thank you :) "Life is not a Hallmark movie" that is so real. Thanks for the words of encouragement!! Wishing you a happy new year!!❤
I understand about having two feelings at the same time sister. Its hard to explain to people that have not experienced it. Hang in there. Prayer has brought me through these challenges 🙏
thanks :) comforting to know i am not alone in that!
@WildWeRoam not at all gf ♡ praying 🙏
Ive been following since the van days and I know this is a period of growth, but I think there is a lot of over talking and envisioning happening and not a lot of actual work being put in to it. Lou is focusing all his labor on the wrong things imo. The springs are cool, love that. Also, Max is Dana’s first kid, I totally understand why she would want to spend every second with him, but I think long term she is creating a dependency if she is unable to leave him with her parents for a few hours every other day to help Lou. She used to be so hands on, and if this is how their relationship has evolved and they are both on board I am so happy for them. For me personally I am starting to get weird vibes from their relationship but we only see barely smidgen of what goes on in their lives. I will always root for them and this is their channel to do whatever they want with, but I wait for updates every week and as someone who doesn’t like words over action it does bother me. I can’t judge them too bad though, I live in FL and would never deal with snow so I imagine it’s absolutely a hard life. Winter is a slower season, looking forward to Spring and Summer for this little family. Hopefully they settle in and get better at it!
Max is Dana's AND Lou's first son 😶
@@ewagornisiewicz-kusiak6814Yes! My bad, I meant it in context to their current roles but you are correct.
Two things, you should check out the book, There’s No Such Thing as Bad Weather. The second would be to invest in wool base layers. It makes the being outside in the cold so much easier by helping with temperature regulation.
Thank you, Cass!! Wow quite a few people recommending this book, definitely have to check it out :)
Happy New Year 🥳🥳⭐️⭐️
Lovely greetings from Spain 😌☺️
We live in upstate ny and would love to find something for my two girls 2.5 and 1.5 to do outside with other kids!
How beautiful! I'm only 1:40 mins in but what a winter wonderland!
Hi Dana, I just found your channel by accident! As the mum of teenagers who have always been homeschooled (Steiner/Waldorf family), with regard to your question about food & spending more time outdoors, have you thought about preparing and cooking outside, and involving your child in the process? Perhaps you could have a makeshift outdoor kitchen (search Talasbuan, they have a great outdoor kitchen setup in a cold climate.). You could involve your little boy with kneading bread, stirring things, etc, and as he gets bigger chopping things with a kiddie-safe knife, washing dishes in his own little tub of warm water, etc. He could also ‘cook’ his own little creations with scraps you give him and a few little thrifted pots & utensils of his own alongside you, whilst you cook the real food! ☺️ It might not be practical for every day, but maybe sometimes? Otherwise, like someone else suggested, you can’t beat Instant Pot or slow cooker meals which cook themselves whilst you enjoy the outdoors, or batch cooking less often to make life easier.
In my experience, just as you said, kids rarely notice the cold - we as adults do! One way to get around that is to have a daily rhythm of coming in and out, in and out (like breathing!); where you spend a short time outdoors, come in to have a hot drink or snack, and warm up a bit before going back out again for another spell outdoors. (Steiner education is very big on rhythms and routines, and also on observing these sorts of daily and seasonal cycles)..
Just a couple of little ideas! 😁 Where I live in rural Australia, we have it the other way around - our tricky time of year was/is always summer, when its often too hot to spend long outside, and we have to find ways to work around the heat and strong sun!
Glad I found you, dear; you seem like a lovely person. Blessings from Australia 🙏
The thing about living remote is that no one is coming to bail you out. We had a water system that would freeze at the pump during winter ice storms. Resource scarcity trauma is real.
A winter mantra that gets me outside in challenging conditions, "There is no such thing as bad weather, only poor clothing choices." Wool is an incredible fiber for all seasons of clothing. Layering tips: Keep your feet dry. To keep feet warm, the pants base layer covers at least the quads. Alternatively, a puffer skirt over pants is a great convertible layer. Insulated coveralls that open at the legs for venting, yet another option. To keep hands warm, the shirt base layers cover shoulders, and glove base layer covers forearms.
Thank you sooo much for these tips!! Really appreciate it and jotting them down now... wishing you a happy new year!!
I know this is niche, and a bit of a cautious mom-comment or whatever, but Lou please wear ear protection when using power tools! As someone with tinnitus, it's a small hell I would never wish on anyone else.
I have a question about the wall tent and platform. Was the tent exactly the specified width and length? Did you build the platform exactly 16' wide?
Put together an outdoor kitchen or running water/ laundry system
Get the bathroom in a container next to the bedroom. With washer and dryer. Also organic stores have premade meals that can be frozen and also just refrigerated. No reason these days to cook three meals a day for three people.
The absolute irony after the last video.
Don't start and commit to a new project until you have what you need to stay on the land, especially one where you want other people involved. If heating and laundry are your biggest issues, sort that out first. Buy another container and expand your kitchen or build an insulated shed, help Lou sort running water. Prioritise the things that will allow you all to stay together on the land. Don't flee because it isn't ready, double down and make it ready.
There is no reason why another container, or an extension couldn't be made to house a shower/bath and laundry room, all your heavy water usage in one place. You want a forest school in the future? Construct it around a laundry/kitchen that allows you to do things while kids are outside. Ideally you want some sort of toilet and washing facility if kids are out in snow and mud, so plan it and build it. Work smarter, make your goals align instead of giving up because you don't have x or y.
I feel like your biggest hurdles are your expectations and lack of imagination in getting to it. Lou is a machine, if you can actually articulate in advance what will work for you, he will make it happen. If it takes too long prepping food, simplify your food ideas, or prep in advance. Do it the night before when it's too dark to be outside. Build an outside chiller storage, it's cold enough to help keep food fresher longer. Just dream big and make it happen, you can do it if you don't stop yourself.
How wonderful said, but I presume that this lady does not exactly know what she wants. Sorry to say this but she talks and talks and talks and no facts. Maybe I am wrong but in each video she only explains herself and we do not see any improvement from her side. She is running away from house and day by day house work, but this is life and so many years women survived without electricity , dishwashing, just doing it. She knows that this doesn’t last for ever so don’t talk so much, just do it! I do not want to offend her, far away from this, but it is hard to hear how she is complaining and instead of doing things she takes her child for so long time from his father and she leaves her husband alone. Sorry, I do not criticize it is only what I am feeling watching these videos. Family is the best thing we can have, so we need to stay together and help each other.
Happy New Year!
Winter is very hard with a toddler but I have to say, having lived in VT with 2 toddlers, it won’t get much easier. It can be very isolating. If you can make things more comfortable (seating, rugs, a stand alone tub or outdoor sauna) you might feel better. In the end, it will be so good for Max. Exploring nature as a child is irreplaceable, so is learning how to occupy their time.
Thank you, those are some good ideas about adding comfort, and the reminder in your last sentence as to why its all worth it :) thank you for sharing!!
The project is ok but the location is not really good for such off grid construction
Hello lovely people. Please be kind to yourself through this period. It's immensely challenging. Re the balancing food making and playing etc. I had the same difficulty when my son was little (he's 18 now). My suggestion would be to take the quick wins, and yes, potentially sacrifice some of the cooking from scratch where you can in order to make your life easier. Maybe make a list and decide what are the non-negotiables food-wise, and what things are sometimes ok to substitute. I would personally have really struggled without a space that my son could play in safely in a vigorous way/running around etc. without having to watch him every second. Also maybe re the outside time, aim for 2 hours, and if you see that is manageable maybe the following week aim for 2.5 hours and see how that goes and so on. What you are both doing is incredibly hard and my hat goes off to you. I possibly find organisation easier than you Dana, but I would never in a million years have done up a boat and taken it sailing. The world needs all sorts of people and one of the reasons that people love your challenge is that you are open to trying new things, sharing how it is to do them. Thanks for the video and wishing you all the best for 2025 x
Jc, this is such a beautiful comment, thank you so much for taking the time to share your encouragement, experience and wisdom! this all sounds so smart and sensible. Thank you, really :) and wishing you all the very best for 2025 too x
@WildWeRoam aww thanks x
check out justin rhodes videos for ideas on an ever waterer for the chickens. if you have space below the pond, it could be gravity fed? just a thought
I used to enjoy watching this channel, but I find Dana to be immature and self-centered. There is more to life than a dishwasher, central heat, laundry, etc. Decide what you want and follow through.
Dana, can cooking together with the kids or Max alone be an option to do outside time and prepare al your own food?
The judgement people put on these RUclipsrs we do not actually know makes me wonder and feel sad for how they might judge themselves. We all have our own paths and who knows whats really going on. Just enjoy the youtube. ❤
I’m not a parent yet, but my partner and I are planning for the near future. I know forest schooling and a life centered in nature will be a huge part of our values as parents, as they are with our own lives, and I would LOVE to see what you come up with!
Aw thank you!! Thats really motivating to read :) Glad to have such a wonderful community of like minded people here!! and happy new year :)
LOVED THIS VIDEO! 👏❤ Loved the videography, your realizations about the role that the land itself has taken in your development, and your brainstorming about an informal outdoor school… All are wonderful! I love your vibrancy, your enthusiasm, and your dedication to living the dynamic life that you want to live. You are an inspiration for so many of us! Wishing you a Magical 2025!! ❤❤❤
thank you so much!! it means so much to read the joy in your comment :) have such a big smile on my face now!! wishing you a magical 2025, too!!
@@WildWeRoam ❤️❤️❤️
I subscribed for the homestead projects but unsubscribed because of the emotional monologues. I wish there were two channels. Good luck y’all 👋
Just wow.......Lou - You are an unbelievably good man. I won't say what I would've...or rather wouldnt've done in your situation!.... 😂😂
You guys really have some of the most mean spirited, misogynist commenters.
Less philosophizing please. Time to break a sweat Dana. Max will be fine. You do not need more kids or a dishwasher. You need to COMMIT.
Wow... that's rude to type to someone you don't actually know. They each have their own paths and if they are happy with it why or who are we to judge them. People can uniquely live their lives.
Not sure if this is just me, but I’m here to watch Lou complete his projects. I’m not as invested on watching his wife and tend to fast forward through her portions.
Yep, I'm with you.
I'm the opposite. I love the long chats along with the next level videography and are less interested in the ins and outs of most projects
What a sinister comment to leave...
Trying hard to stay engaged, but way too much of Dana talking and not doing. Ideas are great, but follow thru is important too. Dana lives in la-la land in her mind. Get real woman! Spend 3 days on the land living with your husband and your son’s father and then go to town and take advantage of your parents graciousness in using their facilities to do laundry and shower for a day or two. Heating water on your stove on the land for Max to have a bath in a plastic tote is ok. He will still love his bath and he doesn’t need one everyday. It’s hard for sure, but that’s the life you’ve chosen and it won’t be forever. Bailing on Lou when the winter sets in is not good for him or Max. Set an example for your son that when life gets tough you dig in and put forth that extra effort knowing Spring will come. Some seasons are easier than others, but there are blessings to be reaped whatever the weather. Stop looking for that perfect scenario, Dana. I would think by now with as many reiterations as you and Lou have tried, it would be obvious. When Spring comes, making a priority of connecting the shipping containers, building a connected bathroom/laundry space and having water available throughout the year should be the 2025 priority. Making your living situation 4 season functional should be the first priority. Building a ‘real’ home is going to take years and depriving Max and Lou of the family unity for 4-5 months every year is not a sustainable plan. You both need to get on the same page and get your priorities in order for the sake of your relationship and your son’s wellbeing. Being with his father is more important than a daily tub bath and lots of indoor room to play. Put your dreams into perspective and learn to live in reality.
mothering is work....... you do not know her!!!!!!!!!!! this is wild and unnecessarily prescriptive.
I decided to unsubscribe when I saw the water plumbing and outside shower setup, as I was concerned about its sustainability for a child during winter. Additionally, I prefer not to support channels that feature filming of children. I feel there might be room for improvement in connecting the project to nature and promoting nature conservation, especially with the use of plastic and scattered storage containers on the hill and different materials. I'm a bit confused by the various structures and makeshift bathroom arrangements; perhaps focusing on just two wooden structures, like a small cabin for immediate living space and a larger cabin for future use, or even three connected containers, could be more practical. Like GBU. The long monologues are overwhelming. Building and living in this environment is definitely hard work, not just a simple task of picking flowers and carrots. What you are putting in videos, is definitely not your real life, not a real full day in a life of Lou. Your off grid life is obviously very dependant on having parents close and I don’t blame you. I think this is the only reason why this chapter is longer. It’s nevertheless a good lesson to viewers who might be contemplating this. I wish you could be a bit more open with the realities of this chapter.
DM'd you on IG re: running an off-grid forest school! :)
I’ve read a lot of the comments from your past couple of videos, and aside from the extremes-the few cynical “she’s using him for the money” (???) or the vacuous “life is magical unicorns! There is no reality!”--they’ve seemed intended to help. I’ve actually recognized some things in my own thinking and behavior from reading.
Anyway, I’m going to offer my less-than-2 cents-worth of opinion. I’ve been watching you guys in interludes since the van days, although I missed a large swath of the Hawaii section. What I’ve noticed in the NY homesteading section (along with the snowy scenes, which I love) is anxiety. I almost feel it. it could be anxiety from the situation, or anxiety, period, attributed to the situation. I’ve learned that some people have anxiety from change, and some people have anxiety from staying in place. In my experience, the feeling that things are not quite right or never enough can inspire creativity, but it can also eventually kill it. I’ve focused so intently on situations and how to change them and in what ways to change them that I’m inhibited from doing anything and want to get out and get into something new for a fresh start, at which point I feel energized, not anxious, for a while.
I may be completely off base here (and forgive my overall presumptuousness), but I recall the video when you guys visited some other homesteading youtubers in CO (I forgot their names-she makes cool jewelry), and you spoke like you felt like that place was better than what you were doing. I wonder if all of you traveling more often and sharing your trips would give you a taste of what you used to do in your earlier days and also give you a break from this constant focus on your living situation. Just an idea. I think I’m going to start doing this tomorrow, myself, instead of just opining on your channel. Best of luck, and take care.
My toddler also wants to drop the nap! I’m holding onto it for dear life LOL, it’s my time to reset.
Hilarious that the homestead is faring better than the town 😂. They are doing their thing and working it out between them. Maybe skip the judgyness.
I was raised in Wisconsin in a house without any of the amenities Dana calls "ease" -- i.e. running water. It was a chamber pot for first thing in the morning needs or after dark, and an outhouse during daylight hours. Or school, which was nicer.
We also had no central heat, so it was two wood stoves. I slept in an unheated attic.
Our driveway was a quarter mile long and if the neighbor didn't come plow with his tractor, we didn't leave the house.
I survived infancy, toddlerhood and into adulthood without any difficulty. I'm pretty sure Max and Dana would survive Upstate New York as well.
Eating crow she deos not love it up there
She's never happy! I feel sorry for Lou! He does anything she wants but she's never happy with it! So he lives alone on the property while she lives in town with her family! Grow up girl! The world doesn't revolve around you!
She doesn’t want to make and live on a homestead, she wants to be taken and plopped down on a fully built homestead. This guys over here pulling water out of literal stone and making a home, he needs to feel like it's for someone other than himself and that they want it as bad as he does.
That's funny Max is telling you how to dress to go outside to play with him 😅
I know I've recommended it before but... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS BAD WEATHER is an amazing book and resource for Mom's especially with the nature play you want to do now.❤
Thanks Dana for the positive vibes! I’m wishing you an amazing 2025! I’m also looking forward to the new year 🤩
Happy New Year 🎊
May help to post more on Instagram and discord to build up the community you are looking for. Seems like a lot of negativity in the comments. They don't seem to feel connected with you and your vision.
Lou: “well, I just cleared another acre of land”
Dana: “but did you practice mindfulness?”
Honestly … you do you. Everyone and everything else is just noise.
Happy New Year. ♥
I carry many things in my car.. a chainsaw is not one of them. Lou always prepared!!! Have a wonderful 2025 you beautiful family ❤❤❤❤
Wishing you a wonderful new year too ❤❤❤❤
Very disappointing you choose this life and then now this isn’t good enough either. You leave your husband for parents because of no bath for your son. Warm the water and put him a plastic container for a bath. Dishwasher really? Who are you many homes don’t have a dish washer. I can’t watch this anymore. Poor Lou because you are never satisfied for very long
I know this harsh, but i agree. Lou is a hero - just be content with what you have instead of chasing after new dreams
I agree with you 💯 I was thinking that I was the only one
Id love to hear you both talk about the love of adventure and trying new things. Lives change and things happen and in my opinion its perfectly fine to change and get a new goal, a new plan, something else to have fun with.
You have evolved from living in a van with basically nothing to being a hoarder! 😂 😉
Dana time to grow up
yikes man... this channel is like on a loop or something.
Just watched the 'taking a break' video before this one. The house won't let you leave!
😍😍😍😍😍 Happy New Year!
Dana, you bugging out with Max is ridiculous. People homestead on remote properties. People homestead on remote properties with children! I don’t even consider your property remote because you can actually drive your cars up to your house. You have everything you need on that property. You don’t need running water, dishwashers, laundry, a bathtub. You just don’t want to do the additional work needed to live in your connex home. Why is your time with Max so much more precious than Lou’s? No matter how you try to justify it, Max is acutely aware he’s not getting daily interaction with his father, even if it’s brief due to busy workdays. Quit using your parent’s home as a crutch and go home.
NEW SUBSCRIBER LOVE TO HAVE YOU JOIN US AS WELL CENTRAL PORTUGAL 🇵🇹 😊
You didn’t need to move!!!!! It’s a wonder she didn’t have him take the generator to her parents house. She is trying to stop the backlash of last video. Stop whining and go use your dishwasher. You haven’t done it Lou did. Still unsubscribed.
I think that your 4-6 hours are not 4-6 hours of you playing one on one with Max. I mean he is 2 so he can't be independent but it is you doing your jobs and Max helping with scheduled Max play time within that. I feel super strongly that littles need to learn to guide their own play, it fosters their own creativity instead of teaching them to rely on you. So it's not you following Max around entering him the whole time. Making time for that too but maybe you have some "jobs" that you do together. Haha us parents all know that the jobs you accomplish with a toddler is far less productive than alone but if there is some rhythm to the outdoor time it would be more achievable. That could look like a lot of things, start the same way everyday and have different jobs depending on the day of the week with Wednesdays being more of a kid day with friends coming up. And I am not talking jobs like hard labor jobs but tasks that fill the time with purpose for both of you.
❤
Happy New Year from Keala, Antonio, and Claudio!
Happy New Year to you, Keala, Antonia and Claudio!! ❤