| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 01 2010 : 12:58:16 PM
Hi there! I am on a mission to move from Los Angeles, CA to anywhere in the rural United States! I have been here all of my life and long for the wide open spaces. I need an education and I am turning to the SISTERS for help. Where do I go? How do I get there? What I should know before I head out? I am not a farmer, but I would like to be self-sufficient. I am not looking to raise cattle, but some chickens and goats would be nice. I want to live at the end of a little road and have a little house with a little land. Am I dreaming? Is there some coffee I should be smelling?
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Simply Faith |
Posted - Apr 04 2010 : 07:45:12 AM
Remember Green Acres the TV Show? A verse from the song goes something like this....if my memory serves me well..
Green Acres is the Place for me,(can't remember this part) so much for the memory..anyway
land stretchin out so far and wide, leave Manhattan and give me that countryside. I can relate to this song, and these posts...Get me Outta Here! Is right.... I live in a city a very large,noisy busy city, south Of Cleveland Oh. Been in this area all my life, but I want to change it, have a little land enough so I don't smell my neighbors coffee in the morning, or hear the boom boxes. Somewhere where flowers grow wild, you can sit out at night and actually see the stars, where the wind gently makes the windchimes sing, where I can hang clothes, and have chickens, and.........the list goes on...I would trade all the convienant stores and shopping, stop lights, and emergency vechicles for some land a house that sits on it...Hope is a wonderful thing. Unemployment has a way of getting in the way...we have been detoured for a while..but the path will be made straight again. |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 10 2010 : 08:09:28 AM
Thanks Debbie! I am headed there now. I appreciate your input. - Cyndy
quote:
Originally posted by debtea2
hi cyndy
check out "Doing it on your own" topic in A farm of my own
it might be the answer your looking for ??
or at the very least inspiration.
inch by inch we find our way
jersey farmgirl
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| debtea2 |
Posted - Mar 09 2010 : 7:17:00 PM
hi cyndy
check out "Doing it on your own" topic in A farm of my own
it might be the answer your looking for ??
or at the very least inspiration.
inch by inch we find our way
jersey farmgirl |
| lindyfran |
Posted - Mar 05 2010 : 5:44:42 PM
Hi, We have a Farm on Harstine Island that is looking for a sister or two.
Please call Jo @ 360 427 6702 for detials
Lady who owns a farm that wants it to be nurtured,cared for & a real working farm |
| lindyfran |
Posted - Mar 05 2010 : 5:43:14 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Cyndarella
Hi there! I am on a mission to move from Los Angeles, CA to anywhere in the rural United States! I have been here all of my life and long for the wide open spaces. I need an education and I am turning to the SISTERS for help. Where do I go? How do I get there? What I should know before I head out? I am not a farmer, but I would like to be self-sufficient. I am not looking to raise cattle, but some chickens and goats would be nice. I want to live at the end of a little road and have a little house with a little land. Am I dreaming? Is there some coffee I should be smelling?
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch
Lady who owns a farm that wants it to be nurtured,cared for & a real working farm |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 09:42:08 AM
Hi Carol:
I know that state of mind, but the nice thing is you can take state(s) of mind whereever you go. We don't see much of the hippie state of mind in plasticland (Los Angeles). Start some "state of mind" in your area. Forget the hairy armpits maybe [lol].
-c
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Lessie Louise |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 09:14:16 AM
I remember when Petaluma was known for wrist wrestling and the Chicken Capitol of te World, and that was not a good thing. I have not been there since Baker seed went it, Petaluma was just getting trendy when I left. But I love the midwest, just miss the west coast way of thinking and the hippies.
Forget buns of steel, I'd rather have buns of cinnamon!
Farmgirl #680! |
| Annika |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 09:07:01 AM
Petaluma is pretty country, I've been through there many times. They now have a heirloom seed store thanks to Baker Creek seeds! So you'd have access to some wonderful heirlooms right at hand =) Good luck and stay focused on your dream!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. ~Leonardo DaVinci
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| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 08:58:27 AM
Angie:
I read my Kindle this morning on the bus. I love The Backyard Homestead. Its just what the doctor ordered. I was actually praying for more traffic!
Great idea!
cyndy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 08:56:49 AM
Hi Carol:
I really love Petaluma too! Its kinda funny, but once you leave California its very difficult to come back unless you win the lotto. BTW: I love your "buns" tag line. Very cute.
Cyndy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 08:15:16 AM
Suzie:
Thanks for that info! I am headed there now. I really appreciate your insite.
Cyndy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| SuzieQ |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 06:49:41 AM
Cyndy, The author of the book Made from Scratch has a blog site. It deals with the trials and tribs of looking and finding your own place. I really enjoy reading her blog. If you can start from the beginning to get the whole idea. Her site is http://coldantlerfarm.blogspot.com/ Hope you enjoy it as much as I do. |
| Lessie Louise |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 06:27:16 AM
Hey Cndy, I am from Petaluma, and would love to go back. Can't afford it anymore. All the advice you have recieved is awesome, you will be busy for awhile. I thought I was pretty self sufficient, until I started looking around the forum, and I have learned sooo much. This is just such a cool place to learn something, if you have a question just ask. Any one have any ideas on what to fix for dinner? {lol}, Carol
Forget buns of steel, I'd rather have buns of cinnamon!
Farmgirl #680! |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 04:55:19 AM
Hi Angie! I ordered The Backyard Homestead tonight for my Kindle and look forward to reading on my way to work. I have an hour's bus ride to Los Angeles everyday and it gives me plenty of time to read. I have been reading spirituality books because of my misplaced lifestyle, but The Backyard Homestead may be the answer. Thanks!
Cyndy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| amomfly |
Posted - Mar 03 2010 : 02:21:49 AM
I admire you for wanting to be more self sufficient. I live in a small town [well just outside of] in North east Indiana. Our winters are hard, we have discussed moving more south as we approach our empty nest days. But here I have just under three acres. And I have a lot of animals and we are very self sufficient. We raise,butcher,freeze,can, and dry so much I barley spend 200-250 a month on food form a store for a family of 6! Now my feed bill is higher, I spend app. 90 every other week or so! But we have horses,chickens,turkeys,llama,pig,dogs and cats!
Now, I love all the suggestions here, you sure did get a lot of advice. I do think you would love to check out rural living in CA, just to be a little closer to kids and grandkids.
I would love to suggest a book,The Backyard Homestead. I bought it this weekend in a Cracker Barrel in Southern Indiana. It has all kinds of great self sufficient ideas for little acreage and little experience. I do wish it went inot more details are things like butchering, but is still full of great info.
Enjoy, and keep us posted on your progress!
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:24:42 PM
Hi Carol!
I ordered MJB's Lifebook from her website yesterday and subscribed to Mother Earth News as well! If reading alone could make this happen, I am definitely on my way. Thanks! - cyndy
quote:
Originally posted by Lessie Louise
There are a million places to go! Do you want all four seasons? Mild or harsh Winters? I would sit down with a piece of paper and write out what it is you want and how you can achieve it. DO your home work, there is a lot of work involved to be self sufficent. Go to your library and check out some MJB Lifebook, Foxfire books and Counrty Women by J.Tetrault and S. Thomas. Read as much of MJB, Mother Earth News and Countryside magazines as you can get your hands on. Keep a journal of what you plan to do. Will you need to work? You would have to be where the jobs are. Remember, a farmgirl is a state of the heart. Oh, and welcome! You are in the right place, and I hope I have been helpful, Carol
Forget buns of steel, I'd rather have buns of cinnamon!
Farmgirl #680!
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:23:14 PM
Hi Julie:
I ordered the Backyard Homestead for my Kindle so I can read it on the way into downtown LA on the bus. Gonna take advantage of every second! Thanks! - Cyndy
quote:
Originally posted by paradiseplantation
Cyndy - I applaud your direction! There are so many things you can do and Carol gave you some great advice! Taking Sarah's ideas one step further, to get some OJT you can apply to be a 'farm sitter', and take care of other people's farms when they leave for a few days or weeks. I'm not sure what your financial situation is, but if you are willing to travel, this could potentially be a good income. Another thing is search for rural properties for sale on the internet. I noticed that Mother Earth News (I think) had an ad about property sales in one of their magazines. And I strongly agree that you should make a wish list and a pros and cons list for your property. And read everything you can get your hands on. I like the book The Backyard Homestead, which covers options for a place beginning with 1/4 acre and going on up to larger parcels (I think it's around 5 acres, if I'm not mistaken). It's a good beginners guide. Good luck, and definitely keep us posted on your journey!
from the hearts of paradise...
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:18:34 PM
Hey Princess:
Thanks for the obvious thoughts about California. After I read your reply, I got on the internet and started looking at Santa Rosa, Napa and Petaluma. Gorgeous, Gorgeous Gorgeous.
quote:
Originally posted by prairie_princess
wow, cyndy! i find it wonderful that your dreams of living in the country are so strong! i agree with the other gals to start small, maybe do some farm sitting, volunteer, whatever you can to get your hands dirty and see how much you like it! do you have any friends or family in the country you could stay with?
i might also suggest looking at some places in the country within CA or nearby states, especially if you want to stay near family. there are plenty of absolutely beautiful places in CA in the country! I was stationed in Lemoore in the San Joaquin Valley while i was in the Navy... that whole central valley is farmland with wide open spaces and mountains and the ocean nearby! or hey, if you found vineyards interesting, too, there are so many places to try learning plant culture in CA!
Keep coming back to this community for help, inspiration, and motivation! we're here for you!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:16:23 PM
Wow! Thank you for your help and your generous offers. I can honestly say that I have never been to Missouri. Missouri is good and historic as well. A great place to stop on a tour of the country looking for a new home. Thanks again!
quote:
Originally posted by simplecomfort
you can do it!! i grew up in the city but longed for country and moved to my first farm 3 years ago. if you are that type, most of it comes natural. i had never done a garden then put in a 1 acre garden, bought chickens and turkeys and peacocks, etc. i have been becoming more and more self sufficient over the years. mostly lately when reading these posts. Missouri is good, but hot summers and harsh winters. You are welcome to come here or stay on your way if you need to.. good luck!
"Thank God I'm a country girl"
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| simplecomfort |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 9:12:50 PM
you can do it!! i grew up in the city but longed for country and moved to my first farm 3 years ago. if you are that type, most of it comes natural. i had never done a garden then put in a 1 acre garden, bought chickens and turkeys and peacocks, etc. i have been becoming more and more self sufficient over the years. mostly lately when reading these posts. Missouri is good, but hot summers and harsh winters. You are welcome to come here or stay on your way if you need to.. good luck!
"Thank God I'm a country girl" |
| HorseLady |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 5:57:05 PM
Countryside Magazine is an excellent source. It always has inspiring stories about people who left the city behind and moved to the country. It's a realistic approach to it, too, and you can order back issues.
When I think of moving out of PA, I really ponder this because in PA we don't have earthquakes, tornadoes are very rare, floods happen if you live in a risk area, but basically there aren't any major type catastrophic weather. Oh, no hurricanes either like you get on coasts. We do get snow but usually less than 30 inches is normal for a season. If you don't want snow at all, you will have to look further south. But then they have climate issues, like high humidity, bugs. Just research and visit the area in every season before you move anywhere.
Hug a horse or a dog today! |
| Farm Diva |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 5:48:16 PM
Hi Cyndy! Seems we North Carolina Farm girls agree: it's a fine place to be! I live in the mountains of Western North Carolina, and it is so beautiful here! This area has 4 seasons, and moderate temperatures. If you like the ocean you can be at the beach in 6 hours...the best of both worlds.
Do something you love! |
| prairie_princess |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 1:54:31 PM
wow, cyndy! i find it wonderful that your dreams of living in the country are so strong! i agree with the other gals to start small, maybe do some farm sitting, volunteer, whatever you can to get your hands dirty and see how much you like it! do you have any friends or family in the country you could stay with?
i might also suggest looking at some places in the country within CA or nearby states, especially if you want to stay near family. there are plenty of absolutely beautiful places in CA in the country! I was stationed in Lemoore in the San Joaquin Valley while i was in the Navy... that whole central valley is farmland with wide open spaces and mountains and the ocean nearby! or hey, if you found vineyards interesting, too, there are so many places to try learning plant culture in CA!
Keep coming back to this community for help, inspiration, and motivation! we're here for you!
"Only two things that money can't buy, that's true love and homegrown tomatoes."
- Guy Clark
"The man who has planted a garden feels he has done something for the good of the world."
- Charles Dudley Warner |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 11:49:53 AM
Hi Kathy:
I would love to hear more about the other cities you have seen as well on your many trips! I would also like to hear more about how you "live in town" and "have a place in the country". How far are you from the country place? -Cyndy
quote:
Originally posted by KathyC
Cyndy,
I grew up in Los Angeles also-around San Pedro and Redondo Beach. Came to North Carolina in 1969 for vacation, my father was from this area, and I loved it. Spent the entire summer on my aunt & uncle farm, they raised beef cows, soy beans, and silage. I did not want to go home but still had another year of high school. Back to San Pedro for another year then back to North Carolina. Then I was back and forth for a few years. My move was easier because I had family here. When I was younger I was much more out going, kinda shy now, so making friends was easy for me then. I'm with Hosanna, North Carolina is beautiful and the weather is nice. We have all the seasons with just enough winter and just a little too much humidity in the summer. I have driven across the US many times, up and down the west coast and the east coast and we have so many beautiful places that I would love to live in. We live in town but have a place in the country that I would love to move to. I am having a bigger garden this year, and learning things where I am so I can be self sufficient when we do get to retire and move to the country. Keep your vision and learn as much as you can where you are. All things are possible.
Kathy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
| Cyndarella |
Posted - Mar 02 2010 : 10:50:34 AM
Thanks Kathy! One of the most interesting parts of your story is that you have gone from being outgoing to shy. I find that fasinating in that I have become more shy as I have gotten older. You would think we would get less so - with age comes confidence? I loved your story in whole and in part and I like the thought of having "a bigger garden this year". It can all be gradual. - cyndy
Sitting in a high rise with a view of Los Angeles dreaming of a ranch |
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