| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 6:35:01 PM
After reading the thread about who likes what magazine, I went on a Bing craze and ended up looking at the Mother Earth News (still doesn't hold a candle to MJF in my opinion) web site. Once there, I followed the link on how to make a wood stove for less than $35 out of an old electric water heater. Then this lead me to looking into my fascination (for 10 years and climbing) of building a small, simple cabin/house for very low cost. And I emphasize the word 'small.' As in one room on the main floor that combines an open floor plan of a kitchen, eating area, great room and a bathroom (well, okay - that'd have to be closed off.) The loft would have two bedrooms.
Heating would be with wood stove or solar. It'd be as self contained as possible. I'm not into a 'purty' look, but it'd have to be very functionable. (Is that a word? lol)
I've dreamed of this simple life for many many years. And now, with the economy as it is, it's looking mighty tempting to look into it on a serious level.
DH is scratching his head on this one, but dang it I think it can be done. And to be able to pay if off in less than 10 or maybe 5 years or maybe even less appeals the dickens out of me.
I don't need all that extra space. Just give me a bedroom to sleep in, a table to eat at, a couch to watch the telly on, and a bathroom for the obvious - and I would be HAPPY. Forgot to mention a small porch.......what would a place in the country be without a porch to watch Mother Nature from?
Well, well.....I'm amazed that even after all these years the desire to live so simply still has deep roots embedded in my soul. And I have to be honest here, after joining MJF and getting the magazine, it only fuels my fire to get back to the simple way of life.
What an inspiration MJF is. I'm so hungry for more!
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| 20 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 14 2011 : 12:02:49 PM
Oooh I like your mindset JoAnn! I also like the 'old' woman's saying that she came here to live, not die. I think I'd like the idea of a loft bedroom with a bathroom upstairs. But, just in case it'd be nice to know I have a backup. In reality, your going up and down the stairs several times a day must play a large role in how young you feel. Kudos to ya, lady!
My DH are both 48. We both have jobs that involve our being on our feet all day, but he is more sedentary than I am. I can't just sit inside and watch the dumby box if it's nice out. Anyway, continue to enjoy your gorgeous house, it sounds wonderful!
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 13 2011 : 4:23:12 PM
JoAnn - your A-frame sounds wonderful. And you're so right about living - and not getting "old" in your mind. Wise words. Thanks for the reminder.
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Mountain Girl |
Posted - Feb 13 2011 : 3:10:36 PM
My husband and I live in an A-frame in the woods/mountains 70 miles north of Spokane and we love it! It was recently remodeled before we bought it and the previous owners did a wonderful job--they wanted to feel like they were living in a vacation retreat all the time. Our A-frame is a little larger than some--there's been an addition added on,a kitchen and upstairs room. The bedroom is upstairs and has an attached bath. and a separate loft above the living room. There are two small rooms downstairs that could be used as bedrooms if need be. Jim took an early retirement at the age of 59 and moved out west. Everyone told us we should look for a place with no stairs oh and be close to a hospital. Like a wise 91 year old lady who moved west 7 years ago said "I came out here to live, not die". I will be 65 in July and run up and down those stairs about 50 times a day. I love this house so that if I had to I would crawl up the stairs if I had to. Last year I hiked to the top of Roundtop Mountain--slowly but I did it. When we go to our cabin in the mountains I sleep on the top bunk and even when I had an injured knee managed to climb down to go to the outhouse!. My husband will be 66 in July and still goes backpacking and cross country skis every day. Remember one should get older not old. I've met people in their 40's who are "old". Stay young at heart. JoAnn |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 13 2011 : 08:00:15 AM
Lorraine, bet your family really enjoys their A frame. And on the lake, no less - I can only wish! I've always liked the looks of an A frame as it was so different. I think that even at a young age (teens when I began liking them) that I had the sense to know that they were very practical architecturally speaking, as well as a means of utilizing an open floor plan. Hence, not needing all the partitioned off rooms and such.
Kind of sobering to be thinking of impending old age, but one has to be practical. I really admire older folks who are still so spry and healthy. I work with the public and I will say that I've DEFINITELY noticed that women who were raised on a farm and still live on one are by far the healthier crowd.
As for the getting rid of stuff, I haven't got there yet. I don't have a lot of stuff, but I do have a wee bit more than most for my sewing. I watch a lot of the Hoarder's programs and see all this stuff these hoarders hold on to and how unnecessary it is. Also, the professional organizers that they have come in to help these people have some very good ideas and thoughts on how to downsize and how to reason with oneself to rid your home. But we're planning on having a barn sale this spring.....
I did hang out some clothes this morning......you can follow my post here http://maryjanesfarm.org/snitz/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=48424
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 12 2011 : 07:09:17 AM
Alee - your cabin sounds wonderful - even if it does look like a monopoly house. lol
Karen - some family members have an A frame on a lake and its very nice with a big porch and lots of large windows. I LOVE IT. I think A frames are/were so popular is because they are relatively inexpensive to build. Their loft has a modified stair/ladder - and I've been up it but definitely would not want to try that in the middle of the night for a bathroom trip. They have one bedroom and the bath on the main level. Its small but has lots of room.
I enjoy looking through books, searching online and dreaming about my future cabin. Its good to visualize what you want. And as far as wondering where you're going to put all that stuff - I'm a firm believer in less is more. I've been weeding out stuff and it feels great. When I have too much stuff around me - or I find stuff I've stashed away but never use it - I get rid of it. Sometimes I catch myself hanging on to stuff for one reason or another, but the older I get, the less I want to hang on to.
Karen - enjoy hanging your clothes - we're looking forward to above freezing temps too. Aaaaahhhh...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 11 2011 : 10:25:32 AM
A small space, cabin, house or whatever is anything we make it to be. It can be as rustic or as modern as we like, minus all the extra unused space that most 'modern' homes have. I mean, do I HAVE to have a separate sewing room? No, I can certainly make do with a dining table. Do we have to have a separate room for our washer/dryer? Nope, again - a cleverly concealed wall unit would do the trick. I'm thinking, other than the bathroom and bedroom(s), it can be totally open.
Sure, I'd like the normal utilities, but would compromise with a wood stove. I'm thinking A Frame with tall floor to ceiling (peak) windows to view the falling snow, falling leaves, or the birds in neighboring trees. Oh, if I had the money right now I'd make it happen tomorrow.
I don't want to retire and still be paying mortgage, or renting. I want to have something, ANYthing, paid off and my little own little corner of paradise. And yeah, I'll admit to thinking more of the growing old part and all that it entails. Things like an easily accessible front entrance (wheelchair, walker, etc.) One level floor plan with no steps to or from any area. Stuff like that.........
Just dreaming my afternoon away. Now to shovel out a path to my clothesline........it's to be above freezing over the weekend! Gasp!
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Alee |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 7:46:37 PM
My family started building a log cabin when I was four years old. I can't remember when we decided it was "done" but we have everything but running water. It's a nice little cabin- a good space. I wish my husband was a bit more "Farmgirlish" and would accept a simpler lifestyle. Anyway- I don't know the dimensions off the top of my head but if you are standing in the front door which is about front and center of the cabin, you enter the living room/kitchen area. To the right is a small bathroom with tub/shower combo, toilet and sink. Just past the kitchen is a small table for dining and such and behind the couches is the wood stove. To the right of the kitchen/dining table is the stairs going up to the loft. Under the stairs is storage. Upstairs is just one big room with dormers front and center. Yes it does look a bit like a monopoly house. Square with dormers! LOL But we love it! I wish we lived in it with Nora!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
| mickib |
Posted - Feb 09 2011 : 11:11:51 AM
Karen, I like the idea of a small space too, but my husband can't be convinced. He lived in several small one-room cabins when he was in his 20's and he says he doesn't want to do it again. I don't think I can change his mind. So sad. |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Feb 08 2011 : 6:56:41 PM
my concern with the loft concept is the ability to get up and down steps of whatever sort-- i broke my ankle in 3 places about 15 years ago and had one heckofa time getting upstairs to go to bed or potty...first few nites i slept on the couch- eventually i would scoot up and down the steps on my butt ---and i was 15 years younger than i am now!!!!
i def have to look at one floor- just a fear as i get older--however i am ready for the small space concept!
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| Cherime |
Posted - Feb 07 2011 : 11:21:15 AM
I have a small space and the loft is ok because the bathroom is upstains. Could put the bathroom over the kitchen, lots of people do that here in AK. The loft is nice for sleeping as it stays warmer.
CMF |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 5:40:19 PM
I do agree that having to climb (stair or ladder) to get to my bed at night is a concern, too. I'm ashamed to say that even at my age I dread having to go to bed upstairs in our old farmhouse. I suppose it wouldn't be too much to make the cabin/house/whatever a bit longer longer to accommodate a back bedroom that's downstairs. But I'd like to think that I'm going to lose weight, get fit and be able to trot up a staircase or ladder even when I'm at a ripe old age. I guess it'd wind me going up, and be a hazard of my falling coming down. But yes, valid concern indeed.
Now I wish I knew where all those brochures went that I had. There were plans in some of them and were chock full of ideas. In the spring I'm going to have to go through some more of our stuff we haven't unpacked yet.
When I spoke again to DH about my 'dream' he commented that he wanted to live in a house - not wear it. But I think if I'd crunch the numbers he'd come around at some point!
And one more thing, and it's kind of off topic, but someone on here posted about a t.v. series on Victorian Farm living. This led me something very similar called Edwardian Farm living. It's a series on BBC and it's very entertaining to watch. You can find it by doing a Google (I'm a Bing person myself) search. My daughter and DH will watch it on our laptop some nights. And since we've had so many coooold evenings - it makes for a nice evening tucked under a blanket with a cup of hot cocoa. Just thought I'd mention it as it ties in with the living simpler thing.
Now off to, well, do some more searching a small living spaces........ (!) Tea Lady, you hit the nail on the head!
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 2:03:41 PM
Margo - I have the same concern about having a sleeping loft. I prefer everything on one floor - especially the bed and bathroom.
Missusprim - its fun to follow those trails on the internet, isn't it??? I can waste more time than I care to admit.
I saved a Country Living magazine - I think its from 1994 - and it shows a 16 by 16 foot cabin that Cathy Johnson built on her property in MO. She's an artist and went home (in town) most nights - but it had an outhouse. I want indoor plumbing, but I love the pictures of her cabin. Seems to me, we probably all just read in MJF magazine how MJ visualized her farm long before she found it. That's why I hang on to those photos/magazine articles of places that resonate with me. Let's keep visualizing our small, cozy cabins - and before you know it, we'll have them. This is fun - thanks missusprim for revitalizing my dream...
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| Penny Wise |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 12:04:22 PM
i moved a year ago from almost 2800 sq ft to about 800 sq ft and i have tons of "stuff" i still haven't ventured to unpack--i guess i don't need it! my thought tho- i am currently living rent free paying utilities so i can't complain that the space is less than ideal--
my future plan is that i am interested in living small- but concerned that most smaller places have a "loft" for sleeping- i wish to be on one floor- am worried about mobility later in life...
thoughts on this?
oh- i'm in michigan so def have seasons changing and not so much "outdoor" time and possibility as say in Hawaii!
Farmgirl # 2139
~*~ counting my pennies and biding my time; my dreams are adding up!~*~ |
| AuntPammy |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 10:30:21 AM
I have a very dear friend that lives in a small cabin(12 x 12) it may not even be this big.On the first floor is his kitchen, sitting room, and a bathroom in the back.Above this is a loft that is his sleeping cove. It works out quite nice for him and when my hubs retires we are planning on moving up in the mountains and building something quite similar. Really it is all a person really needs.
"We were given: Two hands to hold. Two legs to walk. Two eyes to see. Two ears to listen. But why only one heart? Because the other was given to someone else. For us to find."
Source Unknown |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 10:00:39 AM
Tea Lady - your link sent me on yet another long journey through cyberspace! The ideas I now have are just going to have to be either bookmarked on the laptop or put in a journal of some sort. But wow, what a great website! Who knew there were people actually doing this sort of thing. Kudos to them, and to think of the loads of money they're saving on so many things.....utilities, mortgage, decorating, etc. Think of our retirement funds building and building. I see where I can buy the book through Amazon.
craftystranger, I didn't see the magazine Dwell in our local Kroger but will look at other stores and hope to see it. I don't think our local library has it, but I'll check to see for sure. Log cabins have held an appeal for me as well. The look of them combined with the thicker walls and whether you leave them as in on the interior or choose to alter them.
I guess I just want to downsize, save money and have a place to call our own and live simply. I don't need all the luxuries. Honestly, I could be a pioneer woman in a heartbeat.
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Melina |
Posted - Feb 06 2011 : 09:30:21 AM
I just went and looked at a 450 sq. ft. cottage that my granddaughter was thinking of renting. It was falling apart and she didn't take it, but it got me thinking about living in that small a space. I love the idea. Only problem is DH. He could never do it and we would kill each other in no time. Three years ago we moved from 2,400 sq.ft. to 1,700. It was painful, deciding what to give up. There are still many boxes of "stuff" under the house in the crawl space that I just marked with the contents, sealed, and stowed. Maybe the kids will want some of it when we are gone.
The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.
Rumi |
| Tea Lady |
Posted - Feb 05 2011 : 2:27:09 PM
missusprim - I have also had a craving for a small cabin/house for years and have saved magazines and brochures that have great ideas. I've checked out numerous library books to pour over them for future reference. My DH isn't convinced either - but he's not into big houses and realizes we can definitely downsize after he retires - there's just the 2 of us and no need for this much room... Check out this link - http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/. They have some great designs - and its a lot of fun to look at. One of these days...
And I agree with you that MJF is so much better than MEN. I also completely understood how one search lead to another, to another, to another... Isn't that amazing? :o)
Craftystranger - I have also been on a purging excercise to get rid of all this excess stuff! Who needs it?
Hope you enjoy the link! And keep dreaming and don't drop the bone! :o)
Lorraine
(aka Tea Lady)
Farmgirl #1819
www.birdsandteas.com |
| craftystranger |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 12:17:53 PM
missusprim I started laughing when you said that your DH was scratching his head....mine just gives me this look....like really?. My dream is to have a small cabin type house. If you are interested in "small living" you should look at Dwell magazine. They are a modern style living but are full of tons of space saving ideas. My favorite is the back of the stairs are drawers. Go figure. You have drawers and use some of the space behind the stair case. Look at a library or flip through one at a book store. I have been slowly down sizing my house hold items to show DH that it can be done. But with the market like it is we will have to wait to sell our home. But like you I have my bone!! Barbara
Don't forget to laugh! |
| missusprim |
Posted - Feb 04 2011 : 08:18:41 AM
Colleen, so glad you're happy. Knowing that you've done what I long to do and have been successful at it only fuels my fire. I've never been one who likes to live in vast, open spaces when it comes to a house - and I think I'd be perfectly content to seriously downsize.
CBS Sunday Morning program with Charles Osgood had a piece on a man in a big city who literally converted a good sized closet into his home - complete with a loft bed, etc. He did a very nice job! The man could only budget for so much, so when he was shown this apartment, he told the land lord up front that he couldn't afford the apartment, but that he'd pay him x amount of dollars if he could rent out the 'closet.' He did, and he seemed completely at peace with it.
It's intriguing that you've become more interested in sewing, etc. since moving to a smaller place. I wonder why that is?
Anyway, I even kept some brochures on small kit houses that I sent for many years ago. Some are for summer homes, smaller cabins, or small vacation homes but there are some very cute ones out there. I wonder why, with the economy as it is, that this isn't something more people are looking into as a viable option to manage their money and live within their means. I think I may have to do some serious convincing of my DH but I can be like a dog with a bone......
I wish you continued happiness in your small home - I'm envious!
"Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms." George Eliot
http://onceinnabluemoon.blogspot.com/
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| Colleen Easlon |
Posted - Feb 03 2011 : 9:23:02 PM
I agree with you completely. We live very simply and in a small space but are very comfortable & happy. We at one time were doing quite well, and affected when the economy hit bad times. We had to get rid of almost everything, and move in to a tiny place. I've never been happier. It's brought our family so close together, and I am now MUCH more interested in gardening, sewing, etc. instead of shopping & materials. =) |
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