My friend Linda has it right. For eight years, she has been laser-focused on one goal: to become self-sufficient on her own land in a home that provides its own heat, power, and water–even food. Every decision, every choice in that time, was made with this in mind.
Now, Linda is beginning to see the fruition of her dream:
- She is living on land in southeastern Arizona that she got for a song (land is dirt cheap when you don’t need electricity or running water.)
- She is preparing to find, buy, and transport the materials for the Earthship that she has dreamed of for so long. These self-sustaining, passive solar houses use mostly recycled and locally sourced materials but very little of that will come for free.
I am lucky to be along for the ride. I joined up mainly because Linda’s single-minded determination was irresistible. After I saw her achieve the impossible over and over, I knew she would accomplish this too. So, for now, I am Linda’s helper and follower, her sidekick.
Because I believe in dreams.
Considering what is going on in Washington these days, I think she must be clairvoyant. Social Security ain’t looking too secure right now.
We joke that we are two old ladies about to become farmers. (Well, here in the Southwest, I guess we can call ourselves ranchers.) Soon, we will build a greenhouse and start growing vegetables and herbs to sell at the local farmers’ market.
We have other plans for raising money too. I’ll document it all in a book. Linda’s plan includes a YouTube channel to show others how to do what she’s doing — where and how to buy cheap land, how to homestead it, the ins and outs of zoning and permits. (She is a former general contractor and building inspector, so she knows her shit.)
Are we crazy?
I may wonder about that in days to come when my back hurts and the sun is beating down, but I know Linda has no doubts. This is gonna happen.
Stay tuned.
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So sure this WILL work out the way she dreamed. I think she would be crazy if she didn’t follow her dream. You make a great side kick. Sorry I didn’t follow ya down. Next year I’ll lend a hand. I’m sure there will be lots of work to go around.
I so agree with you, Linda! Looking forward to seeing you next year. 🙂
Hey, does your friend have a Youtube channel? ???would love to see how it goes, building, water solar etc….thanks
Hi Joe, thanks for asking. Linda doesn’t have a YouTube channel yet. Not much is happening at the moment while she saves up enough to get started. Will let you know when she does, though. 🙂
Wow. Love when crazy-sounding plans become reality. I’m lifted by your and Linda’s determination. 🙂
Thanks, but it’s Linda’s determination that lifts me. 🙂
Love that you’ve always been a dreamer and anxious to see plans come to fruition. Will be checking in every now and then looking at the reality.
Hi John, it’s good to hear from you again. That particular plan is still on track, but only with my friend Linda. I had some health issues that required returning to San Diego for medical care. It’s all good, though. 🙂 Hope you are well.
LaVonne! I just got Through reading the book nomad land and I’d really like to know how it’s going with Linda and her dream home? I’ve been searching the Internet to see updates and have it come across any how’s it going?
Hi Amber, thanks for asking.
Linda bought some land and is in the process of setting up a shed to live in while she builds her home. Not sure yet if it will be an Earthship.
Hi you lucky people, wish I could join you but at 83 + it’s a bit late. Besides my 78 classic GMC motorhome is a disaster at the moment, not even sure if I’ll ever be able to use it. Everything is tied up in bricks and sticks and auto’s that I don’t need but unable to sell. I just finished reading Nomadland for the 4th time and somehow feel I’m part of the family. Wish I had come across you folks years ago when I drove my 350 Ford Diesel class “C” RV from San Diego to Niagara Falls Canada. I’ll be very interested in seeing how Linda is coming along with her Earthship. Best regards and tons of happiness for the future.
Best wishes,
Carl
A classic GMC motorhome is my dream house! Welcome to the family. 🙂 FYI, Linda decided to get a small cabin instead of build an Earthship, which would take too much hard work and time.
Hi LaVonne, Sending love and well wishes to both you and Linda. I finished reading Nomadland last night and am going over to a girlfriends house to watch the movie tonight. I so admire your kinship, strength, and sense of adventure. A friend and I camped recently near Jacumba in California and I can imagine what Linda’s land is like. It was raw, unspoiled, and off the grid. So sorry the air was not very nice in Pasadena when you visited. That area is my home base. Thank you sharing! Looking forward to reading more about your adventures here.
That was my main concern, the time and the hard work plus being past the 70 mark although we live longer and stronger these day. Just the same I agree with Linda’s sentiments. I had the figures wrong in my mind I was 38 at the time but my body did not agree with my brain and now I am paying for it. I’ve already been told years ago that I have degenerative arthritis and after a lot more work than is good for me it’s payday. My GMC is still not ready to hit the road although all the mechanicals are in top shape I still have a lot of work to do inside. I’m beginning to wonder whether I’ll ever see the day but who knows. I kept saying if Linda can do it why not me? Please give my regards to Linda when you see her, She looks sensational in her latest pictures. By the way I just saw the movie a couple of weeks ago, they left a lot out so I’m almost finish reading the book yet again. Keep enjoying your lifestyle, wish I could be part of it.
Best regards,
Carl