Thankful.

Today I am thankful. 

Thankful for the half million views that we have had here at the blog! 

Thankful for all the moments I have had the pleasure of sharing with you. 

 

But most of all though I am thankful for the support of the Localrootz Project and how far it has come since the Arm Factory kick off back in 2009. Many people among our community have woven through this project and shared their knowledge, wisdom, guidance, support and encouragement. When we embarked on this "LocalRootz Project" it was never clear where the end game was or what the actual reason behind it would be. All I knew is I wanted to explore the concept of self sustainability and all the avenues and intricacies that it encompassed. Over the past 16yrs we have gone from a small attic apartment in the west end of Portland with a rooftop garden and community plot to a 6 acre Homestead in Gray. When I reminisce on the experiences we have had, the failures and fortunes we have gone through and the growth we continue to achieve, I am optimistic and appreciative. As I scrolled through countless years of pictures, it is refreshing and inspiring to see the big picture. Its so easy to be caught up in the moment of the day... for example, last night, while taking out the compost I encountered a woodchuck feasting on our best cabbage crop ever. Yes my anxiety is high as to how this is going to play out. Up till now we have escaped, somehow,  years of growing without big wildlife pressure on our now fenceless oasis. But a quick breath of air and a trip down memory lane and I recall other battles we have faced. Like how to get 300lbs of potting soil home on a bicycle, or how do I get rid of an acre of brambles where I want to have a garden. The homestead, like life is full of obstacles. The real measure of success is how you look at these obstacles. On my good days I see them as fun challenges, on bad days they become roadblocks. Having this blog keeps me inspired and allows me to share our journey in hopes it inspires you to follow your path as well. 

I have decided a rollcall of pictures from the past to the present is in order for this post of thanks and gratitude, but before we take a scroll down memory lane I would like to also acknowledge how thankful I am to have my wife and daughter along for this wild ride! 

I am most thankful to be celebrating my 14th Anniversary with the love of my life, Cassi. Cassi has been with me through all these crazy projects, supporting, enduring and consoling me through my successes and failures. She inspires me to be the best human I can be and her undying love and support is a major reason why this blog still exists. I admire her patience, loyalty and the unwavering kindness she shares with myself and our beautiful daughter.

and Now the Scroll Down Memory Lane...