What Really Matters

September 12, 2008

The biography of Cheryl Long, Editor and Chief of Mother Earth News fascinated me. Most notably, the portion of her life spent living off the grid in northeast Washington with two friends, John Stuart and Carl Mack.

From there, I read this article written by Stuart. He reports back to Long on the unforeseen challenges and successes experienced in the 25 years he and Carol spent living and raising a family in their vertical log design home.

Stuart writes: “…the skills associated with sustainable rural living sometimes seem buried by popular culture, corporate farming and the commuting lifestyle…The hands-on approach to life is so visceral and pleasing however that it always survives in those of us who take the time and energy to seek out the traditions, information and companions who can help us see the light of day.”

I enjoy hearing Stuart speak to both those living on and those living off the grid. It’s too often we forget what really matters and sustains us.