A dream is a wish your heart makes . . .

I have always been intrigued with the idea of doing more with less; reducing, recycling, reusing, repurposing; being uber resourceful; living tiny and self-sufficient. Before it was ever trendy to homestead or live off-grid, I dreamed of living a more simple life. Even today, I make my own soap, candles, mead, yogurt, and my current sourdough starter has survived four moves with me. I sew and garden and pickle and can food (granted there have been times in my life that I have done more of that than I do now, living alone).

After doing my taxes and calculating the cost of the roof over my head (not including transportation, fuel, food for myself and my furbabies), I couldn’t help but wonder if there might be a better option for living and working for the next five to seven years. I have a vintage trailer that is built for Saskatchewan winters. I have a leased spot in the bush that I can get power to. I have the knowledge and skills to make living tiny a reality. I have a thirst for adventure and, at this point in my life, I still have the physical ability. With an early March storm brewing outside and a new batch of Viking Blood mead (sour cherry) brewing inside, a dream started to take shape . . . what would it cost to live an unconventional life . . . to build a carport over my trailer and add an addition – an insulated box if you like – with a wood-burning stove, sleeping nook, additional storage, and space for my wild bunch?

As for my list of 55 . . . I have visited my daughter (no. 14), made a call to reconnect with a friend (no. 25), lit a fire (no. 43), bought a coffee for a stranger in the Tim Horton’s drive-thru (no. 53), and have added four new crystals to my collection (no. 55).