What A Difference A Year Makes...

As we approach our one year anniversary of living full time on our off grid homestead we take a minute to look back and reflect on all the progress, the projects, and all of the growth that's occured. It's been a pretty wild ride, and it's looking like the future will continue to be beautifully entertaining as well ; ) Back when we moved into our shipping container home we had no kitchen, no running water, no electricity, no storage for our clothing, nothing but a bedroom container and a wood burning stove, but big dreams of getting it all done in time for summer! It's really special from time to time to look backwards and see how things have progressed, I don't know about you, but we tend to keep looking forward at everything on the horizon. Really hope you enjoyed this nostalgic look at the past year off life off grid!

Big love,
Lou, Dana, Max & Freja
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[jingzheng]

I am reading this book from Elizabeth Gilbert called Big Magic, and I instantly think about you. I stayed away for a while because seeing you living so creatively and fully make me feel hurt, by myself, by my own disappointment on myself, on my life not going anywhere. I am not doing anything, I don’t know why. But now I feel so grateful to ever discovered this channel. It gives me courage. Thanks Lou and Dana.

[kirkleadbetter]

Lou is really an inspiration even to us old timers.

[emmamorgan]

My baby will be 33 this May and though she lives 12, 000 miles away in Australia, I still remember and treasure being a mum when she was Max's age and loving it. You are both such great parents that you know Max is going to grow up a kind, artistic, caring, interesting, clever and lovely young man. Your ethics and beliefs are so beautiful to witness. I live in a tiny cottage on a small Scottish island, the simple things in life are often the best! I always feel so very blessed to share in your life - onwards and upwards lovely family. ❤

[ricklenser]

I just started following you when you got the containers. I recently saw your NY videos from 6 or 7 years ago. The look in your eyes then and now is so interesting. The one constant is the kindness I see in both your eyes which is what makes you such wonderful parents.

[linnielowery]

Missed y'all, glad for the update. Happy mother's day to you. You are a beautiful and wonderful mother. Lou is the hardest working man on the YouTube TV. Max is going to be a smart, well mannered, and happy child. Bless you and your beautiful family. 💪👍🙏⭐💛👏

[ronnafisher]

Also… that moment when you’re just leaning against the tree in the garden and max has the hose is sooo precious. I have loved following your journey from the boat build to now and seeing you live out your dreams but not be afraid pivot (and publicly) when you needed to. You’re very inspiring to me!

[rebekahjoyhall]

You all are such a beautiful inspiration! I'd love to hear about your best do's and don'ts for buying raw land. We are on the hunt for land as well and wanting to build from the ground up.

[ChristinaCatFoster]

Our family has had quite the transformation as well. We had our first baby, then a few months later my husband graduated college and got a new job that took us 1500 miles away from home. It’s been an adventure!

[ronnafisher]

Love your visual guided meditations! And I love your butterfly earrings. They’re sooo cute.

[jenmitchell]

We moved to central NY two years ago around the time you did. While we live in a small, traditional home, I also enjoy reflecting on where we came from and where we are now!

[wyntersynergyundignified]

What a great update!

It is amazing what a difference a year makes! A year ago I was practically broke, being forced to move, having car issues, and just wanted to be settled somewhere non-toxic, with freedom to do my own thing. Now I live in a little mother-in-law suite type thing with no proper stove or oven, and not much extra money, yet I couldn’t be happier for this moment. For the first time in probably 20 years I’m not living *with* other people (usually families, but at least roommates), and it’s made a world of difference for my mental health and even just the ability to enjoy a morning cup of coffee in my pajamas. Can’t wait to evaluate in another year!

[ginagonzalez]

Hi, Happy Mother's Day. Even though you went through rough times as a family. Now you are reaping the rewards. The beauty of it all is thst you are still young and the sky is the limit. And when you grow old, your children and their children will be able to enjoy the fruits of your hard labor.

[CutePreciousKitty]

It's refreshing to hear you talk about not only the highs but also the lows and the learning moments you have all had in the past two years. For watchers like myself, a lot of times we only see the positive and clean. But life happens to everyone and things don't always turn out how we expect. I love watching this channel and love seeing this family grows and overcomes! Thank you for sharing your lives with us!

[charissetenewitz]

Please show us your bathroom situation! We’ve learned so much from you guys😊

[eliasandmel]

It’s always so fun to reflect during milestones like this. Your family has endured so much over the past two years. Can’t wait to see the playground project and the garden thrive this year!

[cateparker]

Watching your property grow and evolve and watching your family grow along with that is inspiring ❤

[sgrvtl]

Yo and Lou and Max have suc a beautiful pices of land. The transitions are wonderful stepping stones to a 'wider opening'. I look forward to what summertime holds for You Three ~ ! 💚 Your garden will be beautiful and inspiring !💛

[mirjam]

Lou, don't carry too much of heavy stuff on your own....my husband did that, and it's been bad for his back ;)

Dana, thank you for the update. My experience of having been a mom for 15 years. I am amazed how fast time flies every kids' birthday and the day of the labour will always be there right after that 😂 Have a nice birthday with your beautiful boy 🎉

[wendylee]

Happy Mother’s Day Dana! You’re such a wonderful mother! ❤ Happy Birthday Max! 🎉

[Kat_Attack]

So lovely to see you all thriving. It feels like just yesterday that you two were teaching yourselves how to build a van, and then navigate open waters. You always plant deep seeds, and it's so beautiful to see you blossom.