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Off the Grid... A Day in the Life

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Today's Episode of Off the Grid Living

Curious about the daily happenings of an off the grid dweller? Do you wonder what fills my days? Here's your opportunity for an insider view of the real world of off the grid living.

My purpose in sharing a day in the life is to present you with some insights into the priorities and balance of a life lived off the grid. It's not about how I spend my time, but rather about how I fully engage in each moment of the day.

Before making this lifestyle change, I used to feel the tyranny of the urgent. There never seemed to be enough time in any given day. Now, time has taken on a new meaning — a whole new dimension. I've learned that we all have plenty of time for what really matters most.

Sun's almost up. Let's go greet the dawn!

Coffee... the Elixir of Life

5:37 a.m.

Simple Pleasure



Good morning! Welcome and thanks for joining me off the grid today. Hope you're doing okay with the high altitude. The elevation here at the cabin is 8,100 feet.

First order of the day is to brew a pot of coffee. Can I offer you a cuppa Joe? Ahhh... I don't know about you, but that first sip of coffee in the morning is one of the ultimate simple pleasures in life.

Alpenglow at Sunrise

Come quickly. You mustn't miss the dawn.
It will never be just like this again. ~ Georgia O'Keeffe

Absorbing the Dawn

6:28 a.m.

My first maxim of the Off the Grid Good Life is this: Attend sunrises.

Let's take our coffee out back to welcome in the day. This is how I start every morning. As you can see, the tips of the mountains in my backyard are just starting to glow as if lit from a fire within. Oh... there is pastel magic in every direction! Maybe we could just soak in the loveliness for a few moments if you don't mind.

This Morning's Sunrise - View to the East

Watching a sunrise, we open ourselves up... ~ Jake Rajs
Photo Credit: ©RenaissanceWoman2010

Sunrise or Sunset?

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Sunrise - Western Vista

At sunrise everything is luminous but not clear.
~ Norman Maclean, From A River Runs Through It
Photo Credit: ©RenaissanceWoman2010

Sunrise Coloring the Southern Peaks

We must learn to reawaken and keep ourselves awake...
by an infinite expectation of the dawn... ~ Henry David Thoreau
Photo Credit: ©RenaissanceWoman2010

Living Each Moment

A thumbs up for living large... living each moment fully alive? It would make my day. Thank you!

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Does photography have a place in your life?

Photography is a true passion of mine. I am so alive when I slow down and take time to really see something deeply. The end product is a bonus. For me, the true value is in learning to see... in having new eyes. I'm wondering how photos or photography impacts you.

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Life as Art

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do. ~ Rumi

Earning a Living by Pursuing My Passions

My second maxim of the Off the Grid Good Life: Do what you love every day.

A few of my loves? Photography, teaching, writing, and nature. So, you asked me how I pay my way.

I am making a living, and a life, by pursuing my passions. I sell photos to publications and I'm building up a stock photography business. In addition, I stay busy creating blogs that generate revenue through affiliate marketing and more.

Another source of income is writing. There are many avenues for making money as a writer: freelancing, publishing e-books, selling articles, and so on.

The third component of my income is teaching. I've been an educator all of my life and I am now creating my own e-courses. I used to work every single minute of every weekday, weekend, and holiday. My off the grid lifestyle is about balance and taking time to enjoy life.

A fourth revenue stream comes from selling items on eBay. And, last but not least, a fifth revenue option is seasonal work with the National Park Service. I recently created a web page about my work with the world's most endangered sea turtles. I'd love it if you would check that out after completing your visit here.

Today, before you arrived at the doorstep of my cabin, I logged on to the Internet via satellite and updated some of my websites. I also created a web page exposing the myths about off the grid living.

Can you tell I'm a morning person? I normally begin my writing day anywhere between 4:00 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.

What passions are you pursuing?

I am quite blessed in that I get to pursue my passions every day. What passions are you applying in your daily life? Or, if you aren't quite there yet, what passions do you hope to pursue in the near future? Please share.

  • Graceonline May 1, 2012 @ 5:59 pm | delete
    I'm a little behind schedule. As a 10-year-old, then a 20-year-old, I desperately wanted to live in San Francisco, but I never actually made it until several decades later, so now I'm living my youthful dream, but with a lot of mature dreams thrown in, like spending as much time with my family as I can, writing full time, taking long walks, and playing with the one I love.

    Most importantly, my "real work" and my "day-time work" are now one and the same: Working to build a good world. I am content. Not that dreams and passion aren't bubbling, but that they are suaged and gathering strength for the next move forward.
  • InfernalCombustion Mar 30, 2012 @ 6:37 pm | delete
    Mountain climbing. Playing with fire (eating and spinning.) Playing the piano and singing. Learning languages.
  • lclchors Mar 23, 2012 @ 11:32 am | delete
    My passion are my mustang horses especially Maggi (Taming a Wild mustang) But Making money with horses is tough especially in this economy. So I am trying to make some money online so I can relish in my passion
  • Demaw Mar 17, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    Trying the streams of income route also. First and foremost to try and live sensibly.
  • favored1 Mar 12, 2012 @ 12:39 am | delete
    Writing is always a joy, but I'd like to get back into my public speaking and teaching. I've been in a bit of transition and need to resume my schedule.
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My third Off the Grid Good Life maxim: Let nature fill you.

Since I've already put in a few hours of work, let's go outside and soak up some sunshine. One of the best parts of every day is to take a nature hike. I'm having some strong photographic urges this morning, so let's bring a camera along for our trek. Maybe we'll see some of the wild neighbors. For sure, we'll encounter some mule deer... one of my spirit animals. We're also likely to cross paths with a coyote or two, maybe even a bobcat.

I'm not sure if the black bears have started emerging from their hibernation. Could be any day now. The elk are still in the high country, so we may not get to enjoy their company. I'm hoping you will get to see the wild horses on this visit.

Got your water and sunscreen? And we're off...

Free Ranging Wild Horses

Close Encounters of the Exquisite Kind

Mule Deer Doe

Favorite Wildlife

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Living In Harmony

My fourth Off the Grid Good Life maxim: Live in harmony with all wild creatures.

Fantastic hike! Weren't those wild horses amazing? Looks like several are about to foal. Can't wait for the miracle of new life.

The mule deer never disappoint. It is a privilege to be allowed such close encounters. Animals don't seem to fear me. Perhaps they sense a kindred spirit.

Today's sightings: 27 mule deer, 13 wild horses, 1 wild mule, 1 coyote, 2 cottontail rabbits, and numerous birds (Magpie, Mountain Bluebird, Mexican Jay, Stellar's Jay, and many more).

Your Maxims or Principles for Living

Do you have maxims by which you live your life? Certain principles or proverbs which guide your actions or lifestyle?

  • Graceonline May 1, 2012 @ 6:02 pm | delete
    Yes, and I think I should adopt yours.
  • lclchors Mar 23, 2012 @ 11:36 am | delete
    God has given me guardianship of the things around me not ownership. I must protect them treat them well
  • Demaw Mar 17, 2012 @ 1:00 pm | delete
    Respect the earth. The earth does not need us. But we need the earth.
  • favored1 Mar 12, 2012 @ 12:43 am | delete
    My guidelines are always within the Bible. If it's ok there, I'm good with it. Sufficient is the evil of the day. Don't worry about what may not come.
  • Ruthi Mar 11, 2012 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    There's always a bit o' sunshine to be found peekin' out o' the clouds!
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Do-it-Yourself Projects

Cabin Pine Tongue and Groove SidingMy fifth Off the Grid Good Life maxim: Grow a little every day.

Afternoons are reserved for chores and my DIY (do-it-yourself) projects. Lately, I've been finishing the inside of my cabin since outside projects will need to wait for warmer weather.

I've got the pine tongue and groove ceiling and walls up in one room of my cabin. I have also installed the flooring. I've built some log furniture and have plans for a few more aspen creations. The next part of that project is to finish the main living area.

I love how everything is coming together. Learning how to do so many different construction projects has been a great experience. There is real satisfaction in building things with your own two hands.

While you are here, maybe you could help me with the greenhouse I am designing. I'd like to be able to grow my own food all year long. Growing things, including myself, is one of the great rewards of this green lifestyle.

Photo Credit: ©RenaissanceWoman2010

Do-it-Yourself Projects

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Greenhouses to Build

You Can Build This Dome Greenhouse

I'm building a greenhouse for growing organic food. Are you looking for inexpensive greenhouse plans? This dome greenhouse is easy to build and extremely cost-effective. Besides that, domes are the strongest structures, and the designs are very easy to customize. Check out these resources for building your own greenhouse.
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My Favorite Show

6:56 p.m.

Every sunset is also a sunrise.
It all depends on where you stand. ~ Karl Schmidt



My sixth Off the Grid Good Life maxim: Be the color in your world.

I haven't owned a television for most of my adult life. The shows that I watch are nature's version of the Discovery Channel. My favorite show airs every evening at sunset. And now it is time for tonight's broadcast of As the Sun Goes Down. Pass the popcorn, please, our featured event is starting.

I'll Leave the Porch Light On



Final maxim for the day: Don't be a stranger.

I really enjoyed your visit today. Hope you gained something of value from your off the grid day. You have an open invitation to stop by my virtual cabin any time. I'll keep the solar porch light on for you. Y'all come back now, you hear?

All rights are reserved by the author. © 2011
No part of this work may be copied or used in any way without written permission.

And Speaking of Blessings...

It is a joy to know that I am abundantly blessed. Thank you, Squid Angels, for showering your goodness and kindness upon me and all who visit my websites. You are deeply appreciated!

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Mickie_G

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michelle89


annmackiemiller


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ShirlW


Tipi


AJ Godinho


Steveffeo

darciefrench
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More By This Author

You may wish to check out my other web pages as listed in the lensography below. Thanks for stopping by!
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Please Sign My Day in the Life Diary

If you enjoyed your visit today, please jot me a quick note. Thank you!

  • Graceonline May 1, 2012 @ 6:09 pm | delete
    So beautiful a page. I am reading this after returning from a singularly pleasant late lunch and stroll in the afternoon air, and it is the perfect segue as I return to work. Thank you for sharing your day and your words to live by. And don't you worry, I will be back!
  • lyndamakaracreations Apr 4, 2012 @ 3:40 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing your day with us. Really great lens!
  • lclchors Mar 23, 2012 @ 11:38 am | delete
    Fantastic< I want to come visit
  • deliverator Mar 23, 2012 @ 9:57 am | delete
    This IS the way to live a life. When I perfect my moonshine making skills, I will join you at the sunsets somewhere in the world. Respect !
  • favored1 Mar 12, 2012 @ 12:46 am | delete
    What a peaceful day. Thanks for sharing it with me.
  • Ruthi Mar 11, 2012 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    I feel as though I have really spent a day with you; how I wish I really had done so! Thank you for sharing a day in your off-the-grid life. I needed to de-stress and you have certainly set my spirit at ease for the moment. Thank you and bless you and your sunshine.
  • ItayasDesigns Feb 28, 2012 @ 7:39 pm | delete
    Another very lovely and inspirational article! Thank you for sharing a day in your life with me. It sounds so rich and fulfilling. :)
  • iPadGeek Feb 28, 2012 @ 11:51 am | delete
    Beautiful lens! One of the most inspiring ones i've come across on Squidoo. Deserves all those blessings, and more!! Kudos!
  • KevCooper Feb 21, 2012 @ 4:07 am | delete
    Wonderful, very inspiring.
  • EDawg408 Feb 20, 2012 @ 4:52 pm | delete
    I am fairly new to the Squidoo community and have recently found your lenses. Your writings are truly inspirational and give readers an encouraging feeling about living life so simply and close to nature.
  • One4Nell Jan 9, 2012 @ 10:37 am | delete
    I get a positive boost from reading your lenses. Recently for my 2012 repository of positive material, I've bookmarked your lensography so I can return often to select your awesome insights regularly. Thanks for sharing.
  • Koupie Nov 13, 2011 @ 8:24 am | delete
    You Inspire Me..
  • e2t2man Oct 13, 2011 @ 3:18 pm | delete
    Beutifully written and inspiring, 10/10. Keep up the good work
  • ajgodinho Sep 4, 2011 @ 5:11 pm | delete
    Your "off the grid" lenses are always a treat to read and I always come out with a sense of hope and fulfillment. It was wonderful of you to share your day living off the grid. Beautifully written and presented. **Blessed by a Squid-Angel**
  • vallain Aug 14, 2011 @ 10:01 pm | delete
    This was a visual treat, but informative too. I love my walks with my camera which gets me to focus on the tiny things that I would walk right past before. Now I see the dewdrops on a spider's web or the glow of the late afternoon sun on the seedheads of tall grasses.
  • mellex Aug 6, 2011 @ 6:35 pm | delete
    This is one of my favourite lenses - Such beautiful photography and writing! Thank you so much for sharing :-)
  • Prophetic_Blogger Aug 2, 2011 @ 2:06 pm | delete
    What an amazing lens. It sounds like you are leading such a wonderful life out there in the wilderness. The pictures in your lens are breathtaking and totally took my breath away. I felt so much at peace whilst viewing your lens it was fab. I liked it so much I wrote about it in my blog. Great lens. Thanks for sharing it.
  • Rebecca K. Jul 24, 2011 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    Hey you! I was going through some things this week, and came across some letters. I hope you are the friend that I'm looking for. If so, we know each other from College Station, Texas, and I would love to reconnect with you. If not, let me just say, that your photographs are jaw-dropping awesome and your writings are beautiful.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Jul 29, 2011 @ 8:14 am | delete
    Yes, 'tis me. How wonderful to find you here. Just send me a message through the "contact me" button on my bio or any of my lenses and I will respond. Thanks!
  • RawBill Jul 18, 2011 @ 5:58 am | delete
    What an awesome day. It really does sound like my kind of lifestyle. Great lens too. :-)
  • karmicchristian Jun 3, 2011 @ 4:46 am | delete
    Enviable lifestyle. Hope to retire soon to your sort of a living (close to nature). Thanks for sharing this beautiful lens and have a wonderful day. :)
  • gypsyman27 May 27, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
    Great lens, a day of your life off the grid sounds wonderful. I am content to remain a city dweller, but I want some control over the way I power my home. We are shopping for an electric vehicle and the kind of property that we can erect a home on and erect a wind turbine and solar photovoltaic panels and maybe even take advantage of any geothermal power that we could generate. I'm getting there! You are a brave lady to face the challenge of living off the grid. See you around the galaxy...
  • jamespete May 16, 2011 @ 8:28 am | delete
    I liked the white spaces between the photos and your words, slowing me down to let the earth and sky sink in. Thanks for your recent comments on the poems. I recently went through coffee withdrawal but am enjoying a cup right now.
  • ShirlW May 10, 2011 @ 7:22 am | delete
    Thank you so much for allowing me to spend a day with you. Can I come back tomorrow? Blessed by a Squid Angel today.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 10, 2011 @ 7:44 am | delete
    Yes... please do come back tomorrow! You are always welcome here. Your blessing has made my day. Thank you for the bonus. :-)
  • mvlaughslots Apr 22, 2011 @ 12:55 am | delete
    Awesome lens. So informative and jam packed with top notch modules :)
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 10, 2011 @ 7:47 am | delete
    I really appreciate your comments and your visit. Thanks for making me feel awesome. :-)
  • livefamilylife Apr 20, 2011 @ 2:04 pm | delete
    Your lenses are really amazing.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 May 10, 2011 @ 7:45 am | delete
    What a wonderful thing to say. I feel honored that you feel that way. Thank you so much!
  • michael_kapsner Apr 20, 2011 @ 7:21 am | delete
    Thanks for sharing a day in the life.... Enjoyed the visit. Wouldn't it be interesting to make it interactive, hummm...
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:10 am | delete
    Really appreciate your comment. Any suggestions for additional interaction beyond the polls and comment opportunities? Interaction with my readers is very important to me and I am always looking for ways to keep things interesting. Would welcome your ideas. Thanks!
  • michael_kapsner Apr 21, 2011 @ 6:54 am | delete
    I'll think about it some more.... Maybe a good theme to work ideas on my Internet Life lens?

    What is interesting is that you are writing from life creating a model of sorts. So would the interaction occur around the model, or in the life that was used as a basis for the model? Mix of each? The Facebook apps I am most familiar with take the approach of creating an interactive virtual model that folks can do things in. Then they have common memories to interact with outside the model as well. Depth and layering are attractive. Maybe I am over thinking it :-).
  • ForestBear Apr 18, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    Really enjoyed your lens and the lovely photos. Thank you for sharing an "off the grid day"
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:11 am | delete
    Thank you! I'm so glad you enjoyed your visit and the photos. I enjoyed having you here.
  • wvclaylady Apr 14, 2011 @ 11:22 pm | delete
    I just discovered you, and am very much enjoying learning about your life in the mountains!
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:12 am | delete
    Thanks for discovering me! It's really great to share my mountain life with you.
  • skiesgreen Apr 12, 2011 @ 4:27 pm | delete
    An amazing story and wonderful pictures. You have done something many just dream about - living outside of man's stupidity with time to think, passions to persue and neighbours that represent the wonderful creation we are now destroying at an enormous rate.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:15 am | delete
    Appreciate what you have shared. I relish the time to think and reflect. My hope is that others get to experience the wonders of creation. May we all protect the treasures of our natural world. Thanks for visiting!
  • OutdoorLily Apr 8, 2011 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    Wow! I can almost smell the crisp mountain air, thanks for sharing it with all of us! What a beautiful journey to be on! :)
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 20, 2011 @ 9:16 am | delete
    Ah yes... the air in the mountains is the ultimate refreshment. Glad you could sense it virtually. May you also have beautiful journeys. :-)
  • Cinnamonbite Apr 5, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    It must be the altitude or the mountains that make your sunrise worth it. Sunrise in Florida is horrible. The lighting is totally whack (all yellow and harsh strong sunlight), the sky is not pretty at all, everything just glows a very bright peach and then BOOM, there's the sun. But sunsets! I live in Blue Hour. The sky has so many colors as the sun sets, everything is perfectly lit.
  • Philippians468 Apr 4, 2011 @ 10:08 am | delete
    your lenses are a breath of fresh air! thank you for sharing them! keep up the excellent work! cheers
  • 24websurf Apr 1, 2011 @ 2:39 pm | delete
    I always enjoy my visits and the glimpses into your beautiful days. Someday I hope to see these sights with my own eyes.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 2, 2011 @ 6:42 am | delete
    And I always love to have you visit. :-) Thanks for dropping by!
  • genxster Apr 1, 2011 @ 11:04 am | delete
    What a beautiful thing to read. So inspiring. This really stokes the fire in me to start moving towards my dreams.
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Apr 2, 2011 @ 6:44 am | delete
    Thank you for your lovely comments. It's wonderful to know that fire within is burning brightly. May you move ever closer to your dreams!
  • genxster Apr 1, 2011 @ 11:04 am | delete
    What a beautiful thing to read. So inspiring. This really stokes the fire in me to start moving towards my dreams.
  • GetSillyProductions Mar 26, 2011 @ 7:34 pm | delete
    Beautiful pictures, what incredible scenery and animals, so good
  • RenaissanceWoman2010 Mar 26, 2011 @ 8:24 pm | delete
    Yes... it's all good... the beauty... the wildlife... the freedom. Appreciate your comments!
  • annmackiemiller Mar 24, 2011 @ 12:24 am | delete
    thanks for sharing your day - impressive photos- Angel blessed and featured
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by

RenaissanceWoman2010

Living off the grid is a totally unique way of life. There is great freedom to be deeply immersed in the simple pleasures of each day. Those who vis... more »

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