Late at night, I write. This is an entry to Storyworth, a collection of my life stories to eventually be bound.
Who inspires you?
Many people will name their parents or a relative who inspired them, perhaps a teacher, other adult or religious leader who made an impact, who of course are an important influence while growing up. I could name many, but once I reached adulthood my ideology matured.
The first name to pop into my head is Henry David Thoreau, best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple living in natural surroundings,
and his essay “Civil Disobedience”, (originally published as “Resistance to Civil Government”), an argument in favor of citizen disobedience against an unjust state (an essay for another time).
I first learned about Thoreau in High School English class, reading his book Walden. It sounded like a perfect place to live. As a child, I imagined becoming a naturalist, studying the natural world through observation and study of relationships between living things and their environment. I didn’t know it at the time, but that was a precursor of today’s study of climate change and its effect on living plants and animals. While growing up in Port Clinton OH, when I was too young to go out exploring on my own, I would sometimes hang out in the narrow space between 2 garages, protected from the rain and dream about my future being immersed in and studying nature.
Throughout my life I’ve always been drawn to the outdoors and once upon a time dreamed of living off-grid, not depending on anyone and leaving no footprint. It never happened, but I still embrace the concept. The closest I ever lived off-grid was in a 2nd floor apartment on Pattison St in Evans City PA, and surviving with no phone at the time (a challenge for sure). Years later, I lived in a motorhome for 5 years, not specifically off-grid due to technology, but we tried to leave no footprint wherever we went.
I’ve always tried to be self sufficient, canning provisions for winter, sewing, making soap and laundry detergent, preparing food from scratch so I know exactly what ingredients go into a recipe. I’m not always successful, but I try to be conscientious when I shop.
So it all goes back to Thoreau. To anyone who lives the uncomplicated life, leaving minimal footprint, kudos to you.
Someday I'll visit:
