Welcome to the Resilient Life!

“The Resilient Life” is a new DIY, Homesteading, and Preparedness column that celebrates local craftsmanship and self-sufficiency.

In an expensive world that relies on convenience and mass production, there’s a growing movement towards greater independence, sustainability, and resilience. This includes healthy frugality for those who must extend their dollars, natural and homemade versions of food prep and a holistic approach toward self-care.

It’s great to be able to do things for yourself. There is a terrific sense of accomplishment when you grow or build something and can overcome obstacles – even small ones.

DIY (Do It Yourself), homesteading, and preparing for emergencies are not just trends; they are practices that have been around for decades and for some, they’re lifestyles as people take more control of their lives, reduce their environmental impact, and prepare for the unexpected. In The Resilient Life, you’ll learn from gardeners, DIYers, homesteaders, thrifters and preppers.

What to Expect

Each month (or more ) we’ll feature a project that reflects the spirit of a resilient lifestyle. You’ll learn new skills while getting a glimpse into the lives, projects, and philosophies of our contributors. From growing your food to raising chickens, from canning produce to finding off-grid solutions, our local DIYers and writers will offer an inspiring array of solutions. We’ll provide tips, tricks, and advice for those looking to expand their abilities, whether it’s starting a small garden or assembling a home emergency kit. The articles will appear first in print and later online. With no space limitations, online versions can include extra information.

Why It Matters

DIY, homesteading, and prepping are more than hobbies; they’re lifestyle choices with a positive impact on our communities. They teach independence, reduce reliance on industrial systems, and build resilience. They help us connect with nature and live sustainably while preparing for potential emergencies. They teach us how to save money and live healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Meet our first contributors

Genevieve Lortie is the owner of Lorti Culture

From childhood, Genevieve found solace and connection in the garden and nature, igniting a profound passion for growing things and land stewardship. Four years ago, the pandemic prompted deep reflection, leading to the creation of Lortie-Culture, which focuses on organic vegetables, garlic, and cut flower cultivation. Her goal, through workshops and education, is to empower others to reconnect with the land, embrace gardening, and take control of their food sources. Located in rural North Glengarry, Ontario, Lortie-Culture is more than just a business; it’s a commitment to nurturing both plants and community, sowing the seeds of inspiration and resilience.

John Grow is a budding homesteader. He uses his technical background in Electrical Generation systems which include solar, wind, water and gas sources for self-sufficient power. He has a technical background in Radio Communications and holds an advanced license from Industry Canada. He has experimented with planning, setting up & making mistakes in his goals of being self-sufficient. Water, food and keeping warm in the winter are important challenges in his long-term plans. His interest in self-sustainable homesteads spans 40 years.

Louise Mignault is above all a writer. This column is her brainchild. Growing up with a father who gardened, she has always relaxed in nature, but it took living on a hobby farm for 8 years to eradicate her fear of indoor rodents and athletic grasshoppers. Louise has renovated & assisted in renovating several dwellings, she’s an avid amateur gardener who used to grow large fields of garlic and sunflowers. She is happy in the dirt. She can drive an old tractor, a backhoe, and a bush hog. She has all her fingers and most of her marbles.

Get Involved Are you a DIYer, gardener, homesteader, frugality expert or prepper with a story to tell or tips to share with your community? We’d love to hear from you! Send us an email at [email protected] and tell us about your project. You could be featured in an upcoming article or become a regular contributor, inspiring others to take the leap into do-it-yourself bliss. If you have a related business or farm, we will link to your website.

If you have comments or suggestions for alternate ways of doing something that we have written about, please send us your suggestions in the comments or via email and we will update articles to include variations.

A note on the word “prepper”. Without suggesting we all go out and build bugout shelters, preppers acquire a lot of skills and can handle emergencies. We can learn from them.

The first installment of The Resilient Life, How to Make your Own Charcoal, is available online at https://theseeker.ca/2024/04/the-art-
of-homemade-charcoal/