Trying out this “discussion thread” concept to see if you might be interested in chatting about our personal, current, state of affairs in the midst of lockdowns and mandates.
I’ll start. Because we live in Ontario, Canada, we have been mandated to not participate in public life. No social gatherings. Testing twice a week to attend work/school. No sports or recreational activities for children (if they’re over 12, they must be vaccinated to participate, but even if they’re under 12, the parents must be vaccinated just to bring them to the activity). We know of families that have rented ice at arenas or facilities so that they could join together with other families and allow their unvaccinated kids to participate in the activities they love. It’s not uncommon for these people to be “reported to the authorities” and have their efforts quashed.
We find peace in our home. We never ate in restaurants or went to the gym anyway. It’s our children, all the children, that I worry about. We are building community with others, putting our efforts into creating local, resilient groups with a focus on foundational needs like skill share, bartering, relationship building, etc.. We see that the old systems are gasping for their last breaths and we are being called to be a part of the building of something new, very old and ancient, but new in our post-industrial world. Thank goodness we have the gifts of our ancestors to excavate and draw from.
But all that can be challenging. How many people, injected or not, cling to the old system, hoping it will return? How many people are willing to let go, grieve for what is gone, and then get on with the work of ensuring a hopeful future? We are at the very cusp of a new awakening, many are still struggling to hang on to the illusion of what has gone.
And you? How are things where you are? How are you and your families navigating this brave new world? I’m interested in pulling you all around this fire. Let’s talk. Let’s listen. It’s fine if you went for the V or if you didn’t, who cares. Please, let’s just find the things that unify us. Let’s just be a collective of humans speaking openly and with compassion for all of our human experiences in this time of division and hostility. This isn’t about me moderating, it’s just a conversation with us all, whoever wants to lay it out in whatever way they want. A virtual fireside chat, a cup of steaming herbal tea, a spot for you on the overturned timber stump.
Hey Tara. I’m a 19 year old boy living in New Zealand. I stumbled on your insta page somehow well after you had stopped using it. I followed anyway and read many posts. Now reading your newsletters have become one of my favourite pass times.
Anyway, as for how things are going. It’s fucked in NZ. I was working in hospitality when the mandates came down. Lost my job thanks to that but have now been working online among other things and managed to stay afloat. Although I have absolute confidence everything will work out, I am still bewildered daily at what is going on. I’m even being kicked out of family Christmas for not being jabbed and banned from leaving the small city of Auckland.
Reading and watching your lifestyle is so inspiring and it has been my dream to become self sustainable with a family as soon as possible. Please keep doing what your doing and sharing the journey. It is great to hear you’ve been able to build a community of likeminded people in real life around you.
Although it all may appear backwards and horrific, what an interesting part of history we are witnessing! We are so blessed to at least have a clear perspective of what is happening. Humans evolved hunting and fending off enemies. I’ve never felt so afraid but yet so fearlessly alive at the same time.
Good luck to you and your family, they sound absolutely amazing. I’d love a post on how your managing your children during these times haha. Cheers :)
Logan, I'm so excited to hear of a 19 year old young man that reads what I put out there! I also have a bad habit of wanting to collect all of the young people that are being shunned by their families for such ridiculous things. Where do you get the resolve and tenacity to stand firm in your decisions?
There's a young woman in our extended family who has been outcast, literally kicked out of her home and her university, for not accepting the V mandate. Not a single member of her immediate family could, or would, accept her decision. She has gone on to live and work in a remote area, surrounded by mountains and nature, with like minded humans. Her world is unfurling in ways she didn't even know possible.
That's the gift, I think, for all of us. Such a trial by fire. What I've come to know is that the people that love us enough to honour our choices and respect our decisions, especially when they are different than their own, are worth keeping around. There's also plenty of people that have a lot of work to do on a personal level and choose the easier path of criticising others. I think, without intention, the people that do live a self-reflective life act as a mirror to those that choose the easier path of compliance without question.
Sending you much love and fortitude. I have no doubt that you will make it all work out in your favour.
Hey Logan, I am also in Auckland! Are you planning on going to any of the events this weekend? We could meet up and share our love of Tara's writing. She has completely re shaped my way of thinking in regards to all things life. We are also quite shut off from family in the various ways, so if you wanted to join our family for Christmas, you would be more than welcome! It's me, my husband and 2 boys. New Zealand has gone full retard on all things mandates, I do believe drawing together with others who feel the same will definitely help us survive this madness.
Oh you, luscious, beautiful woman, you! If this happens, please send me a picture. Please. And please! Your generosity made me cry. How incredibly kind.
Hey there little brother. Honoured to hear from a 19 year old man who is staying strong in the fire. I wish I could hug you in person and we could sit around a real fire and share stories. Just here to say that I see you and I honour your clarity of truth and honouring yourself. I'm sure your ancestors are proud. Love from South Africa
I wrote a song some years ago called little brother, for my brother josh who lives in Australia. Someone once wrote to me and said he loved the song, cos it reminded him that we are all one another's brothers and sisters. So there you have it 🥲
I was excited to see this email in my inbox this morning and quickly drew a large cup of tulsi tea to read what Tara had shared and see who had responded. The third reply down was a fellow Aucklander so I thought I'd share here, in reply to you Logan.
I'm a 31 year old mama to three (2 pre-school, 1 school aged) living in Auckland, like you not allowed to leave this place freely and not really allowed to go about conventional daily life here freely either (fortunately I'm not much interested in conventional city life). My brother is facing losing his job to these mandates, my younger sister was too but she decided to take the injection and stay in her field. The coercion is real. The schools and preschools are open again but the kids are required to wear masks from 8yrs and up and those places are literally overly sanitised - I wonder what we're really teaching those kids...
When I'm present in day-to-day life with my kids we're having a (mostly) wonderful time. We've connected with a group of like-minded mothers and their children (sometimes more than 30 of us) to explore the amazing natural spaces in Auckland or visit private permaculture gardens. On these adventures us adults are reconstituted through being in the presence of other strong parents and watching the kids do what they do best - be kids. But soon it's back to people dodging us on the walkways and masked faces at the grocery store.
When I think about the big picture that's when the dread and overwhelm seeps in.
Do I have what it takes to home educate these three little people and give them all they need? Will my partner be able to stay in his job to support that lifestyle? Will we be able to buy/buy into a piece of land to live in a way that is more self sustaining... more like Tara ;), what is the right thing to do next - where do we go from here?
I've always intended to break out of the constraints of city life and like to think that this is the catalyst to turn that dream into a reality. I'm slowly collecting things - resources, knowledge, people, the courage, to go against the grain. To stand a little more solidly on my own two feet rather than buying in to the narrative we have being sold about what a successful life looks like. You know what they say - don't drink from the mainstream.
I can't tell from your comment if you have a community around you, but I guess I wanted to reply here so know you're not alone and you don't need to be alone - especially at christmas. My mum makes an epic christmas brunch and we have a firm "the more the merrier" policy.
Anyway, I feel happy to be "around this fire" and at this crossroads with so many interesting people, and I'm so stoked to see some fellow kiwi's here at Slowdown Farmstead.
Honestly, every mean word I have ever received on Instagram would vanish into the ether if you amazing people connected in real life. It would make every censored post, every mean vegan, every last second of typing with my index finger worth it. ❤️
By the way, I felt the same way you are feeling when we chose to homeschool. From what I hear, it's a pretty ubiquitous feeling. Yes, that's my answer. It will be lovely and more meaningful that you can even imagine.
Just remember that if you teach your children how to think, how to read and how to figure as we say, and how to show up and how to do what they say they will do - they will be a fantastic asset to the world. That's all. Anyone can model that and teach there children this. Our daughters are 31 and 32 and we love how they turned out. Blessings.
Hello from Ennis, Texas, USA. Really enjoying reading some of this thread. I just dropped in here to say, as someone who rather unwillingly (at the time) homeschooled 6 children at the request of the oldest, that I think you have what it takes to homeschool your children. If I did, you do. And somehow, I did. Kind regards.
Hi Logan! I'm just down the road in Hamilton. I don't envy you in Auckland. I am continuously surprised with how fucked things are and how fervently everyone is on board. I thought NZers might be different yah know. Is it good or bad that any faith I had in the institutions that we rely has been shattered? Not to mention the media here, holy moly. I have been following Tara for a while now and I want to be like her when I grow up! (even though I'm 30 with a baby). We had been considering a move to the country for a while bit this covid stuff was the push we needed. Time to do things different, let's go!!! Stay strong out there Logan and keep looking forward
Logan, I'm so glad to hear you feel I spired to live and learn self sufficiency. The people you meet when you have passion are the ones you will have real community with.
My husband and I honeymooned in NZ and we thought the people and the country had grit. We were impressed that guided activities didn't have maniacal safety standards that would limit any sense of actual adventure. It appeared as though there was a level headedness that said "you are an adult. You know this is unsafe, we will tell you how to be safe but you are responsible for yourself".
We were shocked and dismayed to see the country give in to these mandates so readily. What can I say, we've been under programming for a long time. We can only count our blessings that we see through it and can choose to live more vibrant and connected lives.
How warming to connect with other Kiwi’s here with you Tara. If anyone needs respite and can manage to cross the Strait… welcome to come stay with my son and I in Motueka. We live in a tiny house on a biodynamic market garden…. our tent is always free and we’ll feast on some Tara inspired meals and toil in the garden and adore the new born chicks!
Laying in bed, here in Oregon with my 20mo toddler right now, and musing on how the world changed after his birth. Born right as the heat turned up on all this madness... Lockdowns began and we didn't leave our farm. for 7 straight months. Not getting in a car once. It was surreal and kind of magical honestly. But at that time I was swept up in the fear and narrative of the liberal media. I thought of myself as a liberal at that time...I voted for Biden and looked down on "Trumpers" ... Over the past 2 years I could see the flickering possibility of what this pandemic would bring... The ripe terrain it would create for sweeping vaccine mandates. That had been a nightmare of mine that I knew could come to pass for a long time. I am not a proponent of vaccination and never will be. I don't need to explain why here which is relieving...but what really has hurt me is to then see my community of like minded, progressive and liberal hearted people all lean so hard into it. It has been very disturbing to witness the scarlet letter appear now upon my sleeve. Mostly keeping my mouth shut when the tirades begin on the foolish selfishness of the unvaccinated. It is the same vitriol we shared before over the "Trumpers" ... What a fascinating and heartbreaking experience it has been. Heartbreaking mostly in recognition of my own participation in the hate filled divisive narrative towards left and right. Now I am thankful for the Trumpers. Thankful for their courage and grit to buck the system. I have lost most of my friends, some of my family and all of my respect for a system I had some vestiges of hope in. My family is left drifting the margins of society, not belonging anywhere exactly. We have a lifestyle that works well with it for now but the future is so murky and it is hard to envision something to look forward to. Finding community online has been a helpful lifeline. And focusing on our animals, gardens and forest. I am cherishing the community we have left and finding hope with new allies in people I once felt like I could never understand.
What a beautiful image, you and your little one cuddled up in bed. I would give my eye to have just a few minutes with my daughters, so little and soft, warm in our bed together. Thank you for that.
Your comment, too, so beautiful and generous in its honesty. We can all find times when we played into some divisive narrative or another. Maybe that's the gift in here, too, the humility it brings. We have lost friends, many as open minded as one could imagine, and fostered new relationships. Maybe these new relationships will prove to be more open and honest and true than any that came before? I think so. I believe so. I wish we could hug. That's the problem with screens - no hugs. Sending it anyways.
Thank you Elizabeth. I am a "Trumper" but I also agree with your non vax stance. Its funny to me that you and I are so alike in our beliefs yet one man came between us. I am in group of Women for Trump and this group runs the spectrum of liberal and conservatives. Its a bunch of women who want the freedom to choose how they live their lives. I think you would fit into it perfectly. I hope there are more of "you" out there who will no longer listen to the "hysteria of the media" and get back to our true values. You are an inspiration!
He certainly did. I still find him in particular hard to stomach...but I feel that way about all the talking heads now. Most days I am wistfully wishing for a kind of global awakening where everyone only cared about healthy animals eating grass, thriving eco systems filled with life to tend and harvest...kids having bare feet on the ground learning how to track the prints of hares. That kind of back to the beating heart of nature life. But I know that's foolish to think all hands could be that evenly delt. But a gal can dream. I appreciate you and your courage to stand for your freedom. Please give me info on your group...I am curious to know more.
It is bittersweet your post resonates so strongly with me. I feel like I could have written much of it. This last year has been incredibly trying, I am in the Bay area of Northern CA (raised in OR) and life has shifted so drastically from what it once was. I am mourning what is lost and trying to look forward to what is to come. I feel the losses of so many things all at once - the community I once felt I had, the family I once believe would be there for us "no matter what," the high horse I would ride in belief that I knew right from wrong (in example "Trumpers were wrong"), the ability I had to enjoy a walk outside unmasked, without feeling judged. I am hopeful every instance I read of others who are fighting loudly or quietly, those that are resisting, those that are choosing to leave without fear. I know there will be a new way that will be wonderful and scary and mystifying but it hasn't revealed itself yet.
it feels less lonely and sad knowing there are others out there going through it too... navigating and redirecting their compasses ...learning the new landscape of life here on this wild little plant.
I live in Oregon as well, Elizabeth. Fortunately I have a small number of friends and others, like my chiropractor and even my MD!, who see things clearly and have avoided the vax. This is what we each need--connection--since we can't see ourselves reflected in the corporate media who simply want to politicize everything in our lives. Like you I have learned to be more open to others whose ideologies I disagreed with. Our culture chooses teams and tribes allowing for absolutely no nuance. We are taught to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" when we disagree with someone and assume they are stupid and ignorant. Perhaps at the end of all this, we will have learned how to have conversations again and exchange ideas even if at the end of it we just agree to disagree.
I appreciated your comment. Having conversation instead of final court rule and execution of others in our thoughts. I for instance did see many positive things in Trump's presidency. And have friends who disagree with me. Some cut me off because of it. It is hard when I share about my Love of nature and non-steroid and non-hormone livestock then find out I am Christian and conservative. They disappear. So I appreciate what you said. Thank you.
I don’t know you but I have so much love in my heart for you.
My son was also born right before the lockdown situation, also in oregon. I also used to consider myself a “liberal” but watched over the trump presidency as it went down in flames. The hypocrisy drove me away and also woke me up to the ridiculous notion that there even are really different factions at all.
I’ve lost friends and gained a bit of battle weariness over the last few years. Where in Oregon are you? Need a giant group of non covid crazy nature loving community oriented kin?
Thanks for the solidarity. It helps to know of the others out there that have gone through similar transformations. I am in Wolf Creek...up in the outlaw hills of the Umpqua
Elizabeth, I’m also in Oregon! I’ve lived here my whole life, and it breaks my heart to see what is happening to our state. We too, thankfully, have a bit of space to breath and enjoy the outdoors where we live. I can’t imagine living in this state and having to be cooped up any other way. Thank you so much for your honesty. It was humbling and encouraging.
Same here. I recently apologized and thankfully reconnected with my best childhood friend. We fell out bc of Trump. Mostly me allowing the fall out to happen. Now we see almost eye to eye. It makes me sick thinking of the years of friendship we lost bc I was so stubborn. But I’m thankful for her graciousness towards me and the Divine plan bringing us back together.
Hello from a fellow Oregonian living in Vermont. Like many people replying to your post, I fit in with that same narrative - anti Trump and liberal. These past two years have woken me up and I wouldn’t go back for the world! It’s truly why we moved to Vermont - to get affordable rural property so we can return to older ways that served our grandparents. And we’ve got quite a community here, don’t we?
I'm in Ontario Canada too. I'm really struggling right now. My husband took the jab for work and now all of a sudden is having health issues. He can't walk up the stairs without getting winded. He was brought to the hospital for passing out at the gym. I can't help but think that these sudden health problems are jab injuries and I'm terrified. It's been a very hard and heavy week. Being coerced into doing something you didn't want has made me full if regret and sadness. I'm used to leaning on my husband... now I'm the head of the household. I'm pretty strong but it scares me. My children are all under the age limit for this jab... for now. I worry about the implications of leaving their friends behind because we don't want them to get this jab. We took the risk already and it's come back to bite us. I don't want to risk my children too. I worry they are going to hate me because, by saying no, I'm effectively cutting them off from the world they know. I don't really no anyone in my real life that thinks like me (my city has the highest jab rate in the province).
I'm really overwhelmed. Sorry to unload on this community... its just nice to be able to be honest.
Amanda, have you thought about connecting with a Weston A Price chapter leader in your area? It might be a nice way to spend some time with folks who share some of your principles. I am so sad to hear about your husband. That would be so scary. Nobody should have to be made to do something in order to make a living.
Don't worry about your children hating you. Kids will get mad and you may be the brunt of their anger, but you are their parent, the leader. It calls on us to do the unpopular thing - a lot. We have a family near us with six little girls. They have all been kicked out of hockey and other activities. My three year old niece couldn't go to gymnastics because her parents weren't vaccinated. Try to find the beautiful simple things as best you can. Cooking with your kids, going on little adventures in nature together. You are their biggest ally and they are blessed for your care. Sending my love to you xox
Hi Tara, thank you so .ugh for your kind words. I am involved with our WAPF group but it hasn't really got off the ground as much as I'd hoped. I know the people in our herdshare carpool and I'm thankful for them. I'm hoping to find mother of young kids with the same mindset as that has been sorely lacking in my area. Mourning the mindset of my friends has been a lot for me. They are all so scared. My best friend won't come into my home because she is so terrified of being around people. It has shattered my heart into a million pieces. She's always been timid but this pandemic has made it so much worse. I really worry for her.
Two of my brothers would not attend my son's wedding this summer for the same reason. All fully vaccinated except one nephew who was too young and he is terrified too! He's developed severe anxiety over this and I just don't get it, since kids really are not at risk unless they have other issues. He's perfectly healthy and they are all super fit. It kind of broke my heart as this was my first child to get married and they couldn't get past their fear. We had an amazing and beautiful wedding with normal, healthy, no fear people. No masks and no fear...and no outbreaks either. My brothers and their families missed out on a very special day, sadly.
I'm so sorry to hear about what you and your husband are going through. And I get it with the kids, its like being caught between a rock and a hard place. I'm in Quebec and I pulled my daughter out of school back in January when they first announced the mask mandate. I know you feel like they might hate you, but sometimes we have to make those hard decisions as parents because we know what's best for them, even if they don't see it that way. Just know that you are not alone. The media would like you to think that you are though. But together, we are strong! One day at a time...
Thank you Nat, for your encouragement 🙂 I just wish I knew some physical people that felt and thought this way and had children my children could grow up with.
I'm actually on the Quebec side and haven't been to that area in a long time lol. But here in Montreal, for me it's hard to read because I'm out in the boonies. It feels like people are complacent here.
So very sorry to hear this. It's my biggest fear too if my husband is forced to comply. I've had friends who've done it and experienced the worst. I hope he can detox and I believe there are protocols for this. Might be worth a try. Hugs!
Dr. Bryan Ardis has a protocol involving apple pectin. Maybe zeolite or Black oxygen organics which is a humic/fulvic acid? There seem to be quite a few people with testimonials about these things.
Hi Amanda. I'm in Ontario too, but not near you. I'm between Kingston and Ottawa. A friend of mine who is an herbalist told me a few things for detox (another friend of mine is planning to get the vax to keep her job too). She said: The big things are liver support like NAC high dose vitamin d and if prone to heart stuff co q 10. The biggest challenge is knowing where they already have inflammation as that's where the symptoms will be . Support the nervous system with mushroom powders and magnesium glycinate. and: nutrition (especially when focus on areas of weakness) is always the best medicine and supplements are just that supplemental. I've also heard great things about black seed oil and pine needle tea or tincture. I'm so sorry you and your family are dealing with this. It's absolutely heart breaking! <3
Hydration, hydration, hydration. Excessive amounts of hydration at the time of the V seems to really help a lot of people who have had to make a decision that is incredibly difficult!
Another Guelphite here. I am significantly older than you at 58 and retired with no kids so the restrictions do not affect me the same way but still very frustrated.
I realize that we may not have a lot else in common being in completely different demographics, but if you ever wanted to meet in person, please let me know.
HI Amanda, Have you read Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner? He explains very clearly all of the possible side effects of both covid and the vaccine and offers over the counter preventatives to help (for instance with blood clotting). It's been a great resource to know there IS something you can do to help with side effects!
Reading about everyone’s experiences is just heart breaking.
I’m thankful to live in a Conservative county in Texas. We’re in a large city, but the Sheriff of our county refused to enforce any sort of mask mandate from the very beginning. As homeschoolers before all this, our children didn’t have too many changes. We lost some friends who chose isolation. But we’ve grown closer to the many friends who see what’s happening and are refusing to comply to the madness. We have a large circle of “anti-masker”, “anti-vaxxer”, “science-denying”, “bigoted”, “transphobic” “deplorables” to do life with. We’ve kept our loved ones out of the hospital when covid has struck, utilizing functional medicine doctors to prescribe the meds demonized by society, and even our elderly parents and grandparents have pulled through. We’ve had huge birthday parties to celebrate our babies and created normalcy for them and for us. We attend church with hundreds of unmasked people, sitting right next to eachother, shaking hands and freely giving out hugs. Who would ever have imagined the day would come when living life normally felt like an act of rebellion?
If I stopped reading the news, based on our every day life, I’d hardly know there was a problem! But my friends and I stay vigilant, acting where we can to protect our freedoms and planning for the day they could be taken away. The threat of which feels imminent as our state is flooded with people from all over the country who are likely too ignorant to realize their vote destroyed their former state, so they’ll now destroy ours
Being able to connect like this with people around the world is so valuable. For those of you trapped in forced isolation, your brothers and sisters in places like Texas and Florida are doing our best to hold the line. Maybe we’ll succeed and at the very least be able to preserve some free places as a refuge for those “radicals” who refuse to sacrifice their individual rights for “the greater good”.
I love your enthusiasm! Here’s to hoping our resistance leads somewhere!
I’d like to apologize....I was so overwhelmed by everyone’s experiences, I completely neglected my manners and failed to greet you or introduce myself. So embarrassing! So, hi, I’m Shanna. I found your insta account about a week before I deleted my social media accounts. Losing access to all of your wisdom shared in your posts was one of the hardest things about deleting it all! I’m thankful for your newsletters and also for this discussion you’ve started, connecting like minded people all around the world. Praying for you and your family as you learn to live life without your daughter beside you. I lost my mother when I was 22, so I’m well acquainted with grief. It’s heavy, and, for me, in so many ways becomes harder as the years pass. But the depth of sorrow I feel missing her is a reminder of the magnitude of love I have for her and felt from her. And so I take comfort in my grief and am thankful for it.
Thanks for being a light in dark places and sharing so much wisdom and inspiration to live differently.
Hi Shanna - you sound SO much like me, it's crazy. I also lost my mom suddenly when I was 22 and have raised my six kids without her wisdom which I felt keenly all these years. We have also always homeschooled here in Canada and other than a few activities that we've lost out on, we barely noticed much difference. Plus, we found another activity (riding lessons) with a coach who is not Covid mad. Only my 4 girls live at home now and we all had the bug last month. With the help of like minded friends who brought us soup and a magnificent Dr. I've known my whole life, we got through it just fine. Took the non-approved protocols and and you'd never know we were sick now. The only thing we are really missing is church because they are caving into all the mandates and requiring masks, tracking etc. We don't want to participate in that lie. We even looked into transferring to Texas with my husband's work but there just aren't any jobs with our company. Plus, we don't want to abandon our resisting friends who have chosen to stay and fight. We're not giving up hope that things can and will change for the better. <3 But Canada gets a little more crazy every day it seems. Soon we won't even be allowed to leave the country at all. I don't know how people can be so accepting of that, but I guess as long as they can do whatever and go wherever, the few of us that remain don't matter, sadly.
Not giving up here either! There are at least a couple hundred thousand of us in Ontario who haven't complied and many more who resent the mandates. We can and will build resilience among like minded communities. I'm not willing to let the bastards win.
Can relate so much to the grief piece. Lost my mom at 19 and it was the most wrenching thing I ever experienced. I have an almost two year old son now and it’s been so hard not to have her momming me while I mom him.
Thank you, Shanna. It's nice to meet your acquaintance and I'm so glad you found me over here, away from IG.❤️ I'm so sorry that you lost your mama at such a tender age. xo
I have tears in the my eyes as I read this comment. Sometimes it feels like there is no safe place left in the whole world. I live in Canada and the whole worlds feels bat sh*t crazy. Nice to know there are people and places our there that are with us! Even if the people around us are not.
Hugs, neighbor! I believe as long as there are people willing to stand firm, there’s hope! Praying you’ll find some like minded friends near you to find encouragement and community ❤️
Please keep holding out! Many of us here in Ontario are keeping our eyes on your states in case of absolute emergency. Not sure how we'd get there but at least it keeps hope alive💞
Next door in Louisiana. We are so thankful for all the work Texas is putting in during this crazy making times. It doesn’t go unnoticed by us swamp people 😉 Thank you!
Thank you Shawna and to our brothers and sisters in places like Texas and Florida. It's heartbreaking for me to know that my state of New York is a disaster zone for anyone who doesn't want to tow the line but it's heartwarming to know that there will be a place for us should we decide to leave! Stay strong
You are so lucky to have been living in Texas during all of this! We are recent escapees from the west coast to Central Texas and feel SO incredibly blessed to be here.
In Eastern Maine, when "lockdowns" became the thing, I took to the Woods almost every day for two weeks. The Woods and Water are always my places of solace, grounding, rejuvenation, and respite. Raising our daughter home-schooled and Earth-tied has never felt more appropriate. At the risk of sounding...isolationist, I'd suggest never to underestimate the bonds that young people can and will form with critters and natural life, given the opportunity.
I love your comment, Jake. And yes, I completely agree that children can form all sorts of relationships with all manner of life. We often think friends their age are of paramount importance. My kids always liked talking to "old people" best of all. 🙂
Hi Tara. I’m a seventeen year old girl living on the central coast of scenic California. It’s been odd, and being the only Vxx hesitant person I know, it’s anxious. I know there are many out there with the nuance that I hold, though. My whole family minus my breastfeeding sister, is vaccinated. They respect my decision, but I get lightly pressured/made fun of it. I try not to feed fear into the narrative even more, I am just hoping, loving, and working towards a better future with my minuscule day-to-day contribution. Gratitude and mindfulness have been my saving grace. The vx is required here for concerts, and any “big event” that is indoors. I am trusting that love and a steadfast spirit will get me through this. Your writing has only moved us closer to it. ❤️
Oh, Leanna, thank you so much for this beautiful message. I am awed by your steadfast conviction. I wish I was so aware when I was your age. It sounds like California and Canada are pretty close in their approach to mandates. You have solid, good sense and such an evolved point of view. I'm so glad you're out there and came over here so I could meet you. Sending you my admiration on the backs of the migrating birds.
San Diegan here! Stay strong in your convictions. It builds character. My hubs and I are not going to get it ever. We’ve lost a son-in-law to the virus and yet we’re here, unmasked and out and about, without the virus or feeling fear of getting it. Peer pressure is horrible, keep making your choices for you. Like they say, my body, my choice!
I’m thinking of starting a Weston A Price chapter on Monterey, since we don’t have one super locally. I’m still working on gathering some sources (we moved here only in July!) but that might be a great way to connect!
Hi Leeanna, former Santa Cruzan here! Recently left for a new state, I could not take it there anymore! If you are anywhere near Santa Cruz I hope you have connected with a small but mighty freedom minded group of people who've been standing strong during these crazy times.
I’m an Indigenous person in Ontario. We have a deep mistrust of the government for obvious reasons. I did get the V but believe everyone should have autonomy over their body. I have no issue with people that didn’t get jabbed. We are all one.
The biggest issue impacting my life is the inconsistencies in the “rules”. We can have 10,000 people watching a baseball game unmasked and drinking beer but my kid can’t use their locker at school and is lugging a 10lb backpack every day. My family doctor is still doing telephone appointments unless they feel you need an office visit. I’m in the arts industry and the only rehearsal spaces we can currently use are in churches who are making their own rules. Our orchestra can only rehearse with ridiculous restrictions in place - one hour max, string players in one room, choir in another and winds in a third. Not all together. And there are so many more examples of this type of thing, none of it makes any sense.
I’ve been getting through this time by getting out onto the land that I love and pouring that into my art (I’m a painter). It’s been my solace and helps me to remember what matters and who I am. Hopefully I’m providing that connection to others too. It’s all I know to do.
Oh, Jena, the nonsensical rules are a punishment on top of a punishment. It often feels like some sad little bored person is sitting at a desk, coming up with what he thinks would be the most useless and irritating of all. I am glad to hear you have your art. It is such solace for us to use our gifts as our Creator intended. Such a direct source to that love and bounty.
I’m with you. It’s the infuriating inconsistencies that make it hard to take the rules seriously, and yet they determine (largely) how we currently move in the world?!?!?!
I feel like I’m in a costume playing the role of a fool every time I enter a building. So less buildings are entered. Less events attended. I’ve never spent so much time outside. Honestly, fires at friends’ places was the highlight (and norm) of winter social life last year and am hoping for more of the same. I feel like the upside is more time outside, in the healing balm that is fresh air.
I’m so happy to hear I’m not the only one - I feel like I’m living in the Twilight Zone.
I spent about 60 days living on my ancestral lands this summer/fall in my RV. It was the only time life felt normal. Hearing other people laughing and spending time together. Saying Hi to strangers on the hiking trail. No masks.
You’re right, nature is healing and if that’s the benefit of all of this (finally protecting our beautiful Mother Earth) then I guess some of this will be worth it? Sigh….
Seriously, the hypocrisy of the ever changing rules is impossible to take seriously. I agree with Tara - definitely "a sad little bored person" coming up with all of it. Just ridiculous!! Hang in there!
I’m 28 and single; I fled my full and social life in NYC like a refugee when everything shut down, spent a year in limbo with my parents in Pennsylvania (masky and awful, but at least I wasn’t all alone), and then moved to freedom Florida six months ago. I have not worn a mask since. I am unvaccinated, and not a single person here has ever asked me about my vaccination status. People here, even in a pretty hippie-dipper liberal bubble in Florida (St Petersburg) have been super chill about the whole thing. It has been like a breath of fresh air.
I work remotely as a software engineer for one of the cool big hip tech giants, and it has been sobering to see my colleagues virtue-signaling and actually petitioning my company to start mandating the vaccine. It feels bonkers. I’m mostly in the closet as an unvaccinated person. The company told us it’s going to start requiring the vaccine in December in order to come into its offices, but I’m hoping to keep flying under the radar as a remote worker for a while longer. Still, the minute they require me to get it, I will quit my job in an instant and trust the Universe that something else is meant for me. I mean, this job hasn’t felt truly aligned for some time now, so maybe it’ll just be the kick in the butt I need.
In the meantime, I long to tend land. I long to buy a house and a few acres and have a garden and a cow, but as a single woman with no farming experience I have no idea where to start. I also feel a true calling to Appalachia, to the Carolinas, to root down, but don’t want to do that ‘til they stop being insane about COVID. Basically, I feel like I’m in major limbo, and I’m feeling a little terrified and unsupported as a single person without a family unit, food supply, or strong community. Thanks so much for inviting us to share. 🧡
Nearly everyone is feeling that sense of limbo, I think. It can be brutally painful -- but beautiful, too. Even easy, if we let it be. And amazing things come from periods of intense disruption and change.
I have a young child, but if I were single, I would be traveling right now. WWOOF or something like it. Working on regenerative farms in whichever parts of the worlds are calling your name is a phenomenal way to learn and grow and explore.
Yes, my mom's niece, my second cousin, is doing that right now. She's WWOOFing her way about Canada. Our oldest daughter did that when she was younger. She went to New Zealand for close to a year.
Gosh, I feel like the lady pretending not to listen to your great conversation. Tell me, what is the dating situation like? Because my daughters, 28 and 25 are telling me that the Canadian boys are all on the vaccine bandwagon. Maybe we need to start a commune in Florida? I will start tunnelling now.
Dating during covid was...interesting.....I think I met one not vaccinated person and he then complied for his job. I got told a lot to do the right thing and get a vax since I work in health care.... I'm a naturopathic doctor, thank you for your opinion but no thanks.....I also think it's funny that some people think I will change my mind and realize how "wrong" I am thanks to a stranger on the internet. wild times.
I am in SE Sask, and there are a LOT of us, depending on where you are. I shop at our local grocery store maskless, no one has said a thing, now I am starting to see others maskless and we always have a chat, strangers finding connections!
Mid-Michigan here. I'm a registered nurse in the emergency department and have been for several years, I started doing travel nursing at the beginning of 2020 just before the shutdowns began. I started feeling different from my peers in nursing school when I began questioning the medical model and western medicine in general. I've lost friendships over the past almost two years as I began speaking out and standing my ground against this tyranny. Thankfully I have never been tested and never taken the jab, I avoid taking contracts at hospitals where it is mandatory. I have, however, seen countless jab injuries in the ER over the past year and a half. The sickness of the population has exploded, I am constantly getting job offers all across the US because hospitals cannot keep up with the demand from the sick. The media is lying to everyone about what is going on in health care and hospitals, I can attest to it because I am seeing and taking care of these individuals firsthand. I feel like I've been going through a sort of grieving process in 2021; starting NP school with a fire and passion to be a practitioner but now having since lost that passion watching what is happening to practitioners around the world who stand up and speak out. I've sadly started letting go of those dreams but have found rebirth through dreams of homesteading and strengthening my own small community. Thanks to you, Tara, you have ignited a new passion in me to (hopefully someday) gain ownership of my grandparent's old dairy farm, fire her back up and turn her into a completely self-sustaining homestead! I hope to someday raise my children in that environment and bring my community back to our roots.
I am excited for you to land on that homestead one day, Dani. I'm glad you still have some options there. This is where your private system comes in handy compared to our one size fits all, socialized health care system. There is no private options.
I have a friend whose husband is an orthopaedic surgeon. He was fired for not getting it. So what does he do? He is doing injections, but has no access to an operating room. So is he still a surgeon? He can't operate. No such thing as a private clinic.
If anything is going to push us into a two tier health system, I think the current climate will. I've heard whispers of health care workers leaving the system and opening up shop.
In my province, all health care workers who won’t take the jab have been put on leave without pay and will be fired. Never mind that there’s a shortage of health care workers and we’re apparently in a pandemic?
Exactly! I know of several people that have lost their jobs due to their exemptions not being approved and them choosing not to take the jab. I'm so thankful for the many health care workers I know who are standing up for their rights beliefs and I've seen many who have chosen the jab to stand up for these individuals as well! Most hospital systems in Michigan are accepting all exemptions now because they can no longer afford to lose more staff. Most places are very short-staffed as it is!
Life changed drastically for me since Covid although it wasn’t Covid that rocked my world as much as the sudden passing of my daughter on 4/6/2020. Before that I was passionate and consumed not always in the best way with alternative health and nutrition. I loved reading your Instagram and followed you. Your writing although on a a different topic felt as beautiful as how my daughter Dana would write. I was always enveloped in her words as I am in yours. I was in so much shock and trauma (she went out for a run and collapsed and passed) still not nor ever will be the same I just couldn’t deal with much of anything let alone the fear of getting Covid. Which didn’t make so much sense due to my situation but I also had extreme health anxiety and felt like I was constantly in a battle with myself. I took the vaccine because I didn’t have strength to go against the grain and for me it gave me a bit (maybe false) freedom to move around. My grief changed my passion to be part of the alternative community but you and your writing always speak to my heart. I long for a community where people care about food, the source, the well-being of the land and the animals. I often feel like a misfit as my environment never matched my deep longings. I grew up in city housing in Brooklyn never really exposed that much to nature. Anyway, I bless my food and give thanks to all including the animals that nourish my body and I did the same when I received the vaccine. May my body take it in and let it do its job while keeping me healthy. If things were different I might have taken a different path but I am at peace with my decision. Thank you for giving me a bit of a break from my grief and allowing me to get lost in your beautiful writing. Thank you 💞
Dearest Iris, I am so truly sorry that you now live in a world absent your daughter, Dana. And she was a writer? How lovely she must have been.
Our youngest daughter died earlier this year. It is a pain unknowable to anyone that has never experienced it. Everything in our worlds is duller, flatter, blunted. There can be no "the best is yet to come" for us. The best is over and we must live on with that knowing. Everything, now, is relative.
The blessing of your food, the blessing of your decisions, is not inconsequential. It is a message to your body, a love letter delivered to your every atom.
Sending you and Dana so much of my love. How I wish we could hug and weep together.
Oh Tara, my deepest deepest sympathy and compassion go out to you and your family. I too am so sorry you now walk this most difficult path. I am going to reach out to you on Instagram in a message. I am a bit blown away because you are truly one of the only people left of my old passion that I still felt I wanted to be connected to as I love your writing and you educated me on so much. This morning it took me courage to even say I was vaccinated let alone not sure why I felt so strong to tell you about Dana. My intuition tells me there are coincidences just synchronicities and the fact that we both live this new reality two Mother’s that in no other way would even know each other and now sadly share this loss that is beyond words. My heart and love go out to you and hope that somehow this connection was divine. Much love 💕
I am so very sorry for your loss Iris. If you ever need a friend or an ear, you can always reach out to me. I am searching for my community also. The one I grew up with is not the one I want or recognize anymore.
I need this. I am a lone wolf, non conformist by nature and this all has still been so worldview scrabbling. My entire personal life has shifted over the last couple of years, along with the entire world having these massive shifts. I ended a long term relationship, moved, renovated a house, closed my business, started a new job, had family move in with me, my mother got diagnosed with Parkinson’s after many years of debilitating illness, started a new relationship… and more. I have had so much happening in my personal life that I have had little time to devote to keeping up with or advocating for much in the way of autonomy and health freedom.
I live in New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada and I find myself unable to participate in society because of my vaccination status. Like maybe of you have stated, I did not participate in the allopathic medical model and this is certainly not going to make me start.
I am fortunate to work from home, to be able to make a decent income and to not have been forced to take a medication against my will, in order to survive and provide. I have a fair amount of like minded friends, family and acquaintances around me but things feel so scary and divided and isolating.
I have been raising a bit of my own food for years but am stepping that up. Just built a cooler room and meat cutting room. Did our first 3 pigs in there last week and all went well. We have 2 jersey milking cows and a small, growing herd of mixed Highlander, hereford, jersey. Just got a new Mangalitsa boar to breed with our mixed breed (tamaworth, Berkshire, Duroc) sows. Sooooo we will not starve! Haha but still feeling so unsettled with what is going on outside of my bubble.
Part of me thinks more and more people are waking up, regardless of vaxx status, to the loss of freedom and terrifying insanity shaping an unrecognizable world. But then I still see so many asleep at the wheel or worse.
I am grateful for what I have been able to create and sad for so many seemingly left without choice but to conform to mandates. I am deeply saddened for kids, my nieces and nephew, who don’t understand what and why things have changed. And worse have no idea of the consequences.
To be honest, have been pretty shut down since all of this started. I have closed myself off from social media, news and many people for my own illusions of peace and ease and safety and normalcy. I am feeling a bit like coming out of my shell and seeking community in ways.
Thank you for opening up this space, Tara. Thank you for showing up consistently, in spite of your own hardships and devastations. Thank you for not shutting down when things became unbelievably hard and instead shining more powerfully.
It sounds like a pretty good place to be, Melissa. I'm feeling the same way - a need to start building resilient community. I think we've all been trained to think that independence is the goal, but I see now that interconnectedness is all the more richer. I'm learning and leaning into this bit by bit.
Hello everyone. Young mum living in Ontario here. My husband and I are on the very edge of change. We are quickly approaching the end of two employment ultimatums. One from the Canadian military, which my husband has served in for 11 years, and another from his current job (which has squashed any attempt at attaining an exemption)
It feels as if we have been standing in quicksand these past two years. Struggle as we might to be free of debt and the tight clutches of the government, the more we seem to sink. With each passing day we are pulled lower and lower. Perhaps we will never get out. How can we possibly be free, let alone survive, with all these mandates flying at us. We currently have the option to hold the line - but what would that mean for us? Not just me and my husband out in the cold but our two sweet babies too. We have our backs up against a wall. Do we lose it all and take a stand? Or do we sit down and take it - at least until we are able to acquire some independence from our financial woes? Which we wouldn’t even be able to do if my husband were to suffer any adverse reactions.
On top of all this we feel so alone. The complete disregard for others in the name of “the greater good” confounds me. It is either a mindless fear that drives people apart or a new-found sense of superior intelligence over the other.
Thank goodness for you Tara (and this comment section here)! Are you by any chance looking for some hardworking inexperienced farmhands? Hahah…
Anyways, I place my trust in God and hope for the best. Bring on the persecution I guess. Good luck everyone, Godspeed.
Your comment really bit me. I have such compassion for your situation. I know so many people in just this dilemma. I would never suggest I know what's best for you. It's too easy to say "just don't do it" or "yeah, just get it and reevaluate in a year". I don't know, heck you don't even know. I don't blame you. It's awful.
What I can do is share a bit about our decision making process. Maybe it's as useful as a tit on a bull, maybe a bit better. Anyway, here it is. First we try to focus in on our gut instinct and the probes we get from God/the universe/our Creator (I don't want to alienate you here so I'm trying to be multi-diety observant 😉). Mostly, we need some silence, some time in nature, some slowness to pose the question and wait for the reply. This is not the part where you weight this or that or imagine all the consequences or think of this person or that person will be mad or whatever. No. This is a question and the instinctual answer. That's it. Black and white.
The answer can be loaded with fear and trepidation, too. That's normal. But still, it has that "rightness" about it. From there, once you have your answer, your job is to start problem solving all the roadblocks in your way. So, here is an example of us deciding on the V for my husband:
Should we do it to secure his job? No
Ok, we're not doing it.
How can we afford our lives without getting it?
You can't.
What kind of life do we want to live?
One full of love and good food and surrounded by nature.
What if we can't keep our house?
Then it's gone.
What if we have to move?
Then we move.
What if we have to live in some remote community?
Then you hunt and have fires and sill have love and good food and nature.
We play out every scenario until the end and we see, again and again, that the control is ours, totally ours. We will find another job or hustle and figure out how to make some money or whatever.
Again, I don't want to Pollyanna the shit out of this, it's not that at all. If it's not helpful, disregard. I send big hugs your way no matter what.
Sweet momma, you and I are in very similar positions except my husband took it and now cannot make it around our block without getting dizzy and winded. If you ever need a friend or an ear to listen, we can exchange emails. I'm in Guelph. ❤
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that 💔 that is one of my worst fears, something happening to my husband post jab. I’m in Durham area but I think I would still like to exchange emails!
Just Beans, if you're in Eastern Ontario and want to connect, let me know. I'm between Kingston and Ottawa. If you're farther, just know you are not alone. There are a lot more of us than meets the eye. :)
I’m closer to Toronto unfortunately, but thank you for reaching out! Although maybe we should connect anyways just in case. I feel like we are really on the brink of something especially with all the flooding in BC disrupting supply chains etc. Also maybe you know of vax free employment in your area? My little family is always ready and willing to move if need be.
Everything feels heavy here as my friends are frantically vaccinating their 5 and up kids. I have the privilege of being a stay at home farmer and mom, so I can do whatever the heck I want. My husband opted for the vaccination but is understanding of me not wanting it, and Is very firmly against our kids getting it. Currently here in VA, I can stroll into anywhere other than medical establishments (chiro, etc) without a mask. But my friends are terrified, vaccinated, masked, and still won’t allow people inside their homes… I feel cut off from the rest of the world, and part of me is ok with that, but it’s also hard. I have no judgement for people who chose the V but I wish we could just be a community and can things together in my kitchen, or sit around the wood stove and chat like we used to be able to.
That's probably the hardest of all, the loss of that communion with others. The fear is startling to me. I've long written about death and have faced it to personally in our lives with the death of our daughter. I think what's happening now is such evidence of our preoccupation with avoiding death at all costs. Literally, ALL COSTS.
We will shortchange our lives and our relationships to live another day. Why? Dear Angi, in VA, if you were my neighbour, we would be sharing a bowl of soup in front of the fire right now. Communion of spirit. I hope you still know some of those people. I really think now is the time for us to put ourselves out there. The lie of "independence" sees us here. We are all interconnected and have to relearn what that means and how to foster it.
I am lucky to be living in Florida where our governor has taken a stand for health freedom. I recently attended a health freedom rally here and it was so inspiring to see local doctors, lawyers, and other professionals take a stand for freedom. I find comfort in reading about the American Revolution. There are many parallels to our current situation. We too have been driven underground and out of the public square of social media to distribute our newsletters in secret. We too are up against the seemingly unbeatable odds of a tyrannical system that is so entrenched into our society it’s hard to imagine another way. I believe god has a way of reminding humanity of the sacredness of sovereignty. Without experiencing restriction how can we appreciate freedom? Just as one cannot know true happiness without experiencing sadness. We live in a universe of duality. We cannot see the light if there is no darkness.
Beautifully said, Lindsey. I am happy that there are still places in the world where there is some common sense. I, too, find comfort in reading about history and uprisings that erupted throughout time immemorial. We are no different, not special, and here for a reason. 💕
Hello Tara! I go by Wanderlust Bear online, as I am a seventeen year old girl and my parents are rightly concerned about my security. I have been homeschooled all my life thanks to my mom, who was homeschooled before it was cool, thanks to her mom. I’m from Minnesota, and i love to garden and care for animals, even though I live on a quarter acre in the city. I found you on a really cool homesteading app I have called the Beartaria Times. It is really great for escaping the horridness of despair and politics and everything going on, and just for connecting with real people who do real things. One of my friends shared a link to your “who’s your daddy” post, which I think is one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard. I read it to my parents, who were blown away. I immediately subscribed to your blogposts! Me and my family know how you feel about not having everything in common with anyone. We have always been weird ( “six kids?! And you homeschool all of them? And you don’t vaccinate?! What religion are you again?”) One thing we’ve learned along the way is not to believe or disbelieve something without being able to prove it ourselves. That helps us immensely from getting swept up in fads and propaganda. This connects with your most recent blog post, because we try not to judge others, but rather explore their points of view. Can I be honest? I probably break every mold you dare put me in. Oh, yeah. Here are some more things about me. I am learning to sew my own clothes and I am interested in manufacturing my own textiles. I’m learning weaving currently. I’m a Christian, but I keep the law of Moses, and I stand firm on my beliefs. I am currently taking college for free as a PSEO student. I have a potential opportunity to work on a grass fed raw dairy farm when I am done with school. I’m learning beekeeping. I built an unconventional hive for my bees that is much healthier for them than most traditional hives. I have five younger siblings. I’m interested in historical clothing; I have Norwegian heritage and I am learning to make a Viking style dress. I’ve made leather sandals for myself and my family. I love to read and write. I’ve never been vaccinated and never worn a mask. I have three pet chickens. I want a flip phone. Etc. Anyway, here we are, in this crazy world, right? My method of coping with all the crazy stuff going on is to opt out. I hate being caught in left vs right, good versus bad, up vs down narratives. I want to create my own world, one in which all the fear and anxiety and despair does not exist. That is what I try to cultivate in my home. This is not a place of political discussions, politics do not exist here, they have no affect on my life here. We own no tv, watch no news, and I’m debating getting rid of my phone. When we do this, we cultivate who we truly want to be, not what outside forces say we are. When someone tells me to do something I am convicted not to do, it just seems so foreign to me. What power do you have over me, what influence can you exert upon me? None. I am a sovereign human being, created by God, just as much as you are. We are equals in His sight. I will not condemn you, but neither will I submit to you. This helps tremendously with stress and fear. And to anyone who believes in and worships God, despair is sin. It’s true! It’s a form of forgetfulness, where you forget that He has everything under control, and doubt His love for you. So to anyone who feels heavy despair regularly in this day and age, I hope you will surrender your despair to Him. He will grant a peace that is beyond understanding, which I walk in every day. Much love, and Yah bless you!💗
Well my, oh my, Wanderlust Bear, where do I begin? I feel like I just met an enchanted young woman who shared so much of her goodness with me that I couldn't wipe the smile off my face if I wanted to. But I don't want to so no worries.
I had no idea that something I wrote could be shared on another app. See how old I am? I'm glad your friend shared it and it's so warming to hear that you and your parents read it and enjoyed it as well. Your parents sound like wonderful human beings and they have, clearly, raised some wonderful human beings in kind. How blessed is the world for you all? Very.
We have a family next to us that have six daughters. One of them comes over here and helps me with evening chores. It is such a beautiful moment in my day, to see the farm and the animals through her eyes, to teach and to listen to her stories, too.
You are courageous and principled, that's obvious. I am so grateful to have met your acquaintance. With love, Tara
Dear Tara, thank you for your beautiful response! I am so glad to have made your day a bit better. You are so kind, and I am grateful to have made your aquaintance as well! 💗Yah bless.
I love what you are doing! I am also interested in ancestor skills. It irks me that 100-150 years ago everyone knew some ancestor and survival skills then humans got lazy. I am needing to relearn what my ancestors probably knew and then forgot. I think it so great that you make your own clothes! I don’t think people even realize what they buy anymore. That the problems with consumerism go way deeper than transportation costs etc. People think I can go to the store and buy that but they don’t even think about WHERE it comes from. Can you make yourself? And for me because this is how I think- could you make it in a survival situation?
I have made beer, wine and distilled liquors from scratch ingredients especially honey. I have tried to make cheese. Fermented and canned sauerkraut. Made bone broth from Elk and tried to eat the liver (which I wasn’t a fan of) and the heart. I purified local beeswax and then tried to make various thing out of it. I am in the process of washing, cleaning and carding wool to make thread which I then want to make something out of it. I am also working on making leather out of the deer and elk skins we get every year.
It is nice to know who all is in this community. I feel like the weird one who is commenting on everyone’s comments but I just want to say hello! And kelp going you’re doing great 😊
Hello Charleigh! I love your comment so much and I agree with everything you said! I’m always thinking about things I buy and considering how it would be made on a small scale. One of my favorite books is titled “Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-consumer World.” That book really inspired me to think this way! So far I have only sewn a quilt and an apron, but I am working on a skirt and my Viking dress right now. I also have two deer hides in the freezer downstairs from our neighbor which I plan to learn to tan soon! I have been learning fermentation as well, and I’ll make candles with my beeswax one day! But I can’t believe you are making your own thread. I can’t wait to get to that level one day! I’ve been practicing an ancient Viking loomless method of weaving called tablet or card weaving, and it would be cool to be able to spin my own yarn for it! I very much appreciate your comment. Thank you so much for your kind words; have a great day and Yah bless!
I would have been deeply impressed to have read this post from an adult, but to hear it from such a young woman is truly wonderful and gives me hope for humanity 💕
Here in QLD Australia. I feel our country is not too far behind you with mandates etc.
Each state is setting harsh rules one by one , don’t know when my kids will be able to see my parents with all these border rules between our states.
It’s definitely hard at times, but my soul remembers it was born here for this time. With each blow , I feel through all the emotions, get back up and am even more steadfast in my decisions , choices and purpose.
They can not break us unless we let them.
Our children ARE the ancestors returned to take back the world and renew it. And we as parents/ adults are the protectors and warriors for these kids , to make sure they grow to complete their mission.
Just look at your children, and know they are oh so protected by a higher power . They posses such universal magic and wisdom.
We are in a season right now , this isn’t forever. Live each day as presently s as possible, it’s all we’ve got . Make the RIGHT choices every day. We KNOW what is right or wrong, we’ve all been given the gift of intuition, it’s time we listen.
Love this, Elodie! Thank you for sharing your intelligent, compassionate insights. You're so right, we are here, at this time, for a reason. I love your perspective. So good to think of you out there.
I have been called a conspiracy theorist over 30 years. I am 40. I wear it as a badge of honor because I have deduced it to mean that I ask questions and dig deeper. It seems I am not alone all of the sudden. That feels good.
Tara, we appreciate you bringing us together. Thank you for all your contributions (written, educational, etc.) because you are valuable!
All of you have something to add to this great patchwork quilt.
To me change is exciting and I look forward to seeing what God fearing, loving people can do over the evil one! After all, isn’t that what suffering is for? For us to become more lovely for God’s enjoyment? I don’t have all the answers. Do any of us? But I surely enjoy your thoughts and contributions! Thank you all and blessings to you and yours!
I look forward to it, too, Natalie. There is a great awakening. The more we are pushed, the more people are sitting up and taking notice. The emperor has no clothes.
Me too! The Emperor has NO clothes!! And it reminds me of that scenario I learned about in classroom management education classes in college years ago where they show a room of students a square and all the kids except one have been instructed to say it's a circle, and the poor one kid keeps saying, "NO. ITS A SQUARE" and after several hours finally gives in and calls it a circle because of pressure. I go around every day feeling the same, like someone has tipped reality on it's head, saying, "It's a square! It's a square!!"
I’m realizing, too slowly, painfully, how much of what has been planted in my worldview was a lie. I’m renouncing the lies (weeds, needing to be torn out and burned) as they reveal themselves and then scrambling to replace the lies with KNOWLEDGE (seeds that will bear nourishing fruit) but it’s hard to come by and I surmise what little I can gather will be insufficient for the sake of the survival of my bloodline. I will do my best. I lack connections to many people who have started this journey before me. That makes me value your request for dialogue even more precious as I steel myself for the new life, harder but possibly more fulfilling. I’m grateful for you. Stay blessed.
Deb has some great words of truth. It really is an awakening. I mentioned a podcast I recently listened to that was helpful for me to understand how this plays into a much broader narrative where things like education, health, the climate are used to push through corporate agendas. It was called "unlimited hangout" with Whitney Webb and it was the episode with Iian Davis about the "private public partnership". It was long, but I think understanding that this is about diversion and division helps us to have meaningful responses that revolve around creating alternate ways of living with one another.
Thank you 😊. That podcast sounds interesting. I’m often reluctant to suggest particular podcasts or blogs or social media accounts to folks I don’t know because an interesting observation I’ve made through this recent journey is that not everyone checks all the same boxes in terms of politics, vax beliefs, racial beliefs, climate beliefs, gender/sexuality beliefs, etc. And it’s all so intertwined right now and can get sticky when seeking to enlighten without offending. All part of the bigger plan to divide and conquer?
I know, I feel that same hesitation, but I figure that it was sent my way by someone that felt the same way and rustled up the courage to share it with me so I will pass that along. People will take what they need or disregard completely. That's their call. :)
Agreed! I’m beginning to feel stronger about sticking my neck out - it’s the only way to spread the truth we see. I just recently “found” you (I don’t even remember how!). I am no doubt not your typical demographic but I resonated with a recent post of yours and now I’m here. Community is precious these days.
I love your thoughtfulness here. And the bigger question to me is why are there boxes to check ?! That this is need is felt to check all the boxes to this “flag “ or that “flag” I can never be roped into a box - I’m just me and I don’t belong or want or belong to any “box”
Keep looking and you’ll find more people who are waking up. You can’t unsee it once you’ve awakened to what’s really happening. Since this nightmare started, I’ve made many new friends who I never realized felt the same way. You don’t have to go down rabbit holes or conspiracy paths, just open your heart to seeking the truth and trusting your gut as you learn. I worry every night about my kids’ futures - we are living in the twilight zone.
Hi Tara and friends. Thanks for stoking the fire and keeping it burning bright. What a treat to be able to sit around it with you all. I moved to California from a rural village in Sussex, UK about 11 years ago with my husband. I love where we live but have had to cultivate my own community to feel at home here in these times. I feel so fortunate to have many friends who feel the same way as we do about this hot mess, even in this incredibly liberal town, and we find absolute comfort in each other. 2020 was an incredible year for us all, we had more dinner parties and more beach days than any year I can ever remember and our friendships became richer.
I manage a store in the town I live in and have somehow only hired people who align with my beliefs without even asking them upon interview. It turns out we now have a store of completely unvaxxed, health conscious vibrant young people who are so happy to have a secure job in a warm and accepting environment. I haven’t requested masks at any point in this mandate for employee or customer and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers walk in with masks, look around and then rip them off. It wonderful to see them so excited to feel a little ounce of liberation, a little pinch of rebellion.
Tara, thank you for making so many thousands of us feel less alone, and more excited to cultivate the world that we want for us and our families. I love you dearly
I just love this. I was in that little shop with you and the maskless, looking around, listening to the remnants of your accent reading these words to me.
It's true, too, what you say about coming together. We are all spending more time together. We never really did much social stuff before, but we did have a small independent cinema we were members of. It was so lovely. They showed classic films and the walls were old stone and they served herbal teas in real ceramic mugs. We loved it there. It was the only time we could get dressed up, other than going to a friend's, and pretend we were fancy. They have enforced the mandates so we can't go anymore.
So! Well, we've made a big list of classic films we would like to see and we make it a bit of any event. I pop the family some organic popcorn in lard (of course), top it with ghee (like any theatre could do better) and we cuddle up for our show. We also started doing dinner and dance nights. He puts on a suit. I put on a dress. We eat something special then have a dance to old country records while we look into each other's eyes like star-crossed lovers. :)
I'm with you. We can grow something more vibrant and robust, more real, than what we had before. xo Maddie of Sussex
Maddie, that's amazing you've been able to avoid all the masking & craziness at your workplace! Where in California are you? I lived in Santa Cruz since 1996 & recently moved to Texas because I couldn't take it there anymore!
Hi Tara! Appreciate your words, as always. I am a mother of 1 (5 months) living in Vancouver BC and I too am very worried for the kids. Since I am unpoked, there’s not much I’m invited to be part of around here these days, but I did do story time at our library only to leave each session more depressed than when I arrived. All these mothers and nannies with small babies, singing through 1 or more layers of masking is a horrible sight to see. The babies aren’t connecting. The feeling of community is not there. All I see are dead or tired eyes of women trying to keep it together for their children. Everyone is exhausted, no matter what camp they may fall in. I had to stop going because I left and had to cry each time.
My husband, who actually works for the library has been mandated to be double poked by December 6th or he loses his job. He’s not as passionate about things as I am so, after exploring a few options (and many many fights between us), he has decided to get his first poke next week. I’m feeling heartbroken and alone. All of his friends are very much pro-vax/pro-all these restrictions, and have given him such a horrendous time about not being jabbed for this long. So much so that they’ve actually accused me of being “abusive”. That I’m “gate-keeping his joy” by asking him not to get jabbed… accusing him of not doing what’s best for him, simply for trying to make a decision with his family in mind. They don’t know me at all, some I haven’t even met. But that’s how strong their belief in the system is. That they could point the finger to the new mother trying to protect her family and scream “abuse!”. So… my transition into motherhood started as a beautiful, drug free home birth where I felt like a warrior, to feeling more and more caged, alone, misunderstood and beaten down with each passing day. I’m feeling so uncertain about where this will take us, and what I will do. I have a very strong spiritual connection with my ancestors, and I know they are quite literally creating a ring of protection around me and my daughter, I can feel their power - when I tap into it. But tapping into it can be hard some days as I’m sure so many others know. (But as I type this, a hummingbird came right up to my window to look me in the eye for a few moments. Messages are everywhere if we will receive them.)
On the plus side of things, I just bought in to an A2A2 Herdshare of beautiful jersey cows. My raw milk “in” here in Canada where, as you know, raw milk is illegal to sell. So I’m feeling very excited that I’ll be able to bring my daughter to a farm to experience a genuine connection with her food as she grows. It’s very hands on and I’m excited to learn and be more consciously connected to my food.
Thanks also to everyone sharing, this is truly such a wonderful bunch. All connected by the grace of your warm heart and inspiring words, Tara. Thank you.
Thank you, Krista. I got a little fired up reading what others said to your husband. I truly hope that those "friends" are friends no more. The absolute audacity of anyone to say such a thing about a man's wife! That's utterly unacceptable. I sincerely hope your husband told them so. There are lines one must not cross, but if they do, the lion must roar.
Ok, got that out of my system. Of course that little hummingbird came at just that moment. How affirming and generous. I know, because I was once a young mom like you getting my first herdshare in my black market raw milk group, that you will meet others of like mind and lack of fear around our bodies and nature. I am so glad that you have made that connection. ❤️
Mother to mother? You are a fierce warrior. I'd be proud to know you and call you friend. I am frightfully weary from all of this nonsense as well. If you need a friend or an ear, we could exchange emails. I no longer recognize the community I grew up with and I've been mourning what I've lost a lot recently. I breaks my heart into a million pieces to see my friends and loved ones so terrified.
Thank you so much, your message warmed my heart! I hear you, I feel its become quite ugly and sometimes it seems that people have lost their minds. That they arent the same people, they cant understand things that just a year ago we understood. Those supposed morals and values we all shared about protecting each other have gone out the window. Lets exchange emails! Pen pals sounds fun :) Mine is kristaleemarshall@gmail.com
oh Krista, my heart goes out to you. What a tough situation and I'm sorry your community is treating you and your husband this way. By way of encouragement, remind him: he can always choose to do it, tomorrow. But he can never take it back once it's done. If he's not 100% on it, maybe each discussion can be: is this ONE thing worth it? I understand that a job is a huge deal and I have no interest in pressuring you, only to offer a word that might be helpful. In the end, we are all responsible for only ourselves. So many people I love have taken it, a few with horrible reactions and I know would take it back if they could. But it's ultimately their choice to make.
Thank you for your words! This situation is certainly showing who our “real friends” are. That can be a very painful experience, but truly it seems some folks have blinders on to everything but this ONE thing that people HAVE to do. (and if you dont, well, you know how and where to go!)
I hope that you find the fierce friends and community that you deserve, and soon. Congratulations on finding raw milk -- here's hoping you meet some likeminded friends at pickup!
I recently joined some local Facebook groups that I have found helpful for meeting like minded people in my area. Apparently if you type in the name of your town/city or region and scroll through the results you may just be lucky enough to find a freedom group in your area. Not sure how these exist on Facebook but they do for now!
Hey everybody I'm not sure my first post went through so I'll try again. I live in New York City just on the border. Neither my husband nor I will get vaccinated as we trust our own bodies and our own lifestyle but the pressure is on. There's so much Social pressure in the Northeast US. I'm eager to meet like-minded people particularly in my area. I have attended demonstrations and it feels wonderful to know there are others out there in my neck of the woods. I have faith that other parts of the US are having different experiences. I am sad that it seems our liberties are being taken by those in control and that those who dare to speak out and really pck apart the "science" are demonized. It feels like a dark time Tara so thank you so much for shining some light and inviting us to this campfire.
I respect the decisions you're making for yourselves, especially given the level of pressure. I suspect it's been a dark time for quite a while now, but this has really shone a light on who is really in power and what their objectives are. I think it's right to be angry and sad and then I think, well, it's what our family does anyway, we have to move out of that energetic space and figure out what we can create and how we can live that is true to us. That contributes to our tribes and communities. That connects us to our spirits and by extension, all of life. The world really is beautiful. That's not me being Pollyanna, that's true. What they are holding up as truth is an illusion - it's just their perverse system. Hang in there, Allym. As ugly as they try to make it seem, we must remember their world view is not our own.
Hello there! I also live in New York although update in the Syracuse region. It is a bit better up here than in NYC as far as mandates, but know that you’re not alone.
I pray daily that our governors eyes will be opened and she will act from a spirit of humility instead of a spirit or arrogance.
Keep spreading your light and love. We need it here in the state of New York.
Hi. Im from Queensland Australia. This week i am struggling with all the BS going on. Mostly the injustice and discrumination. From the 17th of dec, those of whom are not vaccinated will not be allowed the same freedoms of the vaxd. Despite us having NO cases in the state.
But they dangle the carrot of possibly opening our state border and so if we are good little humans and get jabbed, we can cross the border or we can risk being treated differently which means, we are not allowed to eat out (fine with me), not allowed into governement owned businesses/ buidlings, are allowed out of home for medical appointments, to get food and exercise. So i guess ill be exercising more right? not such a bad thing.
After a heated conversation with my parents with opposing views to me and calling me extremist, telling me its not experimental, telling me they would never be at a rally to support me or my familys freedom of choice, i felt triggered. I felt abandonded and let down. my own parents cannot even accept my choice.
There is so much we still have to endure. Im grateful however that my kids still get to play sports and be with their friends for now.
Sending love and huge hugs to those struggling right now. I hope you find a moment of pure joy in your day today
Oh dear, another covid orphan I have to adopt. I will need to set up more little cabins on our farm.
It quite literally breaks my heart to hear of parents shunning their own children for a disagreement about a medical procedure! Where are we?! What planet is this? You are an adult with children of your own. Your parents may disagree with you, but they must respect your autonomy and your sovereignty. Their job of choosing for you is long past. If they did their job, which obviously they did given that you are making very difficult choices for yourself and your family with your heartfelt conviction, it is their job to step aside, love you anyway and grumble in private if they must.
I send you love and admiration. I don't care that this is about this topic. I am awed by anyone that stands up for what they believe in, especially in the face of such radical coercion.
I just plopped down on my comfy sofa to enjoy my morning coffee when this newsletter popped up. Perfect timing to enjoy my brew by candle light and connect with you beautiful souls.
I’m in Texas. The weather has been nothing short of amazing the last couple of weeks as Mother Nature gave us a break from the heat and humidity. I’ve been enjoying the shorter days and crawling into bed just after sundown.
We still have many of our freedoms here in Texas…for now. All of us that are employed by corporate America (and many many more) are under attack. We shall see come January 4th if we’re still employed. We drew our line in the sand many months ago and will not budge.
If we need to start over, so be it. If we need to rethink money, so be it.
I appreciate you hosting this fireside chat, Tara.
Sometimes I feel like our only hope are our American neighbours holding the line. We'll see. How far can you be pushed? How far can we be pushed?
Our oldest daughter works as a millwright with the union. Everyone she works with at her sight has been vaccinated. So, she is test weekly and wears a mask, none of them do. She has asked them if they will be getting the booster and without exception, they all say "not a chance". We'll see... None wanted it in the first place. We are a country run on coercion, not choice. Kind of ironic for a place that holds itself up to be a bastion of political correctness.
Hold the line, USA! :) I might have to dig a tunnel under the border one day.
Texans can be as stubborn as the land they were raised on. There will be NO handing over of guns, ammo or my body to the government! They draw a line, we will build a wall around it!
It breaks my heart over and over to hear the stories of our neighbors, in Canada, and even just over the next few state lines. Places we may never get to visit. People we may never get to meet. If you dig that tunnel, Tara, you’ll always have an outlet on our property. ❤️
It’s the same here in Wyoming short of the weather (it’s been cold but then again I like the cold). Vaccines were pushed but only on those who would’ve got them anyway. No one here needs a Covid vaccine to work (unless you work at the hospital then it is highly encouraged. You do have to have flu shot though.) But yes our family owns many unregistered guns that can’t be traced. Only corporate employees and school kids (those poor kids) have to wear masks. (Only at school though extracurricular stuff they don’t have to.)
Hi Tara. My name is Vaasu and I'm a 21 year old boy from Ontario but currently studying medicine in the UK in Nottingham. I found your instagram page and always drew strength from your writing. We have a small homestead back home that I was able to invest some love into during the six-ish months of lockdown. It was interesting to see my family rise to support me in all the gardening and chicken-ing and we've turned into a farming family since then! Those few months were tough and I felt alone and weak many times. But I have also never been as happy as when I was on the farm.
I did get the vaccine - albeit nervously. However I do feel that these horrible attempts to force them into people are unkind and not in line with the spirit of medicine. I don't know how the medical community will ever regain the trust of the people.
I am navigating some choppy waters right now. I am in that stage where I am cutting out the unnecessary in my life and it is often quite painful. Almost feels like I'm hacking limbs ha! I've also recently lost contact with someone I love. It hurts but I guess thats part of being alive- slowly learning what it means to have "loved and lost". Sometimes I feel that this harsh world is numbing the kid in me to become an old, calloused man. Would love your advice on how to not let that be the case :)
With love,
Vaasu
P.S. Your posts have always made me glad knowing that there is always someone home to appreciate the call of Canada geese flying south.
Oh, dear Vassu, I will continue to say my farewells to the geese and, now, say a few more on your behalf.
Thank you for your beautiful comment. You know what helps me from getting too cynical? I have learned to understand that the world as construct, the stuff the news and media and powers-that-be hold up as "the world" is not real. It's a story they tell. Sometimes, we have to play a game in their story to make it, but that doesn't mean it's real. Be courageous enough to sit in a forest and marvel at the pattern on the bark of a tree or just sit with the warmth of the sun on your face. Our Creator, however you see that, thought you worthy and brilliant and lovely enough to share this moment with that sun or those birds overhead. Little old you! A part of that mystical, magical moment that holds all of life.
You get to be something better than a kid. You get to hold that awe, but wield it and share it at your whim.
Love is painful, always. If there is no pain, it's not the end. Don't worry about the pain. Feel it and let it do what it needs to do. I am so happy you are going to be a doctor. We need more healers, people connected to the bigger things, in our medical system.
I love this idea that sometimes we have play a game in their story to make it. It reminds us that we can be our authentic self with that negotiation and nuance.
Thank you Tara for this. I am also in Michigan. In my humble opinion this pandemic has uncovered the content of the hearts of humanity and has shown what we are without the redemption of Jesus. I have been broken hearted over the division, friends, neighbors and family members taking sides. A person’s vax status is none of my business and mine is none of theirs. We have been lied to on every level, everything has become politicized and I am bone weary of it. I am also amazed (although I probably shouldn’t be) at the sheer arrogance of a global oligarchy that dictates its will on all, using this pandemic as an opportunity. Eternity is a long time to live with the consequences of such injustice, the thought is sobering. My prayer is that as things continue to degenerate, my life makes a difference, that I love those who hate me and serve anyone God brings to me the way He wants.
"Bone weary", yes there is that in many of us. I do hope you have ways to reconnect to the source of joy and beauty, of love around us. The very source of life. I find it helpful to remind myself to sit on the earth and to just marvel at a leaf or a wee little bug. That is real. That is God. And, I too, am part of this majestic life. "Their" stuff is systems and numbers and disconnection and plastic - not real at all. Just a movie to keep us distracted from the truth of what is. Sending you much love, ADH. I hope you feel it.
Thank you for your kind words and love, Tara. I’m taking your words to heart, it’s been hard to find joy lately but I think I forget to look because it is indeed there. 💗 I was heartbroken to hear about your daughter. I am so very sorry. Sending love back to you.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and it has been a challenging 18 months (and I’m incredibly fortunate to not have suffered financially throughout). It has been mandated that you can’t work outside your residence unless you’ve been vaccinated and so that has forced me to work from home. Isolation and constant fear mongering has taken its toll and I’m saddened by the division that’s been fostered by politicians and the media. My heart breaks for the children too. I am finding it hard letting go of some things (I too don’t mind about eating out or movies) of the illusions that are now revealing themselves. But I feel that new paths will be birthed and I’m hopeful about that.
In Canada, even working remotely, or going to school remotely, requires a vaccine in many situations.
I am sorry you are going through what you are. What's your sense of other's opinions? Is there resistance? Is there any sort of underground? Here, there is definitely a burgeoning underground of shopkeepers, restaurants, even spas and clubs, that are resisting.
It is wonderful to read all of these posts from around the world...sometimes I feel quite alone in my thoughts and wonder if there is anyone else out there. I am a military wife whose husband is working as a Chaplain to make sure that military members have their rights and freedoms respected and upheld. As they use our military members as guinea pigs, I am watching so many amazing people be pushed out when they refuse to comply. It is a weakening of our community and a weakening of the institutions that are put in place to protect freedom! How ironic.
We are close to retirement and about to become grandparents, and my greatest wish is that our legacy to our children and grandchildren is a love and respect for what is true, ancient, and given from God. We are ancestors in training!! And I am learning from you Tara, about what is possible and how to see things so differently than the way I was raised. Thank you and thanks to all of you out there who are swimming against the tide.
Wow! My husband is also a military chaplain with the New Zealand army. He is the only one in the entire chaplaincy department who is standing up for the rights of people who don't want the jab. He is pastorally caring for over 100 people now. We think that list will now grow as they've started the booster conversation and as most were jabbed more than 6 months ago we think there will be a number who might begin to question at this point. He is likely to lose his job and its hard to know what horizon to look to next, but we have met the most amazing and aligned people through this journey and process. I see this new potential world unfolding. I am hopeful we can bring it to fruition!!
I have survived 63 years without a flu shot. I trust my own immunity and will not comply with any mandate in regard to my health. I respect the land, animals and our food sources have been local farmers & farmers markets. Luckily I have surrounded myself through the years with like minded people. I believe this is a natural progression as you age. We have been blessed to gather at each other’s homes to discuss the craziness in this world. I believe in God and turn to him for help understanding & strength. I am also blessed to spend half the year in freedom Florida. The other half in Wisconsin ..the difference is striking. My two children 31 and 34 were raised the same way and continue in these beliefs.. They have also surrounded themselves with a community in Texas who understand what is being taken away. My husband is the only one who got a shot for his job. I pray everyday for those of who have small children. I also pray for our world. History is destined to repeat. How often I heard that as a child never thinking I would see in my lifetime Please stay strong and realize we are not alone
Fear and divisiveness are their weapons We are more alike than different.
I am in the UK and still struggling to come to terms with it all. It’s the children , my poor children and all the other innocent babies who will have very different lives. I am told my freedom was an illusion anyway! I guess as a collective there is a general apathy and sense of comfort that has made us sleep walk our way to the current situation. April 2022 I have to be vaccinated or lose the job I love. I already feel like I have lost the respect of my colleagues for not towing the line.
My husband tells me to hide my views and stay quiet but I feel compelled to share what I know about the agenda of the evil forces at work.
I feel scared when I move my focus from the light and love of god so I keep god at the centre and know that this time shall pass as shall my life and how I live and love and connect with god and his creation is the most important thing.
Yes, those vaccine mandates are already here in Ontario. We have had many healthcare workers and others fired. Our oldest daughter got kicked out of college. They refused to accept her religious exemption. She got picked up by a union quickly thereafter which has been a godsend. She has to be tested weekly and wear a mask while nobody else does.
I love your last paragraph, Abida. What else is there? We must move and live in the light and the love of our Creator. Otherwise, we might as well crawl into the hole of fear and how are we any better off than those presently occupying it?
We have a friend in the same boat, she enjoys her job but has felt over the past year that she has lost respect for her colleagues and they her. The deadline they have given her is Dec 31, it keeps getting pushed back though so who knows where it will actually end. She is reluctantly accepting that her told now is to homeschooling her kids. Her son refuses to wear a mask and he hasn't been in school since the lockdown started. What an adjustment it is for all of us, I have to believe it gets better once you accept there is no going back. In the end I think those of us to don't comply will be living a life more vibrant and true.
Hi Tara et al., writing to you today from one of the San Juan Islands in WA state, just a few miles off the coast of Canada and the mainland US, an archipelago with about 15,000 residents, playground of Bill Gates and friends, with a vax rate of "one of the highest in the country," proudly controlled by a maniacal "health officer" whose wet dream of a pandemic has finally come true and he gets to flex his power and control over all of us, with the blessing of our governor, of course. Last week a small group of dissenters finally "came out" to each other and met in a clandestine location, under all sorts of confidentiality agreements, to discuss how we can finally, slowly, push back and try to navigate/survive the coming months/years ahead. Businesses are threatened, jobs have been lost to mandates (the ferries are a mess!), our community centers only allow vax cards and masks, the schools are on the cusp of vax mandates, and there is a deep divisiveness that even Trump couldn't achieve. The biggest take-aways from our meetings have been the following: 1. Above all else, hold love - for ourselves, for our neighbors, for our community - regardless of the hate and insanity that is thrown back. 2. Be courageous. Like at the Battle of Pellinor Fields, "Courage, Merry, courage for our friends." Show our children that we can be courageous adults especially since they are looking at us to show them how to act in these times. Ranting and railing against the narrative is not constructive action; we need to show them acts of courage, however small, so that they know that there is always something one can do. Take off your masks in stores, smile at babies, break bread with people you don't "normally" associate with, write letters to the board, post signs of dissention, gather together in laughter and worship, and toss off the mantel of fear that everyone seems to living under. and 3. Create our new reality. Simple but oh so hard. Big potlucks in public spaces. Holding the school boards accountable. Talking out loud and in the open about all of those who have been "flown off" (when there's a medical emergency here, a helicopter takes you to a mainland hospital) for vax reactions, attempted suicides, heart attacks (in young people!), etc. And also, we recognize that whether we like it or not, this is a historical moment for all of us, and our choices and decisions today really will have an impact on the history of this place. These things may seem small and insignificant to all the Great Big Things happening in the world, but here, now, this is our start. We have each chosen our line in the sand, and will stand firmly with each other, and that, in and of itself, if worth more than all of the fake vaccine passports money can buy. Breathe deeply of the fresh air, turn your face towards the sinking winter sun, walk on an empty beach with your dogs off-leash, and eat a meal with a stranger again. This Life is still very beautiful and it's worth fighting for!
Damn, I want in on your clandestine group! Yes yes and yes!! The children are watching us and we must be examples to them! Why have everyone forgotten this? Where are the leaders? Well, they're in your fine little group. I couldn't love what you said more. We change things by doing different, moving out of what we don't want and creating more of what we do. Protests have their place, but they are not about creation. Fine, let them have their toxic, hateful, controlling system of fear. I don't want it. WE got our own communities to build up and reinforce. Nothing motivated by fear can last.
Craig and Kathleen Overby here. I think we were in this wonderful group for a one time thing before Craig got terminated and we sold our beachy mermaid island house and had to move away from our family. We are broken hearted but determined to build a family and a culture. We read Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher and the second half really challenged us to build a culture for not merely survival but thriving as a dissident. We found so much hope and courage to begin again at 61 years old. And it is hard. And hard can also be good. Missing the ocean and the San Juan Archipelago deeply.
This is great to hear of more of you in the San Juan’s finding your truth. My mom lives on Waldron and has a lovely group of like minded friends. They meet and have potlucks and share hugs and swim in the ocean. In fact one of her good friends there wrote the book “the religion of science” by Dr N. Swanson. We all need to form these communities with each other and continue to stay in relationship with those who don’t agree.
I am an "old-ish" guy (68), in The Rockies of the US. I mention that only to lend some possible impact, when I say I never in my life thought I'd see anything unfold here (or world-wide), like the events of the last 2 years!
For certain, I have lived in times of war, disease, economic collapse, terrorism and more. Yet this whole "virus thing" has a certain quality or energy or feeling about it that leaves me a bit perplexed, mistrustful and concerned.
I have no doubt whatsoever that it's POSSIBLE that it might be any of a number of different things:
1. intentionally released
2. capitalized on, by those who seek to somehow benefit from it
3. a means of instilling fear, far & wide
4. a means of control over humanity
5. fill in the blank ______________________
And yet, I do take comfort in reading posts from different sources, that indicate to me that many people are waking up to the possible intentions, results and ramifications of what is happening around the world.
I could go on writing for a very long time here. To be brief, I will just say that I am heartened by those whose post about their: self-love & care, in spite of criticism, condemnation & being ostracized; attempts to love & honor all, regardless of the other person's choices; new-found wisdom, skills & strengths; indomitable Spirit!
At the "bottom" of it all, is the human Spirit - wise, eternal, strong, free, peaceful & loving. The degree to which we can tap into that Spirit (our true Nature, in my opinion), is the degree to which we will live from that place, strengthen ourselves, and offer true, genuine, pure & loving service, to ourselves and to the world around us, IN SPITE OF what may be happening.
Thank you and God bless all of the posters, who "allowed me a glimpse into your world" on this site! Your struggles, strengths, joys, resolute attitudes and the new awareness and connections you are making, inspire me...we must all carry on with the sound & sure knowledge and conviction that we are on the right path, whether or not that is confirmed by those close to us.
Steve, your comment is so beautiful and just buoyed my spirit. That we can all find a little corner on this wild and wooly internet to come together and share our experiences and hold good will for one another, even if we have come to different conclusions about things, is such a testament to what you said - "the human spirit - wise, eternal, strong, free, peaceful & loving". I imagine you out there in the Rockies, putting out that energy, all of ours mingling together in some cosmic way still too mysterious for our puny little human minds to comprehend. I am so glad to read your words.
Tara - thank you very kindly for your positive and beautiful reply. I hope you know that what you write (the content, the way in which you present it, your choice of words, and the poetic, lyrical style) are a blessing to me/us!
I once read something like this: "Change yourself and you have done your part in changing the world." So, every morning in my meditation & prayers, I ask to be changed for the better...and to be given a way (and a chance) to help...someone, somewhere, somehow. Of course, honestly, I would love to change all of society or even the whole world, but that is a vainglorious thought, I realize.
Be that as it may, know for certain that YOU are changing the world, by what you do & write...all those positive efforts ripple outward, indeed, whether we are aware of it or not...
Thank you so much, Steve. That's all any of us can really do, isn't it? I have a little prayer I whisper throughout the day "help me to be love, let me see where I can be love". It keeps my eyes and heart trained on the possibilities.
Hi Tara. I am minded of an Insta post you wrote a year or so ago about us humans being allowed to disagree and am happy to receive this invite to the campfire., thank you :) I am in the UK. Ridiculous Eton boy Prime Minister, government sleaze and crap journalism that cannot bear to hold anyone to account asides ( with a few exceptions) things seem a lot calmer than in your neck of the woods with regards to the pandemic. All vaccines voluntary with the exception of care home workers. This is short sighted because - thanks to Brexit - there are not enough staff to go around. Vaccines are offered in schools, uni's, via GP's etc but are completely voluntary. Some people wear masks, some don't. Covid is pretty much doing the rounds in schools at the moment, as are all the other seasonal lurgies. The kids are meant to test twice weekly with the free lateral home test provided but this is optional and not enforced.
Covid hit very close to home early on. A young, fit teacher at my daughters school died after catching it from her son when he returned from a school trip. My husbands colleague, a cycling enthusiast, lean and fit and aged 47, died 3 months in. My daughter and I had Covid at Christmas. Hers looked like a heavy cold. My experience was a vicious headache and a tight chest that left me breathless for 3 months. My husband and son - nothing - but then, viruses are like that. I have followed WAP for years so Vit D levels, solid nutrition etc are very much on my radar - which is how I found you, lovely Tara.
Honestly? I didn't want the vaccine. My family have historically had the very basic vaccine package , that's it. I am a homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal loving girl through and through. But, my parents are elderly and frail, one of my dearest friends has Addisons ( no immune system at all). I lost sleep, my jaw was permanently clenched, the anxiety raged. Sometimes, after my kids were in bed, I hit the wine - hard! I went round in circles. Long story short, I got the jabs. And I am ok. Relieved to not have the whole thing take up so much brain space. I would never judge anyone - one way or another - for their choice - because it should always be a choice. The first lockdown was very challenging - the scenes on TV shocked me deeply. People fighting over loo paper - for God's sake! But it was also a time where deep, lasting connections were forged. Local groups formed, street by street, with people sharing and pooling resources. We met on doorsteps and out on the street for birthdays and celebrations. Toy and book lending library's sprung up on front door steps. Elderly neighbours who live alone have become part of the community. We know each other now.
I believe it is true to say that we see the best and worst of people at times like this. I have certainly seen the best and worst of myself. I have plumbed the depths of despair this year The ghosts of all the childhood trauma and betrayal and ensuing shame I experienced refused to be ignored and I had to do some deep work. Beloved family members have teetered on the brink of mental illness and physical illness.
Lately, I have felt a subtle shift. Little doorways and pathways have opened up and shafts of light are unexpectedly shining through in to the dark places, bringing joy and heartfelt gratitude for the life and love I have. I read a simple phrase somewhere recently that said "Grow Where You Are Planted". It really resonated. That's what I am trying to do. Much love to you Tara. Thanks again for inviting these conversations.
I'm so grateful that you shared this, Tania. I don't want to be someone who condemns people for not accepting my choice and then not accepting theirs. There is just too much manipulation and finger pointing and it benefits none of lowly little peons on the bottom of the hierarchy. I am glad to hear that you are well and that you are turning a corner from such a challenging time. Big hugs to you.
Thanks Tara! I agree, too much manipulating and finger pointing and name calling. "sheep"on one side and "tin foil hat wearing flat earthers" on another - all judgment and no acceptance. Very frustrating!. Hopefully these conversations will go some way to rounding things out.. xxxx
Tania, the image you painted of neighbours finally coming to know each other, elders finding their place in community again, almost made me weep. Thank you so much for sharing.
I have so much sympathy for those in heavily mandated places. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, California, New York, etc. Hold the line (if it aligns with you to do so). We are behind you--- there are so many of us behind you.
A little about me: After nearly losing a child to a V years ago, I began to do my OWN research. That has literally thrown me into about 13 years of daily research on these things. It is the main focus of my life. No allopathic medicine has touched my other children and they were born into a calm and balanced environment, into water and thew waiting arms of their parents. At the time of my sons injury, we were living in California and as these mandates for our kids to begin schooling began, we fought fought fought them tooth and nail, along with so many other brave mothers who were ostracized by the media. It became clear that the voting process was rigged and the politicians were paid off. We could see the writing on the wall, that the next American civil war would not be about Abortion, it would be about Vs. This was years ago. But the fight continued in California into 2019. New mandate laws, furthering the divide between those of us that wanted the choice regarding poisoning our children, and those that would support forcing medical procedures on others.
And then, when Covid "hit" and the media storm began, my husband and I looked at each other and decided nearly right then and there to get out of that state. A state we adored and had fought for. We saw the writing on the wall.
Those of us who have been aware of a global plan for years have known this would happen eventually. Hoped it wouldn't, but expected it might.
We returned to Texas and now live our lives in relative freedom. I still have to stand up for our rights here and there but it's not the massive pushback that I know others feel. We are preparing our land and our family for the possibility of needing to self sustain.
I speak to friends in California and their lives revolve around "the number of cases" to determine if it's a good day or a bad day. That's no way to live.
It's going to get harder before it gets better, friends. But a new society, a new culture, is growing out of this.
I am a Native American and I follow the herbal practices of our ancestors. I have thrown myself into learning this ancient wisdom. I search daily for a possible antidote to the "V" poison. The herbs that will balance the body, back in wholeness and alignment again. I also practice energy medicine and have seen great healing come to pass in those aligned with its magic.
I am so humbled by the brave souls standing up in Italy, in Austria, in France, Australia... those marching and fighting for their right to bodily autonomy. I am so grateful for you all. Continue to hold the line because that will tip the scales. Share your truth with those you trust. Every open, sovereign heart is benefit to Gaia.
I am so comforted and inspired by this beautiful community.
Mmmmhmmm, delicious! Every word a morsel of delight. Thank you.❤️ I agree with everything you said. We live where we live and are doing what we are doing because we wanted to build security for our children in a time when everyone thought us "extreme" for carving out lives that required such a payment in responsibility and work. So many people have forgotten, or never learned, that these are things that give life meaning.
Our oldest daughter is 28 now, soon to be 29. None of our children have ever taken pharmaceutical medications. If they had to, if it was life or death, well that's one thing, but never was that the case. And in that learning and connection with all that Nature provides us, we come to live more deeply and wholly in this world. These are the gifts that have been stolen from us by profiteers and their cronies. In this time, we can finally see and take back so many things that bring beauty and meaning in our lives.
A note for herbal antivirals (not so much for you A.B. [don't want to sound condescending] but for whoever reads your comment): take a look at Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Buener. To paraphrase, proven antivirals for coronaviruses are chinese skullcap, astralagus, kudzu root, olive leaf, and many more, but those are some real powerful ones to be tinctured or tea-d or whatnot. Which herbal practices do you currently follow?
Wonderful for the tips and the book rec, thank you! Always appreciated by everyone I'm sure. I'm self taught on all this, and with the help of other medicine women who have imparted their knowledge to me, and lots of Cherokee books and other books on Native American healing methods, I am always learning and soaking up more! I try to grow everything I can, dry most herbs and make tinctures or tonics out of them... sometimes teas. I also use homeopathy in our household and occasionally help others out. I get many texts from friend-mothers asking for advice on this- or that---- it seems with kids there is always an herb or tonic to try out and see if it works as well as I've been told or read that it would. Usually it does! I try to have most things on hand just in case. Lots of trial and error with this of course. I use many of the Bach flower essences for the day to day ups and downs and adore those as well.
I'm also a big fan of other natural remedies like colloidal silver and ozonated oils and water. Big belief here that the Great One gave us all the plants as medicine for any illness we could possibly encounter, and the Universal Spirit is at our disposal, steering us toward the right remedy, if only we will listen.
Sometimes (often) when I don't know what plant to use, I just ask them :)
Hi people around Tara's campfire. How lovely to find myself among you today.
I'm thinking about Tara's essay the other day about a salty old man that she is friends with even though you most likely don't agree on many things. How much are we allowing these divisions to cut us off from people we need to be in community and communion with? We have moved to a new town during pandemic times and I feel lonely and longing for my old community although it does not exist any more as it once did. Trying to use that longing to drive me into finding ways to create and being the community that I'm longing for, be the friend I am longing for, be the big sister I am longing for.
Here in Iowa there are not too many mandates that have lasted. A friend visiting from California recently commented that they wouldn't even know there was a pandemic on. I am thankful for these freedoms knowing many who don't have the same. There is rumblings at work of a mandate coming but right now future is unknown because of pending litigation on the OSHA rule.
I am rarely asked about my vaccination status and when I am just say that we have made the best decisions for our family that we know of. People can assume what they like, it is none of their business.
I think the biggest lesson I am learning through this experience of the last several years is that I am unwilling to let fear (of anything) motivate me. I've become very thoughtful and reflective on times that I moved motivated out of fear and I don't like that feeling or the results.
From the outside maybe I look like a quiet suburban working mom - but I think maybe this is the most radical and defiant way that I can live and make my mark on the world. To decide everyday not to choose fear, to live in kindness and love when I see others not doing that. To choose to find joy and wonder when it seems like the big voices out there say there is none. To raise my children with this example. To feel like I matter and I belong here.
Wonderful words, Saralyn. I love that your biggest lesson has been that you are unwilling to let fear motivate you. What a profound gift to take from this time! I, too, have been trying to live in, and radiate, the failings I bemoan in others. Who am I to point out a lack of this or that? Much better to use that awareness to put more of it out there, me thinks.
We are in Ontario as well and have held it together mostly through this. My husband and I are very fortunate to work for companies who are leaving it up to employees on what to do with their health and we pray it will stay that way. We talk about how our world has remained the same as we do not have children, and think about all the families who are awake and going through it these insane times. Some of our family is jabbed, some not, and for the most part no one has been excommunicated from family life.
This is so good to hear, Karolina, especially given the aggressiveness of the approach of this province. Always nice to not be excommunicated and I'm happy to hear that there are businesses here using discretion!🙂
Wow, what a rich and amazing discussion you have started here. I am fortunate to live and farm on the coast of Maine. I have cozied up with these words this morning as I sip tea and now coffee. I am in the process of finishing a letter to the farming community here in Maine, the organic community specifically, seeking some dialogue like this.. it has been so disappointing to see the degree to which the thread is not only lost but has never even been picked up by this community. How can people devoted to organic and regenerative ag not see the parallels... quick fix, chemical, linear, synthetic, top down... its all the same. Trade Cargill and Monsanto for Pfizer and Moderna and there you go... approach identical.
I'll be fifty next month, I can relate to so much that has been written in this thread. I was a huge Bernie supporter, seemed like the only soul in Washington with any sense... end foreign wars, get money out of politics... Trump was the anti-christ. This whole virus thing has changed so much about how I see all of that and all of the structures and systems that exert control and influence over our lives. I was perfectly content when told to "stay home".. stay on the farm? focus on the only things I want to do anyway? No problem. But of course as time went on the need to address the madness grew in me. I remember through the summer of 2020 feeling increasingly like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, it was simply intolerable to me that anyone in my life and extended family could make the mistake of thinking I was onboard with the madness... so I wrote a letter, the first of so so so many. That letter helped forge some great connections as it allowed a very few people to rejoice in the type of connection on display here... "Me too!!!"... but, predictably, from most it was silence. Several very very close friends and family are still adamant that we "should not talk about it". Unreal.
And that is what, more than anything else, fills me with dread as I look out and consider the world my children (21, 18, 14) will grow into. The close mindedness and the willingness of, mostly the educated "classes", to carry on without the slightest bit of critical thinking or ability (interest? willingness?) to look at what is clearly before their eyes and question anything. But as I finish that thought it is immediately followed by the counter, that so so many are out there calling bs and holding the line. I feel so fortunate to have found my way to agriculture 20+ years ago and have the ability to count myself among those on our planet who work, make, create, tend, steward, and produce. That will be our salvation, all that you talk so eloquently about on your pages Tara... that will carry us through.
Our new way of seeing the world has brought more clarity to the new heroes of our time... the David Martins, the Sally Fallons, the Mark Crispin Millers, the RFK jr's, the Peter McCulloughs and on and on it goes. Clearly you too are a hero to many here Tara and what you share brings light and hope and love to so many. Thank you and please keep up the work you are doing.
I have so many of the same thoughts and feelings around what's going on as you do, Joe. We see it here, too. How can it be that people, so connected to the earth can suspend critical thought when it comes to their own bodies? I have been around our holistic, regenerative circles and had people ask me to "step back a few feet" as we talked under the sun. I was flabbergasted. I remain so at 20 somethings wearing two masks on their face at a gathering to discuss the biome of mother earth. Not our biome, then, I'm guessing?
I really don't care if someone gets the juice or not. The part that bothers me is the abject fear and hostility around dialogue. We have a daughter in acupuncture school through a TCM (traditional chinese medicine) program. Her own teachers told her that this vaccine is aligned with traditional Chinese practices like acupuncture. But then again, they also said that canola oil is an essential fat and doughnuts were a complete food if you ate tofu with them so, yes, there's that for context.
We have friends that don't want to talk about it. We know their stance, they know ours. I don't mind that. We all seem to be able to just move beyond that. It's the dehumanizing of other that gets me. I was at a bereavement group (of all things) and was told to wear my mask in front of everyone because I was the only one that fessed up to not being vaccinated. Me and twenty other mourning mothers and me with a mask. It was pretty uncomfortable.
I'm glad your kids have you to help them navigate this time. I worry for the kids being raised to believe their own beautiful, powerful bodies are a thing to dominate and fear. What of them? Loyal devotees of the pharma gods.
But then again, I've been to farms that have recycling bins sp
spilling over with diet coke cans and frozen pizza cans. We are such an incongruent lot, us humans. But I won't pretend it doesn't matter and that someone can hold an opinion or a position of equal weight if they do not live what they preach. That's just social conditioning gone amuck. We can pretend that the great equalizer is our reason, but it's really how we live, in the real world anyhow.
Hi Joe! From the easternmost point of Australia, I share your disappointment in our fellow local organic and regenerative farmers being blind to what is currently unfolding!!
Amazing to connect here and in other virtual settings with such inspirational humans, like Tara. I sure could use a real world community though, few and far between are the awake.
I live on the west coast and think we must be leading exact parallel lives, everything you have said has happened here too. Farming? Moving the cows every day? These things are easy and where I want to be anyway, but for my three children, what will their future hold? (Not cows, says my youngest!😂). These threads connect us though, and together Tara is helping us weave resilience, support, and hope, even if we’re 2500 miles apart.
I am in Saskatchewan, Canada. Here we cannot participate in regular society unless we have the vaccine passport. I live on a farm and grow my own food and I am happy to stay here and not go to town. However my husbands job requires him to travel three provinces for sales calls and he can’t fly so he has to drive. When he gets there he can’t eat in restaurants and has to hunt out hotels that don’t require vaccination. He is a very outgoing people person so this has been hard for him.
My daughter, who is almost 18 has been homeschooled her whole life. Other three daughters are moved out with their own families. But our homeschool activities have been closed down so she is rather alone. She has been working for years to become a swim instructor and lifeguard and got a job at our aquatic centre in October. She loves this job and it gets her out among people. She has to be vaccinated by November 22 or she will lose her job. This is heartbreaking for her.
Today I have been invited to speak in front of the mayor of North Battleford about these mandates and that has been my thing during this whole ridiculous situation. Letter writing, emails, taking with people where i can about our freedoms being taken away. I can’t do nothing! Canadians are so ridiculously compliant because we are so nice.
I am nice too but I am fed up with the is and them mentality and I will fight tyranny any way I can while continuing to make a parallel society for my family and likeminded friends.
I got such a knot in my stomach reading about your daughter. As adults, ok, whatever, but when the kids are controlled and manipulated by such nonsense, it really eats at me.
Your husband's job sounds so challenging right now. I have deep respect for your resolve and commitment. I am here with you all in spirit. ❤️
Pretty much the same situation here. I can hide out on my off grid farm if needed, but my husband travels to different towns and cities for work. My son is 2.5 years into an education degree and had to drop out. He has work but is subject to twice weekly testing. My older son was sent for tests twice and had no idea the second time they were going to shove that stick way up his nose until it was too late and he was trapped in the chair. The first one was a cheek swab. Weird. He quit his job and now works for us building our home. My daughter got laid off from her café job due to new measures. Soon we may be housing them all again if things continue. We are trying to think outside the box of how we can provide income for our kids in the future. My daughter is creative and sells art online. We aren't in dire straits like some are. I know people fully juiced who still can't travel to see their grandkids! So, following all the mandates has still not given many people their freedom back. I'm just grateful my kids, plus a good portion of my friends and family all see through all of this shite and won't be bullied by the government.
I respect your resolve. There are so many of us in situations exactly like this. We, too, are troubleshooting all sorts of scenarios. I've noticed so many rural companies around us with tradesmen and labourers that are just going about business as normal. I think that's central to the riddle - having some autonomy around your work and life. It's going to take some figuring, to be sure. Thank you for sharing your story, too, Christine.
Well in a strange turn of events, three minutes before the event I cot a call from the mayors secretary saying that he is being rushed to the hospital with a heart attack. 😳
Thanks for the invitation to chat, Tara. I feel like there’s less and less opportunity for this without feeling like you’re going to say the wrong thing and be pounced on.
I have a coffee shop in Newfoundland where the VaxPass has recently been rolled out. The province is at almost 90% vax rate with extremely low new cases. I am fully vaccinated and firmly believe that it’s a personal choice that should not dictate how you’re allowed to participate in society.
We’ve now been mandated (under threat of fines for non-compliance) to ask for the passport with ID for all dine-in patrons. But who become the enforcers, the bouncers at the door, of this mandate? Our young staff who are already at peak anxiety, burnt out and hanging on by a thread, just trying to pay their way through school. It’s been bad enough just trying to enforce the mask mandate. There has been abuse, threats of violence.
So, no, we opt out. We made the difficult decision to remove indoor seating and offer only takeout, not as an anti-VaxPass stance but as a means of protecting the mental and physical health of our staff. Hopefully the business can survive this.
Personally, I’m aching for my three boys under 5. They don’t remember a different way of life, which is maybe a blessing. I’m trying to immerse them in freedoms that don’t exist anymore within the institutions but we live in a city and it’s part of our life too. I’m struggling to imagine how we’ll ever get out from under the governments thumb and it keeps me up at night.
Much love from the east, Tara. I deeply appreciate you!
I don't give a hoot about the big chains, but I have so much sympathy for small business owners. I think this decree from on high, implemented on small business owners, is just another tactic. What do they care that young people and small businesses have to deal with? It's just awful.
I admire your commitment to your workers. Sending you much love with whatever resilience I can spare. Thank you for sharing your situation. 💕
I’m a 40 year old mom employed in healthcare in Alabama. My husband has been working on his doctorate (online) and homeschooling our kids for the past 3 years. His career change from corporate executive to homeschooling dad was intentional on our part. A way to spend more time together as a family along with taking charge of how and what our children learn. We have been fortunate in so many ways…Alabama’s lockdown was relatively short, we have no mask mandate, and our governor has worked to protect against government overreach. However, I will be looking at unemployment in 2 weeks if I am not granted an exemption, as any medical facilities that receive federal money are requiring the jab. I have worked through this entire pandemic as a physical therapist. Performed direct patient care every day with who knows how many exposures to the virus…but yet now I’m a threat. We have made peace with our decision. I believe financially we will be able to tread water, which I consider a huge blessing.
I so wish we had put more effort early on into food autonomy. I have silently stalked your Instagram page for years, trying to figure out how to make similar ideas work for our family. We are most definitely behind in those areas, but planning and plotting how to provide quality food for ourselves.
Even living in a very conservative area of the US, we are outsiders and an anomaly. I am one of the few holdouts at work over the jab. People think we are strange for considering where our food comes from and how we can produce more of our own. I see friends posting how their 5 year olds are “brave” for taking the vax and I’m sad for them. What a world it has become. Thank you, Tara, for sharing so much with us and providing a safe corner for like minded people!
Oh dear, that "brave" comment made my heart lurch. No, they are just doing what they are told. Oh dear.
I respect the changes you're willing to make, the sacrifices. I was a weird one, too for so long. I remember going to our kids' sports tournaments with our coolers of food and everyone laughing at how neurotic we were. Okaaaaaay, I'll catch you when you get back from Chuckee Cheese. Anyway, nice to meet you, Ashley in Alabama. I will be thinking of you and glad you found this little tucked away corner. :)
I’m a 28 year old young lady in central coast California. I am a nurse who started on this path with a deep desire for connection, to heal people, and to serve the part of me who incessantly cared for others. What I have gotten over my first year of nursing is in stark opposition to everything I stand for. I found a job that has accepted my exemption, and although it is the last job I would have ever lined up for, I think I’ll have to work it until I can find another way to use my license. I am the nurse who doles out medication after medication, attempting to reason with my elderly patients and eyeing in disgust the food they consume, who goes home to a fully natural home.
In this field, I am looked at as the one who is unconcerned for her health because of my choice not to be vaccinated. I, the woman who on my two days off prepares nourishing foods for my fiancé and I, makes sourdough, meal plans, finds farmers markets, makes my own laundry detergent/soap/home cleaner. I am the nurse who sits out in the sunshine and fresh air to eat my lunch that I packed, listen to the Wise Traditions podcast, and drink my homemade kombucha…but I somehow am “disregarding” my health. I try not to be frustrated and emotionally drained- your fortitude and articulation are inspiration to me.
Until we are able to move into the lush valley, buy land, and give a big “so what” to those who try to push us out of civilization, my fiancé and I are here. We’re here, trying to form connections with those who think differently than us (which is about everyone in this state), to emulate the ideal of “inclusion” which is so incredibly misconstrued by those who actually use that term, and to be grateful for the fact that we do not wish to participate in any of the things that are being taken away from us.
I have so many more thoughts, but I wanted to thank you for giving us the gift of your words and the glimpse into your life.
Emilly. Emily eating sourdough under the sun. What a picutre. I like you.
Isn't it a sign of our times when a person can go to such lengths to take care of her health and, when compared to someone who has done nothing other than agree to an experimental procedure, somehow comes out as less responsible? It's such fabulous propaganda if you think about it. "You, the righteous, will be exalted for doing nothing at all!" Ahhhhh at last!
I have family members that are obese, eat garbage, have never exercised, watch tv all night, are on a myriad of medications and always have one ailment after the other. And you know what? I don't care. I love them anyway. It no longer goes both ways. Pharma has given them a new measure of saintly-ness and we're not on it. I just one more thinking on that one, you know? Is that too much to ask?
In the meantime, every kombucha you brew, every sunbeam you capture on your skin, every meal you eat with your beloved, is an act of love and a vote for different. It matters. I don't know how or why, but it truly does. We must all be a part of a new way of being, free of fear, motivated by the beautiful things. Just like you know because you're doing it. And, yes, roll your eyeballs mightily at the meds and the elderly if you must. You could even try whispering a little blessing over them, too.That counts.
Not sure how to connect in real life outside this little corner of the internet but there seems to be several of us here on Central Coast California and it would be great to meet up! I know a good beach or two ;)
Hello Tara and everyone here who are sharing their lived experiences! I live in Ontario, in a rural area between Toronto and Northbay. I first found out about your IG page through your husband with whom I’ve historically had the pleasure of working with in our small ER department. Currently our hospital is mandating vaccinations which is its own beast of an issue. I personally am vaccinated but I had an adverse reaction (hives) , my partner is not. He chose not to and that is ok with me. I was talking to my sister in NB who chose not to vaccinate and she ultimately has been ostracized from society’s “privileges” (like using a public bathroom ) she expresses a distressing view in that she doesn’t understand why there is such a stark polarity between vaccine views and is worried our society will eventually split in two. While I can’t predict the future I was able to console her anguish and explain that my partner and I are both vaccinated and unvaccinated. We live and love each other still because we respect each others decisions and health autonomy. I hope I instilled faith in her that these small household respectful relationships are happening and to not lose faith in that possibility becoming a bigger reality. Regardless of what “side” we are on we must share our lived experiences with an open minded foundation. Tara thank you for creating a space to do just that. We have been inspired by your posts and emails to grow our homestead even larger. I’m going back to school in hopes to specialize in metabolic disorders and dream in creating my own holistic health clinic that combines “healthcare” practices from all walks of life . If we have learned one thing in all this, it is that no one person is the same. Not the way we think, feel, move, grow or develop. We are all unique in our health , our choices and our approach to life. So in attempts to focus on the silver lining through all this, I hope to have the tenacity and the drive to make this farm to table wellness clinic possible. Thank you for continuing to inspire us Tara. And thank you for sharing all your experiences everyone !
I loved reading this. That's ultimately what it's all about, right? What does someone's health choices have to do with me. I think that's what's given us all pause - the aggressive drive and punishments. I feel for your sister. I'm glad she has you to talk to. So many families are dividing over this issue. It's crazy.
Troy has been talking about a functional medicine/metabolic clinic possibility! Did you know that? You two should talk next go around! That is such a fantastic and badly needed area of focus for true wellbeing.
This is amazing! I will definitely have a chat with him! My biggest hurdle is finding a doctor to oversee the clinic. I have no problem running a location and managing clients but it is the oversight that is missing. It’s amazing what a simple discussion thread can produce . Dialogue. What a beautiful gift.
Tara, thank you for creating this space + opening this conversation. What a strange feeling to have this little corner of the internet you've been tending become a "safe space" + one of the only places I can speak + feel heard.
I worked on a horse-powered farm after college + it was everything I've wanted to do + become. To make a very long story short - after working for a narcissistic person who put us into financial + emotional ruin, I've had to spend the better part of my twenties working at unfulfilling jobs to get out of debt + buy some land so we could finally live the life we have been working so hard for.
We moved to Maine earlier this year seeking more freedom, a better way of life, + land we could afford. In many ways, it has been wonderful, but there is definitely still intense fear from people over our 'status'. It's so surreal to be punished for being healthy... We prioritize our health in literally every decision we make - which is why we left behind everything we've known + moved to a new place where we can have a healthier balance in our lives.
We have chickens + I'm dreaming + scheming of ways we can grow our homestead to support pastured pork, horse-powered logging, + provide a nourishing life to our community, our land + our family. I would also like to become a traditional midwife, who supports women who want to birth outside of the hospital. I feel this calling so strongly but am not sure how to get there.
I also want to start a family + am distraught over what this world will look like for them + wonder if it is even fair to bring them into this world? Is it really so bad? Is anyone else trying to navigate this? I'm so curious what those of you that have children have to say about this + if there's any advice you can share.
Thank you. I know we are all doing our best to navigate this new world....
Hello Christina - I just wanted to speak to your last paragraph. How I feel about bringing children into this world. I have 3 small children under 5. I don't want to be naive but I am not fearful of bringing them into the world. That is not to say that I don't have fears for them. But we were prayerful about having children and felt that these 3 small humans were called to be here at this time. We will raise them to the best of our ability to be kind, loving, brave, creative, full of wonder, and not fearful. As a mother, I feel like its one of the hardest things I have the privilege to do, to check my own fear at the door and not have that be in my home atmosphere. Do I fail at this? Yes all the time. But that is life isn't it? The constant learning, the opportunities for growth, the wonderful lessons of humility that come in the hard times and fails.
If it is in your heart to have children I just wanted to add a voice of encouragement. I know I am only at the very beginning of being a parent and others could speak from many more years of experience than I have. But I have learned more in these 5 years than any other time in my life. I am learning to love and trust myself in a new way because I have to show up every day and be mom. If I don't show up who will?
As a parent we are programmed to try to keep our children safe. But we can not sacrifice living because we are chasing an illusive ephemeral feeling of "safety". We can only humbly wake up every day and make the best decisions we can make and trust there will be help and grace for us where we lack.
Sorry for the ramble - it has been lovely this morning to read through many comments on this thread and feel for a moment close to you all.
I have children, and I worry just as you do. The worry doesn’t go away, but I try to take comfort that I’m raising awake people with a deep connection to nature and that’s what our world needs. It’s the one true way I can make a difference.
I’m a mama to one little sassy toddler and we would like to have more.
I do worry about what the future holds and how the world will look for her just like most moms do. I also think kids like her raised with a connection to nature and to the land and food and raised with skills are so needed for our world and in the end I try to release my worry and trust we are all here right when we were meant to be.
Also have you checked out Indie birth? I’ve taken a few of their courses and really love them, they also have an online community of likeminded mamas and birth keepers
I honour what you are doing and what you want to be a part of creating. Have you looked into the radical birthing school? I think that's the name? Anyone?
I can't answer the young children part, but even I still worry about my daughters and they are in their 20s. I'm sure other moms with young ones have better things to say. xo
They have a podcast and a presence on Instagram. I believe their birth keeper school is open for registration right now? If not I think they run it twice a year..
I’m in Ontario, so the same boat as you! I worked at an academic hospital for 13 years and was terminated in September for sharing research on Twitter that “may cause vaccine hesitancy,” (their words).
I don’t miss my job at all. It had long ago become a corporate pile of hot mess, where no decisions or policies were based on evidence. I feel free now to follow my heart and start building the life I really want. I still live in a city, but my partner and I have big dreams to get out! I am content to be away from this sick society. I want to connect with like minded folks and build new, nourishing communities.
That sounds pretty familiar. I'm glad you escaped. It's funny how life tries to nudge us to do something and if we don't respond, we get an extra big heave-ho.
I worked in the health field and was furlowed back in April of 20. They contacted me in September and told me I had to get the mandated Vx to come back to work or I would be put on per diem and lose all of my benefits. Thankfully we had gotten health insurance through another carrier earlier in the year. My husband and I agree no matter how tough it gets we will not comply. Very Concerned for our children and our grandchildren. Thanks for hosting this chat Tara
I have such respect for anyone that holds onto their conviction in the face of such pressure. I don't care what we're talking about. My husband may well be losing his medical licence, something our whole family sacrificed a great deal for. We have been continuing to drastically simplify our lives and get ready for that day. There's a gift in that as well. Big hugs to you.
I keep forgetting about your husbands work. Jeez that must be a bit scary. There is a gift there too, I get that. Thinking of you and hoping it all goes well.
I am sitting here reading all the comments with tears streaming down my face. It is truly beautiful to hear all of your voices of what life has been like. Is like now. Beautiful because it sings of our humanity. Good people wanting good things for their lives, for their families, and their communities.
I am living in Homer Alaska and for most of these past two years we continued on without too much disruption, besides our closest family friends who lived down the road abruptly stepping out of our lives and the world to isolate fully. That was the first relationship we lost and now that things are a little more relaxed they do not want to continue the relationship because we are not vaccinated. Things got worse for us once the vaccine became available. It seemed that made a lot of people even more fearful than they were for the previous 18 months. Which I still don’t understand. So right before school/preschool started we got excommunicated from a lovely little forest school community because of our status. Then within a month or so after that my husband who is a potter got asked to wear a mask (only him) when in the studio where he works. The couple who own the studio also chose to stop seeing the kids which has been heartbreaking because our kids really loved this couple. They still don’t know why we haven’t seen them in a few months. My husband has been complying even though it feels icky to be singled out. He is just trying to get through this holiday season as it is an important part if our annual income. Wearing the mask isn’t as much of an issue as the general vibe there that feels punitive to him. He feels like his studio mate comes at every situation with him without the usual grace we extend to our friends and loved ones. So there are likely big shifts coming in the new year to that part of our income and his work life.
So we are actively trying to build new community, we have banded together with another family for sharing child care/homeschool. We are actively trying to increase our local food security and resilience. I’m planning to eat a lot of rabbits this winter (along with a lot of pork fat) as they are in abundance this year. And we also actively engage in inviting people to our house to share food or drink. Regardless of their political beliefs, age, vaccination status, or any other statuses people wear around. I so loved your recent post “an ode to the salty” we really try and keep as many interesting characters in our lives as possible and find that we and the children are so enriched by those good folks. We have been fortunate to not experience any shunning from family on either extreme (we have both) and have continued to enjoy visits with each of our parents although they all sadly live very far away.
It is truly heartening to hear your stories and I would welcome you all at our table. Thank you Tara for making these connections for all of us. Sending love to you.
Hi Willow- I know that shipping from Alaska is no joke, but I would love a link to your husband's pottery if he has it for sale and is able to ship. We have to help each other out in these times and I'd love to give Christmas gifts that were made by hand by someone sticking to their intuition rather than to some big corporate enterprise.
Aww thank you! We so appreciate customers who are making the effort to support handmade goods. His website is dkaufmann.com he has an online sale opening on the 22nd of this month. His and my work can also be found on Instagram. I’m a spoon carver @willowqjones
It's so nice to have you over here, Willow. I've always loved communicating with you and reading what you share.
There was a comment earlier (later? I have no idea how these are going) about someone, I believe it was "Joe" being disappointed in their regenerative/organic farming community for not drawing parallels between monsanto/cargill and the likes of pfizer/moderna. I could totally relate to that as well. It seems even worse that people can be connected on that deeper level but then not draw on those experiences to fortify their positions with confidence instead of fear. Your ex-communication from the forest school is of that same ilk. How disheartening.
I'm so glad you are building community, sharing meals, banding together with all sorts. These are powerful, meaningful acts. There is nothing meaningful in coercion by fear, hence it cannot remain. Maybe for now, but not forever. If I lived in Alaska, it would be such an honour to share a meal with you and your family. I will imagine it for now.
Thank you for this Tara. I missed you so much last year. I knew you would be questioning everything that had happened and I missed the comfort of your words and beautiful farm. For so long it was only the people I followed on social media who shared our viewpoint, but this year I found some real life beautiful friends who share the same moral and values as my husband and I and I’m so thankful for that.
We live in Bendigo, which is a regional town 2 hours from Melbourne, Victoria Australia. You’ve no doubt heard what’s going on down here. My husband and I are not getting the vaccine. My main reason has always been because we are trying for our second baby. But there are so many more reasons. We have a gorgeous 2.5 year old son, and I too worry for his future. I also wonder should we be bringing another child into this broken world, but I still have hope. From next week we will only be allowed into grocery stores, pharmacies and alcohol shops (go figure). My son cannot go to swimming lessons. Luckily he can still attend kinder, which he loves. We are just lucky he is so young and is not missing out on much more. He also has grandparents who are fully vaccinated who will be able to take him to things. We are huge homebodies, so we feel like we won’t miss out on too much. Plus we now need to save our money. I’m a pharmacist in the local public hospital and I lost my job last week. My husband is also a pharmacist and teaches pharmacy at the local university. He will most likely lose his job too. But we are ok. We have savings. And we have our health and each other. And that’s really all that matters to us. It has caused tensions between family and friends for us. We’re trying not to let this issue create a divide, but I do feel like we live in a different world to most.
I have lost all trust in the medical system (there was only a little trust before covid happened). I am ashamed of my profession. I saw for my self first hand dismissive attitude of doctors in relation to possible vaccine side effects. I’m sure your husband has seen a lot in the ED?
I’m really enjoying having you back in Instagram and thank you for keeping your blog free. And lastly I wanted to say, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I was so shocked to hear, I had a heavy heart the whole day after I read that. I think because of the way you write about our family, with so much love and respect, it’s like I knew her even though I didn’t know her name and can’t remember seeing a picture. Even though you don’t know me, you are a mentor to me. Thank you 🙏
Thank you for sharing your world with us, Ashleigh. It doesn't sound like your circumstance is much different from ours, here in Canada. It's the same with little ones not being able to attend recreational activities and such if their parents aren't vaccinated. So, no more shopping then? Just some food and booze for you? Isn't it something that they still let you buy alcohol? Just like here.
Our healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing. I suspect that will be a boon to the "unvaccinated to blame" narrative. My husband is working in remote communities right now, not seeing too much, but then in all this time never saw a single covid case. Go figure.
I respect your resolve, all that you are having taken away and yet you can still hold your power around your decision. That's no small thing.
Thank you for your kind words about our daughter. She was power and grace and love. I'm certain you would have liked her. She couldn't be anything but adored.
I’m a 32 year old mom from the prairies in Saskatchewan. I have greatly appreciated your writing in the past couple years. We are on a slow and steady path back to our roots and your writings have given me many things to ponder, specifically about our social constructs and how broken and disjointed our current way of life has become.
We have pretty much holed up in our little house in our little town. We see our friends still, and I wish with all my heart that we had an acerage to hide away in, a place where we can gather without neighbours watching; but this is what we have and we’ll do what we can. I am at home this year with my third child so I took the kids out of school and am teaching them myself. It’s my own small little way of saying “eff off” to the people that think they can tell me what to think. We have been told we can’t go to any public events or restaurants without a v-pass so I say screw it. We’ll stay at home then. I do my best to avoid anyone who enforces the v-pass or masks and try to spend my money in places ran by people that I respect. Also, I have been taking your advice and am slowly building a little network of people in order to source food locally. It takes more time and effort, but it’s worth it. We are actively trying to regain our health, step by step.
I want to leave something else here: I am frustrated. I don’t know what to do. I took the kids out of school, try not to support businesses and people who support all this garbage, but I feel like I’m throwing a grain of sand into a vast pit. I struggle with how to make a difference. How to fight and accept people and their opinions at the same time. I don’t know what else to do besides take care of my little circle and raise my children as best as I can smother be thinkers and doers and not sheeple.
I think you're underselling what you have done. What can any of us do other than what is within our sphere of influence? To be frank, my family is my world. I love writing and being here with you all, but nothing comes close to my family. If I have been true to them, loved them and have been loved by them, I am right in the world. Besides, you are an example to people, whether they want you to be or see it or not. Doesn't matter. You are a woman living within her principles. That's powerful stuff.
The best thing you can do is cultivate a life worth living. Many people will hate you for it because it makes their lives look sad in comparison, but others will be inspired and hopefully your children will also. That's a lot if you ask me.
I've read all the comments and like others have expressed it's so refreshing to read about where everyone is, how different and yet similar the currents we're navigating. I'm a Canadian married to a Mexican, and we are seasonal migrants between Mexico and Canada. We have three young kids, two grown children still living and one dead at 21 from overdose in 2018. Learning about the "other" pandemic the hard way kinda cracked me wide open, and then being stuck in northern BC from 2019 through 2020, seeing how things unfolded that first year of COVID and how nothing at all made sense, seeing the censorship and witch-hunting mentality rise up, even among folks I liked and respected and thought were thinking, critical individuals.... it's been a mind-f&*#, right? We pulled up our BC roots in late 2020, sold everything, packed a truck and headed for the border, thinking that a Mexican citizen and permanent resident heading for home in Mexico might be considered "essential travel"--NOPE. Got turned around at the border, given a 2-week quarantine order (even though we had literally gotten 15 meters over the border). At the end of 2 weeks we tried again: this time we shipped the truck and chartered a flight over the border, and continued on driving south home to Mexico. I am so grateful to be here, and I'm not sure when we will ever be back in Canada. Like many of you, we're making slow but steady progress toward building our self-sufficiency here. We are still a long way off, but nothing else makes sense to me right now, and it's also what we've always wanted to do anyways. Right now our two older littles (7 and 3.5) go to school because doing it all was killing me -- homeschooling, no breaks from the kids, and we were steadily burning through savings. Instead of my husband going up north to work (we'll never do that again), now it's up to me to bring home enough for us to live on and build slowly toward our vision, so I'm setting up my office and hustling for projects (I'm a researcher, writer & editor if anyone needs one). I have some really guilty feelings about sending the kids to school for 3-4 hours a day where they have to wear a mask, and I've told them to just take it off when they need to breathe. Someone else mentioned that their young kids don't know another way of life, and I feel that too, and on more optimistic days I also feel like maybe they'll know a different, better life in which we live closer to the earth, to the animals and plants and sources of water that feed us. I'm heartened to hear so many stories of people on this path, calling up and creating community, tribe, family in any way we can--because we know that we cannot do it alone.
What a harrowing, and nutty, story of trying to leave your own country! What the hell? They're so scared of you being here that they won't let you leave. Okay. Are there any restrictions there at all or is it life as normal?
Things here are more more normal than other places. When the vx was rolled out, many, many people lined up for hours in the hot sun to get it, but many, many others have deep distrust and will not get it under any circumstance. AMLO, the current president, has indicated that he will not mandate injections, and if if he wanted to, enforcement will be difficult in a place like Mexico (where for example it's regular and accepted practice to drive without seatbelts or carseats for children, or insurance on vehicles, where little to no building code requirements and/or regulations for food services are enforced, etc.). As a Canadian adjusting to life in Mexico, I was a bit shocked to realize how "safetied up" and restrictive our culture really is, and how different it is in other parts of the world (Mexico and Peru are my only travel experiences by which to compare life in Canada). So in my small town, mask wearing is enforced in schools for kids & teachers, in health care settings, and in larger stores and public transit. On the street I see about 50/50 unmasked vs. wearing a mask while driving/walking/riding a bike alone. In smaller shops its a similar dynamic. Extranjeros (foreigners) are masking up a lot more, but also not 100% by any stretch. This morning I took my (triple-vaxxed, full gov't/doctor trusting) senior parents to have their dog seen by the vet. At the end of the fully unmasked visit when we were getting back in the car, my mom remarked with surprise that they had totally forgotten to put on their masks. I hadn't thought about it either, and neither the young vet nor his assistant were wearing masks. Life is more normal here.
Here in New York I'm watching with trepidation what you are going through just north of us. Knowing that we probably aren't far behind. My husband, like yours works in the ER, but as a Physician Assistant, but he wasn't able to get a medical exemption, even though he has an autoimmune disease. He waited until the last possible second to get the vaccine or lose his job. Funny thing is, he worked in Urgent Cares and Emergency Rooms the entire time, being coughed on by Covid patients and testing them and never once got it. Yet, now he has to make the choice between the V and his job??? And then of course after getting it, he had a reaction. Getting painful Shingles across his body for weeks. He will not be getting the booster. His move toward opening a butcher shop and full time farming is in full swing. If there ever was a time this was the right time to do this it's now. Me personally, I'm sad for my children, the world I knew is gone. However, then again, they didn't really know that world, or at least won't remember it, so maybe that is a blessing in a way. It's taken me a long time to accept that we will never go back to the world I knew prior to 2020, and I've shed a lot of tears over it. But coming to that acceptance has brought me a lot of strength and peace. We continue to homeschool and farm and since we didn't really do the things they are trying to keep us from, like travel, go to big events, etc prior to this, I feel comforted in my little world here.
I am glad you have found comfort in your little world. I worry about my children and they're big so maybe that's just what we are doomed to do as mothers. I love small butcher shops. I hope this happens for you. ❤️
Thank you to everyone for sharing. My heart is with you all.
We live in rural western Massachusetts (close to upstate NY and VT). We moved here from CA for the progressive values and the “live and let live” mentality. Well….things have changed dramatically these past 2 years here. We live in a small farming and artist’s town of about 700 people and we have a town wide mask mandate as well as contact tracing at almost every public space. Speaking their language, we’ve had the lowest “case rates” in the country. And yet my 3 children haven’t been able to access any community events in 2 years because I just cannot expose them to the fear/distrust messaging that’s out there.
Thankfully we built an incredible community of likeminded people and we’re forging our own way under the radar here. It’s definitely been the silver lining.
But we’ve built so much here on our land, we’re creating a real homestead so that we can be more self sustaining, and we’re feeling like we may have to throw it all away. If things don’t ease soon I can’t continue to raise my kids in this environment.
I had to write our local radio DJ to let her know that “no, it’s not appropriate (or even legal?) to dox your own sister on live radio for not getting the jab.”
There’s a real witch hunt underway here.
My husband is a public educator and it’s only a matter of time before he loses his job. Actually, he used to LOVE his job but just this year there has been extreme violence and discord among the students. It’s a real sign of something very deep and lasting from the lack of guidance and sense making these past 2 years.
Anyways, I’m always inspired by you and we’ve begun harvesting and processing our own meat, canning and pickling a ton, and getting better prepared for whatever comes our way <3
My word, I get how this happens,psychologically speaking, but I am continuously flabbergasted by the un-think that keeps proliferating. So many people thinking that repeating slogans and mantras is somehow meaningful. I can almost see the hypnotized swirls in their eyeballs.
We just moved from Western Mass earlier this year for these reasons + the insane real estate market. My partner grew up there & I grew to really love those rolling, magical hills, towns, & the community. It was where we wanted to raise our children... It was devastating witnessing all the city dwellers buy up properties for their vacation homes + airbnb rentals. The mandates + restrictions were insane. Like you, I started to not recognize it. It was so difficult to let go of that idea + say goodbye to that area. I wish you the best + am glad you've been able to find + hold onto your community there. <3
Hey Tara. I’m a 19 year old boy living in New Zealand. I stumbled on your insta page somehow well after you had stopped using it. I followed anyway and read many posts. Now reading your newsletters have become one of my favourite pass times.
Anyway, as for how things are going. It’s fucked in NZ. I was working in hospitality when the mandates came down. Lost my job thanks to that but have now been working online among other things and managed to stay afloat. Although I have absolute confidence everything will work out, I am still bewildered daily at what is going on. I’m even being kicked out of family Christmas for not being jabbed and banned from leaving the small city of Auckland.
Reading and watching your lifestyle is so inspiring and it has been my dream to become self sustainable with a family as soon as possible. Please keep doing what your doing and sharing the journey. It is great to hear you’ve been able to build a community of likeminded people in real life around you.
Although it all may appear backwards and horrific, what an interesting part of history we are witnessing! We are so blessed to at least have a clear perspective of what is happening. Humans evolved hunting and fending off enemies. I’ve never felt so afraid but yet so fearlessly alive at the same time.
Good luck to you and your family, they sound absolutely amazing. I’d love a post on how your managing your children during these times haha. Cheers :)
Logan, I'm so excited to hear of a 19 year old young man that reads what I put out there! I also have a bad habit of wanting to collect all of the young people that are being shunned by their families for such ridiculous things. Where do you get the resolve and tenacity to stand firm in your decisions?
There's a young woman in our extended family who has been outcast, literally kicked out of her home and her university, for not accepting the V mandate. Not a single member of her immediate family could, or would, accept her decision. She has gone on to live and work in a remote area, surrounded by mountains and nature, with like minded humans. Her world is unfurling in ways she didn't even know possible.
That's the gift, I think, for all of us. Such a trial by fire. What I've come to know is that the people that love us enough to honour our choices and respect our decisions, especially when they are different than their own, are worth keeping around. There's also plenty of people that have a lot of work to do on a personal level and choose the easier path of criticising others. I think, without intention, the people that do live a self-reflective life act as a mirror to those that choose the easier path of compliance without question.
Sending you much love and fortitude. I have no doubt that you will make it all work out in your favour.
Hey Logan, I am also in Auckland! Are you planning on going to any of the events this weekend? We could meet up and share our love of Tara's writing. She has completely re shaped my way of thinking in regards to all things life. We are also quite shut off from family in the various ways, so if you wanted to join our family for Christmas, you would be more than welcome! It's me, my husband and 2 boys. New Zealand has gone full retard on all things mandates, I do believe drawing together with others who feel the same will definitely help us survive this madness.
Oh you, luscious, beautiful woman, you! If this happens, please send me a picture. Please. And please! Your generosity made me cry. How incredibly kind.
Hey there little brother. Honoured to hear from a 19 year old man who is staying strong in the fire. I wish I could hug you in person and we could sit around a real fire and share stories. Just here to say that I see you and I honour your clarity of truth and honouring yourself. I'm sure your ancestors are proud. Love from South Africa
"little brother" well now you made me cry again, Nathan. ❤️
I wrote a song some years ago called little brother, for my brother josh who lives in Australia. Someone once wrote to me and said he loved the song, cos it reminded him that we are all one another's brothers and sisters. So there you have it 🥲
Kia ora from Auckland, NZ <3
I was excited to see this email in my inbox this morning and quickly drew a large cup of tulsi tea to read what Tara had shared and see who had responded. The third reply down was a fellow Aucklander so I thought I'd share here, in reply to you Logan.
I'm a 31 year old mama to three (2 pre-school, 1 school aged) living in Auckland, like you not allowed to leave this place freely and not really allowed to go about conventional daily life here freely either (fortunately I'm not much interested in conventional city life). My brother is facing losing his job to these mandates, my younger sister was too but she decided to take the injection and stay in her field. The coercion is real. The schools and preschools are open again but the kids are required to wear masks from 8yrs and up and those places are literally overly sanitised - I wonder what we're really teaching those kids...
When I'm present in day-to-day life with my kids we're having a (mostly) wonderful time. We've connected with a group of like-minded mothers and their children (sometimes more than 30 of us) to explore the amazing natural spaces in Auckland or visit private permaculture gardens. On these adventures us adults are reconstituted through being in the presence of other strong parents and watching the kids do what they do best - be kids. But soon it's back to people dodging us on the walkways and masked faces at the grocery store.
When I think about the big picture that's when the dread and overwhelm seeps in.
Do I have what it takes to home educate these three little people and give them all they need? Will my partner be able to stay in his job to support that lifestyle? Will we be able to buy/buy into a piece of land to live in a way that is more self sustaining... more like Tara ;), what is the right thing to do next - where do we go from here?
I've always intended to break out of the constraints of city life and like to think that this is the catalyst to turn that dream into a reality. I'm slowly collecting things - resources, knowledge, people, the courage, to go against the grain. To stand a little more solidly on my own two feet rather than buying in to the narrative we have being sold about what a successful life looks like. You know what they say - don't drink from the mainstream.
I can't tell from your comment if you have a community around you, but I guess I wanted to reply here so know you're not alone and you don't need to be alone - especially at christmas. My mum makes an epic christmas brunch and we have a firm "the more the merrier" policy.
Anyway, I feel happy to be "around this fire" and at this crossroads with so many interesting people, and I'm so stoked to see some fellow kiwi's here at Slowdown Farmstead.
Honestly, every mean word I have ever received on Instagram would vanish into the ether if you amazing people connected in real life. It would make every censored post, every mean vegan, every last second of typing with my index finger worth it. ❤️
By the way, I felt the same way you are feeling when we chose to homeschool. From what I hear, it's a pretty ubiquitous feeling. Yes, that's my answer. It will be lovely and more meaningful that you can even imagine.
Just remember that if you teach your children how to think, how to read and how to figure as we say, and how to show up and how to do what they say they will do - they will be a fantastic asset to the world. That's all. Anyone can model that and teach there children this. Our daughters are 31 and 32 and we love how they turned out. Blessings.
Hello from Ennis, Texas, USA. Really enjoying reading some of this thread. I just dropped in here to say, as someone who rather unwillingly (at the time) homeschooled 6 children at the request of the oldest, that I think you have what it takes to homeschool your children. If I did, you do. And somehow, I did. Kind regards.
Thank you for the encouragement Stephanie!
Hi Logan! I'm just down the road in Hamilton. I don't envy you in Auckland. I am continuously surprised with how fucked things are and how fervently everyone is on board. I thought NZers might be different yah know. Is it good or bad that any faith I had in the institutions that we rely has been shattered? Not to mention the media here, holy moly. I have been following Tara for a while now and I want to be like her when I grow up! (even though I'm 30 with a baby). We had been considering a move to the country for a while bit this covid stuff was the push we needed. Time to do things different, let's go!!! Stay strong out there Logan and keep looking forward
A commune then!! We'll all start a commune! xo
Logan, I'm so glad to hear you feel I spired to live and learn self sufficiency. The people you meet when you have passion are the ones you will have real community with.
My husband and I honeymooned in NZ and we thought the people and the country had grit. We were impressed that guided activities didn't have maniacal safety standards that would limit any sense of actual adventure. It appeared as though there was a level headedness that said "you are an adult. You know this is unsafe, we will tell you how to be safe but you are responsible for yourself".
We were shocked and dismayed to see the country give in to these mandates so readily. What can I say, we've been under programming for a long time. We can only count our blessings that we see through it and can choose to live more vibrant and connected lives.
Taryn, I had to write down what you said about passion and community. It rings so true, Beautifully said!
How warming to connect with other Kiwi’s here with you Tara. If anyone needs respite and can manage to cross the Strait… welcome to come stay with my son and I in Motueka. We live in a tiny house on a biodynamic market garden…. our tent is always free and we’ll feast on some Tara inspired meals and toil in the garden and adore the new born chicks!
Xxxxxxx
writetoren@protonmail.com
Laying in bed, here in Oregon with my 20mo toddler right now, and musing on how the world changed after his birth. Born right as the heat turned up on all this madness... Lockdowns began and we didn't leave our farm. for 7 straight months. Not getting in a car once. It was surreal and kind of magical honestly. But at that time I was swept up in the fear and narrative of the liberal media. I thought of myself as a liberal at that time...I voted for Biden and looked down on "Trumpers" ... Over the past 2 years I could see the flickering possibility of what this pandemic would bring... The ripe terrain it would create for sweeping vaccine mandates. That had been a nightmare of mine that I knew could come to pass for a long time. I am not a proponent of vaccination and never will be. I don't need to explain why here which is relieving...but what really has hurt me is to then see my community of like minded, progressive and liberal hearted people all lean so hard into it. It has been very disturbing to witness the scarlet letter appear now upon my sleeve. Mostly keeping my mouth shut when the tirades begin on the foolish selfishness of the unvaccinated. It is the same vitriol we shared before over the "Trumpers" ... What a fascinating and heartbreaking experience it has been. Heartbreaking mostly in recognition of my own participation in the hate filled divisive narrative towards left and right. Now I am thankful for the Trumpers. Thankful for their courage and grit to buck the system. I have lost most of my friends, some of my family and all of my respect for a system I had some vestiges of hope in. My family is left drifting the margins of society, not belonging anywhere exactly. We have a lifestyle that works well with it for now but the future is so murky and it is hard to envision something to look forward to. Finding community online has been a helpful lifeline. And focusing on our animals, gardens and forest. I am cherishing the community we have left and finding hope with new allies in people I once felt like I could never understand.
What a beautiful image, you and your little one cuddled up in bed. I would give my eye to have just a few minutes with my daughters, so little and soft, warm in our bed together. Thank you for that.
Your comment, too, so beautiful and generous in its honesty. We can all find times when we played into some divisive narrative or another. Maybe that's the gift in here, too, the humility it brings. We have lost friends, many as open minded as one could imagine, and fostered new relationships. Maybe these new relationships will prove to be more open and honest and true than any that came before? I think so. I believe so. I wish we could hug. That's the problem with screens - no hugs. Sending it anyways.
Thank you Elizabeth. I am a "Trumper" but I also agree with your non vax stance. Its funny to me that you and I are so alike in our beliefs yet one man came between us. I am in group of Women for Trump and this group runs the spectrum of liberal and conservatives. Its a bunch of women who want the freedom to choose how they live their lives. I think you would fit into it perfectly. I hope there are more of "you" out there who will no longer listen to the "hysteria of the media" and get back to our true values. You are an inspiration!
He certainly did. I still find him in particular hard to stomach...but I feel that way about all the talking heads now. Most days I am wistfully wishing for a kind of global awakening where everyone only cared about healthy animals eating grass, thriving eco systems filled with life to tend and harvest...kids having bare feet on the ground learning how to track the prints of hares. That kind of back to the beating heart of nature life. But I know that's foolish to think all hands could be that evenly delt. But a gal can dream. I appreciate you and your courage to stand for your freedom. Please give me info on your group...I am curious to know more.
It is bittersweet your post resonates so strongly with me. I feel like I could have written much of it. This last year has been incredibly trying, I am in the Bay area of Northern CA (raised in OR) and life has shifted so drastically from what it once was. I am mourning what is lost and trying to look forward to what is to come. I feel the losses of so many things all at once - the community I once felt I had, the family I once believe would be there for us "no matter what," the high horse I would ride in belief that I knew right from wrong (in example "Trumpers were wrong"), the ability I had to enjoy a walk outside unmasked, without feeling judged. I am hopeful every instance I read of others who are fighting loudly or quietly, those that are resisting, those that are choosing to leave without fear. I know there will be a new way that will be wonderful and scary and mystifying but it hasn't revealed itself yet.
it feels less lonely and sad knowing there are others out there going through it too... navigating and redirecting their compasses ...learning the new landscape of life here on this wild little plant.
I live in Oregon as well, Elizabeth. Fortunately I have a small number of friends and others, like my chiropractor and even my MD!, who see things clearly and have avoided the vax. This is what we each need--connection--since we can't see ourselves reflected in the corporate media who simply want to politicize everything in our lives. Like you I have learned to be more open to others whose ideologies I disagreed with. Our culture chooses teams and tribes allowing for absolutely no nuance. We are taught to "throw the baby out with the bathwater" when we disagree with someone and assume they are stupid and ignorant. Perhaps at the end of all this, we will have learned how to have conversations again and exchange ideas even if at the end of it we just agree to disagree.
I really think that's where we can go from here. The real rebellion is coming together, not in dividing.
I appreciated your comment. Having conversation instead of final court rule and execution of others in our thoughts. I for instance did see many positive things in Trump's presidency. And have friends who disagree with me. Some cut me off because of it. It is hard when I share about my Love of nature and non-steroid and non-hormone livestock then find out I am Christian and conservative. They disappear. So I appreciate what you said. Thank you.
I don’t know you but I have so much love in my heart for you.
My son was also born right before the lockdown situation, also in oregon. I also used to consider myself a “liberal” but watched over the trump presidency as it went down in flames. The hypocrisy drove me away and also woke me up to the ridiculous notion that there even are really different factions at all.
I’ve lost friends and gained a bit of battle weariness over the last few years. Where in Oregon are you? Need a giant group of non covid crazy nature loving community oriented kin?
Thanks for the solidarity. It helps to know of the others out there that have gone through similar transformations. I am in Wolf Creek...up in the outlaw hills of the Umpqua
Oh just down i5 from me. My sons name is Wolf :)
If you ever want some company I’m not terribly far.
Elizabeth, I’m also in Oregon! I’ve lived here my whole life, and it breaks my heart to see what is happening to our state. We too, thankfully, have a bit of space to breath and enjoy the outdoors where we live. I can’t imagine living in this state and having to be cooped up any other way. Thank you so much for your honesty. It was humbling and encouraging.
Same here. I recently apologized and thankfully reconnected with my best childhood friend. We fell out bc of Trump. Mostly me allowing the fall out to happen. Now we see almost eye to eye. It makes me sick thinking of the years of friendship we lost bc I was so stubborn. But I’m thankful for her graciousness towards me and the Divine plan bringing us back together.
Hello from a fellow Oregonian living in Vermont. Like many people replying to your post, I fit in with that same narrative - anti Trump and liberal. These past two years have woken me up and I wouldn’t go back for the world! It’s truly why we moved to Vermont - to get affordable rural property so we can return to older ways that served our grandparents. And we’ve got quite a community here, don’t we?
Was there “one thing” that woke you up? Or a collection of things? Just curious.❤️
I'm in Ontario Canada too. I'm really struggling right now. My husband took the jab for work and now all of a sudden is having health issues. He can't walk up the stairs without getting winded. He was brought to the hospital for passing out at the gym. I can't help but think that these sudden health problems are jab injuries and I'm terrified. It's been a very hard and heavy week. Being coerced into doing something you didn't want has made me full if regret and sadness. I'm used to leaning on my husband... now I'm the head of the household. I'm pretty strong but it scares me. My children are all under the age limit for this jab... for now. I worry about the implications of leaving their friends behind because we don't want them to get this jab. We took the risk already and it's come back to bite us. I don't want to risk my children too. I worry they are going to hate me because, by saying no, I'm effectively cutting them off from the world they know. I don't really no anyone in my real life that thinks like me (my city has the highest jab rate in the province).
I'm really overwhelmed. Sorry to unload on this community... its just nice to be able to be honest.
Amanda, have you thought about connecting with a Weston A Price chapter leader in your area? It might be a nice way to spend some time with folks who share some of your principles. I am so sad to hear about your husband. That would be so scary. Nobody should have to be made to do something in order to make a living.
Don't worry about your children hating you. Kids will get mad and you may be the brunt of their anger, but you are their parent, the leader. It calls on us to do the unpopular thing - a lot. We have a family near us with six little girls. They have all been kicked out of hockey and other activities. My three year old niece couldn't go to gymnastics because her parents weren't vaccinated. Try to find the beautiful simple things as best you can. Cooking with your kids, going on little adventures in nature together. You are their biggest ally and they are blessed for your care. Sending my love to you xox
Hi Tara, thank you so .ugh for your kind words. I am involved with our WAPF group but it hasn't really got off the ground as much as I'd hoped. I know the people in our herdshare carpool and I'm thankful for them. I'm hoping to find mother of young kids with the same mindset as that has been sorely lacking in my area. Mourning the mindset of my friends has been a lot for me. They are all so scared. My best friend won't come into my home because she is so terrified of being around people. It has shattered my heart into a million pieces. She's always been timid but this pandemic has made it so much worse. I really worry for her.
Two of my brothers would not attend my son's wedding this summer for the same reason. All fully vaccinated except one nephew who was too young and he is terrified too! He's developed severe anxiety over this and I just don't get it, since kids really are not at risk unless they have other issues. He's perfectly healthy and they are all super fit. It kind of broke my heart as this was my first child to get married and they couldn't get past their fear. We had an amazing and beautiful wedding with normal, healthy, no fear people. No masks and no fear...and no outbreaks either. My brothers and their families missed out on a very special day, sadly.
that's so incredibly sad. not uncommon, unfortunately.
I'm so sorry to hear about what you and your husband are going through. And I get it with the kids, its like being caught between a rock and a hard place. I'm in Quebec and I pulled my daughter out of school back in January when they first announced the mask mandate. I know you feel like they might hate you, but sometimes we have to make those hard decisions as parents because we know what's best for them, even if they don't see it that way. Just know that you are not alone. The media would like you to think that you are though. But together, we are strong! One day at a time...
Thank you Nat, for your encouragement 🙂 I just wish I knew some physical people that felt and thought this way and had children my children could grow up with.
Amanda there are people in the Guelph area and also in Kitchener, as well as Burlington
That's the hardest part of all. Lack of physical connection. Where about in Ontario are you? I'm about an hour away from Cornwall.
Guelph... so basically the opposite end if the province :) how are things in Cornwall? Because people have completely lost their minds here.
I'm actually on the Quebec side and haven't been to that area in a long time lol. But here in Montreal, for me it's hard to read because I'm out in the boonies. It feels like people are complacent here.
Hi Nat! I split my time between Cornwall and montreal :)
So very sorry to hear this. It's my biggest fear too if my husband is forced to comply. I've had friends who've done it and experienced the worst. I hope he can detox and I believe there are protocols for this. Might be worth a try. Hugs!
Dr. Bryan Ardis has a protocol involving apple pectin. Maybe zeolite or Black oxygen organics which is a humic/fulvic acid? There seem to be quite a few people with testimonials about these things.
Do you have any recommendations for detox?
Hi Amanda. I'm in Ontario too, but not near you. I'm between Kingston and Ottawa. A friend of mine who is an herbalist told me a few things for detox (another friend of mine is planning to get the vax to keep her job too). She said: The big things are liver support like NAC high dose vitamin d and if prone to heart stuff co q 10. The biggest challenge is knowing where they already have inflammation as that's where the symptoms will be . Support the nervous system with mushroom powders and magnesium glycinate. and: nutrition (especially when focus on areas of weakness) is always the best medicine and supplements are just that supplemental. I've also heard great things about black seed oil and pine needle tea or tincture. I'm so sorry you and your family are dealing with this. It's absolutely heart breaking! <3
Thank you so much for the advice Rowan! ❤
Hydration, hydration, hydration. Excessive amounts of hydration at the time of the V seems to really help a lot of people who have had to make a decision that is incredibly difficult!
I’m in Ontario too! Do you mind if I ask where you are? I’m in Middlesex-London.
I'm in Guelph :)
Another Guelphite here. I am significantly older than you at 58 and retired with no kids so the restrictions do not affect me the same way but still very frustrated.
Nice to meet a fellow Guelphite who sees this as insanity. :)
I realize that we may not have a lot else in common being in completely different demographics, but if you ever wanted to meet in person, please let me know.
Emily, I am south of Aylmer!
Sarah, any chance you would want to connect with Janelle and I as well?
Hi Julie - Checking in to see if you have Janelle have connected since I have not heard anything via email. Thanks :)
Julie, Janelle yes! sarah@threeridges.farm
London girl here, too! So nice to hear there are like-minded gals in my area reading Tara’s words!
Julie, let’s connect!
juliehessel@gmail.com
I’m down with that! Want to move it to email and chat about it?
I am just outside of London, too!
HI Amanda, Have you read Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Harrod Buhner? He explains very clearly all of the possible side effects of both covid and the vaccine and offers over the counter preventatives to help (for instance with blood clotting). It's been a great resource to know there IS something you can do to help with side effects!
Reading about everyone’s experiences is just heart breaking.
I’m thankful to live in a Conservative county in Texas. We’re in a large city, but the Sheriff of our county refused to enforce any sort of mask mandate from the very beginning. As homeschoolers before all this, our children didn’t have too many changes. We lost some friends who chose isolation. But we’ve grown closer to the many friends who see what’s happening and are refusing to comply to the madness. We have a large circle of “anti-masker”, “anti-vaxxer”, “science-denying”, “bigoted”, “transphobic” “deplorables” to do life with. We’ve kept our loved ones out of the hospital when covid has struck, utilizing functional medicine doctors to prescribe the meds demonized by society, and even our elderly parents and grandparents have pulled through. We’ve had huge birthday parties to celebrate our babies and created normalcy for them and for us. We attend church with hundreds of unmasked people, sitting right next to eachother, shaking hands and freely giving out hugs. Who would ever have imagined the day would come when living life normally felt like an act of rebellion?
If I stopped reading the news, based on our every day life, I’d hardly know there was a problem! But my friends and I stay vigilant, acting where we can to protect our freedoms and planning for the day they could be taken away. The threat of which feels imminent as our state is flooded with people from all over the country who are likely too ignorant to realize their vote destroyed their former state, so they’ll now destroy ours
Being able to connect like this with people around the world is so valuable. For those of you trapped in forced isolation, your brothers and sisters in places like Texas and Florida are doing our best to hold the line. Maybe we’ll succeed and at the very least be able to preserve some free places as a refuge for those “radicals” who refuse to sacrifice their individual rights for “the greater good”.
HALLELUJAH!!!
Hi Tara,
I love your enthusiasm! Here’s to hoping our resistance leads somewhere!
I’d like to apologize....I was so overwhelmed by everyone’s experiences, I completely neglected my manners and failed to greet you or introduce myself. So embarrassing! So, hi, I’m Shanna. I found your insta account about a week before I deleted my social media accounts. Losing access to all of your wisdom shared in your posts was one of the hardest things about deleting it all! I’m thankful for your newsletters and also for this discussion you’ve started, connecting like minded people all around the world. Praying for you and your family as you learn to live life without your daughter beside you. I lost my mother when I was 22, so I’m well acquainted with grief. It’s heavy, and, for me, in so many ways becomes harder as the years pass. But the depth of sorrow I feel missing her is a reminder of the magnitude of love I have for her and felt from her. And so I take comfort in my grief and am thankful for it.
Thanks for being a light in dark places and sharing so much wisdom and inspiration to live differently.
Hi Shanna - you sound SO much like me, it's crazy. I also lost my mom suddenly when I was 22 and have raised my six kids without her wisdom which I felt keenly all these years. We have also always homeschooled here in Canada and other than a few activities that we've lost out on, we barely noticed much difference. Plus, we found another activity (riding lessons) with a coach who is not Covid mad. Only my 4 girls live at home now and we all had the bug last month. With the help of like minded friends who brought us soup and a magnificent Dr. I've known my whole life, we got through it just fine. Took the non-approved protocols and and you'd never know we were sick now. The only thing we are really missing is church because they are caving into all the mandates and requiring masks, tracking etc. We don't want to participate in that lie. We even looked into transferring to Texas with my husband's work but there just aren't any jobs with our company. Plus, we don't want to abandon our resisting friends who have chosen to stay and fight. We're not giving up hope that things can and will change for the better. <3 But Canada gets a little more crazy every day it seems. Soon we won't even be allowed to leave the country at all. I don't know how people can be so accepting of that, but I guess as long as they can do whatever and go wherever, the few of us that remain don't matter, sadly.
Not giving up here either! There are at least a couple hundred thousand of us in Ontario who haven't complied and many more who resent the mandates. We can and will build resilience among like minded communities. I'm not willing to let the bastards win.
Can relate so much to the grief piece. Lost my mom at 19 and it was the most wrenching thing I ever experienced. I have an almost two year old son now and it’s been so hard not to have her momming me while I mom him.
Thank you, Shanna. It's nice to meet your acquaintance and I'm so glad you found me over here, away from IG.❤️ I'm so sorry that you lost your mama at such a tender age. xo
I have tears in the my eyes as I read this comment. Sometimes it feels like there is no safe place left in the whole world. I live in Canada and the whole worlds feels bat sh*t crazy. Nice to know there are people and places our there that are with us! Even if the people around us are not.
Hugs, neighbor! I believe as long as there are people willing to stand firm, there’s hope! Praying you’ll find some like minded friends near you to find encouragement and community ❤️
Amen! Keep up the fight. My friends in Indiana are with you too!
Please keep holding out! Many of us here in Ontario are keeping our eyes on your states in case of absolute emergency. Not sure how we'd get there but at least it keeps hope alive💞
GOD BLESS TEXAS
Next door in Louisiana. We are so thankful for all the work Texas is putting in during this crazy making times. It doesn’t go unnoticed by us swamp people 😉 Thank you!
Thank you Shawna and to our brothers and sisters in places like Texas and Florida. It's heartbreaking for me to know that my state of New York is a disaster zone for anyone who doesn't want to tow the line but it's heartwarming to know that there will be a place for us should we decide to leave! Stay strong
You are so lucky to have been living in Texas during all of this! We are recent escapees from the west coast to Central Texas and feel SO incredibly blessed to be here.
In Eastern Maine, when "lockdowns" became the thing, I took to the Woods almost every day for two weeks. The Woods and Water are always my places of solace, grounding, rejuvenation, and respite. Raising our daughter home-schooled and Earth-tied has never felt more appropriate. At the risk of sounding...isolationist, I'd suggest never to underestimate the bonds that young people can and will form with critters and natural life, given the opportunity.
Thanks for spending some of your time with us.
-Jake
I love your comment, Jake. And yes, I completely agree that children can form all sorts of relationships with all manner of life. We often think friends their age are of paramount importance. My kids always liked talking to "old people" best of all. 🙂
Gosh, I love this comment. The woods and the water... so true.
Hi Tara. I’m a seventeen year old girl living on the central coast of scenic California. It’s been odd, and being the only Vxx hesitant person I know, it’s anxious. I know there are many out there with the nuance that I hold, though. My whole family minus my breastfeeding sister, is vaccinated. They respect my decision, but I get lightly pressured/made fun of it. I try not to feed fear into the narrative even more, I am just hoping, loving, and working towards a better future with my minuscule day-to-day contribution. Gratitude and mindfulness have been my saving grace. The vx is required here for concerts, and any “big event” that is indoors. I am trusting that love and a steadfast spirit will get me through this. Your writing has only moved us closer to it. ❤️
Oh, Leanna, thank you so much for this beautiful message. I am awed by your steadfast conviction. I wish I was so aware when I was your age. It sounds like California and Canada are pretty close in their approach to mandates. You have solid, good sense and such an evolved point of view. I'm so glad you're out there and came over here so I could meet you. Sending you my admiration on the backs of the migrating birds.
San Diegan here! Stay strong in your convictions. It builds character. My hubs and I are not going to get it ever. We’ve lost a son-in-law to the virus and yet we’re here, unmasked and out and about, without the virus or feeling fear of getting it. Peer pressure is horrible, keep making your choices for you. Like they say, my body, my choice!
Sending love from Monterey 💕🌊
I’m thinking of starting a Weston A Price chapter on Monterey, since we don’t have one super locally. I’m still working on gathering some sources (we moved here only in July!) but that might be a great way to connect!
Hello from Monterey! Would love to join up with any like minded few out here 🖤
I would love that, too 💖 we need each other in this strange world
Hi Leeanna, former Santa Cruzan here! Recently left for a new state, I could not take it there anymore! If you are anywhere near Santa Cruz I hope you have connected with a small but mighty freedom minded group of people who've been standing strong during these crazy times.
I’m an Indigenous person in Ontario. We have a deep mistrust of the government for obvious reasons. I did get the V but believe everyone should have autonomy over their body. I have no issue with people that didn’t get jabbed. We are all one.
The biggest issue impacting my life is the inconsistencies in the “rules”. We can have 10,000 people watching a baseball game unmasked and drinking beer but my kid can’t use their locker at school and is lugging a 10lb backpack every day. My family doctor is still doing telephone appointments unless they feel you need an office visit. I’m in the arts industry and the only rehearsal spaces we can currently use are in churches who are making their own rules. Our orchestra can only rehearse with ridiculous restrictions in place - one hour max, string players in one room, choir in another and winds in a third. Not all together. And there are so many more examples of this type of thing, none of it makes any sense.
I’ve been getting through this time by getting out onto the land that I love and pouring that into my art (I’m a painter). It’s been my solace and helps me to remember what matters and who I am. Hopefully I’m providing that connection to others too. It’s all I know to do.
Oh, Jena, the nonsensical rules are a punishment on top of a punishment. It often feels like some sad little bored person is sitting at a desk, coming up with what he thinks would be the most useless and irritating of all. I am glad to hear you have your art. It is such solace for us to use our gifts as our Creator intended. Such a direct source to that love and bounty.
Yes Jena!!!!!
I’m with you. It’s the infuriating inconsistencies that make it hard to take the rules seriously, and yet they determine (largely) how we currently move in the world?!?!?!
I feel like I’m in a costume playing the role of a fool every time I enter a building. So less buildings are entered. Less events attended. I’ve never spent so much time outside. Honestly, fires at friends’ places was the highlight (and norm) of winter social life last year and am hoping for more of the same. I feel like the upside is more time outside, in the healing balm that is fresh air.
Warm blessings.
I’m so happy to hear I’m not the only one - I feel like I’m living in the Twilight Zone.
I spent about 60 days living on my ancestral lands this summer/fall in my RV. It was the only time life felt normal. Hearing other people laughing and spending time together. Saying Hi to strangers on the hiking trail. No masks.
You’re right, nature is healing and if that’s the benefit of all of this (finally protecting our beautiful Mother Earth) then I guess some of this will be worth it? Sigh….
Seriously, the hypocrisy of the ever changing rules is impossible to take seriously. I agree with Tara - definitely "a sad little bored person" coming up with all of it. Just ridiculous!! Hang in there!
I’m 28 and single; I fled my full and social life in NYC like a refugee when everything shut down, spent a year in limbo with my parents in Pennsylvania (masky and awful, but at least I wasn’t all alone), and then moved to freedom Florida six months ago. I have not worn a mask since. I am unvaccinated, and not a single person here has ever asked me about my vaccination status. People here, even in a pretty hippie-dipper liberal bubble in Florida (St Petersburg) have been super chill about the whole thing. It has been like a breath of fresh air.
I work remotely as a software engineer for one of the cool big hip tech giants, and it has been sobering to see my colleagues virtue-signaling and actually petitioning my company to start mandating the vaccine. It feels bonkers. I’m mostly in the closet as an unvaccinated person. The company told us it’s going to start requiring the vaccine in December in order to come into its offices, but I’m hoping to keep flying under the radar as a remote worker for a while longer. Still, the minute they require me to get it, I will quit my job in an instant and trust the Universe that something else is meant for me. I mean, this job hasn’t felt truly aligned for some time now, so maybe it’ll just be the kick in the butt I need.
In the meantime, I long to tend land. I long to buy a house and a few acres and have a garden and a cow, but as a single woman with no farming experience I have no idea where to start. I also feel a true calling to Appalachia, to the Carolinas, to root down, but don’t want to do that ‘til they stop being insane about COVID. Basically, I feel like I’m in major limbo, and I’m feeling a little terrified and unsupported as a single person without a family unit, food supply, or strong community. Thanks so much for inviting us to share. 🧡
Nearly everyone is feeling that sense of limbo, I think. It can be brutally painful -- but beautiful, too. Even easy, if we let it be. And amazing things come from periods of intense disruption and change.
I have a young child, but if I were single, I would be traveling right now. WWOOF or something like it. Working on regenerative farms in whichever parts of the worlds are calling your name is a phenomenal way to learn and grow and explore.
Yes, my mom's niece, my second cousin, is doing that right now. She's WWOOFing her way about Canada. Our oldest daughter did that when she was younger. She went to New Zealand for close to a year.
Hold your own on that mandate! They can't legally do it in Florida right now and it will keep getting pushed due to court cases.
I was thinking of joining Salesforce for remote income and then discovered they were assisting with the rollout of the "passport". Couldn't do it.
I have no advice, Sophia, but as you can see from my comment above (or below?) I feel the same. Right here with you. <3
heck yes!!! i’m so in for a homestead of single ladies learning together 💚💚💚
Gosh, I feel like the lady pretending not to listen to your great conversation. Tell me, what is the dating situation like? Because my daughters, 28 and 25 are telling me that the Canadian boys are all on the vaccine bandwagon. Maybe we need to start a commune in Florida? I will start tunnelling now.
Dating during covid was...interesting.....I think I met one not vaccinated person and he then complied for his job. I got told a lot to do the right thing and get a vax since I work in health care.... I'm a naturopathic doctor, thank you for your opinion but no thanks.....I also think it's funny that some people think I will change my mind and realize how "wrong" I am thanks to a stranger on the internet. wild times.
I am in SE Sask, and there are a LOT of us, depending on where you are. I shop at our local grocery store maskless, no one has said a thing, now I am starting to see others maskless and we always have a chat, strangers finding connections!
beautiful i’m Sophia Ciocca / @sophia.rewilding ! ❤️❤️❤️
Mid-Michigan here. I'm a registered nurse in the emergency department and have been for several years, I started doing travel nursing at the beginning of 2020 just before the shutdowns began. I started feeling different from my peers in nursing school when I began questioning the medical model and western medicine in general. I've lost friendships over the past almost two years as I began speaking out and standing my ground against this tyranny. Thankfully I have never been tested and never taken the jab, I avoid taking contracts at hospitals where it is mandatory. I have, however, seen countless jab injuries in the ER over the past year and a half. The sickness of the population has exploded, I am constantly getting job offers all across the US because hospitals cannot keep up with the demand from the sick. The media is lying to everyone about what is going on in health care and hospitals, I can attest to it because I am seeing and taking care of these individuals firsthand. I feel like I've been going through a sort of grieving process in 2021; starting NP school with a fire and passion to be a practitioner but now having since lost that passion watching what is happening to practitioners around the world who stand up and speak out. I've sadly started letting go of those dreams but have found rebirth through dreams of homesteading and strengthening my own small community. Thanks to you, Tara, you have ignited a new passion in me to (hopefully someday) gain ownership of my grandparent's old dairy farm, fire her back up and turn her into a completely self-sustaining homestead! I hope to someday raise my children in that environment and bring my community back to our roots.
I am excited for you to land on that homestead one day, Dani. I'm glad you still have some options there. This is where your private system comes in handy compared to our one size fits all, socialized health care system. There is no private options.
I have a friend whose husband is an orthopaedic surgeon. He was fired for not getting it. So what does he do? He is doing injections, but has no access to an operating room. So is he still a surgeon? He can't operate. No such thing as a private clinic.
If anything is going to push us into a two tier health system, I think the current climate will. I've heard whispers of health care workers leaving the system and opening up shop.
This is lovely to hear 💕
In my province, all health care workers who won’t take the jab have been put on leave without pay and will be fired. Never mind that there’s a shortage of health care workers and we’re apparently in a pandemic?
Exactly! I know of several people that have lost their jobs due to their exemptions not being approved and them choosing not to take the jab. I'm so thankful for the many health care workers I know who are standing up for their rights beliefs and I've seen many who have chosen the jab to stand up for these individuals as well! Most hospital systems in Michigan are accepting all exemptions now because they can no longer afford to lose more staff. Most places are very short-staffed as it is!
Life changed drastically for me since Covid although it wasn’t Covid that rocked my world as much as the sudden passing of my daughter on 4/6/2020. Before that I was passionate and consumed not always in the best way with alternative health and nutrition. I loved reading your Instagram and followed you. Your writing although on a a different topic felt as beautiful as how my daughter Dana would write. I was always enveloped in her words as I am in yours. I was in so much shock and trauma (she went out for a run and collapsed and passed) still not nor ever will be the same I just couldn’t deal with much of anything let alone the fear of getting Covid. Which didn’t make so much sense due to my situation but I also had extreme health anxiety and felt like I was constantly in a battle with myself. I took the vaccine because I didn’t have strength to go against the grain and for me it gave me a bit (maybe false) freedom to move around. My grief changed my passion to be part of the alternative community but you and your writing always speak to my heart. I long for a community where people care about food, the source, the well-being of the land and the animals. I often feel like a misfit as my environment never matched my deep longings. I grew up in city housing in Brooklyn never really exposed that much to nature. Anyway, I bless my food and give thanks to all including the animals that nourish my body and I did the same when I received the vaccine. May my body take it in and let it do its job while keeping me healthy. If things were different I might have taken a different path but I am at peace with my decision. Thank you for giving me a bit of a break from my grief and allowing me to get lost in your beautiful writing. Thank you 💞
Dearest Iris, I am so truly sorry that you now live in a world absent your daughter, Dana. And she was a writer? How lovely she must have been.
Our youngest daughter died earlier this year. It is a pain unknowable to anyone that has never experienced it. Everything in our worlds is duller, flatter, blunted. There can be no "the best is yet to come" for us. The best is over and we must live on with that knowing. Everything, now, is relative.
The blessing of your food, the blessing of your decisions, is not inconsequential. It is a message to your body, a love letter delivered to your every atom.
Sending you and Dana so much of my love. How I wish we could hug and weep together.
Oh Tara, my deepest deepest sympathy and compassion go out to you and your family. I too am so sorry you now walk this most difficult path. I am going to reach out to you on Instagram in a message. I am a bit blown away because you are truly one of the only people left of my old passion that I still felt I wanted to be connected to as I love your writing and you educated me on so much. This morning it took me courage to even say I was vaccinated let alone not sure why I felt so strong to tell you about Dana. My intuition tells me there are coincidences just synchronicities and the fact that we both live this new reality two Mother’s that in no other way would even know each other and now sadly share this loss that is beyond words. My heart and love go out to you and hope that somehow this connection was divine. Much love 💕
Of course it was divine. There is no other possibility. I look forward to your message, Iris.❤️
My heart and prayers are with you both.
I am so very sorry for your loss Iris. If you ever need a friend or an ear, you can always reach out to me. I am searching for my community also. The one I grew up with is not the one I want or recognize anymore.
Thank you Amanda. That would lovely. My email is Bfit39@aol.com I too always love to meet likeminded new friends 💞
I need this. I am a lone wolf, non conformist by nature and this all has still been so worldview scrabbling. My entire personal life has shifted over the last couple of years, along with the entire world having these massive shifts. I ended a long term relationship, moved, renovated a house, closed my business, started a new job, had family move in with me, my mother got diagnosed with Parkinson’s after many years of debilitating illness, started a new relationship… and more. I have had so much happening in my personal life that I have had little time to devote to keeping up with or advocating for much in the way of autonomy and health freedom.
I live in New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada and I find myself unable to participate in society because of my vaccination status. Like maybe of you have stated, I did not participate in the allopathic medical model and this is certainly not going to make me start.
I am fortunate to work from home, to be able to make a decent income and to not have been forced to take a medication against my will, in order to survive and provide. I have a fair amount of like minded friends, family and acquaintances around me but things feel so scary and divided and isolating.
I have been raising a bit of my own food for years but am stepping that up. Just built a cooler room and meat cutting room. Did our first 3 pigs in there last week and all went well. We have 2 jersey milking cows and a small, growing herd of mixed Highlander, hereford, jersey. Just got a new Mangalitsa boar to breed with our mixed breed (tamaworth, Berkshire, Duroc) sows. Sooooo we will not starve! Haha but still feeling so unsettled with what is going on outside of my bubble.
Part of me thinks more and more people are waking up, regardless of vaxx status, to the loss of freedom and terrifying insanity shaping an unrecognizable world. But then I still see so many asleep at the wheel or worse.
I am grateful for what I have been able to create and sad for so many seemingly left without choice but to conform to mandates. I am deeply saddened for kids, my nieces and nephew, who don’t understand what and why things have changed. And worse have no idea of the consequences.
To be honest, have been pretty shut down since all of this started. I have closed myself off from social media, news and many people for my own illusions of peace and ease and safety and normalcy. I am feeling a bit like coming out of my shell and seeking community in ways.
Thank you for opening up this space, Tara. Thank you for showing up consistently, in spite of your own hardships and devastations. Thank you for not shutting down when things became unbelievably hard and instead shining more powerfully.
🙏🤍✨
It sounds like a pretty good place to be, Melissa. I'm feeling the same way - a need to start building resilient community. I think we've all been trained to think that independence is the goal, but I see now that interconnectedness is all the more richer. I'm learning and leaning into this bit by bit.
We just got a place near Canterbury,NB. We are from Ontario. Looking to connect with like minded souls. Very grateful to Tara for this amazing forum.
Hello to a fellow NB'er
Where abouts are you? I am north of Fredericton about 20 minutes.
I am about 20 mins the opposite side of Fredericton, close to Harvey.
Hello everyone. Young mum living in Ontario here. My husband and I are on the very edge of change. We are quickly approaching the end of two employment ultimatums. One from the Canadian military, which my husband has served in for 11 years, and another from his current job (which has squashed any attempt at attaining an exemption)
It feels as if we have been standing in quicksand these past two years. Struggle as we might to be free of debt and the tight clutches of the government, the more we seem to sink. With each passing day we are pulled lower and lower. Perhaps we will never get out. How can we possibly be free, let alone survive, with all these mandates flying at us. We currently have the option to hold the line - but what would that mean for us? Not just me and my husband out in the cold but our two sweet babies too. We have our backs up against a wall. Do we lose it all and take a stand? Or do we sit down and take it - at least until we are able to acquire some independence from our financial woes? Which we wouldn’t even be able to do if my husband were to suffer any adverse reactions.
On top of all this we feel so alone. The complete disregard for others in the name of “the greater good” confounds me. It is either a mindless fear that drives people apart or a new-found sense of superior intelligence over the other.
Thank goodness for you Tara (and this comment section here)! Are you by any chance looking for some hardworking inexperienced farmhands? Hahah…
Anyways, I place my trust in God and hope for the best. Bring on the persecution I guess. Good luck everyone, Godspeed.
Your comment really bit me. I have such compassion for your situation. I know so many people in just this dilemma. I would never suggest I know what's best for you. It's too easy to say "just don't do it" or "yeah, just get it and reevaluate in a year". I don't know, heck you don't even know. I don't blame you. It's awful.
What I can do is share a bit about our decision making process. Maybe it's as useful as a tit on a bull, maybe a bit better. Anyway, here it is. First we try to focus in on our gut instinct and the probes we get from God/the universe/our Creator (I don't want to alienate you here so I'm trying to be multi-diety observant 😉). Mostly, we need some silence, some time in nature, some slowness to pose the question and wait for the reply. This is not the part where you weight this or that or imagine all the consequences or think of this person or that person will be mad or whatever. No. This is a question and the instinctual answer. That's it. Black and white.
The answer can be loaded with fear and trepidation, too. That's normal. But still, it has that "rightness" about it. From there, once you have your answer, your job is to start problem solving all the roadblocks in your way. So, here is an example of us deciding on the V for my husband:
Should we do it to secure his job? No
Ok, we're not doing it.
How can we afford our lives without getting it?
You can't.
What kind of life do we want to live?
One full of love and good food and surrounded by nature.
What if we can't keep our house?
Then it's gone.
What if we have to move?
Then we move.
What if we have to live in some remote community?
Then you hunt and have fires and sill have love and good food and nature.
We play out every scenario until the end and we see, again and again, that the control is ours, totally ours. We will find another job or hustle and figure out how to make some money or whatever.
Again, I don't want to Pollyanna the shit out of this, it's not that at all. If it's not helpful, disregard. I send big hugs your way no matter what.
Thank you Tara ❤️
Sweet momma, you and I are in very similar positions except my husband took it and now cannot make it around our block without getting dizzy and winded. If you ever need a friend or an ear to listen, we can exchange emails. I'm in Guelph. ❤
I’m so sorry you’re dealing with that 💔 that is one of my worst fears, something happening to my husband post jab. I’m in Durham area but I think I would still like to exchange emails!
Just Beans, if you're in Eastern Ontario and want to connect, let me know. I'm between Kingston and Ottawa. If you're farther, just know you are not alone. There are a lot more of us than meets the eye. :)
I’m closer to Toronto unfortunately, but thank you for reaching out! Although maybe we should connect anyways just in case. I feel like we are really on the brink of something especially with all the flooding in BC disrupting supply chains etc. Also maybe you know of vax free employment in your area? My little family is always ready and willing to move if need be.
You can send me an email at rowanbd@protonmail.com :)
Everything feels heavy here as my friends are frantically vaccinating their 5 and up kids. I have the privilege of being a stay at home farmer and mom, so I can do whatever the heck I want. My husband opted for the vaccination but is understanding of me not wanting it, and Is very firmly against our kids getting it. Currently here in VA, I can stroll into anywhere other than medical establishments (chiro, etc) without a mask. But my friends are terrified, vaccinated, masked, and still won’t allow people inside their homes… I feel cut off from the rest of the world, and part of me is ok with that, but it’s also hard. I have no judgement for people who chose the V but I wish we could just be a community and can things together in my kitchen, or sit around the wood stove and chat like we used to be able to.
That's probably the hardest of all, the loss of that communion with others. The fear is startling to me. I've long written about death and have faced it to personally in our lives with the death of our daughter. I think what's happening now is such evidence of our preoccupation with avoiding death at all costs. Literally, ALL COSTS.
We will shortchange our lives and our relationships to live another day. Why? Dear Angi, in VA, if you were my neighbour, we would be sharing a bowl of soup in front of the fire right now. Communion of spirit. I hope you still know some of those people. I really think now is the time for us to put ourselves out there. The lie of "independence" sees us here. We are all interconnected and have to relearn what that means and how to foster it.
big hugs to you xo
I am lucky to be living in Florida where our governor has taken a stand for health freedom. I recently attended a health freedom rally here and it was so inspiring to see local doctors, lawyers, and other professionals take a stand for freedom. I find comfort in reading about the American Revolution. There are many parallels to our current situation. We too have been driven underground and out of the public square of social media to distribute our newsletters in secret. We too are up against the seemingly unbeatable odds of a tyrannical system that is so entrenched into our society it’s hard to imagine another way. I believe god has a way of reminding humanity of the sacredness of sovereignty. Without experiencing restriction how can we appreciate freedom? Just as one cannot know true happiness without experiencing sadness. We live in a universe of duality. We cannot see the light if there is no darkness.
Beautifully said, Lindsey. I am happy that there are still places in the world where there is some common sense. I, too, find comfort in reading about history and uprisings that erupted throughout time immemorial. We are no different, not special, and here for a reason. 💕
beautiful. Thank you.
Lindsey, where are you living in Florida? I'm in the panhandle, would love to find more like-minded people in this area.
I am also in the panhandle. Pensacola area!
No way!!! I'm in Crestview! We should totally meet up sometime!
For sure! Shoot me an email lindseytrotta94@gmail.com
Hello Tara! I go by Wanderlust Bear online, as I am a seventeen year old girl and my parents are rightly concerned about my security. I have been homeschooled all my life thanks to my mom, who was homeschooled before it was cool, thanks to her mom. I’m from Minnesota, and i love to garden and care for animals, even though I live on a quarter acre in the city. I found you on a really cool homesteading app I have called the Beartaria Times. It is really great for escaping the horridness of despair and politics and everything going on, and just for connecting with real people who do real things. One of my friends shared a link to your “who’s your daddy” post, which I think is one of the most profound things I’ve ever heard. I read it to my parents, who were blown away. I immediately subscribed to your blogposts! Me and my family know how you feel about not having everything in common with anyone. We have always been weird ( “six kids?! And you homeschool all of them? And you don’t vaccinate?! What religion are you again?”) One thing we’ve learned along the way is not to believe or disbelieve something without being able to prove it ourselves. That helps us immensely from getting swept up in fads and propaganda. This connects with your most recent blog post, because we try not to judge others, but rather explore their points of view. Can I be honest? I probably break every mold you dare put me in. Oh, yeah. Here are some more things about me. I am learning to sew my own clothes and I am interested in manufacturing my own textiles. I’m learning weaving currently. I’m a Christian, but I keep the law of Moses, and I stand firm on my beliefs. I am currently taking college for free as a PSEO student. I have a potential opportunity to work on a grass fed raw dairy farm when I am done with school. I’m learning beekeeping. I built an unconventional hive for my bees that is much healthier for them than most traditional hives. I have five younger siblings. I’m interested in historical clothing; I have Norwegian heritage and I am learning to make a Viking style dress. I’ve made leather sandals for myself and my family. I love to read and write. I’ve never been vaccinated and never worn a mask. I have three pet chickens. I want a flip phone. Etc. Anyway, here we are, in this crazy world, right? My method of coping with all the crazy stuff going on is to opt out. I hate being caught in left vs right, good versus bad, up vs down narratives. I want to create my own world, one in which all the fear and anxiety and despair does not exist. That is what I try to cultivate in my home. This is not a place of political discussions, politics do not exist here, they have no affect on my life here. We own no tv, watch no news, and I’m debating getting rid of my phone. When we do this, we cultivate who we truly want to be, not what outside forces say we are. When someone tells me to do something I am convicted not to do, it just seems so foreign to me. What power do you have over me, what influence can you exert upon me? None. I am a sovereign human being, created by God, just as much as you are. We are equals in His sight. I will not condemn you, but neither will I submit to you. This helps tremendously with stress and fear. And to anyone who believes in and worships God, despair is sin. It’s true! It’s a form of forgetfulness, where you forget that He has everything under control, and doubt His love for you. So to anyone who feels heavy despair regularly in this day and age, I hope you will surrender your despair to Him. He will grant a peace that is beyond understanding, which I walk in every day. Much love, and Yah bless you!💗
Well my, oh my, Wanderlust Bear, where do I begin? I feel like I just met an enchanted young woman who shared so much of her goodness with me that I couldn't wipe the smile off my face if I wanted to. But I don't want to so no worries.
I had no idea that something I wrote could be shared on another app. See how old I am? I'm glad your friend shared it and it's so warming to hear that you and your parents read it and enjoyed it as well. Your parents sound like wonderful human beings and they have, clearly, raised some wonderful human beings in kind. How blessed is the world for you all? Very.
We have a family next to us that have six daughters. One of them comes over here and helps me with evening chores. It is such a beautiful moment in my day, to see the farm and the animals through her eyes, to teach and to listen to her stories, too.
You are courageous and principled, that's obvious. I am so grateful to have met your acquaintance. With love, Tara
Dear Tara, thank you for your beautiful response! I am so glad to have made your day a bit better. You are so kind, and I am grateful to have made your aquaintance as well! 💗Yah bless.
I love what you are doing! I am also interested in ancestor skills. It irks me that 100-150 years ago everyone knew some ancestor and survival skills then humans got lazy. I am needing to relearn what my ancestors probably knew and then forgot. I think it so great that you make your own clothes! I don’t think people even realize what they buy anymore. That the problems with consumerism go way deeper than transportation costs etc. People think I can go to the store and buy that but they don’t even think about WHERE it comes from. Can you make yourself? And for me because this is how I think- could you make it in a survival situation?
I have made beer, wine and distilled liquors from scratch ingredients especially honey. I have tried to make cheese. Fermented and canned sauerkraut. Made bone broth from Elk and tried to eat the liver (which I wasn’t a fan of) and the heart. I purified local beeswax and then tried to make various thing out of it. I am in the process of washing, cleaning and carding wool to make thread which I then want to make something out of it. I am also working on making leather out of the deer and elk skins we get every year.
It is nice to know who all is in this community. I feel like the weird one who is commenting on everyone’s comments but I just want to say hello! And kelp going you’re doing great 😊
Hello Charleigh! I love your comment so much and I agree with everything you said! I’m always thinking about things I buy and considering how it would be made on a small scale. One of my favorite books is titled “Making It: Radical Home Ec for a Post-consumer World.” That book really inspired me to think this way! So far I have only sewn a quilt and an apron, but I am working on a skirt and my Viking dress right now. I also have two deer hides in the freezer downstairs from our neighbor which I plan to learn to tan soon! I have been learning fermentation as well, and I’ll make candles with my beeswax one day! But I can’t believe you are making your own thread. I can’t wait to get to that level one day! I’ve been practicing an ancient Viking loomless method of weaving called tablet or card weaving, and it would be cool to be able to spin my own yarn for it! I very much appreciate your comment. Thank you so much for your kind words; have a great day and Yah bless!
I would have been deeply impressed to have read this post from an adult, but to hear it from such a young woman is truly wonderful and gives me hope for humanity 💕
Thank you! I am glad to have encouraged you a bit.🤗💗
Homeschooled kids are the coolest.
Haha, yeah!👊🏻😎
Wonderful and very inspiring. Keep on keeping on as you do.
Thank you! I will try.💗
Hey there fellow Minnesotan!
Hello!🤗
Here in QLD Australia. I feel our country is not too far behind you with mandates etc.
Each state is setting harsh rules one by one , don’t know when my kids will be able to see my parents with all these border rules between our states.
It’s definitely hard at times, but my soul remembers it was born here for this time. With each blow , I feel through all the emotions, get back up and am even more steadfast in my decisions , choices and purpose.
They can not break us unless we let them.
Our children ARE the ancestors returned to take back the world and renew it. And we as parents/ adults are the protectors and warriors for these kids , to make sure they grow to complete their mission.
Just look at your children, and know they are oh so protected by a higher power . They posses such universal magic and wisdom.
We are in a season right now , this isn’t forever. Live each day as presently s as possible, it’s all we’ve got . Make the RIGHT choices every day. We KNOW what is right or wrong, we’ve all been given the gift of intuition, it’s time we listen.
Love this, Elodie! Thank you for sharing your intelligent, compassionate insights. You're so right, we are here, at this time, for a reason. I love your perspective. So good to think of you out there.
I have been called a conspiracy theorist over 30 years. I am 40. I wear it as a badge of honor because I have deduced it to mean that I ask questions and dig deeper. It seems I am not alone all of the sudden. That feels good.
Tara, we appreciate you bringing us together. Thank you for all your contributions (written, educational, etc.) because you are valuable!
All of you have something to add to this great patchwork quilt.
To me change is exciting and I look forward to seeing what God fearing, loving people can do over the evil one! After all, isn’t that what suffering is for? For us to become more lovely for God’s enjoyment? I don’t have all the answers. Do any of us? But I surely enjoy your thoughts and contributions! Thank you all and blessings to you and yours!
I look forward to it, too, Natalie. There is a great awakening. The more we are pushed, the more people are sitting up and taking notice. The emperor has no clothes.
The emperir has no clothes has been my phrase all year. I literally said "Aaaaah!" out loud when I read what you wrote here.
Another thought that came to mind for me was in scripture it says Watch and pray... eyes open .... vigilance
Me too! The Emperor has NO clothes!! And it reminds me of that scenario I learned about in classroom management education classes in college years ago where they show a room of students a square and all the kids except one have been instructed to say it's a circle, and the poor one kid keeps saying, "NO. ITS A SQUARE" and after several hours finally gives in and calls it a circle because of pressure. I go around every day feeling the same, like someone has tipped reality on it's head, saying, "It's a square! It's a square!!"
Seems like there are a lot of us "one kid" 's out there
I’m realizing, too slowly, painfully, how much of what has been planted in my worldview was a lie. I’m renouncing the lies (weeds, needing to be torn out and burned) as they reveal themselves and then scrambling to replace the lies with KNOWLEDGE (seeds that will bear nourishing fruit) but it’s hard to come by and I surmise what little I can gather will be insufficient for the sake of the survival of my bloodline. I will do my best. I lack connections to many people who have started this journey before me. That makes me value your request for dialogue even more precious as I steel myself for the new life, harder but possibly more fulfilling. I’m grateful for you. Stay blessed.
Deb has some great words of truth. It really is an awakening. I mentioned a podcast I recently listened to that was helpful for me to understand how this plays into a much broader narrative where things like education, health, the climate are used to push through corporate agendas. It was called "unlimited hangout" with Whitney Webb and it was the episode with Iian Davis about the "private public partnership". It was long, but I think understanding that this is about diversion and division helps us to have meaningful responses that revolve around creating alternate ways of living with one another.
Thank you 😊. That podcast sounds interesting. I’m often reluctant to suggest particular podcasts or blogs or social media accounts to folks I don’t know because an interesting observation I’ve made through this recent journey is that not everyone checks all the same boxes in terms of politics, vax beliefs, racial beliefs, climate beliefs, gender/sexuality beliefs, etc. And it’s all so intertwined right now and can get sticky when seeking to enlighten without offending. All part of the bigger plan to divide and conquer?
I know, I feel that same hesitation, but I figure that it was sent my way by someone that felt the same way and rustled up the courage to share it with me so I will pass that along. People will take what they need or disregard completely. That's their call. :)
Agreed! I’m beginning to feel stronger about sticking my neck out - it’s the only way to spread the truth we see. I just recently “found” you (I don’t even remember how!). I am no doubt not your typical demographic but I resonated with a recent post of yours and now I’m here. Community is precious these days.
I love your thoughtfulness here. And the bigger question to me is why are there boxes to check ?! That this is need is felt to check all the boxes to this “flag “ or that “flag” I can never be roped into a box - I’m just me and I don’t belong or want or belong to any “box”
Thanks Tara and Deb
I'm with you, Andy. Boxes are for chocolates and I'm not sweet enough for that box.
Oooo I beg to differ Tara😉 🍫
Keep looking and you’ll find more people who are waking up. You can’t unsee it once you’ve awakened to what’s really happening. Since this nightmare started, I’ve made many new friends who I never realized felt the same way. You don’t have to go down rabbit holes or conspiracy paths, just open your heart to seeking the truth and trusting your gut as you learn. I worry every night about my kids’ futures - we are living in the twilight zone.
Hi Tara and friends. Thanks for stoking the fire and keeping it burning bright. What a treat to be able to sit around it with you all. I moved to California from a rural village in Sussex, UK about 11 years ago with my husband. I love where we live but have had to cultivate my own community to feel at home here in these times. I feel so fortunate to have many friends who feel the same way as we do about this hot mess, even in this incredibly liberal town, and we find absolute comfort in each other. 2020 was an incredible year for us all, we had more dinner parties and more beach days than any year I can ever remember and our friendships became richer.
I manage a store in the town I live in and have somehow only hired people who align with my beliefs without even asking them upon interview. It turns out we now have a store of completely unvaxxed, health conscious vibrant young people who are so happy to have a secure job in a warm and accepting environment. I haven’t requested masks at any point in this mandate for employee or customer and the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Customers walk in with masks, look around and then rip them off. It wonderful to see them so excited to feel a little ounce of liberation, a little pinch of rebellion.
Tara, thank you for making so many thousands of us feel less alone, and more excited to cultivate the world that we want for us and our families. I love you dearly
I just love this. I was in that little shop with you and the maskless, looking around, listening to the remnants of your accent reading these words to me.
It's true, too, what you say about coming together. We are all spending more time together. We never really did much social stuff before, but we did have a small independent cinema we were members of. It was so lovely. They showed classic films and the walls were old stone and they served herbal teas in real ceramic mugs. We loved it there. It was the only time we could get dressed up, other than going to a friend's, and pretend we were fancy. They have enforced the mandates so we can't go anymore.
So! Well, we've made a big list of classic films we would like to see and we make it a bit of any event. I pop the family some organic popcorn in lard (of course), top it with ghee (like any theatre could do better) and we cuddle up for our show. We also started doing dinner and dance nights. He puts on a suit. I put on a dress. We eat something special then have a dance to old country records while we look into each other's eyes like star-crossed lovers. :)
I'm with you. We can grow something more vibrant and robust, more real, than what we had before. xo Maddie of Sussex
Fellow Californian here!!
Bravo Maddie! Lead by example.
Hello from Santa Cruz ❤️ I wish I could find a workplace as accepting as yours, but until then, I’m looking!
Ah, you are from Santa Cruz! I thought so from your first post. LMK if you want to connect with like minded people in the community.
Maddie, that's amazing you've been able to avoid all the masking & craziness at your workplace! Where in California are you? I lived in Santa Cruz since 1996 & recently moved to Texas because I couldn't take it there anymore!
good job!
Hi Tara! Appreciate your words, as always. I am a mother of 1 (5 months) living in Vancouver BC and I too am very worried for the kids. Since I am unpoked, there’s not much I’m invited to be part of around here these days, but I did do story time at our library only to leave each session more depressed than when I arrived. All these mothers and nannies with small babies, singing through 1 or more layers of masking is a horrible sight to see. The babies aren’t connecting. The feeling of community is not there. All I see are dead or tired eyes of women trying to keep it together for their children. Everyone is exhausted, no matter what camp they may fall in. I had to stop going because I left and had to cry each time.
My husband, who actually works for the library has been mandated to be double poked by December 6th or he loses his job. He’s not as passionate about things as I am so, after exploring a few options (and many many fights between us), he has decided to get his first poke next week. I’m feeling heartbroken and alone. All of his friends are very much pro-vax/pro-all these restrictions, and have given him such a horrendous time about not being jabbed for this long. So much so that they’ve actually accused me of being “abusive”. That I’m “gate-keeping his joy” by asking him not to get jabbed… accusing him of not doing what’s best for him, simply for trying to make a decision with his family in mind. They don’t know me at all, some I haven’t even met. But that’s how strong their belief in the system is. That they could point the finger to the new mother trying to protect her family and scream “abuse!”. So… my transition into motherhood started as a beautiful, drug free home birth where I felt like a warrior, to feeling more and more caged, alone, misunderstood and beaten down with each passing day. I’m feeling so uncertain about where this will take us, and what I will do. I have a very strong spiritual connection with my ancestors, and I know they are quite literally creating a ring of protection around me and my daughter, I can feel their power - when I tap into it. But tapping into it can be hard some days as I’m sure so many others know. (But as I type this, a hummingbird came right up to my window to look me in the eye for a few moments. Messages are everywhere if we will receive them.)
On the plus side of things, I just bought in to an A2A2 Herdshare of beautiful jersey cows. My raw milk “in” here in Canada where, as you know, raw milk is illegal to sell. So I’m feeling very excited that I’ll be able to bring my daughter to a farm to experience a genuine connection with her food as she grows. It’s very hands on and I’m excited to learn and be more consciously connected to my food.
Thanks also to everyone sharing, this is truly such a wonderful bunch. All connected by the grace of your warm heart and inspiring words, Tara. Thank you.
Thank you, Krista. I got a little fired up reading what others said to your husband. I truly hope that those "friends" are friends no more. The absolute audacity of anyone to say such a thing about a man's wife! That's utterly unacceptable. I sincerely hope your husband told them so. There are lines one must not cross, but if they do, the lion must roar.
Ok, got that out of my system. Of course that little hummingbird came at just that moment. How affirming and generous. I know, because I was once a young mom like you getting my first herdshare in my black market raw milk group, that you will meet others of like mind and lack of fear around our bodies and nature. I am so glad that you have made that connection. ❤️
Mother to mother? You are a fierce warrior. I'd be proud to know you and call you friend. I am frightfully weary from all of this nonsense as well. If you need a friend or an ear, we could exchange emails. I no longer recognize the community I grew up with and I've been mourning what I've lost a lot recently. I breaks my heart into a million pieces to see my friends and loved ones so terrified.
Thank you so much, your message warmed my heart! I hear you, I feel its become quite ugly and sometimes it seems that people have lost their minds. That they arent the same people, they cant understand things that just a year ago we understood. Those supposed morals and values we all shared about protecting each other have gone out the window. Lets exchange emails! Pen pals sounds fun :) Mine is kristaleemarshall@gmail.com
Feel free to send one over if you see this.
oh Krista, my heart goes out to you. What a tough situation and I'm sorry your community is treating you and your husband this way. By way of encouragement, remind him: he can always choose to do it, tomorrow. But he can never take it back once it's done. If he's not 100% on it, maybe each discussion can be: is this ONE thing worth it? I understand that a job is a huge deal and I have no interest in pressuring you, only to offer a word that might be helpful. In the end, we are all responsible for only ourselves. So many people I love have taken it, a few with horrible reactions and I know would take it back if they could. But it's ultimately their choice to make.
Sending love.
Thank you for your words! This situation is certainly showing who our “real friends” are. That can be a very painful experience, but truly it seems some folks have blinders on to everything but this ONE thing that people HAVE to do. (and if you dont, well, you know how and where to go!)
I hope that you find the fierce friends and community that you deserve, and soon. Congratulations on finding raw milk -- here's hoping you meet some likeminded friends at pickup!
Thank you!! I am really feeling excited about meeting people and building a community ❤️
I recently joined some local Facebook groups that I have found helpful for meeting like minded people in my area. Apparently if you type in the name of your town/city or region and scroll through the results you may just be lucky enough to find a freedom group in your area. Not sure how these exist on Facebook but they do for now!
Oh, and if you don’t find one, why not start one?!
Hey everybody I'm not sure my first post went through so I'll try again. I live in New York City just on the border. Neither my husband nor I will get vaccinated as we trust our own bodies and our own lifestyle but the pressure is on. There's so much Social pressure in the Northeast US. I'm eager to meet like-minded people particularly in my area. I have attended demonstrations and it feels wonderful to know there are others out there in my neck of the woods. I have faith that other parts of the US are having different experiences. I am sad that it seems our liberties are being taken by those in control and that those who dare to speak out and really pck apart the "science" are demonized. It feels like a dark time Tara so thank you so much for shining some light and inviting us to this campfire.
I respect the decisions you're making for yourselves, especially given the level of pressure. I suspect it's been a dark time for quite a while now, but this has really shone a light on who is really in power and what their objectives are. I think it's right to be angry and sad and then I think, well, it's what our family does anyway, we have to move out of that energetic space and figure out what we can create and how we can live that is true to us. That contributes to our tribes and communities. That connects us to our spirits and by extension, all of life. The world really is beautiful. That's not me being Pollyanna, that's true. What they are holding up as truth is an illusion - it's just their perverse system. Hang in there, Allym. As ugly as they try to make it seem, we must remember their world view is not our own.
Hello there! I also live in New York although update in the Syracuse region. It is a bit better up here than in NYC as far as mandates, but know that you’re not alone.
I pray daily that our governors eyes will be opened and she will act from a spirit of humility instead of a spirit or arrogance.
Keep spreading your light and love. We need it here in the state of New York.
Hi. Im from Queensland Australia. This week i am struggling with all the BS going on. Mostly the injustice and discrumination. From the 17th of dec, those of whom are not vaccinated will not be allowed the same freedoms of the vaxd. Despite us having NO cases in the state.
But they dangle the carrot of possibly opening our state border and so if we are good little humans and get jabbed, we can cross the border or we can risk being treated differently which means, we are not allowed to eat out (fine with me), not allowed into governement owned businesses/ buidlings, are allowed out of home for medical appointments, to get food and exercise. So i guess ill be exercising more right? not such a bad thing.
After a heated conversation with my parents with opposing views to me and calling me extremist, telling me its not experimental, telling me they would never be at a rally to support me or my familys freedom of choice, i felt triggered. I felt abandonded and let down. my own parents cannot even accept my choice.
There is so much we still have to endure. Im grateful however that my kids still get to play sports and be with their friends for now.
Sending love and huge hugs to those struggling right now. I hope you find a moment of pure joy in your day today
xxx
Oh dear, another covid orphan I have to adopt. I will need to set up more little cabins on our farm.
It quite literally breaks my heart to hear of parents shunning their own children for a disagreement about a medical procedure! Where are we?! What planet is this? You are an adult with children of your own. Your parents may disagree with you, but they must respect your autonomy and your sovereignty. Their job of choosing for you is long past. If they did their job, which obviously they did given that you are making very difficult choices for yourself and your family with your heartfelt conviction, it is their job to step aside, love you anyway and grumble in private if they must.
I send you love and admiration. I don't care that this is about this topic. I am awed by anyone that stands up for what they believe in, especially in the face of such radical coercion.
Sending you so much love from Sydney.
Oh I feel this so much! Sending you bulk happy season summer vibes.
I just plopped down on my comfy sofa to enjoy my morning coffee when this newsletter popped up. Perfect timing to enjoy my brew by candle light and connect with you beautiful souls.
I’m in Texas. The weather has been nothing short of amazing the last couple of weeks as Mother Nature gave us a break from the heat and humidity. I’ve been enjoying the shorter days and crawling into bed just after sundown.
We still have many of our freedoms here in Texas…for now. All of us that are employed by corporate America (and many many more) are under attack. We shall see come January 4th if we’re still employed. We drew our line in the sand many months ago and will not budge.
If we need to start over, so be it. If we need to rethink money, so be it.
I appreciate you hosting this fireside chat, Tara.
Sometimes I feel like our only hope are our American neighbours holding the line. We'll see. How far can you be pushed? How far can we be pushed?
Our oldest daughter works as a millwright with the union. Everyone she works with at her sight has been vaccinated. So, she is test weekly and wears a mask, none of them do. She has asked them if they will be getting the booster and without exception, they all say "not a chance". We'll see... None wanted it in the first place. We are a country run on coercion, not choice. Kind of ironic for a place that holds itself up to be a bastion of political correctness.
Hold the line, USA! :) I might have to dig a tunnel under the border one day.
Texans slogan: Come and take it!
Texans can be as stubborn as the land they were raised on. There will be NO handing over of guns, ammo or my body to the government! They draw a line, we will build a wall around it!
DAMN STRAIGHT!!
Amen. Amen!
It breaks my heart over and over to hear the stories of our neighbors, in Canada, and even just over the next few state lines. Places we may never get to visit. People we may never get to meet. If you dig that tunnel, Tara, you’ll always have an outlet on our property. ❤️
It’s the same here in Wyoming short of the weather (it’s been cold but then again I like the cold). Vaccines were pushed but only on those who would’ve got them anyway. No one here needs a Covid vaccine to work (unless you work at the hospital then it is highly encouraged. You do have to have flu shot though.) But yes our family owns many unregistered guns that can’t be traced. Only corporate employees and school kids (those poor kids) have to wear masks. (Only at school though extracurricular stuff they don’t have to.)
Hi Tara. My name is Vaasu and I'm a 21 year old boy from Ontario but currently studying medicine in the UK in Nottingham. I found your instagram page and always drew strength from your writing. We have a small homestead back home that I was able to invest some love into during the six-ish months of lockdown. It was interesting to see my family rise to support me in all the gardening and chicken-ing and we've turned into a farming family since then! Those few months were tough and I felt alone and weak many times. But I have also never been as happy as when I was on the farm.
I did get the vaccine - albeit nervously. However I do feel that these horrible attempts to force them into people are unkind and not in line with the spirit of medicine. I don't know how the medical community will ever regain the trust of the people.
I am navigating some choppy waters right now. I am in that stage where I am cutting out the unnecessary in my life and it is often quite painful. Almost feels like I'm hacking limbs ha! I've also recently lost contact with someone I love. It hurts but I guess thats part of being alive- slowly learning what it means to have "loved and lost". Sometimes I feel that this harsh world is numbing the kid in me to become an old, calloused man. Would love your advice on how to not let that be the case :)
With love,
Vaasu
P.S. Your posts have always made me glad knowing that there is always someone home to appreciate the call of Canada geese flying south.
Oh, dear Vassu, I will continue to say my farewells to the geese and, now, say a few more on your behalf.
Thank you for your beautiful comment. You know what helps me from getting too cynical? I have learned to understand that the world as construct, the stuff the news and media and powers-that-be hold up as "the world" is not real. It's a story they tell. Sometimes, we have to play a game in their story to make it, but that doesn't mean it's real. Be courageous enough to sit in a forest and marvel at the pattern on the bark of a tree or just sit with the warmth of the sun on your face. Our Creator, however you see that, thought you worthy and brilliant and lovely enough to share this moment with that sun or those birds overhead. Little old you! A part of that mystical, magical moment that holds all of life.
You get to be something better than a kid. You get to hold that awe, but wield it and share it at your whim.
Love is painful, always. If there is no pain, it's not the end. Don't worry about the pain. Feel it and let it do what it needs to do. I am so happy you are going to be a doctor. We need more healers, people connected to the bigger things, in our medical system.
I love this idea that sometimes we have play a game in their story to make it. It reminds us that we can be our authentic self with that negotiation and nuance.
Thank you Tara for this. I am also in Michigan. In my humble opinion this pandemic has uncovered the content of the hearts of humanity and has shown what we are without the redemption of Jesus. I have been broken hearted over the division, friends, neighbors and family members taking sides. A person’s vax status is none of my business and mine is none of theirs. We have been lied to on every level, everything has become politicized and I am bone weary of it. I am also amazed (although I probably shouldn’t be) at the sheer arrogance of a global oligarchy that dictates its will on all, using this pandemic as an opportunity. Eternity is a long time to live with the consequences of such injustice, the thought is sobering. My prayer is that as things continue to degenerate, my life makes a difference, that I love those who hate me and serve anyone God brings to me the way He wants.
"Bone weary", yes there is that in many of us. I do hope you have ways to reconnect to the source of joy and beauty, of love around us. The very source of life. I find it helpful to remind myself to sit on the earth and to just marvel at a leaf or a wee little bug. That is real. That is God. And, I too, am part of this majestic life. "Their" stuff is systems and numbers and disconnection and plastic - not real at all. Just a movie to keep us distracted from the truth of what is. Sending you much love, ADH. I hope you feel it.
Thank you for your kind words and love, Tara. I’m taking your words to heart, it’s been hard to find joy lately but I think I forget to look because it is indeed there. 💗 I was heartbroken to hear about your daughter. I am so very sorry. Sending love back to you.
I live in Melbourne, Australia and it has been a challenging 18 months (and I’m incredibly fortunate to not have suffered financially throughout). It has been mandated that you can’t work outside your residence unless you’ve been vaccinated and so that has forced me to work from home. Isolation and constant fear mongering has taken its toll and I’m saddened by the division that’s been fostered by politicians and the media. My heart breaks for the children too. I am finding it hard letting go of some things (I too don’t mind about eating out or movies) of the illusions that are now revealing themselves. But I feel that new paths will be birthed and I’m hopeful about that.
In Canada, even working remotely, or going to school remotely, requires a vaccine in many situations.
I am sorry you are going through what you are. What's your sense of other's opinions? Is there resistance? Is there any sort of underground? Here, there is definitely a burgeoning underground of shopkeepers, restaurants, even spas and clubs, that are resisting.
A bit here in new York Tara, restaurant owners the most, they just can't survive if they don't.
It is wonderful to read all of these posts from around the world...sometimes I feel quite alone in my thoughts and wonder if there is anyone else out there. I am a military wife whose husband is working as a Chaplain to make sure that military members have their rights and freedoms respected and upheld. As they use our military members as guinea pigs, I am watching so many amazing people be pushed out when they refuse to comply. It is a weakening of our community and a weakening of the institutions that are put in place to protect freedom! How ironic.
We are close to retirement and about to become grandparents, and my greatest wish is that our legacy to our children and grandchildren is a love and respect for what is true, ancient, and given from God. We are ancestors in training!! And I am learning from you Tara, about what is possible and how to see things so differently than the way I was raised. Thank you and thanks to all of you out there who are swimming against the tide.
Wow! My husband is also a military chaplain with the New Zealand army. He is the only one in the entire chaplaincy department who is standing up for the rights of people who don't want the jab. He is pastorally caring for over 100 people now. We think that list will now grow as they've started the booster conversation and as most were jabbed more than 6 months ago we think there will be a number who might begin to question at this point. He is likely to lose his job and its hard to know what horizon to look to next, but we have met the most amazing and aligned people through this journey and process. I see this new potential world unfolding. I am hopeful we can bring it to fruition!!
I just want to give you and your husband a big squeeze! How wonderful and lovely that you are working for these people in your circle. ❤️❤️❤️
Ancestors in training! I adore that phrase!
Me too! Got me a little choked up actually. We should all consider ourselves ancestors in training, whether we have children or not!
You are brilliance, Mrs. Shannon Howard. How blessed your people are to have you. ❤️
I have survived 63 years without a flu shot. I trust my own immunity and will not comply with any mandate in regard to my health. I respect the land, animals and our food sources have been local farmers & farmers markets. Luckily I have surrounded myself through the years with like minded people. I believe this is a natural progression as you age. We have been blessed to gather at each other’s homes to discuss the craziness in this world. I believe in God and turn to him for help understanding & strength. I am also blessed to spend half the year in freedom Florida. The other half in Wisconsin ..the difference is striking. My two children 31 and 34 were raised the same way and continue in these beliefs.. They have also surrounded themselves with a community in Texas who understand what is being taken away. My husband is the only one who got a shot for his job. I pray everyday for those of who have small children. I also pray for our world. History is destined to repeat. How often I heard that as a child never thinking I would see in my lifetime Please stay strong and realize we are not alone
Fear and divisiveness are their weapons We are more alike than different.
Thank you for your newsletter
Thank you for your comment. Testify, sister, testify! I love it!
I am in the UK and still struggling to come to terms with it all. It’s the children , my poor children and all the other innocent babies who will have very different lives. I am told my freedom was an illusion anyway! I guess as a collective there is a general apathy and sense of comfort that has made us sleep walk our way to the current situation. April 2022 I have to be vaccinated or lose the job I love. I already feel like I have lost the respect of my colleagues for not towing the line.
My husband tells me to hide my views and stay quiet but I feel compelled to share what I know about the agenda of the evil forces at work.
I feel scared when I move my focus from the light and love of god so I keep god at the centre and know that this time shall pass as shall my life and how I live and love and connect with god and his creation is the most important thing.
Yes, those vaccine mandates are already here in Ontario. We have had many healthcare workers and others fired. Our oldest daughter got kicked out of college. They refused to accept her religious exemption. She got picked up by a union quickly thereafter which has been a godsend. She has to be tested weekly and wear a mask while nobody else does.
I love your last paragraph, Abida. What else is there? We must move and live in the light and the love of our Creator. Otherwise, we might as well crawl into the hole of fear and how are we any better off than those presently occupying it?
I can't believe they forced u to get vaccinated. My office has been so cool about it. You should share how you feel you are not alone
It's this way in Canada. Vaccine mandates for post secondary schools, employment, restaurants, gyms, sport events .. everywhere.
It's even for people who work from home!!!🤣💩
We have a friend in the same boat, she enjoys her job but has felt over the past year that she has lost respect for her colleagues and they her. The deadline they have given her is Dec 31, it keeps getting pushed back though so who knows where it will actually end. She is reluctantly accepting that her told now is to homeschooling her kids. Her son refuses to wear a mask and he hasn't been in school since the lockdown started. What an adjustment it is for all of us, I have to believe it gets better once you accept there is no going back. In the end I think those of us to don't comply will be living a life more vibrant and true.
Hi Tara et al., writing to you today from one of the San Juan Islands in WA state, just a few miles off the coast of Canada and the mainland US, an archipelago with about 15,000 residents, playground of Bill Gates and friends, with a vax rate of "one of the highest in the country," proudly controlled by a maniacal "health officer" whose wet dream of a pandemic has finally come true and he gets to flex his power and control over all of us, with the blessing of our governor, of course. Last week a small group of dissenters finally "came out" to each other and met in a clandestine location, under all sorts of confidentiality agreements, to discuss how we can finally, slowly, push back and try to navigate/survive the coming months/years ahead. Businesses are threatened, jobs have been lost to mandates (the ferries are a mess!), our community centers only allow vax cards and masks, the schools are on the cusp of vax mandates, and there is a deep divisiveness that even Trump couldn't achieve. The biggest take-aways from our meetings have been the following: 1. Above all else, hold love - for ourselves, for our neighbors, for our community - regardless of the hate and insanity that is thrown back. 2. Be courageous. Like at the Battle of Pellinor Fields, "Courage, Merry, courage for our friends." Show our children that we can be courageous adults especially since they are looking at us to show them how to act in these times. Ranting and railing against the narrative is not constructive action; we need to show them acts of courage, however small, so that they know that there is always something one can do. Take off your masks in stores, smile at babies, break bread with people you don't "normally" associate with, write letters to the board, post signs of dissention, gather together in laughter and worship, and toss off the mantel of fear that everyone seems to living under. and 3. Create our new reality. Simple but oh so hard. Big potlucks in public spaces. Holding the school boards accountable. Talking out loud and in the open about all of those who have been "flown off" (when there's a medical emergency here, a helicopter takes you to a mainland hospital) for vax reactions, attempted suicides, heart attacks (in young people!), etc. And also, we recognize that whether we like it or not, this is a historical moment for all of us, and our choices and decisions today really will have an impact on the history of this place. These things may seem small and insignificant to all the Great Big Things happening in the world, but here, now, this is our start. We have each chosen our line in the sand, and will stand firmly with each other, and that, in and of itself, if worth more than all of the fake vaccine passports money can buy. Breathe deeply of the fresh air, turn your face towards the sinking winter sun, walk on an empty beach with your dogs off-leash, and eat a meal with a stranger again. This Life is still very beautiful and it's worth fighting for!
Damn, I want in on your clandestine group! Yes yes and yes!! The children are watching us and we must be examples to them! Why have everyone forgotten this? Where are the leaders? Well, they're in your fine little group. I couldn't love what you said more. We change things by doing different, moving out of what we don't want and creating more of what we do. Protests have their place, but they are not about creation. Fine, let them have their toxic, hateful, controlling system of fear. I don't want it. WE got our own communities to build up and reinforce. Nothing motivated by fear can last.
I'm just thrilled to read this. Thank you!
Craig and Kathleen Overby here. I think we were in this wonderful group for a one time thing before Craig got terminated and we sold our beachy mermaid island house and had to move away from our family. We are broken hearted but determined to build a family and a culture. We read Live Not By Lies by Rod Dreher and the second half really challenged us to build a culture for not merely survival but thriving as a dissident. We found so much hope and courage to begin again at 61 years old. And it is hard. And hard can also be good. Missing the ocean and the San Juan Archipelago deeply.
This is great to hear of more of you in the San Juan’s finding your truth. My mom lives on Waldron and has a lovely group of like minded friends. They meet and have potlucks and share hugs and swim in the ocean. In fact one of her good friends there wrote the book “the religion of science” by Dr N. Swanson. We all need to form these communities with each other and continue to stay in relationship with those who don’t agree.
I am an "old-ish" guy (68), in The Rockies of the US. I mention that only to lend some possible impact, when I say I never in my life thought I'd see anything unfold here (or world-wide), like the events of the last 2 years!
For certain, I have lived in times of war, disease, economic collapse, terrorism and more. Yet this whole "virus thing" has a certain quality or energy or feeling about it that leaves me a bit perplexed, mistrustful and concerned.
I have no doubt whatsoever that it's POSSIBLE that it might be any of a number of different things:
1. intentionally released
2. capitalized on, by those who seek to somehow benefit from it
3. a means of instilling fear, far & wide
4. a means of control over humanity
5. fill in the blank ______________________
And yet, I do take comfort in reading posts from different sources, that indicate to me that many people are waking up to the possible intentions, results and ramifications of what is happening around the world.
I could go on writing for a very long time here. To be brief, I will just say that I am heartened by those whose post about their: self-love & care, in spite of criticism, condemnation & being ostracized; attempts to love & honor all, regardless of the other person's choices; new-found wisdom, skills & strengths; indomitable Spirit!
At the "bottom" of it all, is the human Spirit - wise, eternal, strong, free, peaceful & loving. The degree to which we can tap into that Spirit (our true Nature, in my opinion), is the degree to which we will live from that place, strengthen ourselves, and offer true, genuine, pure & loving service, to ourselves and to the world around us, IN SPITE OF what may be happening.
Thank you and God bless all of the posters, who "allowed me a glimpse into your world" on this site! Your struggles, strengths, joys, resolute attitudes and the new awareness and connections you are making, inspire me...we must all carry on with the sound & sure knowledge and conviction that we are on the right path, whether or not that is confirmed by those close to us.
Steve, your comment is so beautiful and just buoyed my spirit. That we can all find a little corner on this wild and wooly internet to come together and share our experiences and hold good will for one another, even if we have come to different conclusions about things, is such a testament to what you said - "the human spirit - wise, eternal, strong, free, peaceful & loving". I imagine you out there in the Rockies, putting out that energy, all of ours mingling together in some cosmic way still too mysterious for our puny little human minds to comprehend. I am so glad to read your words.
Tara - thank you very kindly for your positive and beautiful reply. I hope you know that what you write (the content, the way in which you present it, your choice of words, and the poetic, lyrical style) are a blessing to me/us!
I once read something like this: "Change yourself and you have done your part in changing the world." So, every morning in my meditation & prayers, I ask to be changed for the better...and to be given a way (and a chance) to help...someone, somewhere, somehow. Of course, honestly, I would love to change all of society or even the whole world, but that is a vainglorious thought, I realize.
Be that as it may, know for certain that YOU are changing the world, by what you do & write...all those positive efforts ripple outward, indeed, whether we are aware of it or not...
Thank you so much, Steve. That's all any of us can really do, isn't it? I have a little prayer I whisper throughout the day "help me to be love, let me see where I can be love". It keeps my eyes and heart trained on the possibilities.
Hi Tara. I am minded of an Insta post you wrote a year or so ago about us humans being allowed to disagree and am happy to receive this invite to the campfire., thank you :) I am in the UK. Ridiculous Eton boy Prime Minister, government sleaze and crap journalism that cannot bear to hold anyone to account asides ( with a few exceptions) things seem a lot calmer than in your neck of the woods with regards to the pandemic. All vaccines voluntary with the exception of care home workers. This is short sighted because - thanks to Brexit - there are not enough staff to go around. Vaccines are offered in schools, uni's, via GP's etc but are completely voluntary. Some people wear masks, some don't. Covid is pretty much doing the rounds in schools at the moment, as are all the other seasonal lurgies. The kids are meant to test twice weekly with the free lateral home test provided but this is optional and not enforced.
Covid hit very close to home early on. A young, fit teacher at my daughters school died after catching it from her son when he returned from a school trip. My husbands colleague, a cycling enthusiast, lean and fit and aged 47, died 3 months in. My daughter and I had Covid at Christmas. Hers looked like a heavy cold. My experience was a vicious headache and a tight chest that left me breathless for 3 months. My husband and son - nothing - but then, viruses are like that. I have followed WAP for years so Vit D levels, solid nutrition etc are very much on my radar - which is how I found you, lovely Tara.
Honestly? I didn't want the vaccine. My family have historically had the very basic vaccine package , that's it. I am a homeopathy, acupuncture, herbal loving girl through and through. But, my parents are elderly and frail, one of my dearest friends has Addisons ( no immune system at all). I lost sleep, my jaw was permanently clenched, the anxiety raged. Sometimes, after my kids were in bed, I hit the wine - hard! I went round in circles. Long story short, I got the jabs. And I am ok. Relieved to not have the whole thing take up so much brain space. I would never judge anyone - one way or another - for their choice - because it should always be a choice. The first lockdown was very challenging - the scenes on TV shocked me deeply. People fighting over loo paper - for God's sake! But it was also a time where deep, lasting connections were forged. Local groups formed, street by street, with people sharing and pooling resources. We met on doorsteps and out on the street for birthdays and celebrations. Toy and book lending library's sprung up on front door steps. Elderly neighbours who live alone have become part of the community. We know each other now.
I believe it is true to say that we see the best and worst of people at times like this. I have certainly seen the best and worst of myself. I have plumbed the depths of despair this year The ghosts of all the childhood trauma and betrayal and ensuing shame I experienced refused to be ignored and I had to do some deep work. Beloved family members have teetered on the brink of mental illness and physical illness.
Lately, I have felt a subtle shift. Little doorways and pathways have opened up and shafts of light are unexpectedly shining through in to the dark places, bringing joy and heartfelt gratitude for the life and love I have. I read a simple phrase somewhere recently that said "Grow Where You Are Planted". It really resonated. That's what I am trying to do. Much love to you Tara. Thanks again for inviting these conversations.
I'm so grateful that you shared this, Tania. I don't want to be someone who condemns people for not accepting my choice and then not accepting theirs. There is just too much manipulation and finger pointing and it benefits none of lowly little peons on the bottom of the hierarchy. I am glad to hear that you are well and that you are turning a corner from such a challenging time. Big hugs to you.
Thanks Tara! I agree, too much manipulating and finger pointing and name calling. "sheep"on one side and "tin foil hat wearing flat earthers" on another - all judgment and no acceptance. Very frustrating!. Hopefully these conversations will go some way to rounding things out.. xxxx
Tania, the image you painted of neighbours finally coming to know each other, elders finding their place in community again, almost made me weep. Thank you so much for sharing.
Definitely been such a positive in a challenging time, Taryn! Xx
Thank you for this space Tara.
I have so much sympathy for those in heavily mandated places. New Zealand, Australia, Canada, California, New York, etc. Hold the line (if it aligns with you to do so). We are behind you--- there are so many of us behind you.
A little about me: After nearly losing a child to a V years ago, I began to do my OWN research. That has literally thrown me into about 13 years of daily research on these things. It is the main focus of my life. No allopathic medicine has touched my other children and they were born into a calm and balanced environment, into water and thew waiting arms of their parents. At the time of my sons injury, we were living in California and as these mandates for our kids to begin schooling began, we fought fought fought them tooth and nail, along with so many other brave mothers who were ostracized by the media. It became clear that the voting process was rigged and the politicians were paid off. We could see the writing on the wall, that the next American civil war would not be about Abortion, it would be about Vs. This was years ago. But the fight continued in California into 2019. New mandate laws, furthering the divide between those of us that wanted the choice regarding poisoning our children, and those that would support forcing medical procedures on others.
And then, when Covid "hit" and the media storm began, my husband and I looked at each other and decided nearly right then and there to get out of that state. A state we adored and had fought for. We saw the writing on the wall.
Those of us who have been aware of a global plan for years have known this would happen eventually. Hoped it wouldn't, but expected it might.
We returned to Texas and now live our lives in relative freedom. I still have to stand up for our rights here and there but it's not the massive pushback that I know others feel. We are preparing our land and our family for the possibility of needing to self sustain.
I speak to friends in California and their lives revolve around "the number of cases" to determine if it's a good day or a bad day. That's no way to live.
It's going to get harder before it gets better, friends. But a new society, a new culture, is growing out of this.
I am a Native American and I follow the herbal practices of our ancestors. I have thrown myself into learning this ancient wisdom. I search daily for a possible antidote to the "V" poison. The herbs that will balance the body, back in wholeness and alignment again. I also practice energy medicine and have seen great healing come to pass in those aligned with its magic.
I am so humbled by the brave souls standing up in Italy, in Austria, in France, Australia... those marching and fighting for their right to bodily autonomy. I am so grateful for you all. Continue to hold the line because that will tip the scales. Share your truth with those you trust. Every open, sovereign heart is benefit to Gaia.
I am so comforted and inspired by this beautiful community.
Mmmmhmmm, delicious! Every word a morsel of delight. Thank you.❤️ I agree with everything you said. We live where we live and are doing what we are doing because we wanted to build security for our children in a time when everyone thought us "extreme" for carving out lives that required such a payment in responsibility and work. So many people have forgotten, or never learned, that these are things that give life meaning.
Our oldest daughter is 28 now, soon to be 29. None of our children have ever taken pharmaceutical medications. If they had to, if it was life or death, well that's one thing, but never was that the case. And in that learning and connection with all that Nature provides us, we come to live more deeply and wholly in this world. These are the gifts that have been stolen from us by profiteers and their cronies. In this time, we can finally see and take back so many things that bring beauty and meaning in our lives.
I'm so glad you're out there. ❤️
A note for herbal antivirals (not so much for you A.B. [don't want to sound condescending] but for whoever reads your comment): take a look at Herbal Antivirals by Stephen Buener. To paraphrase, proven antivirals for coronaviruses are chinese skullcap, astralagus, kudzu root, olive leaf, and many more, but those are some real powerful ones to be tinctured or tea-d or whatnot. Which herbal practices do you currently follow?
Wonderful for the tips and the book rec, thank you! Always appreciated by everyone I'm sure. I'm self taught on all this, and with the help of other medicine women who have imparted their knowledge to me, and lots of Cherokee books and other books on Native American healing methods, I am always learning and soaking up more! I try to grow everything I can, dry most herbs and make tinctures or tonics out of them... sometimes teas. I also use homeopathy in our household and occasionally help others out. I get many texts from friend-mothers asking for advice on this- or that---- it seems with kids there is always an herb or tonic to try out and see if it works as well as I've been told or read that it would. Usually it does! I try to have most things on hand just in case. Lots of trial and error with this of course. I use many of the Bach flower essences for the day to day ups and downs and adore those as well.
I'm also a big fan of other natural remedies like colloidal silver and ozonated oils and water. Big belief here that the Great One gave us all the plants as medicine for any illness we could possibly encounter, and the Universal Spirit is at our disposal, steering us toward the right remedy, if only we will listen.
Sometimes (often) when I don't know what plant to use, I just ask them :)
Herbal Antivirals on of my favorite books of all time!
Hey there! Former Californian, fellow fighter again the V mandates since SB277 & recently moved to Texas! What part of Texas are you in?
Hey! I'm in the Dallas area!
Hi people around Tara's campfire. How lovely to find myself among you today.
I'm thinking about Tara's essay the other day about a salty old man that she is friends with even though you most likely don't agree on many things. How much are we allowing these divisions to cut us off from people we need to be in community and communion with? We have moved to a new town during pandemic times and I feel lonely and longing for my old community although it does not exist any more as it once did. Trying to use that longing to drive me into finding ways to create and being the community that I'm longing for, be the friend I am longing for, be the big sister I am longing for.
Here in Iowa there are not too many mandates that have lasted. A friend visiting from California recently commented that they wouldn't even know there was a pandemic on. I am thankful for these freedoms knowing many who don't have the same. There is rumblings at work of a mandate coming but right now future is unknown because of pending litigation on the OSHA rule.
I am rarely asked about my vaccination status and when I am just say that we have made the best decisions for our family that we know of. People can assume what they like, it is none of their business.
I think the biggest lesson I am learning through this experience of the last several years is that I am unwilling to let fear (of anything) motivate me. I've become very thoughtful and reflective on times that I moved motivated out of fear and I don't like that feeling or the results.
From the outside maybe I look like a quiet suburban working mom - but I think maybe this is the most radical and defiant way that I can live and make my mark on the world. To decide everyday not to choose fear, to live in kindness and love when I see others not doing that. To choose to find joy and wonder when it seems like the big voices out there say there is none. To raise my children with this example. To feel like I matter and I belong here.
I believe that you matter and you belong too.
Love from Iowa
Wonderful words, Saralyn. I love that your biggest lesson has been that you are unwilling to let fear motivate you. What a profound gift to take from this time! I, too, have been trying to live in, and radiate, the failings I bemoan in others. Who am I to point out a lack of this or that? Much better to use that awareness to put more of it out there, me thinks.
Love from Wyoming! Is there still a pandemic going on? It’s the same here. You wouldn’t know it.
I know that a lot of people go the vaccine but no one talks about it.
I feel like I belong here too. Except drinking a cup of tea instead of being at work lol.
We are in Ontario as well and have held it together mostly through this. My husband and I are very fortunate to work for companies who are leaving it up to employees on what to do with their health and we pray it will stay that way. We talk about how our world has remained the same as we do not have children, and think about all the families who are awake and going through it these insane times. Some of our family is jabbed, some not, and for the most part no one has been excommunicated from family life.
Sending out a hug to anyone who needs it today 🤗
This is so good to hear, Karolina, especially given the aggressiveness of the approach of this province. Always nice to not be excommunicated and I'm happy to hear that there are businesses here using discretion!🙂
Wow, what a rich and amazing discussion you have started here. I am fortunate to live and farm on the coast of Maine. I have cozied up with these words this morning as I sip tea and now coffee. I am in the process of finishing a letter to the farming community here in Maine, the organic community specifically, seeking some dialogue like this.. it has been so disappointing to see the degree to which the thread is not only lost but has never even been picked up by this community. How can people devoted to organic and regenerative ag not see the parallels... quick fix, chemical, linear, synthetic, top down... its all the same. Trade Cargill and Monsanto for Pfizer and Moderna and there you go... approach identical.
I'll be fifty next month, I can relate to so much that has been written in this thread. I was a huge Bernie supporter, seemed like the only soul in Washington with any sense... end foreign wars, get money out of politics... Trump was the anti-christ. This whole virus thing has changed so much about how I see all of that and all of the structures and systems that exert control and influence over our lives. I was perfectly content when told to "stay home".. stay on the farm? focus on the only things I want to do anyway? No problem. But of course as time went on the need to address the madness grew in me. I remember through the summer of 2020 feeling increasingly like I wanted to crawl out of my skin, it was simply intolerable to me that anyone in my life and extended family could make the mistake of thinking I was onboard with the madness... so I wrote a letter, the first of so so so many. That letter helped forge some great connections as it allowed a very few people to rejoice in the type of connection on display here... "Me too!!!"... but, predictably, from most it was silence. Several very very close friends and family are still adamant that we "should not talk about it". Unreal.
And that is what, more than anything else, fills me with dread as I look out and consider the world my children (21, 18, 14) will grow into. The close mindedness and the willingness of, mostly the educated "classes", to carry on without the slightest bit of critical thinking or ability (interest? willingness?) to look at what is clearly before their eyes and question anything. But as I finish that thought it is immediately followed by the counter, that so so many are out there calling bs and holding the line. I feel so fortunate to have found my way to agriculture 20+ years ago and have the ability to count myself among those on our planet who work, make, create, tend, steward, and produce. That will be our salvation, all that you talk so eloquently about on your pages Tara... that will carry us through.
Our new way of seeing the world has brought more clarity to the new heroes of our time... the David Martins, the Sally Fallons, the Mark Crispin Millers, the RFK jr's, the Peter McCulloughs and on and on it goes. Clearly you too are a hero to many here Tara and what you share brings light and hope and love to so many. Thank you and please keep up the work you are doing.
I have so many of the same thoughts and feelings around what's going on as you do, Joe. We see it here, too. How can it be that people, so connected to the earth can suspend critical thought when it comes to their own bodies? I have been around our holistic, regenerative circles and had people ask me to "step back a few feet" as we talked under the sun. I was flabbergasted. I remain so at 20 somethings wearing two masks on their face at a gathering to discuss the biome of mother earth. Not our biome, then, I'm guessing?
I really don't care if someone gets the juice or not. The part that bothers me is the abject fear and hostility around dialogue. We have a daughter in acupuncture school through a TCM (traditional chinese medicine) program. Her own teachers told her that this vaccine is aligned with traditional Chinese practices like acupuncture. But then again, they also said that canola oil is an essential fat and doughnuts were a complete food if you ate tofu with them so, yes, there's that for context.
We have friends that don't want to talk about it. We know their stance, they know ours. I don't mind that. We all seem to be able to just move beyond that. It's the dehumanizing of other that gets me. I was at a bereavement group (of all things) and was told to wear my mask in front of everyone because I was the only one that fessed up to not being vaccinated. Me and twenty other mourning mothers and me with a mask. It was pretty uncomfortable.
I'm glad your kids have you to help them navigate this time. I worry for the kids being raised to believe their own beautiful, powerful bodies are a thing to dominate and fear. What of them? Loyal devotees of the pharma gods.
But then again, I've been to farms that have recycling bins sp
spilling over with diet coke cans and frozen pizza cans. We are such an incongruent lot, us humans. But I won't pretend it doesn't matter and that someone can hold an opinion or a position of equal weight if they do not live what they preach. That's just social conditioning gone amuck. We can pretend that the great equalizer is our reason, but it's really how we live, in the real world anyhow.
Hi Joe! From the easternmost point of Australia, I share your disappointment in our fellow local organic and regenerative farmers being blind to what is currently unfolding!!
Amazing to connect here and in other virtual settings with such inspirational humans, like Tara. I sure could use a real world community though, few and far between are the awake.
I live on the west coast and think we must be leading exact parallel lives, everything you have said has happened here too. Farming? Moving the cows every day? These things are easy and where I want to be anyway, but for my three children, what will their future hold? (Not cows, says my youngest!😂). These threads connect us though, and together Tara is helping us weave resilience, support, and hope, even if we’re 2500 miles apart.
I am in Saskatchewan, Canada. Here we cannot participate in regular society unless we have the vaccine passport. I live on a farm and grow my own food and I am happy to stay here and not go to town. However my husbands job requires him to travel three provinces for sales calls and he can’t fly so he has to drive. When he gets there he can’t eat in restaurants and has to hunt out hotels that don’t require vaccination. He is a very outgoing people person so this has been hard for him.
My daughter, who is almost 18 has been homeschooled her whole life. Other three daughters are moved out with their own families. But our homeschool activities have been closed down so she is rather alone. She has been working for years to become a swim instructor and lifeguard and got a job at our aquatic centre in October. She loves this job and it gets her out among people. She has to be vaccinated by November 22 or she will lose her job. This is heartbreaking for her.
Today I have been invited to speak in front of the mayor of North Battleford about these mandates and that has been my thing during this whole ridiculous situation. Letter writing, emails, taking with people where i can about our freedoms being taken away. I can’t do nothing! Canadians are so ridiculously compliant because we are so nice.
I am nice too but I am fed up with the is and them mentality and I will fight tyranny any way I can while continuing to make a parallel society for my family and likeminded friends.
I got such a knot in my stomach reading about your daughter. As adults, ok, whatever, but when the kids are controlled and manipulated by such nonsense, it really eats at me.
Your husband's job sounds so challenging right now. I have deep respect for your resolve and commitment. I am here with you all in spirit. ❤️
Thank you.
Pretty much the same situation here. I can hide out on my off grid farm if needed, but my husband travels to different towns and cities for work. My son is 2.5 years into an education degree and had to drop out. He has work but is subject to twice weekly testing. My older son was sent for tests twice and had no idea the second time they were going to shove that stick way up his nose until it was too late and he was trapped in the chair. The first one was a cheek swab. Weird. He quit his job and now works for us building our home. My daughter got laid off from her café job due to new measures. Soon we may be housing them all again if things continue. We are trying to think outside the box of how we can provide income for our kids in the future. My daughter is creative and sells art online. We aren't in dire straits like some are. I know people fully juiced who still can't travel to see their grandkids! So, following all the mandates has still not given many people their freedom back. I'm just grateful my kids, plus a good portion of my friends and family all see through all of this shite and won't be bullied by the government.
I respect your resolve. There are so many of us in situations exactly like this. We, too, are troubleshooting all sorts of scenarios. I've noticed so many rural companies around us with tradesmen and labourers that are just going about business as normal. I think that's central to the riddle - having some autonomy around your work and life. It's going to take some figuring, to be sure. Thank you for sharing your story, too, Christine.
Hi Michelle, we are in southern Saskatchewan. Lots of others down here in a similar place but holding out. Sending love up North! ❤️
Thank you jasmine! Right back at you.
Thank you for speaking out 💕
Well in a strange turn of events, three minutes before the event I cot a call from the mayors secretary saying that he is being rushed to the hospital with a heart attack. 😳
😳I bet it was climate stress🤣💩
Oh probably. 🙄
Thanks for the invitation to chat, Tara. I feel like there’s less and less opportunity for this without feeling like you’re going to say the wrong thing and be pounced on.
I have a coffee shop in Newfoundland where the VaxPass has recently been rolled out. The province is at almost 90% vax rate with extremely low new cases. I am fully vaccinated and firmly believe that it’s a personal choice that should not dictate how you’re allowed to participate in society.
We’ve now been mandated (under threat of fines for non-compliance) to ask for the passport with ID for all dine-in patrons. But who become the enforcers, the bouncers at the door, of this mandate? Our young staff who are already at peak anxiety, burnt out and hanging on by a thread, just trying to pay their way through school. It’s been bad enough just trying to enforce the mask mandate. There has been abuse, threats of violence.
So, no, we opt out. We made the difficult decision to remove indoor seating and offer only takeout, not as an anti-VaxPass stance but as a means of protecting the mental and physical health of our staff. Hopefully the business can survive this.
Personally, I’m aching for my three boys under 5. They don’t remember a different way of life, which is maybe a blessing. I’m trying to immerse them in freedoms that don’t exist anymore within the institutions but we live in a city and it’s part of our life too. I’m struggling to imagine how we’ll ever get out from under the governments thumb and it keeps me up at night.
Much love from the east, Tara. I deeply appreciate you!
I don't give a hoot about the big chains, but I have so much sympathy for small business owners. I think this decree from on high, implemented on small business owners, is just another tactic. What do they care that young people and small businesses have to deal with? It's just awful.
I admire your commitment to your workers. Sending you much love with whatever resilience I can spare. Thank you for sharing your situation. 💕
Hi Tara,
I’m a 40 year old mom employed in healthcare in Alabama. My husband has been working on his doctorate (online) and homeschooling our kids for the past 3 years. His career change from corporate executive to homeschooling dad was intentional on our part. A way to spend more time together as a family along with taking charge of how and what our children learn. We have been fortunate in so many ways…Alabama’s lockdown was relatively short, we have no mask mandate, and our governor has worked to protect against government overreach. However, I will be looking at unemployment in 2 weeks if I am not granted an exemption, as any medical facilities that receive federal money are requiring the jab. I have worked through this entire pandemic as a physical therapist. Performed direct patient care every day with who knows how many exposures to the virus…but yet now I’m a threat. We have made peace with our decision. I believe financially we will be able to tread water, which I consider a huge blessing.
I so wish we had put more effort early on into food autonomy. I have silently stalked your Instagram page for years, trying to figure out how to make similar ideas work for our family. We are most definitely behind in those areas, but planning and plotting how to provide quality food for ourselves.
Even living in a very conservative area of the US, we are outsiders and an anomaly. I am one of the few holdouts at work over the jab. People think we are strange for considering where our food comes from and how we can produce more of our own. I see friends posting how their 5 year olds are “brave” for taking the vax and I’m sad for them. What a world it has become. Thank you, Tara, for sharing so much with us and providing a safe corner for like minded people!
Oh dear, that "brave" comment made my heart lurch. No, they are just doing what they are told. Oh dear.
I respect the changes you're willing to make, the sacrifices. I was a weird one, too for so long. I remember going to our kids' sports tournaments with our coolers of food and everyone laughing at how neurotic we were. Okaaaaaay, I'll catch you when you get back from Chuckee Cheese. Anyway, nice to meet you, Ashley in Alabama. I will be thinking of you and glad you found this little tucked away corner. :)
Tara + all,
I’m a 28 year old young lady in central coast California. I am a nurse who started on this path with a deep desire for connection, to heal people, and to serve the part of me who incessantly cared for others. What I have gotten over my first year of nursing is in stark opposition to everything I stand for. I found a job that has accepted my exemption, and although it is the last job I would have ever lined up for, I think I’ll have to work it until I can find another way to use my license. I am the nurse who doles out medication after medication, attempting to reason with my elderly patients and eyeing in disgust the food they consume, who goes home to a fully natural home.
In this field, I am looked at as the one who is unconcerned for her health because of my choice not to be vaccinated. I, the woman who on my two days off prepares nourishing foods for my fiancé and I, makes sourdough, meal plans, finds farmers markets, makes my own laundry detergent/soap/home cleaner. I am the nurse who sits out in the sunshine and fresh air to eat my lunch that I packed, listen to the Wise Traditions podcast, and drink my homemade kombucha…but I somehow am “disregarding” my health. I try not to be frustrated and emotionally drained- your fortitude and articulation are inspiration to me.
Until we are able to move into the lush valley, buy land, and give a big “so what” to those who try to push us out of civilization, my fiancé and I are here. We’re here, trying to form connections with those who think differently than us (which is about everyone in this state), to emulate the ideal of “inclusion” which is so incredibly misconstrued by those who actually use that term, and to be grateful for the fact that we do not wish to participate in any of the things that are being taken away from us.
I have so many more thoughts, but I wanted to thank you for giving us the gift of your words and the glimpse into your life.
Emilly. Emily eating sourdough under the sun. What a picutre. I like you.
Isn't it a sign of our times when a person can go to such lengths to take care of her health and, when compared to someone who has done nothing other than agree to an experimental procedure, somehow comes out as less responsible? It's such fabulous propaganda if you think about it. "You, the righteous, will be exalted for doing nothing at all!" Ahhhhh at last!
I have family members that are obese, eat garbage, have never exercised, watch tv all night, are on a myriad of medications and always have one ailment after the other. And you know what? I don't care. I love them anyway. It no longer goes both ways. Pharma has given them a new measure of saintly-ness and we're not on it. I just one more thinking on that one, you know? Is that too much to ask?
In the meantime, every kombucha you brew, every sunbeam you capture on your skin, every meal you eat with your beloved, is an act of love and a vote for different. It matters. I don't know how or why, but it truly does. We must all be a part of a new way of being, free of fear, motivated by the beautiful things. Just like you know because you're doing it. And, yes, roll your eyeballs mightily at the meds and the elderly if you must. You could even try whispering a little blessing over them, too.That counts.
Not sure how to connect in real life outside this little corner of the internet but there seems to be several of us here on Central Coast California and it would be great to meet up! I know a good beach or two ;)
Hello Tara and everyone here who are sharing their lived experiences! I live in Ontario, in a rural area between Toronto and Northbay. I first found out about your IG page through your husband with whom I’ve historically had the pleasure of working with in our small ER department. Currently our hospital is mandating vaccinations which is its own beast of an issue. I personally am vaccinated but I had an adverse reaction (hives) , my partner is not. He chose not to and that is ok with me. I was talking to my sister in NB who chose not to vaccinate and she ultimately has been ostracized from society’s “privileges” (like using a public bathroom ) she expresses a distressing view in that she doesn’t understand why there is such a stark polarity between vaccine views and is worried our society will eventually split in two. While I can’t predict the future I was able to console her anguish and explain that my partner and I are both vaccinated and unvaccinated. We live and love each other still because we respect each others decisions and health autonomy. I hope I instilled faith in her that these small household respectful relationships are happening and to not lose faith in that possibility becoming a bigger reality. Regardless of what “side” we are on we must share our lived experiences with an open minded foundation. Tara thank you for creating a space to do just that. We have been inspired by your posts and emails to grow our homestead even larger. I’m going back to school in hopes to specialize in metabolic disorders and dream in creating my own holistic health clinic that combines “healthcare” practices from all walks of life . If we have learned one thing in all this, it is that no one person is the same. Not the way we think, feel, move, grow or develop. We are all unique in our health , our choices and our approach to life. So in attempts to focus on the silver lining through all this, I hope to have the tenacity and the drive to make this farm to table wellness clinic possible. Thank you for continuing to inspire us Tara. And thank you for sharing all your experiences everyone !
Peace and love :
A small town homesteader/ nurse.
I loved reading this. That's ultimately what it's all about, right? What does someone's health choices have to do with me. I think that's what's given us all pause - the aggressive drive and punishments. I feel for your sister. I'm glad she has you to talk to. So many families are dividing over this issue. It's crazy.
Troy has been talking about a functional medicine/metabolic clinic possibility! Did you know that? You two should talk next go around! That is such a fantastic and badly needed area of focus for true wellbeing.
All the best on your homestead :)
This is amazing! I will definitely have a chat with him! My biggest hurdle is finding a doctor to oversee the clinic. I have no problem running a location and managing clients but it is the oversight that is missing. It’s amazing what a simple discussion thread can produce . Dialogue. What a beautiful gift.
Tara, thank you for creating this space + opening this conversation. What a strange feeling to have this little corner of the internet you've been tending become a "safe space" + one of the only places I can speak + feel heard.
I worked on a horse-powered farm after college + it was everything I've wanted to do + become. To make a very long story short - after working for a narcissistic person who put us into financial + emotional ruin, I've had to spend the better part of my twenties working at unfulfilling jobs to get out of debt + buy some land so we could finally live the life we have been working so hard for.
We moved to Maine earlier this year seeking more freedom, a better way of life, + land we could afford. In many ways, it has been wonderful, but there is definitely still intense fear from people over our 'status'. It's so surreal to be punished for being healthy... We prioritize our health in literally every decision we make - which is why we left behind everything we've known + moved to a new place where we can have a healthier balance in our lives.
We have chickens + I'm dreaming + scheming of ways we can grow our homestead to support pastured pork, horse-powered logging, + provide a nourishing life to our community, our land + our family. I would also like to become a traditional midwife, who supports women who want to birth outside of the hospital. I feel this calling so strongly but am not sure how to get there.
I also want to start a family + am distraught over what this world will look like for them + wonder if it is even fair to bring them into this world? Is it really so bad? Is anyone else trying to navigate this? I'm so curious what those of you that have children have to say about this + if there's any advice you can share.
Thank you. I know we are all doing our best to navigate this new world....
Hello Christina - I just wanted to speak to your last paragraph. How I feel about bringing children into this world. I have 3 small children under 5. I don't want to be naive but I am not fearful of bringing them into the world. That is not to say that I don't have fears for them. But we were prayerful about having children and felt that these 3 small humans were called to be here at this time. We will raise them to the best of our ability to be kind, loving, brave, creative, full of wonder, and not fearful. As a mother, I feel like its one of the hardest things I have the privilege to do, to check my own fear at the door and not have that be in my home atmosphere. Do I fail at this? Yes all the time. But that is life isn't it? The constant learning, the opportunities for growth, the wonderful lessons of humility that come in the hard times and fails.
If it is in your heart to have children I just wanted to add a voice of encouragement. I know I am only at the very beginning of being a parent and others could speak from many more years of experience than I have. But I have learned more in these 5 years than any other time in my life. I am learning to love and trust myself in a new way because I have to show up every day and be mom. If I don't show up who will?
As a parent we are programmed to try to keep our children safe. But we can not sacrifice living because we are chasing an illusive ephemeral feeling of "safety". We can only humbly wake up every day and make the best decisions we can make and trust there will be help and grace for us where we lack.
Sorry for the ramble - it has been lovely this morning to read through many comments on this thread and feel for a moment close to you all.
This is simply wonderful, Saralyn. So much truth in here.
I have children, and I worry just as you do. The worry doesn’t go away, but I try to take comfort that I’m raising awake people with a deep connection to nature and that’s what our world needs. It’s the one true way I can make a difference.
Hi Christina,
I’m a mama to one little sassy toddler and we would like to have more.
I do worry about what the future holds and how the world will look for her just like most moms do. I also think kids like her raised with a connection to nature and to the land and food and raised with skills are so needed for our world and in the end I try to release my worry and trust we are all here right when we were meant to be.
Also have you checked out Indie birth? I’ve taken a few of their courses and really love them, they also have an online community of likeminded mamas and birth keepers
I honour what you are doing and what you want to be a part of creating. Have you looked into the radical birthing school? I think that's the name? Anyone?
I can't answer the young children part, but even I still worry about my daughters and they are in their 20s. I'm sure other moms with young ones have better things to say. xo
The Freebirth Society
They have a podcast and a presence on Instagram. I believe their birth keeper school is open for registration right now? If not I think they run it twice a year..
Hi Christina, I too am thinking about a career change into holistic birth. I thought I would share some gold that has been shared with me.
- Guide to Child Birth by Ina May Gaskin (she has another great book I can't remember the title of sorry)
- Orgasmic Birth by Elizabeth Davis and Debra Pascali-Bonaro
- Instagram
@tinyheartsfoundation
@badassmotherbirther
@tristadoula
@calmbirth
@positivebirthcompany
Positive Birth Company has some great free youtube videos but I purchased their online course which was quite an affordable hypnobirthing course.
I loved YouTubing Free Birth and even searching the free birth hashtag.
I’m in Ontario, so the same boat as you! I worked at an academic hospital for 13 years and was terminated in September for sharing research on Twitter that “may cause vaccine hesitancy,” (their words).
I don’t miss my job at all. It had long ago become a corporate pile of hot mess, where no decisions or policies were based on evidence. I feel free now to follow my heart and start building the life I really want. I still live in a city, but my partner and I have big dreams to get out! I am content to be away from this sick society. I want to connect with like minded folks and build new, nourishing communities.
That sounds pretty familiar. I'm glad you escaped. It's funny how life tries to nudge us to do something and if we don't respond, we get an extra big heave-ho.
If you don't mind me asking, what part of Ontario are you in?
I worked in the health field and was furlowed back in April of 20. They contacted me in September and told me I had to get the mandated Vx to come back to work or I would be put on per diem and lose all of my benefits. Thankfully we had gotten health insurance through another carrier earlier in the year. My husband and I agree no matter how tough it gets we will not comply. Very Concerned for our children and our grandchildren. Thanks for hosting this chat Tara
I have such respect for anyone that holds onto their conviction in the face of such pressure. I don't care what we're talking about. My husband may well be losing his medical licence, something our whole family sacrificed a great deal for. We have been continuing to drastically simplify our lives and get ready for that day. There's a gift in that as well. Big hugs to you.
I keep forgetting about your husbands work. Jeez that must be a bit scary. There is a gift there too, I get that. Thinking of you and hoping it all goes well.
I am sitting here reading all the comments with tears streaming down my face. It is truly beautiful to hear all of your voices of what life has been like. Is like now. Beautiful because it sings of our humanity. Good people wanting good things for their lives, for their families, and their communities.
I am living in Homer Alaska and for most of these past two years we continued on without too much disruption, besides our closest family friends who lived down the road abruptly stepping out of our lives and the world to isolate fully. That was the first relationship we lost and now that things are a little more relaxed they do not want to continue the relationship because we are not vaccinated. Things got worse for us once the vaccine became available. It seemed that made a lot of people even more fearful than they were for the previous 18 months. Which I still don’t understand. So right before school/preschool started we got excommunicated from a lovely little forest school community because of our status. Then within a month or so after that my husband who is a potter got asked to wear a mask (only him) when in the studio where he works. The couple who own the studio also chose to stop seeing the kids which has been heartbreaking because our kids really loved this couple. They still don’t know why we haven’t seen them in a few months. My husband has been complying even though it feels icky to be singled out. He is just trying to get through this holiday season as it is an important part if our annual income. Wearing the mask isn’t as much of an issue as the general vibe there that feels punitive to him. He feels like his studio mate comes at every situation with him without the usual grace we extend to our friends and loved ones. So there are likely big shifts coming in the new year to that part of our income and his work life.
So we are actively trying to build new community, we have banded together with another family for sharing child care/homeschool. We are actively trying to increase our local food security and resilience. I’m planning to eat a lot of rabbits this winter (along with a lot of pork fat) as they are in abundance this year. And we also actively engage in inviting people to our house to share food or drink. Regardless of their political beliefs, age, vaccination status, or any other statuses people wear around. I so loved your recent post “an ode to the salty” we really try and keep as many interesting characters in our lives as possible and find that we and the children are so enriched by those good folks. We have been fortunate to not experience any shunning from family on either extreme (we have both) and have continued to enjoy visits with each of our parents although they all sadly live very far away.
It is truly heartening to hear your stories and I would welcome you all at our table. Thank you Tara for making these connections for all of us. Sending love to you.
Hi Willow- I know that shipping from Alaska is no joke, but I would love a link to your husband's pottery if he has it for sale and is able to ship. We have to help each other out in these times and I'd love to give Christmas gifts that were made by hand by someone sticking to their intuition rather than to some big corporate enterprise.
Aww thank you! We so appreciate customers who are making the effort to support handmade goods. His website is dkaufmann.com he has an online sale opening on the 22nd of this month. His and my work can also be found on Instagram. I’m a spoon carver @willowqjones
I just checked out your IG and your husbands site - you are both so talented!!
I am a beginner spoon carver and loving it.
Oh that is so great I’d love to know about your journey with that. Send me a dm if you want.
SO very cool! Thanks for sending---I'm going to check out that sale :)
It's so nice to have you over here, Willow. I've always loved communicating with you and reading what you share.
There was a comment earlier (later? I have no idea how these are going) about someone, I believe it was "Joe" being disappointed in their regenerative/organic farming community for not drawing parallels between monsanto/cargill and the likes of pfizer/moderna. I could totally relate to that as well. It seems even worse that people can be connected on that deeper level but then not draw on those experiences to fortify their positions with confidence instead of fear. Your ex-communication from the forest school is of that same ilk. How disheartening.
I'm so glad you are building community, sharing meals, banding together with all sorts. These are powerful, meaningful acts. There is nothing meaningful in coercion by fear, hence it cannot remain. Maybe for now, but not forever. If I lived in Alaska, it would be such an honour to share a meal with you and your family. I will imagine it for now.
Thank you for this Tara. I missed you so much last year. I knew you would be questioning everything that had happened and I missed the comfort of your words and beautiful farm. For so long it was only the people I followed on social media who shared our viewpoint, but this year I found some real life beautiful friends who share the same moral and values as my husband and I and I’m so thankful for that.
We live in Bendigo, which is a regional town 2 hours from Melbourne, Victoria Australia. You’ve no doubt heard what’s going on down here. My husband and I are not getting the vaccine. My main reason has always been because we are trying for our second baby. But there are so many more reasons. We have a gorgeous 2.5 year old son, and I too worry for his future. I also wonder should we be bringing another child into this broken world, but I still have hope. From next week we will only be allowed into grocery stores, pharmacies and alcohol shops (go figure). My son cannot go to swimming lessons. Luckily he can still attend kinder, which he loves. We are just lucky he is so young and is not missing out on much more. He also has grandparents who are fully vaccinated who will be able to take him to things. We are huge homebodies, so we feel like we won’t miss out on too much. Plus we now need to save our money. I’m a pharmacist in the local public hospital and I lost my job last week. My husband is also a pharmacist and teaches pharmacy at the local university. He will most likely lose his job too. But we are ok. We have savings. And we have our health and each other. And that’s really all that matters to us. It has caused tensions between family and friends for us. We’re trying not to let this issue create a divide, but I do feel like we live in a different world to most.
I have lost all trust in the medical system (there was only a little trust before covid happened). I am ashamed of my profession. I saw for my self first hand dismissive attitude of doctors in relation to possible vaccine side effects. I’m sure your husband has seen a lot in the ED?
I’m really enjoying having you back in Instagram and thank you for keeping your blog free. And lastly I wanted to say, I am so sorry to hear about your daughter. I was so shocked to hear, I had a heavy heart the whole day after I read that. I think because of the way you write about our family, with so much love and respect, it’s like I knew her even though I didn’t know her name and can’t remember seeing a picture. Even though you don’t know me, you are a mentor to me. Thank you 🙏
Thank you for sharing your world with us, Ashleigh. It doesn't sound like your circumstance is much different from ours, here in Canada. It's the same with little ones not being able to attend recreational activities and such if their parents aren't vaccinated. So, no more shopping then? Just some food and booze for you? Isn't it something that they still let you buy alcohol? Just like here.
Our healthcare system is on the verge of collapsing. I suspect that will be a boon to the "unvaccinated to blame" narrative. My husband is working in remote communities right now, not seeing too much, but then in all this time never saw a single covid case. Go figure.
I respect your resolve, all that you are having taken away and yet you can still hold your power around your decision. That's no small thing.
Thank you for your kind words about our daughter. She was power and grace and love. I'm certain you would have liked her. She couldn't be anything but adored.
Hi Tara,
I’m a 32 year old mom from the prairies in Saskatchewan. I have greatly appreciated your writing in the past couple years. We are on a slow and steady path back to our roots and your writings have given me many things to ponder, specifically about our social constructs and how broken and disjointed our current way of life has become.
We have pretty much holed up in our little house in our little town. We see our friends still, and I wish with all my heart that we had an acerage to hide away in, a place where we can gather without neighbours watching; but this is what we have and we’ll do what we can. I am at home this year with my third child so I took the kids out of school and am teaching them myself. It’s my own small little way of saying “eff off” to the people that think they can tell me what to think. We have been told we can’t go to any public events or restaurants without a v-pass so I say screw it. We’ll stay at home then. I do my best to avoid anyone who enforces the v-pass or masks and try to spend my money in places ran by people that I respect. Also, I have been taking your advice and am slowly building a little network of people in order to source food locally. It takes more time and effort, but it’s worth it. We are actively trying to regain our health, step by step.
I want to leave something else here: I am frustrated. I don’t know what to do. I took the kids out of school, try not to support businesses and people who support all this garbage, but I feel like I’m throwing a grain of sand into a vast pit. I struggle with how to make a difference. How to fight and accept people and their opinions at the same time. I don’t know what else to do besides take care of my little circle and raise my children as best as I can smother be thinkers and doers and not sheeple.
I think you're underselling what you have done. What can any of us do other than what is within our sphere of influence? To be frank, my family is my world. I love writing and being here with you all, but nothing comes close to my family. If I have been true to them, loved them and have been loved by them, I am right in the world. Besides, you are an example to people, whether they want you to be or see it or not. Doesn't matter. You are a woman living within her principles. That's powerful stuff.
Thank you Tara for you kind words of encouragement.
The best thing you can do is cultivate a life worth living. Many people will hate you for it because it makes their lives look sad in comparison, but others will be inspired and hopefully your children will also. That's a lot if you ask me.
Thank you for your kind words! ❤️
I've read all the comments and like others have expressed it's so refreshing to read about where everyone is, how different and yet similar the currents we're navigating. I'm a Canadian married to a Mexican, and we are seasonal migrants between Mexico and Canada. We have three young kids, two grown children still living and one dead at 21 from overdose in 2018. Learning about the "other" pandemic the hard way kinda cracked me wide open, and then being stuck in northern BC from 2019 through 2020, seeing how things unfolded that first year of COVID and how nothing at all made sense, seeing the censorship and witch-hunting mentality rise up, even among folks I liked and respected and thought were thinking, critical individuals.... it's been a mind-f&*#, right? We pulled up our BC roots in late 2020, sold everything, packed a truck and headed for the border, thinking that a Mexican citizen and permanent resident heading for home in Mexico might be considered "essential travel"--NOPE. Got turned around at the border, given a 2-week quarantine order (even though we had literally gotten 15 meters over the border). At the end of 2 weeks we tried again: this time we shipped the truck and chartered a flight over the border, and continued on driving south home to Mexico. I am so grateful to be here, and I'm not sure when we will ever be back in Canada. Like many of you, we're making slow but steady progress toward building our self-sufficiency here. We are still a long way off, but nothing else makes sense to me right now, and it's also what we've always wanted to do anyways. Right now our two older littles (7 and 3.5) go to school because doing it all was killing me -- homeschooling, no breaks from the kids, and we were steadily burning through savings. Instead of my husband going up north to work (we'll never do that again), now it's up to me to bring home enough for us to live on and build slowly toward our vision, so I'm setting up my office and hustling for projects (I'm a researcher, writer & editor if anyone needs one). I have some really guilty feelings about sending the kids to school for 3-4 hours a day where they have to wear a mask, and I've told them to just take it off when they need to breathe. Someone else mentioned that their young kids don't know another way of life, and I feel that too, and on more optimistic days I also feel like maybe they'll know a different, better life in which we live closer to the earth, to the animals and plants and sources of water that feed us. I'm heartened to hear so many stories of people on this path, calling up and creating community, tribe, family in any way we can--because we know that we cannot do it alone.
What a harrowing, and nutty, story of trying to leave your own country! What the hell? They're so scared of you being here that they won't let you leave. Okay. Are there any restrictions there at all or is it life as normal?
Things here are more more normal than other places. When the vx was rolled out, many, many people lined up for hours in the hot sun to get it, but many, many others have deep distrust and will not get it under any circumstance. AMLO, the current president, has indicated that he will not mandate injections, and if if he wanted to, enforcement will be difficult in a place like Mexico (where for example it's regular and accepted practice to drive without seatbelts or carseats for children, or insurance on vehicles, where little to no building code requirements and/or regulations for food services are enforced, etc.). As a Canadian adjusting to life in Mexico, I was a bit shocked to realize how "safetied up" and restrictive our culture really is, and how different it is in other parts of the world (Mexico and Peru are my only travel experiences by which to compare life in Canada). So in my small town, mask wearing is enforced in schools for kids & teachers, in health care settings, and in larger stores and public transit. On the street I see about 50/50 unmasked vs. wearing a mask while driving/walking/riding a bike alone. In smaller shops its a similar dynamic. Extranjeros (foreigners) are masking up a lot more, but also not 100% by any stretch. This morning I took my (triple-vaxxed, full gov't/doctor trusting) senior parents to have their dog seen by the vet. At the end of the fully unmasked visit when we were getting back in the car, my mom remarked with surprise that they had totally forgotten to put on their masks. I hadn't thought about it either, and neither the young vet nor his assistant were wearing masks. Life is more normal here.
Here in New York I'm watching with trepidation what you are going through just north of us. Knowing that we probably aren't far behind. My husband, like yours works in the ER, but as a Physician Assistant, but he wasn't able to get a medical exemption, even though he has an autoimmune disease. He waited until the last possible second to get the vaccine or lose his job. Funny thing is, he worked in Urgent Cares and Emergency Rooms the entire time, being coughed on by Covid patients and testing them and never once got it. Yet, now he has to make the choice between the V and his job??? And then of course after getting it, he had a reaction. Getting painful Shingles across his body for weeks. He will not be getting the booster. His move toward opening a butcher shop and full time farming is in full swing. If there ever was a time this was the right time to do this it's now. Me personally, I'm sad for my children, the world I knew is gone. However, then again, they didn't really know that world, or at least won't remember it, so maybe that is a blessing in a way. It's taken me a long time to accept that we will never go back to the world I knew prior to 2020, and I've shed a lot of tears over it. But coming to that acceptance has brought me a lot of strength and peace. We continue to homeschool and farm and since we didn't really do the things they are trying to keep us from, like travel, go to big events, etc prior to this, I feel comforted in my little world here.
I am glad you have found comfort in your little world. I worry about my children and they're big so maybe that's just what we are doomed to do as mothers. I love small butcher shops. I hope this happens for you. ❤️
Thank you to everyone for sharing. My heart is with you all.
We live in rural western Massachusetts (close to upstate NY and VT). We moved here from CA for the progressive values and the “live and let live” mentality. Well….things have changed dramatically these past 2 years here. We live in a small farming and artist’s town of about 700 people and we have a town wide mask mandate as well as contact tracing at almost every public space. Speaking their language, we’ve had the lowest “case rates” in the country. And yet my 3 children haven’t been able to access any community events in 2 years because I just cannot expose them to the fear/distrust messaging that’s out there.
Thankfully we built an incredible community of likeminded people and we’re forging our own way under the radar here. It’s definitely been the silver lining.
But we’ve built so much here on our land, we’re creating a real homestead so that we can be more self sustaining, and we’re feeling like we may have to throw it all away. If things don’t ease soon I can’t continue to raise my kids in this environment.
I had to write our local radio DJ to let her know that “no, it’s not appropriate (or even legal?) to dox your own sister on live radio for not getting the jab.”
There’s a real witch hunt underway here.
My husband is a public educator and it’s only a matter of time before he loses his job. Actually, he used to LOVE his job but just this year there has been extreme violence and discord among the students. It’s a real sign of something very deep and lasting from the lack of guidance and sense making these past 2 years.
Anyways, I’m always inspired by you and we’ve begun harvesting and processing our own meat, canning and pickling a ton, and getting better prepared for whatever comes our way <3
My word, I get how this happens,psychologically speaking, but I am continuously flabbergasted by the un-think that keeps proliferating. So many people thinking that repeating slogans and mantras is somehow meaningful. I can almost see the hypnotized swirls in their eyeballs.
We just moved from Western Mass earlier this year for these reasons + the insane real estate market. My partner grew up there & I grew to really love those rolling, magical hills, towns, & the community. It was where we wanted to raise our children... It was devastating witnessing all the city dwellers buy up properties for their vacation homes + airbnb rentals. The mandates + restrictions were insane. Like you, I started to not recognize it. It was so difficult to let go of that idea + say goodbye to that area. I wish you the best + am glad you've been able to find + hold onto your community there. <3
Hi Kate,
I’m also a CA transplant to W. MA!
We are in the Amherst/Northampton area. If you would be interested in possibly connecting in person my email is sara.a.hobbs@gmail.com