Small Scale Life

Last week on the Small Scale Life Podcast, I discussed my Daily Gratitude Practice and gave four tips to establishing your own daily gratitude practice. As a recap, the four tips were the following: Take some time and think about what you are truly grateful about. Make a list of people and things and challenges you are grateful for. Keep those lists in a journal (brief bullet points only; don’t write a book – it isn’t sustainable). Let someone on that list know you are grateful. This week, I am revisiting gratitude and putting it into action. I completed Number 4 on that list. I let two people on my list know that I was very grateful for them: Theresa and Dale. I also had a chance to talk to a member of the Small Scale Life Community that is in a tough place and is finding it hard to find gratitude for that member's situation. To join the Small Scale Life Community, please go to smallscalelife.com and joint the conversation on the Small Scale Life Newsletter. Sign up today!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!  Tis the season for having a Daily Gratitude Practice and giving thanks.  After all, how many of us had this conversation during Thanksgiving dinner last week: What are you thankful for? “What are you thankful for” is the usual question that people have and expect a response after grace.  How often were we caught of-guard by such a simple question when the piping hot feast is right in front of us?  We typically mumble something about “family and friends,” stop paying attention to other answers once we are done mumbling and dive into the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy and stuffing!  Am I right? But did we really think about that question?  Did you pause for a minute and really think about your answer?  Seriously. In this episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, I am going to talk about starting my gratitude practice a year after writing Practicing Gratitude for the Good, the Bad and the Ugly in October 2020.  I’ll finish this episode by discussing How I am going adjust (improve) m

In this episode, I break my silence and restart the Small Scale Life Podcast! I talk about our new farm in Western Wisconsin and starting to live at our farm. I talk about the following topics: Gratitude Practice - Shout Outs and Thank Yous Driftless Oaks Farm a. Outbuildings b. Fruit Trees, Berries, Grapes and Perenials c. Pens/Paddocks d. The Blue Barn e. The Chicken Coop Small Scale Life Podcast "Harvest" by Osi and the Jupiter Final Remarks - Happy Halloween! For more information and to subscribe to the Small Scale Life Newsletter, go to smallscalelife.com! Special thanks to Sean at Osi and the Jupiter for writing and recording the song at the end of the podcast episode. You can fiund Osi and the Jupiter on YouTube, Facebook and Bandcamp. I really enjoy his Appalachian/Norse/Folk style.

In this episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, Tom talks about "going with the flow" and how he is developing a 10 step plan to navigate the rapids, waterfalls and log jams in life. We can spend a lifetime chasing dollars and cents, yet we don’t have the sense to take care of the Small Scale Life Basic 10 Core Principles. We have become addicted to consumerism, screens, and Modern Western Culture that pumps out garbage at an incredible rate. That is where we get into trouble: too much debt, not enough savings, few prospects, no connection to Nature or people, and living life on the hamster wheel fulfilling someone else’s dreams. Are you sick and tired of all that yet? I can see how we need to ramp up and execute them as Julie and I start our new homestead in a rural place where we don’t know many people. It is going to be challenge for us, but I think all of the work we have done is going to pay off. We are starting to see results already, and we have just barely gotten started. Just wait! Change is com

In this Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, I provide an Eagles Ridge Update: Community, House Project and Stair Project Failure. I talk about 5 Lessons Learned from Our Stair Project that can be applied to our lives: relationships, jobs, money, tasks, DIY projects and even social media. April has come and gone, and we had a lot going on gearing up for constructing our Eagles Ridge Barndominium. The machine is MOSTLY in place, and the weather had cooperated; however, we hit a delay. We are in a holding pattering until some things get sorted out, and that gives us time to do other things. One of those other things was the stairs from the middle of Eagles Ridge to the Apple River. The Ridge is about 60 feet above the river, and we have been working on a stair project from about half way up the ridge to the river. Things were going well last Fall, but we ran into some serious issues in the past two weeks. We decided to make some drastic changes with the stairs, and I walk you through the project and

On this 189th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, I am talking homestead hunting, Roberts Rules, grounding and gardening with Letti Loo from the Liberty All Day Blog, Podcast and Vlog. Letti is a busy person! She is married and has a busy little boy, and along with her own platform, she is a co-host on the 80’s Mom Podcast and has her own virtual assistant company called Parli Pro Consulting as well. Like Julie and I, Letti and her family are escaping Chicago and returning to the land. They want to get back to a place and a life that makes sense. They want the liberty and freedom to become who they want to be, grow their own food, have some animals, build a community and do something simply magnificent in a beautiful place. They are on the path that so many urbanites and suburbanites are on right now: escaping the large cities, the rules and the chaos. The land rush is on, and prices are climbing and property is scarce. Homestead hunting has been really tough and intense because potential places ar

Have you ever felt overwhelmed as you think about how to start gardening or kicking off a new garden season? There are so many questions, options and methods; it can feel like you are lost in a lush jungle of options and questions: • Do I start seeds or buy them from a store or a greenhouse? • Should I till up your yard and plant in native soil or build raised beds? • Should I use Square Foot Gardens, Rain Gutter Grow Systems, Wicking Beds or Root Pouches? • How should I orient my beds (north-south vs. east-west)? • Can I put a garden in a shaded spot? • What soil mix should I use for my raised beds? • Am I going to have an organic garden by using compost or use fertilizers or both? • How far do I space my garden beds from each other? • How close should I put the plants in my garden beds? • What are these pests (bugs, birds or four-legged animals) and how do I stop them eating my plants? • How can I reduce weeding and the work involved in gardening? • Why bother? I never remember to water my plants and kil

In the Frozen Tundra of America's northland, we seem to have turned a corner on the weather last week. Something is in the air. The birds are showing us that something is up: from the pairs of eagles flying over Eagles Ridge and near the Third Floor Castle in the Sky to the cardinals popping up everywhere. We are entering a Season of Change! On this 187th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, I discuss about how Our Time is Finite as we enter a Season of Change here at Small Scale Life. Spring 2021 is coming, and there will be a lot happening on Eagles Ridge, Small Scale Gardening, Small Scale Life and in our lives. Time is finite. There is only so much time in a day, and it really comes down to how we use that one essential limiting resource: time. It is time of new beginnings, and we can still be the lighthouse even though things look differently. If you remember, these are my Guiding Words for 2021. Things may change, but not all change is a bad thing. After all, gardeners and homesteaders kno

This episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast is all about How to Raise You Vibes with Maria the Energy Healer. As with many interviews, we had a plan and scripted questions for Maria, but we swerved into some really important topics that will serve as way stones for what Small Scale Life is becoming. For all of our knowledge and understanding, there are things in this world that humans don’t know or have forgotten during our evolution. The fact of the matter is that there are energies and vibrations at work all around us. In our crazy Western Civilization, modern men and woman are on the go and don’t often stop to contemplate WHY things happen or WHAT they can do to change how they feel, think and act. Instead, they chalk it up to bad luck or blame someone else for their misfortune. Feelings, thoughts and actions are all tied together. When we have stinking thinking, it is usually the result of problems with our internal energies, our chakras, conditioning and mindset. We have been programmed from a you

Happy Valentine’s Day, Lifers. I hope you have a good holiday with your significant other. How is it going? How are you feeling? Are you making it through these tough times and cold weather? It can be hard this time of year. It feels like Spring is never going to get here, and we have a long stretch of sea before us before we get to a warmer seas and safe ports. On our course, there a rocks, reefs and sandbars that can snag our sailing ship. We can get stuck and hung up there, and that can be dangerous in foggy or stormy seas. You didn’t know you tuned in to a sailing podcast, did you? This is all a metaphor for life right now. Many of us are struggling with issues and problems, and sometimes we get stuck. We stop moving and get bashed and battered, much like a ship stuck on a rock, reef, or sandbar. Captains use charts, buoys and Lighthouses to safely navigate rivers, seas and oceans. We need the same in our lives as we deal with problems, issues and hang-ups. On this 185th Episode of the S

Julie and I had a great conversation about wellness, homesteading and grounding with Hannah from The Wisconsin Homestead Podcast. Topics include clean eating (Keto and Whole30), grounding, spirituality (energy and the Drum Wash) and of course The Wisconsin Homestead Podcast. What is Grounding? For those who may not know what “grounding” is, grounding is a practice where you walk barefoot, sit, or work outside to contact with the Earth's surface. By grounding, you are actually connecting your body to the earth’s energy, and at the same time, you are transferring the earth’s energy from the ground into your body. It really helps you to feel connected to the earth and more at peace. If you don’t believe it, you should give grounding a try! Why am I talking about this? Well, you’ll see really soon in this podcast episode, and this is part of our Wellness practice on Small Scale Life where we are healing and strengthening our bodies, minds and spirit. We will be talking more about this in future episodes

Pressing forward into 2021, we are starting the New Year off right! In this 183rd Podcast Episode, we are talking about gardening, urban homesteading and future homesteading plans with Hannah from The Wisconsin Homestead Podcast. Hannah and her husband AJ are fellow travelers in the Homesteading space. Like us, Hannah and AJ are living close to their parents in an urban area. In an effort to live healthier lives and break patterns of the American consumption lifestyle, they started gardening, growing fruit trees and making things from scratch. They have branched off to document their story on The Wisconsin Homestead Podcast and Instagram. Of course, this has lead to some interesting adventures and entanglements along the way. For example, you might not be a true urban homesteader until the police come to your house to investigate your yard….. For all of us that long to have a little more land and a lot more freedom, this podcast episode should bring a smile to your face and inspire you to try. It is not

As we say goodbye and good riddance to 2020 and usher in the New Year, I am excited to kick off 2021 and set the tone. Relax and Meditate to Water Sounds from Quarderer Creek in Barron, Wisconsin. This is a Small Scale Life Podcast and YouTube video. Quaderer Creek is a stream that flows from just north of a small town named Hillsdale towards Barron, Wisconsin. It connects to the Yellow River in downtown Barron. Before it connects to the Yellow River, Quarderer Creek flows through a Waterfowl Management Project. This is a pond created by a earth and boulder dam near the intersections of 12th Avenue and 13th Street (JUST southwest of Barron, Wisconsin). The water flows through the dam, and it created an interesting sound. As I always say, each body of water (creek, stream, river and even a lake) has its own song and its own voice, and sometimes that changes depending on the season, flow and part of the body of water you record. As we step firmly into 2021, take a few minutes to relax and think where you w

In this Small Scale Life YouTube video and Podcast Episode, I am having Tea Time with Red Dragon Herbs and Teas. We are going to be talking about backyard homesteading and starting a small business from home. Who knows? Maybe Ryan’s story will motivate you to try that small side hustle that brings in extra income for you and your family. You never know! Red Dragon Herbs and Teas is a small tea business from Des Moines, Iowa. Ryan and Mary Lewellin started Red Dragon Herb and Teas in 2015, and they have grown the business through word of mouth and at local (and sometimes not so local) farmer’s markets. This is their story of international travel and tea tasting, humble beginnings, government regulations and overcoming. It’s tea time! Grab your favorite cup of tea, put on your headphones and enjoy the show! For more information, links and a special DISCOUNT CODE for Red Dragon Herbs and Teas, go to Small Scale Life and find the article titled "Tea Time with Red Dragon Herbs and Teas" (or just click this

In our historic 180th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, Julie and I talk about Discovering our Homestead that we have named Eagle's Ridge! We tell the story and walk you through the following topics: Hall of Heroes - Gratitude Chaos in the Time of COVID Consolidation and Remote Working Homeschooling Our Crazy 2020 Discovering Star Prairie, Wisconsin "I blame Jules" Each river has its own tune and song Finding and Buying Eagle's Ridge The Universe is Talking to Us and.... "I blame Jules" Our Vision for Eagle's Ridge "Let the River take Ya where it takes Ya!" Ending with Gratitude How about You? Julie asked a question at the end of the show: if you have built a home or homestead from scratch like we are, we would love to hear from your and hear your story! We would love to hear your Lessons Learned, tips, tricks and advice as we begin this journey and build Eagle's Ridge Homestead! For more links and information, head over to Small Scale Life and click on the "Eagles Ridge: Discovering Our

In this Small Scale Life YouTube video and Podcast Episode, I publishing Meditation: Tree of Life. My hope is that this will help you during the chaotic holidays. With new restrictions and rules stressing families at the holidays, I thought this was the right time to say “thank you” to our great audience and give you something that will soothe nerves and allow you to relax. What is the Tree of Life? For those of you unfamiliar with the Tree of Life concept and icon, it is a symbol in many world religions. For a quick definition: • The Tree of Life, connects all forms of creation • The Tree of Knowledge connects heaven and the underworld Both forms of the world tree or cosmic tree and are portrayed in various religions and philosophies as the same tree. The Tree of Life is a symbol in many world religions including: Germanic, Norse and Slavic Religions Native American Religions Central and South American Religions Christianity Judaism Islam Hinduism Buddhism Church of Latter Day Saints Other Ancient Middl

Helping people: that's what drives so many entrepreneurs. These brave folks have talents, skills, ideas and most importantly the gumption to get up and address needs in their communities. Hey, everyone, this is Tom your host of the Small Scale Life Podcast. I am glad you are here! In this Escape Velocity Series Podcast and Video on Small Scale Life, I have the honor of interviewing Kris Geissler. Kris saw a need to provide driver’s education in her community, and she started the Northfield Area School of Driving to help teach students how to drive safely. Who is Kris Geissler? Kris is a single mom and has a background in special education. She went from the St. Peter Security Hospital to teaching. She wanted to help students who were struggling in school in an effort to prevent them from going down a dark path. Kris has a passion to help these students succeed in school and life. Northfield is a community south of the Twin Cities and home to St. Olaf College, Carleton Collage and Malt-O-Meal. It is far e

Have you ever wondered how to start and build a podcast? This is Tom from the Small Scale Life Podcast, and even though I have been podcasting for five years, I am naturally curious how people start their online podcast business. My friend Mr. Tactical Jay and I had a chance to pick the brain of author and podcaster Glen Tate, and in this podcast episode, we are going to discuss How to Start and Build a Podcast Business with Glen Tate. In case you don’t know who these esteemed guests are, let me introduce them to you. • Glen Tate is a lawyer, the author of the 299 Days book series and co-host of the Prepping 2.0 Podcast and syndicated radio show. • Mr. Tactical Jay is my good friend and frequent guest on the Small Scale Life Podcast. He hails from somewhere on the East Coast where he is involved in healthcare and a firefighter. We recorded this podcast live on the Small Scale Life YouTube Channel on the day after the election. While this is part of a longer hour and a half Live Stream on the Small Scale Lif

In this 176th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, we discuss Becoming the Gray Man or Woman with Glen Tate, Shelby Gallagher and Mr. Tactical Jay. In case you don’t know who these guests are, let me introduce them to you. Glen Tate is a lawyer, the author of the 299 Days book series and co-host of the Prepping 2.0 Podcast and syndicated radio show. Shelby Gallagher is author of the Great State book series and co-host of the Prepping 2.0 Podcast and syndicated radio show. Mr. Tactical Jay is my good friend and frequent guest on the Small Scale Life Podcast. He hails from somewhere on the East Coast where he is involved in healthcare and a firefighter. Becoming the Gray Man or Woman We live in incredibly uncertain times, and there are threats all around us: in our community, online and on the road. As we look at the current events and what has happened in 2020 to date, it is quite clear that we are entering a new era in the United States. It isn’t getting easier for people. I define “Being Resilient”

In this 175th Episode of the Small Scale Life Podcast, I am going to be talking about Escape Velocity: Blogging is Art with Atlantis Gazette. What is Atlantis Gazette? The Atlantis Gazette is an art, business and lifestyle blogging and podcast project started by my friend Cal Massey from California. As he describes in this episode, Atlantis is a mythical and fictional city that disappeared under the ocean. The Atlantis Gazette, however, is a newspaper dedicated to people doing cool things in the world. Cal Massey is just starting out and outlining his plans for this platform. What is Escape Velocity? This is part of a new project here on Small Scale Life called “Escape Velocity.” Many people have ideas, dreams or even goals for starting a side hustle or business; however, they never act and never start. Some launch and fail. Others launch and get enough momentum to escape the gravitational pull of an ordinary life, job or career and start a new side hustle and business. Through the Escape Velocity Pod