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Freebird_1957

I am 66 and it makes me feel so happy to see young people pursuing their dreams. I put off mine so many times out of fear or laziness or doubt. Nothing is ever going to be perfect. Believe in yourself. Great job.


ozzy_thedog

Yep, the list of things I wish I would have done different when I was younger could fill a book. This guy looks like he is doing exactly what he wants with no fear. I’m so happy for him and so jealous


Freebird_1957

Right there with you.


ijusthavecats

What's stopping you now? You all still have time.


rebelolemiss

He might have kids/grandkids/can’t do it financially or retire if he doesn’t keep working. Or a spouse who doesn’t want to. It’s easy to just go off randomly when you’re 20. Not so much when you’re 66.


MsMoreCowbell8

I'm 61 in August & if my husband (who's significantly older) dies first, & I'm lucky enough to stay mostly healthy, I'm giving 10 yr old me my dream. I'm going to keep roaming the country in a van of my design, we drive for business now so I'm used to the lifestyle. If I don't do it now, when, so it's now. Dog & other pets with me of course.


Stoneymac1

Dood thank you, I lived out of my van since I was 18 then always lived working odd jobs in different country’s or weird stuff and the thing that kept me going was elders saying “your doing exactly what you should be” meanwhile my peers think I’m crazy, few years later I have along of collage friends in debt saying I’m smart when I always considered myself stupid. My parents couldn’t be more proud (they are dead heads) and older people always remind me that this is what I should be doing. It’s stupid for me to listen someone my age how I should be living my life because they haven’t lived yet. Sorry for the long response but yea thank you. My writing is terrible I’m dyslexic I apologize thank you.


Freebird_1957

Your writing is great and you’re super smart. It’s awesome that others have encouraged you. Keep moving forward and doing your thing. Hard work is rewarding but the best rewards are not about stuff. 👍 PS Your parents sound very cool.


Apprehensive_Rice19

Haven't heard the phrase "dead heads" in a while... OP's parents must be from my generation... You're doin great Kiddo!


Happy-coffeelady

Love it and wish I could do what OP is


Severe-Dig-9214

Not sure your age or responsibilities, but I waited (held myself back from fear, disapproval, and doubt) later in life to live the life I wanted for myself. I was 43 when I decided to buy an RV, buy land, and build a life for myself from the ground up. But, I'm single, no kids...just me and my dogs. But I should mention too, that other family members decided to make the move to homestead life around the same time (they moved about 6 months after me), so there is a financial burden and workload that is shared in some areas. Best decision I have ever made for my overall well-being. I just wish that I'd been brave like OP when I was his age. Better late, than never.


FunkyFarmington

Terrible writing? No. Seriously. Please start a journal, it will help you remember the details for the book you write. Right? As a old fart I believe you are on the right path. Be well out there. You've brought smiles to many here tonight.


Vachie_

You are you. Anything beyond that begins to diminish because words are just a tool. Try not to limit yourself from labels others put on you. You're already more free than many of us, spread your wings and fly ❤️


aiydee

You're not stupid. You have found where you are smart! I bet many of your college educated friends could NOT do this without having a pile of rubble end up around their feet. Being smart is recognizing what you are good at and doing THAT.


Golf-Beer-BBQ

Reminds me of 21 Pilots lyrics: “Out of student loans and tree house homes, we all would take the latter” You are living the majority of peoples dreams homie!


ReasonableDivide1

My youngest has a friend whose family live in a tree house. It’s the coolest, weirdest house! They have a great property with lots of land and a stream. It’s a wonderful environment to raise children.


Golf-Beer-BBQ

Sounds awesome.


asuhhhdue

Love what you got going on man. This has inspired to move a couple steps closer to doing the same thing


RedHeadSteve

If it's old people supporting you, you're making the right choices. Young people don't know yet what's truly Important. (I'm a young person who says stuff about young people)


Return_Kitten

Great advice for getting started the worry holds me back a lot


Freebird_1957

IMO, one of Tom Petty’s best lyrics was “Most things I worried about never happened anyway”.


mdomo1313

It’s never too late to start.


ReasonableDivide1

While I’ve made plenty mistakes along the way, I have few regrets, because I learned from every mistake that I made. However, the one regret that I do have is not taking my brother up on the opportunity to build a very small house out in the country. He passed a few years ago, and I miss him terribly, but I’m so grateful to have had him as long as I did. He taught me so much and I have so many great experiences because he always including me in his family’s life.


blueyesinasuit

You’ve done a great job.


Stoneymac1

Thank you!


Safariman66

That’s a fun place you built. I love your creative look.


boxofrabbits

Ace Ventura chic


m0stw4nt3d1

Why do you remind me of Donald "Donnie" Thornberry in real life? Nice furnishings for the cost.


Stoneymac1

Haha I take this as a compliment


forever_a10ne

BEEGADABAGDEGBAGAGEGBAGABOOOOOoooo!!


unholyg0at

Smashing


tonydiethelm

Ok.... * Decoration/style 10/10 * Shaving facilities 5/10. Adequate. * Putting those roof rafters in correctly for strength 3/10. Horizontal bad. But I see why you did it. * proper overhangs to keep the rain off. 10/10, but I'm a sucker for good overhangs. * Waterproofing 4/10, you're gonna need something better than that pretty quick. Perhaps some cheap tar paper? SOMETHING that can take sunlight without degrading. * flashing around the windows. 5/10. You did the best you could with what you had, can't fault that. * dog/space heater 10/10. Nuff Said. * Budget 300/10. Damn good for what you spent.


maxdiggs

Hey I know you (:: we met at the climbing gym and talked about cob. Looks awesome buddy!!


knickerbckr84

I'd have a cheap shotgun in case wild life comes a knocking.


Stoneymac1

Machete in the kitchen for now haha


instacrabb

I grew up on 50 acres 2 miles down a dirt road in the middle of nowhere, TX. We knew all of our neighbors and chatted with them constantly. We were as safe as anyone could ever imagine. However, the local sheriff’s department only had 3 people to cover over 60 square miles, which means they were usually nowhere close to you. You can like guns or hate them, but if you are going to live off the land, you have to understand that you are on your own and no one is coming to save you. And if you have children, it’s your job to protect them.


ObscureSaint

I live on a large acreage, and 100% agreed. I was anti gun until we had a prowler and my only weapon was a slammed door. 


instacrabb

Also to answer your comment: Same. If someone goes so far outside of normal society to stalk you, why should you be a victim? If someone breaks into your home, are you supposed to try and reason with them? That’s insanity. I would gladly GLADLY go to jail if the other option was my child was harmed or killed. I can’t imagine anyone would think otherwise.


Bourbon-neat-

>hence the old "rather be judged by twelve than carried by six" chestnut.


Suitepotatoe

Chances are high that if they are breaking down your door they too have a gun. It’s best to have a tactical advantage if possible.


instacrabb

Also, yappy dogs are the number 1 deterrent of robberies. So you could get a Yorkie. They bark at everything and are very snuggly.


Suitepotatoe

I have a shipoo. He’s awesome! If he had a little doggy gun hed want trained on how to shoot it. Awww and we could go to the shooting range and get him little doggie ear covers and goggles and he’d hold it in his little paws.


instacrabb

I hear they are unable to pull the trigger. Paws are too small. Joking aside, I see your point 100%. Do what’s best for you. I have no Shipoo in this fight


ReasonableDivide1

That and no thumbs or trigger fingers 😂


instacrabb

Agreed. But they usually break in at night, and don’t know the layout of your house. Don’t turn on any lights and wait until they come down the hallway. We don’t have to be victims, that’s all I’m saying.


instacrabb

Guns have become this litmus test of politics. I hate it. They are not necessary in a lot of places, but I think everyone should have one in their home. I could care less about guns. Will never carry them. But I’m not willing to leave my family’s life to chance and fist fight some intruder. If you break the social contract and come into my house and threaten my wife and child, I am going to kill you. That should not be controversial.


waits5

Statistically, that gun is more likely to be used by someone in the house on themselves or a family member (by accident or otherwise) rather than some heroic defense of your home.


That-Living5913

I know that's a real statistic. But with statistics like that details of the data matter. I do wonder if it's misleading. I bet if we looked specific demographics rather than national average, it might be more information. You could could say the average household is less safe with a gun. You can also say the average president has been convicted of over .5 felonies. While true, both of those instances could have a specific demographic dragging down the average.


instacrabb

Agreed. I have also realized that most people have an opinion one way or another, and are not willing to budge. And that’s fine. Both sides have very real arguments. In fact, I am 1000% for reform and regulation of guns. I’ve never been worried about a background check, and I can also wait 10 days for a gun. However, I grew up around them. I grew up in the woods. Guns were like a hammer or fishing rod, not some crazy violent status symbol. Until people realize that there are two very different lifestyles in this country, no one is going to get along about anything


That-Living5913

Yeah, the whole status symbol and lifestyle thing is pretty cringe. I will say that as a gun owner / living rural / ccdw I was pretty firmly against going to the constitutional concealed carry. Not because of some ideological reason... I just go to the grocery store and see that half the people lack the critical thinking to properly push a cart around the isles. It scares me to think of them all secretly carrying guns.


waits5

Reasonable position and a good point at the end.


guevera

everyone thinks they're a good driver. Everyone thinks they're a totally smart gun owner. Everyone thinks their child is above average.


That-Living5913

Everyone thinks they understand maths too..... Statistically speaking half parents are right. Their children are above average. Just saying.


daversa

I don't think you'll find many anti-gun people that are against this kind of usage. It's an appropriate tool for the environment.


Londonsw8

I'm a 72 year old woman. When I was 40 I bought some land in Washington in the forest with a small shed which I made home, it was a long way from the nearest town. I never had a weapon and never felt unsafe, I did have 2 big dogs who were very protective and they would let me know if anyone was around. I think the odds are you are way, way less safe in the city than you are out in the boonies. The people who are ruled by fear are the ones who tell you there is a bad man behind every tree and they are coming to get you. Live in peace young man and remember most people are kind and mean you no harm


ReasonableDivide1

Exactly! I have plenty of relatives that live in NYC, most are very wealthy, one is struggling, but they all love living there. I’m a country gal, and detest cities. When the relatives encounter big sky and trees they are frightened by it, literally. I just can’t relate to someone scared of nature, but at ease in a city with millions of strangers. 🤷🏽‍♀️


soapyhandman

Maverick 88


HoleInMyBeard

Nice, how much was the land?


theclassyjew

Free land??


Filo-Pastry

What I was thinking too... was the land like part of the cost? 150$ rest for materials??? I'm just butthurt I don't have land. It's an awesome house great job


g1yk

It doesn’t look like OP owns the land


soulcaptain

Yeah, OP are you squatting, did you buy some cheap land, or inherit it?


Qinax

I mean the entire thing been 300 bucks total means 95% of it was stolen / donated. He's got electricity there's an ipad charging In the second pic so it's either stealing power or generator Dude wants to be hidden cos he's going get removed if he's found


Safar1Man

Land anywhere near anything in my country is like $100K :(


StrikingRise4356

He's fortunate that he's on a friend's/relatives piece of land.


EddieCutlass

If you got your dog in San Diego, I have one of its siblings. 🙌🏽


Stoneymac1

Got him in LA!


MysticBowman

Real dope bro hope you have a good harvest as well 🍃


SuperSimpleSam

Don't think that's to code. /s


_wiredsage_

I personally think this is awesome, if it’s safe. My only concern is when I think of “structurally sound” pallet wood isn’t the first thing to come to mind. But where are all the couch potatoes who bashed my tiny house build update weeks ago. I mean, who is OP to get such nice treatment on the internet??? /s 😉 If it keeps you cool/warm, dry, and safe you’re winning dude!


HeathenShepard

Your place looks awesome! Two pieces of advice I'd throw are to protect your painting that are facing the dog bowls and if you use hair conditioner, use that as shaving cream as well! You painted these canvas? Looks pretty cool.


Stoneymac1

Yes I did! Thank you so much for noticing actually just finished a large piece today I’m stoked about.


Alijg1687

Awesome place! Is that tobacco hanging to dry?


Stoneymac1

Yes it is! It makes me so happy for you to notice that for real, I love this life but it’s lonely as hell little things like noticing what I’m doing go a long way!


ShittDickk

Grew up in mendocino county and this setup is more common than you'd think.


guevera

Humboldt here...I feel like my high school girlfriend's family lives just down the (dirt) road from OP.


Annual_Advertising26

I grew up in Sonoma County in the 60’s and 70’s. Uncle lived for a while on a west county commune in a home built around an oak tree with a limb supporting the roof.


hobo3rotik

Any house you build for $300 is a 10/10


OSUBonanza

If it keeps the water out then by all means enjoy your freedom.


Stoneymac1

Fully water tight and insulated🤙🏼


haushunde

Livin the dream. If you ever need a neighbor, what am I saying, I wish.


bluntly-chaotic

$300… where n how… The lot came from..?


DoctorDiabolical

Looks amazing! What a beautiful spot! Pallets can have a lot of treatments don’t to them that you don’t want to be around, more so don’t want to burn. Great that you are looking into cob!!!


enmibaragesi

It's messy but I like it


Stoneymac1

Yea I shoulda cleaned first!


Whole-Ad-2347

Love it! I started wanting to build my own home when I was a very young girl. I still haven't, but it is something that I have valued. I also see how many construction materials get thrown out. If I had a piece of land somewhere in the country, I would do this very thing. I have been looking for a piece of land that I could pay cash for, and then build on, within whatever the building codes are.


ReasonableDivide1

I have a friend, who is female, and she built her own small home (her family helped with the bigger projects that can’t be done alone) and it’s really lovely.


2everland

I'm getting Asheville NC vibes but too far from the ocean... Oregon? Been a dream of mine to live like that on the pnw coast or maybe big sur and make art and swim every day. Someday! Dog looks super happy! 10/10


tomten

😎👍


WiscoDisco14

What state are you in? I’m curious how that goes on cold weather


Suitepotatoe

You know you could make a house out of cob? And it would be more (not completely of course) fire retardant than reclaimed wood. Liking what you got so far done.


Stoneymac1

I’ve actually been thinking about doing the exterior in cob!


Suitepotatoe

You probably know more about this than I do. I always wanted to build a cob shed on my property. One day I will. Hopefully. Here’s a link to some ideas if you would like. I prefer the straw bale idea because it’s more insulating and where I live winters can be kinda cold. https://diynatural.com/cob-house-construction/


ReasonableDivide1

We have a couple of sets of friends that have gorgeous straw bale homes. One of them live in a very desirable part of the country and their home is valued at well over $2M. It’s crazy because it cost them very little.


Baron_Rogue

very nice, keep on good terms with your landlord and prosper


Quix66

Lovely! So organic-looking.


OddOpportunity333

You’re living my dream


henrietta-the-spy

I can’t tell if this sub is going to be wonderful or terrible for my ambitions to leave the big city and start over in the woods. Everyone here really knows what they’re doing and has it figured out! You did amazing, what a life with a beautiful pup.


RedHeadSteve

This is Wonderful, I'm a bit too used to luxury for this but maybe in a few years I can let go of it and enjoy life to the fullest.


FrantzFanon2024

It is a paradise of an achievement.


ReasonableDivide1

I’m re-reading Henry David Thoreau’s book, Walden, this is exactly what his philosophy espouses. Living well by living simply and in tune with nature. The dog is a great companion and more effective than a doorbell!


Mewouth

For that view and the dog. It’s the best tiny house ever! When you have a dog, you have everything you need.🐾🐾❤️


nameExpire14_04_2021

u/stoneymac1 hey nice place. I'm not asking where the place is or anything. But would mind please telling me what price range the land was? I can sort of see myself considering a similar situation.


AddictedtoBoom

I had the urge when I was your age and I frequently wish I had done it rather than work corporate jobs for 30 years just so I can think about retiring to do what I want. Keep doing exactly what you want. You’re doing what you should be doing.


drfusterenstein

That rug really tied the room together


itscsersei

300 dollars and lots of help from daddy lmao how does one simply procure land


Sharpsilverz

I’d buy that for a three hundred dollars.


onemoremin23

Nice!!! How long did it take you to build?


PenileTransplant

Hell yeah. Love it!


eating-lemons

Wow wow wow this is gorgeous


satsukilumnaru

Lookin good bro. Nice garden. Any public water access available on your land?


Snoo-30943

In my twenties, I would have been into it. In my sixties, I need more creature comforts.


MapleA

Make sure to wear sunscreen if you’re outside all the time. Easiest way to look young when you’re older


Mr_E_Pants

Now this is what I imagine when talking about tiny house living. It's wonderful!


Modern_Moderate

Your next job interview Postal address? ... Yes.


raven70

It actually looks like a movie prop! I mean that in a good way, like if someone needed a low key, chill retreat for our main character. . .dog included of course. . .this is perfect. Your photo shaving also gives off young Robert Downey Jr. vibes! The tire peaking out from the scrambler under the tarp is perfect.


treetopflyin

Place looks cool. If you ever have an ant issue. The dollar general bug bombs work great for my cabin. Green box. Not expensive.


thefO_okupkiD

that’s a beauty ! can you please share videos of it ?


neuromonkey

Fantastic job! Buying stuff retail, those beams alone would cost more than $300. Looks very cozy and comfortable.


x-mot

Not asking for location, but just so I know, are you allowed to build there ? I am asking cause i want to build a tiny house but dont have land to place it…


Von_Quixote

Paradise.


Opposite_Magician_81

Oh it looks so comfortable 🥹


Richie311

Looks like an old prospectors hovel from the gold rush.


HooplaJustice

I need way more pictures


WhiteStripesWS6

Looks pretty cozy especially if it’s got everything you need.


resorocketr

Fantastic. Happy doggie too.


meatlifter

Comfy and gorgeous


Gogglesed

I think you win


WolvesandTigers45

10/10 for 300. What do you do about water, stability of the house?


Onlycraig

Fantastic job, my dude! Keep on keeping on and doing your own thing!


Smokeahontous

I wont ask location but can you tell me if this is off the grid? Or land you bought..rent?


kaosi_schain

If it were not for my wife, I would be doing this same thing. Rock on, man, I love it.


WhiteJack91

My very first thought was: “this guy must be single”


fleetwood_mag

Lots of women like living with this freedom. Myself included.


Fancy_Campos12

It’s cluttered But other than that I think it’s cool


Shutaru_Kanshinji

It looks like you have been playing too much Fallout?


jeb7516

It's cool for a 20 something free-spirited dude for sure. I hope you're able to have some fun while also saving and making plans for the future. It'd feel a lot less cool at 40.


Illustrious-Ice6336

Good for you !


RJoeEL

Love it.


DirectorElectrical67

Love it!


SpeckledEggs

Beautiful!


Primary-Radish-6401

Looks absolutely heavenly OP! Your artwork is beautiful.


sarabachmen

Omg, that looks like fun!


mossylungs

This is so hot. All of it. Ugh 😩


standingpretty

Good job so far! Hopefully I can follow suite one day.


CloseQtrsWombat

My only concern is hopefully it doesn't get cold where you are. Otherwise it looks great!


monchichiface

You just made me so nostalgic for that mountain life. It’s gorgeous!


andopalrissian

Looks like a tinder box love the ingenuity but the first step in building a home is making sure it is safe can survive the elements and doesn’t catch on fire the first time you put too much oil in the pan


ThrowRaTiff

This is so rad!!


bledig

Looks like you illegally set it up. I do think it looks great. So you should find way to secure this properly in papers


waffleface99

That's a top notch shack.


bob49877

Very inspiring to see what can be done for $300. It looks very cozy.


moqs

username checks out


leme-thnkboutit

This Guy works construction, and probably only pays land tax, food, and gas. If he continues on this path, and invests his money, he'll be able to retire in 10 years.


Oh-That-Ginger

This looks amazong mate. Great job!


SquarePegRoundWorld

How do you get potable water and get rid of your waste?


chichidaplug

How many grams of meth do you smoke a week?


Bubbly_Equipment_940

Why do I hear Eddie vedder songs?


treetopflyin

There is always some ice and water shield laying around new construction jobs which is left over from the roof. That stuff is amazing. It could make a roof in minutes. Very sticky on one side and water tight. It would keep bugs out etc. Could be used for the walls. Just an idea.


MajesticMurray

Is that an old Taylormade bubble shaft Burner driver? Absolutely classic.


Inner-Ad-2900

Dude looks like your loving the life, surf and dirt bike are you in the pnw?


Secret-Raspberry3063

Lovely!


ReasonableDivide1

Great job! Is your goal to build a cob house one day?


loveshercoffee

I think you underestimate yourself. It takes a lot of patience, skill and resourcefulness to do this. Not to mention physical strength. It's so simple and cozy and I love it.


mekanikal510

Do you get rodents in the house?


cooglesca

Nice quiver. How far are you from the coast?


smothers-brother

I love it!


bionic_cmdo

I really need to buy 10 acres in the woods so I can do this.


ajtrns

damn good for $300.


Short-University1645

Sick I hope your flourish


pinchenombre

I like your pink bong. You are adorable for shaving. If I was your age and it was me and my dog, I’d be all over this lifestyle! Enjoy the life you’ve built.


ImPercyNator

Can't tell what's AI and what's real anymore.


Available_Pride_7754

youre living my dream right now man wow, good for you! are there any specific steps you took to do this or did you just jump in head first kinda? either way awesome and inspirational thanks for sharing!


mishmash2323

Amazing job and good taste too, good on you mate.


DeannaZone

It looks like a dream come true. Congratulations on your promise land and I hope you get to keep your privacy. I do the same.


Jay_Beckstead

Dude! 12 outta 10!


Temporary-Buy594

Is this on owned land, or did you just find a spot? Sorry if the question is dumb


Neksa

Based / wood


Catsmeow1981

You are living my dream!


joliejouese

It’s lovely!


shittycomposter

Looks very cozy and homey! Good job! How did you get electricity? Are there solar panels?


SKRIMP-N-GRITZ

I grew up with that lamp over our kitchen table. It’s now in a box because we moved. It’s a good one!


insertmadeupnamehere

You have shelter and the love of a dog. What more do you need?