The spring edition of Kinfolk was dedicated wholly to the idea of home. Volume Eleven explored everything from living as one, to living in a full house, to being homeless, to being a wanderer, to furniture design, to home tours. One small section of the magazine explored four children’s ideas of their dream home. Each child described what their house would look like in one paragraph, which it was then built for them out of cardboard. I thought that this was such a beautiful and simple idea, yet one that was deep rooted with my own search for a new home. I was somewhat envious of the naivety of the children, yet found their imaginations to be extremely beautiful. I think the whole appeal of the article was geared towards the little kid in all of us.
The photo below is what my twelve-year-old self painted in my very first oil painting class. I stumbled across it very recently and very much by accident. Only after reading Kinfolk did I put two and two together and realize that I was doing exactly what the article was also exploring. I find it amazing that I had some sort of idea of my dream home before I was even old enough to consider owning any property.
Having already seen countless acreages, Geoffrey and I have turned our search to include homes on large lots situated in small towns outside of our current city. One particular home was located in the village of Meacham, Saskatchewan. With less than 100 people inhabiting the small town, to say that it looked and felt different from our current city of over 300,000 would be an understatement. However, that is what I find so tempting. As I grow older and am becoming more self aware, I notice that I seem to feel more at home in smaller towns that offer next to no amenities. I love the idea of living in a Tiny House, off the grid, in the middle of the prairies, and with a few acres for our animals. I would like to be young and mortgage-free, and to grow our own food and raise chickens, of all things. I want to live quietly with my small family amongst nature. I want to accomplish these dreams sooner rather than later.
Emory
The Flower Cottage “I’d like to live in a normal little cottage with flowers on the roof. I’d invite my friends over all the time to make daisy chains and play I Spy. It would also have a nice kitchen. My favourite thing to bake is cookies and my oven would so big that I could make hundreds and share them all.” – Willow, Age 6, Kinfolk
Hello, Scarlett Blog 
Chris
/ 04/28/2014Having done a similar dream myself, I can say it certainly has its ups (everything) and downs (what I know now that I didn’t know then). For me it was a rather self indulgent fantasy that became reality. But in many ways it parallels your sentiments verbatim, save for a few minor details or mistakes that I made.
“As I grow older and am becoming more self aware… I love the idea of living in a Tiny House, off the grid, in the middle of the prairies, and with a few acres for our animals. I would like to be young and mortgage-free, and to grow our own food and raise chickens, of all things. I want to live quietly with my small family amongst nature. I want to accomplish these dreams sooner rather than later.”
Everything you describe is achievable.
Reach for your brass ring.
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Jord K
/ 04/28/2014An inspiring post. Never stop dreaming and never be afraid to pursue your dreams. I wish you two all the best in your pursuit of a life rich in meaning and happiness. Enjoy the journey.
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leahb216
/ 04/28/2014Meacham looks desolate but oh sooo stress free and quiet! Awesome pics!!!
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anexactinglife
/ 04/27/2014Gorgeous photos! I find that tiny towns have an interesting tolerance between artsy-eco-liberal folks and traditional-brimstone-business folks. Especially in Sask!
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Mum
/ 04/27/2014I remember that painting well. However I would like to elaborate …..I believe it is a barn. And look closely at the background. I think it is New Mexico. Meet me there!!!
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