Cordwood Bear Claw, Homemade Cheese | The Forest Kitchen | Off Grid Log Cabin Build, Ep.8 S1

At the off grid log cabin, a bear has been visiting and it's a matter of time before he checks out the cordwood bear track I added to the forest kitchen under the earthen oven.
For lunch, I eat homemade wholewheat sourdough bread and valencay cheese, a soft cheese that my wife makes with raw cow's milk.
Thanks for watching!
Merchandise. teespring.com/...
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Playlist Links
Building the Forest Kitchen: bit.ly/2GSjkJa
Log Cabin Build Step by Step Playlist: bit.ly/2LttALh
Food, Wild Edibles, Recipes: bit.ly/2sc1riW
Log Cabins: bit.ly/2sdl0HF
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My Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
Links to gear used at the cabin:
Fjallraven Vidda Pro Pants - amzn.to/2rhEiMn
Tilley Endurables Airflo Hat - amzn.to/2Ia4xy1
Apeman Trail Camera - amzn.to/2HRZSNT
Mora Knife - amzn.to/2BOiv35
Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 Saw - amzn.to/2BPV6OF
Axe - www.torontoblac...
Moka Pot - amzn.to/2DEomvO Canada amzn.to/2ndmtw6 USA
Virtus Knife- www.virtusknive...
Canon 6D - amzn.to/2EdaZjs
DJI Mavic Pro - amzn.to/2DHuJib
Solar LED light bulb 15W - amzn.to/2BQvSQ2
Copper Fairy lights - amzn.to/2BCmF0X
Solar String Lights - amzn.to/2DvgU2n
Lodge Dutch Oven - amzn.to/2kHuxDQ
Bragg’s Sprinkle - amzn.to/2EdouzK
#forest #kitchen #logcabin

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks for watching. FYI, the cheese shown in this video is called Valencay and it was made by my wife using raw cow's milk and aged for a few weeks at 53F. She also made the 100% wholewheat sourdough bread. Our goal in 2019 is to grow, forage, hunt, fish, cook and preserve as much of our own food as possible without compromising our health or food budget. Cheese is one of the ways we preserve milk that we get from a friend's homestead.

[@johnbrinton3873]

Interested in seeing you make some cheese one day. Thx for sharing!

[@johnbrinton3873]

Oh,, he must, lol? I just like what he is doing and appreciate what he is putting out on video!

[@rowan3098]

He dang well better get paid for those purchases! The quality of his content DESERVES to be compensated.

[@MySelfReliance]

Don't let this troll get under your skin. He's just another jealous ass who feels like it's his job to police the internet. Additionally, he's making assumptions that aren't true, and that's that I have actually earned anything close to the minimum threshold of $100

[@johnbrinton3873]

I have to be honest here, I really don't give a damn about amazon or youtube rules and neither should anyone else unless they work for either companies! All too often people on the internet interject themselves in everyone's business as if they have the God given right to do so! I just want to watch a few peoples handy work without being harassed! And me being a "little boy" you have no idea what you are doing other than sticking your nose in people's business and insulting people from the safety of your computer, in other words you appear to be an "Internet Troll" BTW this is my last response to the BS line of comments, have a good day!

[@stefanc.3660]

I would never have thought that watching 7 hours straight of a guy with his dog building a cabin with his own hands was something I would ever do. Subscribed and watched every episode since. Cali is so beautiful and playful and really appears to be in her element, and so do you! Best of luck in your coming projects, and in this one! Also, please show us more of the night sky, it's so beautiful!

[@Joe-ly3si]

Im in awe myself! I found the channel a few days ago and have been watching the episodes since! No talk, just the sound of hammering and sawing by a man with his dog in the woods, and im glued! lol. Love his work, and the dog is great too!!!

[@blancaaly6065]

me too

[@bertdinienroute7226]

Stefan C. As I did, hours after hours just watching and listening to nature and his wisdom. So relaxing and inspiring.

[@genegoodman5233]

Stefan, that's about all I've done for the last 7 days. I love to watch a man that loves hard work.

[@gaillevine7461]

Cali steals whatever episode she's in. I'm part of the Cali fan club!!

[@nunya9540]

Gail Levine me too she's so sweet and loves her daddy 🥰

[@gloriakoch4242]

How do I sign up?

[@jdizzle9011]

I love your respect for the old style of construction and woodworking. That cabin and outdoor kitchen will last 100 years because you built them right.

[@icecarecompany]

Hey Shawn. Greetings from Los Angeles. I enjoy watching all of your videos with great pleasure. Thanks for sharing your videos with us. I learn something new everyday. May God bless the works of your hands. Please keep up the good work.

[@AllYouNeedIsLove601]

My sister would love and appreciate the work you do. She has a beautiful log home in Blue Mountain but she had it custom built of course and has a lot of rustic natural looking furniture and decor, all of which she had made by local artisans and from some people in the US. Her home is beautiful and majestic looking but when I see what you have made with your own hands with no electricity, no electric tools or assistance from anyone else, her place pales in comparison. You are truly an inspiration.

[@roygunter3244]

I still live in the house I built when I was 29 years old. It is a typical ranch, brick veneer with a 2 car garage. I hired someone to pour the foundation, basement and set the studs and the trusses. My brother in law, who had no experience, and I did everything except lay the bricks and put in the heat pump. I had 10 years in the construction trades as an electrician so I had never actually done roofing, insulation, plumbing, or much else except electrical work. I read books on how to do and went after it, after work and on weekends. I am now 70 and have arthritis but the house is still fine and looks as good as any other 41 year old does. The first thing you have to have is "the want to", every thing else can be learned but that has to be there. I really enjoy your channel, you definitely have "the want to" and all young people with that will do fine.

[@wendyv2117]

roy gunter so awesome that you are still enjoying your home

[@dadofboy5487]

Props to you sir.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

+roy gunter So at 29 you were building a house. At 27 I barely knew which end was up. My house built in 1971 and bought in '86, been there ever since. She's 48 and looks like an old hag. My arthritis hit me spring of 2010. Life is slower now. Just what you wrote here you got a lot of what Shawn has and it's admirable. My Dad did his best to put me on the right track. Dad also continued to impress me by his actions and some of that I incorporated into my life. Retired now and so glad I learned to be practical that alone has kept me OUT of the poor house or jail. We both came up in same era and while similar you took the high road. I went my own way fulla pitfalls and dead ends. At least I owe no man outside of utility bills. BD is tomorrow and sister is treating me to a feedbag. I always watch Shawn's Reflections. If I'm cranky he mellows me out. If I'm cool he inspires me. I wish I hadn't wasted my life.

[@genegoodman5233]

Way to go I did almost the same thing, I was 44 wife 42. We did everything except 12" blocks and brick. My wife carried 30 tons rock while I hauled dirt to fill in and water proof basement and retaining wall. Just like Shawn, we worked hard but it was ours and it was paid for as we went. Again Congratulations for a job well done and money saved.

[@MarissaBGC]

Great bear paw design on the oven. Really like it. Cali girl is just the best. Always so happy and ready for fun. Can't see enough of her. Maybe one of the best shots I have seen on your channel as of yet and there are many outstanding ones, it is the shot of the dark tree against the starry night. Breathtaking.

[@jerryf609]

I'm 68 now. I remember at 19 after buying my first house, I knew nothing about maintenance and construction. But I bought a book that described how to do electrical, mechanical, carpentry and concrete projects Then I started my first home improvement project. It was nothing major but it gave me the confidence to try others. This was before the internet which today can be a great source for information. I agree with your comments about learning by doing and learning from men and women who have done it before.

[@westmeathguy]

Nice going! I'm building a 24' x 32' pole barn by myself here on my Ottawa River property. I've nailed every board myself and have had no help. I'm 67. Your videos really inspire me!

[@MySelfReliance]

And that inspires me!

[@RedWolf17]

Today I was able to watch this full screen. A more sensational experience. Wish I could breath the air. Love the tee design. I've got one on the way! Big thank you to your wife. And a big kiss for Cali!💗 💗🐾🐕

[@joylouise5417]

Just really enjoyed your video today, as usual! We were gone so I didn’t get my usual Friday look but patience is rewarded. Your new oven is spectacular!! The comment on how folks who are no longer in their younger years are irrelevant really resonates. Love what you are doing and the way you do it. That Calli . . . 😊

[@challenger2ultralightadventure]

These videos are far better than National Geographic or the History Channel, because they aren't staged, scripted and phony! Oh...and they are both entertaining and informative.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

NatGeo & History *both lost their way and went 2 the dark side.* I'm so glad I cancelled my mega channel TV service 8yr ago. Unless it's a doc or the old stuff I want no part of it. *Most of their new stuff is unadulterated crapola.*

[@nigelmorgan5562]

P Toth bis

[@robynelancaster7858]

I’m sure we all appreciate the time it take for you to film these episodes Shawn,, thank you 😊

[@chefinthewild1551]

That cheese is a masterpiece!, that’s a tough one, ash log. It resembled Humboldt fog goat cheese but look so much better. Truly one of my favorite cheeses. So great looking!. You have me bing watching like crazy!.

[@frenchiedekent8572]

Omgoodness that cheese took me back to France where my father was from... in that county of the Nievre we call it "pyramide cendrée" Clever wife, home made cheese with beautiful home made bread, perfect.

[@carldover5364]

As I watch your videos I can't help but want to do this. I was an avid outdoorsman before I broke my back in 1995 due to an on the job accident , my family and I used to go camping every chance we got we carried provisions but also fished among other things, I could build anything and now well, not so much I really enjoy your videos thank you for posting them

[@blakeevans1999]

The quality of this video is amazing and I love watching your progress. Also really enjoy how much time you take to show us a tremendous amount of angles with all the steps you do to create these buildings!

[@jeffreyholbrook1984]

Have been watching on my TV for a year, (it won't let me comment) and love what you are doing, and your philosophy of life. I can retire at the end of next year at age 56. Spent formative years farming with 2 acres of garden, 150 chickens, canning, berry picking, etc, and want to go back to basics when I am free. Not planning to go off grid as a daily lifestyle, but will be ready to ramp it up if we have to, like a few years ago when the water contamination crisis happened here. Love your outdoor kitchen and plan something like that here. We already live on 7 acres of woods and our house will be paid off in the next 3 years or so. Again, love your resourcefulness and the fact you are not fearful of letting us see both your successes and mistakes. Honesty. Wow! In short supply online these days! Thanks so much!

[@yourthebest7942]

Jeffrey Holbrook Congratulations on being in the position to retire at the age of 56. You have your future planned out & it sounds great. Best of luck in your retirement.

[@TheTradesmanChannel]

Jeffrey Holbrook good for you and good luck. Don't be afraid to pick up a camera and share your journey.

[@bcardwell60]

I really appreciate all the effort you must go through to build there off grid.. no power tools or construction team. Of course, that is the idea.. relax and enjoy the journey. We are always so much in a hurry for everything.. Thanks so much for sharing your journey.

[@InFltSvc]

I am so happy for you for having the ability to not only do what you love , but I know the time it takes to film as I work on commercials ...so thank you and keep making those memories with nature and your wife ...oh and the beautiful dog .... be well brother

[@oregon3158]

Thank you for sharing your journey and taking the time to video it. Throughly enjoy watching the way you come up with idea and build things. Wish I could of done something like this in my younger days. Cali is a great helper. ❤️

[@timhill473]

Great job on the oven, I agree with your words of wisdom, my Granddad had two sayings that have stuck with me through life You would be amazed how much you can learn if you will shut your mouth and open your eyes and ears , and If you didn`t learn anything new today it`s because you wern`t paying close enough attention

[@MySelfReliance]

Well said

[@nick.caffrey]

Or as my wife said: If you are talking, you aren't listening!

[@howardfortyfive9676]

I've heard the 2nd one b4 at a job or 2. Words 2 live by. I know Shawn's told us b4 but I'd like 2 know again *how many acres he bought up there?*

[@myrtlesyd9451]

God broke the mold when he made you Shawn. You are always coming up with something creative and interesting and cool.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

Absopositively!

[@jimsjacob]

Thanks for the Cali shots at the beginning! It’s not the same without her in the background. :) Added note: The music addition is a nice touch. Always looking forward to the next video!

[@thomasbayless3982]

You’re an inspiration, Shawn! Your candor is really appreciated. My family looks forward to your Friday episodes. Lotsa great life lessons. Thanks for sharing the journey..

[@giuliocavallo]

"I don't know what I'm doing but I do it anyway!" I love it... That should be a T-Shirt! I would definitely buy it and hopefully then, I would actually try doing some things like this and not worry about making mistakes!

[@benambadshahkpk9572]

Omg 😱, i see your coffee mug ☕️, its so amazing, a simple bottle, you just wrapped the animal skin and its a nice cup 🍶, i really impressed with your skills, how i wish to be a part of your projects...

[@olisykes27]

It's incredible what you have created. Not only the cabin or the kitchen but also this community and the channel.

[@cliffbusse7102]

Great comments on life and lessons learned from someone who has been there. This is very rare to find!

[@ufological]

I find your videos both fascinating as well as comforting and soothing in an "asmr" sort of feel becuase of all the sounds you make while building with little or no talking during the process. In that respect your videos are very soothing to the senses. Love your existence and thank you so much for sharing.

[@dianeelaine]

Cali needs a little buddy! And yes, we appreciate that you video everything for us! Your videos are THE MOST amazing, beautiful, inspiring, calming, interesting, educational and relaxing videos on KZbin!

[@2meterPeter.]

Here's some feedback... I love sitting in my lounge watching your channel so much more than watching what's on the telly. Well done, mate. 👍

[@zacharyschmidt1982]

Mr. James, you answered a question between myself and a friend of mine. It was, how much time does it take to set up the cameras and editing? The time you have taken to edit the video does show through with excellent quality. We, your audience, appreciate the time you have taken out of your life to show us your journey to self reliance. These videos are peaceful and almost soothing somehow to watch. I first saw the compilation video from George Takei, and was intrigued, but it was left at that. It wasn't until a friend mentioned it and put the channel on last February that I became interested in your journey. Listening to your messages and thoughts at the end of your videos has inspired myself to make small changes in my own life which have made it an even more positive one. Thank you for taking time out of your life to show others they too can strive to accomplish their own dreams with some determination and knowledge.

[@TheLoxxxton]

I love the little snippits of your life we keep getting. What I would love to see is you in your business suit more smiling and more pup action!☺

[@fynbo1007]

I enjoy your efforts to telling your story, you moving your camera all the time and I love it and your dog is a part of your story. Thank you for sharing your amazing video. God bless you and your family

[@josephbaumer1391]

man i have laid log for 38 years, so if anyone is qualified to pass judgment it would be me. sir all i see is beautiful log work and i would hire you in a heart beat. is your work perfect? no, but neither is mine. you are doing what makes you happy an that is what matters, in many ways i am jealous of you ,my body got all broken up in a fall so i ended up broke from hospital bills. so for what it's worth you got the seal of approval from a old broken down log home builder.

[@MySelfReliance]

Lol. I really appreciate that and I’m very sorry to hear that you broke down. All the best

[@HaroldReece]

Wow 43 views and 89 comments. I think we like this series and love to talk about it. Thanks again for your great video's. Every time we do something we generally learn something new. If you build something you don't like tear it down and do it again, the second time is usually easier and better. I look forward to Friday morning each week. Thanks Shawn.

[@djbstewart4]

As one of your probably younger viewers, what you said about people being too quick to assume that they cannot do something rings very true, I have found it very disturbing the number of people from all walks of life that are just unwilling to have a go, see what happens and learn something along the way. The most disturbing part is the number of mechanical engineers I studied with that have no idea how to use a spanner or other basic tools.

[@robertganther3695]

Thanks Shawn for your word to our youth's. I am 60 yrs old now and I learned my self reliance and skills from my father, uncle's and older people with wisdom. As a very close friend who recently past away always said " Do not be scared to be afraid"

[@lynnnorton7155]

Your video was a lovely way to start the day. Thank you.

[@williamthompson7162]

While we watch you creating the cabin, the kitchen and your lifestyle in the wilderness, I hope you realize what you're also building for us ... a place to relax, hear good thoughts, and enjoy watching you and Cali pursue your dreams. Just as you tackled that oven masonry for the first time, you've tackled an online production, and what a fabulous outcome. If you had said, "I can't do that, because I've never done it before!" - we'd never have known what you've already taught us. I think the best of creations are those giving others enjoyment and satisfaction, and you have certainly perfected that. Thanks for not shying away from getting it done.

[@turbocat1984]

OMG, that creamy blue had my mouth watering. Hmmm mmm!

[@RagingRivers]

The best kind of work is your own hands on kind of work! Only you know what you want, how it has to look or feel! If at first you don’t succeed, you try and try again! That is the whole point of it all! Having fun creating, manifesting your own surroundings, your own play ground and or place of pease, relaxation, pleasure! Watching your videos make me feel inspired, relaxed and free! I am truly happy watching you on your journey, thank you for sharing! 🙏❤️

[@YvonneSebastian1980]

My daughter watches theses asmr videos of..different sounds and texture to stimulate the brain...Today as she strolled past me. (watching your video).she said Mom," this is your asmr"..and well I think she is right..such a satisfaction with the off-grid lifestyle..love your messages!

[@betty8173]

For me, watching you work is like a hint of fun I had growing up, camping with my family, my dad and brothers always building something, enjoying nature, New England summers' just seemed perfect! Campfires and the joy of community, knowing God made all this for us, thank you for sharing your life, your skills, your bit of heaven here : ) May God continue to bless you.

[@arose4955]

I find so much peace in watching your videos, thank you!

[@melisamitchell1413]

Love the coffee mug! Thanks for sharing your lifestyle through your videos...I know it is hard work, but very much appreciated by all your followers!

[@rylerkc8603]

Love all your videos I always look forward to Friday mornings I grab a cup of coffee and watch your videos! Stay safe and God bless!

[@joannamallory2823]

Your dog has such a joyfulness about her. You can tell alot about people by how they take care of their animals.

[@normheke1617]

Kia ora from New Zealand, I've been watching this project from the beginning, I have been quite but now feel I need to say something. This is the best project/ home build and philosophy I've come to enjoy, Well done , you are doing a great thing by sharing this . Nga mihi

[@jasonmooney2797]

Thank you Shawn!! I get so much out of your vlogs and your encouraging words help the old disabled man feel good about life again!!!

[@myrtlesyd9451]

It's always good to see you eating Shawn when you are working hard. You need the energy

[@howardfortyfive9676]

Callie gives Shawn his Energy!!

[@ripvanwincle2258]

I'm a 52 year old bricklayer and i couldn't build a cabin like that.Your all round skills are as good as anyone i've seen.Complete respect and love your channel.

[@chrispurvis9394]

This "Self Reflections" segment: too true, I'm still chasing my passion... I know my passion, and I am 'with her' but I'm actually making a big step in a couple weeks to make it bigger... my heart's out to anyone who reads this... never give up, it's never too late

[@andyanderson6958]

Good luck on catching your passion and as you say it is never too late as long as you are still breathing. Have a great weekend!!

[@chrispurvis9394]

the_l0stchild that's all it takes... push and push and push... you have to know it in yourself to not give up

[@jamesbockenstette4332]

Thanks for this posting. We were treated to a little Cali at the beginning. I need Cali time. She is a charmer.

[@kellwng]

The design that you made with the logs looked a bit like a sunrise. Thats cool

[@0623kaboom]

you mean the bear paw ... like the one in his logo ;)

[@poetgirl7766]

I love watching both you and Cali just doing your thing while you work so hard achieving the dream. It is great watching here in the UK.

[@rolfs.2155]

Hey Shawn..How are you..? Please don`t think about any haters...They are only jealous because of the handcrafted Cabin and the Kitchen because they can never do this as good as you did...I really love your Videos including the sweet "Girlie" Cali...Give her some hugs and cuddles...Go on like this, please...Take care of the bears...Take care of yourself and Cali and your wife, when she visits you...Stay healthy...Cheers from Switzerland...

[@foundersdescendants6265]

Thank you Shawn for your time to video record and share your amazing talents with viewers; and to educate and encourage viewers to use potential talents. These building projects are no doubt time away from your wife and children, but sharing them with the world is incredibly generous.

[@charoletlewis7351]

Your videos are so relaxing. Thank you so much. I appreciate the time it takes you to filmon upload. Keep up the great work!

[@nesterperiwinkle]

Shawn, you are truly a master craftsman. What you do combines art and expertise. Thank you for the education your videos provide.

[@jamiesmith1343]

I can't wait to see the oven building project, I really enjoy your video's and your life lessons always inspire me, I've always wanted an outdoor oven. Keep up the great videos!

[@scottriley1913]

I think your dog Cali and “Boss of the Swamp’s” dog Frankie are the most precious things ever on the internet, thank you.

[@zoeyround3747]

You are such an awesome craftsman and a true inspiration. God speed in all your endeavors.

[@floraespudo2970]

I ENJOY ALL THE EFFORTS YOU PUT INTO WHATEVER YOU'RE DOING EITHER CABIN OR GARDENING OR COOKING OR FISHING 🎣YOU DO EVERYTHING SO WELL MR.SHAUN JAMES

[@smix86]

I was anxious, so I began to watch this video and the sound of nature and of your rake crunching through the cement in the tub took it away. I am amazed but thank you!

[@manifestingmonica39]

I love how quiet your videos are. It's so relaxing to watch. Your dog is TOO cute!!

[@thesoundtree]

That would have to be the most relaxing kitchen to hang out in. Next time your making that sour dough bread do a how to vid I'd love to see that.

[@northernlassie4958]

In his new oven :)

[@YouBabyGorilla]

I could watch these videos all day (and I sometimes do).

[@fredmoller1675]

Another great one, Shawn, that cordwood construction is neat to see, a construction method that always fascinated me, I cannot wait for the next installment, thanks Shawn!

[@astoica1]

I have been a mason worker since 14 years old, Working stucco. So i am impressed what you are building. Verry traditional. And more impressed how you know how to mix your mortar. Or maybe you have those bags where all u need to do is add watter. But you're doing a fabulous job and when you build it with your own hands, is the most beautiful thing ever...

[@lisarmurphy]

Love how the outside kitchen's turning out. Can't wait to see how the first pizza/loaf of bread turn out. Recieved my self reliance sweatshirt & ❤ it. Your wifes design is great. Can't wait for next week's video.

[@joysheets2412]

I can't say all that you do to give me enjoyment. I thank you for all the hard work you do to construct & make your dream. My Dad, G'father & uncles were all master masonries. They have all passed away now, but knew the craft well. I love watching you & all the creativity. Love watching Calli too. May you & your family always be blessed. You are very special. Kitchen looks awesome. 👍🙏🇨🇦🇺🇸 oh thanks for the great camera shots & editing! You make me hungry just watching you cook! 😋love your words of wisdom. Stay safe.

[@jeanettec6212]

Wow I love what your doing!!! Looks Great!!! I hope a lot of their is a lot of young men out here inspired by your hard work. Even I would do what you have as a woman if I was younger and didn’t have the disabilities I have now. Growing up on a farm taught me a lot of lessons, I wish I would of never went to public schools where there wasn’t any teaching about this way of preparing! I would have jumped at the chance to build and probably done it on my fathers land, if he would of let me. Thanks Shawn for these inspired and beautiful videos! Have a great weekend and week from Missouri! ❤️❤️❤️

[@Crazyrat84]

Thank you for the videos, inspiration and for getting me outdoors. I'm out in the forest every single day now. Just walking and running. Feeling 100 times better than I did 6 months ago. So thank you for that.

[@TidePrideMan]

Thank you Shawn for sharing your journey and words of wisdom. We live on the Gulf of Mexico in lower Alabama in the US and your videos has inspired me immensely, at age 58 I want to spend the rest of my life enjoying the great outdoors and connecting with nature and all it has to offer.

[@sclark223]

:-) Hi from a fellow Alabamian, and fan of this channel!

[@h0tdiggity_dog918]

Stay away from that southern heat

[@bufordtjustice4362]

Another south Alabamian here. This channel instantly became my favorite as soon as I stumbled upon it.

[@rsinfelt1]

No thank you Shawn. Your videos are the highlight of many of our Fridays. I know how hard it is to take the time to do all the video work, they are a real pleasure to watch.

[@-DEATHSTROKE]

As soon as I've finished Working on my show car, I'm getting out for a nice week in the bush somewhere starting my first cabin with a mate 😎😎😎.

[@MySelfReliance]

DeathStroke awesome!

[@KODArunner]

Shawn, if I haven't learned anything else in my 71 years, I learned that it doesn't really matter what anyone else thinks I should be doing. It's my life and what I'm doing makes me happy! So if using concrete instead of cob works for you, then concrete is what you use. PS., I'm slowly catching up on your videos. Keep up the great work and keep the home-fires burning brightly. May God bless and keep your head on straight.

[@TheSwamppilot]

Shawn, another great video. I really enjoy your work. Best wishes for an enjoyable weekend!

[@jeffhamel2449]

I hope you realize how much joy you bring to everyone here. Your videos are educational, inspiring and allow the viewer to just "break away" and "escape" for a bit......please continue your hardworking and know we know how much effort it takes to produce just one video. thank you Jeff

[@troyboy4345]

Behind every great man is an even better woman … (Apart from flying drones that is) … yet again, an absolute peach of a video !

[@Hooknspktr]

Love the can-do attitude. You don't know if you can or can't do something until you get out and try it! One thing is for sure, it won't ever get done by just thinking about it, or worse....thinking you can't do it and talking yourself out of it. Success begins at putting thought into action.

[@doschwarz1]

ich verstehe zwar nicht viel, aber die Bilder sagen alles. Immer wieder schön anzusehen. Weiter so!

[@quiltedladibug1]

Doris Schwarz has

[@ser2952]

Whether it's the building projects, the scenery, Cali, the wildlife, the FOOD... I'm here for it all! We love your channel and look forward to every video. Thanks for sharing it with us ❤

[@srv165]

My Friday routine: Get off work, listen to Stevie Ray Vaughan, crack a beer, and watch another awesome My Self Reliance video.

[@keithbrookshire]

THAT is a great ritual.

[@howardfortyfive9676]

I have an old Stevie Ray Vaughan bootleg cassette some concert he did man oh man he could pick a guitar and SING. With old Neil Young on udder side another great musician...

[@larrycarroll7371]

WOW! Nothing like waking up and eating breakfast while watching your weekly video Shawn. I appreciate your words as much as what you do in your videos. Thank you.

[@tehfourth]

I watch these videos with my girlfriend and we joke about me building a shed in the back garden, little does she know... I will :)

[@jonabriggs8829]

You ever get that Shed built? I hope you did !! Best of Luck !!

[@sclark223]

Thank you for your words about being able to pursue a dream, even when we are no longer teens or twenties. I am about your age, and have had essentially 1 career, with parts I like and parts I don't - I often dream of doing something different. You're reminding me and all your viewers, that it is always possible.

[@Pixxelshim]

Watching the cordwood construction, and having no clue of the ultimate design, I kept asking myself. "Form?" or "Function?". That is the wonderful aspect of these videos. Without oral explanations until after, they stimulate the mind, and the soul. Thank you once again.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks John. It's as much a surprise to me as to you :)

[@0623kaboom]

i think the safe answer is form and function

[@RobinBAndersson]

Love the words of wisdom sir. I do think a lot of people obsess over the fact that they don't know a certain trade. The only difference between someone who knows a trade and someone who doesn't is, they've learnt it! All types of craftsmanship is learnable traits. I think it's great that you encourage people to try! If you fail, try again, and again. If you think back on your childhood, it is loaded with failures. You couldn't ride a bike the first time around. You couldn't read, swim, cook, count or even walk. Everything you know, you've learnt. And most things in life are learnable! Thanks for the entertainment, sharing of life experiences and encouragement Shawn! Keep up the good work. (Sorry about the exceedingly long comment)

[@cherieblair666]

Well you look like a profesional to me!😊 Love your videos!🌳

[@michelleellsworth3886]

As stated before we love watching your family's vlogs. The talent that you and your wife have are just awe dropping and very special. So appreciate both of you sharing your lives with us. It isn't easy by far to let people in to such a personal side of both of you. I really wish I had a drop of feather of the talents that both of you have. What a special gift. Thank you again for such serenity, kindness, peacefulness and etc... Sincerely, Michelle and Pup Harley SHOUT OUT TO CALI HUGS AND KISSES. SHE IS SO BEAUTIFUL.

[@young-soonkim6730]

Good Friday Morning Shawn & Cali! The frame of the forest kitchen is coming along. Even though, it has been hot and humid summer! The homemade sour dough bread look so good! You have to show us how to make it! It always make me smile because it reminds me of the first time I baked a bread!

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks! We're so looking forward to baking the first loaves in this oven!

[@MojoJOJO15A]

I'm so thankful that you are doing these videos, despite the extra time to get your projects done. It is inspirational to me to see the cabin life you are creating. Keep the episodes coming! And give Cali a good skritch. She looks beautiful,goofy, and ready to play. 😊

[@jodirandazzoconley4437]

You are an awesome person! Love the videos. How does one man accomplish his destiny.

[@dawnculpeper2125]

One of my biggest enjoyment of watching your videos is it really is possible to do these things without have to hire a professional! I keep telling my husband " we could so do this! I'm inspired to at least try", thank you for that it's a comfort in alot of ways

[@ufological]

The return of the puppy! Thank you!

[@johnwarner1534]

I am enjoying your experience as shown in your video's. Im 73 years old with a background in woodcrafting and building things. since before retiring at shipbuilding i have wanted to do what you are doing. Having a Forestry education from UMO forestry school, i love to see you are being responsible with your forest.