Off Grid Log Cabin: Primitive Clay Daub and Wood Fired Cast Iron Pizza

Using primitive skills to mix clay, sand, wood ashes from the fireplace, moss and grass to make a mortar to fill in the gaps between the logs, I spend three days weatherproofing the cabin against the strong cold winds of winter in Canada. This is very primitive technology and could be used to build an entire cabin with support from wattle and daub, a lattice pattern of small sticks. I will be incorporating more primitive technology into the other buildings on the property where I will build with stone, clay and wood to make a root cellar, cheese cave, bath house (sauna and shower), wood shed, workshop, maple syrup shack and more. I have found a source of free pallet wood and scrap wood within about 40 kilometres of the land that the cabin is on, so I may start gathering that when I'm in town so that I can build a small pallet wood cabin or shed to store wood and tools near the road. I have a shallow drilled well near the road where I park my truck, so I plan on building a wood shanty around the pump to keep it protected and so that it doesn't freeze as deeply in the winter. Basically it will be a pumphouse with storage room.
It is so cold outside that the rivers are freezing even where the current is strongest, and the shallow slow moving creek behind the cabin re-freezes after a few days of unseasonably warm weather.
At night, I continue working inside the cabin by headlight, and since I'm off grid, I light the tiny house with lanterns and candles. The hot fire in the wood stove keeps the cabin at a comfortable 20 degrees Celsius, even during the coldest nights.
For dinner, I make sourdough pizza dough and cook it on a cast iron frying pan on top of the stove. My wife made the whole-wheat sourdough bread and dough and the mozzarella cheese she made from raw milk using traditional methods.
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance.com/
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Personal Facebook Page (Shawn James) - / shawn.james.msr
Instagram - / myselfreliance
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada

[@leannkennedy6826]

Hey Shawn, I really enjoyed this video. What some may think tedious, I found relaxing and informing. You have a quiet and unassuming way about your presentation or in the way you edit your video. Your perspective towards insight with today's issues, problems or whatever other name some politically correct person has to have it called, should make people want to go deeper within the confines of one's self for evaluation of how to be a better them... myself included, which it has...so thank you.

[@CabinTrails]

Leann Kennedy well said Leann

[@apatriot2474]

Clydetheglide well said !

[@leannkennedy6826]

Clydetheglide without self evaluation there is no growth nor is there an inclination for growth. Without getting into a biblical based discussion, and speaking for myself only, I'll just say that I'm sure that my God wants more for me and my fellow believers than a stagnant existance.

[@dcpete3054]

I couldn't agree more Leann. The truth is what Shawn speaks.

[@luckyvet]

Building this log cabin is clean mental therapy for Shawn. Most of us should try it, few of us have the drive.

[@FruitSnacksyo]

I've never given thanks to a youtuber before but your videos have become a kind of meditative ritual. Thanks!

[@johngarran7173]

Brookes Blalock I

[@Buschman81]

Thank you Shawn, for another great video. Your videos have really saved my life, quite literally. I have been an arborist for as long as I can remember. I was hurt badly and now m on disability. I was contemplating suicide when I stumbled upon your channel and was instantly bitten by the cabin bug. It is giving me an outlet and bringing me to a place where I'm comfortable in my new purpose. Your reflections are my favorite part of your videos. The fact that you take the time is inspiring and I am starting to video journal myself. In closing, I just want to thank you for taking the time, and even though we have never met I consider you a friend. Have a great week.

[@MySelfReliance]

Thank you my friend, peace.

[@howardscull7824]

This has to be the very best survival cabin living channel , presented and narrated perfectly , its the best thing on You tube well done Shawn ! btw , i am sending you a trowel and a pointer lol

[@HudsonZRoamer]

"Lack of purpose which leads to anxiety and depression" This made me step back a bit and think about what you said. Its 100% accurate.

[@TheOutsiderCabin]

The cabin is looking excellent my friend! Wonderful craftsmanship. All the best to you and yours.

[@CalebGrahnert]

The Outsider can't wait to see yours finished!!!

[@carleantodd3138]

I'm not a big commenter but love watching your video's, I find them relaxing what ever your doing even if it is chinking the logs😁 from the good food you cook to the hard physical work you do. Say hello yo your wife and girls from FL keep up the good work we love it. Thank you for a 35 minute video 🤗🤗🤗

[@pamcarter1585]

Such great reflections today & sooo true. It reminds me of the old saying "Nothing GOOD comes easy" 😁 Your not ONLY making something with your skills & your own two hands...your making memories that aren't only shared with your viewers but your own family as well 👍👍👍

[@ivi122]

One of the things that I absolutely love about your videos is that you don’t have the need to talk to the camera constantly in your vlogs. You just go about your day recording what you do without the need to constantly come back to the camera and talk to us. It feels as if we were there with you and it’s awesome. Your cabin is awesome! You’re awesome!

[@Johnj22]

Really connected with your self reflections here Shawn. I've noticed myself getting impatient and bored because of our modern convenience culture. I've become so used to fast technology that I can get really annoyed and anxious when something doesn't work straight away. I can become bored very easily because of the range of choice out there, as backwards as that sounds. Living more simply and having less things actually gives me more peace and more time to be present and enjoy the moment. You mentioned addiction, I became very addicted too many things that took me away from simplicity, gratitude, peace and a sense of belonging. I'm happy to say these things are no longer in my life and it's people like you and your perspective that make me smile and remind me that we can achieve a lot if we are only prepared to give it time and care. Sending you and yours Love from England

[@SurvivalLilly]

OMG you put so much of the hot chili on that pizza, I would die if I ate that...literally! :)

[@MySelfReliance]

lol, i put more on the next night - I don't need as much firewood with the fire burning inside instead

[@osterhans4115]

Lilly,Shawn< hello from Russia) u make great things) sry for my eng

[@0623kaboom]

with that much chilly the morning after aint so bad after the long walk to the other lil cabin ;) keeps ya warm going in, while in and well you get the picture lol ;)

[@blueXRPdynamite.]

Shawn. I do believe survival Lilly is sweet on you..Hehe

[@ddoyle11]

Not many men have come to the realization of what gives true happiness. Shawn has. Bravo.

[@sparksw9dkb187]

Great video Shawn, particularly your reflection regarding instant gratification. One of Krista Tippet's guests on "On Being" (NPR Radio Show) basically said, "If you want to get there fast, slow down." That's become one of my mantras. By slowing down I appreciate all of the work for a particular project, especially in this day in age when most people only build parts of things, and not entire things. To take a project from idea all the way to reality over a length of time is great for the soul. -Dale

[@medtech1a]

Shawn your not boring at all. Ive been taking lots of mentales notes. That pizza looked pretty good. True fans follow regardless of what the going on. The cabin is looking pretty good and I’m sure your wife loves it. I’m surprised that you dont have Cali with you today. As for me this weekend i work at the hospital lab and of coarse i will be watching my favorite on KZbin while I’m not busy. Oh I’m still waiting for that sink and stove that you’ll be using eventually. I’m also looking forward to all your future projects. As for me next week I’m going to do some fly fishing next week. So take care.

[@wferris6381]

Your making great progress Shawn! Door came out nice, and the walls are really coming along... thanks for the update!

[@remraf72]

Hi Shawn At about the 17:45 mark you said " This is boring, I don't know why you guys are still watching" I watch ALL of your vids in their entirety. You have the same work ethic and DRIVE to accomplish ANYTHING you set your mind to as I do. I never commented on another video where at the end you spoke truthfully about passion and talent. Sometimes, there's an ingredient in one's self where those two attributes mesh together (like me); and was extremely fortunate as when I went to work, it was never, ever like work. It was fun, exciting and never a dull moment. You're A GIANT in my opinion, meaning that you are a testament to being so inspirational! KUDOS TO YOU!

[@goldsealcfi]

Yep, still here! Thanks for another great video. Can’t wait to see the next one. Stay warm!

[@daviddewsbury9658]

Hi Sean I enjoy your videos on the cabin build. I/We built our own log home in the mid 1970's from trees harvested on our own land in Northern Minnesota. We live there and raised two kids 'OFF Grid' ffor 10 years. Lived there for a total of 27 years. In the last three years (starting at the age of 75 years) I built our last home by myself albeit a stick built. Thus my onecomment on what you are doing is to plan for the days when age will limit what you can do. Plan to make things easier.Keep up the good work and we will follow you as it brings us back to good times in our life.

[@jeantaylor9119]

Your reflections were spot on. My daughter and I have chosen a non materialistic way of life and have found it enjoyable. We buy because we need, not want. Thank you.

[@timharper58]

Some might find it tedious but I find it relaxing, peaceful. Like I said before these vids are my Friday morning church with coffee and cigarettes. Blessings

[@Scoobydooshoe]

Love the improvised rolling pin, that’s what self reliance is all about!

[@Katuvan]

I very rarely comment on a video (or rather, say anything nice), but I honestly look forward to your video every week since I subscribed, and find them (although, probably not for you doing it) extremely relaxing to watch and unwind to. As someone who works with computers and practically lives in-front of one, I am quite envious, and wish I could throw it aside and live in a log cabin in the woods, as I feel more and more removed from modern society and the obsession with superficial, inconsequential and unfulfilling things.

[@form_52]

My youngest son and I greatly enjoy watching all your videos together. (He's home sick from school today) I couldn't agree more with what you were saying in the "self reflections" part. I've always tried to teach my boys, with varying degrees of success, the difference between want and need. Too few people understand that difference and get them confused. Another great video. Looking forward to next weeks.

[@gr8dvd]

Good thought and would add, what many "want" is something more meaningful and basic than a newer or bigger or fancier ________. Experiences so much more satisfying than "stuff".

[@retiredyeti5555]

My great-grandfather, who built a log home from logs from his property in Northern Wisconsin, and was also self - reliant, used to say "Your wants aren't necessarily your needs." So true in this age of consumerism.

[@blueXRPdynamite.]

I tend to agree with his reflection statements too..

[@FOB-yz7gf]

Shawn congratulation on your recent fame. You are an inspiration to many out there. Your videos are the highlight to my Fridays. The last three years I have spent fighting cancer and all the pitfalls that follow. I have always tried to maintain a positive attitude. During my down times I have found comfort and joy in watching many of the creators on KZbin. I found myself gravitating towards simple, honest and natural channels. You, Joe, Doug and many others have helped get me thru some tough times. I am now in complete remission and look forward to the day I can get back out to the woods with my boys and pass on my love of nature. You and many like you have given a lot of yourselves and I want to say thank you.

[@MySelfReliance]

RCotter Hammering Thank you and congratulations, you're an inspiration

[@MsSallieK]

Add my name to the list who’ve been enjoying your videos and pragmatic view of life. Thank you for the endless source of inspiration, Shawn. You’ve moved me to make some significant shifts toward more self-reliant living. I’m currently on day 5 feeding my sourdough starter according to your wife’s recipe. I took her advice and purchased the banneton. Here’s hoping my bread is as delicious as yours looks! Peace.

[@charliethomas59]

Shawn I look forward to watching your progress vidos every Friday on your cabin. Shawn I am a big fan of yours. Thank you for sharing. God bless and keep up the good work.

[@lukeh5453]

Dude there was an article in the Swiss newspaper about you.... congrats.

[@kimberlyd3247]

The shot of stars above the cabin and trees took my breath away and brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for allowing me to live vicariously.

[@ErosNicolau]

Thanks for the therapy, Shawn!

[@zadokmelkizadok9588]

Your cabin looks better every time I see it.

[@Tsiri09]

The cabin is looking like a real home. WELL DONE!

[@kennethwetherbee1219]

You, Mike Rowe, Pure Living, and Wranglestar are showing the way. I'm lucky, I found my way years ago. It's a pleasure watching you and the others achieve the good life.

[@loripeterson2009]

I love the sounds of the work you do! The sawing, chopping, and scraping sounds, the crackling fire, boiling water, footsteps in the crunchy snow are like characters. Very satisfying. The sound of work, productivity, lovingly and carefully accomplished.

[@behindenemylines7623]

Looks like you are closing in on 200,000 subs, CONGRATS! It is well deserved!

[@achimkohlhage1328]

Your tremendeous succes in public interest is all based on you're talking true, working by yrself, this what majority deeply desires and only minority really achieves. Pls continue, to reach more of us. With cordial thanks fm Singapore, Achim+

[@thepatrioticwoodsman]

Shawn, thank you for your videos and your commentary I look forward to it every week! I agree with you, we need to slow down and appreciate the things we have. And I’m thankful for your channel. Thank you.

[@alliero2572]

Please, please, show more starry skies? I have NEVER EVER seen such a sky as that, and I might not ever get the chance! I so enjoy watching you create this amazing life. Thank you!

[@Broadluxe]

Great video Shawn. See you're about to cross 200k subs, great work. Also noticed some of your other vids have over a million views! As a long time fan I'm so happy to see things growing so fast for you.

[@fedup961]

Adam F Just reading your comment now, and he is now over 1.1 million subs! Fantastic growth...

[@gregsummers7350]

Hi Shawn and the MSR Team. I enjoyed this video because I can remember the cold drafts in the winter when I was a child. // Great reflection. For many You Tube is an instant gratification of our dreams: this channel in particular because of your natural calmness we feel happy and great full to see the slow realization of our dreams; a product of your hard toil. It is the attention to detail that leads to beauty. For me it was the wiping down of the logs after chinking that results in the harmony. // I now live in rural Thailand and give my money into the trusted care of my wife because I cannot speak Thai. I have less cash in my pocket, than a poor begger Buddhist monk. There are many very poor folk here, living in small shany shacks of rusted tin. I do not take photos ; I do admire the way they can eek out a living from the dirt and seem happy with their lot. Love is not a part of Buddhist culture & Thais are taught to be subservient. My three girls are learning the holistic nature of Love and I have learnt the true blessing of minimalist. There is frustration in the junk Chinese tools sold here and the wastefulness of new the Thai consumerism (they do not clean or maintain their tools). The final misson of my life is to creare a self reliant lifestyle from my young family. Iam 66 now and so have less than 10 productive years to achieve this. I am working very hard teaching them to true application of love. before I came to Thailand; I simplisticly believed that hilistic love was universal in the world - not so. Here, parents see their children as their pension plan (no welfare payments here .) Sorry a bit long, kind regards to all. Greg

[@MsBluegrassBass]

Great book! The Nearings inspired my dad, who in turn inspired me to stay close to the land. Thanks for sharing your cabin and your thoughts.

[@MrGasman1066]

The finished mortar walls look great.Your diet is way better than most of us,all natural and mainly organic.Great video Shawn appreciate your efforts.

[@SUVRVing]

It's really starting to look (and feel, I assume) like a little home!

[@ColetteMalette1]

Yay it's Friday!!!! Another Amazing video!!!Thank you Shawn!!!

[@billyhuddleston372]

That self reflection is my favourite one so far. Its sooo true, yet I find it such a struggle to live like that. But I'm going to keep working it and you keep preaching. And building that cabin, I can't wait for the outdoor kitchen and all the stonework. Great job!

[@lindamoses3697]

Thank you so much for sharing your building, cooking, and insights. You are a strong example in so many ways. I love your decorations.

[@fuzielectron5172]

I find myself watching more and more of your videos, your end comments about instant gratification are pretty much on the money IMHO. A long time ago in my mid twenties I gave away most of my shiney, shiney possessions to those friends who desired them and started again with a different philosophy, met a good woman who was attracted to me, not my "stuff", and we both changed our occupations to remove stress , twenty plus years later life is still good. This year one thing on my agenda is to learn to make cheese, it's a small thing but each bite should bring happiness. The night sky shot was beautiful, time to smash the subscribe button.

[@davidcuevas4792]

Hey Shawn, I began watching this build early on. Thank you so much for taking the time, and effort to record this process. I have been inspired from all that you have shared. I love and respect the fact that, you don't burn up the content with jibber jabber. Your work is your work. When the time comes for verbal communication, you speak. Keeping these separate, is something I personally respect. when you do speak, you actually have something to say. I truly have gained in my life, just by hanging out with you. So one more time, love your work. Completely respect the way you think. Your to the point, and have much needed wisdom, something so lacking today. Mostly, I have completely enjoyed watching you build, what I hope one day to build. Thank you for instilling some of the trade, which is being lost through tech. Best wishes, keep it coming. David

[@MySelfReliance]

I appreciate that David

[@ColetteMalette1]

That is so nice to see! Does the heart good! ❣

[@LUCIFEE28KEYS]

As a student radiographer based in Sheffield UK...You managed to reach into an aspect of my life and I was able to find common ground with what you say. That's a rarity I think. Keep up the good work. Thanks for the inspiration. Lucy P.S can you give Callie a big cuddle from me xx

[@apatriot2474]

Enjoyed the bog! Yum.. Pizza! How bout a greenhouse project there ( protect from the animals and grow year round)! I would really enjoy seeing that! Love the bow.. it’s a thing of beauty! On your self reflections..I agree with you..we’re way too busy and self absorbed..quiet time to be alone and able to reflect on life and build a relationship with God is precious! Thanks for sharing!

[@wojciechsroka3395]

You're the man. Building such a cabin with your own hands. Really impressive! Im so happy i found your channel. Cant wait for more vids. Also dont forget to include your cute dog as much as possible hah! Greets from Poland !

[@Anthonyz19]

The shot of the cabin with the stars in the background, should make National Geographic. Absolute beautiful. Looking forward to your next vlog!!

[@livelife4471]

I really like the contrast of the snow storm to the warmth, cozy environment of the cabin. You've built yourself a great place to enjoy the simple life. It's comforting to watch.

[@JeffNealsPlace]

Hey Shawn, you went deep there at the end. Great insight. Your clean mountain living is bringing you closer to nature and you are gathering some wisdom as well.

[@Rews-fishshed]

Reflection: I literally say this all the time. Today's technology has given us so much but has taken much more.

[@KCKarasinski]

The Good Life! That's a spectacular book. Enjoy!

[@barrylarry3782]

Hey I gotta give this man credit. I wouldn't have his patients. Glad to see we still have people with this type of determination 👍

[@miloauker8706]

Thanks for the video Shawn. You too inspire me to be Self Reliant. I live in North Florida and although not in Canada...live without heat in the winter and burn wood as heat. Just had nights in the mid 20's in an old uninsulated early 1920's home. I wish I was more "off-grid" but not yet, have 13 rural acres and look forward to living your dream in a few years.

[@jimp514]

Came for the cabin, stayed for the food

[@lorenzodicocco3748]

No kidding. I think Shawn and his wife start THE MY SELF RELIANCE COOKING CHANNEL.

[@pamt8430]

Totally agree!!!

[@rideordieinc.rideordieinc.3496]

You have inspired alot of ppl just from your teachings of self reflections and I love watching your videos every week and I want to personally say thank you so much, you are a good person and you have so much to teach others, God bless you my friend.

[@stephensartain8555]

Thank you Shawn for the message at the end I really needed to hear that.

[@MB-ru7xw]

Perfect end to the week. Thanks for sharing with us Shawn. Very inspirational ineed!!

[@chamilton9182]

Absolutely wonderful vid Shawn. I've been waiting to see you do more chinking. Looks great. I especially enjoyed your self reflection. I am a school teacher (who really wants to escape to the woods :) and instant gratification in the generation coming up is a really big problem (scary big). I really identified with your words of wisdom. Thanks for sharing. And if that sour dough bread pizza with cheese is your idea of a "cheat" meal.... I'm in trouble :) As always, thanks for sharing and God Bless from Texas.

[@charlesthomas8875]

Absolutely. There is very little self satisfaction experienced these days from a job well done. When I built my cabin I was only 18 years old. I used hand tools to build it and chinked it with mud, not so much as a matter of personal choice but because I was dirt poor and that's all I had to work with back then. I later chinked it again with mortar after I had made my way in the world. That cabin is as good today as the day I finished it and it gives me personal satisfaction still remembering the days I spent building it! I have to say I enjoy your talks at the end as much as the rest of the videos.

[@idkimnew11111]

I love scrolling through the comments and seeing Shawn thumbs up each one!

[@kadenmajdi4574]

Love your videos Shawn! I could just binge watch your videos all day if there were more. A live stream would be really neat but I don’t think you have access to the internet in the cabin! One of the reasons I look forward to Friday’s is because of the videos! Keep doing what you been doing and rock on, ignore the dislikes and all the negativity that does come through in the comments!

[@njsarn]

Another amazing videography from MSR Shawn. I bet if you build another log cabin you'll be able to rent it out with a good income. A $100 a night would be a reasonable charge. Better yet, have outdoor fanatics (like me who enjoying wood working, home improvement) pay $30 a day to Shawn, while helping out with the construction and learning on the job as an apprentice would make my dream come true. :-)

[@guyazbell8169]

Nat S. I was thinking the same but just adding on to the cabin so the toilet can be halfway heated I know what it feels like to have to go when it's -20 in a porta potty and its not ice cream and lollipops.

[@silentman1547964]

I love how the videos have a mixture of entertainment with cooking, working and then your wisdom

[@ivi122]

Gut his videos are amazing

[@ivi122]

Gut yes!!!!!

[@kevingarber7057]

Cabin looks awesome. Watching this before dinner made me really hungry.

[@Kathy3245]

Wow. I love that ending. Clicking the cups and then the bear walked into the logo! How cool!!! That flowing river with the ice and snow was just beautiful.

[@generalrepair8731]

Shawn Another great video . I always look forward to Friday so I can watch my self-reliance. Keep up the good work. Mike General Repair

[@CowInAKeyhole]

I feel like you got it spot on in your self reflections. The main reason I love your videos is because it allows me to daydream about the kind of lifestyle that allows for boredom. It's healthy to be bored sometimes, because it leads to being productive in meaningful, enjoyable ways. I'm disabled from chronic joint pain and couldn't live comfortably like you do, but I still enjoy knitting my own socks and grinding my coffee beans by hand. Tedious work can be fulfilling with the right mindset. I look forward to seeing Cali next week!

[@kolbeinnm]

Thanks Shawn for this great video. Nice to see the cabin becoming weather thight.

[@sharonkeller7397]

Your comment at the end really got me thinking. My whole life I have made things myself. A lot of people don't understand why I would make something myself if I could just go buy it. It may not be a cabin but it means a lot to me. Even the boring sections are part of the whole and in the end makes it all worthwhile. I have enjoyed your series of building your cabin very much. Again, many people may find it boring but I find it fascinating, knowing that one human being has done this entire project themselves with no help. I can only imagine the feeling you must have when sitting there inside thinking about what you created. Sharon :)

[@davyjones232]

I am learning many things from you that apply to normal living too. Insulating points, carpentry, cooking, and so many things I can use in my life as an aging never married who never made a pizza...but just order one via a telephone. Your ability to function on so many levels is amazing. I am a retired Over the road trucker who is a disable veteran of a foreign war. I live alone and and fixed my own semi truck by mechanics and welding. I own lots of tools and live in a 1887 small two room sticker that was built from savage materials on a post and sill foundation. I modernized in 2007 to 2 small bedrooms, large bath with drain, washer/stack on dryer, large deep tub, bidet seat toilet, and heated floor. Living area is a mall space with a back porch add on that was made into a 12'x6 ½ kitchen with dishwasher and single sink. (small space limits options, so I have cupboards and stuff framed into the are to store all needed items and months of food. Basement was a dirt floor, but is now cement and new furnace, 200 amp electric service, tankless water heater and temperance tank allow unlimited water for washing as there is an extra machines for laundry in the basement for the hired girl to use. My upstair living is 18' x 42' appox. So I enjoy your video and share with other single males who never married.

[@MarcvanExel]

Many thanks for another great therapy session, this is really good for me and I enjoy it every time. Have a great weekend!

[@ElementL116]

I think your self reflections this week is spot on... Modern consumerism has really consumed us all and the ability to appreciate what we do have is lost. It's something I've tried to notice more in my own life and has allowed me to refocus at times.

[@sscott4028]

Shawn, I think you were a film maker in your past life...lol. I really enjoy watching your videos. I am a fan.

[@Just1nFR]

s scott I think he is in this life.

[@sarto7bellys]

Hi Shawn, Really enjoying watching the cabin coming along, might sound a bit daft but my weekend starts when I get home from work Friday lunchtime, make a sandwich and watch your latest video, it really helps me unwind after a crappy week at work, looking forward to the next one, best wishes from England

[@0623kaboom]

lol i watch it late at night to relax and get me ready for sleep ... usually works for me ... better than a sleeping pill ... not because it is boring but because it is exactly what i would rather be doing .... so calming and definately lessens the post traumatic stress injury stress .... yes Injury ... a disorder you are born with an injury you get. I wasnt born with this i served for it

[@chenry7084]

Don't worry about the slower videos, while its a lot of fun watching logs stacking up into the shape of a cabin, videos like this are immensely relaxing, and just what I need after a stressful week at work.

[@woodpecker8546]

Great video, great thoughts!! You are so right! Trying to slow down myself but it is hard because of becoming used to speed up all the time! Thank you for remembering me to slow down and enjoy the moment...

[@JDevG]

I really enjoy your "Self Reflections"...

[@SCwirlify]

I recently discovered this channel. This time I was like: "That's ME!" I've been living of let's plays the past four years, for goodness sake. I don't even bother playing video games anymore. This guy built a cabin and became a philosopher. What am I even doing? Now I'm looking forward to maybe get inspired by this man, or something. Certainly looking forward to the next episode!

[@steelcitytv]

CHEERS i always look forward to Friday to see them beautiful views keep up the great work I'm super hyped for you and Joe's trip

[@FrackVeroo]

It never fails. I'm not hungry at all, then I watch your videos and realize I'm starving.

[@afterhours6279]

Great self reflection, spot on. Trying to help my family with that. Thanks

[@RobFomenko]

Not sure how I found your channel but enjoying it. I found your reflection at the end to be spot on. The pizza looked great too !

[@ustinman8446]

I've used an electrical conduit, with two bends as a tool and a dust pan to hold the daub. 1st bend 2 " then straight for 8-9" then 2nd bend for your handle.put daub in dust pan, use conduit tool to push the daub into joint and slide side to sideto smooth and shape the cove in the finish. like a mortar joint tool for bricks but bigger.just a suggestion .

[@Rampagedd]

You are the type of man who should lead a country. Someone that would never want it or ask for it (every aspect of you, ethics, moral, outlook towards the world n current generations going forwards, hard working attitude) - Would you come here n run the UK?

[@albertasigh9617]

How blessed you are to be in such beautiful surroundings. That shot of the stars from the front of the cabin looking up was breathtaking!... I think it's the simplicity of what you're doing that is so appealing. Reminiscent of simpler times.

[@sanctuarywoods7748]

Oh my goodness those stars ! You need a skylight in that lovely loft Mr. James.

[@beckypincalifornia1985]

I was just thinking the same thing ... a skylight to look at that beautiful night sky before you go to sleep! Plus, a couple of small windows on the sides of the loft bedroom, for morning sun and cross breeze during the summer. I spent a week camping at Rondo Bay (sp?) in Ontario as a child from Ohio, about 1965. So glorious, I almost floated out to "sea" (Lake Erie) [looked up and found everyone frantically waving at meamile away, on the shore]. Next day, got lost in the woods, and remember the summer heat. Found my way back to a road, and flagged down a Ranger. Those were the days. Can you imagine my parents dealing with my antics, as a 9 year old girl?! Love your videos.

[@ArmenianLifewithMitch]

Kevin Costner does it again! Well done Shaun, love your work. Peter from Armenia

[@enzocar72]

Wise words as always Shaun. Appreciate lifes simpler things, nature, outdoors, etc... and it enriches ones overall wellbeing. I do believe more and more folk are following this philosophy. Thanks, from Bonnie Scotland

[@betty8173]

Excellent ingredients, short cooking, don't see a problem, glad I was nibbling some raw milk smoked gouda, and some whole grain crackers before I watched this episode! Always a pleasure, thank you : ) accentuate the positive and ditch the negative, enjoy the ride!

[@chazwikiwiki4636]

i hope you can read this I am a union carpenter local 2361 and ironworker local 433 form California i hope to do what you have done i am 29 and for a while now have had a hard time keeping a job because of a sickness that's made it hard to do what I do for a living but because of you and seeing what you have done I am going to follow in your well-guided footsteps my dream was to retire and have a cabin just like in the movie called the shooter with Mark Wahlberg for whatever reason that lifestyle of living on your own in the wilderness has always appealed to me so thank you for bringing that spark back in me to know that you can get what you want in life as long as you really try hard at what it is I had just lost a lot of Hope because of the hard life I had led by working a super demanding job and fighting professionally at the same time being in construction and doing it all from the age of 14 has worn my body down and then being told I have fibromyalgia and a bad arthritis so thank you for bringing me back sorry for the long message I hope you read this sincerely your buddy from California chad .P.S I hope I don't sound like a cry baby just trying to paint a picture to show you where my mind was at and how you help me out and just got me thinking positive about what I wanted in life again thank you so much

[@MySelfReliance]

thanks Chad, all the best

[@gregsummers7350]

Hi Chad. mate you can do it. it will be friggin hard at first. dump the crap in your life, force the necessary change in your lifestyle and live your dream. It shoukd scare the sh1t out of you. Change your diet and become chemical free. crack-on mate. GREG

[@marklevin1269]

I'm a big fan thanks for the videos

[@troypayne3078]

Could not wait to get home from work to watch my Friday video. Thanks for spending so much time editing and sharing with us. I know this must be a lot of work doing the video.

[@chrismehaffey]

Thank you for making your videos. I love them. I know you are humble, but you are a god amongst men.

[@mikelamothesr.8998]

Your soliloquy brought back (for whatever reason) a line from the original Star Trek series by the Character Mr Spock, "Sometimes having something is not nearly as great as wanting it." I paraphrase of course. this in reference of course to our imaginations, expectations etc. as they build to the ultimate culmination of actually receiving the object we so dearly coveted. A thinking person would hardly disagree the less effort put into attaining something, anything, contributes directly to what our supposed worth is regarding the same. After all, our goods and chattels are only worth what we are willing to do to hold onto, maintain and or replace the said object. It does a mans ego good having to spend time with himself and only himself. This is the way we can better understand ourselves. Mike

[@roncook4502]

Love your videos. Probably too late to tell you now but you could have used a mortar bag and the back of a spoon. Next time. I also have 3 or 4 hurricane lanterns. Hate them, no light and after a few hours a horrible smell. Have you ever heard of an Aladdin kerosene mantle lamp?? Similar light output to the Coleman type lantern you are using but no hiss as it is not pressurized and just sips kero or diesel. burns completely (blue flame) and no odour. Gives off a fair bit of heat also. Bought 2 off of Kijiji recently for $30 ea. There is a dealer bout an hour north of you, and the manufacturer now is Lehman's. Just a thought. Forget the solar panels.

[@KC9QVF]

Shawn, your doing a fine job. You don't have to justify anything. No worries, enjoy life and be you. Thanks for the videos they center all of us!

[@thomascronin1040]

Great shot of the night sky stars!!!