working in a rural town long-term - a raw perspective on a simple life

[@TheCottageFairy]

Hello everyone ❤️ just wanted to share some things that my community is thinking about right now, I thought it would be interesting! Of course all of this is outweighed by how much I love living here, but I thought it would be interesting to share, as I have only made a couple videos about topics like these. I hope it inspires people to get involved and be part of positive change, I find it to be so fulfilling and motivating. Perhaps it’s the preschool teacher in me, but I always loved being honest with my students about challenges the world faces while using it as a tool to inspire hope and positive action. And to be clear, this really isn’t intended in any way to be negative, if you hear me out before commenting I think you will see that my full message is always positive ❤️ Sending much love!

[@laurafisher3800]

Please don’t ever need to explain your truths to anyone. Stay true always. Love💜💜💜💜💜

[@blackthornsloe8049]

🦋🌸

[@Gwaycee]

Could you kindly pin your comments? So they won't get lost among all the many others.

[@anthonyw2931]

i think it's to our detriment that we as a society cannot come together with varying opinions and perspectives to discuss everything, which includes the very real threat to us by our lack of being mindful of our planet. True conservatives would be excellent at keeping the old ways that worked and progressives improving on those things as well as getting rid of things that don't. environmental migration will be the norm and it's best to be prepared. People like you with such a large platform have a huge influence to potentially galvanize political action. i absolutely this video and hope more comes our way.

[@jenjem5810]

Truth is constructive. Many times we must voice the drawbacks to get ahead. You cannot refrain from calling out a problem by excluding the negative. Solutions lie in identifying problems clearly.

[@ZiggyKitty]

“We are not born to this land, we are born of this land.” We should be treating it, and one another, as such.

[@nenyeo6090]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 like???

[@charlesdanjou175]

Because I'm a science geek, I decided to conduct an experiment. Using a blood pressure cuff, I measured my BP before watching this video. Results indicated stage 1 hypertension. After watching, I measured again and my BP was well into the normal range. Therefore, Watching Cottage Fairy videos is good for the heart. While unable to test for mind or soul, I do believe results would be similar ;-)

[@morganphillips8634]

Awwww. That was sweet.

[@flowerpixel]

I have diastolic hypertension and Ive even commented on different channels such as this one that they're lowering my blood pressure. Although I haven't tested yet Im sure they are for me too. Cheers🥂

[@wendya5887]

Lol, I sent video to my daughter and said, “so peaceful video.” 😂

[@sarrahlee4118]

Brilliant...im doing it now...🥰 but I already feel it 😊🤟🦋

[@jackieo8693]

Good experiment

[@sharonskains5049]

For such a young woman, this is a very insightful video. I am not very young (almost 75) and my greatest heartbreak was never being able to live as you are doing now. My plan, which would have worked, was to stay in Southern California, work for a decent retirement, then go home and buy a place with land. It never crossed my mind that the community where I grew up, and where I left when I was nineteen, would get worse politically instead of better. I could not live and pay taxes to support an area where hatred still outweighs love and compassion. Thank you for your videos. You have no idea what they mean to me, and how much beauty they bring into my life. Facing a situation realistically is far better than pretending that problems don't exist.

[@ooievaar6756]

Facing a situation realistically is far better than pretending that problems don't exist - > so true, well said !

[@SusanChristmas]

I would think that the change in the area is for the better. Sanity over insanity.Truth is not hate.

[@jackieo8693]

Yes, so many places have become unlivable because of high taxes and high crime.

[@wulfsorenson8859]

@@jackieo8693 primarily caused by open boarders and mass immigration pushing up rents and house prices and displacing the locals.

[@CourtneySchwartz]

You can also look at it this way: Moving back would restore some balance. People like you moving away has been fueling a growing imbalance. As painful as it is to see a community become fueled by negativity, it is also a paean to your power. Coming home, you can restore your community.

[@MsKatalind]

My once small town is experiencing this. We were once very much like Mayberry. Crop fields, cow pasture, mom and pop shops are now gone. Many people from up north have moved in in droves and they are still coming. Land is being clear cut everywhere. Wild life has no place to go. Housing developments are being built on every corner and strip malls and fast food places popping up all over. Our roads can’t support the major traffic we now have. The people who have moved here said they moved her because they love the “small town feel” but then got here and started complaining about not having all the urban conveniences they’re used to. Once C19 hit and businesses started to let employees work remotely from home they were able to move to rural areas anywhere in the US for cheaper than staying where they were while still bringing home a nice paycheck. The taxes are so high to live here now that many people whose families have a long history here can’t afford to stay and being forced to move. It’s such a mess. I will admit I miss my once quaint small town.

[@SusanChristmas]

We are all experiencing some form of this. In America we are being invaded at our border and our culture is dying. People from liberal areas are moving to conservative small towns and bringing with them their big city mentality. These people have already ruined where they once lived now they want to ruin where you live.

[@lexm17]

@@SusanChristmas no they don’t and most ppl are moving to liberal cities not small conservative towns. You’re not being invaded your immigration system is one of the worst in the world which is why you have so many waiting in centres

[@SusanChristmas]

@@lexm17 I wish that was true it would be great to be able to contain the liberal nonsense to the cities.I can agree that we have one of the worst immigration problems in the world. We need to get it under control its really easy send them back immediately and don't provide financial incentives to these people. No one has the right to just show up in another country without first applying for legal entry. Hungary has the right idea they don't put up with illegals and as a result they don't have chaos at their border.

[@11brooke111]

@@lexm17 preach!

[@feralrootsfarm]

This is what has been happening to my hometown, Nashville, TN. I remember growing up we could get anywhere in 20 minutes, tourists stuck to a few blocks downtown, and we all knew everyone through one or two degrees of separation. You waved at everyone. Now, so many of my friends have moved away, can’t afford to buy a home, and people just run red lights every other second. Trying to wave to people now is basically asking to be glared at. We are saving up to move hopefully very soon, I’ve accepted my home is gone and has been replaced with somewhere I won’t get back, but it doesn’t stop the pain when I see our downtown has 10x the empty skyscrapers it had a few years ago.

[@albertstraumVLOG]

It was really refreshing to hear the downside to rural living, instead of only the dreamy and positive sides. Thank you for dealing with that topic.

[@VictoriaPfeifer]

You are so inspiring. I know you said you don’t plan on making many videos with this topic (global warming and its impacts) but if you were to make it, I would never complain. Thank you for your videos

[@esterhudson5104]

Climate change and a check mark…whoo woo! Listen up folks! We’re about to be lectured..

[@Anja22_13]

We live in a beautiful small, off-the-beaten-track town in New Zealand. It's very quiet here, not that many job opportunities either and rents are very expensive and not a lot of houses available to rent. We are not from here, we just stumbled upon this place and loved it's natural beauty. We were lucky, we bought a property 20 years ago before the price of land went through the roof. We were able to build our own small house. Our property was completely overgrown with weeds which we have removed (well, most of them) and planted thousands of trees which are thriving, together with the bird life. We see this as our small contribution to make the world a better place. And it has really made a difference to our own well-being and happiness.

[@SisterShirley]

Sounds lovely and level-headed too!

[@bernicebabe4154]

South Island?

[@Anja22_13]

@@bernicebabe4154 No, North Island - there are very beautiful places too. 😃

[@bernicebabe4154]

@@Anja22_13 totally agree. I am a Northlander transplanted to the SI. We are blessed with a stunning country.

[@ananyabasu3770]

I too want to live in New Zealand.😉

[@courtneyawalsh]

Housing security on earth should be a much bigger and more urgent priority than multibillion dollar rockets to the Moon or Mars. Skewed priorities. Great video as always, Paola! I’d rather watch your peaceful mini films than any violent, big budget, low soul summer blockbuster? Any day. You are a better cinematographer and storyteller than anyone in Hollywood right now. By far. 🙏🏼

[@pawprintsjersey5787]

Exactly 💯

[@disabilityadvoc8]

Quote from somewhere, "We could be repairing roads and schools but right now that money is needed for more important things like campaign ads."

[@christinebutler7630]

There's land enough in rural areas, and there is no shortage of cheap, durable and comfortable ways to build shelter. The problem is building codes and zoning that constrain what you can do on your own land. One single change in the law could make it affordable for an individual to construct a dwelling on rural land and that is, permit composting and increasing toilets. Our stubborn refusal to consider alternatives to outdated nineteenth century technology wastes water and saddles homeowners with the requirement of forking out $30,000 or more to excavate and install a septic tank. A good composting toilet is perfectly sanitary and a whole lot cheaper.

[@SisterShirley]

@@disabilityadvoc8 you do know the difference between campaign funds and funds for roadwork and schools, right? One is through optional donation (except for presidential campaigns) And the other is with taxpayer's money; not optional.

[@larakaramazova777]

How do you propose to "fix" housing insecurity. In fact, how do you define "housing security". Another government handout? What?

[@veesimmons2464]

I don't find any negativity in what you presented here. The concerns you raise are a realistic part of everyone's life. Your love for community is evident in every video you make.

[@Cheesus4jesus]

Rural communities used to have somewhat affordable housing, but no jobs. Now there may be jobs, most are low paying and at least 30 minutes drive, but no rentals at all. If you can work remotely you have more options, but I'm not sure that's either sustainable or even constructive. City dwellers remember times like 50 years ago when you knew everyone on your block. There was a strong sense of community. Same thing if you lived in small towns. These days that's not true for either location. Maybe instead of running away to escape a crummy life, we'd all do better to stay put and focus on building a better life by rebuilding a sense of community?

[@hannahrose5739]

While that's an applaudable recommendation, the factors that have taken away community (the abundance of automobiles and "living" in automobiles, personal entertainment (on your TV, your mobile screens, your recording playing in your car, fast food abundantly available in any location you care to drive to, the speed of cars to get you to a new destination in short order,, the prevalence of shopping malls so you have to drive out of your community to get items you once could buy not far from your home, lonliness which drives people to public transportation to get to a mall EVERY DAY) and the sheer availability of imported foods (in your supermarket). People no longer care about their neighbours, and anyway, the neighbours are either many miles away, working, or gone somewhere after work to socialize and shop. In my community you cannot so much as purchase a needle and thread any more; you must drive to a mall about 12 miles away and endure the sound system of the main mall competing with the music of each individual store and cannot think in peace let alone remember the needle and thread you came for. (Exaggerated, but you get my point.)

[@Cheesus4jesus]

@@hannahrose5739 totally agree with you. It's not an easy task to start from scratch to say the least.

[@pizzaperson1]

I agree to some extend but it is very difficult to build communities in the current mass hysteria.

[@denverdubois5835]

I completely agree. I see that your replies all bring up how difficult it is nowadays to build community. I'd add that human nature has always made it difficult--there's always one tiresome person jockeying for power, refusing to cooperate with others, backstabbing and scheming....oh, you know. But the only answer is really that we all just have to do our individual best to try harder. Dream it, visualize it, and try at least a little every day to make it real.

[@KT-in3wb]

Remote work usually requires good internet. Good internet in remote place is very pricey(

[@uptown3636]

While watching and listening, I felt my breath slow and my jaw unclench. The disarming honesty and beautiful images worked together to make my anxiety melt away.

[@ZiggyKitty]

We are obligated to be critical of where we live because the contrary, to ignore issues, will never bring improvement. Ignoring a leaking roof and broken foundation will not leave much of a home for children of the future. We can always do better, while still enjoying the moment and finding joy in what we have and where we are and with whom we spend our finite time. The is isn’t a negative mindset, it’s a necessary one and one as you said, would be better to consider as a community. We can do this, we can forge ahead to a better, safer, kinder, more thoughtful spot. I appreciate you bringing attention to all of this, to the effects of climate change. Thank you for continuing the conversation so that we can be more mindful of the people we vote into into seats of power and be more sure that they will vote in the best interest of the people and the land on which we rely to survive.

[@sparrowgeiller9360]

Your videos are a balm for the soul. I appreciate how much beauty you capture. I share your concerns, and I think we do need to keep the discussion going about what to do. We are all on the same team, Team Planet Earth. May we ALL thrive and prosper together, and by ALL, I mean all sentient beings and everything that is.

[@grettalemabouchou6779]

Country folk are rich in wisdom and history. I live in a very small town and truly love it.🌷💕🌷💕🌷💕🌷💕🌷Your observations are both sensitive and intelligent.... thank you for your lovely heart and videos.PS.....thankyou for the scarf braid idea! I LOVE IT and will try it.

[@caraortega4474]

Love what you have to say, it is so true. In my original home town, the growth happened unbelievably fast. People fell in love with the culture, the location and quaintness of the area. Then they started complaining that the place didn’t have this or that… basically what they left behind. They started creating what they left behind until they created the landscape and HELL they had left behind. Felt our culture was oppressive, but they failed to recognize that some things that happened is our history and it is part of OUR culture. Completely destroyed our community and it is not recognizable as it once was. Very commercialized, very touristy, very snobbish. Locals, both young and old, can hardly afford to live there because of increased property taxes, etc, and housing shortages. Their way of life was shoved down our throats with very little respect for indigenous knowledge or people. Hope other communities learn from what has devastated us. I’m talking about Santa Fe, New Mexico. I am a northern New Mexican, an endangered species. Peace and love to you!❤️

[@ooievaar6756]

well, I live in the Netherlands (Holland) and here places lots of places also are spoilt by tourists, wealth, rising prices. It is a global phenomenon. Been to Mexico once, and it get your point. Actually what we all love to see and expierence is purety. Like a native forest, original housing, buildings, people in folk clothes etc etc. Sometimes it is pure poverty. Thats why it is all still there in the first place !! But the more people are coming in, the more the beauty they came for vanishes. Then it is just an act instead of real behaviour....Like a flower, or fish, you cant expect it to have he same colours or behaviour in a vase or an aquarium as in the wild. Culture and nature are fragile.

[@vikkicantwell2237]

Cara this really is food for thought… I live in SF Bay Area and wish to retire in a small community somewhere in the Pacific Northwest where there is no fast food/coffee or big box stores, only community and the beauty of nature. But many people are moving out of CA just to leave the state and I can see exactly what you say happening. It’s sad but true and helps me understand why some of our western states are less than happy to have a bunch of Californians move in - it changes the dynamics. I’ll be visiting Santa Fe and Taos next month for the first time, will remember what you’ve said and try to look beyond what is for what was. I’m sure it’s beautiful!

[@senbebe3320]

Aww I’m so sorry to hear that 🥺 your story is such an important reminder on informing ourselves on respecting different peoples’s cultures. Those people likely didn’t intend for that to happen and probably didn’t realise what they were doing but hopefully they do gain that insight and will in future prevent that cultural loss. It’s so sad to hear that that has happened to your town hopefully something can be done to recover that lost cultural aspect of your town I hope you’re doing well ❤️

[@kp3871]

Sounds like you’re talking about my area in Northern Idaho 😓

[@Maaaaaam]

Worried this will happen to my small town

[@awilda2724]

You are a solace, a corner of comfort in my world. I'm a 76 year old Boricua living in Arizona, feeling a bit displaced, missing the Ocean, the flowing sweet waters, our rain forest.... Your essence & the beauty you bring into the world bring sweetness to my soul. Mil gracias!

[@evangeline3152]

Recently on a Saturday afternoon I was in my local dollar store and there didn’t seem to be any employees in the store so we all just lined up at the self checkout and paid for our items. I was so glad to see that no one was just walking out without paying or yelling for an employee. We’re in a rural area and we don’t want to lose our store.

[@wendya5887]

Sadly, they also understaff too. I went to thrift store…they just put in self checkout. I wanted to pay cash…no one at the till. Worker said, wait over there. I waited 15 min then just left. They want cashless society next, is what that is.

[@mimi1o8]

@@wendya5887 sad, so impersonal and less jobs in the near future.

[@MusclesandBooks]

I live in a small, mountain tourist town with the exact same housing issue - many locals work multiple jobs! (We can only afford it because I work remotely.) I'm happy to see them building more affordable housing even if that means a slightly denser population. (And yes, the hospital and even Urgent Care is 45 minutes away from me, so I feel you on that!) On a lighter note, your hair looks especially stunning in this video - that braid is so long and ridiculously thick it looks like Disney Princess hair!

[@blackthornsloe8049]

Lol I thought that about the glorious braid too !

[@MusclesandBooks]

@@blackthornsloe8049 LOL yeah I have post-Covid (should be temporary, thankfully) hair loss so I'm noticing EVERYONE'S hair right now.

[@blackthornsloe8049]

@@MusclesandBooks well , I'm having tons of menopausal hair loss . My great grandmother went completely bald on the top of her head . It's looking like I may have that gene also . At first I was horrified but now I'm having more peace with it . If beauty for me means a fabulous head scarf and earrings , so be it . Hope you fully recover . I haven't had covid yet but I fully empathize with those who have it linger .

[@MusclesandBooks]

@@blackthornsloe8049 Funny you mention that because yes, I was already dealing with menopausal hairloss as well, this just doubled it. Hugs to you! My last-ditch plan is to just shave it all off.

[@tammyhoushour8070]

@@blackthornsloe8049 please get a thyroid panel blood test. Might just what is going on.

[@donna7338]

One way to help out a small local grocery store is a volunteer to stock the milk and other perishables for 3 hours in exchange for $45 worth of groceries. If many people in your community worked on such a bartering system, many would thrive. It's a good temporary alternative. Of course, the volunteer would have to sign a waiver as to any injuries since worker's comp would not apply, especially if they aren't allowed to drive a forklift. Arrangements can be made to work around the legalize issues. All small communities need to think outside the box.

[@denverdubois5835]

This is brilliant! There is a positive model of "power to the people" collectivism that we need to begin embracing more actively. Crowdfunding is just one aspect of that. You can "crowdfund" not just money but also skills, effort, materials. Look at the Amish...one family needs a new barn, everyone pitches in and literally builds it in a day or two! Think what a small community like Paola's could do if everyone crowdsourced money to buy land, and then everyone contributed labor, skills, materials etc. to build simple housing for young folks and laborers. Rent could go to upkeep, property taxes and utilities and the flats could be managed by the town/city council or similar.

[@saram3156]

That's a good idea--and even better would be people who can volunteer to take responsibility! It could end up making more, not less, work for the hypothetical grocer if she couldn't rely on the workers and had to be calling people, figuring out her schedule and working around volunteers' schedules, training and also supervising each new volunteer, answering their questions, making sure all legal and insurance issues were handled (as you mentioned), answering the phone and making alternative arrangements if someone can't come or will be late, being cheerful/satisfying enough to each different volunteer personality so that they're more likely to stay and chatting with thrm enough to maintakn good vibes without dropping any customer service and while getting all of their own non-volunteer-administration work done, and handling any unexpected issues: there's a reason that businesses usually prefer to hire as few people per job as possible, and hire people who will want to stay (volunteers and very part-time employees understandably switch jobs and positions a lot). What a downer, except maybe not, if people got way more praise for actually making things happen and *keeping them going* than for innovating. at least that's my experience!

[@saram3156]

^ That's a lot of words but basically, ongoing problems anywhere attract people with great ideas, but each new thing usually fizzles like a firework. Steady, reliable, repetitive work done well year after year is what sustains things. Think cool parenting magazine articles vs. actual parenting! It's hard to make steady labor exciting, and it's often not the young people who will do it. Which is fine--we need those firy ideas!--but it's a bit hard to take when your work gets less visible as it gets more boring, if that makes sense.

[@donna7338]

@@denverdubois5835 Also good ideas.

[@homesteadgmad8223]

Excellent suggestion!!! Here in East Texas, there are SO MANY jobs available BUT, it seems that the lock downs made many folks LAZY and unwilling to work! I have heard many young, able-bodied folks say it is more profitable to be lazy and collect welfare than to work. THAT has got to change.

[@blackthornsloe8049]

Appreciate your authenticity and the strength it takes to share your thoughts and inner processing .it takes a lot of strength to be that vulnerable . It feels as if you are trying to work something out on a very deep level . May there be safe spaces and people in your life as you do this . Don't sacrifice the depth of your process just to give people that you don't know their daily dose of cheerful .

[@dreed1058]

So well stated!! Thks for sharing this...

[@zahraa5475]

Totally agree👍🏻

[@welcomwelcom9882]

Totally agree - couldn't have said it better

[@cecilyerker]

Yes, you being authentic is an invaluable service! People need to see other people navigating both the highs and lows in life to realize they can also do it themselves.

[@chelseyowens7709]

Well said. It's really important to let yourself speak about what's important to you, for you. We all have things that are important to us and that we want to fix and talking about the truth is a way to make things better. It was so brave to post this and we appreciate learning.

[@Thepotagerscottage]

Thank you Paola, your wisdom exceeds your years. It is easy to romanticise places you think you will be happier. I for one have done this many times, however, I have my piece of paradise now in Aotearoa, New Zealand and I have my garden that has grounded me and healed me through a pretty traumatic past. Climate change is so relevant and it is another hurdle we humans have to endure, yet I feel, that we will all adapt because that is what we do. I feel for you for the threat of wild fires and I hear your trepidation, it must be quite daunting when the season comes around for them. Keep making these videos. I am sitting on my couch after waking up in the morning with my coffee and start my day listening to you and I feel at peace. I bet you do that for a lot of people. Take care Paola, arohanui (big love)

[@zahraa5475]

your words are nice

[@jbellbird9050]

Kia Ora Koutou. Hello everyone!

[@janemaximoff157]

Hi, Paola. I don't think you'll ever read this, but I just wanted to say thank you. I'm new here and I've been watching and rewatching your videos constantly, they help me not to succumb completely to the feeling of creepling anxiety that has been overtaking me lately. You talk about the possibility of leaving your home, becoming ill or losing a loved one so calmly I can't help but admire you immensely. I've been paralysed by the fear of loss as of late, I can't stop thinking about how I will eventually lose my loved ones or about my own death and it scares me so much, I feel like I've lost my capability to feel joy or happiness, I just constantly think about gloomy future full of grief and loss and eventually death. And you say that today needs to be lived, and it is of course true and right, but I just cannot deal with all these things getting to my head and your videos have been an immense help in dealing with all this day in and day out. So, thank you once more, I will forever be grateful for your content and your wisdom.

[@hilarywallace9927]

We have same housing issues here in Scotland . It is important to occasionally do a video like this , and fir anyone considering moving to a rual area it is important to know of the challenges as well as the benefits. Hope you are feeling much better after your illness

[@brendap8010]

You did such a beautiful job presenting a very difficult problem in a very difficult time in our world. As a 64 yo Boomer, I sure do appreciate young people like you who have the ability and the energy to address and take action on these problems. Thank you for your videos-they are a beautiful and magical reprieve, and always inspiring and deep and healing. 🙏❤️

[@disabilityadvoc8]

Your words are very worthwhile, no matter what topic! We all have to work together. As a wheelchair user and minimalist, I enjoy outdoors nature, birds, lakefront, flowers, every day. I encourage everyone to not wait til your days are numbered to start living and enjoying the universe.

[@ledatully8371]

It is both young people and older people being affected by by the housing and climate crisis. I’m in my late 60s and being personally affected. People who think you are being “negative” for bringing attention to these issues just don’t want the discomfort of awareness and of taking responsibility. Thank you for being courageous.

[@toddmerritt960]

Was having a bad day and watched your video and it put a smile on my face ☺ your calm voice and honesty and respect for nature brings me joy! Thanks 🙏🏻 Todd M

[@TheCottageFairy]

Aw! Thank you so much Todd!

[@DaestrumManitz]

Country living looks so appealing as the daily stresses of city life set in. No better place to find oneself in this life’s conscious interlude!

[@aurora6920]

i agree, there's good and bad to everything, but living in a detached home in the woods, with no sound problems from neighbours, nature all around you, it is worth the long drive to a hospital, although not ideal for vulnerable people. Your quality of life and sanity is still far better to live this life style.

[@mdipeace]

@@aurora6920 Speaking from experience, living in "the woods" is not like that at all. People make A LOT of noise (target shooting, ATVs, shooting off semi-automatics, blasting music, screaming parties, incessantly barking dogs) and sound carries a lot more in less densely populated areas. Unless you live on 1000 acres, the people around you are still problematic.

[@sunnyday7843]

@@mdipeace definitely ! I find some of the past 2 years’ increase in my mountain town by a tourist area has brought a huge influx of new people and also we are the highest dog ownership per capita now . Non dog owners can’t go hiking without fear of loose dogs now - horse riders have the same fear ! Growing pains . Dogs chase and kill wildlife and it’s so upsetting ! The dog feces is also a huge problem . I like these videos because I stay home now instead of walking in the state park and forests - instead of walking along the river and lake I stay home and have plans to garden more and walk my block . I’ve wondered how other towns are dealing with the huge increase in people and dogs .

[@gailsprangers9388]

While you spoke, I was smiling. I'm 66 now and have seen change in so many places. I was like you not wanting people to do things to the land I loved the way it used to be. My grandmother's 57 acre farm I used to lay in the fields and climb in the barn and run down the front field, across the dirt river road and splash in the river. Bon fires on the beach along the river in the evening and sitting on her front porch just looking out over the quiet with family. It's all gone. Roads run like patchwork through what used to be her hayfields and neatly placed homes line paved roads. Even the beach seemed to have narrowed. I went there with my sister years ago trying to remember the exact spot where her home once stood with the elm tree near the dirt drive. I never returned. Change is inevitable. Today my children have grown and are raising their own families. Blessedly they are near and we are close. The dirt patches where they played in the yard are now beautiful grown lawn and I spend my time raising chickens and tending to my gardens and enjoying my retirement and time with my husband. I know the daisies in my gardens are there only while I tend to them and my vegetables will only be there for the season. I can't stop change and perhaps it's really not my place to try to control what others do with the lands they own. I can control my land while its mine. Hopefully my example of caring for my land will insire others to do the same. The people around me thankfully care for their land as I do. I look at how things are now and move on rather than yearning for how things once were. I remember my mom talking how things had changed since she was younger and I do the same to my children's children and so this is the way of life. Change is inevitable and even though things that we find comforting and familiar change, it is now someone elses fond time for them to look back on in years to come and say "I remember when".

[@ingridmenninga]

It's so true what you say. It's also so easy to over-romanticize what once was. And there is a lot of improvement that's easy to forget. Live how you like and don't hold others hostage to it, in my humble opinion. I would never want to move back to the 32 acre farm I grew up on...but I am happy to have a half acre nearby.

[@EnglishCoach3Ts]

Such important things to talk about and bring to awareness. Thank you.

[@kimmberlie573]

Congratulations on one million subscribers. Your beautiful artistry and soothing soul has brought so much joy to us.

[@Sage555n]

My grandmother used to say, "The grass is not always greener on the other side of the fence." So true....

[@donna7338]

Sometimes the grass is greener on the other side due to a septic tank problem.

[@pamelahansen5928]

Or it’s greener where you water it

[@marinstafford]

Whenever I would talk about wanting to move somewhere else. My Mom would say, "just remember that wherever you go you have to take yourself." Meaning, you probably won't be happy anywhere if you aren't happy with yourself.

[@lindylou3519]

Sometimes we know where we belong & now can’t afford to live or move there. The grass is greener when you’ve known since childhood where you are happiest & can make that change.

[@naturesfinest2408]

The grass is greener where you water it

[@ThisLifeFromScratch]

I've been definitely experiencing some of the same struggles where i live in the countryside, dear Paola. Anxiety is the leading feeling in young people especially... Thanks for touching such a delicate truth!💖🌿🙏

[@dreed1058]

You are truly an old soul. Your comments were very thoughtful, and beautifully stated! I've grown Echinacea and never knew how to make the tea - thks! Love seeing you film Garden and your beautiful hand dyed (sp?) scarves. You are simply a delight, feel like we've just worshipped our planet ❤️ 🤲. 🫂 Hugs!!

[@margaretpiddock455]

We too have the same problem with housing in the UK, its so hard everywhere, there are many people who live in the countryside, and their growing family are unable to move near them, because of cost. We desperatly need more affordable homes. There are positive and negative things about anywhere we live. I love how you embrace the countryside and truly appreciate it x

[@kerenvalentin7082]

Hello Paola, this video was honest and kind, you were truthful and that means a lot. We who live in cities sometimes take nature and the beauty in which you live in for granted, which is sad. I love rural areas but I don't have the opportunity to live in one. Everyone should be concern and proactive in the areas which we all live in. We should be working together to make it a place where our children, and grandchildren can live good lives and thrive. Great video to bring awareness. Hope you are doing well. I love, love your garden and all the beauty around you. Especially your gentle and loving heart.

[@arianahoule7223]

Sending loving and peace-filled thoughts to everyone.

[@elendil7]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for speaking out about these things. It is much needed. 💚

[@veronicamaria2730]

I live in a rural area in the heartland. Many young have left to seek employment, many older individuals have left because basic medical care is 32 miles away. At the same time, crime is rising exponentially in the metro area closest to us (about 1 1/2 hours away). It's just tough everywhere. Thank you for the reminder to be involved in our communities. (your kitten became a bona fide cat!)

[@yanikeonpurpose]

Very interesting. The Conscious planning of community infrastructure is necessary. I remember working for a Jewish family & was intrigued as to why they only lived in 2 parts of London. I was told that if their community is scattered everywhere, there would be no one to fill the synagogues, attend schools etc. Trust me that community is renowned because as massive as London is you will ONLY find them in 2 areas. They have their own bakeries, supermarkets, banks, hell, they have their own ambulance & police service. Their planning & fore-site is just incredible.

[@nicolabishop996]

I live on a Southern Gulf Island on the West Coast of Canada. We are experiencing housing shortages and not enough people to work. It's juxtaposed with being a very desirable place for tourists to visit, and I'm not sure our infrastructure can handle much more. Also, folks with more money, then perhaps the average, are buying homes here, but aren't fully contributing community members. It's a bit of a conundrum. It's beautiful, and I love living here, and, it's good to not sweep the difficulties under the rug.

[@moongold9025]

What a beautiful sunset and the sound of the rain on your roof. So lovely. Those cherries 🍒 you picked looked fabulous. What do you plan to make with those gorgeous gems? Those pieces of cloth that you had dyed turned out pretty. I wish you peace, love, harmony and All of Life's Blessings Paola and to All of those who see this. 🧡

[@susanfinn3699]

I see you and Luke are also upcycling some of the old surveying sticks we have loads of at the office. I have used a bunch of them to build doors for the deer fencing I have used both on my porch, and on the front yard fencing I put up this year. I think I will get some more to make some trellises! Your place is so beautiful.💜

[@suzannemclean7558]

You live a life that we all dream of - peace, quiet, in touch with the land and hopefully free of stress,. Especially as we reach retirement after a busy life, that’s all we long for. You are so lucky to have this life while young. Enjoy every moment it’s so special.

[@paulinemckelvey9001]

I so much appreciate the courage to speak up, honestly and in a balanced way, about the challenges we are all facing on this planet. It's vital to break through the denial that is being used by many people to avoid acting for change. As you point out so clearly, doing anything is better than doing nothing, humility and humanity shine from you, Paolo, thank you so much.

[@Shonaleereiss]

Love from a small relatable town in rural North Idaho! I can’t believe I caught the upload as it happened!! Hope you are feeling better!!! 💜

[@albertstraumVLOG]

💖

[@TheCottageFairy]

Thank you!! I am feeling so much better ❤️

[@sanjastojanovic3146]

Thank you so much... We love you from Croatia☘🧚‍♀️🙏💙💚

[@rieriema1827]

This video is incredibly beautiful. The shot at 1:24 took my breath away. I love your way of capturing all these moments. Also this video made me think about some aspects and problems that I didn't really think about before (not enough people that work in a supermarket in rural areas, the housing problem...). After watching this I can just say that I really like your outlook on things and this video is just stunning.

[@ss-so4jw]

Paola you are so inspirational, aesthetic, creative, eloquent, honest and I watch your channel with each new episode with such enthusiasm and thank you with gratitude for the hard work it must take to bring out these treasured videos each week.

[@deirdreclark2128]

I live in the UK and we have had a drought! Hottest weather for over 500 years. Climate change? Hose pipe bans. Very strange. Europe is badly affected as well. really enjoyed your video. Thanks.

[@jld4870]

We are all in this together. Love from western US. ❤️

[@MarisaAndChew]

how did you learn which flowers are which and what parts of them are safe for consumption? Example, tomatoes are clearly obvious but most people don't realize the leaves or plant itself is actually toxic to both pets and humans. Rhubarb is safe but its leaves contain high levels of toxins. As someone who loves teas I would love to learn what to grow and how to harvest it while understanding which part of the plant is and is not safe. I fully understand about the cost of living. I live with my parents and I honestly don't have a choice. As they are getting slightly older it causes me a lot of anxiety to think that in a few short years I may find myself homeless because of the insane costs of living. I collect disability because of extreme PTSD. I often struggle to leave my home without becoming very sick. I take medications that I wouldn't be able to afford without this program, yet the housing allowance that it provides isn't even enough to rent a room anymore. I have been considering tiny house living or even getting a camper or something in that regard so that I have some stability even if it's not ideal, it would be better than being completely without housing. Shelters are filled to their max. Houses are about 10x the price they were when I was in my early 20s. It is very scary to be part of this generation of people who statistically are unlikely to ever own our own homes and to know that the people who have always helped us in that regard are not going to be around in 20-30 years, and even if they are, they can't manage the cost of these larger homes anymore either. I don't know what the answer is, or how to get there, but it's definitely an issue. And, as you said, the essential workers who literally keep our societies going, are greatly underpaid and are also burning out. We were blessed that my parents and my son had "essential" jobs the last few years, two in a grocery store and one as a truck driver, my daughter wasn't so lucky because she worked at a restaurant that wasn't "essential". So many people, including myself, have gone into a lot of debt because of the last few years. Unexpected and necessary expenses like medications, masks, masks for kids in school every day, the price of gasoline, and so on just pushed so many of us right up and over the edge. It has been a real struggle and I am certain that most people regardless of their job titles or yearly income, have been impacted in some way. For the longest time you couldn't go to the hospital for an emergency without first testing negative. Now, Dr's and Nurses are stepping down because they are beyond burnt out and they have their own traumas from the past few years. There are shortages in every field. Thank you Paola for bringing this some attention and still bringing a calm to it. I realize everything will work out, because it has to. It is just hard to see HOW right now. Sending you much love and good health!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

I know a way to get yourself a home. It will take time, but if you have any income that’s not spoken for, you can do it. First go to the edge of town and buy undeveloped land. No less than an acre and no more than 5 acres. Pay it off if you need to borrow money before you do anything to it. Start the improvements, a drive into it, water, gas and electricity lines. Pay that off. Build a good sized basement out of concrete blocks and slabs for the roof. Move in and pay it off. Slowly collect what you need to build the first story. Have everything you need to get the structure up before you start it. If you can get the materials from houses they are tearing down, it will save you money and help the Earth. Then finish it out as you can afford to. This will take years. But it will be paid for as you go and the bank can’t come and take it from you. You could just live in the basement and stop there if you had to. As long as you can pay the property taxes each year, you will have a home. You could build the basement from stone on your land if you have enough. Concrete block is cheap but your stone is free! 🐝❤️🤗

[@SisterShirley]

@@deborahdanhauer8525 sound advice. Some can afford if only they didnt buy the latest Iphone and $100 blue jeans. It's also easier and probable if you have a like-minded commited partner. I applaud your ingenuity.

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@SisterShirley Thank you! It’s a lot of hard work, but it won’t take 30 years like a mortgage would, and if you pay as you go you don’t have any debt. Of course, the most environmentally sound home is the one that’s already built, since the resources were already used. But not everyone can afford a mortgage.🐝❤️🤗

[@MarisaAndChew]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 books and many other resources are very contradictory, hence why I asked Paola what SHE'S used as she clearly has had great success with her resources!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 That was mean 🙁

[@lust8505]

The yellow fabric was stunning in your hair. I love how realistic this video is. I live In a very small community and we are experiencing the same challenges. We have housing shortages and the workforce is in dire need. Change is not readily accepted. Thank you for verbalizing the concerns and encouraging us to offer our help.

[@samanthasancho9556]

I don’t find anything down about this video. As the title states, you’re being honest and shedding light on something that is very important and you’ve done so in such a graceful way. Thank you Paola. 🤍

[@TheCottageFairy]

Thank you very much ❤️

[@luannedimaggio7025]

It is the same over here in the Colville area. So hard for young people. It is so important to respect our areas around us. Love your community.

[@bethm2699]

What I love about you and your videos . . . you/they are always so thoughtful, engaging, poetic, visually stunning, organized, introspective, motivating, inspiring, and expertly edited. You weave a story together so beautifully! I can't wait to read your book, because I know it will also have all of these elements! Your community is truly lucky to have you in it! Thank you for giving us something of value every time you upload!♥

[@reneezancewoman]

I remember when the smoke got so bad that you had to leave home. It's definitely a time of difficult change. In my little world, I'm trying to help the situation by growing things that help the bees and by creating art that involves/encourages recycling and promotes sustainability. It feels like only little drops in a giant lake, but it's something.

[@raewynannbenten1385]

Hi Paola. Good on you, never apologise for being a critical thinker, I wish more people were. The issues you addressed, housing affordability, climate change impacts, health care access or lack thereof, the difficulties faced by rural or poor marginalised communities who are often ignored by state and national governments……..these issues are global. Much of what you described are also significant issues in my part of the world too (Australia and New Zealand). Your community is fortunate to have a significant group of residents with a social, environmental, and community minded spirit, willing to work hard at making your community a better place to live in, for the benefit of all.

[@ElaineArtemieff]

Very insightful and inspirational. As always beautifully done! 💚

[@Red.Christopher]

Retirement is on my horizon and I am considering something more rural than my current suburban existence. I'm adding these issues to my list of things to consider in my future plans. I'm glad you brought them up.

[@mdipeace]

Choose carefully. In my experience rural towns are not filled with people like Paola.

[@phabulouss1]

@@mdipeace Very wise advice. Much discernment is needed.

[@seedy6538]

Don't come to Montana or Idaho. It is the same deal. People come in, retire and don't contribute to overall infrastructure regarding jobs.

[@Red.Christopher]

@@mdipeace That has been my unfortunate observation as well. And not just rural towns. Where I live they consider anyone who wasn't born and raised here an outsider.

[@Red.Christopher]

@@seedy6538 That is interesting. I wonder what that is about? Is it that the retirees don't have much money to spend, or they do have money but don't want to spend it locally?

[@bethanythatsme]

Thank you for sharing. I've been fortunate enough to live in some remote places in both Oregon & Alaska. I've found what you've described very much resonates with those places & in my heart.

[@rachaelr7567]

I love starting my Sundays with you 💜 Thank you for sharing.

[@phabulouss1]

“I believe anywhere you find love and safety is a paradise.” Thank you for this reminder. I find myself thinking if, this, that and the other were possible… but, yet in still, all our needs are met and then some. I would truly love to live more of a country setting. I think I’ll make that a matter of prayer. 🙏🏾 😊 Paola, please continue to make these wonderful heart felt, soothing, cozy videos. They mean a lot; and looking forward to the next, etc. 💕 Sending you my love.

[@thinkforyourselfjohn3167]

You have brought up some very important concerns about living rural and the unexpected things that life may bring our way. I'm so happy you are feeling better Paola. Keeping you in my prayers. You're not a downer You're a realist dear ♥️♥️.

[@lucillecooper3600]

Blessings to you and yours...your animals and your precious country side...enjoy your videos and your take on life...

[@francineh.7825]

Thank you for talking about these topics! It is true that if each one of us do our part, even just a tiny bit, we can work toward making positive changes to help our natural world.

[@rebeccabailey7995]

You live in a beautiful area that offers a little of everything: mountains, lovely wild flowers, and streams of soothing clear, flowing water - blessed indeed. Thanks for sharing! Love, Becky n MS

[@jodigirl6610]

I love the sound of the rain! It is my favorite. I live in drought striken Northern California and rain is so precious! We lived for 20 years in Paradise, California that burned down in a huge forest fire a few years ago. We had already moved away before the fire, but going back to see the devastation was absolutely heartbreaking! Climate change is real and it's scary. ♡

[@katheejasuhail8280]

It's so hard to find people who are driven for good causes and also be humble about it at the same time. You are a true inspiration. As much as I am passionate about climate change, I've never been informed on community welfare. This video opened my eyes ❤❤❤

[@meganfelt3666]

I live nearby in more southeast Washington in the Blue Mountains, I am glad you got a rain! We did not enjoy that recent chance of rain and so I finally watered my sweet plants today. I want to say that for me, the hardest part of these struggles that are arising in rural America, is the division. We have just been fed so much negativity and talking points we can barely think straight as a country, as this we have lost our common ground. I am a rancher and logger with my husband, this are terrible professions to some folks thinking about Mother Nature, but if done correctly both intensive cattle grazing and small select cut logging are able to build up our earth rather than wear her out. We need to graze our forests again, very mindfully, to prevent such rampant fires. And we can select log them for some timber for our local communities to use and further prevent fires. My husband has logged with horses for over 30 years now and I am just beginning with him. It’s quite magical and very unexpected and thing like this I hope will be considered. Paola, Thanks for being honest and yourself. Lastly, I so wish we could have affordable housing and most everything new we build to sustain communities, be beautiful and efficient. We need more beauty in our built world, it would calm things and center things.

[@Love_clouds999]

My father was a logger in Ca. Also a farmer as I grew up in the country. People didn’t understand logging at all. I’m older and remember them tying themselves to trees years ago to ban it. When they worked only certain trees were marked for cutting which opened up into meadows in the spring. They didn’t clear cut. Also for safety always had 2 or more water trucks on site. They also made fire safety lines with bulldozers and cleared out underbrush and dead wood before winter set in. Our mountains were absolutely amazing and so fragrant. Such a misunderstood process.. makes me sad

[@meganfelt3666]

@@Love_clouds999 yea I have sometime felt such a sigh of relief from a wooded are that was jus so crowded, after cutting a few trees out. I was raised by tree huggers.. but in talking with older people and I serving the natural world and experiencing sustainable thoughtful logging, I’ve shifted my understanding of it. Blessings on your father.

[@ingridmenninga]

It's true, there is a tonne of division. But the interesting thing is, we all have so much in common. Often the values are the same or similar...the ways of expressing it are different. I find if I approach it from that perspective, it's easy to understand differences of opinions and see everyone is doing their best in their own way.

[@AM-br4ix]

Watching and listening to this before bed… a beautiful calming to end my day. Thanks for sharing Paola!! Sei propio Bella Ragazza!!

[@Onewildernesswoods]

I loved this video so much! Couldn’t agree more with what you shared and am proud of you for speaking out on your lived experience, fears, and hopes for now and the future.

[@tdecker2937]

You do such a nice job on your videos. They are beautiful, interesting, and soothing!

[@wkejnwelfvnwklnv]

Sending you love, Paula and hope that things will get better in your area as well as everywhere else in the world! Thank you for being such a light during these tough times, even when exploring sadder topics. 💜🙏🤗

[@karenstairs8273]

It shows that you love your community. Shining a light on the needs in our world is heartwarming.

[@whyisnothingenough]

I've found that there are struggles in every location we go to, some much worse than others. My human mind is always searching for the bad stuff and if left unmanaged, I will just dwell on the negative all of the time. Thank you for your content to influence my perspective. 🌞

[@brynnbailey5338]

Your channel is like a balm on a burn. Your creativity, vulnerability and perspective are incredibly grounding and I’ve been finding great comfort in your videos the past few days. Thank you for your work 🙏

[@LaureninGermany]

You mentioned the two reasons I also started doing this- I wanted to help people who might not live in such a beautiful part of the world get a change of scenery during the lockdown, and also because as an singer, I wasn’t allowed to work at that time. So I filmed the beautiful places that I could so easily see and shared them. It really helped me connect to so many people, although not as many as you, of course! But it’s a wonderful feeling to still add a moment of pleasure to somebody’s day. Or as you sometimes say: or night! I always loved to hear that, because I often listen to you at night.

[@phabulouss1]

Me, too! I listen at night after work and I’m in bed winding down; so nurturing as if being read a good nights story before I sleep.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@phabulouss1 and you know she won’t shout what’s up, guys, unnecessarily loudly at the start of the video, just when you are winding down.

[@LaureninGermany]

@@phabulouss1 and you know she won’t shout what’s up, guys, unnecessarily loudly at the start of the video, just when you are winding down.

[@phabulouss1]

@@LaureninGermany Exactly. 🤗

[@ianmurphy9955]

Love it when a video notification appears for CottageFairy. Absolutely needed a boost today. Thank you Paola

[@Gwaycee]

I know that many people no longer have an interest in spiritual things, but prayer still is an undeniable source of calm in an otherwise troubled life. Just you and God talking out the things that worry you. And of course thanking Him for all that you are grateful for. The books we read and the music we listen to also ought to rest the mind rather than create anxiety. This has worked for me, considering I am by nature a very anxious person.

[@mifnp8887]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 Wow! What a nasty, judgmental, and completely erroneous response. You are clearly very troubled. 🙄 God is absolutely interested in all of our prayers, both big and small. Jesus died so that we could have life and life more abundantly. We are taught to simply ASK if we lack anything. He hears us and will answer our prayers. What on earth prompted you to attack her like that?

[@michellebilodeau3882]

He soothes our hearts.

[@Erin_29]

@@mikenoneofyourbusiness7122 not Biblical at all.

[@ninjablueflame6]

Yes, prayer is a source of peace 🙏

[@deniseunterman9652]

Mike, I'm sure you're in big demand for parties and other festive, happy occasions.

[@Lamhan_Scotland]

You are so right in what you say. The Highlands (of Scotland) have a ridiculous situation right now, where young people are being forced away from their communities because there’s not enough housing, nor any affordable housing (rental or to purchase). There is a direct link between AirBnB rentals and lack of housing,especially in places such as Skye. I know a well established business is closing this autumn because they can’t get staff, because there’s nowhere for them to live… I’m older, but I recently wanted to apply for an amazing job but didn’t as there’s nowhere to rent within an hour’s drive of the museum. And we are getting wild fires here too now, which for a very wet region is pretty ridiculous. Thank you for using your platform to speak up on this important issue :-)

[@krisztinahutson2588]

Always so excited for new uploads! 💕

[@floressence11]

it's so priceless how the little things in life matter so much... and how deep wisdom is transported by your beautiful channel in so many ways...

[@rhondatolle4822]

As always, enjoyed this video so much. I am very inspired by the way you live. I more often buy from thrift stores or don’t buy at all. You have helped me connect with nature so much more.

[@radar2ana]

Wow, that’s so good to see you harvesting your herbs, fruits, flowers, and vegetables!!!

[@Budgetmeright]

Appreciate your authenticity ❣️ Take care my friend

[@giirlchan]

I like the way you care for your community and take care of the environment in many ways. Community is so important. I do miss that in the city life. I also like your blouse a lot :) God bless you Paola!

[@ladyjacalyn3668]

I look forward to your videos...... they are very calming.

[@dulciecrystal2042]

Your voice is so soothing and relaxing.

[@Merbella]

It's an important conversation for sure. Affordable housing is a major issue of our time. And lack of resources has effected many more Americans now than in recent history. Hopefully we'll make it through the storm together. 🙏

[@Tribunal1023]

You are a beautiful soul hon. Keep on making your videos and speaking up. The world needs more humans like you.

[@seriouslywhatever1031]

"Today needs to be lived" my new motto!

[@BozkurtAyse]

Your voice and the pace of it is very calming. Thank you and i hope you have a long and healthy life with your loved ones in the future too 💐

[@niknoks6387]

Have a lovely week, I look forward to your next post. We have had wild habitats taken away literally 100m away from our house. They say affordable homes, they are in no way affordable, as you are finding young people can’t afford to buy, sometimes even renting is too expensive. We need to get back to times past, we really are messing our planet up. 😢❤️🇬🇧

[@anthonyourbrother]

Thanks...it is always a pleasure 🙏 It's beautiful to see how she is living the words she speaks and sets the example for her community and many other rural places globally. I am grateful for the cottage fairy and others like her. For many, especially me, they are the catalyst we need to build create and improve upon this paradise we all share. 🙏🌹

[@scrapin4mhe]

I loved this video! It was shared authentically and is a huge issue that should be addressed.

[@paulinemckelvey9001]

This is a wonderful example for others to follow in having the courage to speak up about the need to become conscious and adopt a responsible way of living as we all face planetary disasters. I am in a part of the world where the regional centre has been virtually annihilated by unprecedented floods. A year on it is still a disaster, no one was prepared for floodwaters 6 metres higher than the highest flood in the past, and flood 'refugees' are spread throughout the region, homeless and traumatised. There has been a lot of community action and support but it's not enough to put destroyed lives back together once they've been allowed to be torn apart by decades of denial and inaction about the destruction that has been going on . To quote an expert academic commentator talking on tv about the deliberate policy of allowing housing developments on floodplains "Everything has to change, right now". You can apply that across the board.

[@heatheralvarez1441]

I love that you talk about important subjects like this. It gives so much heart to your content.

[@kathleenroberts7972]

Housing is the same issue everywhere. The rents are sky high. I see multiple generations living together to afford their home. Where you live is just paradise! I also live rural and have evacuated for fires twice and hurricanes many times. This is nature good and bad. Stay positive and wherever you live try and create home. Some cozy little touch that feels like your sanctuary from the world. Peace.

[@mangisty1007]

I needed to hear this one, I get so saddened and overwhelmed with everything going on in the world, from beautiful endangered animals / poachers, to inflation, homeless, fires, drought, etc. I do what I can but sometimes I feel like it doesn’t matter…thank you for your encouraging words 🙏🏼❤

[@keepitonthesunnyside]

I am ALWAYS amazed by the number of comments your channel brings in. It is obvious how much people need and want peace, quiet and solitude. Somewhere along the way, we, as a society, lost our values. We chose materialism and consumerism over peace of mind. People spend and buy because they think “things” will make them happy. Instead, they make themselves increasingly miserable as they enslave themselves with more and more with debt amid rising costs. Yes, Paola, you bring to us great beauty by filming Gods creation and the simple life. It is a proven fact that stuff doesn’t soothe the heart and soul. Only time and reflection give us joy!

[@ernstthalmann4306]

These videos help my mental and physical health. You're a kind gentle soul.