We Don’t Know How to Do Stuff | VLOG

The Farmer’s Table: youtube.com/@The_Farmers_Tabl...
Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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WHERE TO FIND US (Some of the links here are affiliate links. If you purchase through our links we'll receive a small commission but the price remains the same - OR BETTER - for you! Be sure to check for any mentioned discount codes.)
- Our Website: rootsandrefuge.com
- Sign up for our newsletter: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-signup
- Join our Patreon to get early access to podcasts and other information, plus monthly LIVES with me and Miah: / rootsandrefuge
- Abundance+ (Grab a FREE 7-day trial): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-wilder-...
- Shop our Stickers & Shirts: rootsandrefuge.com/yt-shop
- Order my first book, "First Time Gardener": rootsandrefuge.com/yt-ftgbook
- Order my second book, "First Time Homesteader": rootsandrefuge.com/first-time...
- Instagram: roots_and_refuge
- Facebook: / rootsandrefugefarm
- Email Us: [e-mail]
- To drop us a line:
PO Box 4239
Leesville SC 29070
- To have a gift sent to our house from our Amazon wishlist: www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls...
- To support us through PayPal: www.paypal.com/paypalme/jessi...
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
- Squizito Tasting Room (Use code "ROOTS" for 10% off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-squizito
- ButcherBox: rootsandrefuge.com/butcherbox
- Growers Solution: rootsandrefuge.com/growers-so...
- Neptune's Harvest Fertilizer: rootsandrefuge.com/neptunes-h...
#rootsandrefuge

[@cristymenapace2508]

This so hit home…I’ve been working my ass off 8yrs in regenerative farming…finally got the opportunity for land…and it just fell through…passion does cause heartache…its also what gets us back up and moving forward again.❤️ Thank you Jess…this helped…that’s a gift❤️

[@AmandaSmith-qx4co]

Hi jess happy birthday I live in Calgary Alberta Canada

[@unnamed2737]

I feel for you. It’s been 5 years for me, several properties fell through, two were taken from me under the radar by the real estate agent. It sucks.

[@appalachiannana7975]

You my dear are a very wise young lady beyond your years!! Happy Birthday 🎉🎉🎉hope it's so very wonderful!

[@theresekirkpatrick3337]

Happy birthday

[@Minnesotayankee]

Sound like you need to start a KZbin channel. ❤ I’d watch it

[@kmarshall53]

I would add to your words, Jess, to say that it’s never too late! I am 70; my fiancé is 82, we will get married in early Spring, and we plan to be as self-sufficient as possible on his property. We are both gardeners, both have experience with preserving food and cooking from scratch, and using herbal remedies, and more. We are very excited to team up and see what we can do to grow the majority of our food, provide some for our families, and store enough to get us through the winter. You have been such an inspiration and encouragement to me for this journey! ❤

[@susanmcconnell6041]

BEST WISHES AND ABUNDANT BLESSINGS FOR TWILIGHT DREAMS!!! 🥰

[@pathoward5721]

Congratulations, it’s never too late to be happy together ❤❤❤😊

[@jeannenemmyers6580]

Congratulations. We celebrated our 51st anniversary last June. There's always something to do, to learn, and ways to grow, if you rely on each other to be your rock. Jesus is always first, but my husband is second. That's what has worked for us. Wishing you many happy years together and sincere congratulations on your upcoming marriage.

[@daughterofTheLion]

Congratulations! Gives me hope! A widow since 2005, 69 years old, and still believing that there is someone for me.

[@gardenstatesowandsew]

This is awesome and congratulations in advance on your marriage ♥️

[@garyredinger4416]

Jessica, I am 76, my wife 72, we have been trying to tell the younger generation this is how to live , they don’t listen, so we shared your video to Facebook in hopes at least one young person learns from this! You are amazing! Semper Fi

[@kcsunshine2948]

Love this. This is me in my 50’s and how I dream to continue into my seventies and beyond. Blessings to you both.

[@lillie8420]

If this makes you feel any better about it, I am a 15 year old gen z, and I am planning to start up my own garden this year at a much larger scale than I ever have. My dream is to have all the skills necessary when I'm old enough to live out on my own to garden and homestead. Thank you to people like you who promote gardening! Maybe gardening can be made cool again for my generation.

[@pamelameyer5371]

The flip side of "what skills do I need" is " what skills can I teach". You and others have educated and encouraged me to get back into cooking from scratch and canning. If I was 40 years younger, I could totally get into homesteading. My raised beds are my spring and summertime friends.

[@Mama_T_448]

Yes! You're totally right! I think the same 😊

[@helentc]

I was going to write the same thing. What skills can I teach? I have been gardening for 50+ years, but really still learning. I grow a lot though, and process my own food for storage: freezing, drying, but I'm not confident with Canning. I've done a little, but it makes me nervous that I might do it wrong and the food will go bad. Anyhow, yes, teach! as well as learn!

[@susanmcconnell6041]

I was raised on a farm, and we were very poor. If we didnt grow it or raise it, we didnt eat. We didnt have indoor plumbing nor electric, and had a pot belly stove for wood and coal heat, and cooking. We were country, through and through. We learned all the survival skills, as necessities. My Mom passed away last year, at age 91. My Dad passed a month ago today, at nearly 94. I'm over 70 years old, and the second of eight kids. One of my brothers is only 6 years younger than I, but had things much easier than I. He didnt have to work in the gardens or fields as much as I. He didnt have to take care of the livestock as much as I. He didnt have interest in learning those things, either. I was absolutely and totally shocked, aghast, as my siblings were cleaning stuff out of our parents' home. The 'youngers' took it upon themselves to get a dumpster and almost gleefully throw away 100s of jars of my Mom and Dad's home canned foods, and many 100s of empty jars, and many jars of home dehydrated herbs, fruits, and veggies, and a couple freezers full of food. I was so upset!! 'MY' parents scrimped, pinched pennies, and did without, so those younger kids wouldnt have to work so hard on the farm, and THAT is the 'respect' they showed!?!?! I told them that our parents would be so hurt and disappointed in them. I wasnt able to salvage what was destroyed in the dumpster, but I was able to prevent more from being tossed. I loaded stuff for me, got a few of my country neighbors to get stuff, got some more friends to come get stuff, and tried to honor my parents with being a better steward over what they had worked so hard for. It really broke my heart. And I'm the only sibling who seemed bothered by it. I dont think I shall have the same relationship with any of them again. One of them made a disparaging comment about me being 'just like Mom.' Our Mom was a good, God-fearing Christian lady, and my Dad was a minister, whom she helped with everything. If I can be only a fraction of what my Mom was, then that is okay. When I do my veggie garden; when I work in my orchards; when I preserve my harvests; when I play in my flower gardens; when I call my chickens, and collect,their eggs; my Mom and Dad are right there with me. I pray I CAN give them the honor and respect they earned through their hard work on our behalf. I'm grateful that they were my Mom and Dad, and that they taught me so much self reliance. Thank you, Jess, for your message, and forgive me for 'venting' here. I appreciate you! 🥰

[@heavenbound45]

Thanks for sharing your story. It was very moving. I believe many are alone when it comes to biological family. I know I am and have been for 40 years.

[@hitthacienda]

God bless you.

[@Naturegirl55]

Just had a similar experience. God Bless you! God help the "youngins" and open their eyes!🙏

[@tomdixon7264]

What a disheartening thing for your siblings to do. I'm glad you were able to stop the waste and pass things along to others who could make use of them. It really is a sad thing seeing people who should know better just throw things away. I felt bad having to throw stuff away when cleaning out my ex husband's low-income rental, but I was not in a position to be able to take ALL that stuff and clean it up. He also had tons of food that was expired, as he suffered from dementia/anxiety. What a waste, people could have used that food but the food bank doesn't take expired stuff. We did drop off what we could though.

[@camicri4263]

What a shame! They will think diferently when times will get hard and find themselves with not much food and no skills! So unfurtunate, that hard work is not appreciated anymore! People think that they deserve everything, I have news for them, nothing is free and no one will give you stuff for free especialy when times get tough! Blessings! Just forgive them because they don't know what they are doing!

[@home_edventure]

"you are never as stuck as you feel" 😢 Needed that today 🙏

[@betzyperez9114]

Same ❤

[@zannaB60]

Hi again Jess, I think you will like this story. My dad, who grew up on a farm during the Great Depression learned how to Crochet when he was very young, and at home sick. They had nothing, so the medium he crocheted with were strips of rags, the items he was crocheting were rag rugs! He taught me how with the same medium. Rag strips torn from old clothes!

[@juliedalgardno3361]

I must have the sewing interest from my Grandma. She would use the flour sacks that came in calico floral patterns to make my mom's clothes. She also took apart adult jackets to make a children's coat. The beautiful wool from old coats is amazing. I pieced the bleacher seat covers for my grandkids to watch hockey a few years ago. I'm hoping to make some mittens this year. Two of our sons are great crocheters! We call it yarn sports! Blessings to you. Thank you for sharing!

[@karenm5681]

Yarn sports!🤣I love that! I do crocheting and some knitting for my yarn sports. I’ll definitely remember that one.😂🧶

[@kcsunshine2948]

Have some rag rugs made by my great grandmother. I treasure them and it’s on my list of things to learn.

[@brittni827]

Those feathers would make gorgeous earrings

[@carolozbolt5118]

I just love you! I’m 62 and grew up gardening and canning. I’ve always had a huge garden during my 31 years of marriage and raising my 3 girls. We added chickens 4 years ago to our country acre. It was a decision be a homemaker and have less stuff (old cars, ancient couches etc) so we could live on 1 income. I’m feeling very validated and grateful for this life! God bless you and thank you for sharing your passion and story.

[@heatherpowles6746]

Oh, Jess!! How do you always know just what to say. There are so many reasons I watch your videos. You teach me so much. And, who needs a therapist when we have you?? ❤

[@paulahughes6031]

Absolutely beautiful put.👏.

[@FCFMiss91]

Jess, several years ago I was watching Jeopardy and one of the categories was gardening. I was amazed how people could answer all kinds of history, and movies, and literature and music questions, but not one of them could answer a simple gardening question! Sad.

[@mlee7037]

Happy birthday, Jess!🎉 My dad was 47 when I was born. As a child I always wondered why he hoarded food like he did. When I got older and really thought about it, he was born in 1921. He and his family and community struggled through the Depression. Having food security was very important to him. The anniversary of his death was Thursday. He has been gone for 24 years. If he saw my canned and frozen goods right now and all that I cook from scratch, I think he would be so proud of me and my accomplishments. I owe a lot of this to you, Jill, Becky, and Carolyn. Thank you!! You make every day better and have introduced me to so many great KZbinrs. I bless you always. ❤

[@michellewallace3152]

Love this ❤ id love to see you do a "heres the scenario " series on the farmers table with random ingredients or main ingredient substitutions 😊

[@gjsmimi4474]

Yes!!

[@kimbernard9250]

Smiling, because while I don't have a homestead, I do know how to make a rug, and how to cook from scratch (and we do), and how to sew, and... I'm crocheting a beautiful sweater while watching this. I'm right on board with you Jess. I, too, like to help people. In fact I work at our area agency on aging and get the rewarding pleasure of helping people every weekday. Yes, life is challenging and the grocery store prices are stunning in a bad way, but life is good too. All I can say is this. In these challenging times, the key to thriving is: eat as healthily as you are able, stay as physically active as is feasible for your personal ability. Get good rest, and stay socially active in a face to face manner, with friends, loved ones, and your community - neighbors, church, activity centers, etc. They are all key factors in being your healthiest self no matter what your age may be.

[@helentc]

Good advice!

[@fionaworrell4535]

Im pushing 60..when a child we got a toy ,some chocolate a handful of nuts and some pjs. My parents on a good year,got a wooden top or skipping rope and home made socks or mittens. On a bad year they knew they were loved..with no gifts at all.

[@ThirdEyeRose]

This is exactly why I'm here. Gotta learn how to do stuff. We gotta learn to do things ourselves and do them together.

[@Chickanic]

You have no idea the piece of mind you have given me Jess. Finding your channel years ago gave me the inspiration to build my 40x50 garden. Having the infrastructure in place to keep my family fed keeps my mind at ease.

[@lustraveller717]

I'm 68 and my family always had a garden. We would always set aside a day that we would work the garden and plant everything. I would always grow vegetables as my kids grew up. My son recently bought 40 acres up in the California foothills and he and his wife are starting a garden, raising chckens, and living their dream (which has always been my dream, too). I'm so proud that this tradition has been passed down to him and love watching my granddaughters work with them in the garden, help with the chickens, and enjoy the simple things. It makes me proud to teach me granddaughters how to sew, knit, and crochet. I want you to know how much I enjoy your channels and you're sparking a new interest in cooking in me. Thank you!

[@Michellegrows]

Happy birthday, Jess!! 🎉 Elder millennial here. I completely agree with this message. Thankfully, our generation has KZbin and the rest of the internet to help us learn what we weren't taught.

[@sc-dw6gt]

Been with you from the beginning, love you and your family (and your garden) so much! One group you left out of your list of people who are old enough to know how to grow food is those of us who were part of the LAST homesteading movement, of the 1960s and 1970s (I'm 65, growing my own food since 1973, when I created an organic garden for my high school : ). We were enthusiastic, even though (or because) we knew---EVEN THEN---that our work could help prevent the future's mass starvation, climate change, and so on. But surely, we thought, as soon as everyone has heard the facts we have to tell, the world will turn from the crazy course its on right now, and then all will be well---it just makes SENSE! Hmmm . . . now we know how well that turned out. So, your message is as essential as it ever was: learn now. And, to paraphrase what Mother Teresa said, don't wait for leaders, do it yourself, person to person. Thank you for your channel, it is invariably thoughtful, uplifting, and educational.

[@survivor4041]

I also watch Mary. I taught my kids at the age of six how to bake homemade bread with simply flour yeast and water. Couldnt afford sugar. It didnt hurt us for sure. Now I have taught my grand daughters how to bake bread also, when my youngest grand daughter was six she loved baking bread with me. Now she insists on making suppers, ect.. I see her becoming a chef. shes amazing at baking especially

[@Ms.SheriT]

I love Mary Nest. I watch her videos on fermenting. My kitchen is looking like a science lab.

[@kimgoren8895]

After dumpster diving for food the last couple months, I went to buy clearance food and could barely afford it. The things I grew this year helped a bunch. Thanks for the encouragement to keep on keeping on. May your birthday be blessed with as many blessings as you have bestowed upon your viewers.

[@fionaworrell4535]

I'm sorry you are struggling..been there..still there,but determined to overcome..I hope 2024 is kinder to you.

[@susanmcconnell6041]

May Almighty God bless you abundantly in the new year! Hugs, love, and prayers to you!! 🤗🥰🙏

[@mainenanabear9746]

Jess my granddaughter Piper has so many food allergies its unreal,,, milk protein allergy, soy, tree nuts, gluten, eggs, mustand and cinnamon. As a result she had been a failure to thrive baby that ended up developing gastroparesis and now has a G/J tube. she gets an elemental tube feed throughout the night. Now, as a result, my daughter had a garden last summer as I brought her hundreds of plants that i grew in my greenhouse and got her garden in since the baby had spent a month in the hospital. She did great. She also is onto chickens and eggs for her and her husband as well as having the food security of having meat on her land. She may grow up into goats this spring. As a result of all of this, Piper is limited on what she can consume and at this point its infrequent BUT my daughter is exploring canning as I brought her a canner, jars and gaget set up and even the Ball book. Jess, this year foe Christmas I bought her a greenhouse that is 10x26ft. She has her garden tarped and steaked off for spring. She lives in NY and I live in Central Maine about a 7 to 8 hr drive one way. I have turned her onto many youtube content creators YOU were the first one I suggested to her and her friends as a solid resource. I have another granddaughter that also suffers from the milk protein allergies that is 5 yo. Piper is 3yo. You are such an amazing advocate foe your child simply by lifestyle that supports their needs and making it a norm. I have a strick rule when my grandbabies come to visit, we plan for their allergies, we make choices that INCLUDE them, their needs and they dont even know that a food doesnt have an allegen bc I work so hard....holidays, birthdays etc is planned around them. I make special mashed potatoes, and other dishes JUST FOR THEM so their plate looks like everyone elses. I do not want them to feel that their allergies define them because it doesnt. Thank you for sharing about the food allergies....its why I learned how to can and started back gardening. You are amazing and I love you and your amazing content!❤

[@gdaddy2300]

Happy birthday Jess! I’m 63, retired early and recently moved to Tennessee to homestead on 8 acres. Had gardens and chickens growing up in Florida, thanks to great parents. We really really appreciate you!

[@tammykaltreider]

As a sixty something lady that came from a farming background I’m trying my best to teach my grandchildren as we’ve taught our children, the basic of tending the earth. With growing food, animals etc. It needs to be taught from generation to generation y’all. Great job Jess…🤍🥰

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

Thank You for trying to wake up and empower the generations who do not know how to do things.

[@elaineaugustin9189]

Working on bread baking. Adding new skills, I would like to make soap and cheese with my goat milk. We have 3.65 acres in the Ozarks with goats, chickens and a garden. We want to add turkeys next year. I had no animals two years ago and God gave us goats again and chickens! We are older but this keeps us active and moving.

[@kellygreen8255]

Animal, Vegetable,Miracle is one of my all time favorite books!

[@marking-time-gardens]

It is never too late... for all of us who have HAD this dream... and have the skills and experience... we are responsible to pass these skills on... that is how we got them... for those who truly care to learn... give them a fighting chance for a hand up and not just a hand out... you tube is great for teaching and learning but face to face with a caring heart (family or friend) seals the memory. My sleeves are rolled up and my apron is on. Let's do this. ❤

[@marigoldmeadowsfarm7495]

Oh Jess, you are like warm oil on my soul. I enjoy you so very much. I just brought my sweet husband home from the hospital today. What a long long week. I fretted that all my Christmas shopping was now off by a week. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. I’ve made jams all summer, I’ve stashed away nice things all year. I’m good!!! You gave me such a gift of hope!!! I love you so much!!! Blessings, debby

[@lauramcconney9367]

I've been gardening for 65 years and I just discovered how little I know!!!😂 Now that we are facing real food insecurity I am so grateful for both your channels 🙏 ❤😊!!! Bless you both for all you share on how to do things to survive !

[@kristinakahn1924]

Happy🎶 early Birthday🎶!!! You, Cousin Amy, and Daniel blessed me by singing Happy Birthday at the Homestead Festival this year. It was truly one of the most special birthday gifts I have ever received!!! Thank you again!!! Hope your day is filled with love and joy!!! God bless!!! Love your new channel and content!!!

[@mindyskidder]

Jess, I just wanted to say thank you. Many years ago I was in a pretty rough emotional season and I was searching KZbin for encouraging videos. One of those videos was a devotional that you had shared. It was just the encouragement I needed in that moment. As I watched this video, today, a lot of what you said struck a chord with me. Christmas blessings to you & yours!

[@jeannamcgregor9967]

Jess, this is where you are at your best, discussing the big stuff. For me the most important gift from growing as much food as I can in my suburban backyard is the feeling of agency and empowerment I get from cooking, canning, and preserving that harvest. Knowing that I have taken back a lot of control over what my family eats and their health is priceless! 💚

[@mariahjuhl702]

Of all the videos you make, these are one of my favorites. Such an important message. I am you 10 years ago (and I'm 10 years younger almost to the day 😂). Small kids, rental home, lots of limits, but also unabiding hope for the future that my wildest dreams for our little family will come true just as yours did. Everyday is just doing "the next right thing" and never loosing faith while gathering as many skills as I can. ❤

[@serenityhillsfarm1798]

I just had this discussion with my best friend yesterday. She is city and I am country, we have different lifestyles, but we both agree that we need to have the skills to survive. Self sufficiency brings me peace and I love the fact that she wants to learn.

[@user-mv9tq3er5f]

Jess, I'm in your age range. I love your encouraging talk with us! I agree we need to learn as many skills as we can. Which is why I watch you. You have skills that we need to practice. We need to rely on ourselves!

[@LoveGrowLiveFree]

So spot on. My aunt grew up in the Depression. She grew everything. Canned. Sewed. Prepped. (If it's on sale buy 10!) I'm kicking myself now for my younger self's attitude and lack of attention.

[@JoslynG89]

My baby sister and my granny share your birthday Jess! What a special day! Happy early birthday, friend! 🎉❤

[@melinda3196]

Tell them Happy Birthday from me & that's my birthday as well❤❤

[@JoslynG89]

That’s wonderful ❤ Happy Birthday to you!🎉

[@ria9881]

It is so awesome watching the 'likes' pile up while I watch. I didn't like it the second I started watching and I was #776. I am only 13 minutes in and it was posted an hour ago. The likes are up to 830 and the views to over 3200. YOU are so inspiring! God Bless! (I had to adjust the number 3 times in the short time it took to type this because of how quick the numbers rose.)

[@destineemead8604]

Happy early Birthday to you Jess! Hope your day is as amazing as you are! ❤🎉😊

[@permieforlife]

From my welfare days, I still have my one sauce pan with a broken handle and one small scratched up saute pan, which were the only 2 pans I had for a long time. I learned timing, creativity, and what rules to break in cooking. Cooked for 2 kids and myself for years. I pull them out and remember what's possible when you need to. I learned what I can substitute in a recipe, based on what on sale.

[@barbarayorkwoodside3716]

Take a picure of those, print off on a printer the size of a christmas ornament and laminate OR do that, curl up int a tube and put into one of those do-it-yourself ornaments and give to your kids or grand. Label them the Secret to Happiness. Hugs.

[@Liz-og9gc]

When you said "donating plasma" a tear dropped..... Thank you for your 'channel' being so understandable and relateable. So many have become something that does NOT reach the average person, especially the person struggling. I sooo look forward to your video pep talks and it helps me, even though I personally am going through the same. I literally gave plasma to get groceries and also was told I can't give plasma today because my pulse rate was too high!🤦"OF COURSE ITS HIGH"... I AM STRESSED LOL THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR UNDERSTANDING but at least I figure it out and have a warm blanket, a small garden, unlike so many others. ❤

[@theIAMofME]

❤🙏

[@tfisher67]

I love Mary's Nest too! You're still my #1, but Mary is a very good teacher. She goes into great detail and does have a ton of healthy recipes on her channel. My daughter is 30 yrs old and I worry about her lack of knowledge on how to do stuff. I'm hoping my new found love of gardening and cooking will rub off though. Thanks for your compassion and sharing the knowledge. ❤

[@thesimplehobbit]

That sign-off was for me today, Jess... thank you.🤍

[@kathyalden806]

I’m 62 and would have to go back 3 generations to get to family that grew their own food. I’ve been trying to grow a garden for two years. SO much to learn and living in the suburbs my learning is from KZbin and channels like yours. Thank you!

[@dancnluc1]

Happy Birthday! 🎈🎉🎂🎉🎈 Another great message. I grew up were we did not get much. I remember one year we were so poor that we got used toys. I always loved getting my stocking with an orange, nuts, and a candy cane. Just going to my grandparents house was the best. This year I am driving to TN to spend Christmas with most my kids and 2 grandkids. My best gift I can receive is hugs from them.

[@bethlocke9866]

Christmas: My daughter's father-in-law grew up poorer than dirt. He and his siblings often did not receive any gifts. The few old toys they had were cleaned and put under the tree. But there were always several balloons, placed high and low, around the tree!!! It made a spectacular sight! My daughter now puts a few balloons above their tree at Christmas.

[@kathrynklusman680]

Somedays I can actually feel my heartbreak for families today. Ty for sharing.

[@belieftransformation]

Beautiful words of wisdom; thanks for sharing! I’m 71 years & love learning new skills & am trying to share my knowledge of homemaking with the younger generation. I still re-wash ziplock bags until they’re unusable. I was raised by parents who started farming with nothing but their learned skills. I bless you & all 🤗💕🇨🇦

[@joniuptain5509]

I hope you never get tired of doing KZbin Jess! You always make me feel hope. Your humility is inspiring!

[@bjt7897]

"You definitely don't want to milk the bull" ... I feel like that needs to be on a T-shirt!

[@charmainemrtnz]

Or what skill can you teach? Either learn or teach! Happy Birthday Jess!

[@elenao7479]

Thank you for this inspirational talk, Jess! Indeed, let's stop feeling powerless, replaceable and useless. People, let's learn stuff, support our community and get our power back!

[@Naturegirl55]

A beautiful feather, a beautiful Soul, wise beyond your years! 🎂Happy Birthday, Jess! Much love and as always, Thanks so much for sharing yourself with us!💗

[@bethsands7665]

You are the dreamer whose dreams come true through hard work, hard times and sheer-will-power. WE LEARN STEP BY STEP AS WE TRAVEL DOWN THE PATH OF LIFE. I have loved your real- deal homesteading channel since day 1. You are still my favorite Homesteader though I enjoy many.... you are so detailed and real and tell the true story poetically and with grace. Thank you.

[@cryptor3hab300]

You are a beautiful person. Don’t ever change. ❤

[@EndOfPavementCountryGirl-yg3vt]

So very glad for this vlog! I have shared to all my people! Thank you Jess!

[@ElizabethGreco-ux6pr]

Sometimes listening to you speak feels like hanging out with a sister. Makes me feel very happy. ❤

[@gibsonlindseyspaulding7450]

Thank you for continuing to speak hope/inspiration when we feel overwhelmed or stuck!

[@maryabel3176]

Happy Birthday Jess. Thank you for giving your heart out to others.

[@jodieh4739]

We still put oranges in stockings! Ever since reading Little House on the Prairie when they were young I've put an orange in their stocking. They are now 15 to 22 years old. "Turn your waiting room into a classroom" was a total game changer for me several years ago when I found your channel! We have been rebuilding from the ground up for over a decade. Just as we were getting a tiny bit back on our feet the housing market took off and left us in the dust. We are renters, but I grew up on 5 acres and have always wanted to own some land. That one mantra made me stop saying, "We can't because..." and I started saying, "How can we." We now have laying hens, have raised meat birds for two summers, had bees for a bit, and I've grown a garden and sold seedlings for 3 seasons. I've learned SO much and all of that knowledge and practice is so incredibly valuable. I hope we will own land, but even if we don't, I'm doing what I can with what I have. I've been in the place where I can't buy groceries. I've had to live with friends or family because we had absolutely nothing. I've put my kids to bed hungry and that type of thing changes you for life. It feels desperate and I have so much compassion for those who find themselves in that situation, but there is hope! It does take a bit of tenacity like you mentioned, but there are ways to work toward these goals.

[@BLopez-gy5pw]

Jessica Wishing you a happy birthday with your family always by your side.

[@cherri0228]

Thank you jEssica so much for drawing attention to our broken society and encouraging us all to learn to grow to do better be better. I have taken your advice and found it very valuable. I’ve asked for a sewing machine for Christmas so I can learn to sew mend quilt. And I asked for a drill to begin to learn carpentry. I’m watching animal husbandry videos so I am capable to steward my own herd and flock one day. It does so seem so far out of my reach. But I know a guy that can walk on water and he is making all things new in my life. Thank you for being you. God Bless you and your family and all of us followers and fellow travelers. 🙏❤️

[@JeanaAlbert]

I just loved this content! Never too old to learn and something everyone should know how to do. If something happens, you will be more able to do for yourself and others! A gift that keeps on giving! I would teach anyone who needed to know how to cook. You know the saying, ‘Give a man a fish and he will eat for a day. Teach a man how to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.’ and this holds true for all kinds of things. Learn... teach... it's so rewarding! 🤗 Thank you, Jess, for all you do! 💖

[@rebeccah1292]

"Winter has a lot of good ideas that spring time might not find as important." I sure relate to that! 😂❤😊

[@JoslynG89]

I’m so on board, Jess! Three years ago I heard you say “Turn your waiting room into a classroom” and I jumped all in. I’ve learned so much - sourdough, growing food, raising red wigglers for worm castings, collecting and learning how to cook with cast iron, canning, & so much more. Im so grateful to have stumbled across your channel at the start of the pandemic. Y’all taught me how to take control when all seemed uncontrollable and now I’m teaching my family the importance of doing the same. I so thankful to God for you & the Sowards crew! ❤

[@irony11]

Happy Birthday, Jess!!! I hope you have an amazing day doing whatever sparks your fancy. You have a wonderful heart and are blessed almost as much as we are blessed to be able to be inspired & learn from you.

[@bethsands7665]

Yes,.... consumerism is wrecking our holidays and fond memories of time. Commercialism is sad . I like your artistic thoughts .... helping people through these hard times. I love your positivity.... You go girl !!

[@julie-annepineau4022]

Watching how much culture has changed in the last almost 50 years is educational. As mother's lives transitions from home based to work based the time requirements to pass on skills and knowledge just wasn't there anymore. I am part of the transition generation where about half my friends had stay at home Moms and half had working Moms. Very different skill sets to each group. Anyone else notice that? I love scratch cooking now. I was a very broke 20 something and had to learn, but now I know how to make things I enjoy. This month I am learning to knit to add to the skill sets.

[@suerenshaw2728]

The last two Thanksgivings we have done survival training with our family. We are all blessed to have land and animals and gardens. We built fire using flint. Shot guns and arrows. We foraged for eatable food and hand fished.Opened cans without a can opener or a knife. Built shelters and several other things. I think it is good to teach our children how to get by without electricity or modern conveniences. I pray they never have to but it’s always better to have a plan.

[@ericawhitfield9289]

This is totally where you’re your best. Never hesitate to share these messages. This stuff-filled consumeristic world weighs on me with words I can’t muster. This ain’t my home, praise God.

[@joytotheworld2100]

I feel led to take young people under my 64 year old wing and teach them what i know. Starting with my oldest grandson. Thanks for the encouragement

[@justuskirwa6857]

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JESS. May your days be filled with joy , love and laughter. I know it’s not here yet, but had to early.

[@VickiMcCormick-jf5pe]

Thank you so much Jess for sharing your knowledge with us. I could seriously listen to you for hours. I learn from you, thank you for teaching us

[@iexpectmiracles]

Happy birthday on Saturday! My birthday is Monday and I will be 66. 😀My fruit and veggie garden is my meditation spot. My family knows I am in a happy place when I am in it and seeing me happy makes them happy!

[@samoatodd8730]

JESS! HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎉 ….I’M 62YRS old and so needed to hear your words…especially the ones at the end.❤

[@lorranelovill8216]

I love your talks and watching you cook. Your family is living the dream that I always wanted. Thank You Jesse. 🥰

[@maryacquaviva3567]

I loved this whole conversation...I'm 68... Have gardened since in my thirties...raised 2 kids and became a widow at age 47....8 years ago I started raising goats...a year after that sheep....have grown willow for baskets...can sew and just about cook anything. I learned how to milk a goat and make cheese and soap BECAUSE I WANTED TO LEARN . and pass it on to my kids and now my 2 granddaughters....my son thinks I'm nuts...my daughter gets it...the world and our country is changing ..and we need to be prepared....loved your thoughts and conversation! GOD BLESS YOU! and your family....I'm a happy follower!

[@karenmikasko7148]

Happy birthday to you Jess. I hope there are young people watching these vlogs and taking an interest in everything you do. People need to know how to grow things, sew, crochet and knit. How to make candles and fix things. There is so much to learn.

[@sabbaticusfarm]

I've been struggling with being considered a "grinch" for not wanting to participate in the commercialization of Christmas. My heart aches for it to be about Jesus and the gift he didn't have to give us. Thank you for the reminder that though it may be an unpopular opinion, it isn't one I'm alone in. ❤ I truly love giving and receiving gifts and I'm not inherently against that, not to be misunderstood.

[@lindsaymccarty3358]

My husband and I have been pulling away from traditional consumer Christmas as well and turning our focus to Jesus!! Definitely, not a popular opinion but important and worth it. Hugs!!❤

[@upstatemamabear5470]

Great video Jess. I grew up dirt poor too but my parents never made us feel “poor in spirit”. I grew up in a 600 sq foot brick block house that my father fixed up. He grew up on a farm. I got married and had 2 sons and got divorced. I finally moved onto my homestead 2 years ago. I have a lot to learn but I’m moving forward. I have myself a few chickens and a few raised beds Life is good. Keep being the shining example you are for people. And happy birthday!😊

[@peggybrowne6012]

Happy Birthday Jess. So glad you were born!

[@louellen7271]

We recently 'retired' to our 43 acres and added another 20. We have a house to finish. Seven kids are grown and one still at home. After a 6 week bout with a severe case of pneumonia, I am hoping and praying we can stay healthy enough to live this dream. I always enjoy your talks. Thank you for what you do.

[@lillianward1870]

Jess, I just want to say thank you. I've been watching you since 2018 and turning my waiting room into a class room since well before without knowing that was what I was doing. Watching you has been such a comfort to me, I'm excited to watch every video and ones like this feel like you're reaching out and squeezing my hand. Thank you so much for speaking to people's concerns, and spreading the precious gift of hope to me and I know many others. I hope you feel some of it coming back to you from us on your birthday and in this season ❤

[@cloverdo-over2541]

This hits home with me as my father who can fix everything is now 70. I was the "girl" at a time that the closest to getting to learn mechanical things, was the freezing cold nights I held a flashlight in the driveway as he repaired a vehicle so he could get to work the next day. That is a place I've failed myself. I smiled as I listened to this knowing that the last week of January I'm taking a small engine repair class. I am so excited and thankful for that opportunity. It's far from the knowledge I need on this farm, but it's a step in the right direction. Thank you for sharing!

[@limingunicorn]

I swear, you always say exactly what I need to hear when I need to hear it. You're so encouraging. Thank you for being who you are. You are such a blessing!

[@robynmize4713]

KZbin was my classroom during covid shut downs. I watched and learned how to bake bread. I watched and learned how to can or dehydrate foods for my pantry. I watched and learned how to grow herbs and vegetables in buckets and bins. Your lettuce in the bag of potting soil with an inverted clear bin greenhouse was my "gateway" drug (lol). I recall Kitten George in that video and subscribed. You have taught me so much. I thank you and bless you and your family.

[@emmaprophet2881]

My parents grew up in dust bowl western Oklahoma. Many of my earliest memories are being in the garden with my dad. My parents instilled the consciousness of food security in me from birth. Now as I approach retirement I have moved back home to our farm and my goal is to be able as much as possible be independent and self sufficient. I am called a prepper or a homesteader by people, but all I am from my view is a farmer. I sure don’t know everything I would like to know but the little bit I do know, allows me to move forward and gain more skills.

[@deborahmeyer-y4m]

I'm thankful for you, Jess and I love your chats. Blessings.

[@jademorgan4763]

"Anything worth doing, is worth doing poorly at first"

[@missyhorvath235]

Those who love more, feel and suffer more in life. Keep sharing and educating, not everyone has that gift.

[@juliepizzolato1911]

I love when you share the things you're thinking of...Another hit-it-out-of-the-ballpark plain-speak IMPORTANT message that can so easily resonate...❤❤❤❤🌿

[@Thewildbloomgarden]

I love this so very much, I’ve watched you grow from day one. 5years ago we moved to a rental with a huge yard.. I started with containers and kept growing, last year we were forced to move and I have a tiny garden compared but still grow in ground.. this year watching prices grow in food I knew I wanted to grow more food for not only me but my community. We live in a food desert and so I volunteered at a community garden and claimed two plots for this spring where 50% of food will go to two largest food pantries locally and I’ll have my backyard garden. And although it’s not my dream land I feel so much better to be helping my home and community. From there I started a website to help guide and inform my friends and community. There was so many questions I received this spring I knew people wanted to know more.. it’s beyond inspiring to see you Jess grow exponentially with your children and husband by your side. I have a large growing blended family as well and I hope to only reach others around me locally as you reach the world! Thank you

[@juliedalgardno3361]

Both of my parents grew up on very struggling farms. My Dad's Mom died when he was 2 but his Grandma used to say," 'Can't 'is not a word in my vocabulary! I feel very blessed to have learned by watching and working alongside my parents. The garden, preserving, rasing rabbits, sewing, and much more! I know you and many others are here for such a time as this. Happy birthday blessings to you!

[@debbiedempsky8160]

When we got married back in 1980 straight out of college, whenever someone would ask what my furniture style was, I would answer "Early American Garage Sale". My first sofa was $10 from a friend's garage sale. I also bought a 1950's style coffee table and end tables. A big book shelf in our living room was something a neighbor of my in-laws wanted to get rid of. My daughter now has that giant thing in her house. I still use the same kitchen table set I bought in 1986. We still use the same bed we bought in 1981. My dining room has two china cabinets. One I inherited from my Grandma back in 1982 that she bought through the Sears catalog in the mid 1930's. My other china cabinet and table were the set my Mom bought in 1976. My living room furniture was in my Mom's house and I paid big bucks to move it to Texas from Florida after she died. My guest room bed was one my parents had back in the early 70's. Been married 43 years and could easily afford to replace everything in my house with brand new furniture, but why? If it ain't broke, why replace it?

[@accidentalcountrygirl]

I am so grateful for the skills that I was taught by my parents and grandmas. I was able to pass them down, first to my kids and now my grandkids. It is something that no one can take from you once it's learned.

[@hitthacienda]

1985 baby here! My grandparents knew and did all this but did not pass it down. Now, I’m doing stuff they had watched their parents do and they are just blown away. I got my mom on board with growing and canning. It’s feels like we were sabotaged, in a way, but we refused to fail and picked up that batton and kept running.

[@silver_threads]

I see other comments from some of us more, ahem, seasoned ladies and gentlemen. I am so thankful for the abundance of information and instruction out there. May have said this before, but anyway...I am a retired special ed teacher (homeschooler before that), and I had a poster in my classroom that proclaimed, "Today is a great day to learn something new." That is true for everyone, especially me, not just school-aged kiddos. I am so thankful for the skills I've mastered and for the new things on the horizon. Makes life so interesting! Blessings, Marie

[@mollyroloson7849]

I’ve heard your story at least a dozen times and heard you say these things so many times. And Every. Single. Time. I’m inspired to dig deeper into the homesteading lifestyle that I’m becoming so passionate about.