I grew up in the west of Ireland, and we were almost totally self-efficient we had our own milk, butter, eggs, fish, beef, pork, lamb,chicken, we grew our own vegetable, soft fruit and we made our own bread, now when I look back on that childhood I realise how fortunate we were, I live in NYC and I am planning on returning home to the west of Ireland.

In the USA there are people that live in Appalachia (Appalachian mountains). People often call them hillbillies or hillfolk. People came from without to study the Appalachian folk and told them that they were poor. Many of them had no idea they were poor until someone from the outside told them they were. They had everything they needed. Poor is a mindset. I was poor compared to many of the friends and kids I grew up around, but I never felt poor. I had my family, my friends, food in my belly, clothes on my back, roof over my head and plenty of fun to be had, most of which was entirely free.

To my regret I never bothered to learn things from my dad, probably thinking there's plenty of time to learn how to garden, decorate, fix cars etc, unfortunately there wasn't enough time and my dad died far too young. I'd encourage anyone to learn from their elders, they aren't around forever

i have been able to turn my hand to anything i needed or wanted to throughout my life, never out of work and a bit of a jack of all trades with such a variety of employment and self employment over the years, at 50 i was still extremely fit and strong and capable, then i had a work place accident, now i am all but useless physically, my brain still tells me i can do anything, i still dream about all the things i had always planned on doing, but, ultimately, here i am watching other people living there lives and my dreams on youtube, 58 years old and still full of desire, i just no longer have the physical capacity to make those dreams come true, look after your health.

Cat sleeping inside, Moss sleeping outside. 😴 💛

As a swedish speaking Finn, Moomintrolls has been a natural part of my life. Already as a young girl, Snufkin was my idol and he still is

Somebody needs to reach out to the publisher and demand that they pay you to do the voice for the audiobooks. I'd pay good money to hear you read them. Your voice is wonderful.

Your life and channel is an inspiration and a light unto the world 🙏

we moved from Hampshire to Lincolnshire to become smallholders. We now have a home with 3.5 acres. Trouble is, we had a mortgage and both still had to work full time. We decided to sell the smallholding, and with the money we too are going to move to Ireland mortgage free thankfully. We are just waiting to complete, then of course we need permission to travel again! Can't wait...

I am an accountant but never in 3 lifetimes would I ever imagine building a boat on my spare time. I love what you said about the power of self learning that your dad taught you. Thank you! Very inspiring!

I used to be Mumintrollet as a kid then slowly life transformed me into muminmama... My children expect my handbag to hold anything they might ever need. I said; you think I'm some sort of mcGyver? Empty looks... No mama, you are like the mumin Mom ...we know you have it in your handbag!!!....somehow this make them always seem safe....whatever happens mama can fix it ....with something from her handbag🤔😚☺️thankyou as a finnish swede in Stockholm Sweden 🤗👍

The Little house on the Prairie series influenced me throughout my life.

This is without doubt, one of the best KZfaq videos I’ve watched. It’s encouraging me to pursue my life in the unconventional way I need to and to believe in myself... your dads line “ failure is the path to success” or something similar, is just what I needed to hear.

First! I wanted to thank you for inspiring me and my partner to stray from the well-trodden path. We're buying our own plot of land! Very exciting. Thank you again!

I got trapped in an office once. I lasted three days and walked out. The supervisor was very understanding and asked if I’d like to go now or finish the week. I got my coat. Try reading ‘The Ringing Cedars’. It sounds like a grown up version of your book. It’s about a woman called Anastasia who lives in the forest in Russia and lives with the land. It’s translated from Russian and it’s amazing.

What wonderful tributes to your grandfather and father! And you have spoken to more than your younger self, about starting the journey to build a life that makes you happy. I'm a lot older than you (turning 50 this year), but nonetheless, I credit you and some other inspiring KZfaqrs with lighting a fire beneath me, to change my life while I can. I left a 25+ year career in education last Fall, still unemployed, building a little garden in the suburbs and trying to write those novels that have been in my head for 35 years. Happier than I've been in decades. If I ever meet you, I'd like to shake your hand (and Moss's paw) in thanks.

Thanks for posting and sharing. I visited John Seymour when he was living in Wales, and stayed with him and his family on their farm for a week.

James Herriot's books were my introduction to the Yorkshire Dales. I can imagine how wonderful it was for you growing up there.

I recently rediscovered the Moomins after sending a few books to my friend's daughter who loves to read. I'd forgotten how therapeutic and lovely the Moomins are, they've really got life figured out. I'm now trying to re-read as many books from my childhood as I can!

So lovely, that you have grown up with Moomins and you understand the philosophy of them. Regards from Finland 🇫🇮👍

Your kitty has grown so much and is so pretty! 😻

Finally you're back!!!!love from Hungary

First time I came across Seymours book was in my grandparent's tiny cottage amidst countless veggie patches. I was about 13 years old. I read the book cover to cover and have read it countless times since. It was my biggest influence into becoming self sufficient. I've been gardening on tiny patches, balconies and allotments for the past 15 years. This year we are finally taking the leap and getting a house with a big garden and enough land to raise some sheep, chickens and pigs. I feel like I've finally reached my goal. Who cares about career, money and prestige when you can stand in your garden, pulling up carrots for dinner while watching your kids play wild and free?! I love your channel, you are an inspiration right along the likes of Richard Perkins, Charles Dowding or Joel Salatin ❤️

Hi, as a dyslexic The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency is one of the few books that I have read cover to cover! Love the line that says how sensible the Welsh are having a national emblem that you can eat. 😃

I have my Dad's old beaten up copy of Seymour's book! He gave it to me a few years back and I absolutely love it. Invaluable. Happy Saint Patrick's Day Daniel ☘️

Thank you for reminding me that my great love of the outdoors and all things self created and natural gives the most satisfaction.

The hair looks perfect😁

Maybe one of those volunteers would like to come and tend to my backyard garden here in the Netherlands. I'm physically unable to do so anymore.🌹

12:37 - That's where I am at now. In my 20s, having lived in all kinds of shared living because of being a student, and not owning a car. Because I live in Austria, I still get some access to nature every now and then, but living in the city still limits that a lot. I can relate 100% with what you say about the feeling of rediscovering your childhood awe, the feeling of freedom and content-ness when spending a lot of time in nature. It's going to be interesting how it will pan out for me, since I'm almost done with my studies and getting a job will most likely involve living in a city. Especially in these times now, I long for a life close to nature even more. I am also thinking about moving to a different country, in Northern Europe, where nature is always a lot closer (yes, even in Austria it can feel crowded). My passion is not homesteading, but climbing, hiking, sleeping in a tent, which doesn't feed you haha, but I hope I will be able to combine it somehow. Whenever I watch one of your videos, I get this strong itch that I really should try to work towards that somehow. In that way it's almost bitter-sweet watching your videos haha, because I'm not sure how it will work out. Love your videos nonetheless. Don't know if you or anyone will read this comment, but hey, just wanted to get it off my chest :D

This resonated with me. I spend my childhood holidays near a farm (although in France) and befriended the farmer there, spending all my time with him. I had the same freedom as you, freedom that kids don't seem to have nowadays. Long story short, I moved 5 minutes away from that farm on a piece of land where I pretty much do what you do. Garden and keeping animals, chicken and sheep. Oh and I've been following you since the very beginning. And if I can suggest something...I noticed your videos are available in super high quality, up to 4k and I question the necessity of it, as it's mainly you talking and when you consider the energy it takes to cool big data storage facilities. Just a thought...

Currently watching this in my work office. This life is the goal. Keep up the great work!

FYI your grandads gardening may have spoke to you, but you may not realize - the storytelling was also a gift he gave you! ☺️

How interesting..it’s good to just listen..I’m glad that you choose my Country and found what you were looking for..Good luck and many blessings to you.

With such a soothing voice,audio books for children is a perfect extension to your personality.

You would be absolutely great at recording audiobooks, such a great story teller. I love the readers digest book, back to the basics. My best memories growing up were on my my grandparents 80 acre farm with cows and chickens, loved gathering eggs, hunting for kittens in the barn, and exploring. The only time we were not allowed in the pasture with the cows, was when they had calves. Outside of the one bull that went 'nuts', the bulls were gentle, he had herfords.

Thankyou for this peaceful post from Mossy Bottum. You're a credit to your father and grandfather and beautiful Ireland. I was having a restless night but now I think I can finally doze off. 😴

Im so glad I found you! I'm 61 now, and you remind me of my earlier self (don't want to say younger, you will understand). I had that same book! And the same dreams. I did have an extensive homestead finally in my 50s, but in a small town.I built it up like you, with hope and enthusiasm, but found it so hard with all the upkeep, house and garden (them mom with dementia). I was single and it all depended on me. What are your thoughts on singlehood and doing this? Do you get lonely? Do you have plans to find a wife? You are smart to do this now as a single. Relationships can put a wrench in our dreams. Some are lucky to find the right partner. Good you are getting volunteers to help. What are your arrangement with them? Thank you, you lifted me out of my funk today! I'm coming to terms with my introvertedness, creating a life of simple and slo living now in my later life. I have downsized into a wonderful place. I still plant a little, and taking great joy in sunflowers for color, shade and privacy. Love the the thoughts on the crapper! So true. I still have a hard time flushing several times a day, so I dont!

The moomins hehe. I was listening to the description of the books and was expecting the Swiss Family Robinson!

We have Seymour's book, too. Bought it in the eighties when we moved to a cottage in Clare from a housing estate on the east coast. I still use it for inspiration and reference. Thanks for posting your story, it will inspire many.

Oh my... You gave me goosebumps, this video is almost spiritual. And the best: your favourit book is the very same bible that inspred me and my family to life on a smallholding on a finnish island. As always thank you SO much! Rebecca from Åland

The Summer book is one of my favorite books ever. So small, about such a limited space and life and still about everything!

☘🍀 Happy St. Patrick's Day from Canada 🇨🇦☘

Hi Daniel great vid as always.... I have a little bit of money tucked away and am looking for a small plot of land, now debt free this will be one of my dreams coming true 😊🇬🇧

Happy St Patrick’s Day ☘️ 🇮🇪

I consider this kind of lifestyle to be best for everyone

You are amazing. Living your dream. You are a fantastic story teller as well. I admire your lifestyle. Love your farm animals. Your dog is wonderful. Thank you for sharing your life with us viewers. Praise to you from Rhode Island

You delightful philosopher. The Moomins - I really didn't expect that! You explain sanity beautifully. Without competition or arrogance. Well done you.

This segment was just lovely! While I too waited to long for a rural homestead, it has been thrilling to design a urban homestead where having both self-sufficiency and modern conveniences in a smaller town. Thank you for sharing these insights. In my early 20’s I spent three months working on a farm outside of Taos, New Mexico with no running water or electricity and that experience never left my heart. Spirit works in mysterious ways.

Great video. The poem about the composting toilet reminded me of Paul Kingsnorth (author of Confessions of a Recovering Environmentalist) who saw the flushable toilet as somehow symbolic of our modern way of life where we just dispose of stuff, including our own faeces, in a mindless manner. Needless to say he has a composting toilet where he lives in, I think, Galway.

. My parents had a small holding when I was a child...in the 1950s when it was not as fashionable as, it is now... they had a vision of how they wanted our life to be..... It really was the best childhood ever... 🐈🐶🐎🐖🐔🐓🦃🐥🐣🐐🐄

I loved Moomins books as a kid! read them translated to Slovak language ... recently we read them with my children in English translation.... and I very much agree with your sentiment on the story

Thank you. You have further inspired me to start planting some veg on my sunny balcony. I tried last year, but I live in a town centre and rats ate the shoots. This time I will construct cages from heavy duty chicken wire to protect the veg.

Love you and your channel. Inspiring and soothing. Don't hesitate to block the trolls, you don't need the negativity.

Your videos are always excellent, but this one was extraordinary!

Happy Patrick's Day 🍀

I loved the snoozing animals and the ease in to darkness in the background :-)

As always you are a joy to listen to. I’m pleased to tell you my spinach is growing very well (following your recommendation) I’m 62 and have just finished the upcycled veg trough to plant it in. The wood all gathered from neighbours cast offs 😊

Always a pleasure to watch! You are a natural in front of the camera and have a talent for distilling the essential ingredients of a good life!

I could watch and listen to you for hours - so relaxing and very informative.

Your dad sounds just like my dad. He also built a boat in our yard, and musical instruments, and all kinds of things. I definitely learned a lot from that, and it seems you also have.

This video has inspired me so much. I bought the book instantly. I was so glued to it that I could not leave it. All I need now is just the courage to face my fears and live the life that I will like to live. This book is a good value for money. Incredible. Thanks for all you are doing. Simply amazing

I deeply admire your life style and effort to live out your dream. Greetings from Denmark 🙏🏼

Delighted you mentioned woofing ....working on organic farms.....in my 50,s I worked on 2 such farms with my teenage son, in county Clare with an American architect and German wife and then in galway near a lake which specialised in breeding beautiful white goats.....very happy memories as my normal life was investment banking in Dublin. David McCabe Dublin now aged 82.

I grew up reading John Seymour's book! He really had a wealth of knowledge and experience. A true inspiration.

Thank you for this lovely video, sharing your story. Learning skills from family members when you are young is very important and useful to be able to fix and grow things later in life. I loved reading the Moomins for my kids and they have many of the books ane read them for their kids/my grandchildren I live in Reykjavik, Iceland 🇮🇸 and a little over 20 years ago I inherided 5 hectares of rugged land in the country. I had for a long time wantd a place where I could grow trees in our treeless country. Since then I have produced seedlings and small plants from cuttings and planted them in my land. Since we built a nice cabin there my children have loved to stay there with me and mynhusband who lost his health a few years ago and needs lots of attention and care. They are growing potatoes and I grow carrots, swedes and strawberries and some greens. I have watched all your videos. They all go straight to my hearth, your voice seems to have a healing sound. I hope you have a good health but living alone there could be difficult if you get ill, so I wish you and all your animals all the best.

Hello, I’ve been following you for a while but I haven’t seen your videos lately, the last one was when you’ve made the kitchen coop. Hope you have a bless day and hugs to your dog. Take care.

I love how moss gets in on the act even when he's out side and you are indoors 😂😂😂🐶💕

I'm a big fan of the Seymour's books too! I have their big book, but I have three smaller books from them that I like a lot too, The Fat of The Land, I'm a Stranger Here Myself, and one other that I'm forgetting right now. These smaller books are more on the philosophy of homesteading. In I'm a Stranger Here Myself there is a chapter on farming commercially. While having 6 shows was comfortable and profitable for them, committing to a farming plan and increasing all livestock according to government grant mandates, was very stressful for them.

Glad to hear you enjoyed your time in Canada. :)

It’s better late than never I’m so glad I have come across your videos Stay as good as you ARE THE WORLD NEEDS MORE PEOPLE LIKE YOURSELF

This is lovely! Thank you for sharing. 💛

John Seymour was one of my inspirations too. I bought my paperback copy in about 1980, after which we sold up in the city and moved to a labourer’s cottage in a country village 120km from Cape Town. It was a glorious life. Then we moved to New Zealand and did it all again here. Now at nearly 70 my garden is much smaller but I still grow a lot of our food, keep chickens and love it still. We have had our share of volunteers over the years and I hope that in some way we have inspired them. I love. Your videos and your life. Thank you for sharing it 💕

The Yorkshire Dales is a beautiful part of the world and hopefully one day I will be able to move there and create a smallholding for myself. I have the same John Seymour book as yourself and it's an excellent read. Thanks for another inspiring video Mossy - P.S. your calendar is hanging on my kitchen wall :-) Cheers Adam....... Allotment Grow How 🌻🍅🥕

Thanks for sharing all those beautiful stories from your life. I see alot of similarities in my own childhood and its really nice hearing you reminisce and to see how you've been shaped by the experiences you've had. You provide a really wholesome escape with your videos, so thanks Daniel! Hopefully one day I can step out on my own plot of land like you have, but for now I'll just enjoy watching you on yours through these videos 😊 All the best, here's to a bright warm spring!

The Seymore book is a classic! 'Lawrence D. Hills, Organic Gardening' is my gardening bible and Mother Nature my teacher. 😘

Oh BTW, if your search on KZfaq using"Moomin audio book" , you can find Daniel reading Comet in Moominland, from a few years ago. His character voices are most surprising.

What a wonderful video! Thank you so much for sharing.

Beautiful, thoughtful and true. Thank you for the wisdom and memories.

Absolutely lovely videos Daniel, only discovered the channel a couple of days ago and have watched nearly all of them :) I and a group of very good friends have already been planning and studying for the sort of permaculture life you're living, and we haven't bought land yet but will do in the not very distant future, including hopefully an old building to restore, and been studying a lot of self builds as well. So keep up the amazing work, you've got a really warm personality and your videos are brilliant.

Oh wow I loved the moomins 💜 just listening to your voice makes me instantly relax. Love hearing your stories & inspirations 🙏

You are such a lovely, eloquent person. Thank you for the gentle and inspiring videos!

Loved the video so much and the kitten in it. You are a wonderful, inspiring presenter. I get so happy each time there’s a new video. They are always useful but it’s you as a person that most draws me to this site. I cannot wait to see the cottage coming to life.

Love the hair!! The first book that set me on this path was Back To Basics. But The Complete Guide to Self Sufficiency followed pretty quickly.

Thanks for the book rec!! And I love your view out the window. Love the sweet kitty and Moss

I always enjoy your videos and this one was great. Thank you. Finding ourselves can take all roads and I'm glad you found yours and it's a good reminder that no matter who we are, where we live, we can find ourselves. Following our dream is important that is for sure.

Your videos are so inspiring! I also did WWOOF in Canada and loved it. I hope to also be able to live in a similar way as you do one day. Thank you for all the insights into your life!

This was lovely! Your trip down through your past triggered so many memories of my own, especially of the Yorkshire countryside and my granddad. I tried to give my kids the simple life holiday experiences eg living on a farm in Kerry, cycling in a remote part of the Netherlands, walks in the Dales... They are now glued to the internet, like most young adults. I too love the internet but, after 20 years, I'm fully aware of the way it can remove you from real life experience. Can't wait to see you more in 2021. x

Thank you for sharing your thoughts, it's very inspiring ! I do tend to give up easily and I'm not very close to my family but I guess I can learn things by myself or with the help of the other people.

Oh yes! I grew up with the Moomins. There's something very special about the stories. I loved the clouds that come out of the hat! Also, the John Seymour book. I used to read it and dream of having a homestead. I do now. Thank you for your interesting chat about what inspired you.

Thanks very much for the book suggestions daniel. You are a fountain of happiness for all of us.

I loved the story of The Swiss Family Robinson as a kid and an adult. My favorite book about self sufficiency is called The Good Life by Scott and Helen Nearing. They live 90% off of their land and they were vegetarian so they didn't raise animals. They lived to a ripe old age and never went to the doctor

Thank you for your videos. I have that homesteading book, a newer version I purchased 20 years ago. I have some land we purchased when we moved to the heartland of US, wanting to have a country life style. I love growing things, making things, etc. and have taught myself many things. I love being outdoors in my garden and orchard. The property has a lake and we enjoy the wild life that make it their home. It is a lot of work during our short growing season but so worth it. Loved your story.

That you give stories of your father is amazing. To fail at something is not a defeat, that is a great lesson.

A good episode. I especially liked the parts about reaching back to your childhood to discover your authentic self and how those pieces fell together for you. Good info for everyone to think about. Thanks for sharing

Yay I've had ur hair cut looks great . Soon be spring Daniel 🌳🥀🌷

I find myself turning to your videos for inspiration. Thank you Daniel.

You have been such an inspiration for me! Same as you, growing up surrounded by forests and growing vegetables defines you. And I too lost my way, in my twenties I followed what is expected, only to find that office life doesn't work for me. Now trying to find another way, but it's hard. Thank you for sharing your experiences and showing us what is possible 🙏

Ι love the life you’ve chosen, lucky you listened to your inner self. Happy to hear what’s new with you, thankyou. I’ve heard of the moomins but have never read them.

I have the orgional 1975 copy of John Seymour guide to self effiency has the working horse guide and how to make cheese and butter also bread making which I still use today from guide of the book fantastic paperback bit worn but still very useful.

There were so very many messages within this relatively short video that have been literally life-changing for me. Thank you so much for your heart and mind and everything you share with us. Like your father and grandfather before you, you have become a man that many will look up to, learn from, and respect.