A couple of months ago on a cold late spring day a random letter from the Star Tribune- the preminant news publication of Minnesota- appeared at our waters edge mail box.
At first I thought that "they must be getting desperate for subscriptions soliciting the likes of us way up here in the bush". We opened it nonetheless. The letter began "I don't mean to ambush you but..." Typically that would have be enough- mail with that kind of lead would quickly find a home in the confines of a cast iron inferno. However this particular correspondence caught our attention. We read on. It turned out that a reputable journalist wanted to interview our family in attempt to gain a perspective of what it is like for a young family to "live the dream" and homestead the North Shore.
At first we were reluctant. This is hardly within our realm of comfort. We are not the type to air our personal business- especially to such a large publication. We went back and forth contemplating whether to accept the offer.
In the end we decided to agree to the interview. We felt that there was a story to be told. In the age of 24 hour news cycles, air conditioners and video games there is also the age-old dream of living the "simple life". A life where the news of the dinner table is what has flowered, which new wild game track appeared on the trail overnight, or what lake hasn't been paddled and fished for a while.
So we met for an afternoon with the journalist and had a fine discussion. While we knew that there is no way for one to completely grasp our principles, intention, and true meaning we appreciate the article as a testimony to the trials and tribulations of a lifestyle that has somehow been largely forgotten. We are fortunate to attempt to live this dream of ours.
Nice article.
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