Every morning, as the sun clears the treetops and casts its first rays on the roof of the cabin, Smudge and I hang out at the picnic table. Often I’ll use those moments to look around, to take stock.
To my left, cabin and camper dominate the scene.
I take in what is, but I also imagine what will be. I tend to mentally “crop out” the fifth-wheel.
Yesterday, the gleaming woodstove chimney reminded me that soon I’ll have sweeping to do.
Closer to where I sat was the firewood rack I built, which ended last season half-full. I’ll top that off, split a supply of kindling and put the winter’s store of cordwood in order down below.
A bit later, the Heeler and I walked down to the shed.
This is, without a doubt, the perfect setting. It’s picturesque, always shaded and in just the right spot to be convenient.
Leaning against a mature cedar next to the shed’s west wall are my wheelbarrow, utility cart and cargo sled.
Those will see duty again come fall, to bring wood I’ve already processed to the cabin, and to harvest what’ll heat my home the following winter, and the next.
It doesn’t matter where I look, I see the results of my labor, my sweat, my love of this life on The Mountain. My work built the bridge between dream and reality.
And I know it could be all for nothing.
All for nothing.
By now you’ve noticed that potential futility doesn’t dictate what I do here. I keep moving, working, building. I’m totally committed to this life, in this place.
I can’t live for a day that may or may not come. For me, it’ll never be all for nothing — here and now, it’s all or nothing.
Take care of yourselves, Patriots. Stay calm. Stay sharp. Stay free.
#WiseUp #LibertyOrDeath #Ungovernable