True Wealth Isnât Money â Itâs Living Fully
My dad always said, *âYou can tell how poor someone is by the number of dogs they have.â* Well, here we are again with four dogs. Does that make us really poor? Financially, sureâweâre not rich by any means. But if I could live without money, Iâd be perfectly happy.
The truth is, how much money you do or donât have doesnât define your wealth. A rich man can be poor in spirit, unhappy in life, and never truly free. On the other hand, someone with very little money can live a life overflowing with joy, love, and meaning.
For me, real wealth is found in living the life weâve built out here in the desert. We created our land so people from all walks of life can come together, feel safe, and simply be themselves. Itâs a place to laugh, to connect, to meet new friends, and to escape the pressure of the outside world.
That, my friends, is wealth. Not in a bank accountâbut in the heart, in the connections we share, and in the freedom to live authentically.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#LifeOfWealth #DogsOfTikTok #SimpleLiving #DesertLife #TrueRiches
Tag: Minimalist lifestyle
Cleaning Up the Yard & Enjoying Time with Our Furry Kids â A Productive Day in the Desert!
**A Productive and Enjoyable Day in the Desert**
Today was a beautiful dayâperfect for getting things done and spending some quality time outdoors. Before taking Anne to work, we took some time to clean up the yard, making our space a little more organized and refreshing. It always feels good to keep things tidy, especially out here in the desert where the elements can quickly take over.
After the work was done, we made sure to enjoy the day by playing with our furry kids. They always bring so much joy and energy, reminding us to take a break and appreciate the little moments.
Living out here, every day is a balance between work and enjoying the simple things. The weather has been great, and itâs days like these that make life in the desert feel just right.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#DesertLife, #OffGridLiving, #SimpleLife, #RVLiving, #OutdoorLife, #SelfSufficient, #HomesteadLife, #PetLovers, #FurryFriends, #ProductiveDay, #NatureLover, #CountryLiving, #MinimalistLife, #PeacefulLiving, #IndependentLiving
From Victorian Home to Off-Grid Living: Our Journey to Building a Desert Dream in New Mexico!
Our Journey to New Mexico: From a Victorian Home to Building a New Life Off-Grid**
For many years, we lived in a charming but challenging 2,000-square-foot 1880s Victorian house on a large lot in a small town in Minnesota. Alongside our time there, we spent weekends, holidays, and summers at an 8×16 fish house we converted into a cozy cabin while managing the Environmental Education Center. It was a beautiful dual lifestyle, balancing the history of our home with the serenity of cabin life.
### The Turning Point
The Victorian house, though beautiful, required extensive renovations far beyond our budget: a new roof, windows, insulation, rewiring, and more. When the roof began leaking, we explored loans but quickly realized the house’s value wouldn’t support them. Faced with this reality, we made a family decision to let the house go. Instead, we planned to live in the cabin while saving to purchase land near the Environmental Education Center where we could build our dream life.
Then, an unexpected opportunity arose. A friend from a yearly event at the center invited us to stay at her ranch in New Mexico over the winter to help restore it for future events. Before committing, we asked our kids to try online school for one semester. If they didnât like it, they could return to in-person school the following year. They were excited about the adventure and agreed to give it a try.
### Falling in Love with New Mexico
We closed down the center for winter and headed to Ruidoso, New Mexico. Our original plan was temporary: spend the winter working, save money, and return to Minnesota to purchase land. But New Mexico changed everything. The ranchâs rich history (I love history!), mild weather, and stunning landscapes captured our hearts. We started looking for our own piece of land nearbyâsomething affordable, remote, and suitable for hosting events and camping.
Despite initial doubts, we found several options within our budget. One piece stood out: it was close to a major city, had breathtaking views, and offered privacyâperfect for our dreams. The only challenge? It was Christmas, and buying the land would leave us with no money for presents or even gas to return to Minnesota. After discussing it as a family, we decided to take the leap. The kids agreed to forgo Christmas gifts for the opportunity to build our future.
### A Christmas Miracle
Just as we finalized the purchase, a little magic happened. Brent and I decided to have a rare date night at Billy the Kid Casino, where they were offering free play. We registered and learned they were drawing one lucky person to play a giant game of blackjack for a chance to win 500 play credits. My name was called (much to my horrorâIâm shy and terrible at blackjack). But to my surprise, I won!
Not knowing much about slots, I asked Brent to handle the winnings. After a few tries, we hit $400, then $500, and cashed out $900. The next day, we took the kids shopping in Ruidoso for Christmas presents and used the rest for gas money to return to Minnesota, knowing weâd come back to our land in the fall to start our new lives.
### Building Our Dream
This January 3rd marks five years since we bought the land. Looking back, taking that risk was one of the best decisions we ever made. Weâve worked hard to build a life off-grid, creating a space where nature, community, and individuality thrive. It hasnât always been easy, but itâs been deeply rewarding.
### A Note on Education
One of the biggest surprises was how much our kids loved online schooling during this transition. They thrived in the flexible environment, improving from occasional Ds and Fs to consistent As and Bs. Both graduated at the top of their classes, proving that sometimes, stepping outside the norm leads to incredible results.
### Lessons Learned
As we approach this milestone, weâre reminded of the importance of taking risks and trusting in the journey. Whether you call it faith, fate, or the power of nature, sometimes you just have to leap and let life guide you. Weâre excited to see what the future holds and grateful for how far weâve come.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#OffGridLiving #NewMexicoLife #FamilyAdventure #HomesteadingJourney
#TinyHouseLiving #SimplifyYourLife
#VictorianHomeStory #LifeInTheDesert
#SustainableLiving #RuidosoNewMexico
#EducationSuccess #DreamChasers
#BuildingCommunity #RiskAndReward #NatureInspiredLiving
Ka-Hoon Campground: Embracing Desert Life in New Mexicoâs Rugged Winds
Life in the Desert: Facing the Winds at Ka-Hoon Campground
Todayâs desert winds are picking up at nearly 30 mph gusts, reminding us how intense the weather can be in this unique landscape. Here at Ka-Hoon Campground, weâre well-acquainted with the challenges the desert throws our way. One of the harshest aspects of desert living is coping with these relentless winds, especially since we have few natural windbreakers like trees.
The winds can be particularly daunting for newcomers and campers visiting our community. With our wide-open spaces, the wind picks up speed easily, creating conditions that can feel downright fierce. For RV campers and tent campers alike, a strong gust is enough to test the stability of everything, from stakes in the ground to tents and pop-ups.
Weâre preparing to welcome some campers today and are hopeful they wonât face too much difficulty setting up. We always recommend our campers to double-check their setup, secure anything loose, and prepare for gusty days. With a little planning and respect for nature, even the wildest weather can become part of the adventure.
Life here in the desert is a blend of beauty and resilience. From the breathtaking views to the raw power of the wind, every day is a reminder of why we choose this minimalist lifestyle. As we continue to adapt and welcome others into our off-grid desert community, each windy day is just another part of the journey at Ka-Hoon Campground.
http://www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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#KaHoonCampground, #DesertLife, #WindyDays, #DesertCamping, #NewMexicoAdventures, #CampgroundLife, #RuggedLiving, #OutdoorAdventure, #WindyWeather, #RVCamping, #OffGridLiving, #ExploreNewMexico, #NatureChallenges, #CampingCommunity, #EmbraceTheElements
Living Off-Grid in the Desert: Daily Routine & Full Moon Adventure
### A Lazy Day in the Desert: Staying Cool and Getting Work Done
Today is one of those lazy days in the desert. With the sun blazing, we decided to stay in and focus on some much-needed tasks. It’s the perfect opportunity to catch up on work while staying cool.
First on the agenda was updating our website. We created new events on Facebook, ensuring our community is in the loop about upcoming gatherings and activities. Handling paperwork and sending out emails followed, keeping everything organized and on track.
As the day progresses, we look forward to welcoming today’s campers. There’s something special about the anticipation of new arrivals, each bringing their own stories and energy to our off-grid haven. Tonight, we have a live rehearsal scheduled on Clapper, which promises to be a highlight.
And of course, we’re excited to take in tonight’s full moon. There’s nothing quite like the serene beauty of a full moon rising over the desert, casting a magical glow over the landscape. It’s a perfect way to end a productive day, reminding us of the unique beauty and tranquility of off-grid living.
Stay tuned for more updates and events. Until then, we hope you find your own moments of peace and productivity.
Visit our website for more information and join us for an unforgettable experience under the desert skies.
Www.plateauhamedecolquhoun.com
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Sure, here are 20 hashtags for your blog and social media posts:
#NomadLife #Camping #FullMoon #DesertCamping #NatureLovers #GreenLiving #OutdoorAdventures #RVLife #CommunityLiving #DesertSunsets #RemoteLiving #StarGazing #plateauhamedecolquhoun #KaHoonCampground #KaHoonEventCenter
Ka-Hoon Campground and Event Center 