“Life is full of surprises. One moment things seem normal, and the next, everything can change. We don’t get to know what’s coming or how long we have, so waiting for the “right time” can mean missing our chance. That’s why we need to go after what we want with energy and purpose. If life won’t give us guarantees, then we have to make our own path. We have to be bold, take risks, and keep moving forward—because no one else is going to do it for us.”
~ John Rourke
When we talk about preparedness, most of the conversation centers around the physical. We build our food stores, stock up on medical supplies, gather tools, weapons, and ammunition. We make plans, train, and work hard to be ready for whatever crisis might come. And all of that is important—it’s smart, it’s responsible, and it gives us a fighting chance when things fall apart.
But there’s a piece that’s often left out of the conversation: spiritual preparedness.
In a world growing more unstable each day, we often forget that our souls need preparing, too. We might be ready to survive without power, without modern comforts, even without safety. But are we ready to stand firm in faith when everything else crumbles?
I’ll be honest—my walk with the Lord isn’t perfect. I struggle, I stumble, and I sometimes wonder where I fit in all of this. But even in the confusion, I know one thing for sure: God is real, and He hasn’t left us alone. I believe with my whole heart that He sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, to die so that we could have everlasting salvation. That’s not something I take lightly, and it’s not something I want to leave out of my plans.
Because when the world goes dark—and it might—we need more than just candles and canned food. We need hope. We need peace. We need a foundation that cannot be shaken, and that only comes through a relationship with God.
Preparedness without faith is like building a shelter without a roof. It might hold for a while, but when the real storms hit, you’re going to feel the rain.
So I want to encourage everyone reading this: don’t forget God in your preparedness system. Read His Word. Pray. Be honest about your struggles. Get right with Him. It doesn’t mean you have to be perfect—but it does mean you keep going, keep seeking, and keep trusting.
Believe me – I need to take my own advice.
Take care all –
Rourke
Easter is one of the most important days for Christians all over the world. It’s a day full of joy and hope, because it reminds us of a powerful truth—He is risen!
Over 2,000 years ago, Jesus Christ, the Son of God, died on a cross to pay for the sins of the world. He was buried in a tomb, and it seemed like all hope was lost. But on the third day, something incredible happened—Jesus rose from the dead. The tomb was empty. The stone was rolled away. Angels told the women who came to the tomb, “He is not here; He is risen!” (Luke 24:6)
This moment changed everything. Jesus’ resurrection means that death has been defeated. It means that sin no longer has the final word. For all who believe in Him, there is forgiveness, eternal life, and a new beginning.
Easter is a celebration of that victory. It’s not just about springtime, flowers, or family gatherings—though those things are wonderful. It’s a time to remember God’s amazing love for us and the hope we have because of Jesus.
So this Easter, as we say “He is risen!”, let us also remember what that means: Jesus is alive, and because of Him, we can have true life too. That is the heart of Easter, and it’s a reason to celebrate with joy.
Hey – have a wonderful time with your kids, grandkids, etc., hiding eggs and having a great time as we enter Spring. At the same time, remember the true meaning of Easter.
He is risen!
Rourke
Thought I’d share the image below I came across a few days ago that is related to life – including freedom and politics. The reality is we can vote and hope that the results will have some positive impacts on our lives. Government far too often negatively impacts us with regulation, corrupt domestic and international policy, and piss-poor economic policy.
What we largely have control over is our own individual lives. We can impact our communities, our friends, and our families.
Be a positive influence with those around you!
Got the grandkids coming over shortly. Good opportunity to be a positive influence.
Take care all –
Rourke
Recently made this video while doing a little organizing in the survival shed. We all experience struggles and setbacks in life. How we handle them often will dictate – at least partially – the success of the outcome. In general, I’ve been using the phrase – “Just keep moving forward” for several years. In several instances of talking with people going through significant life events the feedback I’ve received has been positive. I also often suggest using prayer – regardless of the religious perspective of whomever I’m talking to. What feedback I’ve received, again, has been positive.
If you are someone who is experiencing struggle in your life. Hey – you’re not alone. Just keep moving forward. Every day, every hour – just keep moving forward.
Take care –
Rourke
Something I’ve noticed for some time is there are so many “experts” on the Internet. Many of these experts have absolutely different opinions on something yet both stage with 100% certainty they are correct and if you think differently, well, you’re an idiot.
One very recent example is related to Trump. President Trump has been in office a short time, and I have already seen many supporters being extremely critical of his moves and stating that they no longer believe in him. It used to be that perfection was not expected of a President – or anyone else. Today it appears that 100% compliance to each individual’s belief system in order to retain support. Trump’s recent moves towards the development of AI and potentially mRNA vaccines have many of his supporters doing backflips. Questioning and suspicion are healthy, however, what I’m seeing is ridiculous.
Another example is related to canning. In numerous canning groups I belong to members are constantly fighting over how long to water bath something, what can be canned and what can’t be, what canning method can be used, and whether to put rings on or not. These can all be healthy discussions, but, that is not what’s happening. These folks are vile, and angry, and state with 100% certainty they are correct and the others are wrong.
It’s nuts.
This is a symptom of a society that has become infected with low morale, low self-esteem, and a lot of stress. People reach out to put others down often in an effort to make themselves feel good. By putting themselves in a situation where they feel superior over someone else they in turn feel elevated and receive a temporary boost in self-esteem.
I only see this getting worse, but, I hope I’m wrong. Wrong? Can’t happen….LOL.
Take care all –
Rourke
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser” default_category_id=”0″ default_product_id=”0″ minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
I published this post on the Sheepdog Concept way back in 2016. Here it is once again. Man, time flies. So much has changed, but, what hasn’t changed is the need for people to stand up and take action when needed.
January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33-degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this woman drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she lay just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.
He saved her life.
This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.
Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.
I’ve had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. I’ve been told I was stupid and ridiculous to possibly put myself in harm’s way. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.
Saturday evening I was walking through Uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it but rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the car-filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kid’s life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.
My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off in a blur. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”
The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.
As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.
JR.
As we wave goodbye to 2024 and enter 2025, we’re filled with excitement and determination for the year ahead. This new year looks to be one of the busiest yet on our homestead! From big plans for the cabin to tackling projects across the property, there’s no shortage of work to be done—and we’re ready to dive in.
Of course – we have to get through this frigid Winter❄ to get started on most of it…..LOL.
2025 will be a hands-on year. We don’t have all the skills we need yet, but, that’s where YouTube and some good old-fashioned trial and error come in. Whether building, repairing, or growing something new, we’re committed to figuring it out one step at a time.
We’re sharing our top 2025 Goals and Homestead Projects. Let’s get started!
This is the year to roll up our sleeves and make the homestead more productive and sustainable. We have some big plans, including:
Adding a second garden to grow even more of our own food.
It’s time to ditch the processed foods and focus on eating the way nature intended. That means more fresh fruits and vegetables, natural meats, and meals cooked from scratch. It’s about nourishing our bodies and minds with the best fuel possible. We made some movements on this in 2024 and need to go much further in 2025.
Physical health is key to being ready for anything. This year, we’re committing to more regular exercise. Whether it’s walking, lifting, hiking, or just working on the property, staying active is non-negotiable. Being fit means being ready for life’s challenges.
One of the lessons of preparedness is the importance of financial resilience. This year, we’ll focus on strengthening our secondary income streams. We are going to add new products to our stores on eBay, Etsy, as well as this website. We also are going to be launching {it’s a secret – coming soon}. Diversifying income is as important as diversifying food stores.
A Final Word
Remember, every small step brings us closer to the life we envision. These goals aren’t just tasks—they’re investments in our future freedom, security, and quality of life. As we tackle these projects, we’ll share our journey and encourage you to do the same.
Although the world continues to get crazier and more unpredictable we plan to make 2025 a year of growth, health, and happiness.
Here’s to a productive and rewarding year ahead. Let’s get after it!
Take care all –
Rourke & Maine Prepper Girl
The last 3 days have been rough as I’ve had a lot of pain.
I had high hopes that after my latest CT scan, the surgeon would go ahead and pull the drain. Unfortunately, I had the CT scan this past Wednesday and heard from the surgeon on Friday and he said everything continues to look better but he wants the drain to be left in for another week. He then told me he wanted me to get another CT scan.
Here’s the thing: Every time I get a CT scan it’s $600. This next one will be 6 scans so far this year. He said he could make the decision on drain removal based on the appearance of the fluid but I told him I wanted to do it right. So I’ll get another CT scan.
As I mentioned it’s been rough the past few days. I’ve had a lot of nerve pain caused by the drain implanted in my side and the tube that continues through it into my body cavity. Pain meds help some. I just want this to be over so I can fully recover and move forward.
Take care all!
Rourke
All of the above is up on my GoFundMe:
https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-keith-medical-bills-no-insurance
I published this post on the Sheepdog Concept way back in 2016. Man, time flies. So much has changed, but, what hasn’t changed is the need for people to stand up and take action when needed.
January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33-degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this woman drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she lay just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.
He saved her life.
This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.
Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.
I’ve had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. I’ve been told I was stupid and ridiculous to possibly put myself in harm’s way. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.
Saturday evening I was walking through Uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it but rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the car-filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kid’s life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.
My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off in a blur. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”
The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.
As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.
JR.
Health Issues: I haven’t said anything but it appears I may have a significant health issue at hand. This Wednesday I’m having an MRI a couple hours south of me. No health insurance but doing the best I can. A few months ago I began to have severe abdominal pain after doing plumbing work in the cabin. It went away fairly quickly, however, I feel fairly full after eating or drinking very little. I self-diagnosed and then went to see a doctor who confirmed that I had an enlarged spleen. A CT scan confirmed and now an MRI will provide more information as to whether or not surgery is needed. It appears that while doing the plumbing work I injured the spleen leaning over counters and wood-edges.
At this point all I can say is this sucks.
I have no health insurance as my current job told me they would provide it but it never happened. I’ve been doing better over the past several weeks and well – we’ll see what the MRI says.
I believe in God. I believe in the power of prayer. I also believe that whatever is going to happen will happen.
I’d appreciate any prayers that you may be willing to bring forth.
At 54 and having lived a life where fitness was a big goal it’s extremely frustrating to find myself in this situation. Beyond frustrating, really.
You know what I worry about the most? Who will look after those I love when I’m gone? That’s all I care about.
I wish Arlene and JBernDrApt were still around to lend their advice.
Thanks.
Today is my late father’s birthday. For some reason, I felt it fitting to publish this once again for those who may have missed it – or need to read it again. I’ve read this poem from the movie Act of Valor numerous times. It affects me. It gets me thinking in ways I’d rather not most of the time. It moves me in ways I cannot share as I cannot comprehend and put into words.
Read these words and let them saturate your soul…….
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
~Tecumseh
Recently I shared the video below across numerous social media sites as both a call to come visit this website, as well as to share a few experiences here on the property. I plan to do more of this specifically for you folks. This I should have done already.
I think it turned out pretty good.
Take care.
Rourke
View this post on Instagram
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser” default_category_id=”0″ default_product_id=”0″ minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
My grandson spent some time over at the cabin helping “Pop” with a few things around the property. On this day we put up a couple of driveway alarms. So far I’ve had a heck of a time getting them to work. I guess I should read the owner’s manual and instructions….LOL. I think there are some adjustments I need to make.
Regardless – I so enjoy my grandson spending time with me out on the property. In today’s world where kids have their noses stuck in front of the TV, or looking at a phone having them enjoy the outdoors so much is awesome.
Here’s an Instagram post I published a bit ago…..
View this post on Instagram
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser” default_category_id=”0″ default_product_id=”0″ minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
Several years ago I discovered my uncle “Jack” had passed away. It’s amazing how time passes and you find that time should have been spent doing things that you simply did not do – like spending time with family. John Tweedie was the husband of my father’s sister.
Horse Shoe ~ John Tweedie, 85, died Friday, October 22, 2010 at his residence in Horseshoe, NC.
John “Jack” was born in Boston, MA on November 15, 1925 and was the son of the late John Malden Tweedie and Helen Jane Sawyer Tweedie. He was husband of 63 years to the late Madeline Wilkins who was his childhood sweetheart.
Mr. Tweedie was a Navy Radarman, second class entering at the age of 17 in January 11 of 1943 until February 17, 1946. He received the Purple Heart Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the American Theater Medal, the European/African Theater Medal-3 stars, the Asiatic/Pacific Theatre Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. He served on the DE 426 Landsdale in Oran, Algiers. His ship was torpedoed by heavy German fighter action and was sunk. Most of the crew escaped. Jack was the last survivor off. All floated in oil-soaked water for four hours. Jack had given up his life preserver to another shipmate who was a poor swimmer. After their rescue, he was transferred to the Pacific, serving on the USS Mayo which was present during the signing of the Japan surrender ceremony.
I remember hearing stories of the sinking of his ship and being in the water. Concerns about sharks were mentioned and filled my imagination as a child. He – among several other adult men in my family – provided me fine examples to look up to.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – – – > I’ll throw my vote in that the Chuck Norris movie Lone Wolf Mcquade is the best movie ever made. Yeah – it’s full of masculinity and loads of testosterone. Yup – and I think it’s that same stuff that won two world wars and the lack thereof that lost Vietnam and Afghanistan(damn politicians!!).
Color me reactionary but I tend to look at things as fairly black and white, hot and cold, on and off. Either the equation adds up or it doesn’t.
Lone Wolf Mcquade has Chuck Norris doing the right things against the wrong people without taking into consideration what race they are, how it might affect the climate, and whether or not celebrities will have a favorable opinion on it.
Chuck was able to bed Barbara Carrera and kick David Carradine’s ass simultaneously. He’s my hero and to me – – – this movie represented freedom and the RIGHT way of looking at things.
Maybe I’m just nuts.
Rourke
BTW – This movie is available in the member-only download section.
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser” default_category_id=”0″ default_product_id=”0″ minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
In this week’s edition of “Recommended Video,” we feature a short video in the motivational genre. JOCKO WILLINK is a decorated retired Navy SEAL officer, author of the book Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win, and co-founder of Echelon Front, where he is a leadership instructor, speaker, and executive coach. Jocko spent 20 years in the U.S. Navy SEAL Teams, starting as an enlisted SEAL and rising through the ranks to become a SEAL officer. As commander of SEAL Team Three’s Task Unit Bruiser during the battle of Ramadi, he orchestrated SEAL operations that helped the “Ready First” Brigade of the US Army’s First Armored Division bring stability to the violent, war-torn city. Task Unit Bruiser became the most highly decorated Special Operations Unit of the Iraq War. Jocko returned from Iraq to serve as Officer-in-Charge of training for all West Coast SEAL Teams. There, he spearheaded the development of leadership training and personally instructed and mentored the next generation of SEAL leaders who have continued to perform with great success on the battlefield.
I’ve grown to be a huge fan of Jocko and especially like his motivational videos. Below is one of my favorites and if you need a boost to get moving forward toward your goals – give this one below a shot:
No commentary. No explanation.
It speaks for itself…….
I published this post on the Sheepdog Concept way back in 2016. Man, time flies. So much has changed, but, what hasn’t changed is the need for people to stand up and take action when needed.
January 13th, 1982: Air Florida Flight 90 crashed into the Potomac River. Only six of the 74 passengers survived the crash and ended up in the icy water. While a helicopter was able to come in and snatch four of the 6 passengers one disappeared under the water while another – Priscilla Tirado – helplessly struggled in the 33-degree water. Unable to hold on to the rope lowered by the helicopter she began to drown. A bystander who witnessed the crash while he was walking home could not take it any longer. He could not stand there and watch this woman drown. He removed his coat and jumped in the water. He swam over to her as she lay just under the water, grabbed her – and pulled her to the bank.
He saved her life.
This is the epitome of the Sheepdog.
Not everyone can jump into action and put themselves into harm’s way. Not everyone can be a Sheepdog. Can it be learned or developed? Probably. People are just wired in different ways.
I’ve had several situations where things were happening nearby and I could not just sit back and not get involved. Sometimes it was preventing someone from getting hurt. Sometimes it was standing up for someone. Sometimes it was helping someone who was already hurt. I’ve been told I was stupid and ridiculous to possibly put myself in harm’s way. Risk evaluation has to be done but sometimes there just isn’t any time.
Saturday evening I was walking through Uptown Charlotte, NC with a friend. Walking down the sidewalk along the busy street I came towards a metal bench. I wasn’t looking at it but rather just walking with my friend talking. In an instant, I saw a child run around from the front of the bench to the back of it and then straight towards the car-filled street. I didn’t think about it I just moved. I ran and grabbed the kid – about 2 years old – just inches from the street. Did I save the kid’s life? I don’t know. The father noticed the kid as well and put his hand out in front of the child right at the same time I got to him.
My heart was pounding in my chest. My buddy said he didn’t see anything and just saw me take off in a blur. Some big, muscular guy said his heart was racing because he thought the kid was going to get hit. I almost said it but didn’t – “Why did you just stand there?”
The answer to that question is not everyone reacts the same nor has the capability to react the same.
As for me – I will continue to mind my own business until it’s time NOT to mind my own business.
JR.
I’ve read this poem from the movie Act of Valor numerous times. It affects me. It gets me thinking in ways I’d rather not most of the time. It moves me in ways I cannot share as I cannot comprehend and put into words.
Read these words and let them saturate your soul…….
So live your life that the fear of death can never enter your heart. Trouble no one about their religion; respect others in their view, and demand that they respect yours. Love your life, perfect your life, beautify all things in your life. Seek to make your life long and its purpose in the service of your people. Prepare a noble death song for the day when you go over the great divide.
Always give a word or a sign of salute when meeting or passing a friend, even a stranger, when in a lonely place. Show respect to all people and grovel to none.
When you arise in the morning give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself. Abuse no one and no thing, for abuse turns the wise ones to fools and robs the spirit of its vision.
When it comes your time to die, be not like those whose hearts are filled with the fear of death, so that when their time comes they weep and pray for a little more time to live their lives over again in a different way. Sing your death song and die like a hero going home.
~Tecumseh
Spent some time with my grandson in the garden. Kid is always wanting to be outside and help his “Pop”. I’ve been working in the garden and took the opportunity to get him involved.
Here’s a little clip…….
Figured I’d give an update on life in the cabin. In case you missed it – I moved to Maine a couple weeks ago and Maine Prepper Girl and I bought a house – and moved in last Wednesday. It’s certainly been eventful, to say the least. We are thrilled to find our “forever home” and it meets many of the criteria we were looking for. Low population density(1050 people in the town). We have 5 acres which was pretty much our minimum. A garage for storage and misc activities. We are within 30 minutes of our jobs. Neighbors can’t be seen from our house. CHECK!!
Woodstove in action…..
The cabin was used as a hunting camp by the previous owner. He and his hunting buddies would come up to the cabin from Massachusetts and hunt, fish – and tell tall tales of adventure and stories of conquering. The owner, unfortunately, passed away some months ago. His children decided to sell the property. After viewing the property a few times and back-and-forth negotiations – MPG came out on top!
We were very fortunate that the owners decided to sell the house completely furnished.
The weather has not been cooperative. Temps have dipped down below zero and we have had several snowfalls – and ice. Trying to load up stuff in the truck to take 20 or so miles – and unload in these frigid temps with the wind blowing is well below ideal. Regardless – getting it done as free time provides.
So glad I have a 4×4 with the Wrangler Duratrac tires
Last night I walked outside in the crisp, chilled air and looked up at the night sky. I have not seen the stars that bright in years. The lack of light pollution from nearby businesses and cities really made the sky stand out.
The backyard…….
A lot of projects are planned. While we still have a ton of stuff to move and organization to do…..things are taking shape. I’m so looking forward to the Spring thaw when a garden comes within sight. I have a lot of cleaning and modifications to do in the garage. So many preps to put away. Solar systems and security cameras are planned. Generators must be installed as well as driveway alarms.
FUN!!
There’s a small update.
More to come!
Take care all –
Rourke
A few thoughts on life, career, and being happy. I’m currently at a crossroads with my job, career, and where the rest of my life will be lived. Plans are set and I’m not ready to announce yet but I will say it will be interesting.
Here’s the video. Enjoy!
Take care all –
Rourke
[ecwid_product id=”409414550″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”421553533″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – – – > I’ll throw my vote in that the Chuck Norris movie Lone Wolf Mcquade is the best movie ever made. Yeah – it’s full of masculinity and loads of testosterone. Yup – and I think it’s that same stuff that won two world wars and the lack thereof that lost Vietnam and Afghanistan(damn politicians!!).
Color me reactionary but I tend to look at things as fairly black and white, hot and cold, on and off. Either the equation adds up or it doesn’t.
Lone Wolf Mcquade has Chuck Norris doing the right things against the wrong people without taking into consideration what race they are, how it might affect the climate, and whether or not celebrities will have a favorable opinion on it.
Chuck was able to bed Barbara Carrera and kick David Carradienes ass at the same time. He’s my hero and to me – – – this movie represented freedom and the RIGHT way of looking at things.
Maybe I’m just nuts.
Rourke
PS – BTW – This movie is available in the member-only download section.
Adventure = Hunting. Fishing. Hiking. Shooting. Weightlifting. Traveling. Watching a good movie.
There are many perspectives when it comes to adventure. What is fun, exciting, and makes someone truly feel alive to one person may be mundane and boring to someone else. That is ok! We are on this planet for a limited amount of time and live only one life – let’s make the most of it.
Remember growing up as a child and on a daily basis, adventure was around every corner? You could just sit and watch cartoons and just get lost in your imagination. Whether playing in your room or running outside the only limitation to the possibilities was your mind.
Remember being in high school and hanging out with your friends on the weekend? You would get together and just feel tremendously alive in pursuit of fun and adventure – and the opposite sex.
Why has it changed?
Society has evolved to create a pre-determined template for each and every one of us to follow – and it is not exciting nor very fulfilling. People fit within these templates and often have no idea what has happened.
The video below from the movie City Slickers is an excellent example of this pre-determined life template that so many of us have been bound to. To set the stage: Billy Crystal has come into his son’s classroom on career day to describe what he does for a living……
What he said is accurate but it doesn’t have to be. You can get out from under the umbrella of mediocrity and blandness by waking up and taking action. As stated adventure is a matter of perspective.
Answer these questions(seriously – get a piece of paper and write the answers down):
When you really put some thought into those questions and the answers you may just find the key to living a more fulfilling life – through adventure! The human spirit was never intended to work a 9-5 job, sit at home and watch TV, and bicker with the spouse. No – God made humans to have incredible imaginations and conceptualize.
Here’s a quick video clip of a few insights into my life…..
Look at the answers to those questions and make a change today. Recapture the vigor, the excitement, and the adventure that you had in your youth. Make a decision to get out from the rut which you may be living in and live the life you were meant to live. This doesn’t have to involve tons of money. It requires your commitment.
What to do now?
Get out a calendar and a piece of paper. Write down 5 things you want to do. These things should include your friends, your family, and some just by yourself. Write down on the calendar when you will do them. Go hiking this Friday. The third week of next month go out on a date night with your spouse. On the 23rd go to the range with your neighbor who has an interest in shooting. Just make it happen.
Go watch the video above again. Don’t end up being another zombie of society. Make a decision. Make a commitment to yourself. Make the change…..now.
Throughout the pages of 1776PatriotUSA.com adventure – at least from my perspective – will be featured often. After all, I want to live an exciting, fulfilled life just like you.
Take care!
JR
A Few Pictures From My Own Adventures
[slideshow_deploy id=’165′]
I provide some insights into full-time camper living and other aspects of our lives on Instagram and a couple of other social media platforms. It’s a great way to connect with like-minded folks and hopefully pull them over here to 1776PatriotUSA.com. Thought I would share some of this with you here.
These types of posts on many social media platforms are very short in nature. Keep that in mind.
Enjoy!!
Here are a few pictures……
[slideshow_deploy id=’19245′]
That’s it!
Have a good week everyone!
[ecwid_product id=”381953032″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″][ecwid_product id=”386591953″ display=”picture title price options addtobag” version=”2″ show_border=”1″ show_price_on_button=”1″ center_align=”0″]
Over the last few months, I’ve been a bit on the “philosophical” side. My father passed away at 64 – just 12 years from my current age. I’ve thought about what I want, what I need, and what I should do to make myself happy. Happy. Is that what’s most important? Probably not. Handling your responsibilities is not only morale but just.
I’ve struggled over the past several weeks to decide between what most people would do in that they would stick to a job they hate versus a life they MIGHT love and relish in. Money isn’t everything, right? We only live one life, right? Isn’t the beauty and freedom we feel in the one life we live most important?
Conflicted.
Sorry for the confusing words and potentially conflicting thoughts.
Take care all.
OK, I’m going to go contemplate life and the direction to move towards(with Maine Prepper Girl).
Rourke
[ecwid widgets=”productbrowser” default_category_id=”0″ default_product_id=”0″ minicart_layout=”MiniAttachToProductBrowser”]
So, I’ve really been struggling in a lot of ways over the past few months and the lack of working out consistently plays a big part. I set my alarm last night, got up this morning at 4:00AM, and went to the gym. Not the best workout but better than laying in bed. It’s a start. Tomorrow is another day and I’ll do it again(that’s the plan).
If you look at life as a puzzle with a lot of pieces – this getting up and starting the day right may end up part of my own personal puzzle.
Have a great day everyone.
Rourke
Life is full of struggles. It doesn’t matter how much money you make, how you were raised, or how smart you are. Shit happens. People make decisions that often seem right at the time but find out at some point later end up being wrong. Good times often lead to bad times and love often turns to……not love.
We are human. We are imperfect. I think mostly we do the best we can and sometimes simply screw up not meaning to hurt ourselves or those we care about – but do. It sucks. One thing I hope for those that end up hurt – or at least not understanding is realizing they are the same and also are imperfect, make good and bad decisions, and screw up sometimes negatively affecting those they care about.
One thing I’ve learned is REGRET is pointless and a complete waste of time. While recognizing mistakes can be a learning experience, focusing on the past is an effort in futility. You cannot change the past no matter how hard you try. What you have is RIGHT NOW and tomorrow and the rest of your life.
So, forget what has happened and take advantage of RIGHT NOW and kick some ass to make your future the best it can be.
I know I am.
You?
Rourke
