Tiny House Furniture, Gratitude, Perspective and Perseverance, Log Cabin Life, Braised Lamb Shanks
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- čas přidán 19. 04. 2018
- Using materials from the forest that I've stockpiled for furniture, I build a log chair for the tiny house, the first of two. In my self reflections near the end of the video, I speak about gratitude, perspective and perseverance and how they have helped me to overcome challenges in my life.
Tiny house furniture is usually smaller and often multi-functional, but this log chair is not. My wife wanted a chair she could curl up in in front of the fire, so it had to be about 24 inches wide to fit the cheap pillows that she bought for the two wood chairs. My chair will be smaller and dual purpose - to sit facing the fire, but also to turn sideways to work at my corner desk when editing videos on my computer.
As usual, Cali, our golden retriever, is at my side while I'm building the furniture, either demanding my attention, entertaining herself or watching me intently, waiting for any indication that I'm done working at ready to play. She loves the outdoors and often chooses to lay on the front porch in the snow while she sleeps or watches for wildlife to chase.
The dog follows me around as I collect the balsam fir logs I cut down last March. The weather turns cold and snow, so I spend half of the time debarking the logs inside beside the fire in the wood stove. When it turns sunny and warmer the next day, I am able to work on the sawhorses on the front porch, using my hand tools to carve tenons on the logs. I use a two and a half inch hand auger to drill mortices in the legs and back supports. The logs are 3 to 4 inches in diameter and I drill one and half inch holes to accommodate the tenons. This is a very traditional way of making chairs, but this is the first chair I have ever made. Now that I have a better understanding of how to do it, I'll make the second chair for in front of the fire and then I'll turn my attention to the dining chairs or stools in the kitchen. I want to use smaller diameter logs, probably maple from the forest around the cabin. I don't have a lather, but I can hand carve the wood legs and use an adze to carve a comfortable wood seat.
At the end of the video, I talk again about how I was personally seven hundred fifty thousand dollars in debt and how I had to change my perspective to keep motivated to get back out of debt. I talk about gratitude, accepting my role in my failures and being grateful for the positive things I still had in my life. Perspective was the result of gratitude, realizing that life always has challenges, life sucks generally, but by accepting that and being grateful for the good times, people and things in my life, life is not only worth living, but worth living fully. Perseverance is how I made it through the most challenging events in my life, including several years in court defending myself and family against relentless creditors who threatened to take my house and sue my parents for all of their equity in their home since they guaranteed my home and mortgage. It was a rough time on the family, but I absolved my family members of the burden, taking it all on myself, and persevered until I was successful. Today, I'm not only out of debt, I'm financially secure, happy and healthy and I plan to stay this way - hence the cabin life.
The meal, I almost forgot! Braised lamb shanks. My wife made lamb on the stove in a cast iron crock pot. Wait until you see this. Even if you don't normally like lamb shanks, I guarantee you would like these!
To see what I’m up to during the rest of the week, please follow me on my other online channels;
Website: myselfreliance.com/
Facebook - / myselfreliance
Instagram - / myselfreliance
My Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 20042
Barrie, Ontario
L4M 6E9
Canada
Reading the comments every Friday is something I look forward to all week. The stories you share and positive community vibe here inspires me to keep going. So, THANK YOU!! Have a great weekend everyone 🙂
My Self Reliance
ENJOY YOURS AS WELL SHAWN 👍🏽....
Great chair.. amazing what you can do.I ponder what you think about as you work on the different projects. Hi to Mrs Shawn!,pats to Cali.
My Self Reliance well said Sir
Hello to your wife too. Would like to have more of you in the videos! Cali is a beautiful companion and dog. Love all your adventures you share with us.
Can you make or do Turkish subtitles as turkish subscriptions because the subtitles do not translate very smoothly and we want dublaç hopefully you will consider this interpretation
Forget social media and materialistic things. This is the life. True happiness
That pup is the best companion ever.
this could be listed as a cooking show, home improvement , dog show , reality show , but it is just a wonderful way of life thanks for sharing it
I'm Korean. Your video has become a routine for me. Canadian beauty and natural life give me peace of mind. Thank you
That look on your face after toasting your wife sitting down to a lamb shank dinner - priceless!
I never normally comment on any videos but I have been watching your channel for a while and although you probably get sick of hearing it I am going to say it anyways. You have been an incredible source of inspiration for me. As a man who works 16 hour days in order to start my life and eventually one day feel comfortable enough to settle back, purchase some land and have a cabin of my own just tuning into your program every week makes me see the possibilities of where my dream could be one day. Sitting up in your own hand made home with your wife eating a home cooked meal with your dog and the peaceful environment you've chosen. I don't see how anything else could top that. Keep it up man. i appreciate you.
Oh yeah! I 2nd that!!
Who would think that a guy living in the natural wilderness, building a log cabin and a remote life could reach out to so many others with entertaining and meaningful content about life and the ways to make it fulfilling and enjoyable? Far from your wilderness lifestyle, mine is right in the middle of the opposite, running a 27-year-old national consulting business based in metropolitan mayhem, replete with the things that could tear one apart. Whether in a forest or the heart of a metropolis, it's what one does that counts, and one's outlook totally controls that. You are an absolute master at simply describing that. Familiar with media, I see your production values exude a total attention to detail and your skills as a videographer and story teller - reflecting your philosophy. Your format is genius. Many among your 349,000 subscribers might value you as one who might help with their issues, but for thousands more, you stand as an example of just what having core values, a positive and yet humble outlook can be - and that serves as a confirmation they have been on the right track, all along. I don't know how I happened to stumble upon your work, perhaps it was the curiosity of an internet marketing professional, but each Friday afternoon I spend with you and Cali, I am more thankful that I did. Thanks for your outstanding series.
Well put, William Thompson! Thank you.
nicest person on t,v
Haer, hear! Well said!
You're so right Shawn. I also learned not to surround myself with negative people who tend to put you down and try each day to learn something new. Being an 85 year old craft person that's easy. Cheers!
Love Cali !
Cali is such a treasure, always finding something to do to help or entertain herself !
You live a dream, man!
I live an extremely dangerous and poor third world country and watch your videos with great satisfaction knowing that somewhere that someone found a piece of heart, mind, soul and perspective on the essential and really valuable things of this life! For me this is fullness of life, even if it is only a small glimpse of your whole life. Thanks for sharing!
Cali playing in snow is just to cute for words
Cali is the star of your videos! I love her!
That dog is 100% living her best life. She’s so happy!
Cali fussing over you, trying to eat the bark shavings then not wanting to go out... Reminds me of my dog! Mans best friend, truly.
I simply can't get enough of your videos. Favorite channel by far :) I always love seeing you sit down to dinner with your wife. Not sure why, but there is just something so intimate about that!
I look forward to Friday mornings just for your video.
Great work as ever. I just love that Cali, in spite of living in the snow for months, still finds it a joy to play in. Dogs make the world go round.
Cali don't have to go out, Cali wants to play popa. As Shawn sits down for the first time on the throne he thinks it good to be da king. Bonus 5 star restaurant dinner with simple ingredients and a little heat. You are blessed with good health, a loving family and positive mind set.
Thank you for sharing your story here. God Bless you and family. take care.
I saw this was a 41 min video. I pulled up a chair grabbed a drink and here I am still watching 38 mins later! awesome content!
It's lovely when you look at your wife and smile a smile of contentment, so special. Always care for each other like that. I have been widowed 8 years this month and I still miss him and that smile. Thank you for the videos.
I Love how Cali helps by pulling off the Bark! What a great Bird Dog & companion! Also great advice at the end of video!!!! So true, So true!!!!!
A man's Home is his Castle and now you have your Throne, good job thanks for the lesson in furniture making, very informative and the food looks great and thanks for the insight into your own life and that wonderful quote from Doris Day it speaks volumes as I share that perspective in life and try to live it that way and make good decisions that help me make life easier one day one step at a time patience with myself is important no matter how rough things get good friends and good advise and a loving family help get us through every time
I really appreciated your words today. I have hit a temporary slump after taking care of my grand's during Spring break in Alabama and visiting others in Florida. After the nine to ten hour drive back to Arkansas, my body screamed 'NO!' I have been home about a week and have babied my pain. As you mentioned, attitude is everything. So, once again, I always find wisdom and motivation during the Self Reliance sections.
I already knew i'm not suited to this life but now I am further convinced - i'd be in hysterics at the thought and sight of the creepy crawlies living in the wood! Which makes it all the more odd that I so much enjoy these videos! His quiet skill astounds me, every time.
wow, cant believe how much i love Cali, and how much she loves you, your easy affection towards her at all times says so much about the man you are. Your videos are comforting in a way I can not explain, thank you for taking us on your journey.
I like how you look at the camera every time you sit down to eat with your wife. The expression on your face is, "I know my life is good." You're right. Life is difficult. But, values and decisions make all the difference.
I look forward to this every friday morning glad to see the wife at the cabin.
When Shawn looked at the camera after clinking mugs his expression said, "I'm a lucky man." Yes, yes you are. Great job Shawn and Mrs.
I'm 71 and 11 months. Each day I try to do, make, learn something which makes that day worthwhile. I like to cook for me and my wife and our friends, bake, make things with wood, tend my small garden, play my guitars, take photos, go for walks, shop, see fiends and family, wash iron, even doing housework I see as an achievement for that day. Just enjoy being able to do what I do is enough. Seeing you build your cabin and enjoy working in and around it and living in it I can tell you are living life to the full, achieving something. Keep it up as long as you can.
Friday is my chemo day, so the best anti stress, Sir, is to look at your videos. There is something hypnotic in your working pace: always keep busy but never speedy like urbans, You give us some deep philosophical values (ecolology, meanings of life,). As a teacher, I can assure you are a wonderful teacher, Please, keep us amazed. PS I hope my english is understandable!!!
Best part of Friday morning
Priceless!!! People in this world would pay thousands of dollars for such an authentic hand made professional looking sitting chair. Great job.
Great video Shawn. Great advice as well!👍
Cali is just too cute. Love her personality. She obviously loves her daddy too and her window seat.🐾🐾
Shawn thank you so much for sharing. You are helping me reflect on how my life is going and seeing some of the changes I need to make. At 67 I probably don't have many left, but what I do have left, I will continue to inspire people to always hang in there and live life to the fullest and always remember the important things... God, family, friends, and country. Thanks again!
That hidden wedge at 24:10 was brilliant, i have never seen that before.
Cali just puts the biggest smile on my face! Best pupper ever 😍
I love the grin Shawn gives the camera after cheers with his wife. Great job!
Such craftsmanship and such tools as were used by my grandfathers should continue on throughout each generation. This is a double watch for me. Great motivational speech.
Great advice shawn, We went through almost the same thing and lost our house to boot, We decided to take on a debt free lifestyle. After 3yrs of saving and only paying cash for goods, we managed to buy a homstead at age 47, Now with our own hands 2yrs later the place is beautiful i guess, cause everyone saya they love it, lol. So 5yrs from what i thought was the worst day of my life we would'nt trade where we are now for anything, and the peace of mind is priceless. Anyway another great video blessing to you and yours.
Gratitude and following your passion. Sounds like a good combo.
Great point about perspective coming prior to the change! You are a good and wise man! Thank you
You are most assuredly an inspiration not only because of what you've accomplished in building the cabin by yourself, but also what you've been through down the road of life. Don't know what your wealth or assets are now, but you possess a spirit that goes beyond those things. Your wife deserves a great amount of credit as well. She stayed by your side and weathered the storm with you. She has faithfully fought the battles along side you and never wavered. The strength and perseverance you both exhibited together as you faced each trial is remarkable. Love your videos, I've watched some of them several times.
Jim Cook ..... Perfect comment !
Thank you for those kind words Jim
I can honestly say this is my favorite channel on youtube!!! I feel like I'm there with you away from dirty noisy city. Thank you
What a beautiful life, people connecting with the soul of the earth n the souls within themselves.
one of the healthiest and happiest dog i have ever saw
Shawn, these videos are wonderful and I learn something each time I watch them -- about how something works, about innovative and out-of-the-box thinking, the wilderness and you and your wife's wonderful mindset in this adventure. I didn't know your "history" before all of this, but you are obviously glass-half-full people, and it's very inspirational. Also, I love Callie. What a wonderful soul and spirit to be sharing this with, and what a lucky dog to be enjoying the greatest "dog park" in the world. Thanks for your wonderful message at the end -- it's something we all need to hear and think about from time to time.
Oh, and that food . . . . . . . . .
I NEEDED THIS REFLECTION TODAY!!!!! I will watch this everyday for the next week to inspire me to make the changes I’ve been putting off due to depression and hopelessness. Thank you! And blessings to you and your family. Have a great weekend!
The dogs not spoiled, he just enjoys being loved🐶
I like your video. I like the dog watching it so cute.
I like your videos. Cali is so endearing. Watching her interact with you makes the video enchanting. She is a big part of why I view. Thank you for posting.
One more thing. Everything you said is spot on. I wish I could turn time back time at least 25 to 35 years. I'd do something for me. Never took care of me. It was alway taking care of others needs. Now it's way to late. Housebound and stuck in a rocking chair . Old age stinks. In the old days, family took care of their elderly. Now it's all about the dollar. For me a cabin in nature would renew the heart ❤️. Your doing everything right.
Granny fan
From one granny to another, you said a mouthful. God bless you, GRANNY TG. All of us grannies have a similar story, but no one listens. It goes in one ear and out the other. Maybe we should form a Granny club.
Ahhh, run for your lives!!!Disgruntled Grannies on the loose. Run I say. LOL
This is heartbreaking to read.
Bonjour de Bretagne (France), je suis impressionné par votre état d'esprit et votre travail !
@@patsycav I'm younger but have the soul of an 80 yo...we'de be best friends 😊
Love seeing him work with those tools! Cali is a very lucky dog and he is very lucky to have her!
we LOVE CALI. THANK YOU FOR INCORPORATING HER INTO YOUR SHOW!!!
I wrote Mr. Big!! I see that our way of thinking is ever so much the same. If you have the time I would like to read my comment. I am a 76 year old woman that has giving me wisdom and expertise in the way life reality can be so cruel and yet rewarding in its own way. Reevaluation is one of our most important tool to survive the elements of real life. God bless see you later on the video.
I absolutely love your vlogs sir. They have a habit of relaxing you, as one gets the sense they are there with you, Thanks for sharing!
What a wise man you are! Thank you for sharing your story.
You have multiple angles going here. The cabin life and the dog. Your dog makes me smile.
Cali is such fun to watch. A puppy at heart.
I am an animal lover and I love dogs. We have a Siberian Husky who is very special to us. I tell my husband that she loves me, but she worships and adores him. Her name is Bella Rose. No-one should ever get between a man and his dog. I am glad that you have such a wonderful companion in Cali. She is beautiful and you can see she really thinks your special too! Just the way it should be! Have a wonderful day.
Awesome seeing you interact with your dog. I can see the love and the connection you have.... awesome stuff
You're a good man, thank you for letting us partake on your Journey and for your insights.
Thank you a thousand, thousand times, for genuinely inspiring us all to become the best version of ourselves, each and every day, in every way, in everything we do. So many wonderful and valuable life lessons packed into the way you work, your work ethic, your human and canine relationships, and your sincere and gentle words of your life story, the guidance...we are all most fortunate, and blessed by you, Sir! Success is truly about conquering your worst self, and converting yourself into a better person. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Great points at the end. Gratitude definitely goes a long way. My wife and I have been through some bad stuff together and stayed strong being grateful for one another.
Chair is great. I built my wife one several years ago that is 4 times larger than a normal chair. It's in our garden so she can go climb up in it now and again to feel like a little kid for a moment. We call it our memories chair.
Great video Shawn
You all are a great couple. I have known a few in my time. More rare nowadays, but wonderful gems that sparkle when you find them!!
Good stuff man...thanks for the chat. It’s nice to have a reminder once in a while.
Your are such a wise man, Thank you so much Sir !
I'm glad you are doing this. Sharing your builds, and outlook on life. It's great to hear what you say. Thanks, man.
Thank you for your great advise, your perseverance at a most difficult time in your life and proof that humanity can overcome the most difficult of what life has to offer. I greatly respect you. You give strength to others. Bless you Sir.
Hi Shawn: That was an intriguing chair construction with lots of interesting techniques . Love lamb in any form; I will shortly try yours. As to the talk, right on. About 21 years ago I woke up one day & thought: God does not want me to live this way. Since then I've not had any alcohol; sought the outdoors & accepted responsibilities for myself . I can only say keep pushing. Thanks Brian 77
Glad you changed your perspective, looking at the quality of work you are doing on your cabin , the furniture, your tenacity, your structured habits, your story helps the rest of us whether you can see it or not!!!! Stay reassured that someone is listening!!! Glad to know you, keep with the videos!!!
Cali is one great dog. Another of your blessings.
Wish I could have 'liked' this twice.
Thank you Shawn.
I can relate to a few things you have pointed out. I struggled with addiction, and physical disability currently in recovery, quit smoking, got my Class a CDL, and am starting a new career Monday morning at 5 a.m. , your accomplishments helped inspire me to move above my self destructive life, and start a new one. Thanks for everything you do and share.
That's awesome. Good luck with the new career!
My Self Reliance thank you Shawn!
My little boy, Anthony says hi!! And thank you
Dear NE, Best of luck on the new job, and never give up, remember only you can depend on you, "Believe In Yourself"
I absolutely love your videos and philosophy of life. As a business owner of a very busy and successful Hearing Health Care practice, which had been quite stressful on me, I began to incorporate your Self Reliance philosophy more and more over the past year or so since I started watching you. I’ve been leather crafting for years as a hobby and recently turned that hobby into a side business, which is very fulfilling and helps take away some of my day to day stress from my main business. I also began prepping for if and when a SHTF event happens. Today our family is pretty well set for such an event, and it truly feels good to know we are prepared. It’s like money in the bank. I also began taking Fridays off from my main business about a year ago, which has also helped with stress and offer me the ability to do the things that I want to productively do. I’m getting very close to being completely debt free, and am looking so forward to that day. I set my family up with a number of investments over the years, and God willing I should be able to retire from my main business in just a couple of years, be totally debt free, and be able to live off of our investments and other streams of revenue for the rest of my life. Then I can do what I really want, and that’s leather crafting on my own time and being a full time grandpa. Thanks for all you do, and please keep it up! MK, Orange Park, FL
Sir, you are absolutely correct. By saying “to change your life you MUST change your prospective”
You’ve done a great job with this video.
Good to see you have your help mate today. 👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks Shawn. Your comment about getting up and just doing at least something to move forward is really resonating with me this week. I'm struggling deeply with depression and addiction right now, but there's always something I can do to make my life better, and you're right these acts feed themselves. You're a kind man.
For me watching your daily activities with Cali, is such a delightful sight one can see why a dog is truly mans best friend & you have certainly picked a gorgeous animal for your best friend, she would certainly make one smile.
Cali playing in the snow is the look of pure joy!
I don't think Cali could be any cuter!!!! Love her :)
Hi MrKongsmom - my short legged Jack Russell (Jackson) is
I love Cali too, she reminds my lovely Golden Retriever Kira to me, she unfortunately died in 2016 as 6 years old.
Same story at mines, buddy Cali is so adorable reminds me my Gold Retriever :)
You tryna say a fuckin Jack Russell is cuter than a Golden Retriever? I mean Jackson is the man but.
Who couldn't love Cali?
Looks like a great way to spend the day, you and your dog! Sunny days!
I think Cali is saying: Hey Dad!! Let’s go play!! Throw the ball for me! Come on Dad, five minutes, Please!
Another wonderful peaceful, hard working video. You have created such a perfect mix of work, quiet, outdoor, cozy indoor, thoughtful, contemplative introspection in your videos. Thank you for sharing all this with us.
Honestly that noise the hole maker thing is the most satisfying thing there is to offer
Hey Shawn...You are my hero...What you do in all the time without plans drawing is incredible...I really love to watch your Video`s...Go on like this, please...Stay healthy, take care of yourself and give Cali some cuddles from me, please...Cheers from SWITZERLAND
Cali looks like a puppy playing in the snow 😄
Love Cali...she's pure joy!
Cali is the cutest ever! She has the crown.
Thanks Sean for videos consistently we appreciate it!
Cali à beaucoup de succès aussi 😆😁. Les repas sont tellement appétissants, vous réussissez à faire rêver les français..très fan de la bonne cuisine😋.
Not only are you good at crafting and building but you seam to be a great cook too!
You won it! Husband of the decade!
Hi, Shawn,
You are an inspiration to many of our trying times in life here on YT as you help keep our minds occupied, you never gave up, you have endured and you're living proof, along with your wife and family that, life is more precious than material wealth whether one has it, or one never ever had it, or even unfortunate loss befall us.
I feel you my Bro. you touched my heart you made me shed a tear, if you were standing beside me I would give you a warm European hug even a handshake everything will be alright.
But I will let your wife give you that hug since we are only virtual reality keep up the good work, keep doing what you love, each day comes new challenges for us all.
They say there is light ☀ at the end of each tunnel. I say let stay in the brighter end, 🌕 (of life) rather than the dark end 🌑of the tunnel, knowing there is a way that leads out too brighter 🌞🌞🌞times, and a relief of troubles. 🕊🕊🕊
Ps.
Pets are good friends for ups downs and contribute to a healthy life plus, you are surrounded by many more furring friends around you, wise choices keep safe Shawn. 🐕( Petting, as you do, is therapeutic for the owner and their pets.)🐕
Joseph
Thank you, Shawn 🙂
The happiest dog in the world!!!
That dog is so happy and I love it
Love that cute Cali playing with the snow❤️
Another great video. You do amazing work and your words of wisdom really do inspire. I think more so than you might realize. Thank you for all that you do Mr. James!
Thanks Shawn brilliant video as always love Callie
Just think this will last way longer than any furniture bought in the store and the pride that knowing you made it yourself by your own hands is the best achievement ever
Watching your videos is truly relaxing and recuperative for a career Soldier south of the border from you. I love your insights and your determination to make every day productive, fulfilling and meaningful. In a world where material gain and position are tantamount, this channel is very refreshing, so many of today's generation could learn from your outlook and mindset. I love watching your interaction with Cali, being a dog lover I can truly appreciate the give and take, and your patience when many would be frustrated by a loving best friend just trying to be part of what you are doing. It's great to see that someone can make it work after such a hard journey, thanks for sharing with us. I am separated from the wife for a couple years now, and I wish more than anything I could go back and change my foolish and selfish outlook with one more like yours, I hope we see more of her in future episodes, it's great to see a couple working as a team in the wilderness!