Destination: Self–Reliance
To Rely on One's Own CapabilitiesSelf-Reliance
(self–re·li·ance \-ri-ˈlī-ənts\)
Reliance on one’s own capabilities, judgments, and decisions in
a self-sufficient manner; independence, self-direction, resourceful.
It’s true, I love to practice the many bushcraft and wilderness survival skills you read about in my Fox Walker Novel series. This interest is fueled by the fact that I’ve always been extremely fond of learning ancestral skills. You know, all the knowledge and skills that our grandparents and great grandparents knew about for everyday life. Self-reliance skills that have been all but forgotten over the years, as technology has become more and more a part of our lives.
Self-reliance is not only about how to survive the elements of Mother Nature…it’s also learning how to survive everyday situations, as well. It’s about learning how to adapt to whatever gets thrown our way. It’s about staying strong by finding inspiration in even the most mundane. Even in our careers we often face uncharted territory…where the landowners keep changing and the borders keep moving. But rather than let it overwhelm us, we can embrace a sense of new adventure right around the corner.
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Writing Tip: How to Determine Your Online Persona Before the Book
One of the biggest misconceptions writers have about beginning to create an online persona is believing a website has to be all about their books. So if they don’t have a book yet, how can there be a website?
Ancestral Skills: Foods Made From Scratch / Pickled Cucumbers & Onions
One of our favorite summer side dishes is a serving of crisp and cool pickled cucumbers and onions. This is a quick and easy dish…and a great way to use up the larger cucumbers from the garden…
Life Hack: 5 Easy Tips for Organizing Your Kitchen
I get a kick out of discovering ways to repurpose items to make my space more organized and systematic – and sharing them with all of you. Who knows, maybe you’ll find something here that makes your world a little less chaotic…
Camping / Bushcraft: Organization Can Make Car Camping a Breeze
Since we camp often, and sometimes for only a weekend, I wanted to make it easy to quickly load up the vehicle and take off—sometimes as a last-minute decision. Here’s system that might work for you, as well…
Preparedness: Emergency Hand & Foot Warmers
I’m guessing many of you out there have the same challenge I have. When it’s cold or even simply chilly out, I struggle to keep my hands and feet warm…here are some solutions!
Writing Tip: Why Writers Need an Online Presence Before the Book
I recently conducted a workshop on this topic. Here I was in front of a room full of writers and I can guarantee the majority of us could honestly say, “We don’t want to spend time on Social Media. We don’t want to write blogs. We just want to write our books.” Including me…
Inspiration: Gratitude List vs. New Year’s Resolutions
There’s nothing wrong with New Year’s Resolutions…but this year I’m adding something a little different to my start-of-a-new-year traditions. Let’s see if I inspire you to start your own Gratitude List…
Ancestral Skills: The Zen & Art of Soap Making
“After I made my first batch of soap successfully, and saw what it did for my skin, I vowed I would never buy commercial ‘soap’ again.”
I invite you to enjoy this guest blog from Betty Brink…check it out!
Camping / Bushcraft: Fire Starters – Natural and Simple Household Items
You can pick up bundles of firewood from grocery stores, gas stations and drug stores before you head out to your campsite. But what they don’t give you is kindling and tinder—the two things you need in order to get those thick logs to burn. Here are some tips that will help you make fire…
Writing Tip: How to Beat Analysis Paralysis
I’m usually quite organized. But for the last three months I’ve struggled with what I call Analysis Paralysis—both in my writing and my marketing duties…how ’bout you? Here’s my game plan!
About Indy
Being outside in nature is the most basic part of who I am. Besides gaining knowledge about wildlife, I learn lessons about who I am, and surprise myself about what I am capable of achieving. Nature continually inspires me. It is a part of all my writings, no matter the genre or subject matter. 
American Dream
“If America could be, once again, a nation of self-reliant farmers, craftsmen, hunters, ranchers and artists, then the rich would have little power to dominate others. Neither to serve or to rule: That was the American Dream.”