theheartysoul--2020-09-02--Dangerous ‘Benadryl Challenge’ on TikTok blamed for teen’s death

Online challenges are not something new – teens have been doing them for years .
With COVID-19 keep much of the world in their homes , coupled with the rising fame of the social media app TikTok , these ‘ challenges ‘ have become more popular and even dangerous .
While most of these challenges tend to be harmless , a more recent one , “ the Benadryl Challenge , ” is putting people ’ s lives at risk .
The challenge is highly dangerous and has sent some of those participating to the hospital .
Now it has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl .
The Benadryl challenge is one that encourages TikTok users to take at least a dozen or more pills of the allergy medication Benadryl to experience hallucinations .
The amounts required to cause hallucinations from medication are very close to the amount that can cause severe overdose and even death .
( 1 ) Last week , a 15-year-old girl from Oklahoma City died after participating in this dangerous trend .
( 1 ) Part of the danger of this trend is Benadryl is not seen as a dangerous drug to those @ @ @ @ @ @ @ what it actually is or the risk of overdose .
What ’ s worse , is that it is easy for them to get – they can buy it in their local drug store .
Friends and family of the OKC teen described her as faith-driven and happy .
She wasn ’ t typically one to experiment with drugs but instead fell victim to the challenge after seeing others do it on TikTok .
( 1 ) The OKC teen isn ’ t the only young person falling victim to this scary new @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Fort Worth , Texas , were all hospitalized in the span of one week after participating in the Benadryl challenge .
Each patient said they got the idea from videos they had seen on TikTok .
( 3 ) AdvertisementOne of the teens was rushed to the hospital after taking 14 of the allergy pills .
Upon arrival , she was unable to form sentences , suffered from hallucinations , and had a resting heart rate of 199 bpm .
A healthy resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats @ @ @ @ @ @ @ three teens recovered and aren ’ t expected to have any long-term health complications from their overdoses .
( 3 ) Johnson & Johnson , the company that makes Benadryl , released this statement in regards to the challenge : “ The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority .
The BENADRYL TikTok trend is extremely concerning , dangerous and should be stopped immediately .
As with any medicine , abuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting consequences , and BENADRYL® products @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the label .
It is our strong recommendation that all medications be kept out of the reach of children at all times .
We are working with TikTok and our partners to do what we can to stop this dangerous trend , including the removal of content across social platforms that showcase this behavior.
” ( 5 ) AdvertisementOther TikTok users are speaking out and attempting to discourage people from participating in the challenge .
( 2 ) Read : Children Need Structure More Than Warmth , Says Child Psychologist What Causes an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the drug diphenhydramine , a sedating antihistamine .
Histamines are chemicals released by some of our body ’ s cells in response to an allergy .
Antihistamines , like Benadryl , help to relieve common allergy symptoms like runny nose and scratchy throat .
( 4 ) Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug , which means that it blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine , thereby downregulating the cholinergic system ( 4 ) This cholinergic system is responsible for ( 4 ) : It can have an impact on essentially all organs and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ allergies do .
When taken in excess it can have extremely dangerous effects on the body .
( 4 ) Advertisement Generally speaking , the younger and smaller the person taking the drug , the higher the risk for overdose is .
( 4 ) With all this said , there should be no question why the Benadryl Challenge is so dangerous .
What is a Proper Dose of Benadryl ?
Doses according to the Benadryl website are as follows ( 4 ) : • 1 pill every four to six hours for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or 2 pills every four to six hours for anyone over the age of 12 • Not recommended for children under the age of 6 • No one should take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period Doctor Ashanti Woods of Baltimore Mercy Medical Center warns that the teenage years are a grey area when it comes to drugs and doses .
Keep an Eye Out and Educate It is challenges like this one that reminds us just how important it is for parents and adults to talk to and monitor what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ an open dialogue with your children and work to educate them about the dangers of drugs of all kinds .
Too much of anything can be toxic or fatal .
If you or someone you know might be experiencing overdose symptoms from taking too much of this or any drug , call 9-1-1 or your local poison control center right away .
Keep Reading : The Scary Truth About How Technology is Harming Our Children ’ s Mental Health

Online challenges are not something new – teens have been doing them for years. With COVID-19 keep much of the world in their homes, coupled with the rising fame of the social media app TikTok, these ‘challenges‘ have become more popular and even dangerous. While most of these challenges tend to be harmless, one that is relatively more recent, “the Benadryl Challenge,” is putting people’s lives at risk. The challenge is highly dangerous and has sent some of those participating to the hospital. Now it has been linked to the death of a teenage girl.
Teenage Girl Dies from TikTok Benadryl Challenge
The Benadryl challenge is one that encourages TikTok users to take at least a dozen or more pills of the allergy medication Benadryl to experience hallucinations. The amounts required to cause hallucinations from medication are very close to the amount that can cause severe overdose and even death. (1)
In August 2020, a 15-year-old girl from Oklahoma City died after participating in this dangerous trend. Part of the danger of this trend is Benadryl is not seen as a dangerous drug to those participating. They don’t understand what it actually is or the risk of overdose. What’s worse, is that it is easy for them to get – they can buy it in their local drug store.
Friends and family of the OKC teen described her as faith-driven and happy. She wasn’t typically one to experiment with drugs but instead fell victim to the challenge after seeing others do it on TikTok.
While this trend received a lot of coverage just over a year ago, it is still prevented with Arlington Police in Massachusetts warning parents just over a week ago.
Arlington Officials Warn Against Two Troubling TikTok Trends Among Teens https://t.co/LdPiEEp80a — Arlington MA, Police Department (@ArlingtonMAPD) September 21, 2021
Three Teens Hospitalized from Benadryl Challenge
The OKC teen isn’t the only young person falling victim to this scary new trend. In May 2020, three teens in Fort Worth, Texas, were all hospitalized in the span of one week after participating in the Benadryl challenge. Each patient said they got the idea from videos they had seen on TikTok. (3)
One of the teens was rushed to the hospital after taking 14 of the allergy pills. Upon arrival, she was unable to form sentences, suffered from hallucinations, and had a resting heart rate of 199 bpm. A healthy resting heart rate is usually between 60 and 100 beats per minute (bpm).
“What struck me was that we had three teens come in for the same thing in one week,” said Amber Jewison, a nurse practitioner at Cook Children’s Medical Center, in a press release. “None of these patients were trying to harm themselves. They all said they saw videos on TikTok and were curious to try it.” (3)
All three teens recovered and aren’t expected to have any long-term health complications from their overdoses.
Statement from Makers of Benadryl
Johnson & Johnson, the company that makes Benadryl, released this statement in regards to the challenge:
“The health and safety of people who use our products is our top priority. The BENADRYL TikTok trend is extremely concerning, dangerous and should be stopped immediately. As with any medicine, abuse or misuse can lead to serious side effects with potentially long-lasting consequences, and BENADRYL® products should only be used as directed by the label. It is our strong recommendation that all medications be kept out of the reach of children at all times. We are working with TikTok and our partners to do what we can to stop this dangerous trend, including the removal of content across social platforms that showcase this behavior.” (5)
Other TikTok users are speaking out and attempting to discourage people from participating in the challenge. (2)
What Causes an Overdose?
Benadryl is a brand-name for the drug diphenhydramine, a sedating antihistamine. Histamines are chemicals released by some of our body’s cells in response to an allergy. Antihistamines, like Benadryl, help to relieve common allergy symptoms like runny nose and scratchy throat. (4)
What is Diphenhydramine?
Diphenhydramine is an anticholinergic drug, which means that it blocks the action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, thereby downregulating the cholinergic system
This cholinergic system is responsible for:
Saliva and tear production
The facilitation of: Urination Heart rate Body temperature Brain function Eye function
It can have an impact on essentially all organs and parts of your body, just as allergies do. When taken in excess it can have extremely dangerous effects on the body.
“The dose that can cause a hallucination is very close to the dose that can cause something potentially life-threatening,” said Scott Schaeffer, director of the Oklahoma Center for Poison and Drug Information. “Large doses of Benadryl can cause seizures and, particularly, problems with the heart. The heart tends to go out of rhythm and not pump blood effectively.” (1)
Other effects a Benadryl (diphenhydramine) overdose are:
High body temperature
Confusion
Blurred vision
Nausea
Vomiting
Unsteadiness
High blood pressure
Brain damage
Heart attack
Death
Generally speaking, the younger and smaller the person taking the drug, the higher the risk for overdose is. (4) With all this said, there should be no question why the Benadryl Challenge is so dangerous.
What is a Proper Dose of Benadryl?
Doses according to the Benadryl website are as follows:
1 pill every four to six hours for children ages 6 to 12
1 or 2 pills every four to six hours for anyone over the age of 12
Not recommended for children under the age of 6
No one should take more than 6 doses in a 24-hour period
Doctor Ashanti Woods of Baltimore Mercy Medical Center warns that the teenage years are a grey area when it comes to drugs and doses.
“The 12 to 18 age range is a bit of mixed response, but many could have exaggerated and dangerous side effects.” (4)
Keep an Eye Out and Educate
It is challenges like this one that remind us just how important it is for parents and adults to talk to and monitor what young people are consuming online. Keep an open dialogue with your children and work to educate them about the dangers of drugs of all kinds. Too much of anything can be toxic or fatal.
If you or someone you know might be experiencing overdose symptoms from taking too much of this or any drug, call 9-1-1 or your local poison control center right away.
Keep Reading: Air pollution a cause in girl’s death, coroner rules in landmark case
Sources


theheartysoul--2020-09-04--Dogs Must be Walked Twice a Day, According to a New German Law

Germany is planning to execute a law for pet owners : All dogs must be walked twice a day .
Julia Klöckner , the agriculture minister , introduced the new law after she discovered that many of the 9.4 million dogs in Germany are not getting proper exercise .
Details of the Law Requiring Owners to Walk Their Dogs With the new regulations in the Dogs Act , or Hundeverordnung in its native language , owners will be required to take their dogs outside for at least one hour each day .
To clarify , that means that both walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are not required to walk their dogs for two hours every day .
So a lazy walk around the block isn ’ t going to cut it , and dogs who need more stimulus than that are probably grateful .
Klöckner explains that the regulations are based on scientific research that found that dogs require “ sufficient measure of activity and contact with environmental stimuli.
” This includes people , other animals , and nature .
The rules also challenge the habit of keeping dogs on a restricting chain while the owner isn @ @ @ @ @ @ @ their dogs for extended periods of time may face a complete ban .
Additionally , dogs are not allowed to be left alone at home all day .
Owners are required to take care of their pups “ several times a day.
” As Klöckner says , “ Dogs are not cuddly toys .
They also have their own needs , which need to be taken into account.
” [ 1 ] The law continues with requirements for dog breeders and owners .
For example , purebred pups with “ agony breeding characteristics @ @ @ @ @ @ @ who suffer from early-onset hip and heart issues and pugs who develop breathing issues — are banned from being showcased at dog shows .
Hopefully , this will lower the demand for these unhealthy breeds and discourage breeders from investing in them .
Read : New Video Reveals ‘ Deeply Disturbing ’ Treatment Of Cows Killed For Leather The Controversy and Debate of the Dog Act This law is sparking debate in Germany .
The main question people ask is how the law will be enforced .
After all , 19 % of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be rather difficult to ensure everyone is upholding these regulations .
One spokeswoman from the agricultural ministry stated that the responsibility of enforcing this law would fall to the authorities over each of the 16 states in Germany .
She assured the public that they would not be knocking on doors to ensure Rover got walked that day .
However , it may be that the policies are intended to be more directed at dog dealers , breeders , and kennel owners , that at individual dog owners .
But the controversy and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stem from her own political party , the Christian Democratic Union .
Saskia Ludwig , a CDU MP who resides in the state assembly for Brandenburg in Potsdam , argues that the current heatwave makes the outdoors unhealthy for dogs to linger in for so long .
On Twitter , she posted : “ VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE : I will not be taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback for two rounds of walks in 32 degrees heat , rather we will jump in the river for a refreshing cool down instead.
” One resident of Berlin @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kleid , the owner of a five-year-old Yorkshire terrier called Sam .
“ I find it patronizing to be told how long I should take my dog out for .
And who is going to check up on me ?
Will the neighbor call the police if they suspect me of not taking Sam for long enough walks ?
” Many owners who have dogs with illnesses and disabilities also spoke up .
For example , Walther Schweiz ’ s dog , a 14-year-old Alsatian named Blu , has cancer .
Short walks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can manage at this point .
“ They should trust people to get on with their own lives , ” said the Cologne resident .
“ They ’ ll be telling cat owners how often they need to change their litter trays next.
” [ 2 ] Read : Animal Shelter Creates ‘ Real-Life ’ Living Room for Dogs to Show off Their Personalities Animal rights activists , however , praise the new law .
They also believe that there should be more strict requirements for aspiring dog owners to prove that they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a pup .
“ A dog needs daily exercise in the open air and social contacts according to its needs .
We welcome the fact that there are now more specific requirements , ” said Thomas Schröder , president of the country ’ s animal welfare association .
He adds that , “ If you want to protect dogs , you should also require owners to identify and register their four-legged friends.
” Individual dog owners are in favor of the law as well .
Julia Duden , owner of a 6-year-old Labrador @ @ @ @ @ @ @ should definitely be a must !
It is absolutely correct and important that you go out with your dog for at least an hour every day.
” [ 3 ] The Importance of Walking the Dog For the average , healthy pup , daily walks are more than just bathroom trips .
They are crucial to their physical and mental health .
Bored dogs stuck inside all day can lead to destructive behavior .
It ’ s no wonder dogs look so excited when it ’ s walk time .
[ 4 ] @ @ @ @ @ @ @ needs of their pets , and whether they need shorter bouts of exercise or longer ones .
Hopefully , this act will motivate the more negligent owners to appreciate their doggies and give them the exercise they need .
People who don ’ t have enough time for their pets should reconsider whether they should truly have them .
Also , don ’ t forget that dog walkers exist and could help out !

Dogs Must be Walked Twice a Day, According to a New German Law
Germany is planning to execute a law for pet owners: All dogs must be walked twice a day.
Julia Klöckner, the agriculture minister, introduced the new law after she discovered that many of the 9.4 million dogs in Germany are not getting proper exercise.
Details of the Law Requiring Owners to Walk Their Dogs
With the new regulations in the Dogs Act, or Hundeverordnung in its native language, owners will be required to take their dogs outside for at least one hour each day. To clarify, that means that both walks should total an hour combined; owners are not required to walk their dogs for two hours every day.
So a lazy walk around the block isn’t going to cut it, and dogs who need more stimulus than that are probably grateful.
Klöckner explains that the regulations are based on scientific research that found that dogs require “sufficient measure of activity and contact with environmental stimuli.” This includes people, other animals, and nature.
The rules also challenge the habit of keeping dogs on a restricting chain while the owner isn’t around. People who tether their dogs for extended periods of time may face a complete ban.
Additionally, dogs are not allowed to be left alone at home all day. Owners are required to take care of their pups “several times a day.”
As Klöckner says, “Dogs are not cuddly toys. They also have their own needs, which need to be taken into account.” [1]
The law continues with requirements for dog breeders and owners. For example, purebred pups with “agony breeding characteristics” — like Cavalier King Charles spaniels who suffer from early-onset hip and heart issues and pugs who develop breathing issues — are banned from being showcased at dog shows. Hopefully, this will lower the demand for these unhealthy breeds and discourage breeders from investing in them.
Read: New Video Reveals ‘Deeply Disturbing’ Treatment Of Cows Killed For Leather
The Controversy and Debate of the Dog Act
This law is sparking debate in Germany.
The main question people ask is how the law will be enforced. After all, 19% of German households own dogs. It would be rather difficult to ensure everyone is upholding these regulations. One spokeswoman from the agricultural ministry stated that the responsibility of enforcing this law would fall to the authorities over each of the 16 states in Germany. She assured the public that they would not be knocking on doors to ensure Rover got walked that day.
However, it may be that the policies are intended to be more directed at dog dealers, breeders, and kennel owners, that at individual dog owners.
But the controversy and ridicule targeting Klöckner’s proposition also stem from her own political party, the Christian Democratic Union. Saskia Ludwig, a CDU MP who resides in the state assembly for Brandenburg in Potsdam, argues that the current heatwave makes the outdoors unhealthy for dogs to linger in for so long.
On Twitter, she posted: “VOLUNTARY DISCLOSURE: I will not be taking my Rhodesian Ridgeback for two rounds of walks in 32 degrees heat, rather we will jump in the river for a refreshing cool down instead.”
One resident of Berlin agrees with this sentiment, like Bärbel Kleid, the owner of a five-year-old Yorkshire terrier called Sam. “I find it patronizing to be told how long I should take my dog out for. And who is going to check up on me? Will the neighbor call the police if they suspect me of not taking Sam for long enough walks?”
Many owners who have dogs with illnesses and disabilities also spoke up. For example, Walther Schweiz’s dog, a 14-year-old Alsatian named Blu, has cancer. Short walks close to home is all the pup can manage at this point.
“They should trust people to get on with their own lives,” said the Cologne resident. “They’ll be telling cat owners how often they need to change their litter trays next.” [2]
Read: Animal Shelter Creates ‘Real-Life’ Living Room for Dogs to Show off Their Personalities
Praise for the Dog Act
Animal rights activists, however, praise the new law. They also believe that there should be more strict requirements for aspiring dog owners to prove that they are responsible and caring enough to raise a pup.
“A dog needs daily exercise in the open air and social contacts according to its needs. We welcome the fact that there are now more specific requirements,” said Thomas Schröder, president of the country’s animal welfare association. He adds that, “If you want to protect dogs, you should also require owners to identify and register their four-legged friends.”
Individual dog owners are in favor of the law as well. Julia Duden, owner of a 6-year-old Labrador said, “Going for a walk should definitely be a must! It is absolutely correct and important that you go out with your dog for at least an hour every day.” [3]
The Importance of Walking the Dog
For the average, healthy pup, daily walks are more than just bathroom trips. They are crucial to their physical and mental health. Bored dogs stuck inside all day can lead to destructive behavior. It’s no wonder dogs look so excited when it’s walk time. [4]
Responsible owners are already aware of the needs of their pets, and whether they need shorter bouts of exercise or longer ones. Hopefully, this act will motivate the more negligent owners to appreciate their doggies and give them the exercise they need.
People who don’t have enough time for their pets should reconsider whether they should truly have them. Also, don’t forget that dog walkers exist and could help out!
Keep Reading: Animal Cruelty Is Officially a Nationwide Felony


theheartysoul--2020-09-04--Vacation in a Pioneer-Styled Covered Wagon at One of These Beautiful Campsites

If you ’ re a lover of outdoor getaways , you ’ re no stranger to cottages or camping .
There ’ s something so satisfying to walk outside your bedroom and be greeted by nature , whether it ’ s a forest , a lake , or a mountain .
It ’ s all about “ roughing it ” and returning to a simpler place , away from the stresses of the city and modern life .
How about a covered wagon campground ?
And if you love that , you are probably going to love the opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You get all the charm and appeal of the time period without the hardships like cholera , a sick ox , or yellow fever .
Staying in Pioneer “ Oregon Trail ” Wagons in the 21st Century If you enjoy history , Little House on the Prairie , or the 8-bit Oregon Trail game , look out for these wagons .
They are becoming available at resorts and campsites throughout the United States , from the dry plains of Utah to the mountain range outside New York .
Plus , the wagons @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on the 19th century .
Worry not if you ’ re not a fan of “ roughing it ” .
The wagons have all the perks of the 21st century , including private bathrooms and perhaps the most vital asset for a summer vacation : air conditioning .
So if you prefer glamping ( a more luxurious and comfortable form of camping ) more than sleeping-on-the-ground camping , this could be the ideal spot for you !
Advertisement Here are the Top Locations for Pioneer-Styled Wagon “ Glamping ” If you prefer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , check out this campground located in Wisconsin .
It ’ s also a more affordable option .
With the beautiful hooded wagon that can host up to five guests , comes an array of features .
This includes a microwave , a coffee pot , a refrigerator , and other appliances .
Outside , the wagon is a large wooden deck with a little porch , a picnic table with an umbrella , and a charcoal grill .
Smokey Hollow Campground makes a great experience for more cushioned camping while still relishing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you enjoy exploring caves , put Kentucky on your bucket list .
Horse Cave KOA is located by one of the “ most significant cave regions on the planet ” .
Spend the day exploring the Mammoth Cave National Park nearby .
Then , rest in a cozy wagon at night for a truly outdoorsy experience .
This site ’ s wagons can sleep up to four people , linens included !
Although this makes the location ideal for small families , pets are not allowed .
Conestoga Wagons are also available at @ @ @ @ @ @ @ locations including : Deleware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday ( PA ) Oregon Dunes KOA HOliday ( OR ) Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA ( WA ) If you ’ re interested in a gorgeous view outside your pioneer wagon , look into the Capitol Reef Resort .
It ’ s surrounded by the red-rock of one of Utah ’ s most popular parks .
Here you can choose to stay in the main lodge , a luxury teepee , a cabin , or of course , the covered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
For starters , it is water-resistant , air-conditioned , and large enough for six guests .
They also provide private bathrooms and a fire pit .
It ’ s hard to beat the stunning view , especially when it comes with such comfortable glamping options .
Read : Never Trip Over A Tent Rope Again With These Glow In The Dark Tent Ropes For those on the East Coast , look no farther than the stunning mountains around the Catskills .
Roscoe Campsite Park offers multiple types of accommodations , but what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wagons .
Each one sleeps up to four people , and they line the banks of the Beaverkill River .
If you love fishing , this site is the way to go !
Plus , you can explore the surrounding wilderness and the small town of Roscoe , NY , before tucking into the wagon for the night .
Unless of course , you ’ d rather go night fishing .
AdvertisementAdvertisement This resort is one of the newest glamping spots and it ’ s located close to the Zion National Park .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of pioneer days , but would rather keep the modern comforts of home , this is the place for you .
Your wagon comes equipped with a fire pit , free bike rentals , and a very vital feature called the smores kit .
Here ’ s an extra perk of Zion Wildflower Resort : Pets are welcome .
[ 1 ] These large Conestoga wagons can host up to six people , and smaller ones can host four .
Both sizes come with a fire pit and a grill , and a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Inside contains a king-sized bed , bunk beds , and a little dining area that includes heating , air conditioning , a microwave , a fridge , and a Keurig coffee maker .
Surrounded by trees and wildlife , at Yosemite Pines , you can get a feel for the old days while still enjoying on-site swimming pools and volleyball courts .
[ 2 ] Keep Reading : The Fields of Michigan : The First Glamping Resort in the Midwest Is On a Lovely Blueberry Farm

If you’re a lover of outdoor getaways, you’re no stranger to cottages or camping. There’s something so satisfying to walk outside your bedroom and be greeted by nature, whether it’s a forest, a lake, or a mountain. It’s all about “roughing it” and returning to a simpler place, away from the stresses of the city and modern life. How about a covered wagon campground?
And if you love that, you are probably going to love the opportunity to vacation in an old-fashioned Conestoga covered wagon. You get all the charm and appeal of the time period without the hardships like cholera, a sick ox, or yellow fever.
Staying in Pioneer “Oregon Trail” Wagons in the 21st Century
If you enjoy history, Little House on the Prairie, or the 8-bit Oregon Trail game, look out for these wagons. They are becoming available at resorts and campsites throughout the United States, from the dry plains of Utah to the mountain range outside New York.
Plus, the wagons are beautiful and quaint with its design based on the 19th century. Worry not if you’re not a fan of “roughing it”. The wagons have all the perks of the 21st century, including private bathrooms and perhaps the most vital asset for a summer vacation: air conditioning. So if you prefer glamping (a more luxurious and comfortable form of camping) more than sleeping-on-the-ground camping, this could be the ideal spot for you!
Here are the Top Locations for Pioneer-Styled Wagon “Glamping”
Smokey Hollow Campground
If you prefer a little more camping to your glamping, check out this campground located in Wisconsin. It’s also a more affordable option.
With the beautiful hooded wagon that can host up to five guests, comes an array of features. This includes a microwave, a coffee pot, a refrigerator, and other appliances. Outside, the wagon is a large wooden deck with a little porch, a picnic table with an umbrella, and a charcoal grill.
Smokey Hollow Campground makes a great experience for more cushioned camping while still relishing the ruggedness of the outdoors.
Smokey Hollow Campground
Horse Cave KAO
If you enjoy exploring caves, put Kentucky on your bucket list. Horse Cave KOA is located by one of the “most significant cave regions on the planet”. Spend the day exploring the Mammoth Cave National Park nearby. Then, rest in a cozy wagon at night for a truly outdoorsy experience.
This site’s wagons can sleep up to four people, linens included! Although this makes the location ideal for small families, pets are not allowed.
Conestoga Wagons are also available at other (but not all) KAO locations including:
Deleware Water Gap / Pocono Mountain KOA Holiday (PA)
Oregon Dunes KOA HOliday (OR)
Winthrop / N. Cascades National Park KOA (WA)
Horse cave KAO
Capitol Reef Resort
If you’re interested in a gorgeous view outside your pioneer wagon, look into the Capitol Reef Resort. It’s surrounded by the red-rock of one of Utah’s most popular parks.
Here you can choose to stay in the main lodge, a luxury teepee, a cabin, or of course, the covered wagon, which contains many impressive features. For starters, it is water-resistant, air-conditioned, and large enough for six guests. They also provide private bathrooms and a fire pit.
It’s hard to beat the stunning view, especially when it comes with such comfortable glamping options.
Read: Never Trip Over A Tent Rope Again With These Glow In The Dark Tent Ropes
Capitol Reef Resort
Roscoe Campsite Park
For those on the East Coast, look no farther than the stunning mountains around the Catskills. Roscoe Campsite Park offers multiple types of accommodations, but what’s notable are the beautiful covered wagons. Each one sleeps up to four people, and they line the banks of the Beaverkill River.
If you love fishing, this site is the way to go! Plus, you can explore the surrounding wilderness and the small town of Roscoe, NY, before tucking into the wagon for the night. Unless of course, you’d rather go night fishing.
Roscoe Campsite Park
Zion Wildflower Resort
This resort is one of the newest glamping spots and it’s located close to the Zion National Park. If you love nature and the feel of pioneer days, but would rather keep the modern comforts of home, this is the place for you. Your wagon comes equipped with a fire pit, free bike rentals, and a very vital feature called the smores kit.
Here’s an extra perk of Zion Wildflower Resort: Pets are welcome. [1]
Zion Wildflower Resort
Yosemite Pines RV Resort and Family Lodgings
These large Conestoga wagons can host up to six people, and smaller ones can host four. Both sizes come with a fire pit and a grill, and a picnic table in the outdoor area. Inside contains a king-sized bed, bunk beds, and a little dining area that includes heating, air conditioning, a microwave, a fridge, and a Keurig coffee maker.
Surrounded by trees and wildlife, at Yosemite Pines, you can get a feel for the old days while still enjoying on-site swimming pools and volleyball courts. [2]
Yosemite Pines Conestoga Wagon
Keep Reading: The Fields of Michigan: The First Glamping Resort in the Midwest Is On a Lovely Blueberry Farm


theheartysoul--2020-09-04--Nikola Tesla Proved It Was Possible. Now Wireless Electricity Is a Reality.

Over a century ago , inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla wanted to find a way to supply power without the use of wires .
He was nearly successful with his creation of the Tesla Coil , and radio and television continue to use a variation of this technology today [ 1 ] .
Outside of radio and TV , however , the Tesla Coil no longer has much practical application , and very little research and development has gone into wireless electricity since then .
That is all about to change , as New Zealand energy startup Emrod recently announced @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country .
Most electricity requires long stretches of copper wire in order to bring power to any given area .
For more remote areas with difficult terrain , or areas that can ’ t afford a certain level of physical infrastructure , eliminating those wires would make bringing electricity to those places much more feasible- all Emrod ’ s link needs is a clear line of sight [ 2 ] .
The technology works using Emrod ’ s rectenna , which turns magnetic waves into electricity .
It also uses a square @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a broader surface area to “ catch ” the entire wave of energy and acts as a pass-through point to keep the electricity beaming.Advertisement The beam itself is surrounded by a low-power laser fence so it won ’ t hit birds flying by or vehicles passing through .
Emrod also says that it can drive out a truck-mounted rectenna to make up for any missing relay legs if there is a power outage [ 2 ] .
Normally , a signal that has to be transmitted through the air and then through a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ reliability , but Emrod says its relay technology doesn ’ t use any power , and loses almost none .
Emrod founder Greg Kushnir explained that most of the loss is on the transmitting side , and the efficiency of all the components is close to one hundred percent .
Of course , microwave technology is not new , and transferring energy with microwaves has been around for decades .
What ’ s changed , Kushnir explains , is metamaterials technology .
These new materials make it possible to convert energy back into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has made it viable for commercial use .
Electromagnetic metamaterials can have small designs incorporated in them which allow them to absorb electromagnetic radiation and turn it into heat or electricity , or to make it disappear .
Essentially , says Kusnir , it ’ s stealth technology that has been used in the military [ 3 ] .
Read : ‘ Anti-Solar ’ Cells Could Keep the Power Going at Night Other than the ability to efficiently bring power to remote areas , the other benefit to this new technology is environmental @ @ @ @ @ @ @ end up relying on diesel generators to provide power , which can have a negative impact on the environment .
Replace those generators with wireless electricity , and your environmental footprint lowers substantially [ 2 ] .
Kushnir wants to find a way to move that clean energy from where it ’ s abundant to where it is in need in a low-cost , environmentally-friendly manner .
Through research , it appears to him as though everyone was fixated on the idea that electricity must be transmitted over copper wires , but he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
With the help of New Zealand scientist , Dr. Ray Simpkin of Callaghan Innovation , as well as some government funding , Emrod was able to develop a prototype .
With significantly lower infrastructure costs , the company will be able to provide cheap , sustainable energy to schools , hospitals , and economies in remote regions in Africa and the Pacific Islands .
New Zealand ’ s second-largest electricity distributor , Powerco , has now invested in a proof-of-concept of the technology , which is a big benefit to the company- @ @ @ @ @ @ @ traction it is significant.Advertisement Powerco says that it is interested to see if the technology can complement that way they are already delivering power , in particular to remote places with challenging terrain , as well as to continue supplying power to their customers when they ’ re doing maintenance on their existing infrastructure .
Emrod will be delivering the next prototype to Powerco in October , which will be tested over the course of a few months .
This system will be small and will transmit only a few kilowatts , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ same technology to transmit one hundred times more power over longer distances .
Kushnir is expecting some pushback from a certain segment of the population , specifically those who are against 5G technology .
Unlike 5G which spreads everywhere and inevitably hits people , Emrod ’ s beams don ’ t hit anything but clear air .
He explains that the waves are relatively long , and there ’ s a significant amount of research on the effects of these beams on human tissue .
Furthermore , the levels of power density they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of power being delivered per square meter , is relatively low- about the equivalent of standing outside at noon in the sun .
Kushnir added that while those levels will be increased , they will still remain quite low , which is one of the advantages they have in terms of health and safety [ 3 ] .
At this point the technology is still in its beginning stages , and the initial distance and power load will remain quite low , sending only a few kilowatts over a short distance in New @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that the hypothetical for distance and power load will be almost limitless- all they ’ ll need are bigger rectennas [ 2 ] .

Over a century ago, inventor and engineer Nikola Tesla wanted to find a way to supply power without the use of wires. He was nearly successful with his creation of the Tesla Coil, and radio and television continue to use a variation of this technology today [1].
Outside of radio and TV, however, the Tesla Coil no longer has much practical application, and very little research and development has gone into wireless electricity since then. That is all about to change, as New Zealand energy startup Emrod recently announced that it will bring wireless electricity to the country.
Wireless Electricity: A New Reality
Most electricity requires long stretches of copper wire in order to bring power to any given area. For more remote areas with difficult terrain, or areas that can’t afford a certain level of physical infrastructure, eliminating those wires would make bringing electricity to those places much more feasible- all Emrod’s link needs is a clear line of sight [2].
The technology works using Emrod’s rectenna, which turns magnetic waves into electricity. It also uses a square element mounted on a pole that has a broader surface area to “catch” the entire wave of energy and acts as a pass-through point to keep the electricity beaming.
The beam itself is surrounded by a low-power laser fence so it won’t hit birds flying by or vehicles passing through. Emrod also says that it can drive out a truck-mounted rectenna to make up for any missing relay legs if there is a power outage [2].
No Loss Of Power
Normally, a signal that has to be transmitted through the air and then through a series of mediating technologies would lose its reliability, but Emrod says its relay technology doesn’t use any power, and loses almost none.
Emrod founder Greg Kushnir explained that most of the loss is on the transmitting side, and the efficiency of all the components is close to one hundred percent.
“We’re using solid state for the transmitting side, and that’s essentially the same electronic elements you can find in any radar system, or even your microwave at home,” he said. “Those are at the moment limited to around 70-percent efficiency. But there’s a lot of development going into it, mainly driven by communications, 5G and so on.” [3]
Of course, microwave technology is not new, and transferring energy with microwaves has been around for decades. What’s changed, Kushnir explains, is metamaterials technology. These new materials make it possible to convert energy back into electricity extremely quickly, which is what has made it viable for commercial use.
“So materials that are synthetic, man-made, and when you have waves, either acoustic or electromagnetic, hit them, they react like a new type of material. And you can design them to do all sorts of things,” says Kushnir [3].
Electromagnetic metamaterials can have small designs incorporated in them which allow them to absorb electromagnetic radiation and turn it into heat or electricity, or to make it disappear. Essentially, says Kusnir, it’s stealth technology that has been used in the military [3].
Eco-Friendly Power for Communities
Other than the ability to efficiently bring power to remote areas, the other benefit to this new technology is environmental. Many places that are off-the-grid use end up relying on diesel generators to provide power, which can have a negative impact on the environment. Replace those generators with wireless electricity, and your environmental footprint lowers substantially [2].
“We have an abundance of clean hydro, solar, and wind energy available around the world but there are costly challenges that come with delivering that energy using traditional methods, for example, offshore wind farms or the Cook Strait here in New Zealand requiring underwater cables which are expensive to install and maintain,” Kushnir explained on the company website [4].
Kushnir wants to find a way to move that clean energy from where it’s abundant to where it is in need in a low-cost, environmentally-friendly manner. Through research, it appears to him as though everyone was fixated on the idea that electricity must be transmitted over copper wires, but he was certain there was a better way.
With the help of New Zealand scientist, Dr. Ray Simpkin of Callaghan Innovation, as well as some government funding, Emrod was able to develop a prototype. With significantly lower infrastructure costs, the company will be able to provide cheap, sustainable energy to schools, hospitals, and economies in remote regions in Africa and the Pacific Islands.
“The statistics are pretty compelling. We are talking about a potential 50 per cent increase in sustainable energy uptake, up to 85 per cent reduction in outages and up to 65 per cent reduction in electricity infrastructure costs due to the Emrod solution,” said Kushnir [4].
A Boost from Powerco
New Zealand’s second-largest electricity distributor, Powerco, has now invested in a proof-of-concept of the technology, which is a big benefit to the company- any time a new technology receives market traction it is significant.
Powerco says that it is interested to see if the technology can complement that way they are already delivering power, in particular to remote places with challenging terrain, as well as to continue supplying power to their customers when they’re doing maintenance on their existing infrastructure.
Emrod will be delivering the next prototype to Powerco in October, which will be tested over the course of a few months. This system will be small and will transmit only a few kilowatts, but the company says they can use the same technology to transmit one hundred times more power over longer distances.
“Wireless systems using Emrod technology can transmit any amount of power current wired solutions transmit,” said Kushnir [4].
Safety is a Priority
Kushnir is expecting some pushback from a certain segment of the population, specifically those who are against 5G technology. Unlike 5G which spreads everywhere and inevitably hits people, Emrod’s beams don’t hit anything but clear air.
He explains that the waves are relatively long, and there’s a significant amount of research on the effects of these beams on human tissue.
“It really has to do with the frequency we’re using,” he said. “It’s not laser, it can’t punch a hole through your body.” [3]
Furthermore, the levels of power density they’re using, aka the amount of power being delivered per square meter, is relatively low- about the equivalent of standing outside at noon in the sun. Kushnir added that while those levels will be increased, they will still remain quite low, which is one of the advantages they have in terms of health and safety [3].
Unlimited Potential
At this point the technology is still in its beginning stages, and the initial distance and power load will remain quite low, sending only a few kilowatts over a short distance in New Zealand. Kushnir says, though, that the hypothetical for distance and power load will be almost limitless- all they’ll need are bigger rectennas [2].
Keep Reading: Secretive Energy Startup Backed by Bill Gates Achieves Solar Breakthrough.


theheartysoul--2020-09-04--Amazon tragedy repeats itself as Brazil rainforest goes up in smoke

Last year , the world watched in horror as “ the Earth ’ s Lungs ” - the Amazon Rainforest- went up in flames .
More than 72 thousand fires ripped through the region , an 84 percent increase from the year prior [ 1 ] .
Public outcry from around the world demanded for changes to be made in order to prevent such a tragedy from happening again .
Celebrities , public figures , government officials , and citizens all got involved with the movement , putting pressure on the Brazilian government to do something .
Unfortunately , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and this year the rainforest is on fire again- only this time it ’ s possibly worse .
So far in 2020 , there have been almost as many fires in the Amazon as last year .
Satellite images from Brazil ’ s space agency , Inpe , detected more than 7600 fires in the Amazonas during the month of August , nearly one thousand more than last year and the highest number since 1998 [ 2 ] .Advertisement More than 29 307 fires across the entire Amazon region were detected in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ total numbers from 2019 ( which were 30 900 ) , and the second-highest total in the last ten years .
Thousands of troops were deployed in the region in May as a part of operation “ Green Brazil 2 ” , which was meant to cut down on environmental crime in order to prevent a repeat of last year ’ s disaster , however according to the Associated Press , this has only made things worse .
According to public officials in Brazil , there have been no major raid against illegal @ @ @ @ @ @ @ instead the rainforest has actually been opened to further exploitation [ 3 ] .
Finally in July , in a bid to reassure the rest of the world that something was being done , the Brazilian government announced a four-month ban on burning .
Sadly , this appears to have had little to no effect .
Read : Dozens of Creatures Thought to Be Extinct Found Alive in ‘ Lost City ’ in the Jungle AdvertisementAdvertisementThose were the despairing words from a former official at Brazil ’ s weakening environmental agency , Ibama @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president of Brazil twenty months ago , the environmental situation in the country has worsened significantly .
Many are blaming the president for the rainforest ’ s destruction , with good reason .
During Bolsanaro ’ s presidency , significant cuts to Brazil ’ s environmental agency have almost completely paralyzed its operations , making it near impossible for Ibama officials to effectively police the 2.1 million square miles of rainforest .
This has opened up the supposedly “ protected ” area to illegal activity that has threatened the environment and contributed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that , the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has also made it easier for illegal activity to take place .
Is this completely the fault of the Brazilian president ?
While he certainly has made things much worse during his time in office , and has promoted the opening of the Amazon to mining , farming , and logging , he is not one hundred percent to blame.Advertisement The agricultural lobby in Brazil has steadily eroded the protection system that had been extremely effective up until 2014 , and deforestation has been gradually increasing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ presidents as well .
That being said , in the first eight months of Bolsanaro ’ s rule , deforestation accelerated rapidly [ 1 ] .
In response to public outrage , Bolsanaro has responded much in the same way he has responded to his country ’ s COVID-19 outbreak : denial .
In a speech last month to other South American Leaders , he challenged foreign representatives to fly over the Amazon , arguing they will find no flames .
Carlos Rittl , a Brazilian environmentalist who works at Germany ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that this is the worst moment in Brazil in more than thirty years , and that sadly it was expected , thanks to a president who was elected based on his anti-environment rhetoric .
“ Under Bolsonaro , Brazil is becoming perhaps the greatest global enemy of the environment .
It is so sad to see , ” he said .
” A tiny number of people grow very rich with this – and all of us lose.
” [ 2 ] Keep Reading : China is Turning the Rainforest into Cheap Furniture @ @ @

Last year, the world watched in horror as “the Earth’s Lungs”- the Amazon Rainforest- went up in flames. More than 72 thousand fires ripped through the region, an 84 percent increase from the year prior [1].
Public outcry from around the world demanded for changes to be made in order to prevent such a tragedy from happening again. Celebrities, public figures, government officials, and citizens all got involved with the movement, putting pressure on the Brazilian government to do something.
Unfortunately, it appears that these messages were largely ignored, and this year the rainforest is on fire again- only this time it’s possibly worse.
The Amazon Fires: 2019 Vs. 2020
So far in 2020, there have been almost as many fires in the Amazon as last year. Satellite images from Brazil’s space agency, Inpe, detected more than 7600 fires in the Amazonas during the month of August, nearly one thousand more than last year and the highest number since 1998 [2].
More than 29 307 fires across the entire Amazon region were detected in August, only slightly less than the total numbers from 2019 (which were 30 900), and the second-highest total in the last ten years.
Thousands of troops were deployed in the region in May as a part of operation “Green Brazil 2”, which was meant to cut down on environmental crime in order to prevent a repeat of last year’s disaster, however according to the Associated Press, this has only made things worse.
According to public officials in Brazil, there have been no major raid against illegal activity since the operation began, and instead the rainforest has actually been opened to further exploitation [3].
Finally in July, in a bid to reassure the rest of the world that something was being done, the Brazilian government announced a four-month ban on burning. Sadly, this appears to have had little to no effect.
Read: Dozens of Creatures Thought to Be Extinct Found Alive in ‘Lost City’ in the Jungle
“The Amazon is Condemned to Destruction”
Those were the despairing words from a former official at Brazil’s weakening environmental agency, Ibama.
“Under this government there will be no combating [of rainforest destruction],” the ex-official said. “The future looks dark.” [2]
Since Jair Bolsanaro took office as the president of Brazil twenty months ago, the environmental situation in the country has worsened significantly. Many are blaming the president for the rainforest’s destruction, with good reason.
During Bolsanaro’s presidency, significant cuts to Brazil’s environmental agency have almost completely paralyzed its operations, making it near impossible for Ibama officials to effectively police the 2.1 million square miles of rainforest.
This has opened up the supposedly “protected” area to illegal activity that has threatened the environment and contributed to the fires. On top of that, the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil has also made it easier for illegal activity to take place.
“Everyone – illegal loggers, land grabbers, illegal miners – they’re all up and running, and even more so than usual, safe in the knowledge that government inspections have been scaled back because of the pandemic,” said Rômulo Batista, a Greenpeace campaigner in Manaus, the capital of Amazonas [2].
Is this completely the fault of the Brazilian president?
While he certainly has made things much worse during his time in office, and has promoted the opening of the Amazon to mining, farming, and logging, he is not one hundred percent to blame.
The agricultural lobby in Brazil has steadily eroded the protection system that had been extremely effective up until 2014, and deforestation has been gradually increasing over the last five years under previous presidents as well. That being said, in the first eight months of Bolsanaro’s rule, deforestation accelerated rapidly [1].
In response to public outrage, Bolsanaro has responded much in the same way he has responded to his country’s COVID-19 outbreak: denial. In a speech last month to other South American Leaders, he challenged foreign representatives to fly over the Amazon, arguing they will find no flames.
“This story that the Amazon is going up in flames is a lie and we must combat it with true numbers,” he said [4].
A Global Enemy of the Environment
Carlos Rittl, a Brazilian environmentalist who works at Germany’s Institute for Advanced Sustainability Studies, says that this is the worst moment in Brazil in more than thirty years, and that sadly it was expected, thanks to a president who was elected based on his anti-environment rhetoric.
“Under Bolsonaro, Brazil is becoming perhaps the greatest global enemy of the environment. It is so sad to see,” he said. ”A tiny number of people grow very rich with this – and all of us lose.” [2]
Keep Reading: China is Turning the Rainforest into Cheap Furniture for the US


theheartysoul--2020-09-04--Man shows the inside of his tiny home in the woods

Just a few years ago , Kris Harbour ’ s daily routine consisted of waking up at five o ’ clock in the morning , sitting on a train for two hours to get to work , working for a full day , and sitting on a train for another two hours home .
He had fun on the weekends but never found he had enough time or energy to do many of the things he really wanted to do [ 1 ] .
Finally , he decided enough was enough .
He sold his home in London , quit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of land in Wales where he began to build his own home from scratch .
The 31-year-old found that life in the big city was unfulfilling .
He had left school at the age of sixteen and began working right away to pay his bills .
By all accounts , he was doing really well- he had a good job , and thriving social network , and a house- but he was unhappy and knew there was more to life than just trying to get by .
After he purchased the land off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ year and a half travelling back and forth from his flat in London and his property in Wales where he spent one thousand hours building his dream home from scratch.Advertisement Using primarily wood and a mortar made of clay , sand , and straw , he built the home from about ninety percent natural , recycled , or found materials .
Read : This artist couple build an incredible cabin out of recycled windows for under $ 500 Despite its outward appearance , Kris ’ s home is far from primitive , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of us have become accustomed to .
He has wireless internet and a fully functioning stove , and he says the sturdy log walls of the home keep the rain out all year round .
He uses a wood-burning stove to keep his house warm in the cooler months , and a hydro generator using water and a turbine provides his home with all the power he needs .
Solar panels on the property also supply a certain amount of power , however this is not adequate year-round .
The home also has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ keep it well-lit , and the home has plenty of windows to provide natural lighting , including a skylight over his bed , which is located in a loft near the ceiling .
The Happiest He ’ s Ever Been Since moving into his new home , Kris has never looked back at his life in the city .
Despite earning good money , so much of it went toward paying his bills that he virtually had none of it left .
Today , he earns significantly less money , but without so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he actually has more money than he did before .
When he initially moved in he was worried he might be lonely , but he found he ’ s really enjoyed it .
Initially , his family was uncertain whether Kris ’ s decision was a good one , but after seeing what it did for his well-being , they got on board with it .
Now , he thinks everyone ’ s a bit impressed with what he ’ s doing .
Read : Mountain Refuge is a concept for a tiny @ @ @ @ @ @ @ has plans to turn his land into a fully sustainable homestead , and built a workshop on site for him to do just that .
His goal , however , is to build a larger workshop and eventually a two-storey home .
Before he began doing that , however , he wanted to first live on the land for a number of years to see how it reacted in different seasons .
Kris believes his current home will last twenty years with minimal maintenance , and longer with more intensive care .
For @ @ @ @ @ @ @ his days building new structures , maintaining the land , and surfing off of the Welsh coast .
Keep Up With Kris Unlike many who chose to live remotely , Kris has not become a recluse by any means .
Today , you can follow his progress and learn more about his lifestyle by visiting his website .
Kris is happy to share his journey , and hopes to inspire others to live in a way that fulfills them .
On his website , he encourages others to see themselves differently : He @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can take back control of their own lives , discover talents they did not know they had , and make a difference in their own wellbeing and their environment .
Keep Reading : A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $ 7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis

Just a few years ago, Kris Harbour’s daily routine consisted of waking up at five o’clock in the morning, sitting on a train for two hours to get to work, working for a full day, and sitting on a train for another two hours home. He had fun on the weekends but never found he had enough time or energy to do many of the things he really wanted to do [1].
Finally, he decided enough was enough. He sold his home in London, quit his job, and purchased eighteen acres of land in Wales where he began to build his own home from scratch.
A Tiny Home Built by Hand
The 31-year-old found that life in the big city was unfulfilling. He had left school at the age of sixteen and began working right away to pay his bills. By all accounts, he was doing really well- he had a good job, and thriving social network, and a house- but he was unhappy and knew there was more to life than just trying to get by.
After he purchased the land off of Ebay, Kris spent the next year and a half travelling back and forth from his flat in London and his property in Wales where he spent one thousand hours building his dream home from scratch.
Using primarily wood and a mortar made of clay, sand, and straw, he built the home from about ninety percent natural, recycled, or found materials.
“There is some foam installation that isn’t natural in the roof. Then just things like screws, some pipes and fittings and things like that,” said Kris [2].
Take the Tour
Despite its outward appearance, Kris’s home is far from primitive, and contains many of the modern conveniences most of us have become accustomed to. He has wireless internet and a fully functioning stove, and he says the sturdy log walls of the home keep the rain out all year round.
He uses a wood-burning stove to keep his house warm in the cooler months, and a hydro generator using water and a turbine provides his home with all the power he needs. Solar panels on the property also supply a certain amount of power, however this is not adequate year-round.
The home also has a fully-operational kitchen, with lamps to keep it well-lit, and the home has plenty of windows to provide natural lighting, including a skylight over his bed, which is located in a loft near the ceiling.
The Happiest He’s Ever Been
Since moving into his new home, Kris has never looked back at his life in the city.
“At one point I had two mortgages which I think totalled nearly £400,000, I had a car, and all the bills and mortgages, electric, water, internet, TV licenses, insurances,” he said [2].
Despite earning good money, so much of it went toward paying his bills that he virtually had none of it left. Today, he earns significantly less money, but without so many hands in his pocket he says he actually has more money than he did before.
When he initially moved in he was worried he might be lonely, but he found he’s really enjoyed it.
“At no point was I wondering what I was doing or why I had done it. I was just really happy.” [2]
Initially, his family was uncertain whether Kris’s decision was a good one, but after seeing what it did for his well-being, they got on board with it. Now, he thinks everyone’s a bit impressed with what he’s doing.
Read: Mountain Refuge is a concept for a tiny cabin that could be built anywhere
Plans for the Future
Kris has plans to turn his land into a fully sustainable homestead, and built a workshop on site for him to do just that. His goal, however, is to build a larger workshop and eventually a two-storey home.
Before he began doing that, however, he wanted to first live on the land for a number of years to see how it reacted in different seasons.
“I wanted to see what areas got flooded, learn where the sun tracks across the sky, so I would know, when I build the house that will hopefully be the house I will live in for the rest of my life, that it’s in the right place,” he explained [2].
Kris believes his current home will last twenty years with minimal maintenance, and longer with more intensive care. For now, though, he is spending his days building new structures, maintaining the land, and surfing off of the Welsh coast.
“Right now, I’m the happiest I’ve ever been.” [2]
Keep Up With Kris
Unlike many who chose to live remotely, Kris has not become a recluse by any means. Today, you can follow his progress and learn more about his lifestyle by visiting his website.
Kris is happy to share his journey, and hopes to inspire others to live in a way that fulfills them. On his website, he encourages others to see themselves differently:
“I think we as people have been told that if you’re not a builder you can’t build. If you’re not a plumber you can’t plumb, and if you’re not a carpenter you can’t do woodwork. I now know from experience that this is simply not true, and I want everyone else to know it as well.” [1]
He concludes by telling his followers that they can take back control of their own lives, discover talents they did not know they had, and make a difference in their own wellbeing and their environment.
Keep Reading: A Couple Buy a Collapsing Cabin For $7K in Joshua Tree and Revamp it Into a Desert Oasis


theheartysoul--2020-09-05--This Stunning ‘Dream Home’ Came From a Surprisingly Affordable Kit

Love the idea of a kit home , but don ’ t want to live in a teeny-tiny space ?
Lucky for you , there are options to build your dream kit home that are gorgeous , affordable , and spacious .
This couple did it and so can you .
Couple Builds Their Dream Home from this Affordable Kit Though not massive by any means , with a garage , an office room , and large open-concept kitchen , dining , and communal area , Trent and Hailey Palmer ’ s house is not the small space you ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
( 1 ) Just under 2,400 square feet , this airy and open space is so well laid out that it feels much bigger than it really is .
What ’ s best is that they were able to build it and have it move-in ready in 4.5 months .
( 1 ) The kit is from ZipKitHomes , who have several different frames and floor plans to choose from based on what you ’ re looking for , from studios to multi-level homes .
The price of the Palmer ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ $ 185,000 for everything .
( 1 ) Advertisement Read : Affordable Solar Homes Produce as Much Energy as They Use The main difference , Trent explains in his YouTube video , between a prefab and a kit is how much comes with it .
• Frontages and surfaces for the kitchen ( 1 ) Things not included in the price are : • Paint ( the walls do no come painted ) ( 3 ) Essentially , anything that has to be done on-site will cost extra .
For Trent and Hailey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ install power lines on their 70+ acres of land , the total cost ended up being about $ 550,000 .
( 1 ) In the video , Trent explains that the biggest hurdle was their fireplace .
Originally they were going to install a propane fireplace but then quickly decided against it .
Propane is expensive and the cost goes up constantly .
Instead , they went with a wood-burning one because their property has plenty of dead trees on it that will make great firewood .
The best part about it is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of their land .
( 1 ) Though ZipKitHomes will install the home for you and can have it built within a week , you can do it yourself .
According to the Palmer ’ s , you don ’ t have to be an expert builder to do it , either .
“ Neither of us really had any true construction experience , but we built this thing and we ended up getting it done in four and a half months , ” Trent says .
“ There ’ s things we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would have done differently , but that said , with where we ’ re at and how it turned out , we ’ re both happy.
” ( 1 ) AdvertisementAdvertisementThe couple still has some landscaping work today , but the two of them along with their adorable dogs are very happy with their new home .
Keep Reading : The 4-Inch Kitchen Space You Keep Neglecting but Should Really Use for Storage

Love the idea of a kit home, but don’t want to live in a teeny-tiny space? Lucky for you, there are options to build your dream kit home that are gorgeous, affordable, and spacious. This couple did it and so can you.
Couple Builds Their Dream Home from this Affordable Kit
Though not massive by any means, with a garage, an office room, and large open-concept kitchen, dining, and communal area, Trent and Hailey Palmer’s house is not the small space you’re used to seeing from a kit. (1)
Just under 2,400 square feet, this airy and open space is so well laid out that it feels much bigger than it really is. What’s best is that they were able to build it and have it move-in ready in 4.5 months. (1)
The kit is from ZipKitHomes, who have several different frames and floor plans to choose from based on what you’re looking for, from studios to multi-level homes. The price of the Palmer’s kit (the Alpine 4) was $185,000 for everything. (1)
Read: Affordable Solar Homes Produce as Much Energy as They Use
A Kit, Not a Prefab
The main difference, Trent explains in his YouTube video, between a prefab and a kit is how much comes with it.
“Ours just had pre-framed walls, but basically all of the finishes for the house came with the kit, so there was no stumbling over, forgetting things, or changing our minds, or having any unforeseen expenses.”
Things the home included were:
The walls (2)
Frontages and surfaces for the kitchen (1)
Tiles in the bathroom (1)
Outdoor light fixtures (1)
Triple pane windows (2)
Pre-installed siding (optional) (2)
Metal roofing, soffit, and fascia (2)
Cabinets (2)
Flooring (2)
Doorknobs (2)
Taps (1)
Things not included in the price are:
Cost of the land (1)
Rough plumbing and electrical (1)
Stucco (1)
Paint (the walls do no come painted) (3)
Drywall (must be installed on-site) (3)
Fireplace (1)
Installation (3)
Essentially, anything that has to be done on-site will cost extra. For Trent and Hailey, who had to build wells and install power lines on their 70+ acres of land, the total cost ended up being about $550,000. (1)
Alpine 4 Floor Plan
Image Credit: Zip Kit Homes
In the video, Trent explains that the biggest hurdle was their fireplace. Originally they were going to install a propane fireplace but then quickly decided against it. Propane is expensive and the cost goes up constantly. Instead, they went with a wood-burning one because their property has plenty of dead trees on it that will make great firewood. The best part about it is it’s free heat right off of their land. (1)
A Real DIY Project
Though ZipKitHomes will install the home for you and can have it built within a week, you can do it yourself. According to the Palmer’s, you don’t have to be an expert builder to do it, either.
“Neither of us really had any true construction experience, but we built this thing and we ended up getting it done in four and a half months,” Trent says. “There’s things we would have changed, some stuff we would have done differently, but that said, with where we’re at and how it turned out, we’re both happy.” (1)
The couple still has some landscaping work today, but the two of them along with their adorable dogs are very happy with their new home.


theheartysoul--2020-09-05--How to survive a mountain lion encounter

In the last couple of years , there have been a handful of stories that have hit the news about mountain lion attacks .
There was a deadly attack outside Seattle in May 2018 , and another in Oregon a few months later .
In February 2019 a jogger in Colorado killed a cougar with his bare hands in self-defense , and the mom who saved her son from a cougar on Vancouver Island in British Columbia , Canada [ 1 ] .
While this cluster of cases makes it seem as though cougar attacks are a common threat , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rare .
In fact , in the last one hundred years , only 125 attacks have been reported , and less than two dozen of them were fatal [ 2 ] .
If you still think that sounds like a lot , consider bees , wasps , and hornets kill about sixty people every year [ 2 ] .
Still , while the likelihood of experiencing a cougar attack remains extremely low , if you ’ re heading out for a hike in cougar country , it is important to know what to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to survive an attack should one happen.Advertisement Read : Navy Seal Explains How to Survive If You Are Being Drowned What to Do if you Encounter a Mountain Lion Cathryn Hoyt , a park ranger at Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas says that one of the most common misconceptions that people have surrounding mountain lion encounters is that you should curl up into the fetal position and protect your neck .
According to Hoyt , however , this is all wrong , Instead , you should fight back .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ available to help your cause , whether that be a pocket knife , trekking poles , or even a backpack .
The other common response most people automatically go to in their minds when they think of a mountain lion attack is to try to run away .
Again , Hoyt says this is incorrect , because it makes you appear more like prey- and there ’ s absolutely no way you can outrun a mountain lion .
AdvertisementThese big cats can bound up to forty feet , leap fifteen feet , climb @ @ @ @ @ @ @ miles per hour .
Not even the world ’ s fastest sprinters can outpace them .
Instead , your best chance at survival is to stand your ground , make yourself look as big and intimidating as possible , and make direct eye contact with the animal .
Speak loudly and firmly at it , and slowly back away .
If the mountain lion still does not go away after that , Hoyt says the next step is to throw things at it , like rocks or branches , as this will make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re worth .
Above all else , Hoyt says the most important thing to remember is to remain calm .
Your level-headedness is an advantage , and if you lose your cool you lose the upper hand .
Mountain lions prefer to stay away from hikers , so even sightings are rare .
Typically , a cat that is going after humans is either too old and frail or too young to go after its usual prey , so they ’ re hungry and desperate .
For this reason , small children @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prey for the animal , so whenever you are hiking with a child you should keep them close at all times .
Always have them in arms reach , and if you do spot a mountain lion , pick them up to keep them from running [ 2 ] .
Read : Caught On Camera : Rare Footage of Grizzly Bears Fighting On Northern Canadian Highway The best way to prevent a mountain lion attack is to prevent a situation from escalating in the first place .
Ideally , this means spotting the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ difficult , however , because these elusive cats are not easy to spot or track .
Their dens are usually high up in cliffs or rock faces , and for the most part they prefer to stay hidden .
For this reason , it is unlikely that you will stumble across a home , but if you do see footprints or hear rustling in the bushes , you should remain alert and move on quickly , without running .
Again , mountain lions typically prefer to stay away from humans , however they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to protect .
When a mountain lion kills an animal , they bury it in the ground and come back to feed off of it over the next several days .
They will be very protective over their food , says Hoyt , so for this reason if you come across the carcass of an animal while you ’ re out hiking you should leave that area immediately [ 2 ] .
To recap , here are the steps to preventing or surviving an encounter with a mountain lion : • Avoid escalation– @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to spot a mountain lion early , and steer clear of areas that may pose a risk .
• Don ’ t run– keep any children close to you , and if you spot a cat , pick them up to prevent them from trying to run away .
• Make yourself big and intimidating– look them in the eye , and use a loud deliberate voice as you slowly back away .
• Throw things at it– if you must , throw rocks and sticks at the animal to make yourself seem @ @ @ @ @ @ @ back– if it does come down to it , fight back with everything you have , and whatever weapons you have .
Always remember that when you ’ re spending time outdoors , you must respect nature and wildlife- after all , you are on their turf .
Remain vigilant at all times , and be aware of both the risks of the area you ’ re in , as well as the appropriate reactions in the event of an encounter .
Keep Reading : Bear Caught Relaxing “ Just Like a Human @ @ @ @ @ @ @

In the last couple of years, there have been a handful of stories that have hit the news about mountain lion attacks. There was a deadly attack outside Seattle in May 2018, and another in Oregon a few months later. In February 2019 a jogger in Colorado killed a cougar with his bare hands in self-defense, and the mom who saved her son from a cougar on Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada [1].
While this cluster of cases makes it seem as though cougar attacks are a common threat, the truth is, they are exceptionally rare. In fact, in the last one hundred years, only 125 attacks have been reported, and less than two dozen of them were fatal [2].
If you still think that sounds like a lot, consider bees, wasps, and hornets kill about sixty people every year [2].
Still, while the likelihood of experiencing a cougar attack remains extremely low, if you’re heading out for a hike in cougar country, it is important to know what to look for, and what to do in order to survive an attack should one happen.
Read: Navy Seal Explains How to Survive If You Are Being Drowned
What to Do if you Encounter a Mountain Lion
Cathryn Hoyt, a park ranger at Big Bend National Park in southwest Texas says that one of the most common misconceptions that people have surrounding mountain lion encounters is that you should curl up into the fetal position and protect your neck.
According to Hoyt, however, this is all wrong, Instead, you should fight back.
“Kick, and scream, and punch, and gouge, and do whatever you can,” she says [2].
She also recommends using whatever tools are available to help your cause, whether that be a pocket knife, trekking poles, or even a backpack.
Don’t Run
The other common response most people automatically go to in their minds when they think of a mountain lion attack is to try to run away. Again, Hoyt says this is incorrect, because it makes you appear more like prey- and there’s absolutely no way you can outrun a mountain lion.
These big cats can bound up to forty feet, leap fifteen feet, climb trees, and sprint up to fifty miles per hour. Not even the world’s fastest sprinters can outpace them. Instead, your best chance at survival is to stand your ground, make yourself look as big and intimidating as possible, and make direct eye contact with the animal. Speak loudly and firmly at it, and slowly back away.
Stay Calm
If the mountain lion still does not go away after that, Hoyt says the next step is to throw things at it, like rocks or branches, as this will make you seem like more trouble than you’re worth. Above all else, Hoyt says the most important thing to remember is to remain calm. Your level-headedness is an advantage, and if you lose your cool you lose the upper hand.
Mountain lions prefer to stay away from hikers, so even sightings are rare. Typically, a cat that is going after humans is either too old and frail or too young to go after its usual prey, so they’re hungry and desperate.
For this reason, small children make good targets as they are easier prey for the animal, so whenever you are hiking with a child you should keep them close at all times. Always have them in arms reach, and if you do spot a mountain lion, pick them up to keep them from running [2].
Avoid Escalation
The best way to prevent a mountain lion attack is to prevent a situation from escalating in the first place. Ideally, this means spotting the animal early enough.
This can be difficult, however, because these elusive cats are not easy to spot or track. Their dens are usually high up in cliffs or rock faces, and for the most part they prefer to stay hidden. For this reason, it is unlikely that you will stumble across a home, but if you do see footprints or hear rustling in the bushes, you should remain alert and move on quickly, without running.
Again, mountain lions typically prefer to stay away from humans, however they will become aggressive if they have something to protect.
When a mountain lion kills an animal, they bury it in the ground and come back to feed off of it over the next several days. They will be very protective over their food, says Hoyt, so for this reason if you come across the carcass of an animal while you’re out hiking you should leave that area immediately [2].
In Summary
To recap, here are the steps to preventing or surviving an encounter with a mountain lion:
Avoid escalation– know what to look for in order to spot a mountain lion early, and steer clear of areas that may pose a risk. Don’t run– keep any children close to you, and if you spot a cat, pick them up to prevent them from trying to run away. Make yourself big and intimidating– look them in the eye, and use a loud deliberate voice as you slowly back away. Throw things at it– if you must, throw rocks and sticks at the animal to make yourself seem like too much trouble. Fight back– if it does come down to it, fight back with everything you have, and whatever weapons you have.
Always remember that when you’re spending time outdoors, you must respect nature and wildlife- after all, you are on their turf. Remain vigilant at all times, and be aware of both the risks of the area you’re in, as well as the appropriate reactions in the event of an encounter.
Keep Reading: Bear Caught Relaxing “Just Like a Human” On A Couch Someone Threw Away


theheartysoul--2020-09-05--She went through 16 foster families and 38 homes. Then her teachers became Mum and Dad

As of 2017 , there were nearly 48 thousand children living in out-of-home ( foster ) care in Australia , a number that has risen every year since 2013 .
Of those children , more than forty percent of them remain in the foster care system for five years or more [ 1 ] .
A 2013 survey found that while over eighty percent of the children in foster care were happy with their living situation , still there were some who were not happy with their placement history [ 1 ] .
Sadly , Bobby Hendry was one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for seven years to sixteen different foster families and lived at 38 different addresses .
Bobby ( aka Emily ) Hendry was handed over to the state by her mother when she was just eight years old in an effort to protect her from her abusive father .
The next seven years of her life were chaotic , and left her feeling unloved and uncared for.Advertisement By the time she was fifteen , she was living with her sixteenth “ family ” - a woman who , in Bobby ’ s words , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
She wanted to leave this home , but at the age of fifteen she was akin to an old dog at a pound , and her case worker tried to convince her to stay .
Bobby refused , and was now faced with the prospect of having to move again , this time to a group home in Sydney , which would have meant she ’ d have to leave her current school that she loved [ 2 ] .
Read : 5,000 People Respond to Boy ’ s Heartbreaking Plea : @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Bobby first met Chris Harrison in year seven when the teacher was running a math competition .
Chris realized right away the Bobby was a very bright girl , but she also described her as having some “ rough edges ” .
Two years later Bobby met Chris ’ s husband , Peter , when she was in his year nine science class .
Like his wife , he thought the girl was a bit rough around the edges but was very intelligent .
AdvertisementAdvertisementBobby really liked her teacher , and recalls talking @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her friends were bored of hearing about it .
She also remembers working very hard in school for him , and she regularly got marks in the eighties and nineties .
When Bobby started handing in handwritten assignments instead of typed , showing up to school with bags under her eyes wearing the same uniform as the week before , and getting marks in the twenties and thirties , her teacher knew something was up .
Bobby opened up to Peter about her childhood and explained to him that she ’ d been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , with nowhere to go .
They had to take her in Peter and Chris had also heard stories about bullying and other terrible things about group homes .
Peter went home and told his wife that they couldn ’ t let this happen to Bobby- that they had to take her in.AdvertisementAdvertisement When Peter first called the agency , however , they weren ’ t very receptive to his request to have Bobby go live with them , possibly because it sounds a bit suspect when a man calls asking to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him .
Chris then called , and explained that the couple had taken students in to live with them for the short-term in the past to help them through their HSC , and that Chris herself had had a foster sister and that her own mother had been a state ward .
This information was what convinced the agency that Chris and Peter were more than just random teachers who felt sorry for a student .
When Bobby received the news that she was to live with her teachers , she was speechless @ @ @ @ @ @ @ time in her life , someone met her , got to know her , and decided that she was worth being loved .
When Bobby arrived at their large property , she was overwhelmed that she was going to be living in such a beautiful place .
The Harrisons had already prepared a bedroom for her and immediately started filling the fridge with all of her favorite foods .
They were even asking her what she wanted for her birthday .
It wasn ’ t always easy , though , and Bobby ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ moments .
Peter admits that at the beginning , she was sometimes impossible to live with- untidy , no sense of responsibility , and quite selfish because of the dog-eat-dog world she had come from .
Sometimes something would trigger a memory from her past and the Harrisons would find her curled up in a ball under her desk .
However , as she continued living with them , she began to see that they did things for her because they loved her , and things began to change .
Eight years after @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is , in her words , “ killing it ” .
Bobby knows , however , that statistically she shouldn ’ t have any of those things .
She thanks her parents for everything they ’ ve done for her , with the knowledge that she would not be where she is today without them .
Keep Reading : Woman Who Fostered 600 Kids in 50 Years Took in Anyone—Regardless of Age or Medical Condition

She went through 16 foster families and 38 homes. Then her teachers became Mum and Dad
As of 2017, there were nearly 48 thousand children living in out-of-home (foster) care in Australia, a number that has risen every year since 2013. Of those children, more than forty percent of them remain in the foster care system for five years or more [1].
A 2013 survey found that while over eighty percent of the children in foster care were happy with their living situation, still there were some who were not happy with their placement history [1].
Sadly, Bobby Hendry was one of these children, and was passed around for seven years to sixteen different foster families and lived at 38 different addresses.
Bobby’s Story
Bobby (aka Emily) Hendry was handed over to the state by her mother when she was just eight years old in an effort to protect her from her abusive father. The next seven years of her life were chaotic, and left her feeling unloved and uncared for.
By the time she was fifteen, she was living with her sixteenth “family”- a woman who, in Bobby’s words, was “a little bit insane”. She wanted to leave this home, but at the age of fifteen she was akin to an old dog at a pound, and her case worker tried to convince her to stay.
Bobby refused, and was now faced with the prospect of having to move again, this time to a group home in Sydney, which would have meant she’d have to leave her current school that she loved [2].
Read: 5,000 People Respond to Boy’s Heartbreaking Plea: ‘I Just Want a Mom’
A Budding Relationship
Bobby first met Chris Harrison in year seven when the teacher was running a math competition. Chris realized right away the Bobby was a very bright girl, but she also described her as having some “rough edges”.
“I asked for her name and she said “Bobby”. I thought, “There is no Bobby on my list.” [2]
Two years later Bobby met Chris’s husband, Peter, when she was in his year nine science class. Like his wife, he thought the girl was a bit rough around the edges but was very intelligent.
“We just got on like a house on fire,” he said. “She was very chatty and I got to know her pretty well.” [2]
Bobby really liked her teacher, and recalls talking to him about Dr. Who, because her friends were bored of hearing about it. She also remembers working very hard in school for him, and she regularly got marks in the eighties and nineties.
“I wasn’t a bad kid. I was tough, though. I’d experienced a lot of hurt and didn’t know how to channel it,” she explained [2].
Running Out of Options
When Bobby started handing in handwritten assignments instead of typed, showing up to school with bags under her eyes wearing the same uniform as the week before, and getting marks in the twenties and thirties, her teacher knew something was up.
Bobby opened up to Peter about her childhood and explained to him that she’d been kicked out of the home she was in, with nowhere to go.
“She was at the end of the line basically — faced with a group home in Sydney and she would have to move schools. But she loved that school,” said Peter [2].
They had to take her in
Peter and Chris had also heard stories about bullying and other terrible things about group homes. Peter went home and told his wife that they couldn’t let this happen to Bobby- that they had to take her in.
“I could just see she would be lost and never really get nurtured to [achieve] what she could achieve in life.” [2]
When Peter first called the agency, however, they weren’t very receptive to his request to have Bobby go live with them, possibly because it sounds a bit suspect when a man calls asking to take a young girl to live with him.
Chris then called, and explained that the couple had taken students in to live with them for the short-term in the past to help them through their HSC, and that Chris herself had had a foster sister and that her own mother had been a state ward. This information was what convinced the agency that Chris and Peter were more than just random teachers who felt sorry for a student.
“We went backwards through the system, basically,” explained Peter. “They gave Emily to us, then we had to pursue all the legal and training stuff along the way, rather than do the 12-month-or-so training first before we got approved.” [2]
A New Life
When Bobby received the news that she was to live with her teachers, she was speechless. For what felt like the first time in her life, someone met her, got to know her, and decided that she was worth being loved.
When Bobby arrived at their large property, she was overwhelmed that she was going to be living in such a beautiful place. The Harrisons had already prepared a bedroom for her and immediately started filling the fridge with all of her favorite foods. They were even asking her what she wanted for her birthday.
New Life, Past Trauma
It wasn’t always easy, though, and Bobby’s past trauma made for some difficult moments. Peter admits that at the beginning, she was sometimes impossible to live with- untidy, no sense of responsibility, and quite selfish because of the dog-eat-dog world she had come from.
“She’d been traumatised,” said Chris. “We had to keep saying to her, “We love you. It doesn’t matter what you do, you can always come back. You are part of our family now.” [2]
Sometimes something would trigger a memory from her past and the Harrisons would find her curled up in a ball under her desk. However, as she continued living with them, she began to see that they did things for her because they loved her, and things began to change.
Eight years after they first took her in, Bobby is, in her words, “killing it”.
“I’ve got my own place, only five minutes from theirs, I graduated from college and landed an amazing full-time job, and I’ve just started my photography business,” she said. “I’m in a healthy, committed relationship, and I have goals and the ability and support to meet them.” [2]
Bobby knows, however, that statistically she shouldn’t have any of those things.
“I should be homeless, addicted to the same poisons that took stronghold of my parents.” [2]
She thanks her parents for everything they’ve done for her, with the knowledge that she would not be where she is today without them.
“My parents might not have been there when I was born, or I may not have their blood running through my veins, but I am still their daughter. And I am so lucky for that.” [2]
Keep Reading: Woman Who Fostered 600 Kids in 50 Years Took in Anyone—Regardless of Age or Medical Condition