34.2º N, 118.4º W

"I'm quitting my job to travel and go farming to learn how to be off the grid and sustainable." My mom didn't like hearing that one. It must be done though, because it is my destiny. I know it. Each day I continue working in advertising, I can feel my soul chain smoking greed and pressure through a tailpipe of exploitation and crushing dedication.

And full sustainability is entirely possible. The book I'm holding is the catalog of WWOOF farms in the United States that I can work on. At least 1000 farms across these U-nited states are able to sustain themselves, and I think I can do better. That book will be my bible.

But I'm getting ahead of myself.

If I don't get fired (though, hopefully to collect unemployment) my last day of work will be a May 28th. I'll be backpacking for a few weeks in some national parks, getting things in order, finishing up projects, selling or getting rid of furniture, and beginning my journey. My journey of experience and knowledge. Because if I don't do it, it won't get done.

Atom Farm continues to grow, and the more I collaborate with people, the more I develop what it can be, literally growing the idea into eventual fruition. It seems that many people are in a state of frustration with the status of life. So lets change that. This is our life. How do we want to live? Slaves till retirement? Not me. I'm here to experience and enjoy every facet and it seems that my peers share a similar idea of life.

We can do it! We can break free from systems of control! Cast away fear and doubt, for the power lies within the people, and the individual power of the do-ocracy!

What started out to be just personal self sustainability has turned into the real possibility of a new world living/learning/loving life experience. A retreat co-op, if you will.

The farm wouldn't be against making money. In fact, we would sell products and services to local communities and those seeking retreat from the oppressive media and corporate giants. Prominent urbanites pay top dollar for mud masks, and there's no reason we shouldn't offer a whole life experience of organic, off the grid living. For each person that wants to live or visit a life of liberation, harmony with nature, and consciousness, we can break free from systems of control. It is literally and physically possible.

I've been called an idealist, but I think I'm a realist living ideally.

34.2º N, 118.4º W - This is my current position.

Definitive locations thus far:

Covington, LA
to work at Nealy's restaurant. maybe learning to bar tend. Perhaps working Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans part time.

Hatiesburg, MS
to build a greenhouse and begin excavation of The Shire on Uncle Paul's 200 acre tree farm. $8 an hour and tranquility. A paid Thoreau...

Whitefish, MT
to work on farms and gain knowledge of cultivation methods. 15 hour weeks, a bounty of nature surrounding.

Odiyan Tibetan Buddhist Retreat Center, CA
to study Buddhism, build shrines and temples, and cultivate a garden for 3 months. Pays $200 a week

While the four prior locations are certain, chronology has not been determined quite yet. There are a few more farms I'm attempting to ascertain apprenticeship on before I make any commitments in ink.

Sampling from The Sanctuary, in Pahoa, HI (1 of 60 farms in Hawaii)

...not far from active volcanic flows that enter the ocean, and we have black sand beaches, a gorgeous shoreline, and an eclectic, alternative back to the land community.... 70 acres consists of old forests, organic orchard, grazing for sheep, goats, and horses, fish aquaculture, in ground swimming pool and hot tub, and an inter species community of man and animal. we only use alternative energy and are completely off the grid... we consider our place a Sanctuary since we seek harmony, tranquility, and peace with nature...looking for WWOOFers year round wanting 2 week internship learning how to live off the land, car for the wild, live off the grid, learn organic farming practices, and connect with animals. we offer house shared by WWOOFers located in forest setting, provide board and fresh goat milk, eggs, and tropical fruit bounty. In exchange, we want 4 hours of work per day, 6 days per week. bareback horse riding training available.

I must write letters or call each host farm. I'm getting my ducks in line, and really putting my efforts towards this path.