Tiny House Recording Studio

So I have been wrestling with a problem. This is totally a Tiny House problem. In a tiny house space is limited; very limited. No kidding, right? The problem I have been running into is a lack of office space at home. In my former suburban life I had a separate office. In my separate office I set up all my recording equipment, had a working desk area, and had access to all supplies at all times. I didn't have to set things up and take them back down in order to serve a meal or go to bed. I miss that. I miss it a lot.

I have toyed with and talked about building a separate tiny building to serve as my recording studio and home office. I have kicked it around now for two and a half years. Well, I finally made the decision, sucked it up, and ordered a small prefab shell of a building measuring 8' x 14'. It was one of the cheapest models that matched my other buildings here on Tiny House Homestead. It was delivered on Thursday. It is p-e-r-f-e-c-t!

A good friend and I spend a few days of labor raking leaves, cutting down fallen and dead trees, and cleared a great space in the forest for the studio. To keep things on a budget I have decided not to insulate the building except in the ceiling. Being only 112 sq. ft. it is easy to heat and easy to cool only when I am using it. It will not have running water, so I don't have to worry about freezing pipes. Besides that, most days in Oklahoma are above freezing anyway.

I had 6 windows installed so fresh air, the cool breeze, and beautiful views could be enjoyed from any direction. I am re-purposing two old doors I scored for $20 as my work table. I have whitewashed the walls and I will be building shelves between the studs. I hope to have the entire building completed by Thanksgiving day so I can get out a podcast soon telling all about it.

Perhaps now I can get more blog posts out and release podcasts in a more timely manner?

It has been two and a half years and I still love my Tiny House and homestead life!

5 Great Podcasts for Homesteaders

I have an insatiable need to read and to learn. However, life is crazy and I find I have very limited time, which means reading is often a treat. Luckily I have discovered the joy of podcasts and vlogs (video blogs). Each day during my 50 minute commute to and from work I listen to podcasts via bluetooth earbuds and my Ipad. Eventually I hope to put in a new stereo that has an auxiliary or bluetooth capability, but for now my system seems to be working. I have an eclectic mix of podcasts I subscribe to, so I never get bored with content.

Being a homesteader, I, of course, listen to as many podcasts as I can on the topic. I have discovered many great and informative podcasts as well as some that are just entertaining. I thought today I would share my top five favorites that pertain to homesteading. These are listed in no particular order. I hope you find them as interesting, educational, and informative. Enjoy!

Frontier House - A Historical Exercise in Homesteading

I love history. Home sick with a sinus infection and looking to entertain myself, I came across this series where folks were plucked from the 21st Century and transported back in time. I believe it was on PBS in the 90's. The families were selected from a pool of applicants to recreate the American experience of homesteading in the west for 5 months. I was as riveted to this program each week. Later there was a similar program produced named 1900's House.  I would love to be selected to participate in a project like this. I find the inability of some to think wisely and to adapt very frustrating in this program, but I have to remind myself that this was a television program and was edited to show a struggle, just as early Americans would have had to endure. However, you may find the woman who cries over silly things (I can't wear make up, wah wah) as annoying as I do. Here is the entire series for you to enjoy.

Episode 1 The American Dream

Episode 2 Promised Land

Episode 3 Until Death Do Us Part

Episode 4 Survival

Episode 5 A Family Affair

Episode 6 The Reconing

What do you think? Could you have lasted in the wild frontier or would you be one of the many who couldn't last 5 years to keep their claim?