The-Atlantic-thefemalesurvivalist

Reading my way through this "men's book" is beginning to feel like work.  I find myself scanning. Robert Bly makes a great case for the Wild Man, not to be confused with the savage man.

Wild Men are not softened by the overpowering feminist influences. I read a posting on a survivalist blog bemoaning the "rampant feminism". I guess this is what they mean.

I will read this entire book because it does make sense. I think its belaboring the issue, hence I scan. This is a sign to put the book down and take it in smaller doses. Wild Men are my type. If I wanted a weak man, I'd get a soft woman.

I really can't see the Wild Man reading this work. It seems to speak more to the man who wants to free himself, to venture out and trust his instincts, to chuck away the confines of cultural demands for "the whole man",  a nurturing, household chore splitting, diaper changing spouse.

To each their own. Not saying what anyone should do except find their own Nirvana.

So, to cut the mythology and get some practical applications, I began Never Say Die. This survival manual was published in 1979 for the Canadian Air Force. Its no nonsense first chapter totally makes the case for proper psychology over any other possible advantage gear might give.

The right attitude means accepting and dealing with fear, recognizing the emergency immediately, and coping with the 7 enemies of survival, being Pain, cold, thirst, hunger, fatigue and boredom-loneliness.

The chapter ends with a detailed description of good group dynamics, including believing in your leader, having confidence you are a valuable part of that group.

I think these two books provide a balance and will continue to read each one daily until finished, reporting here regularly.

Found on one of the book shelves here at home:
Never Say Die, The Survival Book, The Death of Albert Johnson, How to Stay Alive in the Woods, Being Your Own Wilderness Dcotor,Iron John and Non- Flowering Plants.

As I read and practice the skills here in, I'll give reports, along with the authors etc.

Right now I'm doing Iron John by Robert Bly. Its a book about Men, and was number one National Bestseller. This book is sort of a Women Who Run with Wolves type thing, but much more readable. The author is using some parables and fairy tales to expound on the Wild Man. He bemoans the emergence of the Soft Man, a man in touch with his feminine side.

I agree.
A Wild Man is hot, interesting, sexy. Soft touchy feely men are too much like women, and we need two sexes to make life interesting. The author talks about initiation in ancient societies, leading to Strong, capable, protector types.

I'm only on page 20 of this 259 page book. I'll report more after I finish it. I really like the writing style of Robert Bly, and it won't take long to devour this book.

I'm writing a lot of survival stuff in novel format. Learning this way is fun. We have a ton of how to books on survival, from military to woodscraft.

Sorta dry, but necessary reading.

As I encorporate these skills into my work, I'm struck by the need for diversity. So many apocalypse scripts build upon the grid collapsing, or going down. Without electic power, internet and communications, life would degrade rapidly.

Some themes begin with mega viruses getting loose. It seems theres already plenty on the planet to kill many of us at once. If that happens to a co dependent world system, we all suffer when things can not continue. The British series, Survivors, takes that premise in their 12 episodes.

I was researching cholera and found out that left untreated it can wipe out 50-60 percent of those contaminated. Contamination comes via water, shell food, poor sanitation where people are exposed to bodily waste from others infected. Research uncovered the fact that people can die within hours of showing symptoms during pandemics. Simple bleach and boiling kills the bacteria. Eating and drinking clean food is important for recovery.

My take away in all this is how important diversity is. If one thing fails, have a back up plan not dependent on the government. World wide is not the best. Local self sustaining eco systems would insure survivalabity.

In other words, in all apocalpse scenarios, the people bail themselves out of trouble, not the government.

Diversity of power sources, food and water, diversity in knowledge. That's what I'm stiving for.

Yesterday morning I did a flying trip to town. Not by plane, or broom, by Geo! Yes, a flying trip whereby no time is wasted thrifting around, just get in and get er done. Ok, I found these camo pants. Youth, size 14/16. I took the time to try them on. Women, have you ever thought something would fit, for sure, only to be embarrassed, what the Hell happened?

Well, yesterday was good. These pants fit perfect, the color and camo is awsome. Bad, very bad. That means good now days.

I found this 6.5 quart pot amoungst some junk in a back room of the Habitat for Humanity. Only one buck they said. I did not tell Them how perfect it was.
Its actually very heavy. The lid and handles show it can withstand a great camp fire. I love the way a person can remove the lid without reaching for a knob thing. Get a long handle and slide it into the slot on top the lid.


Next, I love the handles aren't plastic, or flameable. Ever get the perfect pot but the handles melt off. Yeah, what I'm talking about!



I've been watching alot of Breaking Bad lately. Listening to the dialogue, especially Jesse, has me thinking more about my latest installment in my series. Dialogue is important. It has to sound real.

My friend has finished his first novel. He's also written a great page with more details on this work, includ ing a sample for your enjoyment. I helped edit, and provide encouragement.

David Mauldin is a long distance backpacker, Viet Nam Vet, expert survivalist and mentor. He's also a world travelor and owner of Trailquest.net website.
We both have been watching the unfolding events in the world. Anything could happen and we could wake up to find ourselves in:

Second Layer of Hell

I'll admit, sometimes I get damn impatient. But, I put up with a lot of shit from this stove. At first it worked perfectly and my studio was all snug and toasty, hot water ready for the taking.

Little by little it quit drawing. I blamed the down draft, the warm temperatures, my over use of glossies as starter paper.

Finally after a nice layer of ash covered all, I decided to take the outside pipe apart and remove whatever blockage that was hindering it, or throw the damn thing out.

Well, I calmed down, drank several stout cups of black coffee and took the bottom elbow apart. The tiny chunks of creosote fell loose, I scraped the elbow clean. Glancing up at the screen-spark arrester, Voila, a Duh moment hit me like a ton of bricks. I climbed a ladder, removed the screening. All was totally blocked. It amazing any smoke could get through the sludge.

Now, happily all is back in order, me and my stove are great friends again. I kissed it and promised to be a better mommy.

Seriously, I must have the screen cause we're surrounded by dense forest, but the screen must be maintained.
And, no more unseasoned pine is seeing the inside of my baby.

Just saying, thanks for listening.

I'm watching the British series Survivors, a two year, 6 episode production about the EOTWAWKI mega virus thing.
Pharmaceuticals get a good well deserved bashing, but the thing I'm struck with is the one firearm one of the "good people" has is constantly under issue, the women folk and even the black dude, Greg being angry that the guy used it to off an enemy.

In America, every last one of them would be cheering him on, asking how can the get a rifle, pistol, hell, even a BB gun.

I read our local free paper, and here's an quarter page ad:

Turkey Shoot.
Win your Christmas Turkey
10: am Saturday, Dec 3
Black Mountain Baptist Church

Family Event
Kids Shoot, 14 and under, and Adult Shoots
Chance to Win Turkeys and Prizes
Lunch Available

then two numbers of guys with first names are listed if a person wants to call for more information

Yeah, Guns for regular normal citizens! And, its obvious the kids like it too, and get a chance for their own competition.

Self Defense is Normal Stuff!

Located at Coon Hunter's Club.