A Land Remembered

When I first heard that we were going to be reading “A Land Remembered,” I didn’t think I would be the least bit interested in the book. However, once I began reading, I couldn’t put the book down. Particularly, the beginning of the book intrigued me the most. I liked the difference in times and how things were back then. Their way of living, the way they talked, their clothing, everything was so real and raw. When Tobias MacIvey moved to Florida from Georgia, he had to build his home and clothing and equipment out of nature. He loved and respected the environment around him at all times. He stayed true to his roots and stood up for what was right. In the beginning, when he came across three Indians, they were in trouble because a group of men were coming after them. When the Indians wanted to leave so that they would not cause Tobias trouble, Tobias stated, “No one will harm you at my place, I’ll see to that.” His kindness and generosity was so apparent.

Living back then, you had to be self-sufficient. Tobias was just that. Whatever he needed, he found or he made. He traded skins for other products that helped him create an efficient way of living. He killed animals to survive and made sure there was always something to eat for his family. His number one priority was his family and he knew that they deserved better.

While reading the book, I was thinking back to the field trips we have taken so far. ECHO is a great place to learn how to be self-sufficient. We were shown trees and plants that had multi purposes such as food and clothing, and building and clothing. Those who do what they need to do to survive can produce vegetables and fruits and efficient ways of living with little to no money. Their products can be fresh and a cheap way of making sure everyone has something to eat. Or they can be sold to make money to provide for your family as well.

I thoroughly enjoyed the reading and learned so much. It’s made me change some ways about my life, one being the most common, recycling. I never paid much attention to it before but after reading this book and experiencing this class and the videos we’ve seen, I realize what the world may look like soon enough if nothing changes.

 

              Smith, P. (1984). A land remembered. Sarasota: Pineapple Press, Inc.