Don't Call Me Brother
An effort to describe why I stayed so long30 total reviews
Comment from Liz O'Neill
This mirrors my autobiography where I am talking about having to live in the convent another women. You have brought us into visceral experience...Ooof.
This is very similar to the cult of the convent: "Giving the conditions I've mentioned, understandably, some folks have wondered why I stayed for ten years. I wish there was a simple answer. There's not. " I was finally faced with some situations that edged me closer to the door.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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This mirrors my autobiography where I am talking about having to live in the convent another women. You have brought us into visceral experience...Ooof.
This is very similar to the cult of the convent: "Giving the conditions I've mentioned, understandably, some folks have wondered why I stayed for ten years. I wish there was a simple answer. There's not. " I was finally faced with some situations that edged me closer to the door.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Hello Liz,
it's good to hear from you. I'm sure you faced similar situations as far as others having control over your life. It's not a good thing in my opinion. I'm glad you finally got out yourself.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
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How sweet thank you
Comment from pome lover
Tom, you told me some of that before, but it makes me cringe reading it again. I don't know how you lasted so long there. Since that kind of life was all the kids knew, how was it when you moved with them?
Reading about the control they had over every aspect of your life, it sounds more and more like what's happening here.
I was listening to Mark Levin tonight and he said If the proper committee chairman in the House is continually denied the information that a member of Congress has the right to request; if he is refused needed papers, etc, he can charge that person with obstruction (and there's another word, that I can't think of at the moment) - and he can have that person arrested and jailed! He said the Dems would do it in a minute and the Republicans had better toughen up and take ACTION!
He said that they would be attacked by the press and by the Left but somebody had to stand up and have guts and do what they have the power to do. And I think he's right. I wonder if there's anyone with the courage to do it.
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2023
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Tom, you told me some of that before, but it makes me cringe reading it again. I don't know how you lasted so long there. Since that kind of life was all the kids knew, how was it when you moved with them?
Reading about the control they had over every aspect of your life, it sounds more and more like what's happening here.
I was listening to Mark Levin tonight and he said If the proper committee chairman in the House is continually denied the information that a member of Congress has the right to request; if he is refused needed papers, etc, he can charge that person with obstruction (and there's another word, that I can't think of at the moment) - and he can have that person arrested and jailed! He said the Dems would do it in a minute and the Republicans had better toughen up and take ACTION!
He said that they would be attacked by the press and by the Left but somebody had to stand up and have guts and do what they have the power to do. And I think he's right. I wonder if there's anyone with the courage to do it.
Comment Written 06-Feb-2023
reply by the author on 06-Feb-2023
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Hello Katharine,
thanks so much for the wonderful review and the six. When we moved to town, for whatever reason, we still insisted that the girls wear dresses to school. It caused them a great deal of grief that was unnecessary. We should have wised up sooner. They were already considered outsiders to begin with. Like all kids, they adapted to the situation and were eventually embraced, especially when basketball season came around. Though they had never played sports of any kind at the farm, they were athletic and quickly learned. I've thought of you a few times while I'm reading this book I picked up at the library. I know that you would like it. It's titled
Come on Man! - The Truth About Joe Biden's Terrible, Horrible, No-Good, Very Bad Presidency.
Frankly, the man should be in jail. Of all the incompetent, vile, dishonest crooks to ever be in politics, this guy takes the cake. The author, Joe Concha, isn't making any of the stuff up, he just presents the facts, should anyone wish to read them. I know that there are people on this site who support the president, and I want to believe they mean well, but honestly, I wish they would get a clue. This last debacle with the Chinese spy balloon should send chills into the hearts of every American, regardless of party. I'm afraid for this country. That's why it is so important to pray for the U S. We're in a world of hurt and the people who are supposed to be representing us have sold us out and when the smoke clears, all the folks who may have stuck their heads in the sand and defended the acts of this president because they didn't like Trump will end up suffering just as much as the rest of us. Oh well, I can't go on, I'm getting worked up. Anyway, thanks again gal.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
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Tom, I might read that book, but You'd probably have to email me at the loony bin afterwards. I get so angry every day as he digs our graves (and the country's) deeper. Right now, on the "news", all the pundits in their VERY high heels, are so busy interrupting each other so they make sure they get equal time talking on TV, going on about what Biden SHOULD say tonight, which anybody with a grain of sense knows he won't.
I don't think I'm going to watch.
A good group that I've been reading about is AMAC (Assoc. of Mature American Citizens). Are you familiar with it? Their Jan-Feb magazine is chock full of really good articles about what's going on and what they are doing to combat some of it. Good articles on Biden's energy policy, the teacher Unions' grip on education, the future of Social Security, investments, etc. They are also a Christian organization.
I enjoyed reading your report on the kids after your move. Participating in sports is such a wonderful ice breaker, and their being athletic and quick learners, I'm sure, was great for them. Thank you for taking the time to tell me about that.
On my to the library. We're supposed to have thunderstorms today, so want to get back before it hits.
Bye
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I've heard of AMAC. I used to belong to AARP years ago, but when they started pushing Obamacare, I cancelled. Just another liberal organization participating in the brainwashing of our country. I'll make a note and check them out, thanks. Stay safe gal.
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yep. I left AARP and have AAA for my granddaughter, daughter and me, for our cars, in case any of us, or should I say, WHEN any of us has a flat, an accident, or break down, they'll come and fix it or replace it, or if they don't have the right tire, they will put the "toy" tire on. But that's just car stuff. I dropped AARP for the same reason you did. DId you know that Verison and TICK TOCK are big contributers to the Left?
I have got to drop AT&T and Direct TV, but first, must figure out what to substitute them for, and get the same value package.
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I don't do tick tock or verizon. I do have AT&T for our phone, but we just have flip phones so it costs us $30.00 each a month. I need to look in to an alternate. I dropped Direct when I moved up here. We have a Roku TV and get our internet via a local telephone service. We watch everything we want via the Roku channels. We also have Prime, which I'm not wild about, but I like saving the money on shipping from Amazon. I spoke to my financial adviser today and told him that I didn't want to have any ESG investments. Environmental, social, government funds are the new wave. You have to direct your financial adviser to get rid of them if you have them. The guy at Edward Jones was saying that they were going to be the only way to make money soon. I think I'll have to sell my stuff in Edward Jones and buy physical silver. It's worth a lot more than the paper money, and it has gone up a lot since I first bought any. If the government can lay their hands on your stuff, bank accounts, mortgages, whatever, they will take it if they can. I refuse to let them have anything other than what I owe in taxes. Thanks for the heads up on Verizon. Another woke company it seems.
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But, Tom, if you replace your investments with gold nd silver how will you pay bills? what will you live off of? These are probably naive questions, but really?
I've heard about the government's plan for crypto currency so they can track everything you do, plus take it away from you and tell you what you can spend and what you can't. Hard to believe, and I have to hope it doesn't happen.
I also saw a graph in the AMAC mag today that by 2030 SS will be gone. Isn't that a kick in the head!
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Well for now, there is still SS. Who knows what will be available in the future. I imagine I'd have to keep some cash for as long as its good. But consider what happened to Germany after WWI. The mark became almost useless. Would you rather have an ounce of silver if you went to the black market or $10,000.00 paper money that no one wants? Those questions aren't naive at all. I read a book titled the War On Cash. I lent it to my friend Buffalo Bob. The author mentions not putting everything into gold and silver, but he also mentioned that it would be wise to buy durable goods to hang on to while you can get them. Think things like hoes, shovels, rakes, gardening equipment, items that would be useful for barter. I don't want to sound like an alarmist, but given the direction that we're going, I'd rather be pro-active and do what I can within reason. We're fortunate that we have no mortgage or any other bills long term. I always pay my credit card off every month. I have easily several months of food on hand that I could barter if I needed something. Where we are, moose are all over. If push came to shove I'd shoot one and eat on it for a year, if I had the means to preserve it. There are ways to survive. As I mentioned before, the best thing is just to pray and see what God has to say about things. As was pointed out to me the other day, Jesus and his followers didn't own anything, but they were taken care of. Not in the fashion that we might prefer, but God isn't going to leave you.
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you have several months of food? where?? I guess it doesn't need refrigeration. My daughter is stocking up on nonperishables and things like TP, soap, etc. I've got some, but not several months worth. But the money thing is worrisome.
I did not listen to Biden' speech tonight, but as I walked thru the kitchen I heard him say that conservatives did not believe in the Contitution. The man ought to burn in Hell. (pardon me, but the truth is not in him.) I did listen to the new gov of Arkansas, Sara Sanders, and she was powerful! did you hear her?
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PS, I think you're wise to stock up on all those things. I've got a meeting with my broker in the spring. He's in Austin and comes down to see his SA clients. I wonder what he thinks - of course, he wouldn't want to lose clients.
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Hi Katharine,
Sorry for the late response. I haven't been on the computer much lately. I have a freezer with the perishables. We shop at Costco and stock up on things. I've got 25lb bags of sugar and flour stored in plastic totes in the garage, plenty of TP, cases of canned goods, tomatoes, green beans, corn. I have four extra cans of coffee. Some of the items I buy whether I need them or not, just make sure to rotate them. Some I have for barter purposes if the need arises. Of course things that I bought before inflation got so bad is like having money in the bank. You don't want to have more than you will ever use, but if I find that I'm going to have too much of an item, we have several food banks in the area and I can donate it before it gets outdated. If you don't already subscribe, you might consider signing up for an on line site- Dollar Stretchers. They have all kinds of ways to be thrifty- everything from how to save money on your electric or fuel bill to the many uses of vinegar. They also publish a site called After fifty finances. I usually look at what they have to say and if I can use the info, I incorporate it. Dave Ramsey is also a great source so financial information. The best thing you can do, in my opinion, is to pay off your mortgage if you have one. No sense in paying for the bankers vacation. Also pay your credit card in full every month for the same reason. Of course not everyone can do that, but it's a goal to work towards.
Blessings
Tom
Comment from Rebecca Roberts1
I have not read any of your other writings, but from what I read here I think I would like them.
This is an incredible story. Would even make a good movie?!
Would be great to stretch it into a bigger story.
Good job.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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I have not read any of your other writings, but from what I read here I think I would like them.
This is an incredible story. Would even make a good movie?!
Would be great to stretch it into a bigger story.
Good job.
Comment Written 26-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Rebecca,
Thanks so much for the exceptional rating and the wonderful words you've written. Of course I would encourage you to check out my portfolio. I've written a few other articles in the time I've been on Fan Story about my time on the farm. In 2007, almost ten years after we left the farm, I wrote a book about my experiences. The title is -Wilderness Blues, A Tale of Outhouses, Rutabagas and Other Unsavory Subjects. As I explained to a few others who have desired more information, I'm somewhat reluctant to publish too many stories on FS about the farm because some of the folks here have purchased the book, and it would be a slap in the face to them to give away to others what they had to pay for. In 1984 a photographer from Alaska Fest magazine came out to the farm and took some great pictures, and wrote a glowing article about the place. Unfortunately, he was escorted everywhere by the eldership and so the article was somewhat tainted. He made the place sound like paradise, which I knew it wasn't. I don't know if you could find the article in any kind of archives in a library. Alaska Fest magazine is no longer in existence. I don't know if it morphed into Alaska Magazine or not. Your review prompted me to see if I could find the article. I had made a copy of it once, but could only find nine pages of it- it's a long article. If you are interested, and are unable to find a copy of Alaska Fest, August 1984, I can make you copies and send to you via the post office. Thanks again for the interest.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
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Yes, I would like to read more about this.
If it isn't too much trouble could you send it to me? Rebecca Roberts
36618 Black Fork Tr.
Mena, AR. 71953
Thanks for responding.
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Certainly. I'll try to get it to you tomorrow in the mail. As I mentioned, I don't have all the pages, I had made a copy from a magazine that the Hoonah library was discarding. There is enough of the story there to get the general idea in any event. Just keep in mind that the author/photographer was primarily coming in contact with members of the eldership. They took him on a tour of the farm and of course put a pleasant spin on everything. If it had been as rosy as it was portrayed, people would be flocking to the place. As it is, it's down to between 25 and 30 people, many of them part of the original group. In all fairness, things now are nothing like they used to be, but it's a harsh lifestyle nonetheless. In any event, I'll let you know when I send it. Blessings
Tom
Comment from Ric Myworld
Yes, sir, some of things we have to endure through life can be hard, and many times we wonder how we made it through them. But bad as they are, we usually learn a lot from them, or at least what we don't want to do again. Hope all is well, Tom! Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Yes, sir, some of things we have to endure through life can be hard, and many times we wonder how we made it through them. But bad as they are, we usually learn a lot from them, or at least what we don't want to do again. Hope all is well, Tom! Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 26-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hi Rick,
It's nice to hear from you buddy. You're right, sometimes when you look back you do wonder how you made it, but you did and hopefully you can move on. I certainly wouldn't want to go through it again, but there were some good things that came about because of my time there. Thanks so much for the fine review and comments. Have a blessed day.
Tom
Comment from Olivanne Marsh
What an interesting story. I wish you'd included more information about the farm. Was it established, or were you among the founders who helped build it into the kind of home it became? I ask because if it was in the beginning stages and not enough decent food was being raised to feed people that would explain the horrible food because they were serving what they could scavenge. In fact, I would have like a lot more details about the place, like why was it founded? How did you learn about it? What convinced you and your wife to sacrifice the outside world for a life there? The writing was clear and flowed well, but I longed for more telling details and there were places (an example below) when I thought you could have broken the long paragraphs into shorter ones. It's more appealing to the reader I think. I also think some of the long sentences could be shortened into two or even three sentences.
Example: This sentence could start a new paragraph because you change the subject.
"Upon arrival at the farm, I immediately realized that I had made the most monumental mistake I'd ever made, but I couldn't very well depart."
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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What an interesting story. I wish you'd included more information about the farm. Was it established, or were you among the founders who helped build it into the kind of home it became? I ask because if it was in the beginning stages and not enough decent food was being raised to feed people that would explain the horrible food because they were serving what they could scavenge. In fact, I would have like a lot more details about the place, like why was it founded? How did you learn about it? What convinced you and your wife to sacrifice the outside world for a life there? The writing was clear and flowed well, but I longed for more telling details and there were places (an example below) when I thought you could have broken the long paragraphs into shorter ones. It's more appealing to the reader I think. I also think some of the long sentences could be shortened into two or even three sentences.
Example: This sentence could start a new paragraph because you change the subject.
"Upon arrival at the farm, I immediately realized that I had made the most monumental mistake I'd ever made, but I couldn't very well depart."
Comment Written 26-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Olivanne,
thanks so much for the fine review and the questions and comments. I've written several things about the farm on this site, but I don't like to mention too much. I did write a book about my experience and it isn't fair to those who have purchased the book to be able to read about my exploits at no expense. Of course what I wrote in the book varies somewhat, but the stories are basically the same nonetheless. I can tell you that we got involved with a group in Charleston, South Carolina when I was in the navy. The Charleston group was pretty close knit and we enjoyed each others company. When we moved to the farm in Alaska, there were members from several other groups, most notably from a farm in Ware, Mass. that were much more law and order and very legalistic. Aside from the struggles of trying to carve a life out of the wilderness with a lack of knowledge, there was an oppressive feeling such as one would experience from a cult. If you would be interested in a book, you can PM me. I appreciate your input gal. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I really enjoyed reading this post. I hope you do a follow up with it. My main suggestion is to keep an yes on your use of that. Often, it's an extra work and can be omitted.
The next day I was assigned to work in the fields weeding cabbage plants. (The following day)
Lunch time came and I assumed that we would go in to camp to eat. (you can omit 'that' & 'in to' should be 'into')
"Um, well, the ladies in the kitchen said it's bear liver mush." He stammered. (comma after 'mush' and lower case 'h' on 'he')
IN THE FOLLOWING THE 'THAT' NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. I'm only using capital letters so you can see the break off.
The stats say that there are 85 sunny days a year. I think that's kind of a stretch, & What made things intolerable was the fact that I was like a square peg in a round hole. & Giving the conditions that I've mentioned, understandably, some folks have wondered why I stayed there for ten years. & certain that we were doing the right thing. & I immediately realized that I had made the most monumental mistake I'd ever made & I wasn't sure that Jan would leave with me should I decide to go. & but I wasn't convinced that the future looked so bleak for those who left & we had to sign a resident's agreement after we had started building it stating that any homes built would become the property of the farm. & We also had to consider the fact that we had seven children to take care of, and living in town was expensive. & but I had turned 34 and knew that if I didn't go soon, & As it was, things worked out beyond all that we could have hoped for
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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I really enjoyed reading this post. I hope you do a follow up with it. My main suggestion is to keep an yes on your use of that. Often, it's an extra work and can be omitted.
The next day I was assigned to work in the fields weeding cabbage plants. (The following day)
Lunch time came and I assumed that we would go in to camp to eat. (you can omit 'that' & 'in to' should be 'into')
"Um, well, the ladies in the kitchen said it's bear liver mush." He stammered. (comma after 'mush' and lower case 'h' on 'he')
IN THE FOLLOWING THE 'THAT' NEEDS TO BE REMOVED. I'm only using capital letters so you can see the break off.
The stats say that there are 85 sunny days a year. I think that's kind of a stretch, & What made things intolerable was the fact that I was like a square peg in a round hole. & Giving the conditions that I've mentioned, understandably, some folks have wondered why I stayed there for ten years. & certain that we were doing the right thing. & I immediately realized that I had made the most monumental mistake I'd ever made & I wasn't sure that Jan would leave with me should I decide to go. & but I wasn't convinced that the future looked so bleak for those who left & we had to sign a resident's agreement after we had started building it stating that any homes built would become the property of the farm. & We also had to consider the fact that we had seven children to take care of, and living in town was expensive. & but I had turned 34 and knew that if I didn't go soon, & As it was, things worked out beyond all that we could have hoped for
Comment Written 26-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Barbara,
thanks so much for the fine review and the helpful comments. I'll go through and make some changes. I appreciate your taking the time to read and comment on this. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from leather
This was a most unusual entry--mostly because it is true but also because of the spartan conditions. May you and your wife flourish in your life outside of the Farm.
A word change is needed in the eighth paragraph. "I wish there was a simple answer." should read as, 'I wish there WERE a simple answer.'
In conditions that are currently unreal or contrary to fact, use the past tense verb WERE (not WAS).
Otherwise, this is a compelling account that grabs the reader's attention.
Thanks for writing.
Best wishes.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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This was a most unusual entry--mostly because it is true but also because of the spartan conditions. May you and your wife flourish in your life outside of the Farm.
A word change is needed in the eighth paragraph. "I wish there was a simple answer." should read as, 'I wish there WERE a simple answer.'
In conditions that are currently unreal or contrary to fact, use the past tense verb WERE (not WAS).
Otherwise, this is a compelling account that grabs the reader's attention.
Thanks for writing.
Best wishes.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Leather,
thanks for the great review and helpful comments. I'll see about getting that error corrected. Once we left the farm, we had the normal struggles that everyone deals with. We were at a disadvantage in that most people had already been established in careers for ten years or more, but it all worked out, and we're doing well. Thanks for your concern. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
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You're welcome, and thank you for your blessing.
Comment from susand3022
Hi TB,
I'm here to say, Good for you. I'm glad you got yourselves out while your kids were still young enough to start their own lives free of the place. It sounds like the kind of place that not everyone is brave enough to leave.
I really liked reading this story.
Susan :)
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hi TB,
I'm here to say, Good for you. I'm glad you got yourselves out while your kids were still young enough to start their own lives free of the place. It sounds like the kind of place that not everyone is brave enough to leave.
I really liked reading this story.
Susan :)
Comment Written 25-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Susan,
As I mentioned, I was at a crossroads in my life. I knew that if I didn't leave when I did, it would never happen. Shortly before we left, and also after we did, there was a steady exodus of people leaving the farm. At the height of our time there, the farm had about 125 people. I don't have an accurate count right now, but I believe that between 25 and 30 people are living there right now. Unfortunately, many of them are old, and the farm is a very labor intensive place. They have a number of animals now, more than when we lived there; they still maintain a large garden and hay fields, and the primary source of heat is still firewood to the best of my knowledge. There is also the fact that many of the buildings were built in the mid-seventies, and the environment is hard on wooden buildings. I often wonder what will become of the place. It can't be sold, because it's a non-profit. Most of the young people are gone, so I'm not sure what will happen. Thanks for your interest.
Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from Faith Williams
Wow, that group sounds a bit cult-like using fear to keep you there. I'm not sure I could have handled those living conditions for such an extended period. And I often feel like a square peg in a church full of round holes, and those are just your average churches. That was definitely an interesting read.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Wow, that group sounds a bit cult-like using fear to keep you there. I'm not sure I could have handled those living conditions for such an extended period. And I often feel like a square peg in a church full of round holes, and those are just your average churches. That was definitely an interesting read.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2023
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Hello Faith,
Thanks for the fine review and thoughtful comments. When we got involved with the Move, the name of the group, we had no idea of other chapters elsewhere. I was in the navy and moved to Charleston with my wife. We moved next door to a lady who was an elder, and were renting from another elder in the church group. We used to get together and have meals and help each other out with projects and go fishing. It was fun. It wasn't until we moved to the farm in Alaska that things took a turn for the worse. In many ways it was very much a cult. Not like the Jim Jones group who all committed suicide, but there was a level of control that was exercised nonetheless. I hope that you find a church that speaks the truth with love. You should always be able to question the doctrine if anything seems out of order. One of the best things that can happen, if you are a believer, is to become familiar with scripture. Then you know if you're hearing the truth or not. If I may be so bold, Max Lucado, probably the best selling Christian author, has a number of books that are truly inspirational that I found really helpful when I left the farm. Sometimes when you don't fit in with the rest of a group, it's not you who has the problem gal. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment from prettybluebirds
This is an interesting and unusual story. You should have entered it in a true story contest. I bet it would have won. I have heard of these places, but never first-hand from someone who had lived there. Nice writing.
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2023
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This is an interesting and unusual story. You should have entered it in a true story contest. I bet it would have won. I have heard of these places, but never first-hand from someone who had lived there. Nice writing.
Comment Written 24-Jan-2023
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2023
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Hello bluebirds,
Thanks so much for the fine review. I never know when a contest is going to happen, and if you enter them too soon, they don't get much in the way of views. I had entered a true story about surviving a plane crash in a contest and only had three views, so I don't know if it matters or not. I run the risk of people not believing that some of these things have happened, but I actually have articles from both the plane crash and the farm. Alaska Magazine ran an article on small planes, and a fellow named Nick Jan's who wrote for them, actually was the English teacher at the school where I was working. He did an interview with me and casually mentioned the accident. The local newspaper, the Juneau Empire, of course did an article on the crash and had a picture of the plane resting in the water. We had landed in Lynn Canal. Years ago, when I lived at the farm, there was a reporter/photographer named Tim Thomas who came to the farm and did a spread about it. The article was great, and the pictures were beautiful, but after I got done reading his work, I knew that he was looking through rose-colored glasses. When he arrived, the eldership took him around the farm and let him see what they wanted him to see and of course made the place sound like paradise. Had he spent more than a day there, the article would have been much different. When I read it, I thought the farm sounded like a place I'd like to live, only I was living there, and it was nothing like the article. Anyway, thanks for the comments and fine review. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. I find stories like yours interesting. I would like to hear more of your adventures.
