Can Apartment Preppers be More Self-Sufficient? Interview with Author LeAnn Edmondson

Last week we featured a review and giveaway of Aftermath II, A Story of Survival. Today I am delighted to share an interview with the author, LeAnn Edmondson.  LeAnn writes the blog Homestead Dreamer.  Having been an apartment prepper herself, she knows all about the challenges of preparing for emergencies in an apartment, as well as some encouraging words for those of us who aspire be more self-sufficient.

1.  A person who is new to preparedness can quickly become overwhelmed.  What steps would you recommend to a new prepper?

Every prepper goes through moments of panic and being completely overwhelmed. They feel that it’s all hopeless because they can’t do ‘enough’ to prep. In my mind, this is a first test that separates those who will continue on to improve their skills and preps versus those throw their hands up and quit because it’s all “too much.” The steps I would recommend would be to recognize the panic and fear, then work through them. Bring yourself to a state where you can assess and make a plan on how to deal with this ‘mini crisis.’ If you can’t get your feelings under control to be able to assess the situation, that is the first thing you need to learn and master. All the stocked food in the world won’t help you if you don’t know how to control your feelings to then make logical steps.

2.  Your website Homestead Dreamer shares ideas about becoming more self sufficient.  Do you think apartment dwellers can be more self-sufficient?  How?

YES!  Apartment dwellers have less control over the outside of their place but inside is their sanctuary. Apartment Preppers have to be more creative with storage and whatnot but in many ways, that’s an advantage. Looters want a quick grab and go and aren’t going to go out of their way to dismantle stuff that may or may not have food in it. Apartment preppers also tend to focus on skills more than stuff, another very distinct advantage. When we started prepping, we rented an apartment. Since we didn’t have the space for stuff, we decided to work on skills and that is where the real value is. Apartment preppers tend to learn that before people who live in their own houses.

3.  What do feel are the biggest threats we should be preparing for?

I can’t point to any one threat because they are all “huge.” One common thread through all of the threats of economic collapse, natural disasters, and civil unrest is the uncertainty. It seems everyone can feel the intensity ramping up. They know in their gut that something is coming, something has to give. The whole planet has too many people, using too many resources, and none of it’s sustainable. The bubble will pop eventually. The uncertainty that comes along with all of that is our ‘biggest threat,’ because no one know what direction it’s coming from or what form it will take. There seems to be an underlying panic and insecurity simmering under the surface. Perhaps that is what’s making so many people think about having a little extra set back, just in case.

4.  How close are you to your dream of homesteading?  What have you accomplished in your homestead so far?

Homesteading is a word that is defined differently by everyone. Our dream of homesteading the way we really want to is another 5-6 years away but anyone can homestead in place. So far, the things we have accomplished is largely in skills. Because we just moved to our first home, we are having to rebuild stuff up. This year’s garden will largely be on the porch as we have to cut some trees and brush back to make room for the greenhouse and coldframes. Another thing we have accomplished is learning, a lot, about all the things we want to have on the homestead and that includes the things we don’t want. We would love to be able to just buy the land raw and dive in but there is real value in the way we’ve had to pursue our dreams. We learn before we make choices and avoid making some potentially costly mistakes.

5.  What might you advise people who feel this dream may be out of reach?

I would tell them straight to their face that sometimes I feel like I am reaching for stars, deluding myself that I will ever have the homestead of my dreams. There have been times where I’m crying (yes, literally crying) because the desire is so strong to get out of the 9-5 rat race and work to produce what we need instead of trading my time for paper to then trade the paper for what I need. I would rather grow the food, catch the fish, and process it myself instead of paying some company to do it (putting in God-knows-what chemicals). I would tell them that what keeps me going is the learning. An example would be chickens: I want them so badly. I can’t have them yet because we don’t have a coop or run area, plus there are a lot of dogs that run loose in this neighborhood. Until we can build an area for them to be safe in, I am instead reading all about their care, behavior, different breeds, medical issues and how to treat/prevent them, food needs…the list goes on. When it is time to actually pick out which breeds to get, I will have the book smarts firmly in my head along with the advice and stories from those who already raise chickens for eggs and meat. When the time comes, I will hit the ground running instead of having to learn after the fact. Adjust and adapt but never stop dreaming!

Our thanks for LeAnn Edmondson for joining us for an interview and for her thoughtful insights.

There is still time to enter the giveaway for her latest book, Aftermath II – check out Aftermath II Review and Giveaway!

 © Apartment Prepper 2016