Edgar Bickley's Script

As We Part, Walk Towards The Blue Sky

2010-01-31T13:42:00.002-06:00

The brighter days have awakened me! I'm cleaning house and laundry. It feels good to freshen up.

I have a quiet, simple life. Well, certainly the prairie fire was an adventure and then being homeless after that...but these are just things that make up a life. I have no idea what the future will bring. I have no plans, no goals. I just want to enjoy the days.

I'll find more greens to eat beneath the snows while I wait for Spring. And then in the Spring I'll repair any damage my house has suffered from the winter. And I'll explore the area more. Oh, and I promise to stay away from the Big Water.

My days will go on quietly, routinely, I hope.

So these are my days. And here I will say Goodbye. I've loved having your company- in the best and worst of times. I've felt less lonely because of you. You have been a good friend.

Take care as you leave here. Don't slip in the snow, avoid open water... and walk towards the blue sky.

New View

2010-01-28T14:38:00.002-06:00

So much snow has melted away. I can see forever now. My cabin is so exposed now, too. I guess I didn't realize my situation would be so different in the winter. I'm lucky to still have a roof.

Sunshine is good. It's wonderful to have a sun filled home. I've finished my meal and now I'll get back to sealing gaps in the wall.

A Little More Thawing

2010-01-19T12:41:00.001-06:00

A Little Breakfast

2010-01-15T19:15:00.001-06:00

The thaw has made me hungry for a little porridge.

Tiny Thaw

2010-01-12T16:38:00.001-06:00

Falling Snow Deep Sleep

2009-12-31T11:05:00.003-06:00

No Clock Nor Calendar

2009-12-24T17:04:00.001-06:00

Sleep

2009-12-19T01:21:00.002-06:00

Time To Rest

2009-12-14T12:38:00.002-06:00

I just finished putting up a good supply of firewood, collected some acorns and found some nice greens deep under the snow. It's getting dark again, more snow coming down. I've done all I can do for awhile. I must tell you that I'm going into hibernation. This deep snow and bitter cold could be catastrophic for someone as small as me, so I think it best to stay safe indoors, warm and dry.

You are welcome to stop by any time to see if I'm awake! But don't endanger yourself. Deep and dark snowy woods can be treacherous. Goodbye for now!

Better Now

2009-12-11T15:36:00.003-06:00

This fabric will make a wonderful heavy sweater.

I'll use my sailor shirt as a pattern, but make it longer.

I 'm feeling better. The wind blew for so many days and nights, I can't remember. And the snow disappeared from my door and now sunshine is in my window. Having a secure and comfortable home and food. Watching the seasons in all extremes and surviving. Everyday life. Darkness does bring deeper inward thoughts but I won't fear them. I am feeling better now.

Blizzard

2009-12-09T19:07:00.000-06:00

Ominous

2009-12-08T14:52:00.002-06:00

There. The window is back in.

Gone

2009-12-04T13:17:00.002-06:00

I'm freezing.

Gone Mad

2009-11-30T21:06:00.002-06:00

Losing It

2009-11-27T13:38:00.002-06:00

And now all the leaves are blown away! I can't take it anymore!

I can't. I really can't take this anymore. Long cold dark days and nights alone and it's only just begun.

I have to get out of here. I have to get in my wagon and roll out of here. What if I'm really on an island? How will I cross the Big Water? Maybe if I wait for it to freeze over I can roll over it. I just can't tell day from night anymore. What if the Big Water doesn't freeze? I have to do something. And I don't have any books to read...do you hear me?! I think I'm losing my mind...

Simply Necessary

2009-11-25T15:36:00.003-06:00

I am going to build my bed.

Daunting

2009-11-23T13:04:00.004-06:00

This is a daunting task. I've found very few acorns this morning and I can barely walk through all these leaves.

It must be getting late. It's getting darker. Of course, that could be rain coming in. And it's getting colder. I'm in a bad mood. I'm going home.

I picked these beautiful greens just as the rain started. I'll eat these with a few seeds and then I'm going to bed.

Serious

2009-11-18T16:53:00.003-06:00

Every one of these acorns is rotten. I thought for sure at least one would be good enough to eat. I have nothing for dinner tonight.

In the morning I have to find a new oak grove. This is serious.

Evening Chat

2009-11-13T18:12:00.003-06:00

I singed my hair yesterday when I was adding wood to the stove.

I've noticed that many of the acorns around here are rotten. This one is not too bad but it concerns me that there might be a shortage of good acorns for winter.

Here is what I have done so far with the chinking. Most of the logs are tight, but the corners really need sealing. I have to tidy it up a little bit. Tomorrow I will work outside.

Survival And Comfort

2009-11-11T18:35:00.002-06:00

This morning I collected some clay in a ravine for my chinking. It's a bit blue so there must be iron in this. I lost my shovel on the way home.

After this fire gets going again I'll make some tea and then I'll start working on the house.

First Structural Test

2009-11-09T15:44:00.002-06:00

Obviously, snow will be a considerable challenge to survival here.

I woke from my deep slumber to the sounds of powerful winds rattling the roof and tearing at the window. Smoke was filling the cabin, too.

I now know that I need to adjust the stove exhaust, tightly secure the window, abandon the idea that I can do without chinking, and hammer in more pegs to hold down the roof. My long rest is over.

Eat

2009-11-06T08:52:00.000-06:00

Sleep

2009-11-04T13:31:00.000-06:00

A Change Of Light

2009-11-01T08:17:00.004-06:00

You know, I've been around a long time. I'm getting older. Since I lost my family I've been on my own and there have been times of great grief for me. I've wandered the countryside endlessly looking for my community and I've found no one. But here I am and I will stay.

As this season of darkness begins, it is often difficult to think of the light, especially when you rarely see the sun. Darkness demands rest and repair because darkness knows the effort needed to thrive in the sun. Personally, I need this long dark winter to rest and repair. And prepare for the work and joy of Spring.

Ideas & Plans

2009-10-30T14:53:00.003-05:00

I'm using the last pieces of my cut wood to make a nice table.

I would really like to make some shelves here for tools and food.

And I need a place to keep my clothing.

I should make a taller chair now.

Domestic Bliss

2009-10-28T19:25:00.003-05:00

This is heaven. Safe and warm with freshly washed clothes drying by a hot stove. I even had a good wash myself. There's so much rain water about!

I lost my plaid underwear so I made these this afternoon. They are a bit baggy, but warmer. I'll need warm underwear in this world.

It's A Home

2009-10-27T13:12:00.003-05:00

Well, here I am in my new home. I still have many things to work on. I know there are several gaps in many places, but this sure is more comfortable than the wagon. I have heat in here!

But for now, I'm just really tired. All I want is some hot tea and a good long sleep.

Exhausted

2009-10-23T15:44:00.002-05:00

Oh, hi. I just put the stove in. And the roof is almost done. I need to finish attaching it to the house.

I used my rain proof material on the window.

And I need to make a permanent door. I hope I don't have as much trouble making this door as I have in the past. Building a house on your own is very, very difficult. I know my limits now. And I've run out of pine glue.

First Look

2009-10-19T14:42:00.004-05:00

I've never worked so hard in my life. But I'm proud of my cabin.

I made this tool with that sharp metal cutter I found. I use this to slice finer pieces of wood, to get a smoother finish.

I have to finish the walls. And of course, put on the roof. That's why I have leaves inside my home.

Almost A Home

2009-10-18T18:26:00.001-05:00

Long Cold Wet Days of Hard Work

2009-10-15T17:52:00.002-05:00

Rain Snow Cold

2009-10-12T17:16:00.001-05:00

So Much Work

2009-10-08T15:06:00.002-05:00

I don't have time to chat today. It's been raining and blowing and cold and there is just so much work to do.

Difficulties

2009-10-04T23:32:00.003-05:00

It was stormy while I was away. Falling trees can do so much damage. The cabin frame and fence are crushed.

I'll clear this away tomorrow and start building again. It looks like the wagon was spared.

The Find

2009-10-01T15:17:00.005-05:00

This afternoon I promised myself I'd stop working on the cabin and just enjoy the day. I'm getting to be quite good at walking over fallen trees!

Not even used. Just damaged on the outside. Must have been left behind or tumbled away.

This means someone else lives here...

Whatever it takes, I'm getting this home.

Remembrance Of Pies Past

2009-09-30T08:15:00.003-05:00

I had good times in my first home on the prairie. I had so many nice things. I can still smell the pumpkin pie cooking...

At Work

2009-09-27T10:28:00.003-05:00

I finally got part of the frame up, but with this wind I need to put supports up quickly. This is my first time building my home. It's much more work than I thought. I had to move rocks and rearrange dirt to fill in holes, so this is more level. I'll show you how I pack the dirt.

I use this big log and just roll it back and forth until the dirt packs down. Leaves get in the way.

Rain

2009-09-26T09:04:00.003-05:00

It's pouring rain right now. Getting colder, too. The leaves still provide some shelter, but when they all fall I'll be very vulnerable in this wagon. I hope the covering doesn't soak through.

I should have made a small lean-to for my fire. Everything is soaked now. I've been so distracted here, I just can't seem to stay focused on one project no matter how important it is. But I have many logs cut to size now and I can secure the foundation quickly and then put up the frame.

So Many Ideas

2009-09-23T12:21:00.002-05:00

Surprised? I've never had a fence before! The ground is so hard with rock that the fence had to be self supporting, which is good because I can move it if I need to.

As I cleared away more leaves and trees I uncovered these rocks, but I will have to move them because the cabin goes here.

Oh, and I found these holes that were obscured by leaves! This could be a home for someone but could also be a disaster when it rains and the ground collapses under my cabin.

As far as the eye can see...that's where I can build my home.

And Back To Work

2009-09-20T08:24:00.003-05:00

I thought I heard someone! Good morning. I'm back in bed because I got up at dawn to clear away more brush around the wagon and haul more logs. I'll have a bit of acorn with my dandelion tea and then get back to clearing my land. It's chilly this morning!

Red

2009-09-18T09:07:00.003-05:00

I must say it's a very unique experience to be under a red covering when the moon is full. It gives me a chance to sort through my pack now! I found my old winter trousers stuffed in the bottom of the pack. I'm greatly relieved to know I'll have some extra warmth this winter as my denim is seriously worn out. I'll have to layer my shirts until I find suitable fabric for a coat.

Working Against The Clock

2009-09-17T15:33:00.005-05:00

I've been clearing this area for days and it looks like I haven't done a thing. I was hoping to have a larger area to show by now.

All this was tangled with berry vines and a mat of old grasses and leaves. And huge pieces of bark were everywhere.

I wanted to show you this fantastic tool I found. I've been using it to make really clean cuts on the logs. I just hit this with my hammer and it cuts so smoothly! But it's terribly sharp and must be used with caution.

Farewell. I've had a long hot day and I'm going in for the night.

Pack Up Move On

2009-09-13T09:17:00.001-05:00

Well, that's done. All the timbers I cut are loaded. I'm ready to move to the new location.

Indecision

2009-09-12T11:54:00.002-05:00

Now, this area is much more level, has low cover, and more protection against wind and snow.

I just don't know where to start building. There's so much diversity here and all so beautiful. The more I look the more choices I have. But back by my wagon I have several logs already stacked and ready for building. And time is short...and I do miss having a warm and dry home. And clean clothes. And a nice bed. I have a lot of work to do.

Rooting

2009-09-09T14:09:00.003-05:00

This location really isn't bad at all. The stones will provide shelter and stability and there are no large trees overhead.

I can live here while I build my cabin.

I made these tools, too. The shovel will help to clear the land and the spear is for my protection.

Tomorrow I must fell more trees and begin clearing the land.

Throwing The Wagon

2009-09-05T20:40:00.002-05:00

I've lost my patience. I've fallen down bluffs, stuck in logs, and finally crushed by my own house.

Where this wagon lands is where I will stay. It will be my home.

Well, maybe I could move it one more time.

Injured Elf Seeks Help

2009-09-03T19:20:00.002-05:00

My head hurts. I don't know how long I was under that wagon. I'm not even sure what time of day it is. All I know is that my head hurts.

If An Elf Falls In The Forest

2009-09-01T18:25:00.002-05:00

This is really steep here.

I should...stop...

Small Surprises.

2009-08-28T20:30:00.002-05:00

I'm not staying around to find out who or what built that massive pyre! When I make a fire I use small sticks. I can't imagine what uses sticks that size. This tells me I need to be very careful and stay alert at all times...

OH!

Hello?

It's a home.

Magical

2009-08-25T13:38:00.003-05:00

This place truly is magical. I've never seen anything like it. I have to wonder who lives here, what kind of creatures I share my island home with.

Homesteading

2009-08-22T13:51:00.003-05:00

It's chilly this morning! I've been finding some good logs to work with, but many are soft, so I'm careful about that. Not finding any oak, some maple. I think tomorrow I will look in another area for some oak trees.

You never know what you may find in the woods...

And autumn is on the way.

Serious Business

2009-08-18T14:20:00.002-05:00

I don't have much time to talk today. The weather is fine, but by the signs I fear autumn is not far away. This is serious business.

Perfect size logs.

Aspen, I think.

A home is serious business.

Local Vegetation

2009-08-12T18:52:00.001-05:00

Hazy Late Summer

2009-08-09T14:31:00.002-05:00

What a terribly hot humid day. I'm so full of shadblow berries I could burst!

You know, I saw some raspberries over here the other day...

These are just gorgeous! Who could resist?

Wonder

2009-08-05T13:51:00.002-05:00

No man is an island. Could this be one?

Down

2009-08-03T14:07:00.002-05:00

There's my teapot...

This birch tree came thundering down in the storm last night. I was inches away from being crushed.

I guess it was not a very stable tree.

Perhaps building in the woods is not a good idea after all. Should I build in the meadow?

Having Fun

2009-07-31T15:02:00.003-05:00

Hi! There you are! Come with me...

Isn't this something? Look at the sea. I was just there for my bath. You know, I could build here, but I think the winter winds would be terrible. I'll keep looking for the right spot. In the meantime, I'll just enjoy the beauty.

Nature Boy

2009-07-27T12:54:00.000-05:00

Careful Planning

2009-07-21T15:00:00.002-05:00

While I build my new home I have to find a safe temporary shelter. I thought about staying in some rocks, but I worry about rain and large amounts of water that could potentially wash me out. I did see some really nice rock caves, though.

Oh, my foot is fine now. I'm pretty tough. I will say, though, I'd love to have a nice bath and wash my hair and clothing. I'd like to make new clothing, too, especially before autumn.

There is so much territory to cover and I've never had the choice of where to build my home.

A comfortable log shelter instead of rock is more likely, but other creatures do make their homes here, too. Large animals and sometimes really large snakes.

I must choose wisely.

A New Landscape

2009-07-17T17:14:00.005-05:00

I'm going to explore around my building site!

Oh this is Indian Pipe, a spectacular woodland plant. So delicate, ghostly in the moonlight.

OH! OW!

Well. Which way. Getting dark and it will be a longer walk back with a crutch.

At Home

2009-07-14T14:23:00.003-05:00

I had the most wonderful sleep last night. I could stay here forever. Maybe I should. Maybe now I should let my community find me.

It's so peaceful here. I don't hear any machines. When you are very small there are so many things to worry about. Just the other day I saw a great eagle overhead and I was very glad it didn't see me! Yes, I could build a home here, back in the deep forest where I belong. I'll get my boots and walk around the area, maybe find the perfect building spot...

Isn't Anyone There?

2009-07-10T12:49:00.002-05:00

Well, it's the right size opening, but the amount of sawdust at the door suggests that an animal of some sort lives here. Hello?

Yes. You are correct. I am tired of wandering.

A Good Location

2009-07-09T18:11:00.002-05:00

I've seen no trails that would indicate to me that anyone from my prairie community has resettled here, no signs of homes or a town. Before I decide where to build my new home I need to explore this area a little more. If anyone is here I want to know and be near them.

I'm too frightened of big water to build near it. It's pretty to look at, though.

Possible

2009-07-07T18:21:00.003-05:00

It is entirely possible that this is Wisconsin. This may be that place my neighbor moved to, but I have given up all hope of ever finding him again. But I will make my new life here. I will make my cabin. I will call this Home.

At Last

2009-07-02T21:09:00.003-05:00

I've never been so disoriented in my life! I'm dizzy and stumbling! The wind threw me around for what seemed like forever and I've no idea if I'm walking north, south, east or west. All I know is that I'm wasting time! I need to keep moving north. I'm going to rest.

I must say, it's a lovely quiet, cool day today. These trees are different.

This place really is different.

The sun is warm. Fresh breeze, too. I could sleep here for days. There's an odd rushing sound...I've never heard this before. Almost a soft rumble, too. What is that sound?

Notice

2009-06-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

Fly Onward

2009-06-21T07:45:00.003-05:00

It's regrettable that I don't sail. That would be quite an adventure! Anyway, I hope the sailboat has made it back to its owner. Base camp is pretty much as I left it, clean, dry and comfortable. And still here!

Funny, as breezy as it is today it wouldn't take much to whirl it up and away! But I think...

WHOA! HEY!

I'LL SEE YOU LATER! SOMEWHERE!

Fresh Start

2009-06-18T18:02:00.002-05:00

I feel so much better after my bath and sleep. I found tracks that the boat made so I'm certain I'll be back at camp very soon. My clothes should be dry now.

Lost Trail

2009-06-17T05:04:00.003-05:00

None of this looks familiar. I found some of my tracks in the mud, but now that the ground is drying it's hard to recognize them. I see other tracks but few are mine! Should I go this way?

I 've got to get back to base camp. I left my pack there and I've been gone too long. I have to get back on my northern trail quickly!

The Long Return

2009-06-15T13:20:00.002-05:00

Finally. A road. This looks promising.

I don't know where the road went, but I'm sure the river is here somewhere.

Here you go little boat. Sorry you're not as new and clean as when I found you. Good luck!

Finders Do Not Always Keep

2009-06-12T14:46:00.002-05:00

Slow going here in sticky mud. I'll try pulling it again.

The river can't be far now.

Complication

2009-06-07T09:56:00.003-05:00

I have no idea what time of the day it is. I've just had a good nap. This really is a nice boat. New, I'd say. It even could be that someone has lost it. Oh my. I've just stolen a boat.

Confusion

2009-06-04T12:24:00.004-05:00

Now where am I?

I tell you dragging this boat is the most difficult thing I have ever done. In my life. I couldn't take that boat on the river. It was flowing south! And I admit I'm not really a sailor. And big water frightens me. And so now I have a sailboat. And I'm not sure what to do with it.

The River Road

2009-05-27T15:06:00.002-05:00

Oh, what a beautiful scene. I've just got to rest, but I can tell there is a river near here and I'll stop there for the day.

If only I could...

Long Journey To Find Home

2009-05-24T18:27:00.002-05:00

What a beautiful evening. I have to say this has been an uneventful journey so far. I've avoided flooded rivers, cities, large birds and animals. I believe I am headed in the right direction. When the days start feeling cooler and the trees start getting taller I'll know I'm getting farther north.

Transportation Needs

2009-05-17T18:03:00.002-05:00

You can't imagine how exhausted I am. I fear I may even lose a dangerous amount of body weight. This journey is proving to be more challenging than I imagined.

Without my map all I can do is continue north. Maybe there will be markers along the way. I neglected to take into account the time lost battling through unmarked paths. These dangerous flooding rain storms make for swift water travel. And perilous.

He Carried All 209 Stones

2009-05-15T08:07:00.001-05:00

Withering Storms

2009-05-13T14:25:00.001-05:00

I can't talk now!

Weary Little Traveller

2009-05-11T14:16:00.002-05:00

Sometimes Moving Forward Is Difficult

2009-05-07T22:31:00.001-05:00

Moving Forward

2009-05-04T21:38:00.003-05:00

"The deep parts of my life pour onward, as if the river shores were opening out. It seems that things are more like me now, that I can see farther into paintings. I feel closer to what language can't reach. With my senses, as with birds, I climb into the windy heaven, out of the oak, in the ponds broken off from the sky my falling sinks, as if standing on fishes." -Rilke

Onward. Maybe

2009-05-02T13:41:00.002-05:00

I feel totally refreshed. Clean clothes, clean body. Although I feel very safe here, I'm ready to continue my travel. And I've been thinking about going back and crossing that red bridge I saw a few days ago.

Waiting Out The Rain

2009-04-30T18:29:00.002-05:00

I'm getting some laundry done while I wait out the rain. Dandelion buds are exceptionally tasty this year. Would you like me to get one for you, too?

Places To Stay

2009-04-28T12:58:00.004-05:00

What a terrible series of storms. Days and days of dangerously strong winds and endless rain. Finally I'm dry and safe.

I got blown around quite a bit and slid most of the way here.

But what a great shelter! Look at this huge wheel!

You know, I think this place has possibilities...

Search

2009-04-25T21:21:00.002-05:00

I've looked everywhere for my map. I'm sure it has blown away. Tomorrow I will start anew, forge my own way. Now I must carefully find my way back to my camp.

Disaster

2009-04-22T10:55:00.005-05:00

These hills are so steep. I'm exhausted. The warm sun feels good.

I feel a river nearby, but the map doesn't show it. I'll just look...

MY MAP IS GONE !

Shhhhh

2009-04-18T10:20:00.002-05:00

I'm hiding in here because there are large dogs about. I ventured too close to a farm. Shhhh.

Such A Pretty Day

2009-04-15T15:45:00.001-05:00

Waiting

2009-04-14T14:53:00.002-05:00

I'm warm, I'm dry, clean and safe. For two days it's been nothing but cold rain and wind. That last log got pretty soggy and I found this nice dry slab under cut logs. Dandelion tea and greens again for dinner.

New Sights

2009-04-10T17:27:00.002-05:00

If I'm not intruding I could spend a night or two here. I'll leave my packs in here and then explore the area, gather some greens for dinner and just relax a little.

What a charming Spring Beauty.

Oh my, this is beautiful. So intimidating. I'm not crossing this bridge.

Rest Stop

2009-04-08T13:04:00.001-05:00

Thunder, Lightning And Rain

2009-04-06T20:31:00.003-05:00

Little Steps Big Journey

2009-04-01T20:11:00.002-05:00

I got a late start today. It rained terribly hard all last night and I couldn't sleep.

I have enough of this already. And I can easily find more if I need it.

By tomorrow night I should be able to reach that farm. Must be careful of dogs and cats. Dangerous machines, too.

The Route

2009-03-30T19:00:00.002-05:00

It's been a long day. I'll sleep here tonight.

Say Goodbye Now

2009-03-28T07:41:00.004-05:00

Packing Up

2009-03-25T19:20:00.001-05:00

In my pack goes my pan. Early tomorrow morning I leave.

Things

2009-03-22T10:50:00.002-05:00

Will I need three pans?

I forgot about these nice utensils that were left by the original inhabitants. Four bowls, too. There is so much I can't take with me.

I'll just leave these two pans here and take the one by the fireplace.

Time And Travel

2009-03-18T14:29:00.003-05:00

I don't really have a list of things to do before I leave here. I just need to gather some food and tidy up the cabin and make sure the doors and windows are tight. And I have to watch the skies for bad weather. It would be bad to start my journey in a spring snowstorm.

This map from my neighbor is pretty simple and I think I'll be able to follow the trail easily.

So Many Attachments

2009-03-15T18:58:00.003-05:00

This has been a good home. I was fortunate to find it after the fire. I've done my best to make it nice for the next traveller. I built a good fireplace and put in windows and curtains, painted inside and stained the floor. I'll leave some comforts. I've done my best.

Attachment

2009-03-14T21:14:00.002-05:00