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$22.95 $14.90 USD
Publisher: New Society Publishers
Pub. Date: 2004-05-13
ISBN: 9781550923384
Format: Digital - 288 pages
Size: 7.5" x 9" (w x h)
BISAC: SOCIAL SCIENCE / Sociology / Rural

Rural Renaissance (PDF)

Renewing the Quest for the Good Life

In the '60s it was called the "back to the land" movement, and in Helen and Scott Nearings' day, it was "living the good life." Whatever the term, North Americans have always yearned for a simpler way. But how do you accomplish that today?

Blending inspiration with practical how-to's, Rural Renaissance captures the American dream of country living for contemporary times. Journey with the authors and experience their lessons, laughter and love for the land as they trade the urban concrete maze for a five-acre organic farm and bed and breakfast in southwestern Wisconsin. Rural living today is a lot more than farming. It's about a creative, nature-based and more self-sufficient lifestyle that combines a love of squash, solar energy, skinny dipping and serendipity...

Among the many topics explored in Rural Renaissance include:

  • "right livelihood" and the good life
  • organic gardening and permaculture
  • renewable energy and energy conservation
  • wholesome organic food, safe water and a natural home
  • simplicity, frugality and freedom
  • green design and recycled materials
  • community, friends and raising a family
  • independence and interdependence
  • wildlife conservation and land stewardship.

An authentic tale of a couple whose pioneering spirit and connection to the land reaches out to both the local and global community to make their dream come true, Rural Renaissance will appeal to a wide range of Cultural Creatives, free agents, conservation entrepreneurs and both arm-chair and real-life homesteaders regardless of where they live.

Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series

About the Authors

Lisa Kivirist is a Senior Fellow, Endowed Chair in Agricultural Systems at the Minnesota Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and a national advocate for women in sustainable agriculture. She founded and directs the Rural Women's Project of the Midwest Organic Sustainable Education Service, an award-winning initiative championing female farmers and food-based entrepreneurs.

Together with her husband, John Ivanko, Lisa is co-author of Homemade for Sale, Farmstead Chef, ECOpreneuring and Rural Renaissance. Lisa and her family run Inn Serendipity Farm and Bed & Breakfast, completely powered by the wind and sun in the rolling green hills of southern Wisconsin.

John D. Ivanko is a national speaker, writer, photographer, and ecopreneur, and innkeeper of Inn Serendipity Bed & Breakfast. Together with his wife, Lisa, John is co-author of the award-winning ECOpreneuring, as well as Farmstead Chef and Rural Renaissance. He is also the co-author and photographer for six award-winning multicultural children's books including To Be a Kid and Be My Neighbor.



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