Orwell
Chronicles
Reclaiming & Reinventing “Orwell”
a 1984 Sahara Travel Trailer
“This is a chronicle about reclaiming things; not just an old trailer, but reclaiming the idea that with hard work and determination I could create a haven amongst the central Wisconsin pines.
The pandemic brought me to my most unexpected adventure and this is a record of some of the challenges and triumphs of this journey.”
-Jenn Todd,
I thought that this escape from the city was going to be temporary; maybe three or four weeks while this nasty virus blew through. I was determined to make this work. I had no idea that I was really about to embark on the biggest challenge (and perhaps reward too) of my adult life.
I decided to make this an experiment in living small and humbly and above all, to be grateful for everything beautiful and right going for me.
Click above for photos and videos of the biodiversity and beauty found on small plot in central Wisconsin
I was fortunately “prepared” and blessed by two tough brothers who challenged me when I thought I was incapable; and oodles of loving, knowledgeable, patient, generous and talented family members, teachers and friends who taught me countless skills in tool and material use, home repair and maintenance, outdoor skills, design, innovation, and problem solving. I also had at least some practical sense and willingness to work sometimes for long periods of time in less than ideal weather and with limited resources.
Maybe these chronicles will help you or others on your own journeys, or simply offer some amusement or escape. I would love to know that if they did and hope you would leave a message.
I plan to keep things in chronological order here generally, as that is how these Orwell Chronicles came to be and this experiment is still going; I am still here one year later. This year, however, I start it with abundance and more deep seated gratitude for life than I ever knew possible.
Chapters
In The Beginning
For many years there was occasional use of the trailer and land, but it slowly fell into disrepair and nature was willing to make a bid for Orwell. This is where I began my journey and this is a collection of photos and comments about the challenges I had to confront in Orwell’s reclamation.
Wrapped in Nature
My small property has an incredibly diverse population of flora and fauna. Here is a collection of photos and videos from visitors and co-residents around Orwell. This is the magic and motivation that, in every season, fed my spirit properly.
Future Plans
I was told once that it is human nature to constantly strive for more. I completely agree. Creating a home asks for more and more comforts and conveniences. These are some of the things that I had added for those reasons, and some future plans for things above and beyond basics. Everything begins with desire.
Orwell Chronicles 