Naked What?
We thought it was time we shared how “Naked Acres” came to be and why it has become our summer resting place.
Let’s address the obvious question first, and one we receive frequently, no it is not a nudist colony 😊.
It is naked because the first parcel of acreage our sister Missy and brother-in-law, Chris, bought had no structures on it. It was simply land in the Black Hills that was full of dreams and potential.
As they acquired the neighboring acerages, one that included two dry cabins, it was too late, the name “Naked Acres” had stuck and now the whole property goes by it.
However, to better understand Naked Acres, you first need to get to know the two people behind the vision.
Missy is a “spiritual gangster” who leads her communities through energy work, moon dances, and laughter. She sees dreams and possibilities everywhere she looks and lives life by following her heart.
Chris is the handyman that reminds us of MacGyver. Two roles of duct tape, several assorted nuts, a few bolts, a can of Mountain Dew and he can fix just about anything.
It was through the vision and skills of these two that the homesteading project and Naked Acres began.
Building a barndeminium themselves, planting gardens, creating infrastructure to endure harsh Wyoming winters, and allowing a couple hippy yuppies like us to join in seems to be just the beginning of their dreams.
We are blessed to contribute to this where we can.
Andrea loves planting, studying topics like permaculture principles, growing zones, and anything else that allows her bare feet and hands to be in the soil.
The only caveat is she only wants to do it while it’s warm of course!
I get to support this project by challenging myself to learn new skills, becoming more creative in problem solving with limited resources, getting better at understanding the ebbs and flows of Mother Nature and grilling dinners for the crew.
We are also blessed to have Andrea and Missy’s mom and dad’s tiny house on the property with us. Peggie, aka Maka (affectionately called by her grandkids and Snoop Dog) gets to be part of the process as well as the occasional comedy headliner around the campfire.
Maka and her bestie the Dogg himself! It’s a long story but a good one for that perfect night around a campfire.
It has been a great joy for us to return here in the summer months to reconnect with family and friends while contributing to the building and dreaming of what it can become.
Naked Acres is a place where people come for real conversations. Where listening happens and the mystic energies of the Black Hills helps heal and inspire all that are open to receive.
Thankfully it is also a place where fun and shenanigans of all sorts are always one bad decision away. 😊
This stick figure marks the spot of the now famous Jenny from the bushes incident.
Boy, do we love our summer shenanigans even if at times people may find themselves stuck in the bushes! Oh Jenny!
As we head out for warmer weather and more adventures, it is always a little hard to say goodbye to Chris, Missy, Maka, and all of the friends and family who help make Naked Acres such a special place.
It is our home base, and we look forward to returning next spring changed from the experiences and learning we will undergo between now and then.
The six of us!
See you all down the road.