The Problem of Pain – C. S. Lewis (1940)
My pet hate is having to play in the real world with all the rules and regulations that so often stop me from doing the things I like best. I want to be free, totally free … no squares, no expected moves and board to contain me.
I have always yearned for the chance to escape the rat-race and move to a remote island and live off the land. To have a cow for milk, butter, cream, yoghurt and make cheese. To grow vegetables, to fish and to be self-sufficient. Wind turbines would produce electricity, fresh streams water and … here I stumble because I also want some things I class as essential.
I want sanitation, the idea of being sick is not an option when it is just me that is responsible for my welfare. That would involve specialised units which would require maintenance and some way of disposal of the waste matter. Generating electricity is all well-and-good but I would need to get light bulbs from somewhere if I wanted illumination when it was dark, also I would be hopeless of any kind of repairs should equipment break and so would have to have some way to replace them, or get them fixed. This would require the interaction with others even if purchases or arrangements could be made online.
Internet connection, that might be tricky. Even if there was a provider to my remote island then I would have to pay for the service so would need to either be filthy rich or have to generate some income. In fact, I would still need some kind of access to money, to supplement my chosen lifestyle. I am on medication so would need for that to be despatched to me, and I also need regular reviews so would need to have access to a medical facility. I could make clothes, but where or how would I get the material, cottons, wool etc. but I wouldn’t even know where to start as to footwear requirements.
So, in hindsight what I really want is a log cabin in plenty of land, fully furnished to cater for the needs of me and my animals; for it to have a beautiful sea view with a stunning beach to walk the dogs on but off the beaten track, surrounded by a high ancient brick wall. Full Internet access, so I can shop online and have things delivered and a never decreasing bank account.
Surely that is not too much for a girl to ask for … ???