The Sunflower and The Cashier

It was nearing towards the end of my shift, as she came up with her usual smile. There is something about her general demeanour that comforts me and makes me feel like I am understood without having to say anything. I can’t remember what sparked her bringing it up, but somehow our conversation led to me learning that she lives off grid.

            When she mentioned this, I initially said “oh, so you have a farm?” Her response was no, leading it to take me a second to remember that that is more of a homestead thing. Living off grid has to do with being off the regular power and water supply than the general population. She continued to elaborate and told me that her and her husband live in a trailer with solar panels and collect rainwater. She did admit that it was a bit difficult at her age though, but I was still intrigued. She recommended, if I was interested, that I do it while I’m young.

            I am brought back to being a teenager when this idea had seemed like the dream to me. Being off grid, growing things on my own. It did sound difficult, and a part of me wondered, if the extent to which I was used to modern society would be a problem with that style of living. I pictured myself at my computer earlier that day, before my shift, looking at the sun shining through my window and watching videos about women who had reconnected with themselves and desired a more natural lifestyle.