I _prefer_ this new direction you're taking with the channel. I love your style of carpentry man, no doubt about it, but I've enjoyed watching you hammer out this homestead way more than I've ever enjoyed your shop videos. As a father of 5 myself I also enjoy very much seeing your boys go through this amazing process. Wishing you and the family nothing but the best going forward Jesse. Onwards and upwards my friend :)
This is one of your best videos, and I have been watching ever since you started. Not everybody has what it takes to do what you are doing. I am a 76 year old retired bachelor who has lived alone for over 55 years. That’s not a life I would wish on anyone and I wouldn’t do it again. You are not the ordinary run-of-the-mill Joe. You are very intelligent and your skills are exceptional. Your work borders more on art than craft. I’m still not quite sure how you earn a living. You could make and sell exquisite furniture like Sam Maloof. You have the skills. When you add your artistic touch to furniture then you can sell it for much more than just another chair or table. And to do all this with a wife and three kids, one of whom has special needs, makes it even more extraordinary. You haven’t mentioned religion, but I pretty sure that plays a part in this somewhere. You keep going where ever you’re going and I’ll keep watching. 👍
I love your attitude ! I have done many 3 person tasks alone , because I am stubborn and dont want to wait for help . I admire your woodworkig skills and am trying to learn !
Well, Jesse, I've attended some of your meetups and I really enjoyed them and was privileged to meet you. I bought my 10 acre plot with a lovely shop and large house with giant basement.. My brother calls it the "Fortress" of Solitude". I have a few acquaintences, but mostly It's me and very rarely my family comes buy, and they love it. All my youtubes are DIY... I know my politics and nobody but nobody is going to educate or alter me. While being all on my own with occasional help from a few nice folks nearby, it's challenging for me to handle it all by myself. I've crafted my setups here to be as clean, spacious, functional and simple as possible. And it's really paid dividends.. I finally got the dog I wanted for 20 years, and have the space and quiet I need to get things done. I'm completely blessed but moving out of Portlamabad was the best thing I ever ever did. You've got a groovy thing going on and the barge was a super example of self-responsibility and skill. I was impressed at it going so well as I was quite skeptical. But hey when did you NOT get it done? Blessings to you, your family, and I think about Asher a lot and I wish the best for all of you. It was AWESOME to have a kid to HOLD THE END OF THE FRICKIN' tape measure!!! Man that's handy! :)
I have been following you for a good while now. Watched you go from a working carpenter to deciding to go full RU-vid. Seeing you go from making projects, to improving your home, shop, and yard, now with your cabin property. It has been an amazing journey and I have enjoyed watching every video I have gotten the chance to watch. You’re a good person Jesse and you need to do whatever it is that you need to do for you and your family. This has been and I imagine will continue to be a very inspiring channel. Take care of yourself and your beautiful family, I’m sure the majority of us will be here to watch and support you. ✌️😎🤘
I want to thank you for all the inspiration you have given me. Your channel was one of the first that got me into watching RU-vid builders. As a lifelong carpenter I am drawn to the Japanese woodworking techniques as a way of improving my skills and work quality . Your outlook on life resonates with me very much. I recently acquired a position as the caretaker for a 50 acre property and am excited to make improvements and beautify the property. I see your next chapter of videos as more samurai and less carpenter. I look forward to sharing the journey. Arigato
Jesse my friend, I appreciate the way you tell it - tell it like it is. Having your son working along your side building the benches was inspirational. My dad also taught me by cutting boards and driving nails with him. Those life lessons are valuable. Thanks for living the dream and letting us come along for the ride.
Hi Jesse, I’ve been following your journey from here in the UK since the very beginning, it’s been an education. Totally get where you’re coming from now and if you find time to share it with us then that’s a huge bonus for us. All the very best, remember there are a lot of us wishing you success, happiness and peace. Thanks for sharing what you do! 👏👍😀
You are without a doubt a very gifted woodworker. I admire your maturity to change direction for the benefit of your family. It takes courage to leave your comfort zone and meet new challenges head on. You will thrive as will your family.
Jesse, don't ever be afraid to "FAIL" =First Action In Learning. your honesty is awesome to see and I for one am glad you decided to share your journey with us.
I originally came here for the project videos, but I've thoroughly enjoyed all of the cabin related videos too! As a new homeowner in rural Sweden being hands-on with a lot of renovations and such you "changing course" is right what I want now anyway!
Wasn't following you for woodworking tips, maybe in the early days, but the real you and your family is what makes your channel interesting to me., can't wait to see what you do with the property. Thanks for letting us into your life. Peace.
Hey Jesse! Been following for years and wanted to say I love the new format. Thanks for the honesty. I look forward to seeing the progress of a 'bigger' project and how your dream comes together. I'm anticipating more than just learning carpentry tips and tricks. I think you have the gifting to also bring out some good 'life hacks' and solid principles that will impact alot of folks. Praying for your continued peace and success. I'm with you Brother!!
Oh, and whatever you wanna do with the channel is fine with me. Luv ya bae! and oh yea I sold the house in Portland last year and did super well, thanks to a great realtor who was recommended by my great daughter. The move was BRUTAL but my daughter organized it all and I owe her so much. And this 10 acres, 2400 sq. ft shop, 2400 sq. ft basement/mancave/shpo extension, solar, septic, well was a bargain when bought 3 yrs a go. It's a RADICAL change in my life but it's alllllll good!
The thing that is great about you tube is that it is mostly about people producing the content they want to not the traditional model of producing content according to a perceived demand. I for one will continue to watch as long as you are able to let us accompany you.
Seeing you live the dream is the best part. You have a fan for life. Whenever I see your video pop up, I'm excited to see the progress on heartwood. Can't wait to see more progress!
I’ve been watching you for so long Jesse, and I’m glad you are taking this direction to being more open spiritually. It’s such a lesser spoken aspect of The Good Life but I’ve seen it grow in your words. You’ve struggled as many including myself have, and clearly grown stronger for it, sharing it is almost a duty to help others. You have my support in whatever you do, keep on entertaining and inspiring us!
The best take away is that you and your family are happy. Changes are necessary and healthy. Looking forward to sharing your life journey. Following your heart, the only true path. All the best to you and yours. We're with you, bravo.
Long time viewer from way back, the direction you're going in seems to resonate with many people and I like it. Honest real life experiences are far more enjoyable, keep it up!
I dig the new direction of the channel. You are heading out to develop your own home out on the lake. I really enjoy seeing the journey of those who get out and start their own little corner of society. 🍻
Jesse, you try to provide a great life for you and your family. I have huge respect for that. Now please start a podcast because I like to listen to your thinking and talking!
It's hard to belive that I've been watching your channel now (off and on) for 10 years, and this is the first time I've been compelled to comment... I've seen you go from a cocky young guy to a mature man. I enjoyed the cockiness, as you built some great projects, but I appriciate the direction that you've taken. I envy that you've been able to take your family to a new home and grown as a family. I probably have 15+ years on you and my kids are now much older teenagers. If only I was able to spend the quality tiem you've spent with your family, I may be able to feel closer than I do with my own family. Keep up with this direction, I think you've become a better person through your decisions.
I feel you Samurai. I Recently retired to Rural Kentucky with my wife. No Friends or Relatives to meet us here....just more Freedoms. I'm excited for you my Friend. Watching this video brings back the Butterflies I remember but 1 year into this, hard work and sheer determination and being where my heart led us propels me forward each day as it will you also. I admire you for following your dream to where your heart has led you and your family. I could never go back now. My mantra....The fear of going backward is greater than anything I could face in the Future"! Cheers My Friend.
Great video! Thanks for showing this side of you. I like it. I'm g;ad you're back and in this format and I'm glad that because of this I'm back too! Be well! :)
You were one of the first woodworking channels I subscribed to. Your skill and designs are incredible, but I sincerely enjoy the new direction as well. You bring a lesson to everyone, less is more.
Just wanted you to know I agree with everything you said. The knew for is a great idea and I am truly looking forward to it. Just remember your base you are the "makers mob" we don't care what it is you are doing but like you said your hands have to be part of it. We are makers and we are here not just for entertainment we are here to learn also. So we support the new direction just keep it informative. Can't wait for the future!!!
Maybe build a “loft” above the sink area, could create upper storage for unused stuff. Also, take all the mental health breaks you need! Your fans will always be here waiting 🙏🏻
Small projects no more, but when you do stuff around the island, those videos are great to watch because sometimes your real world techniques for things, like the tar on the deck, is good to learn. I also like your honest segments, great for listening to while I am working.
Preach it Samurai! It’s been so awesome seeing you guys break out of the mold of society and live life to the full. Looking forward to continuing the adventure with you in the longer format vids. and your open heart conversations. Like my favorite author John Eldredge says “don’t ask your self what the world needs ask yourself what makes you come alive and go do that. Because what the world needs is more people who have come alive”
DAMN! That was fricken awesome!!! Totally support the new direction of your channel. My husband and I are on a parallel journey and we appreciate following others who are committed to living deeply authentic lives. Good for you. Looking forward to following your journey. Blessings.
Nice one Jesse. Bring on the longer episodes!!!! I KNOW I’ve stagnated, I’m 50 in 6 months and have been crippled by grief and bereavements. I haven’t got the skills or positivity to move forward to something I want to do as I feel like a zombie of a man now, a true shadow of who I was as a child/young man. I’m pleased you’re truly living your best life and it’s great to see them. Keep them coming as they shine a light on the dull sections of life that some of us (me) struggle with. All the best dude.
I fully support your revised direction and can only express my barely constrained envy at how you have controlled your destiny and also your good fortune which I hope (and am sure) you appreciate. Keep us up on the progress any way you like.
Hi Jesse, feel very connected to the channel through my love for carpentry, my family living on Vancouver Island and our shared Dutch heritage, all the way from South Africa. Well done for living. That is what we are tasked to do. Not just being. By living, one has to take chances and risks. Just want to encourage you to keep at it. You are a legend to many people. Cheers Jacques
GO for it Jesse! Longer format suits me well. I prefer the bigger picture format about a real life, to the snapshots. You have my admiration for sharing some of your inner thoughts and goals - bearing in mind the negativity that you You tubers receive from some viewers - BRAVO!
I am a viewer from way back, to be honest I dropped off there for a while with the project videos but now with all this homestead content I can't wait for a new video to drop! I support the longer format if it keeps you going for years to come.
I'm happy for you Jesse. I only want to engage with people who are open to sharing the depths of their being. I had been living in the bush for the last 8 yrs, but had to move back to the city due to physical problems. I look forward to seeing you grow with our family. Congratulations
LIKE IT, SOUNDS GREAT JESSE‼️‼️ Make your commute to the island more comfortable. Build an enclosure around the console of your barge and add a small diesel heater. Runs off its own thermostat. INSTANT COMFORT‼️‼️ Vinny 🇺🇸
Thank you. You are taking it up a level and this will inspire us to reflect about how we can do the same. Best of luck and good health to you and your family on this amazing journey!
Share and model your true dreams, authentically and without performace. We’ll all be better for it! You’re an inspiring man and father and great role model for so many. With gratitude.
Wow, I am so happy for you and your family in following your hearts and dreams. At the end of the day nothing is more important than your heath, peace and happiness, as your core and compass. I’ve often said that if you’re not happy doing what you’re doing then you shouldn’t be doing it and you’re the perfect example of that. I admire the change, am excited to see your future content and seeing you living the dream!
First of all, I want to say I am a 70-year-old American citizen. Grew up in a country lifestyle family and was taught to rely on myself to make it through life. My dad passed when I was in the third grade from complications due to a car accident. My mom passed when I was a junior in high school. So, I basically had to rely on my own ability to continue on in life. I am College educated, which I paid for out of my own pocket (so stick it Biden), and I can proudly say I feel I have made good choices in life to get where I am now. I firmly believe you are headed in the right direction for you and more importantly your family. Your wonderful boys and wife will, without a doubt, be so grateful for the path you are taking. I can just see them in the near future living a great and healthy life and taking so much pleasure and fun in the island cabin you are building for them. What a great thing for them all to look forward to. I started watching your videos a few years back because of the great woodworking you do, and now I watch to see what kind of life you will make. Thank you for what you have taught me with your projects in the past and thank you for letting me follow along with your dream and what you will do in the near future. I will always be a Samurai Carpenter faithful. Go forth and prosper young man.
I definitely enjoyed watching your journey, not only for the woodworking, but your jokes and your quirky humour is just enjoyable! Can't wait to see your dream home being built!
Thanks for everything you share with us through the videos. Long videos are awesome in my opinion:D I'm very happy, after following you for years, to see you and your family in a better place physically and mentally :)
Jesse, I can’t wait for you to write your book. You sir are such an inspiration… you have no idea. You are definitely moving in the right direction. Blessed and highly favoured, is what you are.
We're ALL with ya Samurai. If everyone got back to their basic roots and left all the news and and nonsense behind, man what a different world this would be. We're just glad we get to watch some of your work and try to incorporate that into our lives. SLAINTE M'HATH young Samurai.
Nice path to follow. You won’t go back because you won’t need to. 15 years ago we too sold everything we owned except what fit in our car (mostly camping gear). Learned that everything can be replaced if you want or need. It was a major liberating experience, with no looking back. We are now building a 800 sq. ft. home in the woods of NW. Wisconsin. Enjoy your new path. Kevin Klucas
Jesse this is great news, really looking forward to your future with your lovely family on the homestead and the longer form videos. I'm happy that you are happy. Here's to what comes next, cheers from Sheffield England.
You are living my dream which I will never be able to do at my age. I am loving watching you and your family develop your new life. I also think that the longer videos are an awesome idea. I have been watching you for three years now. I built my very small workshop to be a maker. I am trying to grow my channel. Failing as I am no natural in front of the camera like you!! Keep up the updates and thankyou for me being able to live it with you. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼
Fist video I ever watched from the samurai was the rock bathroom sink. The years have gone by & you’re still such an amazing craftsman. The videos are quite entertaining.
This video was very much enjoyable, been watching you and your family’s journey for years now. Your style and carpentry skills are of the scale as far I’m concerned, this new format is great as it makes for a good watch and I can’t wait to see the cabin build take shape… be here as long as you are 👍🇬🇧
Just keep on doing and being you Jesse. It's a real privilege simply to follow along whatever you've been putting out here. All of us just want you, Courtenay and the boys to be happy, healthy and fulfilled - to live your best lives possible. Your natural authenticity in all that you do shines irrepressibly. Fly Samurai - from around the world we're happy to help with virtual puffs of wind under your wings!!
Love you sharing your honesty, with your mistakes, always remember, if your not making mistakes, your not challenging yourself enough! Always take a chance to reach for the 🌟!!
No problem with the new format and mental focus, feel you need a hug so sending a virtual man hug from Western Australia. Now as you say ‘get to work!’ 👍🏻💪🏻
