In recent years, more and more people have been turning to homesteading — a lifestyle centered around self-sufficiency, growing your own food, preserving it, and even making clothing or crafts by hand. For many, it’s a way to live well without relying heavily on money, offering a slower, more intentional way of life.
One woman who embraced this path is known as Mama V. Tired of the hectic pace of city living, she decided to follow her long-time dream: to live simply in a quiet cottage in the woods. So, she took a leap and left the hustle behind—moving into a converted mini school bus with her beloved pets.
At first, the bus seemed perfect. But sharing the tiny space with several cats and dogs quickly became a challenge. It didn’t take long before Mama V started thinking about expanding her space. Unfortunately, building an addition wasn’t just difficult—it was also costly, and she didn’t have the funds for a big project.
Then something unexpected happened.
One of her neighbors, knowing about her situation, invited her over and offered her an old, abandoned trailer that had been sitting unused in his yard for years. He had planned to get rid of it, but when he saw how excited Mama V was, he decided to give it to her for free.
“She’s ugly, but she’s mine!” Mama V joked as she took ownership of the trailer.
To fund the renovation, she made the tough decision to sell her mini-bus. While she knew transforming the trailer into a livable home wouldn’t be easy, she was ready to roll up her sleeves and get to work.
Fortunately, she didn’t have to do it alone. Two close friends, Jayme and Kevin, stepped in to help clean and assess the condition of the trailer. Despite years of neglect, it turned out to be structurally sound and free of leaks. Even better—it already had a working microwave-stove combo and a refrigerator.
After a full day of hard work, her friends left, giving Mama V a quiet moment to take in her new beginning.
The trailer came with more than just walls and a roof. It had two full propane tanks, a pull-out couch, a full kitchen, two twin beds, a bathroom with a shower and tub, a utility tracking panel, and plenty of storage—everything she needed to start fresh.
Once she’s fully settled, Mama V plans to start a garden and live out the self-sustaining life she’s always dreamed of.
She’s especially grateful to have a real home for herself and her pets—and to be surrounded by kind-hearted neighbors who’ve supported her every step of the way. This marks the beginning of a new, fulfilling chapter.
Please SHARE Mama V’s story with your friends and family on Facebook—it might just inspire someone else to chase a simpler life.
