Hi - thanks for the comment: sounds like you had a really good go at it. I guess the thing about money is that it is efficient... i.e. it saves you a lot of time making your own, which at times can be crucial: e.g. building your shelter before December!

As you say it's all about balance... one of the things I admire about Dan Suelo (which is why I liken him to a Zen master - NOT an analogy I use lightly) is that he 'gave up' money free living to care for his parents temporarily - now THAT's non attachment!

Were the five-finger shoes worth it?