Living A simple green Life: Catching up with all the comments , emails etc and as always blown away bye the wonderful comments

Welcome

Welcome to my wee blog.My name is Andy ( The Dafthermit ) . For the last 20 odd years i have ben trying to get back to a simpler way of life and finally in my old bus up here in the Scottish mountains i am finally getting there. My time now is spent taking pictures of the highlands ,making films to show the world the beauty all around and writing something that has surprised me having had a few of my stories published , Having picked up a camera and laptop in 2008 i have really enjoyeed the journey the camera has taken me on again having had a couple of pictures in national magazines, last year three of ,my films where shown at the Loch Ness film festival. anyway i hope you enjoy your visit to my wee blog

love and light

Andy

Saturday, 11 June 2011

Catching up with all the comments , emails etc and as always blown away bye the wonderful comments

many thanks all for the recommendations on STIK

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top Commenter · Hermitage Academy

love and light from the rusty wee tin can

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Sophia Suleyman · Professor at The Eden Project

A Man with a massive heart, Integrity and passion for his art, 'Takes only film and leaves only footprints'!

1 · Unlike · Reply ·

Thecanadian Bob · They never built one that could hold me

Andys a treasure living a simple green life contributing his art.
I wish I had the guts to emulate him.
Hes a genuinely decent person who's quick to laugh at himself a talented man of very little ego and a lot of love in his heart.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · Wednesday at 14:17

Brian Kelly · Works at Royal Engineers

Interesting, Inventive and Independant. Watch, read and learn as Andy tries out a very different life and brings a bit of light into this dreary world that we inhabit. One of the good guys.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · Thursday at 17:08

'Stonehenge Freefestivaltwo' · 26 years old

Seems cool to me!

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · Wednesday at 19:38

Steve Elliott · Editor at Village Voice Media

Andy Dafthermit Lowe is one of the most talented photographers in Scotland -- and the world.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · June 6 at 2:04am

Allan Stevenson · Menzieshill High School

Andy...a man of many talents and am thoroughly delighted to recommend this hardworking individual, a facebook legend in his own time!

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 07 June at 21:57

Dave Newington · SWTC

Andy - a great ad for the Green Life in Scotland but not to the extent of spoiling the natural beauty of my Home Country.

Like · Reply · Subscribe · June 7 at 11:06am

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
thanks i think ???
Like · Reply · 2 seconds ago

Johnny McCloskey · Full-Time Nappy Changer, Part-Time Musician at Me

Andy is an artist who sees the beauty in all things ;-).

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · June 5 at 6:05pm

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top Commenter · Hermitage Academy
many thanks Jonny all the best from the wee tin can
Like · Reply · 45 seconds ago

Linda Curran · Denny, Falkirk

Scratchy Heed Film Studio is a must to see....created byAndy Dafthermit Lowe, check it out now xxx.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · June 4 at 3:42pm

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top Commenter · Hermitage Academy
huge hugs my friend , have a wonderful day x
1 · Like · Reply · June 4 at 3:46pm

Christine Mccallum

Andy is amazing.He does so many things:Videos, music, youtube, writing, photography and self sufficiency.And if you need him he is only a click away.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 30 May at 18:27

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Christine many thanks for that my friend huge hugs to you and yours xx
Like · Reply · 01 June at 15:49

Mary Nethercutt · Logansport, Indiana

Andy has always been a very good friend on facebook , I would recommended for anything that comes up.

1 · Like · Reply · Subscribe · 27 May at 23:08

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Thanks Mary love and light to you and the family
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:31

Around Scotland · Denny, Falkirk

Andy Dafthermit Lowe and Mel (the Hippy Hermit) are two of the nicest people you're ever likely to "meet" on facebook... check them and their Scratchy Heed Film Studio out, you won't regret it!;).

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 26 May at 11:19

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Thanks Bruce and Linda looik forawrd to meeting you guys one day hugs from the windy wee hovel
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:34

Catherine Shanahan · St. Anne's Secondary School, Dublin

Hey Andy, only too delighted to recommend you. Andy is incredibly talented, has created some amazing videos and blogs and I admire what he does and how he lives his life. He leads a very inspirational life. Andy is one of the most genuine, honest people I've connected with online, he is very giving and caring when it comes to others. He has loads to offer this amazing world of ours. He rocks! :-) ☯ ♥.

3 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 24 May at 12:26

Marusja Harasymiw · Friends with Catherine Shanahan
Looks great Catherine..will check these out...
2 · Unlike · Reply · 24 May at 14:48
Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi my friend wow many thanks for the lovely comment , i am so happy when my work brings a wee smile or two to people love and huge hugs xxx
1 · Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:30

Kirstie McCrory · University of Sussex

Very glad to recommend Andy Dafthermit Lowe, I concur with previous writers, Andy is a genuine guy. Love what he's doing living the simple life up there in the cold. If I were a hardier type I'd be more jealous. Despite living in the wilds he beavers away and produces some fantastic photographs and videos whilst finding the time to help others. Well done Andy, I commend you and your life.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 26 May at 06:46

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Lol loved the comment Kirstie and many thanks for the great recommendation love and hugs from the wee hovel
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:36

Sean Whittaker · Works at I beg you pardon!

cool

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 25 May at 12:06

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Cheers Sean love to the family
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:28

John Hunter

Andy's does great work from his humble abode I'm the Highlands breathtaking compositions I'm a wide ranging media.

4 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 20 May at 21:35

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Thanks John that means so much from you my friend
1 · Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:37
John Hunter
Should read In not I'm hehehe
Like · Reply · 29 May at 22:26

Robert Dudgeon · Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Andy sits on the "Top Shelf" and I am proud to call him a friend.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 24 May at 03:17

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
same here Rabbie so glad to have bumped into you online and look forward to the day when we meet in Scotland
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:26

Ana Laing

Andy's work is always brilliant, fascinating and wonderfully moving and funny. Totally recommend Andy for his work.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 24 May at 00:12

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Thanks Ana always enjoy your comments on my work, many thanks for taking the time to recommend my work huge hugs my friend xx
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:24

Stephen Vaughan · Mobile services operative at Emcor Group

I've been enjoying Andy's postings and movies on Youtube for a couple of years now, his sincerity, creativity and humour shine off the screen. One of these days he will be in when I visit him.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 23 May at 19:37

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Stephen so glad youy enjoy my wee films aye look forward to the day we finally meet love and light from the wee hovel
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:25

Gavin Manby · Borve, Eilean Siar, United Kingdom

A great guy, with a cracking talent.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 22 May at 18:54

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Many thanks Gave love and hugs to you all on the isle
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:22

Pip Pips · Wealden school of nursing

beautiful photos and videos from a man who lives a green life truly among the highlands.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 22 May at 16:16

Rosie Emil · Kuching, Malaysia

Andy is great, hard working and fantastic photographer of scotland, which he is care more about people of beautiful world.

4 · Unlike · Reply · Unsubscribe · 20 May at 06:36

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Rosie many thanks for the wonderful recommendation love and light from us in the we hovel
2 · Like · Reply · 20 May at 12:06

Ritva Kurittu

Both Andy's videos and photographs are breathtakingly beautiful. He unites this gift with his battle to safeguard Scotland's pure and beautiful nature. How can anybody not recommend him? :)

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 21 May at 20:57

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Ritva it is lovely to have met you and much much thanks for the wee recommendation and so glad you enjoy my photography much love
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:44

Michelle Yd Frost · Clarendon School for Girls

Wonderful photos from a man who really SEES Nature.

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 22 May at 08:08

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
love and hugs to you and your family my friend , many thanks for the lovely comment
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:39

Terry John Woods · Works at Artist, author, but designer first

andy your posts make me smile everyday...thanks for being green and a facebook friend.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 21 May at 00:38

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
hi Terry always good to read that my work brings a wee smile or two and it is good to class you as a friend also
Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:42

Peggy Whiteman · Kokomo, Indiana

Andy, makes beautiful videos of Scotland, and he and Mel, share videos of there life, I look forward to seeing all they post, very good people w/ good minded goals, very nice people to have as friends!

1 · Unlike · Reply · Unsubscribe · 20 May at 08:16

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Peggy many thanks for that it has been a joy to have met you and your family huge hugs xx
Like · Reply · 20 May at 12:09
Peggy Whiteman · Kokomo, Indiana
Your welcome Andy, but the pleasure is ours , thanks my friend, love & hugh hugs to you !
Like · Reply · 21 May at 15:00

Sally Hope

Andy has done some amazing videos to my music, he is a fantastic photographer with stunning shots of Scotland that take your breath away, he is also a lovely heart centered friend who truly cares deeply about people and our beautiful world.

2 · Unlike · Reply · Unsubscribe · 09 April at 21:42

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
Hi Sally many thanks my friend , it has been wonderful working with you and your music is above inspirational simply wonderful love and light my wee welshie friend xx
Like · Reply · 20 May at 12:08

Kathryn Ventura · San Pedro High School

♥

1 · Unlike · Reply · Subscribe · 25 May at 00:31

Andy Dafthermit Lowe · Top commenter · Hermitage Academy
love and light from us in the rusty wee tin can
1 · Like · Reply · 29 May at 15:41

0 comments:

A wee film about us on STVs the HOUR SHOW click on STV logo to see the film

Andy the Daft Hermit lives 45 minutes outside Inverness with his wife Mel in an old bus parked in a layby. This current home of theirs is the longest they have ever stayed in one spot. “I’ve been travelling now 25 years,” said Andy Lowe. “Mel’s been travelling 15. One of the reasons we’ve come and stayed up here is because of Mel’s health. I wanted to bring her to the mountains for fresh air and clean water and just a slower pace of life.” Mel has had breast cancer twice, skin cancer once, and for three years believed she had bone cancer after being wrongly diagnosed. Andy’s belief in the restorative powers of the north made them pack up ‘The Black Bus’ that they live in and cross the border into Scotland. New Highland home for hermit couple Andy and Mel “I think we both believe in trying to get to a more simple way of life,” said Andy, “but it’s strange for us because we are sort of hermits, or we like to live separate, but it’s not being anti-social… it’s just the way we are that allows us to be creative.” Andy first began travelling when he left the army. Fed up with bureaucracy he packed a rucksack and left for France and has been travelling ever since. By investing any money the couple have earned into solar panels and wind generators they now live a self-sustaining existence, without electric bills, and collect rain water “straight from Heaven”. “It’s not easy,” said Mel. “There might be time when there might not be enough facilities around, but you always find a way, you know?” Rather than rejecting technology, Andy blogs about his travels online and collaborates with artists from around the world via his ‘Scratchy Heid Film Studio’, which he runs from a static trailer next to the couple’s bus. He explained his philosophy: “My belief is that if you can go through life and you drop dead and you’ve got a balance there that slightly outweighs the good than the bad, you’ve done alright. “Yesterday, with what Mel’s been through with the cancer and all that, I had a woman on one of my sites there that thanked me for the writing, for the positive things, and to me that’s worth everything. You can keep your millions, we’re not interested. That is what we do.” To check out Andy’s artwork and video projects check out his website. MORE FROM THE NORTH