Does your lifestyle work for you, or do you feel the need to portray yourself as superior toward another at the end of the day? Perhaps you might consider channeling some energy toward the real villains in society...the banking cartels...the political and/or corporate cartels. Thoughts for the future. Peace Out
Due to a series of tragic events which left me hollow and stunted, I was once a sad, suicidal teenager. In the summer of my sixteenth year I met a group of youngsters who would forever change me. They were full of passion and life and gently pulled me from my dark place and helped me to see beauty in the world. Without even realizing, they taught me to seize and love the moment, stop and smell the roses, sing and have fun, play and laugh. I'd forgotten what joy felt like and they reminded me. They helped me salvage what was left of my childhood and heal enough to face adulthood. Matt was one of those people. I owe every happy, love filled second of my life to Matt. Shame on every person who would dare to speak cruelly of him..... you know nothing. Matt was an angel to me and deserves an angel who would help him up just as he helped me up so many years ago. Matt is golden. Bless him.
Cool story. Five years ago, this video inspired me to try to find him and I went over to the mainland to do just that. I needed him to know he was missed and loved and that there were alternatives. I was eager to find my pal and spent the day walking all over the lower east side with photo of him when he was about seventeen. Every person on East Hastings saw it. It was a humbling, life changing day full of moments I'll remember for ever. Strangers with problems of their own were so kind and helpful, understanding and sympathetic. This wasn't the first time I'd gone to Van to track him down and I really thought this time would be a success. Instead, I walked for hours, turned up nothing and resigned myself to failure. I stuck out like a sore thumb and was losing what I considered the safety of sunlight. It was time to head back to catch the last ferry. I was just walking out of Victory Square when I caught sight of him. He was on a bicycle, balancing two of the biggest bags of recyclables I've ever seen. I screamed his name like a mad woman.... there was no way I wasn't getting his attention. Turning around, he recognized me right away even though it had been twenty years since we'd seen each other. The look on his face was priceless. Hugs and tears and laughter ensued.... simultaneously. He asked me what I was doing there and, sheepishly, I told the truth. I was looking for him. I just wanted to tell him I love him. That moment meant a lot to both of us, I know. We spent a magic twenty minutes or so catching up. He looked well enough and I left feeling satisfied that he was living safely indoors. Then, we went our separate ways. He graciously declined an invitation to get out of Dodge. He has every right to live his life on his own terms. It's not my job to judge him or tough love him or kidnap him. My duty is to remind him that he is loved and if he needs a friend, I'm easy to find.
thorsoele buddy i am from the other side of the tracks fought with my demons for 20 years total regretion into the drugs i lived in brideview surrey whalley and hastings all tough areas ive been kidnapped tapped to a chair and beat sad circumstances yeah i could blame the poverty in my family or my parents beat me black and blue or my dad drinking i dont blame none of it u choose u no 1 else chooses ur future or controls it i finally figured that out 8 years ago im not here to make a war or anything
Here I thought this was going to be a video about this guy's awesome tree stump house... I would live in the tree stump by choice, because it's really cool, not because I was "desperate.". PERSPECTIVE is everything.
Judging a book by the cover did you. Are you aware of the plight of many humans? Did you know that there are currently 29 million slaves in the world? Did you know their enslavement creates $30 Billion dollars in revenue for someone or for alot of someones?
Oh yes, I am aware. That's why I post videos on living free from the land, without money or technology, and have never charged a dime for the information. Anyone willing to be inspired by my vids can live a better life without having to become "fortunate" or "lucky." They do have to have access to a library computer though.
"An intimate portrayal of a man who lives in an old growth stump..." Yeah, that sure got INTIMATE really quick...I could have gone without knowing that part.
It's about a man who lives in a tree stump. You may mark him a junkie and a waster - but I find his honesty and openness about his life beautiful. To me he is a man who lives in a tree stump.
Well it is sad how people judge him because of honesty! I like that he is talking so open about himself and his situation. And I think we all have our shadows, problems, sadness whatsoever. and most people try to hide their stuff and judge others! Perhaps this man needs to live in the nature in this old tree to heal himself, to have a sheltered place in the nature. Where nature speaks to him and he can get clear what he wants to do next or what so ever. I love him to be so open! Thank you !
Hi my name is Dan and while I don't live in a conventional home my tree stump still looks like a comfortable home and the tree next to mine is the glory hole where I make my money
Four years later ... is he still alive? Is he okay? Hope where ever he is now he's happy and safe and not having to exploit any part of his being just in order to survive. I hope he's found a little trust, love, and bonding friendship.
I really was really loving the 'living in a tree stump house,' then some reality set in and not such a pretty picture was being painted, the rest of the story.
Hi Name is Mathew.. he used a different name for the collector video (made when he had a home). He's still addicted to meth..but a very charming articulate person. I've used him as an actor in a couple of films..but these documentaries are true. He lived in that stump for 2 yrs. He's now in social housing down on skid row. I'm trying to contact him to act in a new series..but hard to connect with him. Hope that anwers your question.
this is very sad. nobody should lose their self respect the way this man has. living in a tree stump is fine, but the other things going on in his life are hurting him
About as many dislikes as likes, that's interesting. Personally I think it's an honest testimonial and I do not feel inclined to judge. I hope his fortune takes a turn for the better.
Thanks for the nice comment. I was going to disable the comments due to the avalanche of negativity. He was brave to let me film him and tell his story.
I was addicted to prescription drugs. I had no idea they were addictive when I started taking them, and the doctors didn't tell me. I was fortunate in that they cost almost nothing and that my family was able to financially support me through my struggle. Otherwise, they would have destroyed my life. Please be careful who you judge.
While I think this man's situation is fairly dismal, I like the idea of living in a tree stump (if you have to). His lifestyle and lack of money on the other hand IS sad. His addiction to drugs is sad. I personally have had, and have known many people who are nice people (as he seems to be) who have drug problems, please don't judge them, they have been through terrible things only God knows about. I truly wish him well and pray for him..
It's been several years since the parks board tore it down. He now lives in Public housing. Lot's of people live in the park though.. There is one park near Skid row that is wall to wall tents.. lots of homeless here.. we've yet to figure out how to deal with Vancouver's drug problem.
+Dino Delarentis you need to take credit for making this the sensationalist trainwreck that it is. You try to come off as the compassionate film artiste, I call bullshit. This was rigged from the beginning to make him look as shocking, ludicrous and pathetic as possible. Why don't you call it what it is: "faces of meth"
Darrell Anderson a hammock in it would be cool! Pete's Dragon has a tree stump where dragon and boy live new movie out last year is pretty awesome to watch! I wouldn't mind a dragon too!
I think it sad that so many people who've responded to this appear to think of this guy as somewhat less than human just because he's on rack and selling himself. Err, hello - neither of those things mean he's any less human or any less deserving of dignity and respect.
How can this story be seen as sad? I do not feel sad for this person, but more so relieved. self sufficiency is everyones ultimate goal in life, I with all honest can say that my dream house is to live in a tree, a bit more structured and modern than the as mentioned story, but a tree all the same. personally i am a successful european banker, with 2 wonderful children. if i can find a gilr to follow me into a tree as a home...what a life!
I know Mathew and he is a great guy. The tree is still there and currently there is someone other than Mathew living there. Great video Dino. Mathew showed it to me when we met years ago. Thanks for sharing. And to the haters; screw off! You might find yourself in this position one day. You never know....
Exactly James. Because I came here thinking "wow what a cool thing to put on my environmental page about a guy really going extreme with the 'off the grid' style but in the end, it was a homeless man's story. And while we all have story's to tell, no, it didn't go the direction I felt like it was leaning. And what I mean by that is, I was doing lots of alternative living searches and this story was mixed in with them.
He chose his place for location, location, location, a block from the beach, minutes from downtown. Wow, you could get a 1/2 a Mil for that place. Don't spend all yer money on weed, you'll be anti-social for a long time - which is not all together a bad thing. Good luck, I really do like your abode. It's one of the greatest feelings to get something for nothing, which I think is one of the main attractions of living off the grid. Ciao, and stay healthy.
Cannabis cures, but raw juice that's just downright dangerous you could get cavities. We are lucky to have a big brother to protect us from such things.
this guy sounds like a patient for an episode of House. you know he's gonna catch something. best of luck to you buddy. hope you kick the habit and turn it around.
I feel sorry for him, but wishes him the best of luck. Don't say something on the internet that you wouldn't tell someone to the face. You haven't been in their shoes, it takes great strength living like that!
Take care of the life you have today. It can be here today and gone tomorrow. Through just a simple mistake as trying a drug, or in getting thrown from your apartment, or a death in the family, or finding out you have a disease. Your life can change at the drop of a dime, even when you think it is most stable. Thanks for uploading this. The tree stump was cool, too.
It doesn't need a warning. If we don't have to warn kids of the shocking stuff they can see on tv, the internet, etc..., foul language and other realities, then this video is quite tame.
Why would you call him a sicko. he even stated that desperation calls for desperate measures and at least he knows how to survive. In the real world the ignorant do not survive.
that's a very unique place 2 live. I like it. I just think it would be hard 2 adapt 2 though, especially without technology. that's rough. hope u keep doin well. I give u props
Some people are more addictive to certain chemicals than other people are. Some are instantly and severely addicted to one type but have no problem with another drug.
I thought it was going to be dreamy, instead it turned to be sad, I feel sorry for those who are deprived from freedom due to drugs, this is not a way to live, :>(
now that this video is out he is probably going to get evicted from his stump or they will bust in and arrest for having meth, It's not like they would need a warrant.
I vote this video for "Most Trolliest". I was watching videos about cabins in the woods, and then all of a sudden I'm hearing all about Mr. "Meth Canuck Cock Smoker".
that got dark quick.
right wtf...wrong click
Robert Smith right..i did I even get here geeze twilight zone
Robert Smith haha
If you live in a stump and your friends wear a crash helmet to cook eggs, maybe it's time to rethink your lifestyle.
hahaha bout died reading your comment
Does your lifestyle work for you, or do you feel the need to portray yourself as superior toward another at the end of the day?
Perhaps you might consider channeling some energy toward the real villains in society...the banking cartels...the political and/or corporate cartels.
Thoughts for the future.
Peace Out
Mike Wagenblast
You sound like you sucked a few meat lollypops in your day!
Well well Dante Jackson...judged any really good books lately? You can read can't you?
Mike Wagenblast
I bet you like to swallow!
I started watching this with my 5 year old daughter and I now have a lot of questions to answer
Omg lol
After a second viewing I've come to see that this is a brilliant skit of comedic satire.
Due to a series of tragic events which left me hollow and stunted, I was once a sad, suicidal teenager. In the summer of my sixteenth year I met a group of youngsters who would forever change me. They were full of passion and life and gently pulled me from my dark place and helped me to see beauty in the world. Without even realizing, they taught me to seize and love the moment, stop and smell the roses, sing and have fun, play and laugh. I'd forgotten what joy felt like and they reminded me. They helped me salvage what was left of my childhood and heal enough to face adulthood. Matt was one of those people. I owe every happy, love filled second of my life to Matt. Shame on every person who would dare to speak cruelly of him..... you know nothing. Matt was an angel to me and deserves an angel who would help him up just as he helped me up so many years ago. Matt is golden. Bless him.
Great Post... He is golden.
You could help him?
Cool story. Five years ago, this video inspired me to try to find him and I went over to the mainland to do just that. I needed him to know he was missed and loved and that there were alternatives. I was eager to find my pal and spent the day walking all over the lower east side with photo of him when he was about seventeen. Every person on East Hastings saw it. It was a humbling, life changing day full of moments I'll remember for ever. Strangers with problems of their own were so kind and helpful, understanding and sympathetic. This wasn't the first time I'd gone to Van to track him down and I really thought this time would be a success. Instead, I walked for hours, turned up nothing and resigned myself to failure. I stuck out like a sore thumb and was losing what I considered the safety of sunlight. It was time to head back to catch the last ferry. I was just walking out of Victory Square when I caught sight of him. He was on a bicycle, balancing two of the biggest bags of recyclables I've ever seen. I screamed his name like a mad woman.... there was no way I wasn't getting his attention. Turning around, he recognized me right away even though it had been twenty years since we'd seen each other. The look on his face was priceless. Hugs and tears and laughter ensued.... simultaneously. He asked me what I was doing there and, sheepishly, I told the truth. I was looking for him. I just wanted to tell him I love him. That moment meant a lot to both of us, I know. We spent a magic twenty minutes or so catching up. He looked well enough and I left feeling satisfied that he was living safely indoors. Then, we went our separate ways. He graciously declined an invitation to get out of Dodge. He has every right to live his life on his own terms. It's not my job to judge him or tough love him or kidnap him. My duty is to remind him that he is loved and if he needs a friend, I'm easy to find.
lol ut stupid ass
thorsoele buddy i am from the other side of the tracks fought with my demons for 20 years total regretion into the drugs i lived in brideview surrey whalley and hastings all tough areas ive been kidnapped tapped to a chair and beat sad circumstances yeah i could blame the poverty in my family or my parents beat me black and blue or my dad drinking i dont blame none of it u choose u no 1 else chooses ur future or controls it i finally figured that out 8 years ago im not here to make a war or anything
Observing this man life, I am thankful for the fruits of my life.
When a good day is eating out of a trash can, you have a rough life.
"I definitely have an addiction" - ah, and there in lies the problem. I'm sure this is inspiring for some...
and the award for the most misleading video title of forever goes to............
he's such a likable, articulate person....
That cheeky little grin he has when he talks about noshing off blokes just lets you know he likes it
I love how candid he is.
The interviewer/filmmaker really got him to talk about his problems good job.
Is this real? It's edited like a satire of those alternative lifestyle yuppie videos
thank you for this doc. Mathew's story is fascinating. Keep on telling his story.
I am not gay, but $50 is $50!
U R NOT GAY BUT APPROVE THIS,WOW
Very interesting! His abode actually looks rather cool.
Here I thought this was going to be a video about this guy's awesome tree stump house... I would live in the tree stump by choice, because it's really cool, not because I was "desperate.". PERSPECTIVE is everything.
Judging a book by the cover did you. Are you aware of the plight of many humans? Did you know that there are currently 29 million slaves in the world? Did you know their enslavement creates $30 Billion dollars in revenue for someone or for alot of someones?
Oh yes, I am aware. That's why I post videos on living free from the land, without money or technology, and have never charged a dime for the information. Anyone willing to be inspired by my vids can live a better life without having to become "fortunate" or "lucky." They do have to have access to a library computer though.
thank for sharing your story...
this went from a lovable tale about a way ward hippie into a hard lesson on why you might want to obey the park closes at dusk sign
"An intimate portrayal of a man who lives in an old growth stump..."
Yeah, that sure got INTIMATE really quick...I could have gone without knowing that part.
I'd love to find me a stump like,lol.But how do you keep the critters and creepy crawlies out?And is there room for my 40" LCD screen?
It's about a man who lives in a tree stump. You may mark him a junkie and a waster - but I find his honesty and openness about his life beautiful. To me he is a man who lives in a tree stump.
Dude its got to be a lot of spiders in that tree stump so fuck that...
did you think dick sucking was his only form of protein?
"I'm an arachnatarian, but occassionaly have a little dick on the side"
It would be really easy to make fun of this poor soul, but his honesty is just too heartfelt. I really pity him.
Well it is sad how people judge him because of honesty! I like that he is talking so open about himself and his situation. And I think we all have our shadows, problems, sadness whatsoever. and most people try to hide their stuff and judge others! Perhaps this man needs to live in the nature in this old tree to heal himself, to have a sheltered place in the nature. Where nature speaks to him and he can get clear what he wants to do next or what so ever. I love him to be so open! Thank you !
Hi my name is Dan and while I don't live in a conventional home my tree stump still looks like a comfortable home and the tree next to mine is the glory hole where I make my money
Four years later ... is he still alive? Is he okay? Hope where ever he is now he's happy and safe and not having to exploit any part of his being just in order to survive. I hope he's found a little trust, love, and bonding friendship.
Hopefully not
I really was really loving the 'living in a tree stump house,' then some reality set in and not such a pretty picture was being painted, the rest of the story.
Hi Name is Mathew.. he used a different name for the collector video (made when he had a home). He's still addicted to meth..but a very charming articulate person. I've used him as an actor in a couple of films..but these documentaries are true. He lived in that stump for 2 yrs. He's now in social housing down on skid row. I'm trying to contact him to act in a new series..but hard to connect with him. Hope that anwers your question.
May GOD bless you brother
this is very sad. nobody should lose their self respect the way this man has. living in a tree stump is fine, but the other things going on in his life are hurting him
He's categorically NOT a junkie.
Junkie is a role that a person can play. He is not a junkie - however he's claiming he sometimes performs that role.
About as many dislikes as likes, that's interesting. Personally I think it's an honest testimonial and I do not feel inclined to judge. I hope his fortune takes a turn for the better.
That took guts. God bless you brother. Stay strong
Thanks for the nice comment. I was going to disable the comments due to the avalanche of negativity. He was brave to let me film him and tell his story.
There's a difference between finding the depiction and honesty of it beautiful, and the acts themselves which I wouldn't describe as beautiful at all.
We love the tree stump man! He has a fan club! Women love him!
I was addicted to prescription drugs. I had no idea they were addictive when I started taking them, and the doctors didn't tell me. I was fortunate in that they cost almost nothing and that my family was able to financially support me through my struggle. Otherwise, they would have destroyed my life. Please be careful who you judge.
i havent done this much reading in a long time...
video = WTF
comments = priceless
While I think this man's situation is fairly dismal, I like the idea of living in a tree stump (if you have to). His lifestyle and lack of money on the other hand IS sad. His addiction to drugs is sad. I personally have had, and have known many people who are nice people (as he seems to be) who have drug problems, please don't judge them, they have been through terrible things only God knows about. I truly wish him well and pray for him..
That's a pretty creative idea, what he's done with that old tree stump. I wonder if he still lives there?
It's been several years since the parks board tore it down. He now lives in Public housing. Lot's of people live in the park though.. There is one park near Skid row that is wall to wall tents.. lots of homeless here.. we've yet to figure out how to deal with Vancouver's drug problem.
Dino Delarentis I have a solution: forced soft labour camps and re-education programmes. That's it. Problem solved.
So simple and extreme!
+Dino Delarentis you need to take credit for making this the sensationalist trainwreck that it is. You try to come off as the compassionate film artiste, I call bullshit. This was rigged from the beginning to make him look as shocking, ludicrous and pathetic as possible. Why don't you call it what it is: "faces of meth"
Darrell Anderson a hammock in it would be cool! Pete's Dragon has a tree stump where dragon and boy live new movie out last year is pretty awesome to watch! I wouldn't mind a dragon too!
I love his house, if I found something like that it would be my secret place.
I think it sad that so many people who've responded to this appear to think of this guy as somewhat less than human just because he's on rack and selling himself. Err, hello - neither of those things mean he's any less human or any less deserving of dignity and respect.
A strong Canadian dollar and socialized medicine, not good enough huh? I give him props for using a baseball analogy.
blessings dear soul.
If you don't see this as nasty and socially degrading, you should go into the stump as well. Take matches.
Perfect example of giving up, rather than bettering your life. Why settle for that, there's other options out there... apply yourself....
Now that's survival!
He's in a sad situation, but I must say his stump is pretty cool.
How can this story be seen as sad? I do not feel sad for this person, but more so relieved. self sufficiency is everyones ultimate goal in life, I with all honest can say that my dream house is to live in a tree, a bit more structured and modern than the as mentioned story, but a tree all the same. personally i am a successful european banker, with 2 wonderful children. if i can find a gilr to follow me into a tree as a home...what a life!
wtf... I was watching hobbit house n home made castle n now gay dumpster diving
Dony Sandley I didn't hear gay. I heard oral sex, so decent into weirdo prostitution, yes. And yes, dumpster diving self talking pothead.
this definitely didn't turn out the way I thought it would...
I always get jealous when I look at his house
I found something like this in white oke Maryland, in the woods is a tree stump, underneath it is chairs and stuff , someone was living in it
I know Mathew and he is a great guy. The tree is still there and currently there is someone other than Mathew living there. Great video Dino. Mathew showed it to me when we met years ago. Thanks for sharing. And to the haters; screw off! You might find yourself in this position one day. You never know....
If you could change one thing about your life: EVERYTHING
Smoke weed its cheaper
Exactly James. Because I came here thinking "wow what a cool thing to put on my environmental page about a guy really going extreme with the 'off the grid' style but in the end, it was a homeless man's story. And while we all have story's to tell, no, it didn't go the direction I felt like it was leaning. And what I mean by that is, I was doing lots of alternative living searches and this story was mixed in with them.
Look, um, good luck to him. I hope he gets things sorted out
What an inspiration
Living the dream.
He chose his place for location, location, location, a block from the beach, minutes from downtown. Wow, you could get a 1/2 a Mil for that place. Don't spend all yer money on weed, you'll be anti-social for a long time - which is not all together a bad thing.
Good luck, I really do like your abode. It's one of the greatest feelings to get something for nothing, which I think is one of the main attractions of living off the grid.
Ciao, and stay healthy.
First, I thought Shrek would approve of his lifestyle until he mentioned having to "resort to selling myself" to surivive...lol.
2017 update?
Cannabis cures, but raw juice that's just downright dangerous you could get cavities. We are lucky to have a big brother to protect us from such things.
My dog sleeps underneath my bed at night, pees in the backyard, and entertains himself by licking his butt after he poops. Kind of like this guy.
I guess I feel safe too - as long as he stays in Stanley Park and I stay 3000 miles AWAY FROM STANLEY PARK.
The story isn't about the tree stump. The story is about the man.
this guy sounds like a patient for an episode of House. you know he's gonna catch something.
best of luck to you buddy. hope you kick the habit and turn it around.
I feel sorry for him, but wishes him the best of luck. Don't say something on the internet that you wouldn't tell someone to the face. You haven't been in their shoes, it takes great strength living like that!
So, he enjoys "wood" literally.
Wait.....what?
The man chooses to live between denial and justification, his life is an abomination.
hmmm.....things got to be tough when living in a stump is the least shocking part of your life.
When your life motto is "Desperate Times call for Desperate Measures!", ...but your mouth twitch say's "did it for fun, wouldn't change a thing! :) "
Take care of the life you have today. It can be here today and gone tomorrow. Through just a simple mistake as trying a drug, or in getting thrown from your apartment, or a death in the family, or finding out you have a disease. Your life can change at the drop of a dime, even when you think it is most stable. Thanks for uploading this. The tree stump was cool, too.
It doesn't need a warning. If we don't have to warn kids of the shocking stuff they can see on tv, the internet, etc..., foul language and other realities, then this video is quite tame.
Why would you call him a sicko. he even stated that desperation calls for desperate measures and at least he knows how to survive.
In the real world the ignorant do not survive.
the lack of compassion in these comments is sadder than this mans story.
His freedom apparently has a price. It’s called his dignity.
Except for the sex part I would love to live like that. Reminds me of the book, "My Side of The Mountain."
Same here, I've even tried drugs and didn't come close to getting hooked. Guess it's like a need something in your life kind of thing.
wow I looked up that escalated quickly....
that escalated quickly....
that's a very unique place 2 live. I like it. I just think it would be hard 2 adapt 2 though, especially without technology. that's rough. hope u keep doin well. I give u props
Some people are more addictive to certain chemicals than other people are. Some are instantly and severely addicted to one type but have no problem with another drug.
When do you hit bottom? And what does that look like?
from tree stump to hand basket in 3 minutes flat.
Some people would see your situation as a great freedom....I wish you well my friend...
Bless you.
Dude, if one of the people whose example you're following is wearing a helmet to cook eggs and behaves like the Lorax, you're doing something wrong..
two seperate videos need be done. one about a meth addiction and street life, the other about the tree house.
I lived in Stanley Part for 2 nights because I was broke and travelling. It was pretty awesome i've camped in worse places!
I thought it was going to be dreamy, instead it turned to be sad, I feel sorry for those who are deprived from freedom due to drugs, this is not a way to live, :>(
I literally just fell out of my chair laughing because of this comment...awesome
now that this video is out he is probably going to get evicted from his stump or they will bust in and arrest for having meth, It's not like they would need a warrant.
how does he fell in a tree stump
@dinod2 Thats a damn cool Tree. So is it open for vacancy now. I'd like to live there.
I vote this video for "Most Trolliest".
I was watching videos about cabins in the woods, and then all of a sudden I'm hearing all about Mr. "Meth Canuck Cock Smoker".
WHAT IS THE NAME OF THE FIRST SONG
Very mature and original.