Thankfully, it's a new year. I've heard from many people around the world, in person as well as on-line, that 2013 was a crummy year. Of course for some I've heard it was a good year. For Americans there was a lot of uncertainty as our government shut down, thankfully for only a couple of weeks. Then the weather decided to go all haywire, and still is. The east coast and Midwest are being hammered with snow, ice and freezing temperatures. Now in the Northwest the H1N1 are causing troubles, already causing two deaths, for people. Do I sound like a paranoid person where everything is out to get me? Lol.
All of the issues within 2013 made my husband and I realize how dependant we were on the community and government for how we live. And we realized how hectic our life was with those connections. We were racing around from store to store, doctor to doctor, schools to schools so that by the time we had any time to sit and relax we were exhausted.What happened to the good days where you went where you needed to, like the doctor, but you life wasn't hectic and you could breath without someone yelling at you or pushing you aside. You cared. You loved what you did. You loved your home you did anything you could to keep it.
And that's when we decided we need to slow down and decided to move back to simplicity. Within that vein we are turning our little piece of heaven in the city, ok suburbs, into a homestead. Complete with chickens, growing our fruit and veggies and maybe eventually Pygmy goats which can give milk. I'll be blogging about our adventure into a simpler life on my website, www.maepen.weebly.com, Moving Back to Simplicity.
What does simplicity mean to you? Is there something you wished you could do, but aren't sure how?
8 comments:
I took up sewing about a year ago. I wanted a way to slow down and be off all the technology in the evening. I have really loved sewing and made a lot of holiday gifts this year.
Simplicity to me means getting rid of stuff we don't use, being grateful for the blessings in my life, and spending time with family, friends and the natural world.
And there's nothing more natural than growing your own food! Good for you!
I would love to learn to knit. I used to crotchet, but with arthritis I can't anymore. Holding knitting needles doesn't hurt my hands.
Hi Mindy! Do you hand sew or use a machine? I totally agree with you. There's just something about being able to make your own clothes that gives you a sense of control. I tend to do all my sewing, at least when not on a short time-line, by hand. The repetitive is definitely soothing. :)
Hi Sarah. My mom used to crotchet but she had to stop because of her hands too. A couple years ago she found something that made it easier for her to pick it back up without too much issues. She makes hats and scarfs for us for Christmas.
I have to agree with Mindy, sewing is my vege out time. I have to concentrate on what I'm doing and all the problems and electronics are put on hold. In California we did grow quite a bit of produce but in Central Oregon the climate and soil aren't conducive to growing food.
I like going to our property in SE Oregon. It's my simplicity. We're 40 miles from town, have a 16x20 cabin that requires little housekeeping, and I can ride for hours without opening a gate. Can't wait until we're there permanently.
Welcome to a simpler life. Good luck with the farm animals in the suburbs. ;)
Kudos, Mae, for looking at ways to simplify. My goal is to move my doggies and me to a self-sufficient farm--grow our own food, produce our own power, etc. I grew up on a farm, so know the labor involved in this. Until we get back to a farm, I'm taking baby steps in town. Mostly with planting vegetables in with my beloved flowers. :)
I love it when a day or two go by and I haven't used the car. It means I've either walked to the store for something little (like picking up my prescriptions) or we just didn't need anything. Being able to have a partially empty garbage can when we have once a month pick-up is also something I strive for. That means I'm not using as much or buying things with lots of wrapping. My yard isn't conducive to adding farm animals (and to be honest the neighbors across the street have chickens and I do Not enjoy listening to them). Part of my living more simply goal is to have less in the house and yard that needs care...but I applaud your goals, Mae. Whatever we can do to lessen the stress and increase the joy and sense of purpose/accomplishment in our lives is a good thing.
We try to keep it simple. We don't have all the latest gadgets. We walk rather than drive. We cook everything from scratch. And we have chickens! I loved my chooks. We have six, bantams ones so half the size of a normal chicken.
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