Looking to be another rainy day today; we'll take what we can get and make the best of it. I only wish the rains here on the East Coast would fall on Texas, as it is burning. Sad.
This outline of a day seems to work well for me; at least I know what is going on every hour. I don't want my day to be scheduled every second, so I treat it like a running grocery list; hit every aisle and realize you forgot the cat food when you get home to unpack the bags. Hey, it happens. Not every day is going to be perfect, so live and let live.
I'm getting back into my knitting these days, and enjoying the spare moments and nap times of being able to add a few rows here and there with whatever project I grab for the time. I have a few projects running, so I have a variety to choose from. Once we go to the library this weekend, I'll be working on other stuff, too. Yeah, busy girl...busy momma.
I've compiled a list of books to check out based on my creative outlets surrounding fiber, beads, etc...what a list. Not all books are instructional, I did find some fiction as well. Yeah, fiction with the arts as a backdrop to the main line of the story. Cool. Oh, my list? Check it out-just highlights.
-Sewing
-Knitting & Crocheting
-Needlework (whatever doesn't cover sewing, knitting, & crocheting)
-Jewelry making
-Crafting (whatever doesn't cover the above bullets)
I have a pretty good list of books, many to choose from. To avoid overload, I've decided to work on each list, a little at a time. Example, I'll take an instructional book from sewing, along with the one fiction piece to accompany it. Each outlet has fiction as well as instructional, so I'll be entertained while learning and/or enhancing my craft. Being a descendant from a long line of artisans, I feel a sense of pride for handiwork. I love running my hands over hand tooled craftsmanship, sensing the time and love going into that piece. I love handcarved furniture but that's not an area of specialty for me; shop class in high school didn't go well for me.
As I let my mind empty with my thoughts here on my post, I realize my part in being sustainable is right in front of me. My craft is what sustains me, among other elements of my life. Those things that don't cost a cent, that's what sustains me. And I finally feel I'm coming into my own with my craft. Harnessing the talent of my craft to sustain us here on the urban homestead. Imagine it. ~Momma
Showing posts with label Tudor Thursdays. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tudor Thursdays. Show all posts
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Thursday Starts With Wonder
My boys are still asleep as I start this post. They slept all night. Chamomile tea from lunch til just after dinner, Celtic harp & Native American flute music while reading a couple of stories while reclined in bed. Both down and out by 9:15 pm. We did garden and were poolside during the day until it rained, so that may have helped as well. I like the idea of the tea and the music at night. It was nice to sleep all night, even if I woke a bit to listen.
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Today is my garden day, of which I will be putting in radishes, carrots, turnips, beets, salad mix. After that, it will go back to cleaning, pruning, weeding. I'm hoping by the weekend, I can transplant what's left and then settle into maintenance and harvest. I'm already sketching in my mind the ideas for next year that I have coming along. Time to put it onto paper? Perhaps.
The sun is shining and the skies are blue. I'm itching to get out there and enjoy the day. I'm also filled with the idea of what I've mapped out for the next couple of weeks and hoping to really make a dent in things around here. I know next week, its all about the garage and organizing. I have started several times, resulting in a pile that needs attention to weed through. Just a box or a bag or two has become a few boxes and a few bags that need to be gone through and decisions made. I'm coming to that point in my life where I'm ready to put aside the concern for the things not taken care of and really enjoying the life in front of me. Interesting how you can become so consumed by the things not taken care of, the things that pile up and seem like it will never go away. I'm not one to just throw things in the trash; to me, there's a place for everything, and everything should be in its place. If I can't use it or don't have time or don't remember the purpose behind why I have it, then there's got to be someone who can benefit from it. I want to teach my boys that you just don't throw stuff out; you make sure that if it still has use, then it has a place to go. Use what you can, share what you don't need.
So, here's to Thursday and wondering at the beauty of it. ~Momma
Second Thoughts August 11
"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it;
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it."
-Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe
Today you realize how blessed you are.
-Sarah Ban Breathnach
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Thursday with a Chance of Clouds
Cloudy this morning. That's ok. We can make do, or is that make due? I've often heard the expression but don't recall ever seeing it written down or typed, etc...another one of those hillbilly verbal expressions, perhaps. Not sure what it will do today but with that aside, we will pursue the day just the same. School, projects, fun, and just being in the moment. Oh yeah, gotta finish the laundry by giving it a good fluff n' fold. Time given, maybe a flat iron.
Right now, I'm trying to plan dinner for tonight. Using local ingredients, with the exception of maybe a spice or two, I'm planning Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Summer Squash (yellow & zucchini), and some type of grain side of either Millet or Quinoa. Haven't figured that piece out yet. Still looking. The chicken and the squash I can do on the grill, taking the heat out of the kitchen, and do the grain stovetop. I'll post the recipes tomorrow while my slow cooker meal is starting.
I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday afternoon. Something that didn't sit well with me at the time. I had to journal about it for a few mins just to get it off my back. As of tomorrow, I will be starting researching, reading, and writing again. My first topic is homeschooling/parenting. What does it mean to be a mom who desires to homeschool her children? What type of parent makes this kind of decision? Is there room to be a parent and a teacher? Can you separate the two, or is it unique to be both? What types of learning styles are there for the children involved, and what type of teaching styles for the parents? Who's who in the curriculum world for materials to teach? How does your ability to teach affect your ability to parent, and does it? Just some questions to ponder. I feel like I'm back in college again, sketching blueprints for the house I'm about to work on for the next six months of study. Once my sketch is down, then I can start clearing the space where the foundation will go. As I read, the plans may change a bit, adding or subtracting to create a uniqueness to what I'm embarking on; keeping in mind to keep the foundation strong, or the walls will crack and the house of the future will not be supported properly. This will most definitely be an adventure.
So, back to recipe hunting for my dinner. My boys are eating breakfast, I'm ready for a shower, and we have the day ahead of us. I believe there's some room for some gardening today, and as we set up some bean sprouts yesterday, we will start some more corn today. Cucumbers and tomatillos are doing well out there, as are my herbs. I found poppies growing in my preschooler's first raised bed box, which was cool to find. Next year, we'll have a bigger bed for him to work with and pass the small box down to his brother, who's already showing interest in dirt. Of course, it could all change, but I'll remain optimistic.
Have a great one today! ~Momma
Right now, I'm trying to plan dinner for tonight. Using local ingredients, with the exception of maybe a spice or two, I'm planning Rosemary Chicken, Grilled Summer Squash (yellow & zucchini), and some type of grain side of either Millet or Quinoa. Haven't figured that piece out yet. Still looking. The chicken and the squash I can do on the grill, taking the heat out of the kitchen, and do the grain stovetop. I'll post the recipes tomorrow while my slow cooker meal is starting.
I had an epiphany of sorts yesterday afternoon. Something that didn't sit well with me at the time. I had to journal about it for a few mins just to get it off my back. As of tomorrow, I will be starting researching, reading, and writing again. My first topic is homeschooling/parenting. What does it mean to be a mom who desires to homeschool her children? What type of parent makes this kind of decision? Is there room to be a parent and a teacher? Can you separate the two, or is it unique to be both? What types of learning styles are there for the children involved, and what type of teaching styles for the parents? Who's who in the curriculum world for materials to teach? How does your ability to teach affect your ability to parent, and does it? Just some questions to ponder. I feel like I'm back in college again, sketching blueprints for the house I'm about to work on for the next six months of study. Once my sketch is down, then I can start clearing the space where the foundation will go. As I read, the plans may change a bit, adding or subtracting to create a uniqueness to what I'm embarking on; keeping in mind to keep the foundation strong, or the walls will crack and the house of the future will not be supported properly. This will most definitely be an adventure.
So, back to recipe hunting for my dinner. My boys are eating breakfast, I'm ready for a shower, and we have the day ahead of us. I believe there's some room for some gardening today, and as we set up some bean sprouts yesterday, we will start some more corn today. Cucumbers and tomatillos are doing well out there, as are my herbs. I found poppies growing in my preschooler's first raised bed box, which was cool to find. Next year, we'll have a bigger bed for him to work with and pass the small box down to his brother, who's already showing interest in dirt. Of course, it could all change, but I'll remain optimistic.
Have a great one today! ~Momma
Thursday, July 28, 2011
What Will We Do With Thursday?
Beautiful blue skies and sunshine greets the morning of Thursday. Today is my day to talk about sustainable living practices, and I guess I do have something to chat about on this subject. Of course, it goes back to gardening, which has been the spotlight of sustainability for us for a few months now.
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
This week, we've been starting seeds for the late summer planting schedule. Corn, sunflowers, mixing greens & lettuce seeds for a nice patch of yumminess-is that really a word? Radishes, carrots, onions and such will go directly in at the time they need to. Oh, and I started cabbage seeds, too. Late peas will go directly in as well. So far, our garden has given us herbs, a few radishes, peas (shell & sugar snap), and bush beans. Waiting on the rest to bring forth the fruit of the season. August will also be the month I start my canning; I didn't make strawberry jam this year, as we've still so much of it from last year. Right now is peak season for raspberries and blueberries but still not sure if we will take part in this seasonal ritual of harvesting for our food stores. We'll see what the next couple of weeks brings. If too late, we can always plan for next year and still be good.
Flipping through "Sleeping with a Sunflower," and looking over the activities for August. Companion planting, time frames for planting in August, canning and preserving, how to fish by the moon cycles. Good stuff, old stuff. Then, there's a piece on using foods for natural dyes. I've used red cabbage, red onions, yellow onions, spinach, and beets for dyes on Easter eggs; I've not once bought a conventional egg dyeing kit, as I've not found one that is chemical free. The natural dyes can also be used for dying wool fiber for those colorful items known as sweaters, hats, and mittens. Scarves are in there, too. I've yet to do that, and I think it would be fun. The chapter ends on the note about eating puffballs for breakfast. Now, for those who know what puffballs are, I gotta tell ya, I didn't know you could eat these. Of course, it helps when you harvest them when they're still waxy and fresh. Once they go to dry and ready to spread spores, let them alone. Of course, who can resist stepping on them and watching the "smoke" rise off the ground? Those are tiny spores, millions of them to take off and make more puffballs. I remember actually getting a chance to eat a slice of one that was the size of a basketball; imagine this giant mushroom but there's no catapillar, Alice. It was actually really good.
So, sleeping with a sunflower and eating puffballs for breakfast can be food for thought today. How many natural resources do you rely upon? Do you grow your own food? Questions to ponder today as you walk along the path to your destination. Enjoy! ~Momma
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Hooked on the New Book
Yes, I'm a book junkie. I admit it. I had a shoe fetish once, too but since those days, shoes are the last thing on my mind. So, I turn to my other vice. The written word. Books, books, books. If I see a pile of books that have a sign over them screaming "FREE!", I can't walk past. Doesn't happen. I stop. Actually, I make a traffic halting beeline for the books. I have to feed my need. The equivilent to a crackhouse is the library. So is the bookstore but with the library, feeding my addiction is free. A visit to the bookstore takes a little more careful planning. How much do I want to spend, can I find a deal or two, and will I get a discount if I show my card?
The book I refer to today is the same one I started talking about on Tuesday's post; please check out Task Master Tuesdays for reference. I mentioned the six excuses we face when attempting to deal-or not deal-with clutter. Today, I give you The Power of Ten Minutes Method. Found in chapter two, "You're the All-Purpose Maid," this list is great for daily use. I put it into practice yesterday, first by composing what applied here in my own home. Then, I set out to test it. Due to the fact I've not done cleaning like this method approaches to cleaning, plus having two little ones demanding my time, it took me all day to try it out. Despite the duration of the initial trial run, I think I like it. I started it this morning as my second day-could be a trial run, could be more permanent. I have fifteen items on my list, and when opportunity presents itself, I set the timer on the stove for ten minutes and tackle three chores at a time. Breakfast, giving the boys 10-20 min chunks of time to play with each other and by themselves gives me some time. Naps work, too. Lunch, another chunk of free play, dinner. Ten minutes really isn't that much time but given my little list, it gives me a moment to switch gears from my teacher role. The added bonus of my "Power of Ten" list is that by the end of the week, when I tackle my new weekly cleaning list, most of the areas I will clean will already be base line cleaned, so the weekly cleaning will be so much easier. Who'da thunk it?
Yes, I know I talk about gardening, sustainable living practices, etc on Thursdays but I just couldn't resist to share with my readers what I'm learning here at home. Although, if you think about it, because I use natural cleaning materials, it does apply to sustainable living practices. Oh, curious about that "Power of Ten" list and what's on it? I'll give you mine as an example.
The Power of Ten Minutes Method (chapter two, pgs 32 & 33)
1. Wipe fridge & put away dishes (dishes done from the night before)
2. Clean bathroom mirrors
3. Dust bedroom (under the beds for dust bunnies)
4. Wipe down switch plates (these buggers get gross quick)
5. Clean off top of fridge
6. Clean cabinet tracks (cloth wrapped around a screwdriver or a plastic spackle knife works well)
7. Wipe down kitchen counter tops & small appliances
8. Vacuum
9. Go through one cabinet/drawer @ a time
10. Clean one shelf in linen closet
11. Dust (I loathe this one)
12. Clean furniture (vacuum, wipe down, etc)
13. Sweep & mop
14. Wipe down toaster oven (we don't have a microwave anymore)
15. Water plants
Probably looks like a lot but really isn't when you break it down. Now, of course, anyone whose children are older & in school or grown and moved away, you might plow through this list without blinking an eye. Forget doing 10 minutes and checking off the list. Just get it done and forget it. For me, all day has moments for me to be a part of; my house will wait for me to go back to the list periodically. My children will not wait to grow, learn, become. Enjoy each and every moment that you can, for life is fleeting and waits for no one. Love, laughter, and blessings. Have a great Thursday! ~Momma
The book I refer to today is the same one I started talking about on Tuesday's post; please check out Task Master Tuesdays for reference. I mentioned the six excuses we face when attempting to deal-or not deal-with clutter. Today, I give you The Power of Ten Minutes Method. Found in chapter two, "You're the All-Purpose Maid," this list is great for daily use. I put it into practice yesterday, first by composing what applied here in my own home. Then, I set out to test it. Due to the fact I've not done cleaning like this method approaches to cleaning, plus having two little ones demanding my time, it took me all day to try it out. Despite the duration of the initial trial run, I think I like it. I started it this morning as my second day-could be a trial run, could be more permanent. I have fifteen items on my list, and when opportunity presents itself, I set the timer on the stove for ten minutes and tackle three chores at a time. Breakfast, giving the boys 10-20 min chunks of time to play with each other and by themselves gives me some time. Naps work, too. Lunch, another chunk of free play, dinner. Ten minutes really isn't that much time but given my little list, it gives me a moment to switch gears from my teacher role. The added bonus of my "Power of Ten" list is that by the end of the week, when I tackle my new weekly cleaning list, most of the areas I will clean will already be base line cleaned, so the weekly cleaning will be so much easier. Who'da thunk it?
Yes, I know I talk about gardening, sustainable living practices, etc on Thursdays but I just couldn't resist to share with my readers what I'm learning here at home. Although, if you think about it, because I use natural cleaning materials, it does apply to sustainable living practices. Oh, curious about that "Power of Ten" list and what's on it? I'll give you mine as an example.
The Power of Ten Minutes Method (chapter two, pgs 32 & 33)
1. Wipe fridge & put away dishes (dishes done from the night before)
2. Clean bathroom mirrors
3. Dust bedroom (under the beds for dust bunnies)
4. Wipe down switch plates (these buggers get gross quick)
5. Clean off top of fridge
6. Clean cabinet tracks (cloth wrapped around a screwdriver or a plastic spackle knife works well)
7. Wipe down kitchen counter tops & small appliances
8. Vacuum
9. Go through one cabinet/drawer @ a time
10. Clean one shelf in linen closet
11. Dust (I loathe this one)
12. Clean furniture (vacuum, wipe down, etc)
13. Sweep & mop
14. Wipe down toaster oven (we don't have a microwave anymore)
15. Water plants
Probably looks like a lot but really isn't when you break it down. Now, of course, anyone whose children are older & in school or grown and moved away, you might plow through this list without blinking an eye. Forget doing 10 minutes and checking off the list. Just get it done and forget it. For me, all day has moments for me to be a part of; my house will wait for me to go back to the list periodically. My children will not wait to grow, learn, become. Enjoy each and every moment that you can, for life is fleeting and waits for no one. Love, laughter, and blessings. Have a great Thursday! ~Momma
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Sustainable Thoughts
What does it mean to me to be sustainable? I ask myself this question at an hr when coffee is my best friend. Yes, I'm a coffee drinker. Love the smell, love the taste. Have tried the route of teas which do a great job of putting zing in your step; love those, too. But that initial smell wandering through the house before the sun comes up....mmmmmm.....
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
I talk about sustainability on Thursdays, or at least I try to stay committed to this topic on this day of the week. Sometimes, the life and times of a SAHM pop up and demand audience, so I write about those moments, too. But what it means to be sustainable, some days it feels like a far reach until I realize I'm doing what I can at this moment. Everyone seems to have the "s" word on their lips these days, along with the terms "eco" and "green." Now, my personal opinion is that too many people may be treating the movement of getting back to simplicity as a trend that will fade and resurface much like other trends (fashion comes to mind). To me, this is not a trend. Its a way of life. Daily living, putting sustainable facets on your unpolished stone; consider the gem you just might have under the surface.
My topics on sustainability has been focused upon edible landscaping and urban/suburban gardening/farming. I'm in the middle of it right now, along with establishing colonial cottage style gardens here at our home. I almost don't want to talk about it, even though I talk quite frequently about it all. I'd rather be elbow deep in the soil, letting my soul connect to the earth. My other thoughts on sustainable practices? The immediate thought comes to mind-recycled textile products.
I'm working toward my goal of not falling asleep with the kids when they go to bed so that I can stay up and work my ideas into manifestation. Once I'm there, I can start making my market bags again. I made two prototypes to work with, taking them with me whenever I need to shop. Is my reader looking for pictures? Yeah, me too. As I start talking more in-depth about recycled textile creations, photos will be included in my posts. For today, I just want to talk. Anyway, back to my thread. Shopping today is quite an adventure. Food prices are going up, the potential for e. Coli is greater than it was 20 years ago, and stores are starting to charge customers for every roadside daisy, aka plastic bag, that is used to pack up the purchase. Customers start bringing their own bags. Companies start marketing reusable bags. This hippie is making her own bags, as well as picking up the occasional bag while in the checkout line. My ultimate goal is to be able to walk in the door, armed with my bags, as well as produce bags so I don't have to pull from the roll attached to the wall or produce tables, and feel good when the cashier credits towards the bill the number of bags I brought in with me. Yes, you can get between 3 & 5 cents per bag towards your purchase for every bag you bring in. You help reduce the number of roadside daisies, you get a little change carved off your bill, and you leave feeling good.
I may not drive a hybrid vehicle, my kids' car seats don't have mp3 holders that resemble ashtrays hanging off the side, and I don't buy everything that screams organic on the plastic package the item comes in but I'm proud to say I do what I can to make a difference. I buy local, we eat seasonally. I very rarely buy anything full price, and I'm not a follower of the masses to buy the newest and hottest stuff on the market. I keep it simple. I can only hope my choices are good influence on my boys to realize you don't need what everyone else has. You only need what truly sustains you. Everything else is just stuff. There's a saying, "The one who dies with the most toys wins." I disagree. All you have is debt and stuff. And you can't take it with you.
~Momma
Thursday, June 23, 2011
A Break in the Cycle
Thursday with showers-I'll take it. After three consecutive days of gardening, I'm ready to shift gears and put my focus elsewhere. I love to be outside, as do my boys; I'm grateful for having children who are versatile with life. Of course, there are those times when they give a shout that they're not willing to follow but I have to remember: they are under the age of 5 and to expect adult-sized adventures out of them at this time is like asking for the Old Man in New Hampshire to jump back up on the mountain. Anyone familiar with this last statement, you know what I'm talking about.
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Today is a day for organizing, purging, and preparing. Right now, breakfast, play, catching the news, and writing this post prepares me for the day. I've jotted down my short list of things to cover today, with the knowledge that it could all change in a heartbeat. Last week, I touched on the topic of a quick clean sweep in a room of the home. For me, it was a drive by in the kitchen. It worked out well, to say. No more microwave, more organized counter space, a little bead on the junk drawer, and my kitchen table still begs for clearance. Ok, not everything runs smoothly but this is reality. Don't flake out; just push forward. I think we all go through those times when mail, projects, etc find their way to the kitchen table and somehow think that's a permanent home. My house doesn't resemble an episode from Hoarders but is not a picture in a magazine. My house is lived in. There are days when I look around and wonder where all the kids went after destroying a room; I then remember that I have two kids and no, we didn't invite five of their friends over for a house wrecking party.
Today, my garage calls out to me; I also have designs on the master & kids' bedrooms. For the time being, after my final cup of coffee, I'll start in the bedrooms. The garage can wait for a couple of hours yet. Purging, cleaning, organizing; something once foreign to me has now become a sort of obsession. Why do I have all this stuff? What am I going to do with it? Who can benefit from it other than myself? Am I really benefiting from possessing? Donation, give aways, tag sale possibly in August when the college students come in for the new semester; these are the ideas I have in mind. Some things are benefit to my kids for education purposes, some focused on my sleeping business, and others for the benefit of sustainable living. Its just a matter of discovering what is of true purpose to myself and others.
So, here's to Thursday's possibilities and what the day could become. Ladies, stay vigilent to your goals today; and remember, there is always room for last minute changes. ~Momma
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Sleeping With A Sunflower
Thursday appears to be filled with potential. I'm all for it, and have my mental list of things to do that I need to rough sketch onto paper to ensure they get done. Otherwise, good thoughts will remain as such. My windchimes on my backporch sing out and call us forth to be present with the day.
Library trips with my boys are always fun. Never the same, we dive into the front entrance, run like deer for the children's room, make a mad dash to swoop down on books to take home, run a relay type sprint through the sections I've marked out to check out stuff I have my eye on, pile in @ the circulation desk to sign out, and then off to wait for the bus to pick us up to come back home. Oh wait, that was our experience yesterday. Not every day we go is like that. Once a week we make an appearance, pick up what we need or catches this momma's eye, and then head out if the draw to work on puzzles or browse through the reference section doesn't keep us inside. Its funny how when its not summer, my boys will linger in the library, looking at books, working on puzzles, maybe color a picture, make a valid attempt to look up books-with my help-on the library's online catalog, and walk through the aisles of books in the main section. Yeah, gotta check myself again. That would be my preschooler who does that; my little one isn't quite to walking and doing all those things yet but they're in progress.
I found a book a week or two ago through the online catalog, which you can access from home just as well as when you're at the library. Sleeping With a Sunflower: A Treasury of Old-Time Gardening Lore, by Louise Riotte. I was looking for material to use for my preschool homeschool ideas and saw this title. Flipping through it yesterday when we got home, I'm finding a move back through time. Sources older than I, a blending of traditions to come together in this wonderful book. When to fish, according the phase of the moon, making jellies & jams, recipes, bee keeping, companion planting, sundials, etc...only to name a few, as the book is jam packed full of wonderful information. I love finding pieces like this, as it brings back the older, most commonly used techniques of working with the land and its resources. Nature and those who respect her, working together. My Utopia.
As the book is sectioned by month, I move into the months of June, July, August, & September. Reading about things to do, techniques to apply, recipes to try here at home, and ideas to catalog for future reference and application. I hear the cardinal pair calling to each other just outside the window as I write this post. Calling me to my day of fun filled adventures; as it will always be with the two men I'm raising. So, I leave you with a recipe from this wonderous book and a quote from a following page.
Pashofa
1 lb cracked corn (white cracked corn can be bought at many grocery stores)
2 quarts water (add more as needed)
1 lb fresh lean pork (meaty backbone)
Wash and clean corn. Bring water to boil and add corn. Cook slowly, stirring often. When corn is about half done, add fresh pork. Cook until both meat and corn are soft and tender. The mixture should be thick and soupy. Cook about 4 hours. Add NO salt while cooking; each individual should season food according to his/her own taste.
"Sleeping with a Sunflower: A Treasury of Old-Time Gardening Lore." p 108
"The leaves of orange bergamot (Mentha citrata) slipped into the wallet will attract money."
Have an enjoyable experience today.
~Momma
Library trips with my boys are always fun. Never the same, we dive into the front entrance, run like deer for the children's room, make a mad dash to swoop down on books to take home, run a relay type sprint through the sections I've marked out to check out stuff I have my eye on, pile in @ the circulation desk to sign out, and then off to wait for the bus to pick us up to come back home. Oh wait, that was our experience yesterday. Not every day we go is like that. Once a week we make an appearance, pick up what we need or catches this momma's eye, and then head out if the draw to work on puzzles or browse through the reference section doesn't keep us inside. Its funny how when its not summer, my boys will linger in the library, looking at books, working on puzzles, maybe color a picture, make a valid attempt to look up books-with my help-on the library's online catalog, and walk through the aisles of books in the main section. Yeah, gotta check myself again. That would be my preschooler who does that; my little one isn't quite to walking and doing all those things yet but they're in progress.
I found a book a week or two ago through the online catalog, which you can access from home just as well as when you're at the library. Sleeping With a Sunflower: A Treasury of Old-Time Gardening Lore, by Louise Riotte. I was looking for material to use for my preschool homeschool ideas and saw this title. Flipping through it yesterday when we got home, I'm finding a move back through time. Sources older than I, a blending of traditions to come together in this wonderful book. When to fish, according the phase of the moon, making jellies & jams, recipes, bee keeping, companion planting, sundials, etc...only to name a few, as the book is jam packed full of wonderful information. I love finding pieces like this, as it brings back the older, most commonly used techniques of working with the land and its resources. Nature and those who respect her, working together. My Utopia.
As the book is sectioned by month, I move into the months of June, July, August, & September. Reading about things to do, techniques to apply, recipes to try here at home, and ideas to catalog for future reference and application. I hear the cardinal pair calling to each other just outside the window as I write this post. Calling me to my day of fun filled adventures; as it will always be with the two men I'm raising. So, I leave you with a recipe from this wonderous book and a quote from a following page.
Pashofa
1 lb cracked corn (white cracked corn can be bought at many grocery stores)
2 quarts water (add more as needed)
1 lb fresh lean pork (meaty backbone)
Wash and clean corn. Bring water to boil and add corn. Cook slowly, stirring often. When corn is about half done, add fresh pork. Cook until both meat and corn are soft and tender. The mixture should be thick and soupy. Cook about 4 hours. Add NO salt while cooking; each individual should season food according to his/her own taste.
"Sleeping with a Sunflower: A Treasury of Old-Time Gardening Lore." p 108
"The leaves of orange bergamot (Mentha citrata) slipped into the wallet will attract money."
Have an enjoyable experience today.
~Momma
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sustainable Thoughts
Coffee in hand, I'm working on waking fully this morning. As a child, early morning rain showers made me so relaxed, I would sleep in. As an adult, even a mother with small children-boys at that-I'm finding I can still relax enough to over sleep on days like this. After two days of heat and humidity (New England level of heat & humidity), we are back down around 60 degrees today. Ok, talk about crazy weather this year. So far, its doing great things in my gardens. Yet, the upset its causing with floods, tornados, etc....
Today is a homestead day. Bread to bake, maybe squeeze in a cake, some gardening. I've been reading Janet Chadwick's book, "How to Live on Almost Nothing and Have Plenty: A Practical Introduction to Small-Scale Sufficient Country Living." Great book, especially for anyone just getting started on sustainable living ride, or even for those who may have grown up with the knowledge of self-sufficiency & making a return to a more relaxed pace of living. As I've been reading, I realize I've been putting into practice a good portion of what she writes about. Although I didn't grow up on the farm, I was always within close enough proximity to learn how to do things. Gardening has always been a part of my life, something I love and hold close to my heart. I learned how to help with some of the farming, feeding calves, cleaning up after the milkers, even learned how to place the milking equipment on the cows. The best part of my farming education was to see family working together to get the work done before another day would dawn to start all over again. Farming is really a round the clock business, and sadly, a business disappearing for the small family farm. My aunt and uncle shut down the farm just a couple of years ago, becoming another statistic of the vanishing family farm.
As an adult, I return to the table of self-sufficiency to garden my landscape here in the 'burbs. We've been here for a little over two years, and this year has been the best year for gardening so far. Sandy loam gives us a great foundation, and as I've composted since our first summer, adding composted soil and garden soil from the nursery, our garden spaces are getting better with time. For Mother's Day this year, I received a composter on a stand that you can turn the handle to rotate and mix the ingredients you place in the barrel. Perhaps I'll get that going today, too. Happy Homesteading!
~Momma
Today is a homestead day. Bread to bake, maybe squeeze in a cake, some gardening. I've been reading Janet Chadwick's book, "How to Live on Almost Nothing and Have Plenty: A Practical Introduction to Small-Scale Sufficient Country Living." Great book, especially for anyone just getting started on sustainable living ride, or even for those who may have grown up with the knowledge of self-sufficiency & making a return to a more relaxed pace of living. As I've been reading, I realize I've been putting into practice a good portion of what she writes about. Although I didn't grow up on the farm, I was always within close enough proximity to learn how to do things. Gardening has always been a part of my life, something I love and hold close to my heart. I learned how to help with some of the farming, feeding calves, cleaning up after the milkers, even learned how to place the milking equipment on the cows. The best part of my farming education was to see family working together to get the work done before another day would dawn to start all over again. Farming is really a round the clock business, and sadly, a business disappearing for the small family farm. My aunt and uncle shut down the farm just a couple of years ago, becoming another statistic of the vanishing family farm.
As an adult, I return to the table of self-sufficiency to garden my landscape here in the 'burbs. We've been here for a little over two years, and this year has been the best year for gardening so far. Sandy loam gives us a great foundation, and as I've composted since our first summer, adding composted soil and garden soil from the nursery, our garden spaces are getting better with time. For Mother's Day this year, I received a composter on a stand that you can turn the handle to rotate and mix the ingredients you place in the barrel. Perhaps I'll get that going today, too. Happy Homesteading!
~Momma
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Rain, rain, rain today
The rain has returned today; we had a break in the weather pattern yesterday. The rain is back, and its pitter patter sings a rhythm as I type my thoughts. My boys are up, working on breakfast, and I'm thumbnail sketching my day today. My car came back from the garage with failed inspection and a list of repairs. Discussion and research into parts and repairs to do here at home happened; the result is that the repair costs may be exceeding the car's value. Poo! She's paid off. I'm ready to trade in for a team of Rotties and a good size dog cart to pull the kids & I around. Hey, I can't have farm animals in the 'burbs but I can have dogs. Food for thought. Actually, looking into the investment of a good bike & bike trailer for my boys to ride safetly in.
No gardening today, at least no digging in the dirt to drop seed or transplant. What small plants I have at the moment should be loving the endless watering they are receiving; as long as it doesn't create mold & mildew due to over watering, we should be fine. Maybe some digging in the garage today; I'm missing a garden tool I really need and I know its in there. Probably lurking in a dark corner somewhere hidden by spider webs....I'm currently continuing the process of sorting through my life and putting some organization to it.
One of the tasks I'm hoping to tackle today is to sit and sew. I've been trying to do so all this week at night after the kids go to bed but with basement cleanup to keep the water out of our basement while we get this second round of rain for a week to 10 days, I've been exhausted by the time they decide to call it a night. Of course, their outside time has been limited to the backporch because of the rain, so with no access to the park nearby, their energy levels are through the roof. I wish mine was as well. I don't do energy drinks, as I'm a breastfeeding momma. Coffee in the morning, teas throughout the day. I sneak a few relaxing brews in there to balance things out; otherwise, I'd be pinging by 3 PM.
Oh yeah, what am I sewing, right? Trying to finish a summer dress and a nice paisley skirt; the skirt only needs a button & a couple hook & eye closures. The dress is a basic pattern that should only take 30 mins; its taken me almost four yrs to finish it! Yeah, life gets in there and makes it fun to finish tasks I once was able to give my entire attention to. I'm a mom now, one who's able to be at home with her children, and my time doesn't always go to where I may want it to; and energy levels don't always stick around. Parenthood is a balancing act, one that requires constant attention. Its a contact sport with rules that change according to the age of the children involved.
I'm weaving, I know. My life feels much like a tapestry or blanket on a loom. A thread of color and texture makes the background or foundation, and as each moment comes along to color the experience, another thread is added. A rainbow of experiences spread and jump into a pattern to create the story, my story, my story as a woman with many caps. My sustainable living facet leaves a recipe with this post; my preschooler and I made bread yesterday. Enjoy!
~Momma
Leftover Cereal Flatbread
-Leftover cereal
-Whole wheat flour
-Salt
-Water if needed
Add flour to leftover cereal (oatmeal, brown rice, gruel, corn meal, whatever) until of kneadable consistency. Add salt (about 1/2 t per cup of flour). Knead well and let sit in bowl covered with wet towel and in a warm place for 4-6 hrs, or overnight. Knead again and roll out (about 1/2" thick) onto oiled cookie sheets. Let rise in warm place covered with damp towel 1/2 to 2 hrs. Brush top with oil, melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and oregano, or your choice of minced onion, marjoram, basil, sesame. Bake @ 375 degrees for 30 mins, or until browned all over. Cut into squares, and serve hot.
*(The Tassajara Bread Book, by Edward Espe Brown. 1970. Shambala, Berkeley)
No gardening today, at least no digging in the dirt to drop seed or transplant. What small plants I have at the moment should be loving the endless watering they are receiving; as long as it doesn't create mold & mildew due to over watering, we should be fine. Maybe some digging in the garage today; I'm missing a garden tool I really need and I know its in there. Probably lurking in a dark corner somewhere hidden by spider webs....I'm currently continuing the process of sorting through my life and putting some organization to it.
One of the tasks I'm hoping to tackle today is to sit and sew. I've been trying to do so all this week at night after the kids go to bed but with basement cleanup to keep the water out of our basement while we get this second round of rain for a week to 10 days, I've been exhausted by the time they decide to call it a night. Of course, their outside time has been limited to the backporch because of the rain, so with no access to the park nearby, their energy levels are through the roof. I wish mine was as well. I don't do energy drinks, as I'm a breastfeeding momma. Coffee in the morning, teas throughout the day. I sneak a few relaxing brews in there to balance things out; otherwise, I'd be pinging by 3 PM.
Oh yeah, what am I sewing, right? Trying to finish a summer dress and a nice paisley skirt; the skirt only needs a button & a couple hook & eye closures. The dress is a basic pattern that should only take 30 mins; its taken me almost four yrs to finish it! Yeah, life gets in there and makes it fun to finish tasks I once was able to give my entire attention to. I'm a mom now, one who's able to be at home with her children, and my time doesn't always go to where I may want it to; and energy levels don't always stick around. Parenthood is a balancing act, one that requires constant attention. Its a contact sport with rules that change according to the age of the children involved.
I'm weaving, I know. My life feels much like a tapestry or blanket on a loom. A thread of color and texture makes the background or foundation, and as each moment comes along to color the experience, another thread is added. A rainbow of experiences spread and jump into a pattern to create the story, my story, my story as a woman with many caps. My sustainable living facet leaves a recipe with this post; my preschooler and I made bread yesterday. Enjoy!
~Momma
Leftover Cereal Flatbread
-Leftover cereal
-Whole wheat flour
-Salt
-Water if needed
Add flour to leftover cereal (oatmeal, brown rice, gruel, corn meal, whatever) until of kneadable consistency. Add salt (about 1/2 t per cup of flour). Knead well and let sit in bowl covered with wet towel and in a warm place for 4-6 hrs, or overnight. Knead again and roll out (about 1/2" thick) onto oiled cookie sheets. Let rise in warm place covered with damp towel 1/2 to 2 hrs. Brush top with oil, melted butter, and sprinkle with salt and oregano, or your choice of minced onion, marjoram, basil, sesame. Bake @ 375 degrees for 30 mins, or until browned all over. Cut into squares, and serve hot.
*(The Tassajara Bread Book, by Edward Espe Brown. 1970. Shambala, Berkeley)
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Dirty Girl
I'm a dirty girl. That's right, you heard me say it (actually, see it typed but if you were here as I had my moment of revelation as to what to write about this morning, you would have heard it). I have a set of garden gloves that I've worn a few times but they just don't give me the freedom of feeling the dirt sift between my fingers as I work in the garden. I love the feel of the plants I put in the ground, the seeds I sprinkle in to germinate to feed us, and I even love to pull out the "pests" who take up the necessary room for my desire to create a sustainable living landscape.
My boys are both up this time this morning, cheering me on as I write this post. My preschooler loves to garden. He has his own raised bed box, and we planted seed tapes together earlier this season. Radishes, chives, beets, and spinach is coming in already. I know we planted one more set of tapes but it escapes me at this moment as to what they were. We also threw in some wildflower seeds to see what comes up. When the time is right, we'll put in a tomato plant for him to pick his own tomatoes, maybe a bean bush, and perhaps a cucumber vine and a couple of herbs. Its not a big box but if you follow your season, you can utilize it like you wouldn't believe. My youngest could care less so long as he's just there to watch the process, that's if he's not taking a power nap before his next round of unbridled energy.
This year, I'm putting in both flowers and edibles. Veggies, herbs, some dwarf fruit trees. Flowers that come back year after year, some that have to be replaced by the following year, and bushes & small trees to add character to the small piece of landscape we have in the midst of what's called "Urban Vermont." Personally, having grown up here in the state, this is more like the suburbs to anyone moving in, and having been other places in my life, this is more the 'burbs to even me. Before the purchase of the house, we did live in a more urban part of the area. It wasn't too bad but being a dirty girl, I love my country side better. Therefore, the 'burbs are a good second place for me to inhabit. I like it here.
So, to all the dirty girls out there, dig deep, sista. walk barefoot in your garden when you can. When you are digging in the dirt, breathe in that rich, earthy fragrance. Be a dirty girl, and be proud of being a dirty girl. I know I am.
"And on his left he held a basketfull
Of all sweet herbs that searching eye could cull:
Wild Thyme and valley-lilies whiter still
Than Leda's love, and cresses from the rill.
-John Keats
~Momma
My boys are both up this time this morning, cheering me on as I write this post. My preschooler loves to garden. He has his own raised bed box, and we planted seed tapes together earlier this season. Radishes, chives, beets, and spinach is coming in already. I know we planted one more set of tapes but it escapes me at this moment as to what they were. We also threw in some wildflower seeds to see what comes up. When the time is right, we'll put in a tomato plant for him to pick his own tomatoes, maybe a bean bush, and perhaps a cucumber vine and a couple of herbs. Its not a big box but if you follow your season, you can utilize it like you wouldn't believe. My youngest could care less so long as he's just there to watch the process, that's if he's not taking a power nap before his next round of unbridled energy.
This year, I'm putting in both flowers and edibles. Veggies, herbs, some dwarf fruit trees. Flowers that come back year after year, some that have to be replaced by the following year, and bushes & small trees to add character to the small piece of landscape we have in the midst of what's called "Urban Vermont." Personally, having grown up here in the state, this is more like the suburbs to anyone moving in, and having been other places in my life, this is more the 'burbs to even me. Before the purchase of the house, we did live in a more urban part of the area. It wasn't too bad but being a dirty girl, I love my country side better. Therefore, the 'burbs are a good second place for me to inhabit. I like it here.
So, to all the dirty girls out there, dig deep, sista. walk barefoot in your garden when you can. When you are digging in the dirt, breathe in that rich, earthy fragrance. Be a dirty girl, and be proud of being a dirty girl. I know I am.
"And on his left he held a basketfull
Of all sweet herbs that searching eye could cull:
Wild Thyme and valley-lilies whiter still
Than Leda's love, and cresses from the rill.
-John Keats
~Momma
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