tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post3522293292311156821..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Do you want the good news or the bad news?Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88104515187974507722013-09-17T09:31:09.839+10:002013-09-17T09:31:09.839+10:00Howdy! This blog post could not be written much be...Howdy! This blog post could not be written much better! Looking through this <br />post reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching about this.<br />I'll send this post to him. Pretty sure he's going to have <br />a great read. Thanks for sharing!<br /><br />my web site; luxury home minneapolis - <a href="http://saviourbuilder.wordpress.com/2013/09/06/land-pooling-policy-an-integrated-developmental-effort/" rel="nofollow"></a> -Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74205012278222784992013-07-19T17:50:52.085+10:002013-07-19T17:50:52.085+10:00Thanks Dayamitra. I hope we meet one day. :- )Thanks Dayamitra. I hope we meet one day. :- )rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37608771644910870032013-07-19T17:27:02.407+10:002013-07-19T17:27:02.407+10:00HI Rhonda,
I was very sad to hear the workshops we...HI Rhonda,<br />I was very sad to hear the workshops weren't going ahead! I was looking forward to the chance to meet other people who were like-minded. I understand those who don't have the money to pay for the workshops - but for me, it was also a chance to meet and talk with others trying to do the same as I am in getting back to some simple basics. That was where the true value of the workshops was for me as well as meeting an inspiring lady. <br />I teach yoga and I also understand how people complain about the cost - but you do have the cost of the hiring of halls, insurance and, for you, accommodation and petrol costs too! It's hard to make anything from our teaching and keep the costs reasonable for people too! <br />The DVD sounds like a great idea and I would buy one in a heartbeat! <br />If anyone is interested in getting together here on the Central Coast I think it would be great to have our own "Down to Earth" coffee morning to meet other interested people. Sometimes I feel a bit like an island and it would be great to get some inspiration from meeting other inspiring people and to here how they incorporate the skills learned here on this blog. It would also be great to share my thoughts and skills too. <br />Perhaps an area around Newcastle would be better next time as the area is bigger and there are more people interested in this lifestyle? Look for me in one of your workshops if you can get one somewhere near me. I'll be there with bells on!Dayamitranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58131713679317243672013-07-18T16:59:45.711+10:002013-07-18T16:59:45.711+10:00Hi Nadia! Thanks for your feedback. Those worksho...Hi Nadia! Thanks for your feedback. Those workshops were wonderful. Tricia and I talked about them for days.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-48576434699324722252013-07-18T15:51:56.899+10:002013-07-18T15:51:56.899+10:00Hi everyone
I attended the workshop in Blackheath...Hi everyone<br /><br />I attended the workshop in Blackheath with a friend and can also speak for my friend when I say how worthwhile and inspiring they were. I love reading simple living blogs (daily!) and other articles on the net. However, when you meet with other like-minded people in person it is completely different. My friend and I went home buzzing that day and continue to text / email each other with updates on little projects around our homes. I had been reading about how easy it was to make laundry liquid, but never got around to it. It wasn't until I ACTUALLY saw how quick and easy it was that I went home and finally made up a batch.<br /><br />Insurance is a killer these days - for example my netball fees are over $140 for around 12 games. Of the $140, most of the fee is made up of insurance. Premiums continue to rise each year and it is such a shame.<br /><br />Just thought I would share my experience and let you know that it is a shame that others missed out on the opportunity to attend a wonderful workshop. I felt the $195 was money well spent. <br /><br />Nadia Nadianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55786933752780349022013-07-18T10:54:08.164+10:002013-07-18T10:54:08.164+10:00Oh Rhonda, I am so sorry that the workshops had to...Oh Rhonda, I am so sorry that the workshops had to be cancelled. I was looking forward to the one in Mudgee, several hours dirve for me and probably overnight accommdation, however I have been ill for about 8 weeks, so didn't make a booking. Even though we do a lot of things the same, or in a slightly different way, I am always open to new ideas, as you are too. I was also looking forward to meeting new people interested in the same or simialr things and activites as I am. Here in my area, I have yet to find any. However, a lot ask about our vegetable garden, as it was in the open gardens, and a lot say that they wish they had one. So I say that if you start in a small way, and build up your skills , they to can have one (though not on so large a scale), and I also offer to help, no they don't want to do the work.<br /><br />I have just given my 3 daughters your book, and I am saving so that I can give my 3 daughters-in-love each a copy.<br /><br />If you ever want to do a workshop here you are welcome to use my home, and facilites, and I am sure that no-one will break aanything or steal anything.<br />Hugs LorraineChookasmumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08419723204569278592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9715100432125838562013-07-16T15:07:22.003+10:002013-07-16T15:07:22.003+10:00Hi Rhonda,
A big happy hello to you from the Cen...Hi Rhonda, <br /><br />A big happy hello to you from the Central Coast - I am so very sorry to hear that there hasn't been enough interest for the workshops - what a shame. I can only tell you again how much I enjoyed your workshop and got so much out of it. Thank you for all the value you have added to my life by writing your wonderful blog and book. Much love xxChantelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07148517101102534114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85386214777458977052013-07-16T09:53:31.926+10:002013-07-16T09:53:31.926+10:00Shame about the workshops but having been a member...Shame about the workshops but having been a member of P&C and Community Hall committees I would think the third party insurance would be one of the largest costs and it's something you must have to run anything to do with the public. Considering the content/duration of the workshops I feel they are quite reasonable as half day workshops around my area average about $130 and there's no "freebies"!<br />Cheers, RobynRobynLouisehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08050372484207822842noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85373272878127955802013-07-16T00:03:01.186+10:002013-07-16T00:03:01.186+10:00I will look forward to your next print book. I th...I will look forward to your next print book. I think the idea of ebooks is a good one also, although I don't have an e-reader. Love the thought of DVDs which I could purchase here in the States. I thank you for all of the time you invest in this blog and the forum. If I lived much closer I would attend a workshop, there are so many things you cannot get from books, computers, etc. I am inspired by you daily and you reinventing things after having to cancel the workshops is inspiring also. Your attitude toward life and toward what life brings you is inspiring and priceless.<br /><br />Jlynn (Minnesota, USA)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41189573323615949332013-07-15T20:02:25.528+10:002013-07-15T20:02:25.528+10:00Oh Rhonda. I so get it. We have a similar situatio...Oh Rhonda. I so get it. We have a similar situation here when we run courses. We keep our prices to the very minimum but we still get people saying they're too expensive and we end up cancelling, and then we run the same courses for the council and the council pays our fee and the participants get to do the course for nothing. it seems that many people want to things for free. They don't look forward to the future when the things that learn at the courses actually save them money!purplepearhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17599216333749480560noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15561716577084588552013-07-15T10:10:22.262+10:002013-07-15T10:10:22.262+10:00As someone also on a low budget, I believe these w...As someone also on a low budget, I believe these workshops would have been great value for money! If you were having one in Newcastle and I had plenty of notice, I would have saved up just to come along!<br /><br />I've been following you for many, many years but rarely comment, however on this occassion, I just wanted to say that I find you an inspiration and in our house, everyone knows who I am talking about when I mention Rhonda - and my partner knows that if she says "rhonda said on her blog...." that she'll get her own way about things you've suggested that she wants to do!<br /><br />I do wonder though, if location is a huge factor in interest - where we live in the Hunter, we have fantastic resources and people who are right into permaculture and sustainability but all too often it seems things need to be cancelled for lack of interest - but there are other places maybe 40 minutes or more away where you'd have to beat the interested people off with a stick!<br /><br />It's one of the reasons why I want to move from Maitland - I want something I can get involved with heart and soul - workshops, food swaps, perma blitzes - but for whatever reason there just isn't a huge interest - and I think I'm mixing in the right circles, so I'm pretty sure I'd have heard about them if they were happening regularly.<br /><br />Anyway - just me thinking out loud too :) Keep up the amazing work Rhonda! I think you are a champ!Melhttp://frugalconfessions.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20534836298716874972013-07-15T09:16:16.358+10:002013-07-15T09:16:16.358+10:00Hi Rhonda, just wanted to say how excited I was to...Hi Rhonda, just wanted to say how excited I was to hear about your new books, looking forward to them. Just a note on your workshops, any chance you may do some locally, I'm down at Glass House and would love to come to a workshop. If you were to hold one locally with less costs then it is up to those further away who would like to come to cover their own costs of travel and accommodation, just a thought. I vaguely remember something about you thinking of holding some open house type morning tea at your place, is that still an option?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55150599128412683142013-07-15T08:48:13.772+10:002013-07-15T08:48:13.772+10:00I know it seems expensive when you first see the p...I know it seems expensive when you first see the price but when you compare to other workshops (art making etc) it's right on par. I wanted to attend and hope that sometime in the future you will find a model that works. I think there is something special about being in a room with like-minded folk and that's one aspect I was really looking forward to. As others have mentioned I would be happy to bring a plate but suspect that wouldn't make a huge difference to the cost. I have taught photography workshops through local libraries and there was no cost to the participants and I was paid by council, so perhaps you could approach community centres and libraries in other local government areas with your concept. I think City of Sydney would be interested as they run lots of green workshops, many free to participants. Anyway best of luck with it. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66152626735067789842013-07-15T08:41:06.380+10:002013-07-15T08:41:06.380+10:00Or youtube videos. You could earn money from adds ...Or youtube videos. You could earn money from adds on your channel on youtube. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85510690421857382992013-07-15T06:32:44.911+10:002013-07-15T06:32:44.911+10:00Thanks for your comment SJ. I'm really pleased...Thanks for your comment SJ. I'm really pleased to know you've been helped and have built a joyful life. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55386069233988844312013-07-15T06:23:33.990+10:002013-07-15T06:23:33.990+10:00LOL. I guess you know already what ideas for the b...LOL. I guess you know already what ideas for the book are, Barbara. I think you are I are on the same wavelength. Thanks for your comment. It has helped me start my day with a smile and a really positive focus.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47280697426247369332013-07-15T06:23:23.174+10:002013-07-15T06:23:23.174+10:00I want to offer you words of encouragement for wha...I want to offer you words of encouragement for what you are doing. If I were closer, and in country, I would do whatever was needed to attend your workshop. <br />I, too, am on a very restricted budget due to a job layoff four years ago and then health problems that have kept me from working full time. But, through your encouraging words and practical 'how-to's', I have created a life today that is full of joy. And I have done it without the need to return to full time work.<br />Your blog has helped me create this life. Thank-you. SJ in Vancouver BC Canada Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-9103357863411177432013-07-15T04:23:47.445+10:002013-07-15T04:23:47.445+10:00Dear Rhonda, I retired a few years ago after a pre...Dear Rhonda, I retired a few years ago after a pretty stressful career started when women, and not just in the workforce, were second class citizens and no one let you forget it, it was a constant struggle. I had a long commute into a big city and too much to do on the homemaking front in the evenings and weekends to make it anything but a burden. I even remember many late evenings, collapsing in a chair with my needlework because I could not relax, I had to keep busy. Now I love being a homemaker. I am a homebody at heart. I find it all deeply satisfying and I'm glad to finally have this time in my life to slow down and putter around and enjoy small, quiet things in my own good time. It feels wonderful to create a better, more comfortable life for myself doing little things that make a difference. So...I hope your book on ageing will not be like everything else out there, which is (1) that retired people are unsuccessful, unimaginative, unintelligent, and just generally socially unacceptable unless they (2) make it the focus of their lives to go back to college, travel around the world climbing mountains, move to a year-round vacation spot, preferably in a foreign country, where they can play golf and party all the time, and (3) live a whirlwind, complicated, stressful life just like they had before they retired that (4) takes more money than they made when they were working, and that (5) those of us who do not choose this new and improved retirement lifestyle are dolts. Somehow, I think your book will be different and I'm really looking forward to it!Barbaranoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23507822158525897462013-07-15T03:40:13.990+10:002013-07-15T03:40:13.990+10:00Oh yes, DVDs!! Do the workshop somewhere inexpens...Oh yes, DVDs!! Do the workshop somewhere inexpensive and film it. Would love to watch them. Actually I probably could have ponied up the cash to attend live...... but I'm in Michigan. I'll be 49 in a couple of weeks, the aging book would't hurt either. lol<br /><br />mdoe37https://www.blogger.com/profile/03019276985594142350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46323268454638787182013-07-15T03:23:17.777+10:002013-07-15T03:23:17.777+10:00As I am on the other side of the world, I'd mu...As I am on the other side of the world, I'd much prefer that you focus your energies on e-books. :-) And I love the ideas about aging at the end of this post. It seems I spent so much of my life waiting to be old enough, and I've suddenly realized that now I'm getting too old (in the eyes of the world, anyway). I think the sweet spot was only a few years long, and I was buried in parenting during those years. Didn't see them for what they were while in them. Love the idea of blowing apart the idea that we aren't vital and valuable at every stage of our lives.Ritahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04227597091783239454noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49552787289872301372013-07-15T00:10:06.126+10:002013-07-15T00:10:06.126+10:00I totally understand your pricing and have just po...I totally understand your pricing and have just popped you a very empathetic email. Why oh why does insurance and councils make it so hard to teach hands on, practical, valuable life skills!? I'm hearin ya! I'm sure that price was the lowest it could get to whilst still placing value on your time. I love your book and look forward to any more that you write. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30970397344694542222013-07-14T23:56:40.172+10:002013-07-14T23:56:40.172+10:00Hi rhonda,
What a shame I was looking forward to t...Hi rhonda,<br />What a shame I was looking forward to the mudgee workshop. I decided to start saving when I read you were trying to organise a workshop close to me. If others think it is too expensive that's okay they don't have to come. Anyone who reads your blog regularly has to admit you give so much to us all just by writing regularly and sharing your knowledge freely through your posts. The Ebooks sound great.<br />Regards<br />MichelleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8023672193634544062013-07-14T21:35:26.024+10:002013-07-14T21:35:26.024+10:00I understand that e-books can often be downloaded ...I understand that e-books can often be downloaded to your computer, then you can print them and have a real paper copy.<br /><br />Marie in Western AustraliaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28729067075791486582013-07-14T17:34:00.505+10:002013-07-14T17:34:00.505+10:00Thanks Margaret. I appreciate you taking the time ...Thanks Margaret. I appreciate you taking the time to send your thoughts. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66255455984823082532013-07-14T17:11:32.643+10:002013-07-14T17:11:32.643+10:00Hello Rhonda ,I have just been reading the posts o...Hello Rhonda ,I have just been reading the posts on your workshops and I do understand that when the amount of $195. is mentioned you gasp, swallow then think about it. I would love to go to one of them but I live in Tasmania and for me on a pension it would be unaffordable. However if one were to put $5. a week away in a tin box by the end of 1 year one would have saved $260. Enough for the workshop and a bit left over for travel. Just a thought . I have to say I have loved every article you have written and the savings on the laundry liquid alone is mind boggling. It cost all of $2. to make and lasts for many, many months. It was sad to hear the comments such as " Outrageously expensive" as I do think you give value for money. I have your book which was a gift from my daughter. Very Down to Earth and a great help to me. I'm also a member of Simple Savings Secrets. I took out a 3 year Membership which worked out cheaper. Keep up the good work and I look forward to your books of the future . Margaret in TasmaniaMargaret Blairnoreply@blogger.com