tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post360821868318546348..comments2024-03-29T21:11:37.724+10:00Comments on down to earth: Homemaking - selling our brand Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51894606157947547262014-02-19T04:22:25.893+10:002014-02-19T04:22:25.893+10:00When people ask me what I do I think I might just ...When people ask me what I do I think I might just have to change my reply. "I'm a librarian AND a homemaker." And I am proud of it. Thanks. That had never occurred to me before--which is probably telling in its own right. I am proud of my work outside my home, but it is not more important than the work I do inside my own home....interesting that I never realized I could claim both when asked.BLD in MThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08497511995276601468noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60771477919007046302014-01-31T00:53:34.876+10:002014-01-31T00:53:34.876+10:00Hi Rhonda. I really think you may be onto somethin...Hi Rhonda. I really think you may be onto something. I always find that whenever I get stressed or busy, taking some time out to do things around the house and for my family really rejuvenates me. Your blogs always get me thinking. I'm new to the whole gardening thing but I'm experimenting and enjoying it. What you write really makes sense. Thanks!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05952832139327977467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8572651244554709752014-01-28T10:22:32.714+10:002014-01-28T10:22:32.714+10:00Hello Rhonda. So true what you say and do. I belie...Hello Rhonda. So true what you say and do. I believe we are what we do and say and that others will follow when they see the passion and belief we have in ourselves. Since becoming aware about how we live, eat and communicate about 5 or so years ago, I have been on the path of sustainability. Not to preach to the unpreachable but to have a better life for my family and friends. I too feel like I have this fantastic secret and that life is truly easy and a wonderful place once you accept it. - Like you Rhonda, It saved me from a life of spending and acquisition and slowed me down and allowed me to see. I am grateful for every day that I wake up and can smell the roses. Thankyou for your inspirational site. I look forward to reading and learning more from you everyday. regards DiDihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06893048666142486764noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67672772222750287752014-01-13T08:51:57.129+10:002014-01-13T08:51:57.129+10:00Thanks Rhonda thats great!
About 18 months ago you...Thanks Rhonda thats great!<br />About 18 months ago you put me on your weekend reading list and it really made my blog take off and since then I've enjoyed blogging so much more. It's such an incoragement when your doing things for yourself and family to have comments and input from people doing the same as you.<br />Thanks again,<br />KevKev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-68637515364854743562014-01-12T00:04:45.548+10:002014-01-12T00:04:45.548+10:00All my working life I have always wanted to be hom...All my working life I have always wanted to be home instead of out at work but I had no choice. I was never a career woman, but I had to work to help pay the bills as neither of us are white collar professionals or any other kind of highflying high income type of people. The best job I had in my 45 years of working for a living was the lowest paid, but most rewarding - being a home carer for the elderly and disabled. I absolutely loved going into other people's homes and cleaning them up! I did a few things that we were told not to, such as cleaning windows and brushing down cobwebs from ceilings, but my way was to enter a house as if it was my own, and whiz around like a tornado, doing what needed to be done. My clients were always very happy with me, I might add ;-)<br />Today I was at a family gathering and we were talking about ipads and iphones etc. I told them how I refused an Ipad for Christmas because I couldn't justify the expense on what I called a toy. Raised eyebrows all round! One lady is in her late sixties and doesn't want to give up work because she wouldn't know what to do with herself if she stayed at home! I just cannot understand that! Mind you, her house is lovely, tidy and clean when I see it, but she doesn't seem to take pleasure in keeping it that way, just does what has to be done. So nice to come to this website and read Rhonda's wisdom.Gina E.https://www.blogger.com/profile/07532527261977368083noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54015060282811125802014-01-11T23:18:00.356+10:002014-01-11T23:18:00.356+10:00Matty , I cried for you when I read your post , wh...Matty , I cried for you when I read your post , what a horrible , ungrateful, little madam with absolutely NO breeding whatsoever. You can hold your head up high my dear .You have the better life , idyllic really , we too live in an old house on farmland and grow vegies, have chooks for eggs. Buy a share in a steer or a lamb for the pot. Love living "The Good Life" I make bread, cakes, biscuits , soap powder for the laundry, bench spray 'n' wipe. Body lotions , jams and jellies , gosh the list could go on and on . Enjoy each day as it comes and count your blessings of which it appears you have many Yours Margaret in Tasmania Margaret from Tasmaniahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14275650947996762055noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13739938172414215582014-01-11T13:09:30.181+10:002014-01-11T13:09:30.181+10:00I remember when I first encountered your space Rho...I remember when I first encountered your space Rhonda, it was almost as if you were speaking all the words that so many of us had a hard time explaining to others. You gave us a voice and a place where we felt good about been at home.<br /><br />Simplicity still has its grip on me and my heart. And being at home has benefited all of us. Thank you so much for sharing your heart with all of us Rhonda. Blessings to you, Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51735331278605501682014-01-11T10:07:00.121+10:002014-01-11T10:07:00.121+10:00I sometimes feel uncomfortable talking with people...I sometimes feel uncomfortable talking with people about the simple life, who don't understand why I live the way I do. But you make a good point, if I have to listen to materialistic babble all day, why not share my simple joys?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41658096357811912962014-01-11T09:55:51.134+10:002014-01-11T09:55:51.134+10:00Yes Matty, I completely agree with Madeleine. Usin...Yes Matty, I completely agree with Madeleine. Using hand sanitisers and other cleansers constantly, being afraid of dirt and germs, and having panic attacks are classic symptoms of OCD. When I had OCD episodes, I was absolutely terrified of being "contaminated" even though I was in a sterile hospital environment. I had to constantly use hand sanitisers and wash my hands, clothes, room, bedding etc and take multiple showers to stay "clean". I can't imagine what it would be like in an unknown environment. Perhaps you should talk to your DIL about it. Certainly don't take her reaction as a personal insult.Siobhan (Chronically Siobhan)https://www.blogger.com/profile/08205646156083423676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-65626526625189733832014-01-11T02:50:22.218+10:002014-01-11T02:50:22.218+10:00Thank you for this post, Rhonda. I've been hom...Thank you for this post, Rhonda. I've been home now for over seven years and I have yet to feel completely at ease about it when I talk to other people. I left a good career because it wasn't for me and now I stay at home and am very creative - I knit and sew, I paint, I cook, I bake and I love it! <br /><br />I find it very hard though to explain this to people - especially since it's "only" my husband and myself. No children. I grew up at a time when girls were really encouraged into a career instead of "just' being a housewife. In many ways that was ingrained in me and often makes me feel like I took a step back rather than a step toward what makes me feel whole. <br /><br />I can also tell that because I have these mixed feelings I have not fully embraced my job as a homemaker. Reading your blog, Rhonda, and posts like these helps me feel good all around about the path I have chosen.<br /><br />Thank you!! SilkeSilke Powershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17094855019089665976noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5051860916585046342014-01-11T01:02:41.156+10:002014-01-11T01:02:41.156+10:00Hi Matty: I for one would love to be able to pop ...Hi Matty: I for one would love to be able to pop over and visit you in your old farmhouse. Some people just don't get it, and never will. But she could at least have manners. If she does have allergies, say, to cats or whatever, she could have mentioned that and not made a point of the hand sanitizer: which would not help her allergy in any case.<br /><br />Good for you you are fixing up your house like that!hopflowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14808010877609649152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23360274983050465232014-01-11T00:56:18.166+10:002014-01-11T00:56:18.166+10:00That stacking wood sounds wonderful There is nothi...That stacking wood sounds wonderful There is nothing more I like in winter than a nice fire burning in our fireplace. But where I live, it is against the law to have fires on many days: they are called Spare the Air Days: smog and pollution make things so difficult, so we are not allowed to burn on those days. Those days are happening more and more too; we are also now going into drought: we have enough water for one more year: then we have to declare a natural emergency. Everyone pray for rain!hopflowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14808010877609649152noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15525949711506725262014-01-10T22:14:06.390+10:002014-01-10T22:14:06.390+10:00Hello Matty,
I also felt sad when I read about yo...Hello Matty,<br /><br />I also felt sad when I read about you. Perhaps your new DIL just didn't understand. Maybe in time she will want to learn, I hope you become the best of friends. (Hug)<br />Angela ( south England) UKAngelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17514068136782167469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34215565411647528862014-01-10T18:27:24.400+10:002014-01-10T18:27:24.400+10:00Tell them you're a Home Executive, it always r...Tell them you're a Home Executive, it always raises eyebrows and a 'wow!'Sue Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463317651625459406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-23148526512390560632014-01-10T14:15:16.231+10:002014-01-10T14:15:16.231+10:00For two years when I have said I am a stay at home...For two years when I have said I am a stay at home mother, I have been questioned with, yes but what do you do. I got sick of answering this so now I tell them to read my blog and they would understand. Soon I hope no one will question people who choose to stay at homeIliska Dreamshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10719163569308739697noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-45850959457278320702014-01-10T11:11:40.285+10:002014-01-10T11:11:40.285+10:00Hi Matty,
I shook my head and my heart went out to...Hi Matty,<br />I shook my head and my heart went out to you as I read your post. That is very sad considering she will be in your life for a long time (hopefully :)) Hold your head high, and be proud of what you do. Wow I'd love a visit so you could show me your day as it unfolds, it sounds like heaven. Just be yourself and I'm sure given time she will come around.<br />Jan xJan (a gluttonous wife)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04980538485559579650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89265866852158554032014-01-10T10:39:45.666+10:002014-01-10T10:39:45.666+10:00Hello Ronda, I found that particular post very ins...Hello Ronda, I found that particular post very inspiring. For me, a senior european city librarian who wants to plan a real but radical change of life, your blog has been a great support. Thanks you so much for being there. A huge hugg from Lisbon, Portugal, EU.maria Zinomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12562073765949104867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74257819548964123932014-01-10T10:03:02.548+10:002014-01-10T10:03:02.548+10:00Thank you for this post. I sometimes feel a bit o...Thank you for this post. I sometimes feel a bit out of place here because your world was my world 7 years ago, but in the meantime I have had divorce, graduate school, and now a full-time job. I still do all of my own cooking (Apple tempeh tonight and corn bread), make quilts (sometimes), knit occasionally although I don't have a garden anymore as I rent and my landlord tends to pull my best plants out as "weeds". I also make my own medicines from plants and lots more homey type things. I long to be home not full-time but more than I am now. I miss the daily rhythm, although I am adjusting. Now I am working on a couple of small businesses that I can do from home. If I can get them off the ground, I might just have a chance at moving to a job that is out of the house just part-time. Then I could just coast on into "retirement".<br />Sara888https://www.blogger.com/profile/06501978203284800309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7911523915693644152014-01-10T09:54:38.551+10:002014-01-10T09:54:38.551+10:00I love this post too and my thoughts were with Mat...I love this post too and my thoughts were with Matty above. Nothing worse than a member of your own family DIL behaved liked that it's just plain rude. Obviously a city girl but that's okay however it sounds very rude and obvious the way she behaved with the sanitizer many times I could see why you would have been upset. You were telling her she had to love like this they were coming to your home to visit. Very narrow minded and insulting to be like that on her visit. Sounds like a real culture shock which goes to show you that she may know nothing about how her own grandparents actually lived. Don't let her stuck up attitude spoil your comfortable life. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, AustraliaKathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13278810299840471966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22885726323497704792014-01-10T08:44:33.262+10:002014-01-10T08:44:33.262+10:00Hi Matty,
How upsetting. I think it's quite ...Hi Matty,<br /><br />How upsetting. I think it's quite possible your DIL has OCD. How sad for her not to be able to enjoy your company and your home due to extreme fear of germs. Another possibility is severe allergies - they can be life-threatening for some people. I wouldn't take it personally, perhaps ask your son if one of these illnesses is the problem?<br /><br />I think it's inspiring that you've done everything yourself, and by saving up :)<br /><br />MadeleineAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13559971434219770926noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49546302546391572982014-01-10T08:38:18.399+10:002014-01-10T08:38:18.399+10:00Yes, I remember that slogan, Madeline. In the year...Yes, I remember that slogan, Madeline. In the years since I've been blogging I've seen a sharp increase in the number of home bloggers but when I started it was thought of as a really daggy subject to blog about. I think the home is the battlefront. And you're working well on that battlefront. Just excellent what you're doing. xxrhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54385662148592892332014-01-10T08:34:46.356+10:002014-01-10T08:34:46.356+10:00Good on you Kev! I'll be reading all about you...Good on you Kev! I'll be reading all about your experiences at home.. I've added you to my side bar. Good luck with your change. I'm sure you'll find it a huge liberation.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84274756444832997862014-01-10T08:25:41.418+10:002014-01-10T08:25:41.418+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I loved this post just as much the sec...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I loved this post just as much the second time around. It's interesting that homemaking hasn't been seen as an important discussion, whereas climate change etc have. <br /><br /><br /> I spent yesterday making heavy,lined curtains for my son's room. This is an antidote to climate change - heavier curtains reduce our need for heating. Today I will be stacking a tonne of firewood and finding a home for the bags of pine cones I picked up recently. Having a fire means we reduce the need for dirty electricity, and using pine cones and fallen gum sticks to start the fire reduces our need for chemical firestarters.<br /><br />I spent Tuesday making a huge quantity of sauerkraut and other cultured vegetables with a dear friend. This act reduces the carbon miles our food needs to travel, and a lot of the jars we used were reused, cutting down on waste. Some of the veggies travelled only 20 metres from garden to kitchen - I find that thrilling!!<br /><br />Remember the Feminist slogan from the eighties - the personal is political? I think our actions are important and empowering. Instead of ringing our hands at the state of the world we can take responsibility. I do believe all of those little actions add up to big change. And yes, I agree we should be talking about it. <br /><br />Rhonda, I hope you are enjoying your break as much as I am :)<br /><br />Madeleine.X Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08602238225130709048noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-2550239480753767242014-01-10T07:31:28.499+10:002014-01-10T07:31:28.499+10:00Love it! I've been met with some funny looks o...Love it! I've been met with some funny looks on the building sites when I've told work colleagues that in April I'll be a full time homemaker, part time carpenter. They think I'll be sat round watching TV all day! Having a blog helps set this right.Kev Alvitihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04992625860900617194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13883848405002324552014-01-10T07:29:43.407+10:002014-01-10T07:29:43.407+10:00HI Matty, what a shame. Keep your head high, love....HI Matty, what a shame. Keep your head high, love. Maybe this is the first time she's ventured out of the mainstream into real life. Hopefully you can show her the value of what you're doing. {{hugs}}rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.com