tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post50553374330152819..comments2024-03-29T16:34:01.380+10:00Comments on down to earth: Changing with our seasonsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger76125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88717283267020954242012-07-21T05:55:41.209+10:002012-07-21T05:55:41.209+10:00I love your blog as you are such an inspiration. ...I love your blog as you are such an inspiration. Thank you for not giving your blog up.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-62510689112028575222012-07-21T04:51:30.052+10:002012-07-21T04:51:30.052+10:00Ishieta, stop! Sit down and think about what you w...Ishieta, stop! Sit down and think about what you want. Every evening, make a short list of the essentials you need to do the following day. Take time for yourself during the day. If you don't get through it, do those things tomorrow. Life is not a race. Be kind to yourself. If you burn out, everyone suffers.<br /><br />Pink Dress, good on you. You're doing what we all should - share what you know and show kindness and care to others. And yes, it does work. I hope you both enjoy your workshop.<br /><br />Kris, I wish you well with all your changes.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26738610329907460212012-07-21T00:14:00.129+10:002012-07-21T00:14:00.129+10:00I agree "unlike"/ "unfriend" ...I agree "unlike"/ "unfriend" Facebook and Twitter! I'll miss SGFC, but I can always follow the individual blogs. I too have just had a moment of reckoning and worked out the minimum time I need to work to keep our heads out of water ... and decided to to reduce my hours. I'm hoping all good things will flow in to the space I'm purposefully creating. <br /><br />KrisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44533080730084887632012-07-20T23:12:35.316+10:002012-07-20T23:12:35.316+10:00Hey Rhonda! Today is cleaning day, but I decided t...Hey Rhonda! Today is cleaning day, but I decided to pop by your blog with a cup of coffee before I started, and I'm so glad I did! I love reading here, but this post reminded me why I do. :) A smile always spreads across my face when I read what you write, because you seem to put into words exactly what I think. For me, FB ended a while ago- too much drama, too many arguments, and people seem to find a lot of courage on the internet to say rude, hurtful things they would never say to your face. I know I'm "out of the loop" so to speak, when not on FB- with many people FB is the only way you can keep in touch, but they know where to find me. I'd much rather take part in their lives and talk to them out in the sunshine than click 'like' on their photos, or read the status updates to know what is going on. Thanks for the encouraging post, and for just being yourself. :)<br />The Girl in the Pink Dress<br />PS I also wanted to tell you that tomorrow I'm having my first little workshop! :) A friend of mine is coming over to learn how to make yoghurt, whole wheat bread, and a herbal salve. I just remember asking you a while back what to do when no one is interested in living simply, and you told me to reach out to others. You obviously know this already, but...it actually works! Thank you again. Have a wonderful weekend.The Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69907756413422393952012-07-20T18:02:47.286+10:002012-07-20T18:02:47.286+10:00I have repeatedly tried to cut back, simplify and ...I have repeatedly tried to cut back, simplify and focus on the essentials and joyous only. But i still end up with a plate overfull with tasks, and somedays cutting back on sleep, and then other days over sleeping coz i just can't wake up! - all this, just to get it all done!<br /><br />I dont think the way i currently function is viable or sensible.. i visit your blog as often as i can, and go back inspired, and re-energised to try to simplify and joy-ify my life some more....every day, i try... somedays are better, i get a lot done, and enjoy it all, other days, i am just running around and getting not much done!<br />I know that a lot of these online tools and communities are great networking/socialising/learning tools... but i think 1 has to put some sort of a time limit on how much time you will spend online, and reading WHO & WHAT, have some focus to the activity... otherwise you tend to waste a lot of time, sifting through the rif-raff until your head is running around in circles and you have learnt - nothing! nada!<br />Do I sound overwhelmed? I am! and I can't seem to find a way out!Ishietahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10566675214613287107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26608957909119109072012-07-20T10:28:43.230+10:002012-07-20T10:28:43.230+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I've been reading at the co-op si...Hi Rhonda, <br /><br />I've been reading at the co-op since it started - I can't believe you started it in 2008! I have been enjoying your blog for even longer!<br /><br />I have a different perspective on facebook and twitter. I have discovered a wonderful supportive community of women with amazing business's on facebook, and it is the main way I network with like minded business women. <br /><br />I also love being able to stay in touch with friends and family on facebook. It can be hard to juggle career, family and life in general! I do carefully manage my friends list, and remove all spam games etc, and ensure my friend list is as authentic as possible. <br /><br />Over on Twitter, I have found a supportive community of colleagues, who share ideas, information and support. It is a fabulous way to stay connected, even when I live a long way away.<br /><br />Like everything, you need to know what you want to get out of it, and remove distractions.Gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14610520356947813040noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61987814898884809812012-07-20T07:20:41.684+10:002012-07-20T07:20:41.684+10:00Lisa, if I could, I would hug you. One of the reas...Lisa, if I could, I would hug you. One of the reasons I write this blog is to connect with others who, for reasons similar to mine, make a life change. Another small step for you today. :- )rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-7176844201689721552012-07-20T07:10:58.432+10:002012-07-20T07:10:58.432+10:00Hi Rhonda
I guess i'm a 'lurker' but I...Hi Rhonda<br />I guess i'm a 'lurker' but I find you such an inspiration and gentle reminder of what is real and important. I'm not often inspired to reply but this especially touched me today. After 7 years of chaos in my life, running constantly on the mouse wheel of life, doing and not being - this year I have stopped. I am now working from home and am enjoying the quietness of being in the present and not filling my life with distraction. I'm building up my vege garden, sewing, repairing, creating, being frugal and saving saving saving. But most importantly I am carefully assessing everything in my life so that I can choose with absolute clarity where my energy goes and what brings me joy. This week I had been feeling a little isolated and did look at FB to see what my 'friends' are up to. I scanned the list and thought to myself, I might as well shut it down. I never use it, find it vacuous and full of inane content and people only ever post how great there life is, when I know for certain that is not the case. The whole thing is a facade! So in the spirit of being true to myself, your post has helped me to make the decision to close down my FB account. It's another small step towards being authentic and choosing my new simple but very real life. Thank you Rhonda x LisaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66752427665107810292012-07-20T01:29:55.759+10:002012-07-20T01:29:55.759+10:00Sounds much like me, Hope you have a real progress...Sounds much like me, Hope you have a real progressive day,Barbarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09800203244324984782noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-86743167798098017962012-07-20T01:26:16.304+10:002012-07-20T01:26:16.304+10:00Hi Rhonda, thank you so much for the recipe of the...Hi Rhonda, thank you so much for the recipe of the icing. I'm sure we will love the cake ; )<br />Hugs from The Netherlands.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43902550489331789352012-07-20T00:37:47.629+10:002012-07-20T00:37:47.629+10:00I stripped my facebook account back to just being ...I stripped my facebook account back to just being another email address for the occasional person (e.g. organisers of school reunion!) to use as a contact. I felt concerned about the privacy implications of having the kids' photos up there, after a few overseas cases of FB keeping stores of information even after users had deleted it, in violation of the law of the countries involved. It is a huge waste of time, mostly seems to be an exercise in narcissim and loneliness, and frankly I would rather go play outside in the garden! Or at least get real work done when in front of the computer.<br />Not letting my kids have FB accounts either... staging a one-household revolt on that front.<br />Cheers and happy bread-baking and grandma-ing. LieselAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-49223128041956417282012-07-20T00:20:42.230+10:002012-07-20T00:20:42.230+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I also just wanted to add my support ...Hi Rhonda, <br /><br />I also just wanted to add my support to you for making these decisions and reassessing. You are a person of such dignity and inspiration. Thank you for keeping the blog going and I really look forward to seeing the magazine and finding out more about the workshops. <br /><br />Five months ago I quit a job because it became stressful to a point that I just couldn't handle. This created a lot of financial pressure for my husband and I. However, the experience has taught me so much... mainly it has helped me let go of some fears I had about how I could make the simple life I dream of work financially.<br /><br />Through crisis I found out that actually as long as we can pay our bills and gradually work towards our dreams that is ok... I don't have to 'be' anything... and I can walk away from something if the conditions get beyond what I can handle<br /><br />Best wishes for the transitions ahead for you.<br />Claire xoClairehttp://reflectionsonaconsideredlife.blogspot.com.au/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46491467231091130972012-07-20T00:15:40.056+10:002012-07-20T00:15:40.056+10:00I've been reassessing and cutting back also, ...I've been reassessing and cutting back also, I find I just can't do in a day what I use too since passing the 60 mark. My preference is for time at home with my family and friends, keeping up my home and garden, volunteering at church and time to relax with my knitting and crafts.<br /><br />As for Facebook and twitter, I never went there. I call them the "land of discontent". Besides all the nasty stuff there is the fact that humans were never meant to be wired in all the time. Several interesting articles have been written on how all this constant connecting is beginning to cause huge amounts of stress which in turn causes mental and physical health problem. So, no thank you, I don't need it. MarshaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-42320581406037419432012-07-20T00:08:43.900+10:002012-07-20T00:08:43.900+10:00Hi Monique, I used icing sugar - maybe 1½ cups, 2 ...Hi Monique, I used icing sugar - maybe 1½ cups, 2 tablespoons cocoa, 1 tablespoon melted butter and enough milk or yoghurt, to make it to the consistency you want. I hope you enjoy the cake.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-17848212995739365172012-07-20T00:02:56.966+10:002012-07-20T00:02:56.966+10:00Good for you Rhonda, for getting off of Facebook a...Good for you Rhonda, for getting off of Facebook and Twitter. They are mindless social sites that never really amount to anything. I have never opened and account and cannot imagine that most people want to know what I am doing 24 hours a day. For one thing,I wish Facebook had never been invented: a complete waste in my opinion. It isn't even real socialising. It just adds to the isolation of modern day people who really need more connectedness than ever before. You stand for family interacting and really being at home with them. Glad to see you are adjusting things accordingly.hopflowernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-54320122622095248202012-07-19T23:47:30.382+10:002012-07-19T23:47:30.382+10:00Hi Rhonda,
thank you so much for the chocolate ca...Hi Rhonda, <br />thank you so much for the chocolate cake recipe. I'm making it at the moment. I placed the comment here, because I didn't know if you would read comments on older posts.<br />I have a question: How do you make the icing on that chocolate cake. It looks so delicious with the walnuts on top. I would love to know how to make it, so I can make the cake as it looks on your pictures ; )<br />Thank you so much for all your wonderful recipes !!<br />Hugs from The Netherlands.Monique Elisabethhttp://simple--abundance.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21292646345789348492012-07-19T23:46:04.316+10:002012-07-19T23:46:04.316+10:00Amelia, all I can suggest to you is to consciously...Amelia, all I can suggest to you is to consciously limit your time on FB. If you need it to keep up with your friends, set yourself a limit each week to check those things you want to check, then walk away. Good luck, love.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25744186160638168422012-07-19T21:54:28.786+10:002012-07-19T21:54:28.786+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Just as there are different seasons in ...Hi Rhonda,<br />Just as there are different seasons in the year and corresponding different activities for those seasons,<br />the same as time passes. We can't do the same things and then keep on adding more. Something comes into our life, something goes out.<br />I had been wondering how you had been managing with since your lovely book came out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14131977450557601782012-07-19T21:49:46.012+10:002012-07-19T21:49:46.012+10:00Not on Facebook, and never had an interest in it. ...Not on Facebook, and never had an interest in it. I am on Twitter to publicize activities for a group that I volunteer with, but yes, much of it is pretty vapid. <br /><br />Hope the workshops go well. I am curious if Australia has had any building of "earthships" or passive solar homes that use recycled materials. (My dad built one in New Mexico).<br /><br />Glad to see you are feeling better and embracing all these exciting new changes.<br /><br />Am of the BreadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40518841746691822592012-07-19T19:19:00.918+10:002012-07-19T19:19:00.918+10:00Hi Rhonda, I agree with most of your comments on ...Hi Rhonda, I agree with most of your comments on Facebook, I use it to keep in touch with family and recently I have been able to see photos of my new great nephew just a few hours after birth, which were posted on Facebook, used that way its great. I find I have to limit our 15 year old teenage son to 3 hours a day on Facebook, otherwise he is on there all the time, its like a drug to them.<br /><br />I have just got your book, I ordered it through Greenharvest, have read the first 2 chapters and I am in the process of making my list and thinking about what is important to my family and I. <br /><br />We are now in our fifties and whilst we are not really slowing down, we are doing different things that we enjoy. We still have 2 boys at home and we are raising our 6 month old grandson in a shared care agreement with his paternal grandparents, keeping us on our toes. He is such a joy, love him to bits.<br />Love your blog and have been reading it each day. <br />KarenAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73177726618181027072012-07-19T18:01:04.536+10:002012-07-19T18:01:04.536+10:00Rhonda I agree with you and also believe that it&#...Rhonda I agree with you and also believe that it's important that we find the balance between being busy and being frantic. Congratulations! I too have made decisions to let things I have enjoyed go as new seasons of life have come along. I now have 2 small children and though I sometimes miss some of those things I did before, I don't regret passing them into other capable hands.<br /><br />Re Facebook... I am in partial agreement. It's a calossal time waster, and I find it wasting my time daily! Part of the problem is that for my generation almost all social events are organised on facebook, from engagement parties, farewells, school reunions and babies being born. I went off for 12 months and missed my school reunion, and was really sad about it. Do you have ideas about the balance for someone in my shoes?Amelianoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77372875321904733652012-07-19T17:16:55.503+10:002012-07-19T17:16:55.503+10:00Good afternoon Rhonda, Sad about the simple green...Good afternoon Rhonda, Sad about the simple green frugal co-op, but thank you so much for leaving it up, lots of good learning there. The decisions you have made will be so rewarding for you and all who are inspired by you. Very very pleased that the blog will stay and looking forward to the workshop blog and the magazine.Madgenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-64653141940565133122012-07-19T16:37:55.092+10:002012-07-19T16:37:55.092+10:00"Until I read Facebook, I thought that, gener..."Until I read Facebook, I thought that, generally, we were kinder people" <br />Oh I so absolutely agree! I think that FB is the equivalent of Fast Food to friendships and communication. Quick, empty and of almost no value. <br />I deleted my FB account and have felt much better ever since. I far prefer to catch up with online friends via their blogs or actual emails if in person visits and phone calls are not an option. <br />I find that the same poisoned behaviour leaks out in other places however. Each blog post is a potential argument waiting to happen. Everyone seems to want to see a fight where a fight simply does not need to be. <br />Many blessings to you.MysticalMundanehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02471469049852211850noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29668891675257137432012-07-19T16:33:50.820+10:002012-07-19T16:33:50.820+10:00Good for you Rhonda on having the belief in yourse...Good for you Rhonda on having the belief in yourself to cut back and be confident in your roles that you will be doing :) I am excited for you for your days ahead. I believe you will be most fruitful in these areas!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21632489102944427882012-07-19T16:30:21.134+10:002012-07-19T16:30:21.134+10:00I am so glad Rhonda that you are finally slowing d...I am so glad Rhonda that you are finally slowing down, ditching the unnecessaries of life and finally having a bit of your own time. You deserve the rest, but I'm glad you are keeping the blog going, even if you only post once a week or fortnight at least we shall still have you and we'll all be grateful for that. Life's too short, enjoy it now while you can, with Hanno and your family.Sue Ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16463317651625459406noreply@blogger.com