tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post5469036693612574088..comments2024-03-29T19:22:11.409+10:00Comments on down to earth: The next stepUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58901225895764534882009-09-03T08:05:30.984+10:002009-09-03T08:05:30.984+10:00As has already been said, so very inspiring.
Admi...As has already been said, so very inspiring.<br /><br />Admire your writing style immensely - reading it, it felt as if you were in the room speaking. That's real talent!<br /><br />JohnsonJOHN SHORTLAND, Cotswold Hills, England.https://www.blogger.com/profile/11702000270961029986noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-18564759159999777972009-08-29T23:42:05.052+10:002009-08-29T23:42:05.052+10:00Hi Rhonda, I started by reading about lemons, and ...Hi Rhonda, I started by reading about lemons, and ended up here where I stopped: you write beautiful words about trusting ourselves, and crafting our lives.Francescahttp://www.fuoriborgo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16473483214709009222009-08-28T08:41:08.449+10:002009-08-28T08:41:08.449+10:00You could have kept writing and I would have kept ...You could have kept writing and I would have kept reading. Thankyou for the inspiration. I'm still in the corporate rat race, but we are moving towards a simpler life and what you've described sounds like heaven. <br /><br />You're right about just doing the next thing. We started a vegetable garden and then as the summer harvest came around it was obvious that the 'next thing' was to learn to preserve. I'm loving the journey.Mia 'agoodhuman'http://agoodhuman.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20653132887149277682009-08-27T12:00:43.957+10:002009-08-27T12:00:43.957+10:00Me, too, all of the above! I quit and went BACK t...Me, too, all of the above! I quit and went BACK to the simple life. I did love keeping my home, sewing, making my own bread, yogurt, etc. and missed it terribly while I thought I 'had" to work! It has been hard financially, but so rewarding to stay home!<br /><br />Your chicken looks fabulous! I fried one for DH's BD the 17th. I invite you to read some of my blog (in your spare time! :) I have pictures of the chicken, potatoes, gravy, & coconut cream pie!<br /><br />I wish I could have a garden & chickens but living in the city limits prohibits that!<br /><br />Thank you for a lovely post!<br /><br />http://allthingswonderful-viv.blogspot.com/Vivianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16040046113007561180noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36211043164382920922009-08-27T09:26:29.152+10:002009-08-27T09:26:29.152+10:00Thanks for that post, there are bits of that post ...Thanks for that post, there are bits of that post that I can take away with me! It has certainly given me things to think about anyway!!Katrinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15549293426495736514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-32545876238031590282009-08-27T07:59:44.222+10:002009-08-27T07:59:44.222+10:00Thank you for the inspiring post. I am in the proc...Thank you for the inspiring post. I am in the process of trying to simplify my life and your post has added to my desire to do just that!Gretahttp://www.shaklee4life.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66871546169308859212009-08-27T02:06:41.256+10:002009-08-27T02:06:41.256+10:00Rhonda! I enjoy your posts about sustainable and ...Rhonda! I enjoy your posts about sustainable and frugal living so much. My husband was brought up with such a mentality as his grandparents were serious Depression era survivors and this rubbed off on my husband's parents.<br /><br />We live simply, but are continuously learning and attempting new things, your blog being an excellent source of information.<br /><br />We get many comments on "how great it is that we live thriftily and budget," which puzzles me often as I forget that not everyone lives this way, as it seems so obvious to me by now.<br /><br />(I laughed btw at your mentioning about jars and the such as I somewhat covet the wonderful collection of jars my grandmother in law has collected over the years for use. She simply says it takes year and years and years...)<br /><br /><br />Thanks again!<br />Stephy<br />http://persephoneinbloom.blogspot.com/fritzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09996357577073794212noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71698465625931825402009-08-26T22:55:11.571+10:002009-08-26T22:55:11.571+10:00You are an inspiration and encouragement. You'...You are an inspiration and encouragement. You've done it a world away and when I read your words I see a similar reflection for my own family, not a duplicate but a theme. <br />The journey of a nonconformist going solo against the grain is made much easier knowing someone else out there has paved the way, had questions and felt the same uncertainty of how to accomplish it. <br />I have an 8yr old son and a 13 yr old daughter, they are both quietly intrigued by they changes I'm making. They embrace them without fight and few questions. My hubby is I think a bit entertained by some of it and a bit resistant of the long term big picture I describe.....he just can't quite see it yet. Your post about Hanno's hesitancy and how you plugged along letting him see the changes you made and how they affected you was a huge encouragement to keep going and just let him watch and soak it in at his own pace.<br /><br />I've had a mantra from a book for several years I think applies to the pursuit of a simple life:<br />"Ruthlessly eliminate hurry." <br /><br />Thanks for showing us how! :)the Mrs.https://www.blogger.com/profile/05052194018611179203noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73207640547086899042009-08-26T20:18:56.791+10:002009-08-26T20:18:56.791+10:00Thank you for your posts Rhonda Jean, you have ins...Thank you for your posts Rhonda Jean, you have inspired me on my path and to start blogging my thoughts. One point you keep reiterating - it is our own journey which is important. And we cannot compare ourselves to each other, we must make a path to suit ourselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5624042544827651402009-08-26T18:05:38.516+10:002009-08-26T18:05:38.516+10:00I made my first jam ever yesterday!
It is plum jam...I made my first jam ever yesterday!<br />It is plum jam an it tastes delicious!<br /><br />Thanks for the inspiring post.<br /><br />Have a nice day,<br />LilianL.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00205499389316557719noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58670094656568926982009-08-26T17:02:52.387+10:002009-08-26T17:02:52.387+10:00HI Rhonda Jean,
I think you should put more humou...HI Rhonda Jean,<br /><br />I think you should put more humour into your writing when you can, you are so funny.<br /><br />I see you even removed the picture of the pots on sticks that used to be on the right hand side of your blog! haha<br /><br />To anyone curious: the little plant pots on sticks prevents the top of the sticks from poking you in the eye while gardening. (Just trying to help :D )Jenniferhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06815336062313580688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90537676535255493202009-08-26T13:28:24.369+10:002009-08-26T13:28:24.369+10:00Thanks so much for this encouraging post!! I'm...Thanks so much for this encouraging post!! I'm so much happier now that I've started this...it hasn't been easy as I was raised as a "buy everything" girl...everything NEW. What a waste... Now I love hunting around garage sales, growing and preserving my own food, and I must confess one of my favorite things is to bake bread by HAND. :D It's amazing how we change, isn't it? I used to think this lifestyle was weird and coo-ky... now I wouldn't want anything more. (Or less!) :D Your blog is so helpful and encouraging through this whole journey. Thanks again! <br />Courtneybookflutterbyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12426712911284917236noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87516340569245082532009-08-26T12:46:42.822+10:002009-08-26T12:46:42.822+10:00Beautiful post Rhonda Jean...the life you created ...Beautiful post Rhonda Jean...the life you created is the life that I am working to create as well. As you know I am going to return to school to become a teacher...so this will slow down the homestead plan a bit...but I can still do a lot of what I want to do and continue to learn year after year in the process. Plus, being a teacher allows me to have summers off to garden and preserve!! It's nice to know that I don't have to do it ALL NOW. It will happen over time...and I am content with that. xoxoMichelle @ Give a Girl a Fighttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16020971191511530538noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89543975940375569072009-08-26T12:11:20.584+10:002009-08-26T12:11:20.584+10:00Yes, there's always a next step and it will al...Yes, there's always a next step and it will all unfold as you need it to.Goals are moveable and keep increasing as fast as you achieve,that's what keeps it a challenge and interesting.Some things take a long time, some a short time and your vision changes as you learn to live the new life and become patient with yourself.Vonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17421069895155350144noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-20234629620415035612009-08-26T12:09:37.877+10:002009-08-26T12:09:37.877+10:00This post reminds me of much of my own story. I ju...This post reminds me of much of my own story. I just found your blog yesterday, & chuckled tonight when I realized it's already "tomorrow" there. It truly is a wonderful journey to be living this life. Thanks for sharing your story.<br /><br />Laurie in North CarolinaLauriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01156180100389224114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-52365742012242199032009-08-26T10:10:52.792+10:002009-08-26T10:10:52.792+10:00Hi Rhonda Jean
I was thinking about what you wrot...Hi Rhonda Jean<br /><br />I was thinking about what you wrote about clothing in todays post. Despite wearing things until they fall apart at home, when you have social occasions you still want to look nice. I shop on ebay or buy from op shops to keep the price of good quality clothing down. Do you have a method of doing things cheaply to still look nice? I have black trousers and skirts and team them up with different cheaply purchased tops and accessories for different looks. I think this is something that readers may be interested in. It is all part of keeping the household expenses low, but looking after yourself too. Kind regards Julie Davies :)Julie Daviesnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75970378963876414442009-08-26T09:50:36.035+10:002009-08-26T09:50:36.035+10:00It's good to be reminded that my journey is di...It's good to be reminded that my journey is different to any others and therefor I should stop comparing.<br /><br />When I look forward I still have a lot I would like to change to have my vision of our simple life. When I look back I can see how far we have already come! <br /><br />Today I will pay off our last credit card only $260 left. I can feel the burden lifting. Now onto the next step...<br /><br />Thanks so much for helping set a mindful tone to my days.<br /><br />Suzanne<br />in ToowoombaSuzannehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01272960666200716023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71851426184440504702009-08-26T09:02:25.298+10:002009-08-26T09:02:25.298+10:00Thankyou Rhonda, that was just what i needed!!! Th...Thankyou Rhonda, that was just what i needed!!! Thankyou for reminding me to be patient and take it a step at a time - i'm only young and have wanted to have everything perfect already and was dissapointed when it hasn't happened... every day if i just work towards the end goal a little more, i have done a good job. i'm looking foward to one day being able to look back at what i have accomplished and enjoy all the 'fruits of my labour'as you do.<br />I feel that this is an answer to my comment a few days ago so thankyou.<br /><br />AbbieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74156172011387400402009-08-26T08:37:55.802+10:002009-08-26T08:37:55.802+10:00I am just loving coming and visiting your blog. T...I am just loving coming and visiting your blog. Thanks for all the wonderful posts. I have been just coming for short visits - reading a post or two and then going on with my housework and life here. Thanks for the welcomed and refreshing breaks.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />~MartieMarthahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02140356627632637515noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40892273785986275532009-08-26T08:34:23.642+10:002009-08-26T08:34:23.642+10:00So much of what you hoped for mirrors my own aspir...So much of what you hoped for mirrors my own aspirations and I'm sure many, if not all of your readers have similar dreams. We are all at different stages of the journey. It's easy to want everything at once... the well stocked pantry lined with homemade preserves, the freshly baked bread, the home sewn clothes, the patchwork quilts and the abundant kitchen garden but as you do tell us it is all about slowing down and taking one step at a time. I had to do this and learn to prioritize and ask myself.... which of the homemaking skills would benefit my family the most? I chose the vegetable gardens, bread making and other kitchen arts over sewing and knitting as I find most of my family clothes at garage sales and it is amazing how many ladies knit garments to sell at garage sales! Even the bread making was a journey, from using a machine to returning to handmade loaves to grinding my own grain. Soap making and bee keeping are skills we want to learn but they can wait for now as we have lots of local soap makers and beekeepers and I'm happy to support local enterprises. One unusual project our family took on was building our own natural swimming pool which will use reed bed filtration and water plants to keep the water clean... no need for chemicals.It is almost finished but we now need rain to fill the tanks! I will do a post about this one day but I want to wait until it is planted out and up and running.Ann at eightacresofedenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15524581927752695509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33227257756119724502009-08-26T08:25:00.911+10:002009-08-26T08:25:00.911+10:00Hello Rhonda
Another great post with words of ins...Hello Rhonda<br /><br />Another great post with words of inspiration. I purchased the Burkes Back Yard mag and loved your article. It was a very welcoming piece. I think you will entice readers to the magazine just as you entice blog readers to you blog with your down-to-earth and calming words of wisdom.<br /><br />Cheers - JoolzJoolzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07490462580345458546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24678951041527562052009-08-26T08:18:19.904+10:002009-08-26T08:18:19.904+10:00Rhonda Jean,
I can not thank you enough for the in...Rhonda Jean,<br />I can not thank you enough for the information and more importantly inspiration you have given me.<br />Today's post was just what I needed.<br />God bless,<br />helen(grammea)<br />grammea22@verizon.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11348914704063652852009-08-26T08:15:48.806+10:002009-08-26T08:15:48.806+10:00What a beautiful post, You described how I see wha...What a beautiful post, You described how I see what I am doing perfectly I think, though my journey has some temporary destinations or stops. I think that is because I am in such early stages but I do see it as a journey not destination. Thanks for these inspiring words Rhonda Jean, I could have read a post twice as long written in this way.Tammyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00881965816018645999noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79061995675761795622009-08-26T08:12:31.651+10:002009-08-26T08:12:31.651+10:00It really seems so simple when you take it one ste...It really seems so simple when you take it one step at a time. I like how you emphasized the natural next step, instead of imposing rigid ideals on yoursef all at one. Thanks!Emily @ Under$1000PerMonthhttp://under1000permonth.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51289299738440356212009-08-26T08:03:18.498+10:002009-08-26T08:03:18.498+10:00Hi there this is my first visit!
I love your blog....Hi there this is my first visit!<br />I love your blog....I came over from Large Family Mothering's blog!<br /><br />My blog is The Garden Gate and I have 6 kiddos so far and live my life much the same as you!<br /><br />I've been bloggin' for 1 year....and to celebrate I'm having a giveawy if you'd like to come over and say HI!<br /><br />Your garden and chickens are terific!<br />I too have chickens!<br /><br />Blessings,<br />GeorgiannFruitful Harvesthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05874070640737395114noreply@blogger.com