tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post6158262240931977848..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Simple living - getting startedUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51258140131263339162009-05-09T23:39:00.000+10:002009-05-09T23:39:00.000+10:00Thank you for your amazing blog. I have had to re...Thank you for your amazing blog. I have had to retire early because of poor health and have been fighting a battle over working/not working. I have always valued myself because of the work I did and this was my identity. Deep inside I have had a hankering for the simple life but did not have the time to really do anything about fulfilling this. Then I found you blog site and this article. I am starting to see retirement in a different light - the opportunity to take the time to develop a simple life. Thank yo for sharing your experiences and thoughts.<br /><br />Deb EDeb Ehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17182250285756361309noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14647479618422102912009-05-07T12:05:00.000+10:002009-05-07T12:05:00.000+10:00I just stumbled upon your blog. It was a wonderfu...I just stumbled upon your blog. It was a wonderfule discovery. I live in a big city and am constantly trying to find balance and a simple way of living.<br /><br />If I can't achieve it through my day-to-day life, at least I can live vicariously through your blog.<br /><br />This section gives me some great tips on how to achieve simplicity in my life (and my family's).<br />Thank you and keep it up. I have added you to my favoritesslow4https://www.blogger.com/profile/06941213012189806368noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-42434882039446791822009-04-23T23:09:00.000+10:002009-04-23T23:09:00.000+10:00This is a post I'll bookmark and come back to, as ...This is a post I'll bookmark and come back to, as I continue to simplify my own home and life. Thank you for taking the time to write about this; it's a great encouragement to me!!Sarahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03867656058895825645noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69523506728055733662009-04-23T01:00:00.000+10:002009-04-23T01:00:00.000+10:00Another great post! Lately I've realized that I n...Another great post! Lately I've realized that I need to declutter and get organized in order to make this transition to a more simple life smoother. I've got some notebooks started, and now I'm starting to get rid of the stuff that takes my time and energy, but isn't really useful.Cindyhttp://www.journeytosimplicity.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60980901864162926362009-04-22T02:52:00.000+10:002009-04-22T02:52:00.000+10:00Debbie I wish you lived around me. I am older tha...Debbie I wish you lived around me. I am older than you but also never knew any other homemakers and still know only a few. None of them live close at all though. Also none of them lives like we do. I think though, that by living as you said your true self you will feel more content with your life. If you were to enbrace what others think is what they should live it is their life not your's. We keep busy with our life here and our close family. Yes our homes should be our havens from the outside world. To come home and feel welcomed and safe and comfy etc, ... there is nothing else like it. No one knows your family like you do so you know what it would take to make it a haven for all of you.<br /> Also I noted Estelle is already taking steps to simplfy but doesn't seem to realize it? You can step back out of the rat race of today's life and not live in a house. Just do as Rhonea Jean said and do it one step at a time. Sounds like you are already doing that. Be easy on yourself. Take life where you are at this very moment. You have the tools and mindset to do it right now. JodyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-56611490119583451802009-04-21T20:24:00.000+10:002009-04-21T20:24:00.000+10:00Thanks Rhonda for the inspiration. I have been thi...Thanks Rhonda for the inspiration. I have been thinking of slowing down for some time now, but as an older woman (not near to retiring age however) whose children are not dependent upon me, somehow it feels indulgent to give up work!<br /><br />Why should I get the life I want to live and have my DH keep bringing in the money?<br /><br />I know that I could make some savings by being at home, but I don't think they would add up to the kind of contribution to the household that I am making now by working.<br /><br />Yet deep inside me I too, just want to be able to slow down and live even more simply.<br /><br />Reading you blog encourages me to believe that somewhere soon I will find the way forward for us.earthmotherwithinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03506831989357088817noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80127968104076437292009-04-21T08:16:00.000+10:002009-04-21T08:16:00.000+10:00Rhonda,
I have found that if I keep a journal of ...Rhonda,<br /><br />I have found that if I keep a journal of the things I would like to get done....that really helps me keep my focus.<br /><br />I also have a journal with recipes and my grocery list.<br /><br />I have been working on some stitching and I now try to make time for it:)<br /><br />Thank you for all you do!! Do you have a date yet when your book will come out?Reneehttp://gardendesk.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91936803609344320452009-04-21T06:41:00.000+10:002009-04-21T06:41:00.000+10:00Debbie, none of our long term friends live as we d...Debbie, none of our long term friends live as we do but I teach a frugal home course at my Centre and most of those people are moving towards simplicity. We're still in the minority, and probably always will be, but it doesn't worry me at all. We are usually so busy with our lives here we don't have much time, or the inclination, to socialise anyway.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8772958903499270352009-04-21T03:12:00.000+10:002009-04-21T03:12:00.000+10:00Beautifully written.Beautifully written.Beehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09569417483404741924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21053393567034315822009-04-21T02:39:00.000+10:002009-04-21T02:39:00.000+10:00Your advice about organization is a good reminder....Your advice about organization is a good reminder. Out the home management binder goes again...Mrs. Anna Thttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15377583333000789903noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87292743273318315422009-04-21T01:25:00.000+10:002009-04-21T01:25:00.000+10:00Another inspiring post. Thank you so much for sha...Another inspiring post. Thank you so much for sharing your wisdom!Mary Ellenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08816881493977758025noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30812014505036293542009-04-21T01:00:00.000+10:002009-04-21T01:00:00.000+10:00This is wonderful. I think the most helpful word i...This is wonderful. I think the most helpful word in beginning to live more simply is "stop." Stop and think ... Do I need this? Do I need to do this? Do I WANT this? Often in our busy world we find ourselves running around, getting new things, doing stuff because it is what is expected, it is what we were taught, it is what our neighbors do, or "everyone" does. If you want to work harder to buy a fancy car because you love it, great! Go for it! If not, then stop. It's a practice we can do every day because the impulse never goes away completely ...Cheap Like Mehttp://www.cheaplikemeblog.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-89570597938118667812009-04-21T00:36:00.000+10:002009-04-21T00:36:00.000+10:00Absolutely wonderful post!
Last week I was hopin...Absolutely wonderful post! <br />Last week I was hoping to have a garden this year. Today I AM going to have a garden. Well maybe not today..but you know what I mean. :o) <br />Thanks for sharing.Kristinnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39887716261156925212009-04-20T23:55:00.000+10:002009-04-20T23:55:00.000+10:00What a wonderful post! You gave great advice and a...What a wonderful post! You gave great advice and a couple of simple steps that offer a starting point for people. Thank you for sharing.<br /><br />NicoleNicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07300811064028861101noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11270490918350005622009-04-20T22:44:00.000+10:002009-04-20T22:44:00.000+10:00What a great post! It's so much the way we live t...What a great post! It's so much the way we live thousands of miles away. <br /><br />I think the hardest part of simple living hubby and I have had to learn is to do something without it having to be perfect. (Much like your last post about just getting started.)<br /><br />Some things we've been doing for years now but others are new. We've decided to start a raised bed garden this year (even though we both suffer fatigue from chronic illnesses) and I'm finally going to use my pressure canner.<br /><br />I just love coming here. :)Brenda@CoffeeTeaBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719695370857675146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72463860855927520292009-04-20T19:01:00.000+10:002009-04-20T19:01:00.000+10:00I echo Renna in that I always read your blogs but ...I echo Renna in that I always read your blogs but don't think I have ever commented. You manage to put into words exactly the life I am moving towards step by step. I am finding it so invigorating and am embracing a new freedom to be me as I was originally designed to be! Some of my friends shake their heads and smile, but they are noticing a difference in me and the questions are coming thick and fast!!<br /><br />Thank you for everything you share, the e mentoring comment by Donna is spot on, you are inspirational!Julie'smusingshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10790403340488378333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85768714923915755102009-04-20T18:46:00.000+10:002009-04-20T18:46:00.000+10:00Slow down - two words that strike fear into the he...Slow down - two words that strike fear into the heart of an over-achiever like me. <br /><br />But after coming across the book In Praise of Slow last week and now seeing your post, I think the universe is trying to give me a message.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66196397775283918832009-04-20T18:39:00.000+10:002009-04-20T18:39:00.000+10:00It took a big change of life (and, as you say, a "...It took a big change of life (and, as you say, a "slowing down") for me to realise that the fast lane is the lifestyle equivalent of building a superhighway over the country lanes and scenic routes in life.<br /><br />Your lifestyle is inspirational and I can relate to so much of what you say, but getting back to a meaningful, mindful and fulfilled life is a very individual journey.<br /><br />At 24, housewifery started as a novelty and ended up becoming a bit of a Sylvia Plath nightmare (I joke). So I am taking the good from it (learning to cook from scratch, economising, gardening, eliminating preservatives from the house and our diet) and leaving the rest behind, for now.<br /><br />I'm at a different place right now, and if I ever want the idyllic lifestyle you have achieved, Rhonda Jean, I think I have to get back to work to save up for the house!<br /><br />Love your blog.estellehttp://www.dinkydiy.com.aunoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-78424275935024031792009-04-20T15:19:00.000+10:002009-04-20T15:19:00.000+10:00I always read your blog, though I don't often comm...I always read your blog, though I don't often comment. I had to do so today, to tell you what a great post this was. Sometimes the idea of converting to a simpler means of living is so overwhelming, and I get to thinking it's just not possible for us. Having you break it down in 'bite sized chunks' makes it sound so much more doable!Rennahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03628198694622790891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8310012819738793082009-04-20T13:57:00.000+10:002009-04-20T13:57:00.000+10:00Thanks Rhonda for this wonderful post.
One line...Thanks Rhonda for this wonderful post. <br /><br />One line particularly struck me...."Be the person you always wanted to be, show your children, by example, how wonderful life is" I think I need to make this my mantra! I left the workplace 12 years ago (wow, where did the time go!). I was not motivated by money and wanted to live a simpler life. My son was 18 months at the time. Flash forward, and that same son is going to school with kids with so much more than he has, and unhappy about it. It just hit me when I read that line that I have not been the person I wanted to be, because I have been sort of stuck between my old way of living and what I want to be. So while i have given up yearning for material goods, i have not really embraced my role as a housewife and made this home a haven! No wonder my son has been so vocal!<br /><br />I am curious...other than your husband, are there others that you share similar life styles? That has been one of my personal hurdles, I guess, as other than much older women (I am 51) I know no other homemakers/housewives. Eveyone I know works, and, I guess, don't know what to make of me!<br /><br />~DebbieDebbie in PAhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16638334788335810581noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-27133034447910260192009-04-20T13:31:00.000+10:002009-04-20T13:31:00.000+10:00good reading as usual..
how is your blanket coming...good reading as usual..<br />how is your blanket coming along?<br />mine is going well..<br />Have a wonderful week..<br />take care,Luluhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01910694148759907767noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-41555763337804863872009-04-20T12:54:00.000+10:002009-04-20T12:54:00.000+10:00I find the hardest thing for me not to do is "stre...I find the hardest thing for me not to do is "stressing my own self out" I real have a very simple life.<br />No drama which I'm happy for. I explain my life is "uneventful life" which I'm thankful for.<br /><br />Coffee is on.peppylady (Dora)https://www.blogger.com/profile/01649272822470007714noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4462149902181178442009-04-20T12:18:00.000+10:002009-04-20T12:18:00.000+10:00I grew up living simply and am gravitating back to...I grew up living simply and am gravitating back to that type of lifestyle in whatever way I can. I take note of the little changes that happen and am encouraged by each one. <br />We use only cloth napkins now and each time I use one I think..that is one less paper for the dump..a small step but every one counts!<br />Rhonda..I made your recipe for dog biscuits for my daughter's dog and he loves them..so I thank you and the dog thanks you! grinBettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18214584150711242076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-47291441256203657202009-04-20T12:10:00.000+10:002009-04-20T12:10:00.000+10:00Rhonda Jean, I recently discovered your blog and e...Rhonda Jean, I recently discovered your blog and enjoy it so very much. You have such a gift for writing. The way you expressed your journey to simple living in this post was very encouraging to anyone interested in following a similar path. I too returned home from the work force about 15 years ago, forced to quit because the stress was doing me in. I am a long way from my idea of true "simple living" yet when I look at where I am and where I was it's quite a long way. I cook most meals from scratch, bake quite well and sew and craft a lot more than I did. We have had various forms of livestock, I learned to weave and spin my own yarn and have gardened off and on as circumstances have allowed. This past summer I even canned or froze some locally grown produce and fruits. One of my children is disabled so there have been a lot of challenges, but I need the security of being as self-sufficient as we can be (apart from leaning on God as much as I have needed to!). After reading one of your posts I told my husband I hadn't thought of what a blessing it is that we can do so many of the old skills ourselves. Another thing that is different is how much I recycle by reusing or repurposing. I shop thrift stores and garage sales and have accepted a number of extended family hand-me-downs and I am so thrilled to remake something into something new and better or just to enjoy items that are antiques that remind me of my childhood, etc. It really feels like a win-win to me. I like to shop at the Habitat for Humanity thrift store where my dollars contribute to building a house for a homeless family, tax exemptions for me or anyone who donates items plus I'm reusing something and saving money. How great is that? Well, didn't mean to go on and on. Thanks for sharing with us all you have learned!Carlanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-50625159584623937902009-04-20T11:09:00.000+10:002009-04-20T11:09:00.000+10:00Thank you for your encouragement, Rhonda. I've dec...Thank you for your encouragement, Rhonda. I've decided to start by wearing an apron. Why? Because it reminds me to slow down and be mindful. It protects my clothing, so it will last longer. In my mind, it's tied to using homemade cleaners, also. <br /><br />My next step was to make up 16 menu plans for dinner, to be rotated throughout the year, with changes made for each season. I then made up a grocery list of all the ingredients needed to produce these menus, plus other things needed to run the household. Next, I will decide what I can produce of these ingredients, what I can preserve at home and what I should stockpile. I'll be learning more about food storage. Ah, so much to learn - it keeps me young!<br /><br />Thank you again for e-mentoring all of us!<br /><br />Donna in USADonna in USAnoreply@blogger.com