20 November 2007

Welcome to the revolution



I love it when the unexpected happens. It reminds me that no matter how much we plan things out, no matter how many people work on a job, no matter how much we want it to go smoothly, some things just take their own sweet time. Whatever will be, will be.

Work has stopped on the kitchen.

Yesterday I was dressed and had eaten breakfast before the workers arrived at 7am. My plan was to have everything done and my basket packed for work, and to write my blog after they arrived. My computer is away from the work area, no problems, I thought. HA! I said hello to all of them, organised my basket, and came in here to write. Then they turned off the electricity. : ) Plan B - I drove to work. I thought I'd do my post from there before everyone else arrived but I got busy straight away and stayed that way all day.

So, what happened in the kitchen? They removed the lower cupboards, then the floor, and found water laying under the floor boards on the concrete slab. A lot of water. The floor will dry out until Thursday, when the workers will return. Apparently the entire kitchen will be back in by Friday afternoon. It's now Tuesday morning. : )

I have to tell you how much I loved reading about the changes you've been making in your lives. The comments made on the previous post, and the emails I received, turned yesterday's ordinary day into a diamond. It's strange what motivates us to change. Behavioural change is supposed to be the most difficult and yet it's been achieved by reading words on a screen, and knowing there was the need. Of course that is too simple for what has happened here. Those changes made were the result of a number of things. I think my blog shows a life being lived. I try not to talk too much of why Hanno and I live as we do, I want to just show and tell the ordinary day-to-day doing of it, with sprinklings of what we get for our efforts. We all know we've used too much of our planets limited resources, and polluted our water, air and soils because of it. What we need to do is to peel back the layers of our lives, look at what we've got, and replace the layers with only what is absolutely necessary. (A bit like my kitchen.) We are all changing from being users to conservers, and when our layers are back in place, it will reveal a simpler life.

I hope my blog shows that we are all part of a profound and significant group. We aren't alone and we aren't weird to want to live this way. Simple living will help restore the planet to a more stable place and we are leading this revolution. We got into this mess by believing the lie that we can all have whatever our money can buy. It didn't happen overnight, it was a fifty year process to get to this point. It won't be reversed fast either but every mile we don't drive, every piece of plastic we don't use, every vegetable we grow or buy locally, every person we talk to about our lives, will help repair the damage. I am thankful for everyone who reads and everyone who comments because it shows that we are part of that simple revolution. The rest of the neighbourhood just doesn't know it yet.
SHARE:

12 comments

  1. Hi Rhonda, good to hear you are coping well without your kitchen. knowing the resourceful lady you are a few more days won't realy disrupt your life too much. I'd be interested to read what you are doing menu wise this week without your oven and stovetop. I'm guessing it might make an interesting post! As for being part of a revolution, I had never quite thought of it that way, but I am happy to be in it. I want an earth that my children and grandchildren can enjoy and love too!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Rhonda, I had my neighbour's mother over yesterday afternoon as all the children were swimming in our pool and she was helping supervise.

    This sweet lady of about 70 told me about how her children tease her because she won't waste leftovers, boils bones for stock etc. She said she feels frustrated because the younger generations don't mind what they waste. It was great to be able to tell her that some folks do care and are making changes. She loves visiting my home because of the vegies and fruit trees and pet bantams. She and her husband love giving me advice and I love receiving it!

    Kate

    ReplyDelete
  3. Rhonda, sorry to hear about the work stoppage. I second lis on learning how you are dealing with preparing meals. Many times we lose our power out here in the country, usually not for long, but an ice storm took it out for 5 days a couple of years ago.

    We now keep the propane tank filled on the BBQ grill through the winter. We can heat up soup and make pancakes and bacon with our camping pots and pans.

    Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I have been enjoying your readers' comments as well. Your example of your own life is a wonderful inspiration to so many of us!
    Best wishes with the kitchen.

    Deb

    ReplyDelete
  5. RJ, I hope the water issue isn't an expensive addition to the bill!! Viva La Revolution!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi Rhonda, I've been reading here for a few weeks and your blog has become a morning treat along with my tea! I know how busy this must keep you...but I have a question - surely this path of destruction re: our planet and her resources started with the industrial revolution in Victorian times? Is there some recommended reading on this subject? No probs if a reply isn't forthcoming...I will continue to read and learn...and enjoy! Thank you

    ReplyDelete
  7. Umm...from my experience with renovations...umm...I wouldn't count on Friday...

    I hope for your sake I'm wrong. Maybe it's an American thing -- contractors tend to disappear for awhile when hitting a snafu at one site. They "fill in" those days planned for you with someone else's project, get involved there, and then...well, it's a sort of snowball effect.

    But, you seem to take things in stride. I know how stressful it can be, though, especially when you receive "surprises" like standing water. Look on the bright side: at least there was nothing living in it (then again...you could turn your kitchen into an additional aquaponics tank...running away).

    ReplyDelete
  8. Rhonda,

    I was to busy to leave a comment yesterday so I would like to add my today.

    Since I found this blog my life has changed so much. I am so much more careful with my time and money.

    We are hoping to in be debt free by the end of the year. This will change many things. I am trying to get up earlier and getting much done earlier in the day, so I have time to craft in the afernoon.

    I have been trying to stay home more and making healthier meals. I have made a menu of meals that I can choose from for my grocery list.

    I have clothes drying on a wood rack. Something I thought I would never do.

    Rhonda I have read many blogs about simple living but you are so real and honest! Thank You!

    I am looking forward to many,many more posts:)

    P.s. We are looking to make some cold frames for our garden do you have any hints?

    Blessings,

    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  9. Rhonda,

    I was to busy to leave a comment yesterday so I would like to add my today.

    Since I found this blog my life has changed so much. I am so much more careful with my time and money.

    We are hoping to in be debt free by the end of the year. This will change many things. I am trying to get up earlier and getting much done earlier in the day, so I have time to craft in the afernoon.

    I have been trying to stay home more and making healthier meals. I have made a menu of meals that I can choose from for my grocery list.

    I have clothes drying on a wood rack. Something I thought I would never do.

    Rhonda I have read many blogs about simple living but you are so real and honest! Thank You!

    I am looking forward to many,many more posts:)

    P.s. We are looking to make some cold frames for our garden do you have any hints?

    Blessings,

    Renee

    ReplyDelete
  10. Thank you so much for all of your wise words and good advice! I am trying so hard to "pare" our life down at home. We have lived way beyond our means for years and we just got sick of the constant struggle of trying to keep up with bills while trying to keep up with the Jones's! I am planning a huge garden for next summer and plan on eating all that fresh food and canning as much as possible. My husband and I are determined to cut our food bills in half if not more! We used to have chickens and have decided to get some more from a neighbor so we can once again have home grown eggs! Thank you, thank you, thank you! I know you are cheering us on!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Rhonda, *sending much strength your way*. I'm with you in the Simplicity Revolution ;)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Quiet revolutions are the most powerful ;)

    ReplyDelete

Blogger Template by pipdig