tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post1643967296991336198..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Less is moreUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger81125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21727472519214927482012-08-30T16:31:32.419+10:002012-08-30T16:31:32.419+10:00there is change in the area that i now live in as ...there is change in the area that i now live in as well... (which is a few hours south of you... so probably a similar area)... but when we were living in sydney, not too long ago, (and we lived there for quite some time) i didn't really feel any change there at all- which is why i was desperate to get out...<br />for thousands and thousands of sydney people their hobby is "shopping" and they will spend all weekend doing it... spending hours in traffic driving too and from the shops and then many more hours walking around shops... it made me so sad for the years i spent living there... many don't know their neighbours, but they know the latest specials... and they spend themselves into ridiculous debt so they can keep up with their hobby...<br />janeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30170732726694559672012-08-27T17:04:49.697+10:002012-08-27T17:04:49.697+10:00I am really enjoying your blog. Circumstances have...I am really enjoying your blog. Circumstances have forced me to "live simply" but I find I am doing it now not from necessity but from preference. Glad I came across your blog :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-4037498116822886272012-06-27T22:17:09.221+10:002012-06-27T22:17:09.221+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I discovered your blog through clickin...Hi Rhonda, <br />I discovered your blog through clicking through lots of other pages.... and I've found myself devouring the archives for the past two hours at least. It fits in well with my Simple Savings mindset and frugal values and I can say I am absolutely sure that many more people worldwide will be waking up and realising the value in this sort of life - being able to make things, make do, fix things and grow things for ourselves... and the internet is a wonderful way to connect with like-minded people following the same (earth-friendly) path. It is my dream, with my partner, to have a small farm something like yours. We rent a very cheap house (for Perth) at the moment with a wonderful large backyard, and keep three chickens, and are beginning to grow things and cut back on unnecessary spending. I make my own general purpose cleaner and shop at Good Sammy's and buy groceries in bulk when it's worth it. I know over time I will try more things, learn more, and get better, and we will inch closer toward owning a house on our own patch of Eden somewhere in the country. Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many.<br />Jodi BAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-59889564008598971192012-05-30T11:17:26.305+10:002012-05-30T11:17:26.305+10:00When my partner and I had a 14 month old daughter ...When my partner and I had a 14 month old daughter we decided we could not raise her any longer in a city of millions (Vancouver, Canada) and be happy. My job required full time only and childcare was hard to find and not subsidised. So, on a whim we sold our unit, sold and donated 90 percent of our belongings, left our jobs on leave of absence and came "down under" looking for a simpler way of life. We ended up in Canberra, got permanent residency, and have never looked back. (I should note that this was NOT easy and that there were very stressful times!)<br />I now love it here. For the first time ever I have friends who save for things, knit, cook from scratch, sew, knit, trade, compost, keep chickens, bake, buy used, and ride bikes everywhere. We furnished our entire place from many trips to the Salvation Army and moving sales. Our place looks great! I certainly did not learn this from my parents, but I knew what I didn't want out of life, and that was the first step.<br />I found your blog last week when feeling lonely, aimless and homesick. I am pregnant with my second and my older daughter is at school half the week. I couldn't believe my luck when google turned up your page! I have been devouring the archives ever since and have been feeling motivated, proud of my work, excited like a kid at Christmas, and satisfied. I have not been lonely since!<br />Thank you so very much for being you and sharing your wonderful writing and experiences with all of us! Things are changing so perfectly and beautifully. <br />Maybe we as a society needed two people to work outside the home, to buy too much stuff and go into debt first to then realise the value in simplicity. <br />Love and a big hug to you!kristanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79026980910654547112011-08-14T22:09:00.257+10:002011-08-14T22:09:00.257+10:00Great article. You are right that these uncertain ...Great article. You are right that these uncertain economic times are making more people question about the need for living a more thrifty and sustainable life. It is a shame that more people are not proactive in looking to make positive changes in their lives until crisis hits. Happy to have found your blog.FrugalVibehttp://www.frugalvibe.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16297048969895951032011-08-14T21:17:48.658+10:002011-08-14T21:17:48.658+10:00Hi Rhonda,
Just found your blog. LOVE this post, ...Hi Rhonda,<br />Just found your blog. LOVE this post, but I'm afraid as much as I wish others would feel this way, my area of living is not there yet. We live in the suburbs of the Washington, DC area and although there may be some who would like to go to more simpler times, I haven't seen the pace slow. In fact it has sped up. Perhaps it's time for me to rethink where I live, because it doesn't feel right for me. I loved what you said in your profile, and I hope to feel that someday too!<br />SharonSharonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13940623529019637336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-44351412490632525442011-08-14T20:29:23.105+10:002011-08-14T20:29:23.105+10:00I love this post. I am rediscovering the Little Ho...I love this post. I am rediscovering the Little House on the Prairie series and thinking 1) how happy they were with close to nothing (even compared to our very simple life, eg Ma was ecstatic to get a chair!) 2) How things have come full circle to get to this current trend (and yes I agree it is a trend).Elizanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29770422391766387802011-08-11T17:11:12.634+10:002011-08-11T17:11:12.634+10:00Oh, Dhilma, thank you for sharing your story on th...Oh, Dhilma, thank you for sharing your story on the monkeys. It's a good one. Made me laugh, and also made me think what creative creatures we women are.<br /><br />love from brenda in arkansasAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84326713814474601402011-08-11T14:55:24.006+10:002011-08-11T14:55:24.006+10:00Thanks for your comments Minervabird.
It is lovely...Thanks for your comments Minervabird.<br />It is lovely to be part of this little community and know that even people you have never met are supporting you.<br />Well done, Rhonda!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-29081135336468018302011-08-11T09:52:30.057+10:002011-08-11T09:52:30.057+10:00I believe you are only seeing the good side of thi...I believe you are only seeing the good side of things. True, there are many more people seeking a simpler life these days but.....<br /><br />Far too many young people believe that if they want something it's ok to just take it. No need to work for it when someone else has already done that. <br /><br />The growing gap between the "haves" and "have nots" is growing wider each day by the world economy. When the parents can no longer afford to give the kids "everything" then the kids rebel with uncontrolable anger. <br /><br />In my personal opinion what is happening in Britain right now is only the start of what's to come as the economy gets worse. <br /><br />It frightens me but at the same time I do my best to show anyone who is willing to listen and see that living a simpler life is a good thing. Trouble is my simpler life does not include any of the "gotta have" items advertized all the time. People in my neighborhood don't understand that a simpler life doesn't have lots of gidgets and gadgets in it. <br /><br />Anita in Kentucky, USAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36509768897474858072011-08-11T07:57:20.670+10:002011-08-11T07:57:20.670+10:00I think some of the old ways of greed and one-ups-...I think some of the old ways of greed and one-ups-man-ship are still alive and well here, in the mid-west USA, but I know many who do not live that way and am working at not living that way myself. About once a month a large group of my friends male and female get together to work on handcrafts and exchange ideas. Everyone brings something to share to munch on and we all have a wonderful time for very little money while getting presents or home-goods made. Thanks for the post. Hope the world continues this way toward a better life.Juliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10696666204830309673noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39719149196608006482011-08-11T04:48:50.592+10:002011-08-11T04:48:50.592+10:00First I must say I LOVE this post. As of lately I...First I must say I LOVE this post. As of lately I've been interested in teaching classes such as the ones you plan to but I guess I am not sure where to even begin. I often people say they'd love to learn how to make bread, cheese, canning and such.Country Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04391306626662391336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-5421394781205160352011-08-11T04:34:02.764+10:002011-08-11T04:34:02.764+10:00I would love to see this catch on in my part of th...I would love to see this catch on in my part of the USA, but it's not happening so far based on my observances. Most everyone is still caught up in having to have the best of the best and keep up appearances. It's really frustrating for my oldest child to hear other kids his age brag about all they have and continue to get. That is always an opportunity to have a good heart to heart with him and discuss the road our family has chosen to take and why. Our choice to live simply and within our means is very misunderstood to those who know us and meet us. Oh well, their loss.flmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12781812205765728149noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90826105006468875922011-08-11T04:29:55.616+10:002011-08-11T04:29:55.616+10:00There is a movement for a simpler way of life judg...There is a movement for a simpler way of life judging by the blogs I read. Unfortunately where I come from in the UK,in London there is a movement of sheer greed. If they can't afford it, they just loot it.Simonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02766240849932971541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40655252625402571292011-08-11T04:12:27.936+10:002011-08-11T04:12:27.936+10:00We live in the country on 20 acres, but most of my...We live in the country on 20 acres, but most of my neighbors live on a couple of acres in new houses only a few years old. I have noticed in the last year that a lot of them have started having small gardens and I see their children helping. I don't yet see anyone hanging out clothes, but it may be that the builder doesn't allow such a thing. Can you imagine?!!<br /><br />Our driveway is a quarter mile long with our house not visible from the main road. Folks who visit routinely comment that they'd love to live like we do: we literally felled the trees on our land and built our home. Our water is spring fed. We grow a good bit of our food. I tell them that they could live simpler lives, too and don't have to have more land - just more commitment to changing. That's when I usually get a smile followed by "Well, we both work and don't have the time to do what you do." Sometimes I remind them that my husband both had full time jobs whenever we started on our path to a more fulfilling life and that one of the secrets to being able to live the kind of life one wants is to reduce debt and dependence on the almighty dollar and to cut back on so many wants. Every now and then I see a little sparkle, but truthfully, not very often. Folks are still buying big cars, big houses, big vacations, big toys, etc. - all the while racking up big debt. I can count on one hand people I know who choose to subscribe to "less is more". <br /><br />But, as I said, some folks in my area are now growing small gardens, so there is hope!! I encourage them every chance I get because I want them to know what they're missing. I recommend your blog to everyone as a model for how life can be if one makes the effort.<br /><br />I so wish we were physical neighbors, but I'll have to be satisfied with reading your words from across the world.<br /><br />Diane in North CarolinaJimmiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16620266780624532300noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-76054658306689894012011-08-11T03:45:14.608+10:002011-08-11T03:45:14.608+10:00For the anonymous on here despairing about the ope...For the anonymous on here despairing about the open cast mine near their house, our neighbourhood defeated a proposal like that (we're in the UK). It took 7 years of petitions and a lot of meetings at city hall, a website, signs, and an email list, but the council ruled that no more petitions to reopen mining in the area will be accpeted. Hurrah!<br /><br />So, before you give up, see if you can protest with the help of your neighbours and stop it from happening. Surely, your local councillor can give you some advice too.<br /><br />AM of the breadminervabirdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14797562694181195390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-55868067255335302192011-08-11T03:10:58.357+10:002011-08-11T03:10:58.357+10:00Rhonda,
I live in a middle class neighborhood in ...Rhonda, <br />I live in a middle class neighborhood in the states. My husband works very hard and makes a low middleclass wage. Thanks to our frugality and living simply we have been very blessed to provide for our 5 children in a safe, friendly neighborhood. I feel very blessed. Your post today has saddened me a bit as I look out at our neighborhood and area and don't see what you do in your area. Instead of living simply and saving money, more and more young couples are both working, buying new furniture and building new homes in order to "keep up with the Joneses". It is sometimes hard to live simply when those around you are not. It is hard to keep telling your children no too when all their friends are going on expensive vacations and wearing designer clothes and driving new cars. I feel sad for those people as I know difficult times are coming for us and they are not going to be prepared. I just try to be an example and share a homemade loaf and some squash here and there and maybe I can help them when they are ready. Thank you for your blog and your example for me--I learn so much and it is great to come here and be inspired from other likeminded people!Reneenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-70390907311700097832011-08-11T00:14:06.010+10:002011-08-11T00:14:06.010+10:00I think many people are just starting to wake up f...I think many people are just starting to wake up from the "consumer trance" of the past few decades. The global economic situation is forcing everyone to realize that we cannot continue with our hyper consumerism indefinitely. Right now simple living is just beginning to appear on the average consumer's radar, but we have a long, long way to go. I have the feeling that leaving the old consumer ways behind will be very hard and traumatic for the majority of the consumers. I think it will be a process much like grieving where they go through the 5 stages. <br /> <br />1. Denial — "This can't be happening, not to me."<br /> <br />2. Anger — "Why me? It's not fair!"; "How can this happen to me?"; '"Who is to blame?"<br /> <br />3. Bargaining — "I'll do anything for a few more years."; "I will give my life savings if..."<br /> <br />4. Depression — "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"; <br /> <br />5. Acceptance — "It's going to be okay."; "I can't fight it, I may as well prepare for it."<br /> <br />In my opinion, most of the consumer world is somewhere in the first two stages. If you look at the political climate here in the US, it is clear that we are in stage 2, ANGER! That means that there is a lot of work and hardship to endure before everyone accepts that things have changed, stops wishing and dreaming for things to go back to how they were, and finally gets down to the business of learning to live and love a new simpler life.<br /><br />I am so glad that there are places like this blog where people can go to learn and feel part of a community and realize that there is a better way for us and the planet.Jen the Ecoventurerhttp://www.myecoventure.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72624667192426803472011-08-10T23:42:06.448+10:002011-08-10T23:42:06.448+10:00Love this post!
I'm seeing changes here in No...Love this post!<br /><br />I'm seeing changes here in North Carolina, but more gradual than your area. I definitely think you are leading the way. <br /><br />However, I expect bigger changes in our area soon. My daughter and I have noticed a sharp decline in yard sales and even those who have them are only selling small loads of junk--very little good stuff anymore. We have come to the conclusion that most folks have sold all they have to sell and only have the junk left. So I suspect a lot more people will be open to change now. <br /><br />Also, a big consignment store in our area closed recently because everybody wanted to sell and no one wanted to buy.Bonitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13945043297139219733noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-12706547808237862612011-08-10T22:59:41.303+10:002011-08-10T22:59:41.303+10:00Hi Rhonda it's me again :)
Forgot to mention.....Hi Rhonda it's me again :)<br />Forgot to mention...<br />On the last day of chores before we ran of for 3 weeks of seaside holiday fun with the kids, our drier's belt burst. Too late to get necessities to fix. No biggie, I thought. It was late in the evening but we still had some sun and a glorious breeze so just strung up some lines in the trees. I glanced out the window not long after to see the girls and the dachshunds racing between the sheets. The girls had their arms outstretched and their faces to the heavens. Huge smiles on their faces. As I walked onto the back porch they raced up to me and said: "Mummy it's wonderful. Come smell the loveliness!"<br />:) I think I will take that plunge and use nature's 'loveliness' more often. I had forgotten the beauty of billowing sheets in the warm sunlight.<br /><br />Vicki<br />Trinidad & Tobago<br /><br />p.s. I have an absolute abundance of limes right now. I have been sharing with neighbours, friends, office and family, but still they come. I was just reading about how you squeezed your lemons and froze them. Gave me an idea. I am going to freeze them in cubes then in bags, so that when I need to make a jug of lime-ade I just pop out what I need :)<br />Do you have any recipes that call for limes? I have used up most that I know. Always willing to try something new.<br />Bless you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-79100191950584083812011-08-10T22:55:49.955+10:002011-08-10T22:55:49.955+10:00Thirty years ago, I was poor, resourceful and quit...Thirty years ago, I was poor, resourceful and quite happy. Over time, I bought into the more, bigger, better lifestyle, although with a twist...it was the "must haves" for a sustainable lifestyle trendiness that is going on now that the corporate world has discovered this new niche. Recently, circumstances changed, and I found myself alone at 53, no job, no insurance, an eleven yr old car and a rapidly dwindling savings account. My oldest daughter said "welcome back to the DIY life, Mom." I was amazed at how quickly all my old "survival" skills came back...thrift shopping, veggie gardening, scratch cooking, biking and walking..and now my life is so much more satisfying and rich than all those years I spent trying to buy a "green" lifestyle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-37602125206957206532011-08-10T21:15:48.023+10:002011-08-10T21:15:48.023+10:00Here in my home town near Niagara Falls Ontario, I...Here in my home town near Niagara Falls Ontario, I do find what you have written about first hand. As a customer service manager at Walmart, I can't tell you the times I have had discussions with women (and men) who are learning to shop differently..Price Matching. Bringing all the competitor flyers in, plus using coupons. It's so neat to watch the next person in the isle listening to the conversation and than when they come up to my register (when I am on cash for that day)..ask me about price matching. I've had a few state they would love to come to a work shop that I plan on having to teach them how to price match, and use coupons. It's also wonderful to see young mom's buying food to cook from scratch instead of all the prepared foods...Also 'yellow ticket' items. I see how so many are becoming frugal..looking for the deals, waiting for it to go not only on sale, but clearance!!Angelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11857554289543670693noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66675642694872408542011-08-10T19:57:15.350+10:002011-08-10T19:57:15.350+10:00It does sound like a dream-a dream come true! Her...It does sound like a dream-a dream come true! Here in America we are waking up to all that self-reliance can do for the quality of one's life.<br /><br />I'm so glad to hear that folks in Australia are embracing this lifestyle as well. It can only be good for the planet!daisy ghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06129079277073067462noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11051020039062460792011-08-10T18:46:04.633+10:002011-08-10T18:46:04.633+10:00Chris, I started with budgeting, then moved onto s...Chris, I started with budgeting, then moved onto shopping, stockpiling and green cleaning. I just used posts that I'd written on my blog and changed them around a bit. I think it's great that you are thinking of doing that. I know that my people are really eager to learn, it's just finding someone to teach is the hard bit. It's wonderful that you're going to step up and do that.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14953793193452957042011-08-10T18:36:45.417+10:002011-08-10T18:36:45.417+10:00Hi Rhonda - thanks for all your encouragement in h...Hi Rhonda - thanks for all your encouragement in helping us to turn our households and economies around. I'm involved in starting a church in a very deprived area of town, and would love to encourage all the things you and we stand for. I'm due to retire in a couple of years, and would love to do a similar thing to you, at your centre. Where and how did you start putting together teaching materials? I thought of starting with basic cookery - soups, etc, and household budgeting. What do you think? <br /><br />Chris (http://teddywaresandflutterbies.blogspot.com)Chrysalishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02011407785733018944noreply@blogger.com