tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post4111116527460703968..comments2024-03-19T18:01:27.505+10:00Comments on down to earth: Home ComfortsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6060351173985114442007-07-27T13:26:00.000+10:002007-07-27T13:26:00.000+10:00I really need that book... and with your inspirati...I really need that book... and with your inspiration maybe I can get my act together. Creativity seems to take over and the house... well.... you know the rest of the story!Jessica Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03765400175512986478noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21467398423219882292007-07-23T13:53:00.000+10:002007-07-23T13:53:00.000+10:00Lenny, I hope you get as much from the book as I d...Lenny, I hope you get as much from the book as I did. Let me know when you read it what you thought.<BR/><BR/>Kate, I wish I had my own copy. It would be agreat reference book, plus motivational aide to keep in the home.<BR/><BR/>Michelle, I just know you'll get a lot out of reading Home Comforts. It's good to find a book that explains things we're already doing.<BR/><BR/>Julie, I used to hate housework too but I've worked on my attitude and now I realise that instead of being a neverending line of housework that is repeated day in day out, it's more what you do on a certain day - if you do it mindfully, it's unconnected to what is coming afterwards.Thinking about what I'm doing, and more importantlyly, why I am doing it, made a real difference to me. I wasn't working my way through the list of chores, but making the bed comfortable for tonight or washing and ironing these clothes so I feel good about going to work in fresh and clean clothes. It was important for me to disconnect each task from a list and just concentrate on doing that one thing. I know you'll get a lot from the book.<BR/><BR/>Wildside, I liked those sentences too. Let me know what you make of the book. : )<BR/><BR/>lazy cow, you're right, we have to spell out the tasks we want others to do. Mostly they don't understand what's expected. <BR/><BR/>Louise, you hit the nail right on the head. I so agree with these words you wrote:<BR/>"I understand that they have a mental block about valuing housework, so they just don't get it: it's not about doing everything perfectly, it's about making the best possible use of the time you do spend on your home and taking pleasure in it." There are some who never will get it or even know that by getting it they will make homekeeping much easier on themselves.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-61911436013165520962007-07-23T13:34:00.000+10:002007-07-23T13:34:00.000+10:00Neisha, remember that it's not just your job to cl...Neisha, remember that it's not just your job to clean up. If you son is making a continual mess, maybe it's time to start showing him how to put things away too. Although the mother in me knows that's not going to be easy. I think you'll enjoy the book.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-38025609062814360342007-07-23T11:19:00.000+10:002007-07-23T11:19:00.000+10:00I bought this book three or so years ago, and was ...I bought this book three or so years ago, and was an instant fan. I have read almost the whole thing once, and the most interesting parts of it three or more times. It has really sunk into my psyche, and informs all my opinions about housework, even though I haven't referenced it for a year. When I have tried to introduce it to family and friends, to help explain to them why I am enthused about housework, I have invariably been told, in one way or another, that the author is a perfectionist and the book is ridiculous... I understand that they have a mental block about valuing housework, so they just don't get it: it's not about doing everything perfectly, it's about making the best possible use of the time you do spend on your home and taking pleasure in it. I never did think I would get over the 'chore' mentality, but I did, and it's partly due to this book. Although I must admit, I still have not gotten over cleaning the bathroom and toilet (especially showers! ugh!), and Cheryl Mendelson was awfully sparse on information when it comes to cleaning bathrooms...<BR/><BR/>PS I wanted the UK edition and the only one I found available was the softcover, in an awful lipstick pink and orange. I do wish I had found one in the UK hardcover like you have pictured, it's so much more pleasant to look at. Good thing it's the content that counts and not the cover!Louise Allanahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08601148979233747013noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8955796530484387962007-07-23T09:47:00.000+10:002007-07-23T09:47:00.000+10:00I love this book, and have borrowed it from the li...I love this book, and have borrowed it from the library several times (one day I'll get my own copy). My favourite section was the Grandmothers too. Irish and Italian, weren't they? Growing up, my (Yugoslav) mother wouldn't let her daughters lift a finger at home, and being lazy, we let her do everything. I'm not letting that happen with my children, who already know a lot of the housekeeping basics. It's very hard to 'clean up your room' if you don't know where to start, and what that actually means to the person who requests it. Does it mean put things away? Or dust/vacumn/sweep? Or Make your bed and throw everything underneath it? Or take EVERYTHING out of every drawer, cupboard, make more of a mess, and eventually have everything pristine for a day (that used to be my method!)lazy cowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10756448890246596503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67624300505605812742007-07-23T08:51:00.000+10:002007-07-23T08:51:00.000+10:00Well after reading all the posts regarding this su...Well after reading all the posts regarding this subject I packed the 3 and a half year oldup with his dad out in the shed to do boys stuff. I cleaned the house today, I also put up some framed pics of family on the walls and got some nice warm fuzzy things around. Its a new house and with so much finishing off to do. I cooked a big sunday feed and we all pigged out. <BR/>I think what I was trying to say earlier was that I dont just do once things a day its like 10 times as my 3 and a half year old boy likes messing up the place quite a lot.The pics up on the walls look fantastic. NeishaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25079454102200065232007-07-22T22:23:00.000+10:002007-07-22T22:23:00.000+10:00"This sense of being at home is important to every..."This sense of being at home is important to everyone's well-being. If you do not get enough of it, your happiness, resilience, energy, humor and courage will decrease."<BR/><BR/>Hmm... Now I have to read it!<BR/><BR/>Thanks for the recommendation.<BR/><BR/>--WildsideAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91782567204528421302007-07-22T21:06:00.000+10:002007-07-22T21:06:00.000+10:00As usual, you've inspired me Rhonda :-) Not that I...As usual, you've inspired me Rhonda :-) Not that I take much convincing to read another book ;-) But I'm like Neisha, I hate housework, I *really* feel like it's groundhog day every day, the constant monotony! What I *want* to be doing is playing with my kids and savouring their time at home as they grow up so fast! Clearly, I need something to change my mindset, and this might be it? Thanks, Julie.Minni Mumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05380570737780717931noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-40524191265513236292007-07-22T19:11:00.000+10:002007-07-22T19:11:00.000+10:00I have just reserved this book at my local library...I have just reserved this book at my local library, it sounds wonderful.<BR/>I actually quite like housework and over the years have been given many stares of disbelief when I have mentioned this fact.<BR/>I can't stand mess so the obvious thing to do is to keep things clean and tidy. For a long time I did this because I feared being judged for having a messy house but I realised that I really liked having an organized comfortable home for my family.<BR/>I am looking forward to reading this :)Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16907021712935423492noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-71158350335907173002007-07-22T14:53:00.000+10:002007-07-22T14:53:00.000+10:00I bought this book from Amazon when it first came ...I bought this book from Amazon when it first came out and was not available in Australia. They accidentally sent me two copies, one of which I gave to a friend (there was no way to post it back to the US). I'll have to have another look.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60015944355150309842007-07-22T14:07:00.000+10:002007-07-22T14:07:00.000+10:00I've just put a hold on this book at our library, ...I've just put a hold on this book at our library, if I like it as much as everyone else seems to then I will probably add it to my collection of books.<BR/><BR/>LennyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57548700866469125352007-07-22T13:25:00.000+10:002007-07-22T13:25:00.000+10:00Hello Kimberly, thanks for stopping by. That subt...Hello Kimberly, thanks for stopping by. That subtle difference between hospitality and entertaining is spot on and very insightful. <BR/><BR/>Jenny, I love the beginnings too. It's a wonderful book. I wish I had more than the library copy. The librarian must think I have the worst memory as I keep borrowing it. LOLRhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77142940574112867982007-07-22T12:55:00.000+10:002007-07-22T12:55:00.000+10:00This has been one of my favourite books for a long...This has been one of my favourite books for a long time, not so much for the how-tos but for the wonderful opening pages, "Beginnings".Jennyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06659929017085133209noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28969436293957894652007-07-22T12:06:00.000+10:002007-07-22T12:06:00.000+10:00I, too have this book. While its length is daunti...I, too have this book. While its length is daunting, it is so easy to read and filled with such delight in homekeeping that I always enjoy reading it. <BR/>I think one of the things I've learned over the years is the difference between hospitality and entertaining. To me, Martha Stewart is all about entertaining. I once heard a speaker say that hospitality is to bless, not to impress. What a subtle, but important difference! <BR/>I used to entertain and try to make everything perfect. All that I succeeded in doing was making myself nuts and intimidating the very people I wanted to have fill welcome. Now, I try to do things that will bless my guests and not worry about every little thing. As I have relaxed, so have my guests.<BR/>***<BR/>Thanks for visiting my blog. Abner was so excited to hear from your 'dales! Have a wonderful day!Kimberlyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03383635329315687176noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26945415678024743622007-07-22T10:56:00.000+10:002007-07-22T10:56:00.000+10:00Brenda, yes you can see she held them in very high...Brenda, yes you can see she held them in very high regard and there was a lot of love there.<BR/><BR/>Lisa, I hope you do find as much as I did in those pages. It will also give you a lot of info about homekeeping too.<BR/><BR/>bella, you've hit on an important point there. I have contact with a lot of homeless people in my volunatary job and I now realise they suffer not just from physically not having a home, but also from the psychological effects of that.Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21359445114646465572007-07-22T10:14:00.000+10:002007-07-22T10:14:00.000+10:00I find the time I use cleaning the house as reward...I find the time I use cleaning the house as rewarding as I can truly meditate and engage in pondering the world. To me it is like meditation. Also being a Cancerian means we do love our homes and nest and really are quite happy to have a reason to stay home. I have explored the philosophical reasoning of home and like the quote that "home is where you are understood". To further understand my connection to home I spent a few years without a home and I learnt so much---oh my God, compassion for those without homes; the homeless, refugees etc. Truly we should never take for granted the safety and security of a home.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6563795595703957642007-07-22T09:34:00.000+10:002007-07-22T09:34:00.000+10:00Although I have always wanted a comfortable home, ...Although I have always wanted a comfortable home, I too don't really enjoy housework as I see it as a "chore" that has to be done. I'm off to hunt for this book at my local library in the hope it will help to change my attitudeLishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00066863074405512584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36796222273465651882007-07-22T08:57:00.000+10:002007-07-22T08:57:00.000+10:00I loved the way she talked about her grandmothers ...I loved the way she talked about her grandmothers in this book.<BR/><BR/>She has to be one bright woman to be a Harvard grad, yet, a couple of grannys had such an influence.<BR/><BR/>Gives us all hope! :)<BR/><BR/>Great book, one I think is a must have for every home. I go back to it for reference quite often.Brenda@CoffeeTeaBookshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02719695370857675146noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-8414156609893200142007-07-22T08:35:00.000+10:002007-07-22T08:35:00.000+10:00Neisha, you might change your attitude after readi...Neisha, you might change your attitude after reading the book. Like most other things even a slight change in attitude leads to seeing housekeeping in a different and more favourable light.<BR/><BR/>Polly, thank you for telling me about the washing up I remember those posts we made about it. It makes me feel good to know I've helped a kindred spirit. : )Rhonda Jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00175785349529109084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-74864318615087471892007-07-22T08:22:00.000+10:002007-07-22T08:22:00.000+10:00I've finally come to understand the pleasures in h...I've finally come to understand the pleasures in housekeeping and it is partially due to you Rhonda encouraging me to appreciate dishwashing. I can't believe I actually enjoy it now. Housekeeping is no longer a dirty word to me. :-)<BR/><BR/>I'm going to find that book too.Pollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05445695027860122257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-34130628210416942932007-07-22T07:49:00.000+10:002007-07-22T07:49:00.000+10:00Rhonda, I might have to check out this book, you d...Rhonda, I might have to check out this book, you described me to a tee in the sense that I do not like house work and feel it is menial and boring. I get bored with doing the same things day in and day out, sort of like groundhog day. I do want a welcoming home and of course I want it clean. Im just busting to get outside most days to enjoy the garden. Thanks for the tip Ill see if the library has a copy Neisha.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com