tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post571826468995630257..comments2024-03-28T15:55:53.792+10:00Comments on down to earth: Surround yourself with good peopleUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-6680987169994940382015-02-19T20:24:51.190+10:002015-02-19T20:24:51.190+10:00Wonderful post Rhonda :) I am so grateful for such...Wonderful post Rhonda :) I am so grateful for such a wonderful online community of like minded people even if I can't physically find too many!! I'm gradually becoming more confident in our families choices and am even finding people thrilled with things we are doing - especially since having the chooks. <br />Warm regards, Jan x <br />p.s. that butter cake looks fabulous!!Jan (a gluttonous wife)https://www.blogger.com/profile/04980538485559579650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13959323687463085182015-02-18T23:42:35.303+10:002015-02-18T23:42:35.303+10:00Enjoying your blog, and being with like minded hel...Enjoying your blog, and being with like minded helps me a lot also, difficult to find us but we are out here. Finding my voice. I'm always amused when someone is surprised or cannot fathom that someone would want to make homemade bread, or crochet. My husband gets those comments, " Your wife makes bread?" That butter cake looks delicious, like what we call here pound cake. Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17808242476123222488noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35793604926379383002015-02-18T02:49:47.313+10:002015-02-18T02:49:47.313+10:00When we started living our simple life 37 years ag...When we started living our simple life 37 years ago it was in the middle of the back to the land movement of the 1970s. It is funny how things go in cycles. But this was very helpful to us as there were so many like minded people to talk with and learn from. Self sustaining and self sufficiency was the goal but most of us lived in the city so we did what we could - all gardened, cooked and baked from scratch, preserved our harvest, and learned different skills such as sewing, carpentry and animal husbandry. We took a lot of courses and also volunteered our time on farms, orchards and vineyards. <br /><br />Then there was a big gap from the middle 1980s and all through the 1990s, Many people abandoned the simple life and got caught up in the rat race. The reality was that as soon as our friends and neighbours started having children they realized that they needed a lot more money to provide healthcare, dentistry and education so they had to go back to steady and profitable employment. Going where the jobs were. <br /><br />The difference that I see in those working towards a simple life today as compared to the 1970s is that they see this as something that they will have to sustain forever because of the environmental impact that humans are having on the planet. They want their children and grandchildren to be happy, healthy and safe. The 1970s movement was more moving away from something (dropping out) as opposed to today which is moving towards something.<br /><br />I do enjoy talking to like minded people but also to those who are very different. You can always learn something new and take the opportunity to plant some seeds of your own.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09688443997034643095noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-43018199319615802172015-02-18T01:00:34.775+10:002015-02-18T01:00:34.775+10:00Great post Rhonda. I think it's wonderful tha...Great post Rhonda. I think it's wonderful that you felt you changed for the better yourself, as a result of your voluntary work. Spending time with the younger generation has helped me a lot over the years to not judge people so much. A few years ago I did the stitching sampler pattern you shared on your blog, and whenever I pass by it, the wording reminds me to try and be as kind a person as I can be. :)<br /><br />Connecting with like-minded people online has been a true blessing to me over the years.<br /><br />Many thanks for your note at the foot of this post, and for your encouragement and kind words by email. Sending you hugs, love, Tina xxAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-46995289088255691842015-02-17T21:56:46.862+10:002015-02-17T21:56:46.862+10:00This is a wonderful post. Our journeys have been ...This is a wonderful post. Our journeys have been similar in many ways.<br /><br />We too have experienced the loss in community that can come from changing the way we live and we too have rebuilt community in the ways you suggest. By volunteering with organizations of like-minded people, by doing community outreach through free classes, etc Most recently we started hosting monthly gatherings of people interested in sustainable living and that has been a success. Now every month a group of us (sometimes as few as six people, sometimes more than 20) will gather for a potluck supper and to share ideas, skills, tips, recipes and generally just to enjoy the company of people who don't think we're crazy. <br />I think the kinds of things you suggest are essential. Not only does it spread the message of sustainability but it helps folks like us avoid isolation and loneliness.<br />And of course the internet helps too. :) Thanks for taking the time to create and share this awesome blog.Billhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01640663629610290592noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-15850027628387716732015-02-17T17:15:37.140+10:002015-02-17T17:15:37.140+10:00I made a conscious effort to change to a more simp...I made a conscious effort to change to a more simple life and I love the journey. Interestingly it is within my family that I am considered a bit kooky. Not by all but a few. I do have friends who respect the life I have chosen even if they do not entirely understand why. But it is the online community that I love and where I get most of my strength to be true to myself.<br />kxxRapunzels Wild Gardenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04273047547787107088noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-22876605234815165352015-02-17T08:06:25.890+10:002015-02-17T08:06:25.890+10:00Hello, Granny Rhonda! :D
I'm an avid reader &...Hello, Granny Rhonda! :D<br /><br />I'm an avid reader & fan of your blog for 3 years now. I learn so much from your posts! Been following a handful of them. Been dreaming of having my own herb garden. Will work on it once baby is a lot bigger. He is 9 months old. Hubby and I share the same values of simple living. We're a young family with 'olden time' values in this modern age.<br /><br />Thank you for your generosity & inspiration! I continue to pray for your & Opa Hanno's good health. May God continue to bless your beautiful & loving family. ♥ Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16302356996455590181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-13497001258524304942015-02-17T06:32:07.613+10:002015-02-17T06:32:07.613+10:00Loved this post. Your community centre sounds awes...Loved this post. Your community centre sounds awesome! Blogs and articles online is where I go to now for support and knowing I'm not alone in how I think and want to live. Having a busy family life and raising my young kids doesn't provide a lot of time to volunteer. I am looking forward to when they are older and I have a bit more time for just me so I can volunteer. I am part of my kids school council and it is great to talk with other parents who want to cut down packaging, encouraging composting at the school and supporting a school garden so that the students can learn about gardening. Small steps.Meredithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08721621676698279333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26905385556710969092015-02-17T06:30:15.492+10:002015-02-17T06:30:15.492+10:00A great post Rhonda. I really admire you and empa...A great post Rhonda. I really admire you and empathise with much you write. Take care, J9 xJ9sHappinesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16584533113770166401noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-73242837079393291242015-02-17T06:05:05.945+10:002015-02-17T06:05:05.945+10:00I know exactly what you mean.. The more we life se...I know exactly what you mean.. The more we life self sufficient, the less friends we seem to keep. Shame!<br />But I know we are doing the right thing for our family, so we're going strong!. One day we will look around and say; yes.. we've lost a couple of friends back than, but look at all those people who are around us now and think the same way as we do. And Rhonda, I truly have to say.. It is already starting; we do have made new 'eco-friends'. Thanks for sharing this post!<br /><br />Love from HollandCrafts 'n' Skillshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04627513810584088023noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-69471623628060704922015-02-17T01:10:44.919+10:002015-02-17T01:10:44.919+10:00A lovely inspirational post. It has taken me a wh...A lovely inspirational post. It has taken me a while to find like minded families but since we have started to home educate we have met quite a few. I still keep in touch with a few of the adults from my pre children days but it is good to spend time with parents too. sustainablemumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04099701194160334671noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-39255858843001867002015-02-16T21:16:52.994+10:002015-02-16T21:16:52.994+10:00Yes, it really helps to join in with other people ...Yes, it really helps to join in with other people and if you can help them in the process then so much the better. Of course, by helping other people we also find that they are helping us too.Gillianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13234219836891799676noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-11518310407329019252015-02-16T20:12:10.731+10:002015-02-16T20:12:10.731+10:00I have learnt so much from reading books and blogs...I have learnt so much from reading books and blogs on the subject of mindful living. I like the way they make you stop and consider your own actions. I'm also passionate about local businesses and local projects and I try to do the majority of my shopping with the independent retailers on the high street, not the chain stores. Thank you for such an interesting post. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-72885603072038401242015-02-16T19:29:30.320+10:002015-02-16T19:29:30.320+10:00Great post, as always, and very relevant in this d...Great post, as always, and very relevant in this day and age. We all need to make more connections! Thank you for letting us know about Tina as I was wondering what had happened there. Hope she makes it back soon xx<br />Morganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10875708145472914122noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60405767750194842172015-02-16T18:31:08.816+10:002015-02-16T18:31:08.816+10:00I really admire how you always seem to act first a...I really admire how you always seem to act first and talk about it later - very motivational. I know lots of people that are yackers and not doers - boring much. I aspire to emulate your approach instead.poggeauxhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00754636457782658089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66712927289696624462015-02-16T14:21:11.505+10:002015-02-16T14:21:11.505+10:00Hi Rhonda,
I have joined my local sustainable liv...Hi Rhonda,<br /><br />I have joined my local sustainable living group. It's a wonderful group of like-minded people and many connections and friendships are forged within the group. I certainly feel less isolated since becoming a part of it. <br /><br />My son gardens at the local community garden, and finds the sense of community wonderful. He's only 12, and I think it's great he discovered on his own that 'it takes a village to raise a child'. It's an activity that he does without me that really gives him something special.<br /><br />Madeleine.xAussie Connoisseurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02668698720239626709noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58884508000884403062015-02-16T14:17:27.133+10:002015-02-16T14:17:27.133+10:00One word... INSPIRATIONAL!One word... INSPIRATIONAL!Vickihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16023748614942747415noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-21176914166363956722015-02-16T13:28:10.716+10:002015-02-16T13:28:10.716+10:00Indeed, we have gotten a lot of snide remarks from...Indeed, we have gotten a lot of snide remarks from family, friends and strangers alike since we tried to live this path. I used to be bothered by it but slowly I am learning to let it just pass. I see no point in justifying myself anymore (not even to myself, if that makes any sense!). I just have to remember that we choose to live this way, and we are happier for it.<br /><br />Today I have submitted my application to volunteer at my daughter's primary school. Itisnot much, I know, but a few hours here and there is all I may be able to manage with a new baby on the wayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-58166889867785332552015-02-16T13:03:26.283+10:002015-02-16T13:03:26.283+10:00I don't usually read the paper but I just read...I don't usually read the paper but I just read a very heart-warming story about a family who cycled along the Australian East Coast living on whatever they could forage for their food and they certainly had a lot of connection with community along the way. What an experience. I do apologies if it's not ok to post here. http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2015/01/14/4162345.htm chrystalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08900316248046826194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-85579613264443766132015-02-16T12:39:08.744+10:002015-02-16T12:39:08.744+10:00Since I retired a couple of years ago I have...Since I retired a couple of years ago I have enjoyed being much more self sufficient, and also connecting with our neighbors who share similar interests . That can take a while but is so worthwhile I also feel less pressure to spend and support consumerism now that I am out of the workforce. Nice post Rhonda.Happy Retiree's Kitchenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10614074474795791475noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-57938520477174133532015-02-16T12:37:39.283+10:002015-02-16T12:37:39.283+10:00Rhonda that was a lovely post to read and how you ...Rhonda that was a lovely post to read and how you got satisfaction from helping people at the Community Centre and your interests at home. On the cucumber post above...last year was the first time we grew cucumbers and they were delicious. My daughter pulled the first one off (she was 8 then) and she said "Mum, can I do the honours"..... in other words can I cut it up instead of you....it was so sweet. She cuts cucumbers and has two extra ones which she puts on her eyes (hiliarious). We are growing them now and should have our first in about a week. Regards Kathy A, BrisbaneKathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13278810299840471966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-28687287770398994812015-02-16T12:35:53.622+10:002015-02-16T12:35:53.622+10:00I want to say if I could only read one blog it wou...I want to say if I could only read one blog it would be yours....thank you.ain't for city galshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14938751007704247232noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26051131060051703922015-02-16T11:59:33.865+10:002015-02-16T11:59:33.865+10:00I really loved this post Rhonda. All of it. It j...I really loved this post Rhonda. All of it. It just resonated with me. <br /><br />xxEmma Christianhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08500696381837942950noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-66160916466932442422015-02-16T11:09:21.548+10:002015-02-16T11:09:21.548+10:00So true, we have met so many like minded folk and ...So true, we have met so many like minded folk and it is so nice not to have to listen to things we are simply no longer interested in! They also have lots of experience and we have some experience and all together we know quite a bit!! Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for these friends!Kathyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18209722078916803400noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35043552159104292162015-02-16T09:47:22.610+10:002015-02-16T09:47:22.610+10:00Mary, I love growing cucumbers. Home grown and str...Mary, I love growing cucumbers. Home grown and straight off the vine are nothing like the bland cucumbers you buy. Most of the time we grow the small Lebanese cucs. They're great in salads and pickles. But I have grown the delicious heirloom Richmond Green Apple cucumber as well. If you can find it - I think Diggers have it, it's worthwhile adding to your garden. Good luck with your gardening.rhonda jeanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08962112306968959985noreply@blogger.com