tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post7323946118148567228..comments2024-03-29T19:22:11.409+10:00Comments on down to earth: Simple Livng Series - Making the life you wantUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-75000652143785692862010-02-05T03:28:51.761+10:002010-02-05T03:28:51.761+10:00I came across your blog today. I am really enjoyin...I came across your blog today. I am really enjoying reading through your posts.<br />I have been making lots of changes in my home lately and have been doing a lot of thinking on how I eat and live. I don't want to be materialistic and I want to feed my family well. I have come across the Nourishing Traditions recently and have been trying recipes from it. It is a great book with lots of good information. <br />I also have been making changes to go green with my cleaning, rethinking how I celebrate Christmas and other celebrations so as not to be materialistic, and just thinking about how to live simply and not trying to keep up to the world's expectations. <br />BUT, I struggle with the issue of time among a few other things. I have two young children and we have three days of the week that I like to take them out for activities. So beyond this housecleaning, cooking and some volunteering I feel I don't have time to make all the changes I want.<br />So, then I think are all these times out of the house necessary...one I have yet to decide. I love for them to learn swimming, going to storytime and having interaction with our children. I also like time out with other mom's. <br />So much I am thinking about these days...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-25886427136412786522010-01-15T01:29:32.545+10:002010-01-15T01:29:32.545+10:00This is a great post and I look forward to reading...This is a great post and I look forward to reading your blog. <br /><br />www.nonprofitarian.comCarriehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14609147500784510509noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-90187259040543611592010-01-14T07:15:06.473+10:002010-01-14T07:15:06.473+10:00"And don't live your life according to mi..."And don't live your life according to mine, think about what you want and custom make the life you want."<br /><br />I think those words of yours are just as important as the rest of what your wrote. We all need to realize that simplifying will look different on each of us. No one life will look like another...nor should it.<br /><br />Too often, we tend to think that the way we do things is the "right way", and that everyone who isn't on the page we are on is wrong.<br /><br />But we all have different goals and preferences, so we will not all want the same things...and that is okay.<br /><br />For example, we now live with one vehicle. That will not work for everyone, I know, and it would be wrong of me to tell others that they should only have one car if they want to live a simple life.<br /><br />Also, I don't enjoy planting a garden. After doing it for 3 years, because I was told I MUST plant a garden if I wanted to live a more simple life, I have admitted to myself that I HATE it. It robs me of peace and joy and, therefore, does not simplify my life. Shopping at the farmers' market, however, IS relaxing and calming...and simplifies.<br /><br />So, while we can learn from one another, we have to remember that we don't have to do exactly as they do. WE need to do what works for our family.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />PattiPatti https://www.blogger.com/profile/12931836399684850729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-24781673662981539432010-01-14T07:05:25.204+10:002010-01-14T07:05:25.204+10:00Thanks for your post. With the birth of my daught...Thanks for your post. With the birth of my daughter in August, my wife and I decided that we needed to make a change in our lives, not just for us but for our daughter.<br /><br />I have done the exercise you describe and it is great advice. I have also recently started my own blog and I must say it keeps me honest and motivated towards my family's goals.<br /><br />Thanks again for this post and your blog. I will be visiting often on my own jjourney to a simpler life.<br /><br />JoeJoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01793673735601563920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-60796728052860062862010-01-14T06:52:54.919+10:002010-01-14T06:52:54.919+10:00I just found your blog and like other readers find...I just found your blog and like other readers find it very inspirational. I recently had a baby girl and my wife and I decided to change our own lifestyle, with me leaving my day job and staying home with my daughter.<br /><br />My wife and I have always wanted to live simply, but have gotten caught up in the trials of day to day life and have fallen back on convenient habits that are not good for ourselves or the world.<br /><br />I am also blogging about my experience as well. I find that this keeps me honest and motivates me to turn my attention away from the television and start to focus on what I really want.<br /><br />Thanks again for your thoughts and your posts. I will be coming back often!<br /><br />JoeJoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01793673735601563920noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-33959896070979491032010-01-13T12:27:32.844+10:002010-01-13T12:27:32.844+10:00You are such an inspiration. Thank youYou are such an inspiration. Thank youbrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02459909344601498612noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-87656537493866900862010-01-13T08:45:44.372+10:002010-01-13T08:45:44.372+10:00I took your advice and this morning I wrote out my...I took your advice and this morning I wrote out my dream. Now I will take it one day and one point at a time to make my dream a reality.<br /><br />Thankyou. ----KrystalAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77280356161855543812010-01-13T08:14:36.522+10:002010-01-13T08:14:36.522+10:00Your blog is truly inspirational once againYour blog is truly inspirational once againHelenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02580129483216377578noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51490453501805924352010-01-13T07:21:23.183+10:002010-01-13T07:21:23.183+10:00I really like this post. I think this will be my j...I really like this post. I think this will be my journal entry for tonight. Writing down how I want to live and the dot points on how to make that happen makes it more of a possibility than an idea. We have been making many changes in our lifestyle and that of our kids(who don't care for our "old fashion" values). I think this will give me a guideline to follow to continue with our journy to a simpler life.Domestic Goddesshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15460796074640596194noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-84160608846682534282010-01-13T02:18:38.240+10:002010-01-13T02:18:38.240+10:00PS. I also want to thank you for recommending '...PS. I also want to thank you for recommending 'The Encyclopedia for Country Living'. It got a lot of bad reviews on amazon.ca, so I was a tad worried about whether it would be useful. The next day you mentioned what a good book it was, so I went out on a limb and bought it. I'm so glad I did.The Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-77916955629001107902010-01-13T02:16:35.714+10:002010-01-13T02:16:35.714+10:00Oh Miss Rhonda, this was a lovely, lovely post tod...Oh Miss Rhonda, this was a lovely, lovely post today! It was especially encouraging to me. Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to write your blog- I always look forward to reading what you have to say. <br />Before I even found your blog I was doing what you described- sort of stumbling along, and figuring out what worked and what didn't. I new step I've taken is 'disposing of disposables', and instead making my own cloths. I can't tell you how satisfied and joyful I felt washing dishes with a little dishcloth that I had made, or when I saw an apple pie on the counter that came from my kitchen instead of the store! The simple things in life really are the best things. Thanks again, I'm enjoying your series.<br />The Girl in the Pink DressThe Girl in the Pink Dresshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00250837836714463827noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-35388863472723302632010-01-13T00:58:38.735+10:002010-01-13T00:58:38.735+10:00Looking forward to the budgeting post - perfect ti...Looking forward to the budgeting post - perfect timing since DH and I are sitting down tomorrow to do the budget!Megshttp://muddyfingersmeg.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-88669861288118709842010-01-13T00:45:03.186+10:002010-01-13T00:45:03.186+10:00I love your blog! I have an itty-bitty yard, but ...I love your blog! I have an itty-bitty yard, but hope to do more gardening next year (it's the dead of Winter where I am in the US). For now, I'm only dreaming of the growing season. *sigh*<br /><br />Thanks for the posts!Christyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00541785088428353355noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-30745013698679561152010-01-12T23:08:40.517+10:002010-01-12T23:08:40.517+10:00Reskilling! That's the word! As I bumble thr...Reskilling! That's the word! As I bumble through this "simplified" life, I've found it requires all kinds of things I don't know how to do. For me, acquiring new skills is probably the most satisfying part of all this. At 46, I'm past my physical peak, and it feels wonderful to be getting better at something. Thanks for putting a name to the process.Tamar@StarvingofftheLandhttp://www.starvingofftheland.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-51510802247761407242010-01-12T22:52:11.099+10:002010-01-12T22:52:11.099+10:00I think a good way to go about it is to work out w...I think a good way to go about it is to work out what you need most. For us, with two little ones in nappies, it was to start out on cloth nappies (although we've temporarily switched to disposables because we're moving house and packing). <br /><br />Then, I needed a good hair gel, so I started making my own flaxseed hair gel.<br /><br />It just kind of snowballs as it gets addictive, really.Hear Mum Roarhttp://www.hearmumroar.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-91797616558550488652010-01-12T22:49:09.298+10:002010-01-12T22:49:09.298+10:00And in return, your blog and some others have been...And in return, your blog and some others have been so inspiring to me that I start to live moe and more simple by the day...Happiness is a decision you make, and has nothing to do with a new pair of shoes each week!shandorahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13945627419311409453noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-14527712020778526022010-01-12T22:36:17.294+10:002010-01-12T22:36:17.294+10:00A lovely post, Rhonda! It's all about taking ...A lovely post, Rhonda! It's all about taking small steps, not changing everything at once. Start out by deciding to stop using paper plates or napkins, then knit a dishcloth or bake a loaf of bread. When you start with one or two things a month and continually add on, your life will start to transform almost seamlessly. Can't wait for your budgeting post tomorrow!Jennifernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80102346545347008752010-01-12T21:01:49.555+10:002010-01-12T21:01:49.555+10:00Thanks for that Rhonda. I like the idea of a state...Thanks for that Rhonda. I like the idea of a statement of intention. I will give it a lot of thought and then put pen to paper.<br /><br />Blessings Gail.gailhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11474172270399240621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-82495265566827857002010-01-12T19:32:27.470+10:002010-01-12T19:32:27.470+10:00Thank you for sharing this post .... I have been w...Thank you for sharing this post .... I have been writing down bits and pieces I have found on your blog and the forum but today you summarised it so simply. <br />You're generosity in sharing your talent is greatly appreciated.<br />Hugs<br />Manola xo<br />Townsville QLDManola Chongnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-26266592721385188382010-01-12T16:35:37.828+10:002010-01-12T16:35:37.828+10:00I have been following your blog, since hearing you...I have been following your blog, since hearing your interview on Radio National and your thoughts and comments ring true with us (my husband Michael and myself). <br />We decided to retire early and move out of the city (Brisbane) and here to Burrum Heads, which is north of Hervey Bay in Queensland. <br />This week will mark 9 years since our move, and we have not regretted our decision or our change in lifestyle. <br />As we were having breakfast this morning (after our morning walk), it felt good to look at the table and say - homemade yoghurt, mangoes from the trees, homemade bread, homemade Brazilian Cherry Jam - free range eggs. <br />What more could you ask for!!<br /><br />Our property is 2 1/2 acres - we don't have town water or sewerage, which we believe is a bonus these days - grow vegies, have lots of fruit trees and of course, our "girls" who produce the delicious free range eggs. <br />Suppose I am lucky in that I have always cooked, and enjoy the pastime.<br />Our big shop is every 4/5 weeks when we go into Hervey Bay, and shop locally if we run out of things.<br />This year we made another step forward and have opened a separate Pensioner account for our Bills.<br />Michael had calculated what our expenses would be for the year - rates, electricity, gas, car registration, insurance, phone bill etc. and by transferring so much a fortnight from our pension into this account, we feel this will make our budgetting a bit more manageable.<br />When you make the decision to change your lifestyle, the feeling of accomplishment kicks in.burrumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07240589905999881195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-16771315113978563942010-01-12T13:40:38.851+10:002010-01-12T13:40:38.851+10:00I love your blog. I only discovered it a few days ...I love your blog. I only discovered it a few days ago, but it's fascinating!<br /><br />I was raised in a very simple lifestyle. My parents had goats, we never wore new clothes, only thrifted or what my mother sewed for us, we were homeschooled and my mom made everything from scratch on an old wood cook stove. Later we had more modern amenities, but my parents insisted that we learn the basics because these are the skills that are necessary if things go down the drain.<br /><br />These days, living in Guatemala, I find myself going back to those skills that were taught. I'm homeschooling my sons, trying to put in a garden (I have a black thumb) and making things from scratch. It's truly a wonderful way to go and far more fulfilling than purchasing everything. Thanks to my father's teaching, I have never been in debt and that has been a huge blessing for our family!<br /><br />Really looking forward to reading more of your blog!Expat Momhttp://expatmom.infonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-36961310151802308902010-01-12T12:43:15.818+10:002010-01-12T12:43:15.818+10:00Though I got a lot out of what you wrote, the thin...Though I got a lot out of what you wrote, the thing that came across so strongly to me is that I need to re-think my definition of succcess. That's deep! It's also so hard! So many of my friends (and even some family) that I've had since childhood think my new ways of doing things are strange. That hurts sometimes. I guess I'm having some 'growing pains' :) Thank you for the encouragment, as usual!!!Dana Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08320560308207668927noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-67431591229613663862010-01-12T11:46:21.652+10:002010-01-12T11:46:21.652+10:00I'm working my way through "Your Money or...I'm working my way through "Your Money or Your Life" right now. Your blog and books like that really make you think about how we live our lives. It's great to have such resources out there.I've been thinking a lot more lately, and making actual changes, about how I want my life to be. I just totalled up how much I've spent on my yoga hobby in the last six months. Let's just say I'm cutting WAY back--it's exceeds the amount of fulfillment I get from it because I prefer a solitary practice anyway. That's just one example of becoming aware of the choices I make.Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696349282379608085noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-83676207849858657782010-01-12T11:15:13.099+10:002010-01-12T11:15:13.099+10:00Once again you have spread encouragement and inspi...Once again you have spread encouragement and inspiration. Thank you for the time, heart and soul that you put into each and every one of your posts.<br /><br />Your blog has been a God-send to me. DH and I have been living a simple life for many, many years, but it is not 'normal' and we have been looked down on for living this way. We are not in debt and we are thankful for so much.<br /><br />We are all unique individuals, and living a simple life will be different for each of us.<br /><br />Last year brought a big reduction in income so we've had to tighten our belts and really look at things as to what is really important. I feel that even though I am about to turn 61, I am not to old to improve our life style, tweaking it to make it even better than it was and I am grateful for your blog.<br /><br />Love and hugs ~ FlowerLadyFlowerLady Lorrainehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17678852154334714784noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5089828552519076506.post-80255163317311415692010-01-12T11:01:36.403+10:002010-01-12T11:01:36.403+10:00I am in love with your blog. It is so inspiring an...I am in love with your blog. It is so inspiring and encouraging. I am just at the beginning of this journey and could you all the info I can get. Again thanks for sharing all of this. I started crocheting wash cloths last night.<br />Blessings<br />DianeAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10214322750183022876noreply@blogger.com