Harvey and I enjoyed a few afternoons/evenings on the deck this past week. We listened to the birds, had wonderful talks and made some plans regarding the yard. Not so much the house, but at least the yard. I told him that this year I would be concentrating on more fruit producing plants as well as perennials. He seems to be fine with that. Also told him I would probably be trying to forage a bit more, and would love to have him join me. I got a shoulder shrug on that one, we shall see.
I would love an orchard type yard, but I believe Harvey would miss his garden a great deal. I love the produce, but not so much the picking and processing for winter's use. Perhaps this year I will dehydrate a bit more and freeze a bit less.
Decluttering has slowed down, and I hope it picks up. There are a few more summer type dresses and pants that need to be worn to see if I still like the fit, and the comfort. I am leaning towards more skirts and dresses as I age. I find them way more comfortable and easier to wear now. They are much easier to sew as well and believe it or not, if I can find fabric on sale much less expensive to sew than purchase lately. They are also better made.
With rising costs around the world, we all need to stop and think about what is important to us. In my case it is family, especially my immediate family and our health and well being. It isn't that we could not afford to do anything we really want to do, rather it is a leaving behind of things that no longer really matter. I would love to help our boys more, make our home an oasis of joy, love and simplicity, as well as just be more of who we really are. This is what I am going to strive for, and those in this extended family that think I am turning into a hippy or a radical can stuff it.
Everybody have a wonderful evening.
God bless.
I love your goals - especially the ones of home and family. Simple and calm is so much better and if that is hippy - oh well. It sure feels good.
ReplyDeleteYour last paragraph is exactly where my mind is at. Sure, I want to travel and experience new things, but nothing compares to a happy gathering with my kids, siblings, or friends. Feeling content is free, but is not without effort in ignoring the outside noises. Take care!
ReplyDeleteYour time outside on the deck sounds lovely, Jackie. I too would love to have some fruit producing tree here. I wanted to plant an apple tree in memory of my grandfather who passed await in 2009, but my Dad didn’t want to, so we didn’t, but looking back I sure wish I had.
ReplyDeleteBelinda
Yeah, who cares what they think! They can stuff it! 😄
ReplyDeleteWell, we seem to be in maintenance mode and I'm cleaning and decluttering. I have the time now before I start my new endeavor in June and even then, I' ll still have more time than before. Our waterfall has a leak so that needs to get fixed and that's the husbands job. He hopes ( he actually likes doing this) to start next week.
We always take time to go out and visit places - these small town museums are free and surprisingly good.
I don't think you are a hippy or a radical, you are just getting rid of the dead wood. If others want to continue humping theirs around with them then that's their problem.
ReplyDeleteI get raised eyebrows from our daughter often, when I suggest our plans for a simpler life, she is still full on show home style. Sadly we have very few material shops local and the cost per meter here makes it cheaper to purchase readymade garments.
ReplyDeletehaha - 'stuff it' - my attitude exactly!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you've decided on a good plan to ease the work load, thats my sort of plans too.. I find wearing dresses much more comfortable these days..
ReplyDeleteYes, you do you Jackie. Being authentic is really the best way to be. You have your priorities right, so that is the main thing.
ReplyDelete“stuff it” Priceless! We are all in different seasons, what worked for you 15 years ago no longer serves. It is a progression, a journey off the hamster wheel! We change, evolve everyday, I’m here for it. Being a better me, comfortable where I am, as you are also. You made me laugh out loud because nobody asked them! Faith@FarmhouseWorthy
ReplyDeleteDear Jackie, you are absolutely right! We need to prioritize and focus on the most important things in life.
ReplyDeleteI love it too. The stuff it comment.
ReplyDeleteI've long given up caring what others think and don't have time to waste on explaining myself or spending time with naysayers. The older I get, the more settled I become.
Wear those dresses, homemade or not!