Monday Musings.

Self-sufficient.  Self-sustaining.  I wonder, is sufficient enough?  Is sustaining just the minimum?  Should we be self-thriving?  There are times when I feel that this is all such a struggle, and what is it for in the end?  I think that part of the joy for me is the process - the learning of new things; the challenges.  Can I stop at the store and buy a bottle of vanilla extract?  Of course.  But I would rather make my own.  A lot of the things I have learned have been out of necessity.  I am a one-income family and my time is spread pretty thin.  That combination is ripe for self-instruction!  I can't call the vet for every injection, so I learned how to do it myself.  Clogged drains, rodent problems, plumbing problems, holes in the wall, broken thises and thats, I call me. 

I am not a doom-and-gloom, end-of-the-world type.  I am ever hopeful.  A long time ago, I decided that this type of outlook was way healthier for me and I'm sticking to it.  I have gone through a lot to get where I am today, and I would like to think that I am getting close to self-thriving.  I would like to think that I am pretty much up to any challenge - because I'm not afraid of failing.  Joel Salatin gave a great example in his latest book about a baby just beginning to stand on her own - she struggles up on her own two feet, then teeters and falls back down.  Her parents and grandparents cheer her on - they are so proud!  Do they say, "Rosemary, if you can't stand up correctly, just go sit down".  (I am flagrantly paraphrasing).  It seems to me that we all tend to lose our cheering section as we get older.  Hell's bells - if you don't have one, create your own cheering section!  There is nothing wrong with feeling proud of what you can do, no matter what it is.  I don't trail regrets behind me like Marley's chains because I believe that things happen for a reason.  Sometimes that reason eludes you for years...other times, it's pretty obvious.  If this path I've chosen becomes an onerous and unhappy trek, then I'll stop and reassess.  Otherwise, I'm going to enjoy the journey and any twists and turns still left in it.

Last, but not least - Day #7

If money were no object, I would buy hundreds of this book and stand on a street corner and hand them out.  That's how much I liked this book.  I realize that it pretty much is singing to the choir here, but don't most of us need to have our fundamental beliefs reinforced every now and again?  Especially if our beliefs aren't necessarily flowin' with the mainstream, if you know what I mean.

Topic of today's comment:  What is the one thing you would do to make the world a better place?  Me?  I would make it a law that we all MUST be kind to ourselves and each other, and eat more kale.  Love, Susan "Pollyanna" e-i-e-i-OMG.  (I know, I know, that's two things.)

Congratulations to the winner of the Day #6 giveaway (drum roll):  DFW!!  Please send your mailing information to me at swomersley at gmail dot com.  (All information I receive stays with me and is strictly confidential.)

It's Official.

I have yammered on 500 times.  Of course, that is no surprise to those who know me.  But this blog has just been a joy for me - sharing the chaos of my life with those nice readers who have managed to stick with me through all the eye-rolling events.  I swear it's like a warm, virtual hug.

So, to thank you all for being there when I needed you, for listening to my rants and musings, for propping me up when I sagged, I am having a Whambang Giveaway!

I had picked out six great reads for homesteaders* (and homesteaders-at-heart), when Jordan donated a seventh great book!  It is now the Whambang-est Giveaway!!!  The books will be given away over seven days to seven lucky winners.  Here's how it works:

Each day leave a comment about the topic du jour.  You do not have to 'like' me on Facebook, since I never go there.  You do not have to stick me with a Pinterest (ouch).  Just leave a comment on the topic.  Or within spitting distance of the topic.  Starting today and for the next six days, I will choose a winner from each day's comments for the book of the day and announce the winner the next day.  (Cut-off time for each day's entry is midnight.)  Clear as mud?  You have SEVEN chances to win!  Here's the line-up:

Today:

Simply in Season (World Community Cookbook) - a wonderful collection of recipes by the season, using seasonal food.  I sat down with it to mark my favorites with Post-it notes and, when I was done, the top of the book looked like a neon porcupine!

Day #2

The Gentle Art of Domesticity - Although there is nothing gentle about MY domesticity, this is a lovely little book with lots of beautiful colors and ideas.

Day #3

The Backyard Homesteader - How I LOVE this book!  Backyard or back-forty, this book has so much great information in it, you may not need another book ever!

Day #4

Sew U - The Built by Wendy Guide to Making Your Own Wardrobe - It has patterns and everything!  It's great for both novice and experienced sewers. 

Day #5

The Encyclopedia of Country Living - aka The Homesteader's Bible.  There is nothing more I can add - this book can see you through the apocalypse.  Zombies?  No problem.  'Possum for dinner?  Covered.  (If not, it should be - you never know...)

Day #6

Thanks to Jordan, we now have a very well-rounded selection of must-have books!  I have used How to Build Animal Housing as a reference countless times.  There are tons of ideas and clear instructions in this book.

Day #7

The book I couldn't put down.  Joel Salatin's Foks, this ain't normal.  I can't say more than I've already said.  And even that's not enough.

Today's Topic:  What was your most 'local' meal?  (Mine was a salad from my garden, roast lemon chicken (both home-raised), with my potatoes, my green beans, and topped off with baked apples from my neighbor, with maple syrup from another neighbor and homemade butter from my Jasmine...)  Leave your comment below to be entered in the drawing for Day #1's book!

So, there you are.  And thank you, again, for letting me go on and on and on.  I send you all a virtual hug!  And, if you're ever in the neighborhood, stop by for a real one. xoxo

*Disclaimer:  I am NOT MaryJane, Martha or Ree, so these are most likely gently used books - there are no sponsors coming out of the cupboards...I am just helping spread the word.

Preachin' to the Choir - Why it's good for your soul.

I ran across a glowing tribute to Joel Salatin's book, "Folks, this ain't normal" on a blog (and darned if I can  find it now - pipe up if it was you!) and thought that it was perfect timing for me to read something that spoke my language.  99% of the political speeches broadcast over the airwaves sure don't.  Many family members and some friends think I'm nuts to live like I do - and do the things that I do.  And since I've been feeling a little like the can that's kicked down the road lately (do kids kick cans anymore?), reading this book has been a tonic.

One of the (many) things I like and admire about Joel Salatin is his belief that it is a good thing to read opinions that are contrary to one's own.  I cannot agree more (although, I do draw the line at Rush Limbaugh).  And, while I don't agree with everything Joel Salatin does, I do agree with almost all of what he believes.  I can't recommend this book highly enough.  It's an eye-opener for those who don't fully grasp the true meaning of being environmentally 'friendly'.  And, in a way, it's a startling presentation of how far away we are from being sustainable, safe, and normal.

On the dust jacket, the New York Times (a paper I no longer read - it's gone off the deep end and the typos are atrocious) touts Joel Salatin as "The High Priest of the Pasture."  After shouting "Hallelujah!!!" after each chapter, I couldn't agree more.