| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Greenwoman |
Posted - Feb 21 2011 : 09:26:32 AM
Hello! We are all reading the book Radical Homemakers: Reclaiming Domesticity from a Consumer Culture by Shannon Hayes. The plan is to discuss one chapter per week, starting today, February 21.
Of course this week we're including the preface with Chapter 1, because the preface is short but thought provoking (in my opinion).
So, I've never done an on line reading group before, but I guess we begin with thoughts on the chapter, and any bits that really stood out for us? I'll post some of my thoughts in later posts, but I wanted to open up the floor so we can get started.
So, Preface and Chapter 1--what did y'all think?
Michelle
http://greenwoman.wordpress.com |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - May 20 2011 : 04:17:52 AM
Guess what arrived at the library? And I don't even think I will have time to read it either. 
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
|
| FieldsofThyme |
Posted - May 03 2011 : 2:44:27 PM
quote:
Originally posted by textilelover
Is anyone still reading? I finished the first half, but I'm waiting for others to read the rest. Greenwoman, are you still with us? Dianne
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci
I'm still waiting on a copy from our library.
Farmgirl #800
http://pioneerwomanatheart.blogspot.com/
http://scrapreusedandrecycledartprojects.blogspot.com/
|
| vintagediva1 |
Posted - Apr 02 2011 : 06:26:01 AM
I have a copy of this book. Who wants it. If you'll pay postage ( about 3.00 book rate) I'll send it along. Read it when it first ccame out and I loved it.
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
www.sissyandsisterstitch.etsy.com
www.dreamingofsprintime.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Apr 01 2011 : 12:49:32 PM
Thank you, Tina, I will check it out.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| blessedhomemaker |
Posted - Apr 01 2011 : 08:42:36 AM
I found this page and wondered if any of these links may be helpful to you. My 9yo is a diabetic ,too.So, we know it is expensive.HTH!
http://www.freediabetestestsupplies.com/free-diabetes-test-supplies-assistance/
quote:
Originally posted by Catherine L
I would quit my job right now if it wasn't for health insurance. My husband if diabetic and his supplies are so expensive. He is self-employed so doesn't have insurance through his job. I am going to do some research about the insurance possibilities, because I sure do want to be home taking care of as much as I can. In the mean time I will be doing what I can and sharpening my skills.
In the book some of the people had a very low view of the importance of home and taking care of things there. I think if we look at our society and consider where we have come to, since a large number of women left the home, we would see how our families and children have suffered.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428
~Tina
My food blog~
http://mysimplenorthernkitchen.blogspot.com
Psalm 62:5~ Find rest, O my soul, In God alone; my hope comes from him.
|
| Catherine L |
Posted - Mar 31 2011 : 08:45:50 AM
I am still here, but have lost track of where we are in the book.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| textilelover |
Posted - Mar 30 2011 : 03:54:07 AM
Is anyone still reading? I finished the first half, but I'm waiting for others to read the rest. Greenwoman, are you still with us? Dianne
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| TeresaJ25 |
Posted - Mar 28 2011 : 6:25:58 PM
I need to read this book.
~Teresa
Farmgirl Sister #1348
*Anyone can criticize and complain and predict doom and gloom.
Be the person who fills the room with sunshine! |
| pnickols |
Posted - Mar 23 2011 : 05:18:50 AM
I was reading this book also and i like Dianne's comments about self sufficiency. It is scary how many people especially young people cannot do anything for themselves, even basic things let alone make soap or sew their own clothes and such. I think it would be a healthier, calmer way of life and probably elimanate a lot of medical problems as well. all these poor little kids rushing around to everything and eating crap with chemicals and they all have asthma, allergies and ADD |
| msdoolittle |
Posted - Mar 21 2011 : 07:11:13 AM
I don't yet have the book, but have been wanting it before it was even released. Can't wait to find it secondhand!
Yes, as a child of the late 70s, it was all about going to college (the most expensive ones) and getting a 'good job'. Guess what? I never finished college, and I absolutely LOVE staying home. LOVE IT. I also realize how blessed I am that I do not need an exterior job, so I am not downing those women who do. I have been there...I worked fulltime for several years with my first daughter because we were BROKE.
What we need to rediscover is what needs and wants are and define them. I don't NEED to take my kids to Disney World to be a good parent. I don't NEED to drive a $50,000 car.
It's a crazy world we're in. Homemakers should be cherished and not condemned. I am the CEO of my home.
FarmGirl #1390
www.mylittlecountry.wordpress.com |
| textilelover |
Posted - Mar 15 2011 : 2:36:02 PM
Kelly, You are definitely on the right track. There's a post on the Reading Room Forum about big book stores and the same thing is discussed there. We need to support the small business owner over Corporate America whenever possible. We need to rely on ourselves more. Not everyone is going to grow all their own food, or stitch their own clothing, but other local people do. I see the tides turning (a revolution of sorts) and I am glad to help make it happen. Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| the butchers wife |
Posted - Mar 14 2011 : 09:00:02 AM
Ok, I wrote a long post on chapter 3 last night and for some reason it's not here. So, let's see if I can remember. I thought chapter 3 was really interesting because it told the history of the homemaker. The part I found the most interesting was the homemakers role during the American Revolution. When the housewives boycotted all products from the UK to help stimulate their local economy. Sounds familiar doesn't it. The majority of the country is in a panic over the economy right now. Maybe we should take some cues from our foremothers, to help stimulate our economy. Because is there really anything that we need that we can't get locally? Should we as housewives start a silent revolution to help stimulate our economy? I know that I see lots of "buy local" advertising, but I don't think people really comprehend all that it entails, and the impact it can really have on our community. Add "buying locally" to my list of aspirations. |
| textilelover |
Posted - Mar 14 2011 : 04:05:54 AM
Has anyone read Chapter 4 yet? Dianne
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| Lindsay C |
Posted - Mar 11 2011 : 05:48:02 AM
I actually never had to take Home Ec in school, and honestly, I was one of those girls raised to think that it wasn't important. But oh how wrong that is! I wish I'd had the opportunity to learn those skills when I was younger instead of having to teach them to myself when I was grown. I wish people would start to realize that there's nothing wrong with knowing how to sew, bake, etc. Those are life skills that everyone should have. Unfortunately, there's a whole generation of people my age who were taught that "education" was much more important than knowing how to manage a home (as if that's not also learning!). I am certainly trying to learn all of these skills myself now, but it would've made a difference to have been taught.
On a different note, I've also got my husband reading this book too. :) I know in some ways it's geared towards women, but I think it really applies to anyone. He's already on board with this lifestyle, and he's a better seamstress (heehee)than I am. But I know he's really gonna enjoy it and I hope it spurs some good conversations around my house too!
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Mar 10 2011 : 6:49:34 PM
I teach what used to be called Homemaking,then Home Economics, then Family and Consumer Science and now, in Texas, it has changed to Career and Technology. What a shame; it is all about going to college and getting a career. When I tell people I am a Home Ec. teacher they all think I am an expert in anything pertaining to cooking, sewing or the home. I have always felt ladies who have been doing all the domestic activities for years are the experts. A few years of book learning and a few labs doesn't make an expert. Why would a college graduate be better qualified than someone with years of experience. Our thinking has become so twisted and muttled.
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| textilelover |
Posted - Mar 10 2011 : 12:43:27 PM
Hi All! Finished Chapter 3 and Chapter 4 (I know what you mean about not being able to put it down), but I'm just getting to comment today. I love the opening quote by Ellen Goodman about how we live today, and the history that tracks how we have moved away from being home-based. I have always loved being home, working around the house and yard and doing "old fashioned" things like sewing, gardening, baking, cooking, reading, etc. I do a lot of community service and used to do many "field trips" with my children when they were younger. Unlike the average American (or even some of my grown children, I'm sorry to say), I do not believe Corporate America has our best interests at heart. This book--and MJF--confirms that! What I found very interesting was the whole "home economics" thing. Now they call it Family and Consumer (there it is again) Science. In fact, our school district eliminated any type of home ec in the high school and now offers a half semester in the middle school. Most kids don't know how to cook, bake, sew, care for children--but they know how to prepare for the SAT!I also loved the section on prepared foods. I grew up in a home in which most food was made from scratch. My sister and I used to love to go to our friend's house after school because both parents worked and she had prepared foods in her freezer! I won't comment yet on Chapter 4. I'll wait until others have read it. Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Mar 10 2011 : 11:46:33 AM
Has anyone read chapter 3 yet?
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| Greenwoman |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 07:58:41 AM
Y'all, I'm so sorry to have disappeared for a week. My computer completely died last week! BUT, thanks to our tax return I was able to get a new one. I realized that this is probably the first new thing I've purchased (aside from groceries) in over a year, and is the biggest new purchase I've made in about 8 years! I am behind on chapters, too, though I read the book once before I need to refresh my memory. I'm going to catch up on everyone's posts this week and get back in to participating in the conversation! I missed reading last week, it was a bummer!!!
Michelle
http://greenwoman.wordpress.com |
| Lindsay C |
Posted - Mar 08 2011 : 07:23:03 AM
Linda, you should definitely get the book and read with us! I only hope that I can learn to be as self-sufficient as some of these folks in the book. It's inspiring, to say the least. It has also made me feel even better about the choices my husband and I have made in our life together.
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
| prayin granny |
Posted - Mar 06 2011 : 05:34:43 AM
Ladies, I just found these posts and have been enjoying all you are sharing! I do not have the book, but I will look for it! Sounds similar to something I read many years ago and enjoyed. With finances, health issues, and the economy, I am having to let go of a house and land that I loved, even tho it became a falling apart money pit.. I now am in a different state, in an apt. It was an adjustment. But the farmgirl heart has kicked in for sure. Definately simplifying, the balcony allows for a small container garden, and I am doing a bit of sewing, canning, etc. It sounds like the book is all about that and I look forward to finding it. What I am learning is that, no matter where we live, what our station is in life, whether working inside or outside the home? The farmgirl spirit can prevail, and city or country, we can let go of some of the corporate, excessessive consumerism. Its all about that farmgirl heart of making life better that we share! Thankfully, we can do that everday, anywhere! Blessings, linda www.scatteredlittleblessings.blogspot.com
Country at Heart |
| textilelover |
Posted - Mar 06 2011 : 03:56:27 AM
I haven't read Chapter 3 yet (I'll try to tonight), but I, too, don't have an extensive support system to barter with. Some friends garden, or sew, or raise livestock, but my husband and I seem to be ahead of the curve, as we garden, raise honeybees, have laying hens, sew, knit, etc. It's quite discouraging, but I feel it's a result of our consumer culture. People are brainwashed into thinking they must rely on Walmart to survive! They do not have faith in themselves to even prepare their own meals. I have said before that I often get the comment "Why would you (make jam, keep bees, have hens, garden) when you can buy it in the store?" They just don't get it! Dianne in the Hudson Valley
Sister #749
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
| Lindsay C |
Posted - Mar 05 2011 : 08:40:44 AM
I have read Chapter Two already and I have read a little past that. Just couldn't stop! :) It's so obvious the kind of society we live in when it's presented so plainly. And it's kind of shocking to see how history has perpetuated this over and over. I always feel good when we can provide our own food and I really like to support local businesses when we need to buy things, but it's increasingly hard for those businesses to stay open. I'm really enjoying this book and wish I could just hand out a copy to everyone, everywhere. haha
I'm interested to know if any of you have as much "community support" as the Radical Homemakers in the book. It seems that they all know tons of people to barter with and such. In my own community there may be some of this going on, but it's very little. We know a few other local couples who raise animals, garden, etc. But they are few and far between. Do you guys find this to also be the case?
Lindsay
Farmgirl Sister #1452 |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Mar 05 2011 : 06:58:14 AM
I am questioning a lot of the things I do as well. I find myself considering everything I buy now and realize how much I just spend without thinking. I have alway thought of myself as being frugal, but realize I can do so much more. We live in an area where Walmart is about our only choice for many items. I have noticed the vegetable section in our small town grocery is getting smaller and smaller. People must not eat much fresh produce. I am working on getting a little garden going in my backyard. I have a bread machine and have been thinking of getting it out and using it. With it just being my husband and myself I probably wouldn't have to make it but once or twice a week. I will have to take this one step at a time because I could get overwelmed with all that I would like to do. Cathy
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
| the butchers wife |
Posted - Mar 04 2011 : 4:26:09 PM
I have read chapter 2 and am having a hard time putting the book down. This book is so thought provoking and has sparked many discussions between me and the dh. I, too, found a lot of the info in chapter 2 disturbing. The one thing that I can relate to is the fact that the local community has died due to the "extractive economy." I know in my small town there are very few locally owned businesses that are successful because they can't compete with the Wal - Mart's of the world. The book has really made me start questioning a lot of things I do on a daily basis. Like, I went to the store to buy bread and veggies. Mediocre quality food that I could have easily created for myself, virtually for free. And doesn't fresh bread taste better. Does anyone make their own bread on a regular basis?
Dianne - I just noticed you are considering this as well. Do you have a plan on what kind and how often you'll make bread? |
| Catherine L |
Posted - Mar 02 2011 : 08:22:07 AM
I am also quoting the book to anyone who will listen. I like the quote at the beginning of the chapter, "A thatched roof once covered free man; under marble and gold dwells slavery."
~Catherine~
Farmgirl 2428 |
|
|
