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Across the Fence:  Heading to the Simple Life  |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 1:10:13 PM
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Yep, we are taking the full plunge. Wherever we end up in this crazy life of ours, we have made a committment to live life as simple as possible. We will have a comfy home with things we love and that are usuful. Stuff doesn't matter to us anymore. We are simplifying on all planes of our life. We decided to find that little gem of a home with acreage, letting me have my clothesline and vegetable gardens and a big porch for a hammock.  The media break, except for coming here, has resulted in a much calmer, more abundant life that I appreciate more. Things really don't matter anymore and I want to focus on making a nice little home, with yummy food, lots of love and laughter and a few more kiddos. I have pared down my wardrobe so much hubby thought we got robbed when he walked into the closet. I do need to find a few items, but I have enough. I realized life is not about someday, but now day. So off to search about cloth diapering and how to make my own dough. Life is simple if you listen long enough!!! : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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janiee
True Blue Farmgirl
820 Posts
Janie
Shawnee
Oklahoma
USA
820 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 1:15:24 PM
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Good for you! Hope you enjoy your life to the fullest and you are so right...now day not someday! wish my hubby would agree with that but until then I am still a farmgirl at heart!
janiee
farmgirl #390 |
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gspringman
True Blue Farmgirl
387 Posts
Gail
Bonanza
Oregon
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 1:21:20 PM
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Heather, I think thats wonderful what you are doing. I know you will find such a piece in your heart and such a love for what God has given us. In this time of ours, I think more people need to start thinking of downsizing and simplifying their lives. I started downsizing even though I now live in a 1000 sq ft home. Still had things that I really did'nt need so have been bringing lots of things to the mission where other people may need them more than me. It feels great to lighten the load You all will do just fine, I'm sure of it. Congrats!
Farmgirl #486 |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22944 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22944 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 1:55:19 PM
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Heather- Email me if you need info about cloth diapering! It's awesome! Doug even recommends it to our friends and he is SOOOO not the "into hard work" kind of guy- ya know? I mean he works hard but when he is home he wants it to be relaxing time.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
Please come visit Nora and me on our blog: www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 2:44:33 PM
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Oh Alee- I need help!!! HA!! I looked at all the old postings and am just trying to figure things out right now!!!
Thanks all!! Honestly, I feel a calling to something greater than myself, that I am finally at peace with who I am and it is weird but wonderful. I am no longer feeling the need to prove myself and just want to settle into having a life, not just a series of tasks each day. So hi ho hi ho it's off to simple I go... : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Mistypearl
Farmgirl in Training
33 Posts
Misty
Sumter
SC
33 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 5:43:45 PM
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Hi Heather. Boy, can I relate to your post. Last year, I moved into a whole new type of lifestyle, and have spent much of the intervening time coming up with ways to make things even simpler. Might sound funny, but I even have a plan on how to do it, LOL. First, it was cook more nutritious meals, with less ingredients, that still tasted good. Then it was pare down my wardrobe, and use only the beautiful sun to dry my clothes. Then it was simply my chores, so that I could spend more time teaching my little girl...but the list goes on and on. Yet, I find a lot of satisfaction in each change that I make that enables me to live closer to the land, and through it all, I have found the one thing that I craved the most in my old way of living--peace. If I can do it, I know you can, and I wish you great joy along the way!
Smile-oh yea, you will still get wrinkles, but at least they will be wrinkles worth seeing! |
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K-Falls Farmgirl
Chapter Leader
2096 Posts
Cheryl
Klamath Falls
Oregon
USA
2096 Posts |
Posted - Feb 27 2009 : 5:50:56 PM
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Heather, many of us are right there with you.. so hang on tight ladies we are all going to be so much happier and healthier.. with our simplified.. Why settle for stressful living when we don't have to! Pull up your sleeves and dig right in..what's a little dirt under your nails...right? At the End of the day that hot bubbly bath really soothes the soul too, and what a great feeling to be living the simple life...
Cheryl
Farmgirl #309
Almost daily posts at:
http://www.k-fallsfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
Come visit the barn at http://barndoorcreations.blogspot.com/
Every time I hear the dirty word 'exercise',
I wash my mouth out with chocolate.
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sweetproserpina
True Blue Farmgirl
535 Posts
meg
Vinemount
Ontario
Canada
535 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2009 : 12:55:06 PM
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Good for you Heather! The fella and I have been moving towards simplicity this past year and found that it's brought us even more together than we thought possible. We've flung around big dreams for ages, but it all comes down, after sorting through all the grand adventures, to figuring out what you really want and slowly, and patiently working towards it and living it as much as possible every day. For us, living in Europe sounded exciting and great, but really and honestly we just wanted a little cottage on a hill, and have our kids grow up and experience all the things we got to when we were little.
I think one of the hardest things is to try and not let your career or your stuff define who you are. In this world everyone is so caught up in that. The first question people ask after 'what's your name?' is 'what do you do?' Imagine if we could answer that question truthfully :) "I sew and bake, I read poetry late at night, I talk to my grandmother for hours.." Not just, I'm a sales associate etc, lol.
The fella and I were discussing things that complicate our lives last night and we both agreed that we hate the phone. It makes us anxious, and it's annoying ringing at odd hours or when we're in the middle of a project. So, we're thinking now how we can lessen it's presence in our home. I find that when we really think about how we live in our home, we come up with great ideas that will make living here (and in our future home) simpler and less stressful.
On my vision board I have a couple great sayings that I love.
"I am the mistress of my destiny."
"Simple Living is about recognizing that degrees are degrees, jobs are jobs, and a paycheque is money. None of these things is who we are deep inside."
One of my favourite books on Simple Living is "The Simple Living Guide" by Janet Luhrs.
Keep up the great work Heather! Enjoy every moment :)
"Isn't it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive--it's such an interesting world."
http://quaintandkeepinghouse.blogspot.com New Homekeeping Blog!
http://theprimroseway.blogspot.com/ |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2009 : 5:42:33 PM
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Congrads.
I am going through something like you.
if only I could give up my love of sewing and needlework and books.
I would have it made. Lol
Things that once seemed important to me are not anymore.
I guess as one is as old as I am; one finds out the most important things in life are not earthly things that rust and wear out.
hugs sheila.
( don't you fell lighter?)
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativetouches.blogspot.com |
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kissmekate
True Blue Farmgirl
890 Posts
Kate
Delano
Minnesota
890 Posts |
Posted - Feb 28 2009 : 10:28:17 PM
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Good for you hon!!! I am slowly inching towards that goal myself. You are so inspiring. I love it that you are so open to sharing your achievements and dreams with us!
Don't miss out on a blessing, just because it isn't packaged the way you expected. ~MaryJo Copeland |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 08:32:33 AM
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Pink...why in the world would you want to give up sewing and stuff? I'd rather give up a lung!
Heather...the more you simplify your life the more you'll be scratching your head and wondering why you didn't do it sooner! Try finding a copy of "Bread Winners" by Mel London. It taught me how to make bread! I raised three kids on cloth diapers...it CAN be done!
Keep up the good work! I'm pulling for you!
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
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lacisne88
True Blue Farmgirl
1181 Posts
Chelsey
Lake Stevens
Washington
USA
1181 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 1:56:03 PM
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Congrats and good luck to you! I LOVE baking bread from scratch...it's so much more satisfying than buying it premade and sliced from the grocery store...and it tastes much better! I have also been trying to simplify as much as I can, but I live in the city and live a relatively fast-paced life. What I have done so far works for me and my lifestyle and I have been enjoying the simplification. Have fun!
Chelsey
Farmgirl Sister #283
http://farmgirlpleasures.blogspot.com/
http://aminiatureworld.blogspot.com/ |
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napafarmhouse1885
True Blue Farmgirl
208 Posts
diane
napa
ca
USA
208 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 2:08:28 PM
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congrats heather..you "new" life sounds delightful...are you still in texas?
best,
diane
best,
napafarmhouse1885
www.napafarmhouse1885.com
please visit my blog
www.napafarmhouse1885.blogspot.com
farmgirl sister #179
"Whatever you can do or dream, begin it"
Johann Wolfgang von Goethe |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 3:24:53 PM
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Diane- for now. Just waiting on the next adventure. : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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amberjsquirrel
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Amber
Norfolk
VA
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Mar 01 2009 : 5:43:44 PM
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Hello! I am new to the forum, but this topic really resonates with me. I just wanted to share that the only way for me to find peace and work toward a more simple life is to take baby steps daily toward that goal. I first learned this from flylady.net.
Heather, I love the idea of paring down the wardrobe. That would definitely make anyone's life simpler!
I have a cloth diaper pattern I can mail to you if you would like to sew them.
Nice to meet you all!
Amber |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
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Room To Grow
True Blue Farmgirl
974 Posts
Deborah
Kingston
Georgia
USA
974 Posts |
Posted - Mar 03 2009 : 3:36:36 PM
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Ladies, I have thought the same thing. I told my Hubby just last nighg that I was going to go through my closet and get rid of the things that I dont wear or doesnt fit. I keep holding on to things to see if I will loose weight. I also have kept christmas decorations that I havent used in 3 yrs...Thinking I would use them...and so this weekend I am purging first cloths. I will make a box to give, one to sell, and one to throw away...I can atleast make some extra money to help with maybe a nice dinner and a movie...I am so glad that we are all thinking the same way..
Deborah
we have moved to our farm...and love it |
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idcityrose
True Blue Farmgirl
202 Posts
Rose
Idaho City
Idaho
USA
202 Posts |
Posted - Mar 04 2009 : 11:32:16 AM
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Hi Heather, while two of my boys are grown (37 & 38 years old) I did use cloth diapers for them. Disposables were expensive and not easily found back in the early 70's..anyway my (ex) mother-in-law did some house cleaning last summer and brought all the stuff up for my yard sales. One thing was a stack of cloth diapers, never used, and if you email me your address I will send them to you. I have been saving them for someone and today I found out that someone is you!
We are never alone in the forest of Sisters! We "Mountain Farmgirls" are outstanding in our field! |
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sjs
True Blue Farmgirl
247 Posts
Stephanie
Oakland
CA
USA
247 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2009 : 09:50:01 AM
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This is so awesome - I have the same goal! I've set a timeline or two years to be well on my way, or there already. :)
Stephanie, Farmgirl Sister #513!
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Learning to live is learning to let go.
Visit my food blog! http://www.wasabimon.com - natural cooking to live for.
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2009 : 11:44:17 AM
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Today, we decided to move into a SMALLER apartment. The savings alone will be over $300 a month, while I finish up my school work. It is so well worth it and having less stuff now means we can actually do this. I am still weeding out some stuff as I pack up boxes but one bag at a time, I am getting there. It really is amazing what one can live without yet still have a full life. I do not miss anything I have donated. I was mostly worried that I wouldn't be able to part with certain things but now, I don't miss it at all. I spend less time moving things and organizing and more time living now. It is our hope within the next year to purchase a home and really get to some simple living. I can only take about 1 more year of apartment living before I go nuts!! : ) But, it has all been worth getting my education.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Maryjane Lee
True Blue Farmgirl
2195 Posts
Maryjane
CA
USA
2195 Posts |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2009 : 5:26:23 PM
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I read that article in O and loved it. They seemed so happy. Does anyone remember the interview with an Amish couple (VERY rare) that Oprah did and they said they were 100% satisfied and happy. This was such a shock to Oprah and the audience. Think about it. I get it totally!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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therusticcottage
True Blue Farmgirl
4439 Posts
Kay
Vancouver
WA
USA
4439 Posts |
Posted - Mar 09 2009 : 5:53:44 PM
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Heather - you inspire me!!! Good for you! Can't wait to read more about your new life adventure.
The Rustic Cottage Blog http://therusticcottage.blogspot.com
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marmieto12
True Blue Farmgirl
213 Posts
laura
utah
USA
213 Posts |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2009 : 09:17:17 AM
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Well Heather...you posted this in February....how's it going?
Debbie
"If you can't find the time to do it right...how will you find the time to do it over" |
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Across the Fence: Heading to the Simple Life |
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Heading to the Simple Life
