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Across the Fence:  simplifying  |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
 Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 11:22:33 AM
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Oh FGs I need some help on truly simplifying my life. I am overwhelmed with where to begin and what to do. I am someone that likes examples and lists and sort of a system or regimen so I need a lil guidance. Please help. I want to live more simply and go back to "older" ways in order to be more self reliant and natural. Thanks xox
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 11:58:50 AM
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Bridget,
It is really scary when you are trying to simplify and all around you everyone else is caught up in the game of having the most toys.
Just do a little every day.
I try to think about what I really need that makes me happy.
And don't get caught up in this "spaving" mentality. You know, you spend to save.
But once I started trying to simplify I found myself realizing what a job of brainwashing is being done to us on a daily basis at every level.
Pray on it a lot, read whatever you can on the subject.
There is a website called Simplify America (I think) and there are tips on there.
I've been reading lots of books latley based on the great depression and that has been inspiting.
Good luck
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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simplypaige
Farmgirl in Training
15 Posts
Paige
IN
USA
15 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 12:21:41 PM
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Michele, I would like to know what books you are reading about the depression era. I am so interested in that time. Would you recommend any, I would love to read some.
Thanks,
Paige |
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 12:39:07 PM
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Thanks Michele! It's true. I feel so alone aside from you all in this battle against bigger better more expensive and missing out on life. It just gets to me. I'm so tired of where we have gotten to as a country and where we could and should be. Oy!
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 12:57:59 PM
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Bridget, you can read for inspiration and ideas but for me, I like to forge ahead and blaze my own trail at the same time. I did an evaluation of my "stuff" room by room. For closets I went through and decided what I needed/wanted and what could go. It took a few times of going through the closets but the more I did it, the more I found for the "to go" pile. I immediately would take those things to town so I wouldn't be wanting to put it back into the inventory if you know what I mean.
Same with my kitchen cabinets. I thought about what I haven't used in a year or so and made some decisions. The more I simplified and rid myself of "stuff", the more I found to get rid of! It was really quite freeing and amazing how much I found. I also stopped using my credit card...if I can't pay cash or use my debit card from my checking account, I make do until I have the money. Usually I figure out I can live without the thing I wanted by the time I get the money for it!
You can barter the stuff on here or do the Salvation Army or St. Vincent de Paul, etc. Goodwill too. One thing I have found about simplifying and decluttering...sometimes for frugality's sake, you have to "make do" and this takes a stash of stuff like for planting seeds I use yogurt containers and for soap molds I will use store-bought cookie trays and stuff like that. Finding places to store that stuff, well sometimes you feel a bit "junky" so I have to watch for overload on that sort of thing too. Sometimes being simple just isn't really all that simple! 
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:04:58 PM
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YOU GO JAMI GIRL! I feel the same way!
Sometimes the hardest part about simplifying is JUST GETTING STARTED! But sooner or later, it feels so good and is so refreshing to finally be downsizing that it perpetuates to wanting to do more! Start with your closet. If you haven't worn it in a year, get rid of it! That is a great way to get started! It is overwhelming you, I can tell by the tone of your post. It will be ok....k? Having the desire to do it is 1/3 the battle.....
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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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:27:00 PM
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I am into this Simplifing also. It all started with me looking into the www.Flylady.net site, she maintains that you can't organize clutter so get rid of it, because then you can spend your time and money doing things with the PEOPLE you love instead of time caring for your belongings. I'm a pretty basic gal anyway, and whenever I'm interested in learning something I always want to learn how to do it the traditional way. It sometimes is very hard because our whole culture it seems revolves around how much money you make, how big of a house you have, how many and how fancy a car you drive, how many vacations, nice clothes, designer handbags..............Well, I could go on forever but from your comments I know you know exactly what I mean. I have decided like Jami, cash is best. I also am going through everything I own, it goes into these catagories, 1. do I love it 2. do I need it If it isn't one of those out it goes. I remember when everything I owned fit into the back seat of my car. I'm beginning to wonder if I'm trying to make my way back to that, lol I know I'll still like some of my pretties like my teacups(they fall into the "love" catagory), but I know that some of the stuff I have is a puzzle to me why I have it in the first place. It is all a process, but it sure feels freeing. Besides it makes cleaning house easier too!
If you really need a system to get you going and keep you there check out that flylady site, it really works!
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
Edited by - Contrary Wife on Mar 16 2009 1:50:27 PM |
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:38:21 PM
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In 1981 the house I lived in burned to the ground while I was away visiting friends. I came home Sunday evening to a smoldering mess that only contained the remnants of the chimney and the metal roofing. For the longest time after that I collected stuff....anything. Like pieces of string etc. I think it was a subconscious way of getting my stuff back. I NEEDED MY STUFF! This need went on for 20 years and I amassed a huge collection of basically crap. Then I came to a point where I couldn't take it any more and out it all started to go....bit by bit, piece by piece. Now I am surrounded by all kinds of things I love...including my family. I have a few collections that I ad to when I find the PERFECT piece to compliment the others. But basically now I'm surrounded by all the things that make my life as a homesteader complete.....and unique!
Stop worrying about what everyone else has. They might be wishing they had a simple life like yours!
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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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:41:15 PM
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I checked out Flylady.com.....IT IS AWESOME! Just what the doctor ordered for people wanting to declutter!
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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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:42:19 PM
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ooops, it's Flylady.net...sorry...
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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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:48:43 PM
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Well said Debbie. It is amazing to find out how little you can really live without. It can be as basic as a good knife, to an awesome collection of preserving and canning utensils. I guess it will always be a bit subjective depending on what you consider important.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
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Contrary Wife
True Blue Farmgirl
2164 Posts
Teresa Sue
Tekoa
WA
USA
2164 Posts |
Posted - Mar 16 2009 : 1:49:53 PM
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Great! Oops! Sorry I put the wrong site!! I fixed it tho. It is awesome.
Teresa Sue
Farmgirl Sister #316
Planting Zone 3
"Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly." The Dalai Lama |
Edited by - Contrary Wife on Mar 16 2009 1:50:46 PM |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 08:13:44 AM
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I so agree with Teresa Sue and Debbie and everything said. It's just getting started, throwing away the attitude of "those with the most toys win" and it seems to snowball from there. Now I'm making homemade lotions, soaps, laundry detergent and softener, etc. It's like a big contest or something and I do love the challenge!
The site is great...thanks for sharing girls!
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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julia hayes
True Blue Farmgirl
1132 Posts
julia
medical lake
wa
USA
1132 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 2:40:52 PM
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Bridget thank you for starting this thread!
Debbie, I am horrified to think of your loss..a house burning down I'm sure is a nightmare we all fear. At the same time, imagining such a thing has been rather cathartic for me in terms of defining what really matters to me. Really. I've often asked myself, if my house were to ever burn to the ground what would I want? There is no right answer and everyone ought to come up with something different, but I tell you, having Aria's life threatened with cancer has completely changed everything for me when asking that question. It really only matters to me that my family is safe. Yes, I would grieve horribly the many many 'things' lost but that is nothing compared to the grief I would have if one of my kids died.
We need so little. Truly. When I find myself grabbing for some stupid toy or outfit, I've learned to pause momentarily and ask myself, "What's missing at home that this thing will fill?" I so rarely purchase things now and it has become ever more important to me to support local artists, farmgirls and such...
If it matters, It is my belief that Simplifying isn't necessarily something you do. Rather is is something you become. Here's to simplifying you. ~julia
being simple to simply be
Farmgirl #30
www.julia42.etsy.com |
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vintagediva1
True Blue Farmgirl
1251 Posts
Michele
Brighton
Michigan
USA
1251 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 4:02:01 PM
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Paige,
Here are some of the books I have beeb reading. It all started with "The Grapes of Wrath" which I had to read for book club and as these things often do, the others have just sort of floated into my line of vision.
"Little Heathens" is a memoir of a girl growing up in Iowa during the depression era
"The mine and the Well" fiction about a miniung town in Alabama and a family who has to deal with the knowledge that somebody threw a baby down their well. It sounds horrible as I reread what I have written but it is a very upbeat book with a Christian message and is written in the different voices of the family members
"Persian Pickle Club" by Sandra Dallas.
Hope this helps, if I find any more good ones, I'll let you know
Michele
www.2vintagedivas.etsy.com
Love that good ole vintage junk |
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graciegreeneyes
True Blue Farmgirl
3107 Posts
Amy Grace
Rosalia
WA
USA
3107 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 4:44:02 PM
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Michele - I have found myself drawn to stories of the depression too, I have read all but The Mine and the Well that are on your list.
I've been influenced by a couple of things, one was getting a bunch of family photos in a dresser of my grandma's. I know my grandparents never had much money or stuff but they socialized, danced, played cards, had good friends and neighbors and traveled to see family a lot. Looking at the photos showed me how happy they were with the simple things they had.
I was thinking about how hard I work and where I put my energy and I certainly don't want the thing said about me after I'm gone to be "well, she sure paid her bills" there is certainly more to life than that. I want to make a lasting difference in the world in some way and it definitely won't be through the stuff I have or the things I buy. ( an exception would be where my food dollars go but that is a whole separate issue)
I just returned from France and had the opportunity to really evaluate a different culture and way of living. People purchase things, but not so much on credit. And the way space is used, since there is so much less than here, really leads you to choose the things that are truly important.
Hmmm, I'm a little long-winded today but I'm feeling inspired!! Thanks for the reminder farmgirls
Amy Grace
Farmgirl #224
"use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without"
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bohemiangel
True Blue Farmgirl
2087 Posts
Bridget
Ligonier
pa
USA
2087 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 4:56:00 PM
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Girls I too have been searching for books and info on the Depression, I know we can learn from it and our society SHOULD look towards it. Instead of complaining they did things and remained content and/or happy. I just love hearing stories from my grandparents about the depression. :) I'll check out some of the books mentioned.
**~~Farmgirl Sister #60~~**
"... to thine ownself be true."
http://liggybitsandpieces.blogspot.com/
http://ligonierliving.blogspot.com/
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AmethystRose
True Blue Farmgirl
254 Posts
Rosemary
Huntingdon
PA
USA
254 Posts |
Posted - Mar 17 2009 : 7:44:27 PM
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| There is a book called "Clutter's Last Stand" by Don Aslett which I read years ago, and has had a lot of influence on me. He shows you how to look at your "stuff" differently. |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 08:20:56 AM
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Debbie, although I felt bad for your loss while reading your story it fascinated me how you put into words your new collecting fetish....the sting, etc. It's not funny-funny, but funny how our minds work, isn't it? I'm glad you have come full circle on this...you inspire me to do better since you've 'loved and lost' and lived to tell about it! 
Julia, it's so true that things are not more important than family for sure. But there is something to a few tried and true things that we've had forever or inherited with memories...they seem to make any new house or move our homey place where we feel we belong and the family feels it too. I guess those things are treasures in our minds because definitely they are not worth much in dollars and most can be replaced I guess but it wouldn't be the same. I imagine Debbie you found that when you lost all of your things...you can't replace the sentimental value of anything?
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 09:06:34 AM
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Having lived out of a seabag and pack back for 6 years in the Navy, I can't tell you how freeing it truly was. Now, I didn't like the small space I live in, but each and everything I owned was special and just right for me. From my pillow to the face products I used to the shoes I wore, each had to pass a standard for me, since I really did not have much room. It was awesome!! While now I have 2 others living with me, I can still keep to those same standards and live even more richly. My hubby loves me in my plain white t-shirt, cowgirl hat, flip flops and jeans, no makeup and my hair kinda messy. Simple living at its best!!! : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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harmonyfarm
True Blue Farmgirl
785 Posts
Debbie
Southeastern
Ohio
USA
785 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 09:33:13 AM
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My whole life has prepared me to be the person I am now...and I love her!
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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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 09:56:10 AM
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Amen Debbie!!! : )
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Bellepepper
True Blue Farmgirl
1207 Posts
Belle
Coffeyville
KS
USA
1207 Posts |
Posted - Mar 18 2009 : 4:56:59 PM
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When I was helping my Mom make the move from the farm house (50+ years) to town, I happen to read in an AARP magazine about that move. It summed it up in 2 words, organized and ruthless. It takes someone other than ourself to accomplish that. Then when I was helping my brother after his wife died, get ready to sell his house and move closer to his daughter, the realtor used 2 words to get the house ready to show. Reduce and minimize. I have these 4 words on the wall here in my office. Organized, Ruthless, Reduce and Minimize. That pretty well covers it.
While all our friends our age are still accumulating and buying property, we are down sizing and trying to free up our time and energy. Well, we are down sizing but don't know where our free time and energy went. We must not have done enough. YET. Still working on being Organized, ruthless, reducing and minimizing. |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 08:15:54 AM
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Belle, good words to clean by! Thanks. I'm in spring-cleaning mode...well, a little bit anyhow, and I went through my bathroom drawers....mercy me, girls, how much old make-up and hair brushes do I need? Well, let me just tell you that I filled the little waste basket in the bathroom up twice with stuff I had not used for quite some time. I scrubbed out the drawers and it feels so good to have the things that I do use on a daily basis at my fingertips and the rest is out of my life. Personal items aren't anything I would donate anywhere so it's a shame they became garbage but I feel I won't purchase anything to replace those things until it's truly necessary.
Baby steps towards clutter freedom.
Jami in WA
Farmgirl Sister #266
http://woolyinwashington.wordpress.com/
http://farmhouseflair.etsy.com |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 09:46:30 AM
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Out went to more HUGE bags of God only knows and 1 small, ugly I don't like it no matter how many times I paint it, table.
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Montrose Girl
Farmgirl Legend/Schoolmarm
1360 Posts
Laurie
Montrose
CO
1360 Posts |
Posted - Mar 19 2009 : 11:31:51 AM
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So far simplify has been discussed in the terms of stuff. If you have kids you can simplify all their stuff as part of a donation to other kids less fortunate and get the whole family involved.
Let us not also forget that simplify can mean a way of life. Don't go out to dinner, but make a good meal and have the whole family sit around the table. Simplify should also be about cutting some of that insane busyness. Rush to the resteraunt, rush through a meal, rush off somewhere else. Kids activities. I feel bad for my neice and the five kids she is always running around. yes, activities are good, but limit. Let them do one then let them hang out with other kids outside. One of my goals is to move the tv to the shed for a week and read or play games. Will the tv stay outside for ever? No. I like movies. But what an experiment. Plan family time as part of your simplification or as in my case, go visit the neighbors.
Best Growing |
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Across the Fence: simplifying |
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simplifying
