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Across the Fence:  Seeking simplicity  |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
 Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 09:28:50 AM
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Melody June- I love the Little House books for just that reason! An honest look at how a family made the simple life work for them (well they didn't have much choice) but the true love and family ties that were formed is amazing to read about. I try and read the series at least once a year, usually in the fall or winter. I find it very inspirational!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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countrykatgirly
True Blue Farmgirl
186 Posts
Hallie
Jordan
NY
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 10:15:36 AM
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My late Nana gave me the Little House series when I was first learning how to read, back in the early 1970's. I re-read them periodically as they inspire me so much. You know, I thought this simplifying would all be about getting rid of some extra stuff but now I wonder how deep it really goes.
**Farmgirl Sister #622**
“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
--Laura Ingalls Wilder
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 10:19:32 AM
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Hallie---this is a very timely thought!!! I was just going to do a post on the emotional and mental park of decluttering and liveing a simple life. I will get on it tonight when I have a clearer head and more time. : )
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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bertha
True Blue Farmgirl
234 Posts
Bertha
St Joseph
Mi
USA
234 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 3:52:32 PM
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| Hi girls Many years ago I read the book called SIMPLE ABUNDANCE Try to check it out It changed my way of thinking HUGS Bert |
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oldfashioned girl
True Blue Farmgirl
2391 Posts
monica
oatman
az
USA
2391 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 8:48:12 PM
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Annika, I am so with you on simplicity! I am clearing stuff out left and right! I am really starting to take a serious look at what I have and what I really want to have! One thing I am finding is that it does absolutely no good what so ever to have all kinds of craft supplies, if I do have the space to organize them properly because then all I do is clean all of the time and I never have time to make anything! We are getting ready to move and I am getting very particular on what is going with us!
Bert, I will have to check out the book! It sounds like just what I need!
Monica
farmgirls rule!
www.justducky48.etsy.com
www.justducky48.blogspot.com
www.duckystreasurechest.etsy.com |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 10:19:23 PM
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AKKK! it seems like I've been sorting forever and I STILL have 10 big bins of "must-have clothing" and two HUGE piles of unsorted clothing  I NOW want to sort all of this all over again and keep sorting until I have a tidy, workable wordrobe ...Cranky Irish chick, WATCH OUT!   
Once I have my home back, I'm going to work on my inner clutter and teach myself to live simply, mindfully and joyfully with out the need for personal clutter to feel satisfied!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 22 2009 : 10:57:15 PM
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Thank you Alee, I'm planning a Saturday donation run and it will feel great!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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homemom
True Blue Farmgirl
1593 Posts
Ruth
Warwick
RI
USA
1593 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2009 : 07:35:00 AM
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Annika~I have been doing the same thing. Since I stayed home to homeschool I have filled my van so many times and taken things to the thrift store or the recycling center. I am continuously going through everything and discarding things we don't use, wear or even like. I do sell some things through consignment shops or trade in credits. My daughter decided she was going to do the same thing and she cleared out all her junk and now her room looks fantastic.
I am trying to buy only good foods and cook from scratch. Cleaning out the pantry and freezer. Not buying any more convenience and junk food. The more I get rid of and make myself the better I feel.
Ruth
Living the farm life in my heart.
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Ruth
http://farmgirlinmyheart.blogspot.com |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2009 : 12:18:46 PM
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This is the best topic!!! I just got 5 food safe buckets so I can buy more bulk style and cook only from scratch. Already had a big one for my flour, so now have one for sugar and will get some rice and not sure, oh maybe noodles Anyway I really need to declutter. In fact this just may get me motivated. I have enough books to open a store but I really do read them over and over. Will go through and see if can spare any, my daughter and I did this last year and got rid of a couple boxes!!! Clothes that is where I need to go, if I lose enough to get back into some I should be able to replace at that point  , only on sale or thrift!!
Oh now I am getting excited, let's keep this one going ok???
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 23 2009 : 12:30:36 PM
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Great job ladies!! I removed a basketful of small clothes from Charlie's room, a few toys, a few stuffies and some bathroom items. YEE HAW!!!
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 06:39:44 AM
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Good Morning! The sun is shinning here!!  I am in the process of getting rid!!! Going through dresser drawers and yippeeeee. Best to do this when I am in the mood to get rid because nothing is safe 
Have a great day!
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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whispering pines
True Blue Farmgirl
428 Posts
patricia
sedro woolley
wa
USA
428 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 08:16:19 AM
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I love this topic! I too suffer from clutter and aim to live a more simple life.
As we are in the remodeling mode, if we cannot use it or has not been used in a year, it is going. Here are a few ideas that I have used:
1.If our children can use it or want it, they can have it.
2.I have also donated things to an apartment complex (low income, one of my friends lives there, they have a spot in the laundry room where people place good unwanted items)
3.Thrift Stores.
3.Old flower pots and containers, I give to a farm that raises plants to sell in the summertime.
4.Place things outside with a "Take me home, I'm Free!" sign on, you would be surprised how much you can recycle that way.
5.Recycling Centers.
6.And if it's at the end of usefulness a dump run!
7.For all of my horse tack (extra's and unwanted items) and extra dog collars and toys, towels, small blankets animal rescues are always in need.
"It's not what I do, but how I do it!"~Mae West~ |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 11:44:30 AM
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I need the landlord's truck and he is using it today, darn it!!!! But I WILL keep sorting and pulling things together...You should see this huge stack of stuff!!!! I'm SOOOO happy to be self empowered to finally get rid of all of this junk! =) If I can't get the truck tomorrow, I'm calling all of the thrift stores and seeing if any of them will come out beyond town limits to do a pick up. I am loving on the image of a spartan home and simple decorating! Next up is another run through of my clothing and a brutal paring down of ignored books YIPPEE!
Ok, I'm just excited by the tasks. It feels so good to let go of all of this stuff. So clean and freeing. Once the clutter is gone, I will be breathing a huge sigh of sanity and relief...
Thanks so much all of you and especially Heather and Alee for cheering me on. I'm lovin' it!
Back to the battle zone!
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 11:57:39 AM
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Another idea is to take one or two bags in per trip to town. Maybe your honey could drop some off when he goes to work? I know that there aren't any real thrift shops on that side of town, but the Nazarene church now has a thrift shop and perhaps you could talk to them and he could drop the bags off on the church property? That atleast is on the way to his work! :D
I am so excited for you!! I can't wait to hear more about how your home is shaping up!
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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N@n
True Blue Farmgirl
223 Posts
Hackett
Arkansas
USA
223 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 3:54:20 PM
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Have any of you gals ever gone to Flylady.net? She is the best coach for getting control of your CHAOS. In fact, after reading this thread I am convinced I need to revisit Flylady. It is a wonderful sight and full of ways to gain control right down to scheduling what to do each day. And it all works wonderfully. She is a blessed person who you can tell truly loves her fellow sisters in this chaotic world. Give it a try.
Nan in Ark.
keep searchin'-it's out there somewhere. |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1498 Posts
Rae
MN
1498 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 4:23:43 PM
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Ok got through my drawers and one bag for a friend, one for the Sunshine Closest (thrift store in area) and one a couple for the dump!!! I am pretty excited with the start.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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Annika
True Blue Farmgirl
5602 Posts
Annika
USA
5602 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 4:53:16 PM
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Doesn't this just feel GOOD? to clean out the clutter and mess...I think we are all doing great with our simplifying! Thanks for posting your successes, its encouraging and inspirational to a reforming packrat like me 
Annika
Farmgirl & sister #13
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:25:08 PM
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YEE HAW!! We are all doing so good. I got the carpets shampooed and everything wiped down from dirt and dust. I have a HUGE bag to donate..it's amazing...I THOUGHT I was pretty cleaned out but I am on that last purge. : )
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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countrykatgirly
True Blue Farmgirl
186 Posts
Hallie
Jordan
NY
USA
186 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:34:34 PM
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I have begun buying some things in bulk. Bought 20# of basmati rice and (2) 10# bags of whole grain flour at the Costco yesterday. Will have to clean out more stuff before I can go any farther with that kind of bulk buying.
We are planning on making a run to Goodwill next week. That should get rid of at least 4 boxes. Y’all are getting me more excited about putting this process into action. I am going to try and keep looking for ways to trim down but I’m not far into it.
**Farmgirl Sister #622**
“It is the sweet, simple things of life which are the real ones after all.”
--Laura Ingalls Wilder
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Oct 24 2009 : 5:50:34 PM
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Hey..farmgirls..who would feel comfortable posting pics of our new spaces??? I am working on mine...may have them up on Mon-Tues. Anyone else want to join me???
Hallie- I just bought 2 HUGE glass storage jars for my flour and sugar. It looks so simple and pretty. I need to get another one for the rice. : )
Heather
"Hitch your wagon to a star"
http://somewheredownintexas-heather.blogspot.com |
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Across the Fence: Seeking simplicity |
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Seeking simplicity
