Traditional Homemaking Skills

I love to learn the old skills that allowed households, up until the 1940's, to be production based, instead of consumer based.  Each family made or raised what they needed for their household to run successfully.  Any excess produced or unique skills were used to barter with neighbors for items they couldn't produce.

It may seem silly to learn to weave baskets or make soap, but what if there came a time or place where these things become unavailable?  Would you be able to keep your family clean, clothed and sheltered with what you are able to make?

I have learned to make and do many things because I may need to have those skills someday.  If I grow broom corn, process it and learn to make a broom from it (I did this with dear daughter), I will always know how to make a broom.  I may never need to make another broom in my entire life, but I will know how to do it.

Some of the skills I have learned I actually use on a regular basis.  I find that I prefer the soap that I make myself and that it is superior to store bought soap.  Besides, it is much less expensive.

In the next few months I will try to discuss and explain some of the old traditional skills and how to teach yourself to master these tasks.

God bless,
Pam

Good Reads: Radical Homemakers

I am writing a short post today because I have spent my afternoon curled up with a wonderful book, "Radical Homemakers" by Shannon Hayes.

Here is one review:


"The world is moving towards a tougher period, when the relative ease and luxury we've known will be tested. But that test can deepen our family and community lives, as Shannon Hayes shows, providing more of us-of both genders-become homemakers."-Bill McKibben, author of Earth: Making a Life on a Tough New Planet and Deep Economy: The Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future

Is it possible for men and women to influence their countries and the corporate culture by altering their lifestyle to one that is more sustainable and self sustaining?  Can we end our enslavement to corporate workplaces to live a life that consciously revolves around our family and home?

I certainly believe so and, obviously, so does the author, Shannon Hayes.  Dr. Hayes and her husband did everything the "right" way;  ivy league colleges and high powered careers, but they found that their lives were unfulfilling.  Now they live on a family farm, raise their children, work hard to provide the majority of their family's needs and find themselves to be happy and challenged.

A great read.  

God bless,

Pam

Lifestyle Choices

Thirteen years ago I became ill with a systemic infection, then three years ago I went through treatments for breast cancer and last, but not least, I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis.  When faced with severe illness and possible death I was forced to slow down.  When my life was less hurried I began to reevaluate the life choices I had made.  Was I happy as a childless, middle aged career woman?  The answer was that I knew that I was missing some very important elements in my life.

I had wanted children, but put it off because I worked in public safety and I didn't want my children to be raised by someone else.  Age had also become a factor.

My work was all encompassing.  Even when I began working part time the weird hours and job stress put a strain on my home life.  When I was honest with myself, I felt most alive when I was at home caring for my house, garden and family.

Faith.  Gee, who had time for faith.  Religion had been pushed to a back burner.

So, what were my choices?  I chose to adopt my daughter when I was 43 (almost 44) years old.  I became a stay at home wife and mother.  Three years ago, after closely examining my religious beliefs and researching the philosophies of different religious groups, I became Mennonite.

Here I am, having penuried myself to live this lifestyle, and I am truly thankful that God led me to make these hard, but satisfying choices.  Not everyone is able to or wishes to live my lifestyle.  But we all need to take the time for self examination.  Let's make sure we are living the life we were meant to live.