Essentials

January 2011 will be the start of essential living. It'll be time to dive in hard, pay off debt and spend money on essentials. Problem...often I make purchases that at the moment seem "essential" to me but in reality they are so far from it. Guess it's time to write down guidelines for the "essential" category.

Finding Balance

I feel like I'm in a constant state of trying to find "balance". Balance in everything. I'm also always in a state (in my mind at least) of trying to simplify. Most of the time I fail. Occasionally there is a moment of success. How does one who give up consumerism? How do you save money to go towards paying down debt and saving for a dream? How does one find balance between fixing up a house not knowing if it will eventually be a rental or one that will be sold? How does one find balance in teaching her children at home when not wanting to be real "schoolish" and yet wanting a little structure? Where is the balance between wanting to make things for others and becoming selfish about the time used to make those things?

Blackberry Ink? Who knew?

Homestead Blessing's is giving away a copy of their new DVD: The Art of Crafting. Check it out! I am completely fascinated with the idea of blackberry ink. What a fun albeit messy activity to do with the kids.

For Grandma

Along the fence line there are thorn less blackberries

Sugar snap peas, lettuce sprouts, pablano peppers, green peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, mustard greens and green beans fill this bed.

Butternut squash, sugar snap peas, lettuce, leeks, broccoli riab, spinach, radishes

We are feeling incredibly blessed right now. While so many others have put there garden to rest for the season, mine is still producing. No, it's not warm here in the NW but for whatever reason, the weather is still favorable for our garden. Yesterday Em and I harvested green beans, yellow summer squash, radishes, jalapenos, a green pepper and snacked on some yellow pear tomatoes. There is plenty more to harvest but we're only taking a bit at a time to enjoy the freshness. My Grandma has asked for pictures of the garden and the blog is the easiest way for her to see them. Grandma, you were thought about yesterday. xoxoxoxo

Silk

Our little guy has begun to build it's cocoon! Nature is a wonder.