We’ve had a great spring here on our land. Things have felt really productive. But, I have to tell you, we are beat! I wake up in the morning, jump out of bed and get going. Laundry, taking care of the animals, garden care, kitchen clean up, etc. all comes before breakfast. Most nights I spend preparing for Kaia’s schooling, sewing, cleaning, or researching one thing or another on the internet. Weekends we do chores around the land (and we usually don’t get done with our list of ‘to do’s). I’m not complaining. I’m simply stating how things are right now. But I’m starting to feel resentful that we have very little down time, fun time, or time to play with the kids. We have been working towards this life and lifestyle for years. We now have our own land (25 acres!), our own house (built with our own hands and very earth friendly), we have chickens and gardens and orchards and bees and cottages. And each of those things requires upkeep. Well… we are tired! We are re-evaluating this life style. We want to live more gently, but this is definitely not more simple. We don’t have time or energy for those bonfires and potlucks with friends that we wanted. We have little time for travel and very little time to relax and read. Having Heidi here helps tremendously, but she has been gone for much of 2010, and we won’t always have her here. So, we are taking a look at our life and trying to decide what things we truly desire in it, and trying to figure out how to have those things and keep a simple and earth friendly life. There may be some changes in store…. we’ll see.
Toby's new shirt
garlic and onion harvest
veggie gardens
more veggie gardens
Kaia got some goggles for swimming… Leif stole them!
Yes, the goggles work more effectively if you stick your tongue out.
Oh, I hear ya! Sometimes the simple life is anything but simple. I made the decision this year that I was simply going to make time for potlucks and bonfires and whatever else. I’m happy to say that I have done that at least once a month and I’m so much better for it. The thing is, no matter what kind of lifestyle we lead (I’m learning), we’re always busy so we just have to make time even when there’s stuff to do. Of course, sometimes we need to re-evaluate too. Been there, too. Good luck to you as you find and discover what’s next.
I hear you too! On our 30 acres we grow 4 acres of veggies for a 60 member CSA in search a “simpler life.” How wrong we were. Things are more complicated than ever, and we have to ask ourselves all the time “Is this what we want?” When your mornings are dictated by having to open the greenhouse, before it reaches 100 and the evenings by closing the chickens in and when your vacations are scheudled around when someone can watch everything and all occur in the winter, things can seem overwhelming. We found ourselves strugling with the concept of “Voluntery Simplicity.” We find it works for us ONLY if it is not a synoym for “Self imposed poverty.” Good luck in your revaluation.
I can understand. There is no way I would have time to do all the things you all do, I commend you. I barely have time to get myself ready in the morning with my 2 little ones. I feel like I do not have time to clean and cook, more less take care of a farm and animals. I often think about living more how you are, but feel I do not have the time right now. Maybe when the kids get a little older and can help out more. For now we love our CSA, although I still want chickens!! 🙂
I agree with Kathie – no matter our lifestyle, it’s hard to achieve balance. Between livelihood and family, family and friends, self and others, doing and being. Thank you for helping me along my own path, and for sharing yours!
I understand how you feel simple isn’t always…simple. Let me encourage you to look down, see the precious blessing standing beside you, learning and working alongside mama and daddy? Your teaching them so many lessons by laughing together, and working together as a family. Lessons you will not see the fruit in until later. Remember too, your land is newly cultivated. It always takes time to care for it, but will take less time later as it improves. It seems, that first year garden produce little, yet take great care.
If you have to let things go, then so be it. The season of your life your in right now, is for but a short time. As your children grow and mature, and can handle bigger chores, or the 4H raising chicken project, then guess who gets to handle the chickens! :^)
The time in which their young is so short. As a seasoned mama I have more time on my hands as they’ve matured then I did when they were younger. But so do they, and at the right time, I could hand off chores and jobs.
Don’t grow weary in well doing. Love those babies, love your husband, make time to spend with others. You’ll be blessed by the memories of this, more than getting it all done each and every day.
Yep! I’m with you there. My husband, 9 month old, and I live north of Asheville in a teeny tiny cabin, no plumbing, no electricity, and property to try and care for. We’ve been there three years and love it. But with our little guy in the picture now, plus our jobs, it feels hard to maintain everything and still have family time to just enjoy each other. So we’re in a similar place of assessing options and how to maintain the balance you’re describing. I’d love to hear what options you’ve found and are considering. It be great to have someone to hash out ideas with!
i had to quit reading blogs and blogging because there is just too much to do. now i can only check up on my friends once a month or so and i hate it. i am starting to resent this lifestyle because i have no life. i’m lonely and tired and poor and have no support. i have too many jobs and not enough hours to complete them: mother, homeschooler, housekeeper, homesteader, herbalist, writer…the list just goes on and on.
a community is the way to go. everyone shares, everyone has an interest or two they can focus on and everyone wins….sigh. someday.
i look forward to reading up on your changes.
I sometimes feel that way too, and I don’t get nearly as much done as you do. 😉
Does it make you feel better than I adore your fantastic garden? (Also, thanks for stopping by my site. I’ll be sure to let my daughter know that you like her video.)