Perfectionism has no place in my life today…as a ‘recovering perfectionist‘, I see more clearly than ever how much relational damage I’ve done over the years by my need to be perfect. I have been reminded of my tendency towards perfection during Christmas, as I am tempted to fantasize about that Norman Rockwell holiday that [...]
Weekly Wrap-Up: Tractor Supply, Third World Awareness and thought for a Simple Christmas
December 2, 2011 By 23 Comments
God has such an interesting way of teaching me about this homesteading life. Just as I begin to think I know a little something, He’ll show me a perspective that I hadn’t seen before. Coming through the “back door” of my life, through our adoption of three Ethiopian siblings 2 1/2 years ago, He has [...]
How to Deal with Toxic People During the Holidays
November 23, 2011 By 13 Comments
This is a re-post from Thanksgiving 2011. I think you’ll find it to be timely…. Life is funny. Take a look at this old Coke machine. Man, this brings back memories. When I was a kid, this is what they looked like. Notice the 5 choices (no diet by the way!)…and see the little box that [...]
The Year of the Hand-Crafted Gift
November 22, 2011 By 5 Comments
Gorgeous, unique and practical….this is the year for the hand-crafted gift! Gorgeous hand-made soap from Leanne’s…naturally. I don’t need to remind anyone that money is tight for just about everyone this year. Growing numbers are out of work with little prospect for employment at this time. Christmas will be very lean for many and you [...]
The Modern "Summer Kitchen"
June 22, 2011 By 14 Comments
Today’s “Summer Kitchen” – what should it look like? This question has been on my mind a lot lately. As we design a new outbuilding for our property, a new, modern “Summer Kitchen” will be part of the plan. As I’ve searched the internet for ideas, I’m finding the terms “Summer Kitchen” and “Outdoor Kitchen” [...]
How to Make a Wonderfully Simple Turkey
November 29, 2010 By 8 Comments
For many years, the thought of cooking a turkey was terrifying to me…but not anymore. Year after year, I would watch TV shows and read websites, looking for the perfect way to make a turkey. Yet, most years, my turkey turned out somewhere between mediocre to burnt. This Thanksgiving, and for the last 10 years [...]
Choosing Gratitude: Guest Post
November 19, 2010 By 4 Comments
This is a guest post by a very good friend and faithful reader. I love the way she is choosing to be grateful in her circumstances this holiday season…. Every Tuesday morning, I head to one of my favorite places to hang out…my girl’s school. As a helper in my youngest daughter’s class, I always head [...]
Chocolate Pumpkin Cheesecake
September 22, 2010 By 18 Comments
Follow the Tribe!