First, go read
this from Agent Glim. [And give him a power pt while you're at it!]
This will hopefully be the first of several NOTaGAME tagged posts I will contribute over the next weeks.
There are plenty of real action steps I have incorporated over the last five years. We are die-hard recyclers of everything, for example, and that was a habit that took awhile to ingrain all 6 of us that live under this roof.
In the last 2 years, my husband [who works more than full-time away from home] has really taken on creating a sustainable homestead for us on the 7+ acres we have. Currently we raise geese, ducks and chickens for meat and eggs. Goats and Guineau Hens for fun. And a couple of pigs for meat. We also had an extensive garden last year -- which thanks to his freezing and canning we are still eating from 9 months later. The thing is, this has all been his thing. I am no fan of physical labor and, frankly, avoid it when possible. Sure when he is out of town [as much as 2 weeks of the month], I will feed and water the animals and water the garden as necessary. And even, grudgingly, pull a few weeds. But he has born the burden of this project himself for the most part. I saw it as a hobby and did not UNTIL THIS WEEK, appreciate it in the larger context of values I hold very dear.
The reading I've done here on EVOKE, and the research that this has inspired me to pursue elsewhere, has caused this basic shift in the way I see our work here at home. A shift in the value I am placing on it. Now the gardening and animal husbandry is more than just a nice rural "hobby" -- now I really get that it's a fundamental expression of my values and a concrete way for me to get to live them.
So, Agent Glim. What will I actually DO now? I will be my husband's true partner in the homesteading that is supplying healthy, sustainably grown food for my family. Which as the snow has melted and planting season is upon us, means rolling up my sleeves this weekend.
Thank you for that kick in the pants.
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