View Full Version : What is your simple living expertise?
catherine
11-30-12, 4:32pm
Simple living takes many forms. Where is YOUR expertise? i.e., herbgeek, please name yourself as an herbalist.
We all appreciate one another's different approaches to simple living. But perhaps if we can "own" our expertise, people will seek us out for advice and information on specific subjects. So if you're willing to be the simple living expert in a specific area--please chime in! And don't be shy. Just let us know where your strongest area of focus is, simple-living-wise.
Totally fun thread, Catherine!
Traditional old-fashioned cloth diapering! I thank my six kids for that! Babysitting days, too!
catherine
11-30-12, 4:59pm
Totally fun thread, Catherine!
Traditional old-fashioned cloth diapering! I thank my six kids for that! Babysitting days, too!
We should have our own YouTube channel: I'd LOVE to see you demonstrating the right way to diaper, Mrs-M!!
You are such a sweetheart, Catherine!
I can't tell you how often days pass where I kick myself for not starting a blog when my last two were babies. It would have been the perfect time to do such a video, or at best, take a series of slides to show each step. I was just so swamped I didn't have time. I truly was overwhelmed.
I'm thinking of you now... hmmm... business? Triple S Diva? (Saving, scrimping, scrounging, to keep your household afloat). I know the challenges you have dealt with Re:, so I have always deeply admired you for that!
Laser_Cat
11-30-12, 5:28pm
I think mine has to be taking public transit. My friends are always surprised how I can be in any city in the world and manage to figure out the public transit system and get us where we need to go. Now granted I've made a few mistakes but I always manage to figure out how to get around express trains, track maintenance or detour routes. =P
I wouldn't call myself an herbalist, but an herb enthusiast. I make the distinction because an herbalist tends to prescribe to address bodily ills. I only do that at home, not for others. I make herbal products like salves and teas and seasoning mixes and the like, for both medicinal and culinary use.
I'm pretty good at gardening and food preservation.
My thing I think I'm best at though, is figuring how to take the essence of something and make it easy- figure out which steps are just there to impress the audience how hard it is and get rid of those. So I make appetizers and desserts that wow people, but are relatively easy to make. Or I have streamlined systems at home that- while they take time to initially set up- save time over the long run. I am all about putting the simple into simple living.
Its second nature to me to live in a small space with minimal possessions. I don't struggle to declutter, I thrive on it.
Lots of fun reading everyone's entries! More, please! :)
I am good at just going a very long time without buying anything but food and gas for the car. Sometimes I go months w/o buying anything. Then, when I do buy, I feel guilty. It helps that I don't have TV and so very rarely see ads of what I'm missing.
Also (this is going to sound really bad) I am so out of it when it comes to shopping and buying and so infrequently go out that when I do, I feel a little intimidated by the experience. But I'm not an agoraphobic. It's just usually been so long since I was in particular stores that it is a little overwhelming.
catherine
11-30-12, 6:32pm
But I'm not an agoraphobic. It's just usually been so long since I was in particular stores that it is a little overwhelming.
I hate malls and always have. I like shopping in small specialty boutiques. I feel completely overwhelmed in big stores! So I hear ya!
Blackdog Lin
11-30-12, 6:39pm
I feel like I am fabulous in the area of not wasting food i.e. being creative with what's on hand and with leftovers. I can plan meals and squeeze leftovers like nobody's business. :)
iris lily
11-30-12, 6:51pm
I can grow iris 'n lilies like nobody's business! I donate to plant societies and give them away. Someday when I'm retired I may sell them at Farmer's markets.
SteveinMN
11-30-12, 7:32pm
Techie things?
Probably one of my best skills is finding stuff -- information, products, ...
I say, "No."
"No, dear. Now is not a good time to buy a house." - avoided the whole mortgage mess a couple years back
"No, I don't want to buy a car for the couple of months we will be back in that states." - saved money and stress and showed a lot of friends it could be done.
"No, I don't want a big house just because we are allotted that much. I'm happy with our apt."
"No, I don't need to drive here in Japan. We have one of the best public transportation systems in the world."
"No, I don't do Christmas shopping or presents anytime of the year."
"No, dear, just because it's free doesn't mean it's worth anything."
All these "No"'s give us the freedom, money & space to say, "Yes" the the things that are most important to us :)
treehugger
11-30-12, 7:56pm
I can't claim expertise in any area. But I am a pretty good from-scratch cook; using frugal ingredients and being creative with what's on hand is basically second nature to me now. I am also willing and able to pick a new project to tackle on a regular basis (e.g., learning how to bake yeast breads, making my own sourdough starter, pressure and water bath canning) so that I can add to my skill set. I am not afraid to fail.
Kara
rosarugosa
11-30-12, 8:09pm
I'm a decent gardener, with my area of interest being ornamentals rather than edibles. I'm organized to a fault, so decluttering, organizing stuff, keeping lists, managing tasks are things I am intrinsically hard-wired to do.
Information-finding here, too. Also cooking (vegetarian or vegan, gluten-free,paleo or any other special diet, just name your requirements and I can do it), vegetable gardening (in multiple climates), low-water landscaping, green living (from knowing where to recycle everything, to years of experience in homemade cleaners), and an amateur interest in integrative medicine. I know how to organize and sort just about anything, even when presented with an amazing mess (such as a particular friend's house, which we whipped into shape in less than a month this summer).
I also have a good mind for numbers, which enables me to remember where the best price on anything is, and how much it is, so when I see sales I know if they are a good price or not. Can do unit price calculations mentally in the event of different sizes. Have never needed a price book, because I just remember numbers (sometimes for much longer than is necessary: for instance, I still know all my childhood phone numbers, and we moved a lot!).
Despite the use of these skills in everyday life, adding them to my resume would make for more interesting reading but probably no better luck in the current job market than my 20-year old grad degree in engineering, sadly.
frugal-one
11-30-12, 9:18pm
I am told I am organized. I don't see it but more than one person has said so. I am an aspiring herbalist.. make tinctures, salves and medicines. Have studied investing and am not doing too badly. I LOVE learning new things and am always studying something new. All these things help in my simple living lifestyle!
Love, love, love, reading this!
I though of a good number of members this afternoon, after coming across this thread, and tried reaching an educated guess as to what each member (I was thinking of) specialized in or excelled in, and so far I'm doing better than expected! :)
Would love to hear from more!
pony mom
11-30-12, 10:52pm
I'm good at keeping track of things. I know how much money I have, how much is allotted to what, and how much I spend. I know how many massages I have done (over 2000!-no wonder I'm burned out and crippled), and how much each client has tipped me. How long some products last, how many miles away someplace is and how long it takes to get there. My horse gets a miracle drug for arthritis that I inject myself--I know how much each shot costs and what the difference is if I stretch it out from once a month to every 6 weeks or inject a smaller amount. Or how much each supplement costs each day/month/year.
I'm also sort of an efficiency expert. Give me a task and I'll try it your way, then figure out a quicker and more efficient way of doing it. And I'm a decent researcher when I have to buy something.
Mighty Frugal
11-30-12, 10:53pm
I am a warrior shopper. I always find the best deals, resist temptation and know what to stock up on and what to leave.
I'm also pretty neat and organized which saves a lot of money and time
I think of new uses for old items but I also know when something needs to go into the recycling bin
I can also eat a 100 gram Lindt milk chocolate bar in one sitting-bought on sale of course!
OK, have to be honest here, but I scored a big fat zero, on guessing your area of specialty, Pony Mom. I would have guessed something to with horses (for sure). A unique specific area unto itself.
Originally posted by Mighty Frugal.
I can also eat a 100 gram Lindt milk chocolate bar in one sittingROTFLMAO!
Money management/investing
Marine navigation
Bushcrafting/survival
Metal/woodworking/gunsmithing/home repair
Self-defense
Water/sewer infrastructure
Community planning and development
Winemaking
Polliwog
11-30-12, 11:40pm
I would say my strong point is that I do not fear my financial future. I have always known I could take care of myself within whatever means I have. In other words, I am able to scale down to a lower cost of living if need be without feeling deprived. I manage affordable housing - apartment buildings. I have seen what people can do with an apartment of about 600 sq ft and I am always amazed. People have such creativity and some of the apartments I have seen after tenants furnish them are so cozy and comfortable. What else does one need? I also do not shop for pleasure. I stay away from stores so that I do not spend money. One of the best adventures of simple living is to see just how creative one can become to live simply.
I can steer people to great sources of helpful information like books and websites that are relevant to their needs. I can also make amazing (if I do say so myself) personalized hypnosis CD's (or .mp3's, nowadays), which I think are a great way to support people in both relaxation and habit change/formation, if they're open to it. Sometimes changing a habit is the quickest way to making life simple and frugal.
In my working days I had somewhat of a reputation as a dedicated bicycle commuter in all weathers and through the dark months. I still do errands by bicycle, but have lost the opportunity for a daily commute in early retirement. I volunteer for a few programs doing wildlife and avian surveys these days.
Like a couple of others have mentioned, I'm great at keeping track of numbers. I know the amounts in all our accounts/net worth and I love to making multi-year budgets. I also remember prices and don't have to keep a price book. I'm also a natural planner. I plan things, days, weeks, months, even years in advance. It drives my DH crazy sometimes though.
Maxamillion
12-1-12, 9:11am
I'm incredibly resourceful. And I can budget like nobody's business. I'm good at finding information, great at crafts, and I love learning new things.
Looks like my luck ran out in the department of accuracy! LOL! Oh, well, this is such a fun thread!!!
Catherine. I know this thread wasn't intended as a guessing thread, but... I have you pegged in the department of sewing, or Permaculture & Design.
cattledog
12-1-12, 10:38am
Despite the use of these skills in everyday life, adding them to my resume would make for more interesting reading but probably no better luck in the current job market than my 20-year old grad degree in engineering, sadly.
It was the truth. To this day, I easily remember appointments, dates, etc. I know when my next dental appointment is six months from now. I know when my DH and kid have their appointments. It always struck me as odd that people have to put activities and appointments on calendars. I didn't get the job, but I realized after that interview that everyone is not like me and I learned how to play the game. :)
But you're right, it's not something you can put on a resume.
Looks like my luck ran out in the department of accuracy! LOL! Oh, well, this is such a fun thread!!!
Catherine. I know this thread wasn't intended as a guessing thread, but... I have you pegged in the department of sewing, or Permaculture & Design.
Yeah, when I tried to "peg" myself, it was hard, Mrs-M.
I do think I know more about sewing than the average person, and I've spent many hours having lots of fun whipping up clothes, theatre costumes, and most especially, Halloween costumes for my kids. That was always the most fun challenge at my house, even though at the time, it always stressed me out because I was so busy. But I always managed to come up with some fun ideas for all four kids and loved executing them.
As for Permaculture, I am SO far from being an expert at this point, but that's my aspirational area of expertise.. maybe if this thread is resurrected in 2017 I'll be able to call myself somewhat of an expert.
I think my other area of interest (wouldn't call it expertise) would be in the area of spiritual simplicity in terms of reading and understanding some of the greats who have framed voluntary simplicity as a spiritual exercise--people like Thoreau, Richard Foster, St. Francis of Assisi and Thich Nhat Hanh and Richard Gregg. I think simple living starts as an internal adventure which is manifested in external ways.
I'm good at long-term planning, like with paying off last car loan and a mortgage years ago and current 2nd mortgage. I love doing it, and our lenders and DH amazed at how fast we pay things off. Also good on filing--my file cabinet is a cloth bag the size of a paper bag. Also good at not buying plastic or paper things.
I wnat to get expert in not incurring debt--the other side of paying off fast--only buying what I've saved up for, so getting better at saving up.
I am very curious and it helps me to learn new things, do things better, and constantly evolve.
I am good at looking at a space and knowing what will fit in there without measuring...drives hubby crazy!
I am good at what I do (NMT/Massage Therapy) which ensures that I am always booked....which helps me save like crazy.
I am a fantastic soup maker in the crockpot!
Ahhh... so glad to see your post, Catherine. The suspense was killing me! LOL! :)
Re: your experience/expertise in sewing, I could tell (a long time ago) you were very knowledgeable in that area. In fact, you remind me of an old member we used to have by the name of, Jehanne, who was also an advanced/experienced stitch artist.
P.S. How do you like my fancy terminology... "stitch artist"? :)
you remind me of an old member we used to have by the name of, Jehanne, who was also an advanced/experienced stitch artist.
P.S. How do you like my fancy terminology... "stitch artist"? :)
I remember Jehanne.. "stitch artist!" I like it! Or, how about "wardrobe engineer"?
AmeliaJane
12-1-12, 7:25pm
Man, I would love to be able to eyeball something and see if it fits. The number of things I have dragged back to the store over that issue...(and I do measure.)
I am a good frugal cook when I need to be, and was very good with couponing when the situation was truly desperate.
I am good at not needing much. I save a lot without a lot of pain simply because I am happy with a small apartment, modest car, not a lot of clothes, and no need to travel fancy places.
LOL, Catherine!!! Yes, "Wardrobe Engineer"! Love that even better! I capitalized it because it's important. :)
fidgiegirl
12-1-12, 8:23pm
This is a hard one! I think for me it's that I can keep the house organized so that we can use what we have. For example, tonight I pulled out the surplus paper from our last two Christmas letters so we don't have to get more. I also made a rolling platform out for our filing cabinet today. We had to get some of the needed pieces, but some we had. Poor DH doesn't always follow my organization very well, but he asks if he needs something . . . we do pretty well that way. Pretty much no duplicate purchasing in this house.
Getting better, but not expert, at both saying no as well as getting rid of unwanted items as soon as they come into my life. I am no longer seduced by the "it was a gift so I should hang onto it" way of thinking. Gifts are acknowledged, appreciated, I feel the love they represent, and then they go out the door.
Larknm. I guessed your simple living expertise very close to what it was. :)
Fidgiegirl. I would have guessed yours would have been frugal remodeling/renovations.
A rolling platform? Is that something like a skateboard?
My specialty is stoic endurance and hunkering.
LOL, Jane! Judging by your mask, I had you pegged as being superb at endurance and hunkering!!!
LOL, Jane! Judging by your mask, I had you pegged as being superb at endurance and hunkering!!!
Weathering the storm, you might say. That's my little polymer Tlaloc, Aztec weather deity.
fidgiegirl
12-2-12, 7:04pm
Larknm. I guessed your simple living expertise very close to what it was. :)
Fidgiegirl. I would have guessed yours would have been frugal remodeling/renovations.
Well I guess that would have made sense! Maybe it's more DH's speciality, so it didn't pop to mind? :)
I love it, Jane!
Ah, well, Fidgiegirl, I was thinking out loud, mostly. :)
Making economy meals that offer variety
Budgeting
Decluttering and organizing for living in a small space.
I think mine would be my ability to get the most bang for my buck. I came to simple living via learning to coupon and rebate. I've gotten pretty good at using whatever opportunities that are available to stretch a dollar whether I'm buying groceries, clothes or fencing for the yard.
Dh and I learned a long time ago that its not what we have that brings happiness-its the ability to enjoy the little things.
shadowmoss
12-3-12, 8:29am
I am best at being a bad example. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. :)
Gardenarian
12-3-12, 4:03pm
Well, I'm pretty good at getting the most out of our library! We not only use it for books, magazines, music, DVDs, but there are many wonderful databases for research, an excellent online foreign language program (dd is using it to learn Japanese), online ebooks and e-audiobooks, free concerts and workshops, and free passes to museums.
I'm pretty knowledgeable about gardening but was not born with a green thumb - but I keep trying!
I think my greatest skill is in not needing a lot.
Clap, clap, clap... lovin' this thread! Keep 'em coming everybody!
Clap, clap, clap... lovin' this thread! Keep 'em coming everybody!
Thanks for being my wing man(woman?) as the thread-keeper, Mrs-M! Been busy today and about to board a flight!
You are most welcome, Catherine!
Wishing you a safe and enjoyable trip!
Wildflower
12-4-12, 3:32am
I am a great budgeter, organizer, and cleaner upper. :)
I know absolutely everything about child care and pet care. ;)
Interesting inquiry...
Community building & organizing
Making a comfy sweet home out of GW & other thrifted finds
Gardening, both food & beauty. Always organic!
Good farm animal husbandry skills
Connecting people to each other - my good friend Em calls me a Resourceress
High tolerance for conflict
High appreciation for difference
Willingness to get my hands dirty to achieve my goals
Deep passion for self-reflection
Then, of course, are the many areas I am working on...
Growing almost any kind of food, even grains.
Finding the most bang for the buck when food shopping.
Preserving food.
Preparing food.
Is anyone else sensing a trend here?
Fabulous thread, catherine! :-)
I'd say one of my strengths is budgeting--debt reduction, saving for emergencies, easily distinguishing between wants and needs, etc.
I'm also pretty good at cooking from scratch--I can make us great food with cheap ingredients or what's on sale
I am also content with less. I'm not a minimalist, but I don't like to own too much and enjoy decluttering/organization
In the years to come, I'd like to learn more about gardening, canning, and cloth diapering. The latter didn't work with DD, but I am SO trying again with the next kid. I also want to be better at saying "no" as well as learn more about preparing financially for retirement. I am clueless when it comes to investing, etc.
Blackdog Lin
12-4-12, 2:38pm
catherine - thank you starting this thread.
It makes me smile, to hear us all applauding our efforts, instead of worrying over our failures.....
Awesome!!! This is my comfort and joy thread!
Kat. Bummer were not neighbours. I think with some moms, they complicate the process (overly), not suggesting such is the case with you (just saying), while others, either choose the wrong type/style of cloth diaper, or never properly learned (or were shown/taught) how to fold and fasten (pin).
Anyhow, long story-short, when I used to babysit, I had diaper folds memorized for each household (old-fashioned days of DIAPERS), so when I babysat at Mrs-W's, folding was done this way, whereas at Mrs-S's, folding was done that way, and at Mrs-P's, she always double-diapered, because her kids had chicken legs! LOL! And the rubber pants were always miles too big! HUGE loopy leg holes!!! So like a seamstress, I'd sometimes safety pin the elastic openings!
Originally posted by Blackdog Lin.
It makes me smile, to hear us all applauding our efforts, instead of worrying over our failures.....Here-ye!
To add... Gregg, I'd love to be able to spend some time together so you could teach me a few more things Re: canning!
Would love to spend time with each and everyone here, to learn something new/better!
Was just thinking about the days of "show and tell" in school. What fun that was, and in keeping with those days gone by, we could have "simple/frugal days", where anyone interested, could visit the member in question (related to whatever they wanted to learn), and get a hands-on crash course as to the how-to's of!
Its second nature to me to live in a small space with minimal possessions. I don't struggle to declutter, I thrive on it.
Ditto for me. That and having a small environmental footprint (bike, very low utility useage, etc..) as well as being very frugal so that I do not have to work for a living and having all my time free to do anything I want. All of the other stuff people talk about here related to simple living - like growing food, canning, hanging laundry, sewing, cooking from scratch, darning socks (what exactly is darning anyways?), raising animals, making bio-fuels, living off grid, gardening, etc... - are not part of my personal view of simple living as they require lots of time and labor and often equiptment. I don't want to work THAT hard - it may kill me :-)!
You are such a stinker, Spartana! :)
You are such a stinker, Spartana! :)
I do strive to be a stinker ya know :-)! While I don't want to do all that other "simple but very hard and complex and just not fun to me" stuff, I can see that it all adds a much better quality to someone's life overall and certainly to the environment and that it could actually be (sort of) fun. But I want my peanut butter, bread and wine ready to go without me having to to till the land, plant the seeds, water and fertilize, weed, sow and harvest, and then crush the nuts and grapes, chaff the wheat, grind the flour and bake the bread before I can make my lunch ;-)!. Anyways, us lazy girls keep the economy running by buying already made bread, peanut butter and wine!
Oh, I know, and you're such a good stinker, too, Spartana!!! ROTFLMAO!!!
You be proud of who you are. Individuality is a good thing. :)
Anyways, us lazy girls keep the economy running by buying already made bread, peanut butter and wine!
That's me! I'm hoping that by the time I have grandchildren I'll be able to teach them about the other way.
On the diaper front, anyone else endure diaper pail duty as a sitter? As in cloth/pins/rubber pants duty?
cindycindy
12-4-12, 8:26pm
I feel like I am fabulous in the area of not wasting food i.e. being creative with what's on hand and with leftovers. I can plan meals and squeeze leftovers like nobody's business. :)
That's my area of expertise also, Lin. Other family members will hover over the fridge and say there's nothing to eat. I'd rather use leftovers and the cupboard then go out and buy more food.
try2bfrugal
12-5-12, 10:23am
Investing, taxes, spreadsheets, budget projections, ROI on my time, cost per calories of foods, watts of electricity per bulb and appliance - basically very detailed number projections and calculations.
Tussiemussies
12-5-12, 1:31pm
Am very into all aspects of alternative Heath. I have excellent reference books I use and I like to help people as a first defense against sickness. I am not against conventional medical help in any way, but there is so much a person can do for themselves before medical is needed.
I also have studied spiritual healing for over 20 years and use it on myself and dogs with fantastic results. DH and I rarely get physically I'll...
Right now my reference books are packed away for our move. When they are. Unpacked if anyone would love to try alternative healing for them or their dog, let me know!
living with minimal possessions
taking the "scraps" in the fridge and making a "wow" meal out of it
handsewing costumes for the kids
understanding the interconnectedness of emotional/spiritual/physical health and being a healing presence in the room
helping my kids discover the awesome persons they are meant to be
having a strong sense of enough and gratitude
More simple living expertise, PLEASE! :)
Entertaining kids on the cheap with arts and crafts ideas. Usually using objects from nature and simple materials.
I also can do calligraphy.
Calligraphy, wow! Calligraphy, is something I have always wanted to learn.
I used to do several styles of calligraphy (mostly for labels for food gift items) , but it all seem pretty moot now with word processor fonts.
But by-hand, is always so special.
Its second nature to me to live in a small space with minimal possessions. I don't struggle to declutter, I thrive on it.
I like small spaces, as well. Pretty organized. Love to cook, especially Middle Eastern. I go for simple hobbies: reading, digital photography, writing. Cooking IS one of my hobbies. I'm good at helping people declutter. Minimalist. 9 years without TV! :D
Love the sounds of Middle Eastern cuisine, Tradd!
early morning
12-16-12, 4:32pm
Well, I know how to live without many modern conveniences - I can, and have, milked cows, separated cream, churned butter; killed and butchered game and domestic animals for food, caught, cleaned and smoked fish, grown and canned many types of fruits and veggies, repaired all sorts of items (some better than others, lol), cooked over open fires, etc. Most of this not over long periods of time, but I know that in a pinch, I could handle those things. Sewn clothing for myself and my family, hauled water, used pit toilets (all my grandma had!) - although I've never dug one :) Used cloth diapers on both my kids, and cooked from scratch, while working a full-time job outside the home- (babysat a few whose parents used cloth, also). I think my "expertise" is willingness to try things the old way, and having a good working knowledge base of simple/old-fashioned skills. That said, I really appreciate some of the conveniences I have today! :)
Nice well-rounded post, Early Morning!
Originally posted by Early Morning.
(babysat a few whose parents used cloth, also)LOL! Had a sneaking suspicion I wasn't the only SL'r with such pre-motherhood simple living experience/expertise!
But by-hand, is always so special.
+1
You calligraphers sure do have a special gift! :-)
On the diaper front, anyone else endure diaper pail duty as a sitter? As in cloth/pins/rubber pants duty?
Kinda hard to remember now, but, yes, I did begin babysitting for a couple quite young--11 yrs old I think. And yes, they were cloth. I do remember the diaper pail.
Never had to change my younger siblings' diapers tho, thankfully. My mom pretty much did her own duties in that dept. My older sister and I were fairly conscripted to kitchen duties after they came along. We also chopped kindling and brought firewood up to the house every night after school during fireplace season. My dad worked swing shift, so we did that chore for him!
Life_is_Simple
1-19-13, 10:43am
Love for learning. My mom told me this recently, that I had a love for learning from Day 1.
Good at exploratory analysis, looking for patterns, cause and effect relationships, and root causes. I can diagnose and treat new health conditions quickly. I can *sometimes* diagnose what to change in some of my life-simplifying endeavors.
Process improvement, streamlining processes, creating simple systems. I also have checklists of key processes, like pre-vacation checklist.
I am a DO-er. If I talk over some improvement I’m working on in my life with people, I will do it. Whereas other people will stagnate. They will talk and not do.
I have an OCD-like excitement when I have learned and applied a new technique. This has resulted in my mom and sister decluttering, and my sister more involved in her finances.
I am outwardly non-judgmental to other people, so that I can help them implement systems of change in their lives. Sometimes I am inwardly non-judgmental about them (“Oh, that is a different but interesting lifestyle!”); sometimes I am inwardly judgmental (“How can she have so much clutter?”). I am empathic.
I think there is always more to learn.
Decluttering and organizing to make a space pretty or just to make a closet neat and clean. I love it!!!
LOL, KayLRZ! I, too, have to crunch my brain at times when remembering.
It was so much more homier back then, wasn't it. I remember my baby brother shoveling snow (as a kid job to make money), and he always shoveled us out at home. He liked going outside and cleaning the walks and stairs, then cleaning-out a special spot on the side-street for dad to park the family car when he arrived home from work.
There was always such a sense of grown-up, attached to such, when you could help out a parent or neighbour, and it seemed kids (back then, our era) were more receptive to that sort of thing. I know in speaking for myself, I always felt a commitment to pitch-in and help, no matter what chore or duty it was. Made me feel so adult-like and mature.
P.S. Babysitting way back when, built character! LOL!
Bump!
More stories/experiences from simple living experts/those with simple living expertise, wanted! :)
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