Awesome Pariah! Here, you cannot legally care for your kids plus more than 2 unrelated children without being registered/licensed as a daycare! Very strict. And technically if you do any care, you're supposed to notify them and be listed as a 'legally unregistered provider'.
So yay!
I have been working at my 100 drawing contract for a book on preparing and preserving the harvest for winter, and just received an email to reprint my as-of-yet-incomplete drawings for a city project. My drawings, if the council approves of the proposal, will be turned into pretty signs that will be permanent installations in the city's gardens around town. The initiative is to plant edible gardens, so my drawings are right in line, which is why I received the email from one of the organisers of the project (everyone knows everyone here; there are 24,000 people living here, so word travels fast).
Anyway, I'm so thrilled. Will post again when I know for sure whether it'll happen. :)
Hope you don't mind the play-by-play. I always look for people's descriptions of how things go before they've been tidied up for publication, and it is very hard to find such things, so I'm trying to do that here for anyone else who might want to know exactly what a journey like this might look like.
I hope everyone else is making progress, too! Please post! :)
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Our minds are powerful; use them for good, lol. :) You absolutely have more than one skill. Absolutely.
This is great to read. I always feel like I have none or maybe one skill to offer. As someone who wants to never go back to working 52+ hours a week, I really need to get out of the mindset that I have nothing to offer and into the mindset that I do indeed have more than one skill. I;m going to go write up a list soon so I can make it visible and stop delaying myself due to this mindset. Thanks.
:) It will be so awesome to live freely with your little bundle (with a great name)! I remember before I was married, looking at a list of things that someone else was doing and thinking as I read along, "I could do that! And that, and that, and...". My dp is probably sick of hearing me say that the only difference between us and people succeeding at what they want to do, is that they are doing it.
Having read the autobiographcal anecdotes of various people doing it, it firstly amazed me how ordinary they were. They have fears, setbacks, and didn't know everything about their work before they started (entrepreneur rule number 1, which I think only serves to dissuade otherwise capable people from doing what they want to do; we can all learn, even while doing). But then I saw their courage and it was that quality alone that set them apart in my eyes, and made them extraordinary. But I don't think the deliberate life is only for an elite class; it's for anyone who wants it and then acts accordingly, which takes courage in a culture that truly believes college=job=money=success, then you retire when you're spent. That's just not for me. And that sequence is no guarantee, either, but it doe set up the potential for false hope, false identities, and worse: the obliteration of individual creativity and ingenuity through productivity. If we aren't built to make things, do stuff, and enjoy the process, then we are incorrectly built. We're not ants. We're human beings. So we should stop acting like ants. :)
That is very true! The only difference is that they're actually doing it and I'm sitting here wishing I could. Not anymore! I have one more week of this work,
It does amaze me how these people are just like me, just like us. I always think they have this extra bit that I don't but really the only difference is that they are doing and not sitting. You are right though. It will be awesome! I'm nervous but I am totally committed now. I have to do this cause there's really nothing else I should be doing.
I expect it will be tough to get going and to get to the financial level that I'm leaving behind but I'd much rather work at it this way. I'm excited!
You guys are awesome! People after my own heart. You're giving me courage, to think of ways I could approach unjobbing (I have heard the term - I have a book called, "How to Make a Living Without a Job"). I'm being pressured to get a rat-race job bc my kids and I have been living in a couple of travel trailers in my sil back yard. I'm sure she is very tired of having us here. I don't have a vehicle to get to any rat race job, though (I'm in a rural area), even if I wanted one.
Just knowing I'm not alone - and reading the updates in your stories helps so much. Thanks.
Life embrace-rs! I am with you! Living here in Hawaii (and moving to the East Coast, but don't know where yet) I have been embracing a lot of living and food growing. It is amazing to grow our own. I think the most incredible feeling is picking fruit from a tree, season after season. I think I am with a lot of you about the truths about how much I need to live and breath. I went outside the other night at midnight naked because my dear son 3.5 yrs old has been really stubborn about wearing clothing. It was really mind blowing. I have studied Biology (B.A) and really passionate elective subjects, while Biology was my main love, learning about other passions really helped me grow. I have gone from mainstream (with DH, rocky, eek) and totally been feeling more crunchy as life goes on. He had a rough year last year at his job and his mother died.. I also had a rough year too finishing up cancer cure (YAY!.. not the kind that took my hair, but my thyroid.) It really landed us thinking so much, praying dearly and hugging each other often.. "Banana Pancakes" by Jack Johnson and "Better Together" came up often. So many things changed and changed. So now, here I am like a crazy person feeling what it is like to be naked to try to understand my kids..yep.. duh.. we are animals. http://www.oprah.com/health/Lessons-for-Living-Longer <---- I read up on this stuff, and eating more raw food, lots of raw food in my health case.. but really.. look at this list! IT IS US!!! :)))) I think that so much of what is all tied up in these systems.. these go to buildings.. break for lunch.. get a sitter.. run to class. Why? I mean at that very point I feel like I really may no longer, but sure if I want to some day when my kids are older, get a degree. I got Life! Habitat!
What was it like? It was cold, but I wanted to wait like 5 minutes.First I felt like a total animal, I looked around like I was looking for other animals, but more like imagining if like really big ones were there (did not like that). I put my hands in the dirt and smelled it. I chewed on some basil (kind of not cool because you should always wash your harvest very well and vinegar isn't bad). I was totally astonished..a feeling that I still really don't have words for. I got my DH out of bed and got him naked (under a blanket) and told him outside. "We are ALIVE!" All this Harvard and everything can be a really stressful distraction.. We are animals, we need food and family. This is what the longevity cultures have! Habitat! " He told me I was nuts and went to bed.
But later all this week we talked and some point I kind of broke down about it. I mean... There is a crunchy conflict going on but he turned to me and told me I was beautiful and he would love me no matter what and also after meeting me after a divorce from a jet-setter (in a flower shop buying roses for another date :D) he has been living more and longing for bigger dreams. I feel like I am turning into a true hippie. Not sure about the leg hair yet, but I totally love friends that care that so much about living and the earth to have hair.. or about being natural. It is frustrating because he is very Conservative, yet provident and frugal. Really? I think he is kind of a closet hippie. He wants so badly to be popular with every league of men...but tonight at a beach campfire he told me the only thing he prays for the most and every day is that we are happy, healthy and together. He would be pinned a geek hippie with a small love for vehicles, world news (i know), travel, tea, yoga, hiking, volunteering, but most of all being a great father, why we had an amazing first date is we just spilled all our dreams out, dream home, dream life, etc). He has shown me when truly talking to him that he really wants to play music, make things from wood, and maybe write a novel.. way more than banking, but I feel like he may use is MBA for something green. Living here so close to nature, we have been having so many sustainable inventions (sorry can't share yet.. we are seriously getting up and running but the green market is so important and so raw! They need all of us and China to rocks this green thing!) that maybe no one has ever thought of before. And ETSY? We love Etsy! I think that as time goes on, people will fall in love more and more.. it is amazing how many of my friends have never even heard of it.. I thought I told them, but we had 2 Christmases in a row with Etsy and now it is getting popular around here. I love Etsy. It is spiritual having a collection of handmade toys and a Christmas of them!
I have plans to unschool/homeschool with a lot of nature, library, and as many free programs I can find. DH has been very clear about joining us and clear that having rich experience with real books and classes (child led) will be the way to go.
Relocating is proving to the be either a miracle that will soon be answered (sold house but planning a trip to find home around family and staying with family, but we are providing the money for traveling and food with house sale..well actually all of our stuff we sold = income.) I hope to get a Road trek (van like RV but not huge) and get us setup that way until we find home..but.. so.. I am finding that a community that, well, has a spirit of going green, but really? It is more about the organic food. People going back to their roots. Sometimes, sure Organic can be for a few, but the way it just sort of trickles out into the system makes me feel more comfortable being a very frugal person. We will one day have a home... I guess what I am trying to say is.. I am not sure if we are moving to a really crunchy place where I can walk and encourage veggie grown gift giving, solar ovens, greenhouses going up like barns for the Amish.. is around my family in not so crunchy places.. I am not sure.. I love my family I mean I love them dearly! But the New England area is just lighting up with Organic Food! I am however considering TN over Asheville NC for the first time because I am unsure I can afford to un job in a mountain town.... It is kind of the thing about lifestyle.. I am unsure that we can afford a great lifestyle with pretty mountains vs. organic farms and u-pic farms out the back door and in Abundance.. Not sure where it is though.
I really like the daycare idea! I was thinking of a creative space kind of place where people can rent out a portion of our home or something, for gatherings and since we are really against plastics and love the earthy decor (and artsy).. we may be able to bring some Honolulu/Chinatown/West Coast Vibe into a place.. but Honolulu has a very transition feel to it.. it actually brings more people together from all paths on life, so.. just thinking. I was also thinking of having teen nights there because they really need a healthy and safe place to manifest their dreams and a stage in the community, not just a school or church, but a place to hang art and have a showing, also amps to sing out all they want, a dance floor, but no drinks other than coffee, smoothies, and teas. I think concessions would ultimately pay for it, but cover would be the best way. DH is great at building and I am really getting awesome at holistic design. It could work?! The thing that makes it more of a possibility is if a few people get together that want to unjob together. I am feeling like the crunchier places may be the place to look for this. I also like the idea of running a crunchy parents co-op, where the workers get great prices.. The thing I am seeing about building one of these places is that I will share the work with other parents just like us, or grandparents, etc. and that way we can be free-er than running it all alone.
I am getting scared that if I move far from my sisters' towns that I will not be getting the point of family.. but those sisters' also live in that place because of their job or school and I am having a really hard time talking to them about how off the grid I want to raise my family and I DON"T want to start a new movement in an area where people are kind of stunned when they see me in flowing organic dresses (dreams to be realized soon, I wish!) because I am worried that if I really let that get to me, it will shape me and I will feel so censored.
Not that you are all going to change your look, but sometimes I think that the whole frugal thing is going to have its way with us. We are also trying to teach our kids to be take-out ware free, and all kinds of noticeable - bend out of your way (or relearn) stuff and I want it to go smoothly. I want to make all my own house cleaners, soaps, gifts, hopefully clothing (and very little), have very little furniture (actually love sacs are going to be fun for our kids! and we think these can move outside easily, or upstairs, etc) and one large plate like they do in Morocco where everybody eats in a circle on the floor and dips bread in a dish (once in awhile sounds like a dream! But totally the one dish set per person. All celebrations will be decorated with as much ground found nature as possible and some cuttings.. I think art supplies and musical instruments are going to be our biggest things.. also health insurance.. still even checking out Mass because they have a public system that you pay for. Not sure though.. totally need it.. so much thinking of working at Whole Foods, but that is not always green or easy.
The countryside is where I see something big. Like life. Sometimes I think that way, but then I want to walk most places. The small town, if it had a co-op from local farmers on Main street, a local farm to table restaurant and a library, with a park for a waterway near by is my ultimate dream. I would walk into town and probably plan play dates for the kids where we put on neighborhood plays or did other kind of focused stuff or just celebrated the passions everyone has. I would be willing to try off the grid living as much as possible. Sometimes I think it is also a balance.. No stimulants bought outside the home, no light but candles at night (most times), no washing your clothes for one load a week, or you hand wash it in the bathroom sink.
traveling is going to be the most creative and that is where I think unjobbing is the most direct way to this... I was thinking of really hanging out with my family from Jan-Mar and having a Christmas with them then and keeping our little Christmas with just us (and my mom if she wanted to come over, but really no fanfare..but lots of handmade) Also, there really isn't a lot of harvest during that time in America, so shopping where they shop, etc and not picking from our garden, co-op, market, would be fine. I am not sure how well this could go..It is cold, we would be RVing, but living a lot with them? Brother in law is so picky about space.. hmm.. maybe sis and I can plan projects during this time?
Other option is moving to Loudon County where a friend is totally like me and even have the same age and sex kids as us! She is also a closet hippie and a close corporate friend, grows most of her own food, cans, bakes bread, and is totally frugal. Her family and I Skype! That is really meaningful to me and I understand with a friend like that we can grow other things and share them, also help on planting day, etc, etc.
I am so sorry I rambled!
I found this today... It might have been the first film that got me thinking (saw it a long time ago). I know in the end he gets his job back and gets a promotion, but the guide to the movie on the second disc clearly said that it was meant to get families closer. Very fitting for my family anyway.. I love it when Michael gives back the tuppins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SszipbuN-tc
Also this website.. I know it is about homeschooling/unschooling and that is totally *kind of* off topic, but the booklist this man wrote is very interesting to me. Sort of hits two spots at once for me rather than reading a book about unjobbing (maybe because I am not searching for employment ideas to do at home, but more of the reason why it *is* so important) look at the first 4 titles:
http://www.skylarksings.com/books/
I read the "original seeker" one and DH did too. It was so great. I am interested in reading a little more on Holt and Gatto, but I also am seeing the beauty in love and happiness as a foundation for my kids and I just want to take a break and focus on that moment.. trying to be open and loving and not carrying around heavy ideas about "systems" in my head, but more like "oh look! a butterfly!" Soule Mama's books are the next ones I am planning on reading.. just want more inspiration for having fun!
I also got involved in this.. totally by the seat of my pants with my single mother friend, just because she needed some "community" to get it started. We already have so many people and ideas coming together and not really holding it away from schoolers, but we also really want a homeschool connection to be made...When you get it on the level of homeschooling, parents get really involved and take ownership.. I guess it is a step up from playdates... mom led classes, we all take turns, we all share what and when we can.. So there are no fees.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowtribehomeschooling/
Cheers!
I found this today... It might have been the first film that got me thinking (saw it a long time ago). I know in the end he gets his job back and gets a promotion, but the guide to the movie on the second disc clearly said that it was meant to get families closer. Very fitting for my family anyway.. I love it when Michael gives back the tuppins.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SszipbuN-tc
Also this website.. I know it is about homeschooling/unschooling and that is totally *kind of* off topic, but the booklist this man wrote is very interesting to me. Sort of hits two spots at once for me rather than reading a book about unjobbing (maybe because I am not searching for employment ideas to do at home, but more of the reason why it *is* so important) look at the first 4 titles:
http://www.skylarksings.com/books/
I read the "original seeker" one and DH did too. It was so great. I am interested in reading a little more on Holt and Gatto, but I also am seeing the beauty in love and happiness as a foundation for my kids and I just want to take a break and focus on that moment.. trying to be open and loving and not carrying around heavy ideas about "systems" in my head, but more like "oh look! a butterfly!" Soule Mama's books are the next ones I am planning on reading.. just want more inspiration for having fun!
I also got involved in this.. totally by the seat of my pants with my single mother friend, just because she needed some "community" to get it started. We already have so many people and ideas coming together and not really holding it away from schoolers, but we also really want a homeschool connection to be made...When you get it on the level of homeschooling, parents get really involved and take ownership.. I guess it is a step up from playdates... mom led classes, we all take turns, we all share what and when we can.. So there are no fees.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rainbowtribehomeschooling/
Cheers!
David Albert {Author of the book above} is one of the coolest guys you'll ever meet. Our Homeschool group had him speak for our annual conference this past July, and it was great.
I haven't read the book yet - adding it to my library list now.
Seeking ideas and maybe encouragement (which is funny bc I have done this before, and it was the happiest time in my family's life!)
Unjobbing again after leaving a ministry related teaching job. We moved back to our old digs, and are renting from friends whilst building a permaculture house. I "get" the basics of being resourceful and unjobbing, but my previous leads for "trickle in" income (like substitute teaching) are drying up-- I've had only 2 days in a month, and my tutoring bus. is not picking up yet either-- apprehension is beginning to set in a little.
Also, I am well aware that I can't expect glorious garden produce for at least a year or two (we need time to build compost) bc we'll be gardening fairly depleted soil; it takes time to heal and build it; I don't have a lot of cash for good soil amendments (and thank God for my sheep and my friends! bc sheep bedding can be put onto a garden straight w/o composting and w/o burning it up-- it should help some 'til our compost matures). Our garden, needless to say, usually provides a LOT of our annual food!
I used to keep children in my home, but I think we are too far out in the sticks for that to be practical. Since net access IS available, but slow, I'd entertain any suggestions in that direction, or really any good ideas at all.
blessings to all and tia!
I would write a blog about t all, even if you don't publish for a while, get started. Remember you are doing something many people long to do ( I think? Attracted to many) and make toys from found nature and home decor. And in a little milk paint and felt. Sell on etsy. Totally try just trying to sew together little doll houses, widdle small things like hair sticks, fairy doors. Or a doll chair. Try to make something very beautiful from found pieces for party decor, etc.
thank you greenacres, for your encouragement. (I'm thinking, me? publish a blog? LOL)
I love doing the types of creative things you mentioned, and it is all part and parcel of the life we live. I never thought of actually realizing any income from this type of creativity, tho. Usually it is the "trickle in" income that allows us to enjoy all the creative fun... reconsidering some of my hobbies now in the light of-- can I possibly realize any income from the things I already enjoy (besides teaching)...
I think you can! I also think you can take pictures and even try using the software for making a coloring book and then selling coloring pages.... I am not sure where you find it, but all the nature you have there, it would be neat. I was totally going to buy some sheets and give it to some of my friends for Christmas at 2.00 a sheet, I wanted to buy 12. The seller was on vacation though.
I also wonder about you.. being so tied to the land, to have some sort retreat. I would only do it very small scale and if you live on a road where RVer's can camp? I would surely invite a few people to come without any hook ups for a farm/sheep stay.( Do you also sell the wool? ) The blog could totally help this.. build one platform with a canvas top (tied to trees?) and you could have a tent setting. I would only allow one family at a time or two. If you like it, and it gets going then you can put all the paper work into place and taxes. The only thing that I would have a "screening" are families that practice gentle discipline. I just can't undo that in my kids head, KWIM? I would LOVE a place to camp for a few nights where I felt my children where safe! Camping grounds to me have all kinds of people, wild animals, and all kinds of things that are so in between privacy and safety.. you want to stay near people, but then you have no idea what your kids are going to meet up with. I love nature and farm life.. would totally dig staying at your place. We are actually planning on finding either a minivan or a Class B (tiniest RV) and going to be roaming around from New England down to NC to find our next home and tribe. We have no idea how it is going to go, but if I ever found your land for a tent, I would love to pay $30 a night for no hook-ups or food, and $20 for one day of classes, and then hopefully we could feed or dig for free with our kids the other days.... just a thought. Any art or fiber classes I would pay for too.
I know a blog doesn't sound great but it is a great way to journal, and you can keep it all going, and maybe right a children's book from some of the pictures.. you never know.. also can be used to journal homeschooling for reports.. It works really well as a resource, but ya just keep it light and see if you can keep up.... the give aways and comments.. I can't do that.. but I do keep one.. and it is so hard.. But I have to get on the journalling part..
I posted a list of things we're starting, presently doing, or planning to do on page four, #65, if you are interested. :)
I have no new updates after the commission (still working at it- everything's due by the end of March), and waiting on city decision about the signs.
In the meanwhile, I've begun learning HTML programming, figured out how to use GIMP and I'm working with some other open source software, because I want to build my own site for all my stuff! :) And I love the concept of open source. I'm a total newbie, and I'm also a tech-dinosaur because the flip from analogue to mainstream digital happened within the three years after me in school, and my parents had no interest. So, digital technology is essentially invisible to my brother, where for me, it presents a very visible obstacle, but I have no intention to let that stop me. I learn all the time, so I'll learn this too.
Dp has changed direction in a way. I don't think he's as enthused about the guitar instruction as he was at first, or he's afraid... not sure which, but he's really not internally motivated to go for that, so maybe it's not the best idea even though it would be less strenuous on our family than his (now two) jobs. Sigh. He does have an amazing idea to develop the blog he does into a periodical, and it is probably the best fit for personal work that he'll ever have. I hope he does it because it's really awesome.
I'm really chomping at the bit presently. Time is flying by and I need to have an inventory of fine art and fine crafts for the summer tourist season. I haven't figured out how to do this with five children with me at home 24/7, one of whom is a nursling infant (whom I adore, of course, but I just can't paint/sculpt with her sweet little grabby hands in, well, everything, as they should be, but not very conducive to accomplishing my work as I envision it in my head).
Any updates?
I am unjobbing, hopefully. We've decided I shouldn't go back after my maternity leave is over, but I don't think DH makes enough that we can live from his income. I am a writer and have a couple of novels for sale via Amazon/Smashwords, but they aren't making a ton. But I always have some "scheme" in my mind that I'd like to follow.
For instance, I had the idea of a mom's fitness group walk type thing were we'd take a hike and do some strength training. But I'm not a certified fitness instructor or anything, so i don't know the whole legalities of it.
I'll find something tho.
I am unjobbing, hopefully. We've decided I shouldn't go back after my maternity leave is over, but I don't think DH makes enough that we can live from his income. I am a writer and have a couple of novels for sale via Amazon/Smashwords, but they aren't making a ton. But I always have some "scheme" in my mind that I'd like to follow.
For instance, I had the idea of a mom's fitness group walk type thing were we'd take a hike and do some strength training. But I'm not a certified fitness instructor or anything, so i don't know the whole legalities of it.
I'll find something tho.
Subbing... We are working on similar goals. Dh is buying out the business he is working at and if I did my figures correctly, we could get by on him working 10-20 hours a week. The children and I have about 100 different ideas for other income streams. I've been at home without employment since shortly before I got pregnant with my oldest, who is 10, and have done little things here and there to make money on the side. We are homeschoolers and have the children engaged in working along side us and doing their own projects, rather than lots of workbook, school@home type stuff.
Oh the stroller strides thing would be great. I'm in Canada and it seems to be a US based training.
I'd love to do a mom's group as well. I'm also looking at maybe getting materials together and teaching budgeting for the college/high school student. I think it's sad that teens move out on their own with no idea what to do with their money.
Oh the stroller strides thing would be great. I'm in Canada and it seems to be a US based training.
I'd love to do a mom's group as well. I'm also looking at maybe getting materials together and teaching budgeting for the college/high school student. I think it's sad that teens move out on their own with no idea what to do with their money.
I'm going to keep looking into the exercise group. You should totally post your ideas. (There's always this "fear" of someone stealing them, but i figure, we need to borrow from each other). It defintly gives me an accountability feeling.
Back to editing while the baby sleeps!
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