Hello all.
I apologise for not having been active all summer. As some
of you might know, in his last illness, my father in law wanted to die
comfortably in his own bed, which he did. I helped to nurse him and although it
was often tiring and difficult it was a real privilege. As with the death of any one it has taken some
time to get back in to the swing of things and to ‘remake’ a pattern of life.
Here I am back, and
wanting to get cracking with talking about what I think about many things, and
of course, to hear what you have to say.
Do feel free to join in.
In our grove we have
just celebrated the harvest of the grains and fruits. We had a truly magical celebration with a
feast at which the table groaned. Then
we had our Eisteddfod, at which we all share something, a seed thought, a poem,
prose, a picture or song. Indeed anything
that we might feel others are interested in.
I was struck at the diversity of offerings that came up. Some had found
poems that they really liked that expressed an aspect of the season that
resonated with them. Others had written
their own work which held us in awe.
Some read prose and others sang.
There was no judgement on the content, recognising as we did that it was
joining in that was important. In fact
the very act of accepting what is offered seems to encourage more
participation.
I feel life is like
that don’t you? The more we give back to
‘life’ the more we ‘join’ in the more we get from it and grow and change. Change can be exciting but is more often
frightening and disturbing. I like
constancy, but have had to learn to take a deep breath, dive in and swim with
it.
I look around me now
and see change. Trees begin to be touched by the palette of autumn and the
colours turn richer, which is beautiful; but, the nights are darkening and the weather
is decidedly chilly. My natural
inclination is check my cupboards and make sure I have stores. Now I do have a freezer, but don’t altogether
trust it. I have had my share of
breakdowns and of course electricity may always fail. Years of living in the
middle of no-where and later years of living on the edge financially has taught
me much. So, an old fashioned larder full of stores gives me deep
pleasure. It is almost primal. I feel safer somehow, even though logic tells
me that in this day and age, in this hemisphere we are unlikely to be in
want.
What do you all think
about larders and stocking up for winter?
For myself; I like
the feeling that I have stores that can feed my family if I run out of money,
can’t get to the shop or the weather halts general daily living. I warn you.
It’s NOT tidy. It would be, but you
see I have loads of folk in and out; they never have to leave the house hungry,
unless they eat loads of meat. Meat only
happens a few times a month in this house as it is SO expensive and we have so
many friends who are vegetarians that it is easier and cheaper to eat
vegetarian meals. Except when Marcus is
around. He loves his meat. Anyway, back to my larder. It is a mess and all these folk in and out,
love them as I do generally seem to be constitutionally unable to keep things
tidy. But, it IS full as I am sure you
will agree. Now isn’t that a fine
sight? Or maybe you think I am
crazy? You wouldn’t be the first.
Except for fresh veg
and any dairy we might have, anything I need for a quick meal can be found in
the larder. I keep it stocked all year
round, but come this time of year I start putting in extras, like dried milk,
more yeast and bread flours, homemade chutneys, pickles and even more sauces –
I know, we can and do make our own from scratch, but sometimes after a day at work,
well you don’t want to do you?
Maybe I am a throw
back. I think I probably am and there is
nothing wrong with that!
I believe in the old
adages of “Waste not want not”, “Make do and mend”, “Re use and recycle”. These ideas have kept my family going over
the years and despite some times when we have had to hold our breath and pray a
lot, have kept us in house, home and dinners and still been able to offer
hospitality to those who flow through.
I still keep all the
old wrapping paper from the presents, just like my Nana used to. I iron it and reuse it. Even though a very dear friend once, in
exasperation while waiting for me to carefully, (without tearing,) unwrap a
gift from her, said “Oh! For goodness sake, I’ll BUY you a roll of paper”
LOL!!!
I earnestly believe
we are in a time where we will have to rethink the way we live. And not just think it either. We will HAVE to get out of the consumer mode
of thinking and actively seek ways to live more sustainably on this lovely
planet. Not only for the sake of our dwindling finances. We need to get back to
thinking and purchasing locally. Seeking
skills within our communities and even developing new ones. I have lived for years, from necessity
battering skills and trying to find ways around what has at first appeared to
be insurmountable odds to get by – and we always have. Now if I can do it with my often challenged
intelligence, I am sure others with much more savvy can too.
Let me know what you
think. Let’s chat about it.
Will ramble on again
soon.
The Blessings of bark
bough and glorious autumn leaves to you all. /|\
