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Topic: Urban/suburban homesteading (Read 736 times) |
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Urban/suburban homesteading
« on: Nov 4th, 2003, 9:54am » |
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Share your experiences here! For instance what brought you to the idea of urban/suburban homesteading and how far do you take the idea? Do your friends and family support you or think that you are perhaps more than a tad bit crazy? Do you have at least one income in your household (9 to 5 secure sort), or two, or none? How are you doing it? What sort of environment are you doing it in? Just a few questions to get the discussion going!
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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heartshome
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #1 on: Nov 5th, 2003, 1:58pm » |
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Wildside,
Thanks for setting this up. Here's our story.
Warning--Long Post!
Bank CFO and Advertising Exec burn out after years of high-stress living. Luckily, they are frugal people and never moved out of the cute little starter home they bought 14 years ago. Therefore, since they studiously fought "keeping up with the Jones", they didn't freak out when the Ad Exec was laid off during the tech crash in July of 2002. The banker got fed up and quit in July of 2003. The happy couple has been gainfully unemloyed together (NOT collecting any unemployment by the way which they strongly feel should be used for those who truly need the help...) these past five months. No income at all. However, we are not rich and the banker (who is really an accountant but with a great personality) is going to start looking for a nice, 9-5 job locally or in the city on a bus line. The goal is to have one person working for insurance and some money to save and to pay the mortgage, while the other person keeps house, cooks, gardens, volunteers, etc. Both of us are good at the housekeeping/cooking/gardening part, so we are lucky. Once the house is paid off, then maybe we can get by with only a part-time job.
We've reduced our expenditures dramatically. I think that our families think we are weird. I know our "friends" do. Many of the people we thought were our friends have pulled away. We aren't preachy or judgemental, but I think our actions are beyond understanding to many people and they don't know what to think about our philosophy, so they don't call much anymore. Very sad, but that's okay--we're finding new friends that we have more in common with.
I could go on and on but I know you're begging me not to so I'll be quiet now!!! 
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"It takes very little to make a happy life. It's all in yourself, in your way of thinking"
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #2 on: Nov 5th, 2003, 5:10pm » |
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Heartshome, Thanks for sharing your story, no apologies for length(!), it is very interesting, and good luck to you both with it all. I've experience quite a bit of the same and may be will write a little about it in coming days. Anyone else care to share their urban/suburban homesteading experience and how it came to be? Feel free!
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #3 on: Nov 7th, 2003, 11:39am » |
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 "Urban/suburban homesteading"... what is it? I think it means different things to different people and that's the way it should be. Actually, I wasn't using this term until I was referred to this "Path to Freedom" web site. Couldn't quite think how to phrase what I was thinking of until then... but was thinking of how one goes about living a life of more self-reliance when one is so busy each day and all this advertising for pre-packaged convenience/shop the mall is being thrust upon us... And with downsizing to one job and a new (100+year-old) house, I began to wonder what of it in the monthly budget was really necessities? What could we live without, what could we provide for ourselves (or let nature provide) so we could have a more secure future? Still working on that concept... But can say that except for mortgage, at present we are pretty much debt-free... We still are tied to the grid, we still shop for our groceries, we still own a phone, watch TV, travel, enjoy life, own a car, have one fairly secure job, pay our taxes, etc. but we have cut these costs substantially. Some things we have cut out all together. And it does seem that some friends drop by the wayside when you are into a simplier, less-expensive enjoyment of life. This bothered me quite a bit at the first, but now am accepting it as inevitable... We each need to live our own life as we see it. The poem from "The Art of Disappearing" by Naomi Shihad Nye really helped me learn to cope with this type of loss. I may have lost some in this "simplification" process, but I have gained far more that I know will be with me for the long-term.
Also although I worked for within the "environmental" career field for many years and was paid reasonably well, I found my life becoming more and more tied to a computer, ever-changing technology, politics, phone and increasingly removed from real-life nature and things I cared about... And I wanted to get back to simply experiencing the rhythm of the seasons and working within that...
More to say, but enough for one contribution. To anyone that is reading this, feel free to contribute your own story too!
Thank you.
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #4 on: Nov 10th, 2003, 10:04am » |
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We'll try to stir some things up here and hopefully get some action by asking, what steps have you taken (and plan on taking in the future) in order to establish your urban/suburban homestead?
I'll post some of mine here later, I promise! Daylight is approaching now and so I've got to get off the computer for today!
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #5 on: Nov 13th, 2003, 9:17am » |
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Some sayings that may be considered old-fashioned cliches, but can still pertain to modern living (thus urban/suburban homesteading! P.S. Anyone have any to add?):
"Do what you can, with what you have, where you are!"
"A penny saved is a penny earned."
"Eat what you grow where you live..."
"Repair it...Don't replace it."
"Waste not, want not."
"The best place to find a helping hand
is at the end of your own arm."
"Use it up, wear it out, make do, or do without."
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #6 on: Nov 13th, 2003, 9:52am » |
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 Since it is still dark this morning, I'll add some thoughts at random as to steps taken towards the urban/suburban homestead concept at our house (thinking as I go, and hoping that others will soon add what types of things they are doing too...):
*Practicing an attitude of gratefulness for the things that we have, especially on days when I'm not quite feeling it.
*Realizing being frugal can be fun, and working daily at it.
* Downsized to being a one car family and driving less (paying much less for insurance and repairs), really evaluating whether we need to do that errand if it involves driving -- is there some other way that need can be met?
* Try to do things more locally (ie. so we can walk or bike to errands like post office, library, grocery shopping or to go kayaking or hiking)
* Wild harvest some of our foods! (This is one of my favorites!!!)
*Establishing edible landscaping with goal of wildlife habitat/curb appeal and neighborhood enhancement rather than detraction.
* Experimented and still experimenting with a neighborhood market garden with customers in walking distance only.
*Light with candle light at night (it's a happy thing, improves the mood), use fewer lamps, thus lowering our electric bill.
*Dressing in layers in winter so we can keep the house cool, thus lowering our heating bill
* Analyzing the household budget so we can trim it down to just the basics while still maintaining what we think is a great lifestyle.
*Cooking from the garden each day.
*Learning about food and nutrition to become healthier and have few doctor visits
*Helping out our neighbors, trying to establish friendships, symbiotic living and community but recognizing too that everyone leads busy lives these days with interests that may be vastly different from our own.
*Doing most all work ourselves on renovation projects around the house and yard -- using elbow grease, creativity and imagination...
*Slowing down, enjoying the moment, not expecting so much from ourselves and others.
*Taking responsibility for creating the life that we want.
*Staying debt free as a priority, even if it means falling far behind "the Jones!"... and saying "no" sometimes to our friends' requests.
*Reconizing opportunities when we see them.
*Random acts of kindness, even if not understood.
*Growing most all of the garden from seed and growing good things to eat year-round.
*Washing our clothes on the cold water cycle and hanging them to air dry more often.
*When appliances wear out, replacing them with energy star models.
*Harvesting some rainwater for use in the greenhouse.
*Composting to fufill some of our garden soil needs.
*Trying to check out books at the library rather than buying so many!
*Shopping thrift stores for most of our wardrobe (Liz Claiborne has become my friend at $5 vs. $150).
*Riding mass transit on occassion.
*Writing postcards or emailing rather than long distance phoning.
*Allowing myself to not be perfect, make mistakes -- see failings as opportunities to learn to improve... or just be human!
*Daydreaming of ways to do this better, how to be more self-reliant while still having fun!
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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heartshome
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #7 on: Nov 13th, 2003, 12:32pm » |
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Wildside,
It sounds like you and I are kindred spirits! I loved your list. We are also trying to do most of the things that you mentioned. We are still a two car family, but one sits in the garage most of the time. Since it's paid for, we can't bring ourselves to get rid of it.
My spouse will be looking for work soon and wants to find a position along the bus line. We hope that this is successful, since at least that type of commuting lends itself to reading, listening to music, visiting with others, etc. rather than adding pollution, stress and lost time like driving does.
I am also very interested in creating edible landscapes. Although I started too late, most of our major landscaping is done. It would be much different if I was starting from scratch now. We will change things around as plantings die out though.
Thanks for your posts. They are very interesting.
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"It takes very little to make a happy life. It's all in yourself, in your way of thinking"
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #8 on: Nov 14th, 2003, 9:52am » |
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Heartshome, this morning I added two new topics under Gardening/Farming re: edible landscaping and wildlife. Care to start another discussion there?
Like you, it was difficult for me to give up my auto to downsize to one car, because although it didn't get driven much, it was paid for too and riding the bus from where we live isn't that convenient! But I figure we're saving at least a couple thousand a year by not having a second car sit there and not going out to buy things we think we "need" as much since we have no way to haul them! Despite doing major renovations to both house and yard, we find out we don't "need" as much as we thought we did! And to our good fortune, my auto still had a lot of value and so was considered a desirable trade-in for us to combine to an auto that fit both of our needs better. So using a little bit of our savings too, we were able to get a new car debt free! I feel a bit guilty with a nice new car though even if I don't get to drive it that much since I'm the one working incognito from home right now.
And anyone else, feel free to add your own thoughts here re: urban/suburban homesteading and how it might be accomplished!
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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KendraB225
Full Member
I love YaBB 1G - SP1!
Posts: 141
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #9 on: Nov 14th, 2003, 7:14pm » |
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My reasons for homesteading are probably a little different from most. As long as I can remember I wanted to have a large family. I got married at 18 and 21 months later gave birth to my first child. I was shocked about how much money it can cost to have a baby. I was determined to find a way to become a stay at home mom and still have the large family I desired. I have learned a lot over the years. Not only have I learned to save money but also have a healthier family. So I guess my main goals are to have a healthy happy family.
My friends and family don't really support me. Thankfully my husband does. Most people think I am out of my mind. First because I have more kids than usual these days. And secondly because I drag them around while I am gardening, composting, recycling, bargain hunting. When I started homeschooling them some people thought I should be commited. But like I said my husband is very supportive. He is the only source of income. So he doesn't get to do a lot at home.
Kendra
Mom to:
Brianna 6(almost)
Josiah 4
Gabriel 2
Baby girl due
1/03/04
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #10 on: Nov 14th, 2003, 8:48pm » |
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Kudos to you, Kendra for taking all this on. It sounds as if you had a pretty definite sense of self early on and I applaud your husband for supporting your vision. I don't have kids, but admire those who do... and do it well...and do it without giving in to every whim. Their is a lot of advertising pressure to do so, especially with kids. I think your kids are probably learning valuable lessons from you by the things (and lessons) you are exposing them to.
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| « Last Edit: Nov 15th, 2003, 10:00am by Wildside » |
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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Wildside
Senior Member
One who plants a garden plants happiness and hope.
Posts: 466
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #11 on: Nov 15th, 2003, 9:57am » |
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This morning my gratefuls are:
1. This great "Path To Freedom" web site (and it's creators)!
2. Clear I'm not alone on my own "path to freedom.
3. Not having debt hanging over our heads (except mortgage).
4. Still harvesting produce from the garden & it's November!
5. Able still to practice generosity, random acts of kindness.
6. Rain.
7. Finding out I'm OK with the town regs about what I'm doing in the yard despite neighbor complaints.
8. Being able to bite my tongue in public -- not bite back.
9. A kind husband who listens to my wailing and nashing of teeth and is still willing to put up with me. (After this past week I find that amazing!)
10. Feeling better so able to get back to accomplishing things!
Tell me, what are your gratefuls as it pertains to your own urban/suburban homestead?
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Cheers, from my backyard to yours! --Wildside
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heartshome
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #12 on: Nov 15th, 2003, 7:20pm » |
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This week I am grateful for:
- Still having a little Swiss chard to harvest for dinner.
- A husband who is industrious enough to rake the fallen leaves and pile them on the beds to compost.
- Seeing a wonderful local concert yesterday!
- Having a warm, cozy home to snuggle in as it pours rain outside.
- Having a wonderful husband who supports my "path to freedom" philosophy.
- Being debt free except for little mortgage with little payment.
- Being nonemployed and still enjoying life!
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"It takes very little to make a happy life. It's all in yourself, in your way of thinking"
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heartshome
Junior Member
Posts: 55
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #13 on: Nov 15th, 2003, 7:22pm » |
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Kendra,
Good for you! I admire people who homeschool their children. So far, the ones I've known have been the smartest, most respectful, kind and interesting kids on the block! Also, how wonderful to have a husband who understands what's important in life. Sounds like you have your head on straight!!!!
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"It takes very little to make a happy life. It's all in yourself, in your way of thinking"
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weissj9682
Newbie
Posts: 3
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Re: Urban/suburban homesteading
« Reply #14 on: Nov 16th, 2003, 9:16am » |
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Hi there gang... I was wondering about urban homesteading and apartment living... DH and I live in a condo with an east facing balcony... accordingly, we can't do a lot of the things that are recommended... I am really interested in more homesteading ideas, and I do plan to do some container gardening next fall.. I would appreciate any other suggestions for homesteading on a small scale...
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Jess
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