The Compact and Choices

Edible plants and herbs from our Vista, Farmer's Market. Cilantro, perennial Basil with clove scent, Society Garlic and Vietnamese Coriander.








When first thinking about joining the Compact, I worried about my love of gardening. Often I buy too many annuals that die within the season, just so I would have to buy again to fill up the spaces. It was wasteful, but I love to garden. So I made the stipulation with myself that yes I can still garden and buy plants but that they had to be either edible, herbal or native to my area. I will also allow myself to buy seed packets for annuals that I just can't do without, Snapdragons and Pansies to name a few. Now to watch these babies grow.

Fresh Eggs from our chickens. Tomatoes in backround homegrown.












I love eggs. For me they are a perfect food. Offering me the protein I need to feel good and have energy. My boys like eggs as well, so it is an easy meal for me to whip up. We sometimes even put them raw into our smoothies and because we know who the chickens are who laid them, we don't worry about them making us sick.

This is our bunny, Ember. Ben and Augustus got him this summer.

What keeps me balanced....

One of my cats hanging out outside....













I am seven days into the Compact and feeling good about it. Since having the "tummy flu" it is one of the only things I am feeling good about lately. Other than my wonderful family, friends and love of this planet. When I am sick I get a real reality check, on just how good life is. Since we have been house bound all I want to do is get outside and play with the boys in our yard, a park or the beach, shopping holds no intrest for me. But it will...
It is the hidden things that end up ususally tricking me into buying them. A magazine at the grocery store, "Isn't that a neccesity!?!?" "NO!" Well I almost got one the other day, but passed it up when I remembered the Compact.
I went to the library the other day, needed a new card (got a great one that hangs on my key chain), now when I feel like buying that magazine iwill go look for it at the library and have a few moments to myself and read it.
So much of this all has to do with balance in my life. When I feel balanced I am more; orgainized, at peace, fun to be around, the list could go on and on. Finding that balance is the key for me, something I have been lacking tremendously lately.
Things that help me stay balanced:
Exercise
Time Alone
Time with girlfriends
Days when the boys and I don't go ANYWHERE! And just have fun together.
Dates with my DH T
Meditation/Contemplation/Prayer time
Outside time in my garden, and just outside in general!
Journaling

So there it is, what I can do to stay balanced.... now to just follow it. When MaMa is happy everyone is happy....

Another Day on the Path

One of our feathered friends in my garden.












I am dedicated to a idea called the Compact, no purchasing anything new for a year. It has been four days for me and with all the time I am taking to figure out this blog thing, I probably won't have time for a year. My DH is on board, but he promised DS a halloweenie costume so they went to get that for him. I got on e-bay last night to look to see about used legos for Christmas, and wow what a world out there. Now I am also trying to declutter my life, so I can't spend much time there.
I do have exceptions for the year... my sister who hasn't been home with her 3 children EVER for Christmas, is coming. We have chosen names and I will buy a presant for my nephew who I chose. I also will allow myself some plant nursery expenditures. I love to garden, but I am going to keep it as much as possible to edibles and at least permanent perrenials, or things I grow from seed and cuttings. So there... I am not sure I am making myself clear, I am doing all this with one hand as my DS2 is breastfeeding back to sleep.

I wanted to acknowledge a blog that is SO INSPIRING, a must look for everyone wanting to simplify and downscale. Go take a look...
Walk Slowly, Live Wildly

Okay I hear you!!!!

A statue from our garden. You never know what you will find there.



Well my family has been sick for over a month now. First a flu that really got a hold of T and I, knocking us off our feet. The boys were pretty sick over it as well. Thursday night A started throwing up and did so for eight hours. Little B started throwing up in the wee hours this morning and has just come out of it eight hours later. What do I hear from this? That life has just been too crazy in the past and if I don't slow it down, something will for me. I would rather be the driver here. I have had to step out of so many things lately, and it is okay. I need to take care of myself and my family.

First Day of the rest of my life...Today

Well here goes... blogging. Why am I here? To chronicle my path... at least for a little while. Starting "the Compact", a year without buying anything new, other than food, sanitary and safety items. It scares me a little, but so does the idea of going into a super store and shopping. It seems that is all there is left anymore, SUPER STORES. I am tired of being roped in... People are what is important and they are who I want to spend my time and energy thinking about and being with. I have decluttered so much in the past years and there is still more to go... a little here a little there, all in good time. I will do this one step at a time.