a journey to self-sufficiency

Simply put, necessity breeds creativity.  Take, for example, this picture of Jeanne and Lucie making bracelets:

I would have never thought to use my toes. I would have searched for tape until I didn't want to make a bracelet anymore. 

It started last summer...
I ran out of deodorant and knew I could make some, so I did. Then I started washing my hair with baking soda and apple cider vinegar. And I love it.  Then came a long-ish list of cosmetics and cleaners that I can make for pennies, never mind the beautiful fact that they are chemical-free.

And my garden, which I've mentioned before.  Even though last year it was for the most part a fail, I will not be discouraged and so I've planted a bunch of seedlings that are happily growing in the window sill. I am anxious for the snow to melt so I can get them in the ground!

Broccoli sprouts popping up to see the sun!  

All of this has built up to a very strong desire to be self sufficient.

Now let me be clear.

This has nothing to do with the ever pending Zombie Apocalypse or the [real] fear that our country is going to pots and soon the price of bread to gold will be at par with water to diamonds in the desert.  So many of the sites I've visited talk about being self-sufficient so that when the world ends, they'll have a few extra days.  I have a ticket on a different train.

I simply want to know how things are made and be able to do it myself.

And, I firmly believe that God has given us the things in nature that we need to survive; and if I ever do live in a place where certain "luxuries" are hard to come by, it won't matter, because I'll know how to go directly to His creation and get what I need. Not to say it'll be easy or convenient or even always possible, at least the knowledge is there. [Side note: things that are recalled in the States are not always recalled elsewhere. This is why I never bought toothpaste in Haiti.]

And if the Zombie Apocalypse hits, at least I'll be able to eat without going to the grocery store every week.

Thus came this list:

Some things are incredibly simple; it's just a matter of actually doing it. Some things, like... own a cow... are not even close to practical right now! The list has grown and will continue to grow as more things come to mind.

I crave simplicity; yet struggle to actually live it.  I'm learning; it's all a part of the journey!