Thoughts On Gardening And Living A Simple Life

April has brought us near winter temps as well as near summer temps and, of course, everything in between.  I suspect this is the story in your neck of the woods as well.  We seem to all be experiencing the effects of global warming.

Despite the environmental concerns, the politics, and the unsettling stories on the news, one thing gives me such happiness and hope at this time of the year particularly.  My garden.  I've been so happy to be able to spend time working in the soil this week.  There's just something about being outside in the fresh air and sunshine that re-energizes me.  I worked to get the remainder of the garden beds topped with compost as well as planting the potatoes and sweet potatoes.  

I've also spent time looking over each of the plants I previously planted including our established asparagus bed.  This is the first year we've had asparagus up before May.  Our pea plants are growing by the day and we should be enjoying them very soon.  The broccoli, cauliflower, beets, kale, greens, and bok choy are slowly changing from seedlings to plants and I've already harvested carrots and onions.  The garlic will provide us with delicious scapes that I make pesto and stir-fry's with in the coming month or so.

No, we'll never be fully self sufficient, nor do we aspire to be, but it's so satisfying and comforting to be able to produce at least some of what we eat.  To be able to pick our meal ingredients fresh from our backyard.  It allows us to cook with the season we're in.  That's a big part of this slower lifestyle that brings me so much happiness.  We have the time to devote to creating a homemade lifestyle which, in turn, provides us the opportunity to enjoy living in the moment.

I also appreciate that it's a slower time of the year for us.  I won't go into full planting mode until after Mother's Day.  We have nothing to preserve as of yet.  We are finishing up some of our spring projects from around the house.  I still have some indoor painting left on my list that I hope to tackle in the next couple of weeks.  

Working on and around our home gives us such satisfaction.  We adore making it a place of comfort and warmth.  What you see, smell and feel within it's walls is a happy homemade life.  It's full of homemade crafts, home cooked foods, well-loved books, years worth of photos, and many memories.  A home that shows we've worked to make the most with what we've got.

When I cook from scratch, make cleaners and such homemade, live frugally and simply, and grow and preserve some of our food, I make the life I want to live.  The life I'd only previously dreamed of.  One that allows me to fully enjoy the little things which I'm so incredibly grateful for.  It all adds to our version of the good life. 

I wonder if you feel the same way?