Do you believe in God? Do you believe that people that don't believe as you do can be good, moral people? I'm finding more religious intolerance lately. Make that: the religious, being intolerant of those that are not.
Just because I am not Christian doesn't mean I have no morals. I have no religion. None. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero. (Just in case someone suffered the delusion that I must have religion, or god working thru me, or the power of being dandruff free..otherwise how could I be moral..) And yet, I try to be a good person. I try to do the right thing. Not for fear of being roasted at the eternal weenie roast, but because I care. I care about the consequences of my actions. I care about how my actions will make me feel later on, and how my actions will affect my fellow man. In other words, I try to do the right thing because it is the right thing. This is what I've taught my children, as well. I don't want them to fear the cosmic boogie man or suffer guilt for eyeballing a piece of cake someone else has, but I want them to feel good about themselves and to be good people.
I've tried several religions on for size. However, since my life has taken the turns it has in recent years, I no longer feel that anything is missing. I no longer feel that I need any sort of religion or outside direction. I am already a part of something eternal, and I lack nothing.
As long as we are on the subject of Christianity, I have to wonder about something. I've seen posts online such as "by the grace of god our marriage was saved" or "I prayed and prayed and found my keys". Um..huh!? Ok, let's assume for the sake of argument that there is a god. Let's assume he cares. Do you really think that he's going to take time away from starving children to help you find your friggin' keys??!! Thus lies my problem with religion. Pray all you like, but don't dare tell me that god did you a favor by answering prayers. Because if god answered prayers, do you think small children would be used as sex toys? Do you think missing children would surface as decomposed parts while parents hearts are broken? How about those innocent babies that are tortured by their very own parents?
I'm tired of hearing about how god lets these things happen as a test. A test for whom? Do babies need to have their faith tested? Do young children need to prove they're worthy of heaven?
What about all those killers, rapists, pedophiles, etc, that suddenly 'find god' while in prison. If there is a heaven, and those people made it there, why would you want to go? Why bother to live right if you can just ask forgiveness at the last minute?
I'm also tired of people worrying about my soul. I think my soul is just fine, thank you very much for your concern. But do NOT approach my husband while he is lying in the hospital and try to discuss your religious philosophy! That form we filled out that says no religious affiliation is NOT an open invitation for every religious representative in the building to try and recruit us for his/her team! If you want to up your soul count, go someplace else!
I have a problem with the way Christianity, and some other religions, tend to subjugate women. We recently watched PBS' Colonial House. That is an eye opener. If you went to public school, where history tends to be glossed over and made pretty, you'll learn something new. The pilgrims, the first Thanksgiving, freedom of religion..it all seemed so nice. You'll see firsthand how our country was actually based on religious intolerance. If you didn't attend church, you were punished, and sometimes even put to death. If you said you didn't believe in god, you could have a nail driven through your tongue, and you'd be put to death. People most likely didn't go to church because they wanted to; they went because they were afraid not to. As an aside, I'd suggest reading A People's History of the United States.
The way women were treated in that era hasn't improved much in some religious sects. The man is head of the household and his word is law. Umm riiighhht. Not around here. DH and I are partners. We respect each others opinions. The last place I ever want to see one of my daughters is married to a man that will try to impose his will on her. In fact, I'd almost feel sorry for the man that tried to impose his will on Big Sis. :) She'd impose her boot up his bum.
I've always felt that religion should be a private thing, anyway. It's not something you need to advertise. If you are a good person, then others will feel drawn to you. Religion that needs to be sold like a used car isn't something that anyone should seek to be part of.
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Holiday Dinner?
We passed this truck on a road trip earlier this year. I think I'll either hunt or grow my own turkeys from now on. :P Not just because of the pic, but because our last turkey had this nasty spot on it...gross.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Some pics from our place
You can just see him in the middle of the pic. It's a peacock! He just showed up one day, and hung around our woods for a couple of weeks, then he was gone. :(
This pic was taken from my bedroom window. The deer is about 10 feet from the house. He kept looking up at me, but didn't mind having his pic taken.
A couple of our bunnies.
I read her blog!!! ;)
Mmmm..Fresh Eggs!!
Green acres is the place for me...farrrrrm livin' is the liiiife for me
I do NOT get why people prefer city life. I know a lot of people would prefer the country, but are stuck in the city for various reasons. That was us, some time ago. Also the reason we ended up with a fixer upper..we were desperate to get out of the city...the fixer upper was available, in our price range, and above all, secluded.
The only good thing I can say about our stay in the big city is that it toughened me...a lot. I went from hiding behind closed curtains from the drug dealers, to standing right out in my yard and giving them hell. It took some time, and a lot of scars (emotional ones..apparently the sight of some psycho white lady with a pickax scares some drug dealers a bit..so they didn't bother me physically).
The thing I struggle to understand is: at what point did humanity decide that being scrunched up together was preferable to being out in the world on their own? When did it happen? Or has it always been that way, and only the oddballs wanted to live away from it all?
I suppose I'll do a bit of research on the subject. I'll go back, one century at a time. I know in the 1800's there was the Victorian Era, houses built without enough room to walk between them, people throwing their wash water and waste in the streets, disease was rampant, the industrial revolution, pollution, workhouses, etc. In the same era, you have the pioneers, maybe some of our oddball ancestors, looking to live off the land, make their own way, breathe some fresh air, and maybe just be alone.
The Little House books offer a peek into that era. I'm amazed at the difference in the quality of life as the family moves west. Little House in the Big Woods is a serene home, fully stocked with food, firewood, all the necessities. Later on is The Long Winter, where the Ingalls family suffers because they must rely on others for their needs. The latter has a strong parallel to the modern world. So many are dependant on the stores for food. If there was some sort of problem (terrorist attack, transportation strike, gas shortage), and food couldn't be restocked, what would happen? Pretty scary when you think about it.
I can't see myself ever moving back to the city. I like my privacy. I like to keep animals, and I enjoy minding my own business. I don't care what my neighbors do as long as they keep it on their property.
However, I suppose there are some people that are just not cut out for country life. Do not move to the country if:
...You are afraid of the dark. Those of us in the country enjoy the stars and the lack of light pollution. If you feel the need of a security light strong enough to tan leather from a mile away, stay in the city.
...You think it's fine to let your dog run free. No one has a problem with that, until Fido crosses the property line, at which time he is fair game. No one wants your dog pestering their livestock.
...You feel that trespassing is not a problem, as long as it's you trespassing on someone else's property. After all, they aren't using it, so why can't you? How about just DON'T DO IT! Property that belongs to someone else, whether they are using it or not, is not yours to explore, hunt, cut wood, ride ATVs, etc. Get the idea?
...If you are afraid of animals. Duh.
Ok, I do know someone that is afraid of animals. Any and all animals. They moved to the country. The sight of a deer in the yard will send them screaming into the house. When the power goes out, they hide in the closet..and cry. Oh. Dear. Gawd.
The only good thing I can say about our stay in the big city is that it toughened me...a lot. I went from hiding behind closed curtains from the drug dealers, to standing right out in my yard and giving them hell. It took some time, and a lot of scars (emotional ones..apparently the sight of some psycho white lady with a pickax scares some drug dealers a bit..so they didn't bother me physically).
The thing I struggle to understand is: at what point did humanity decide that being scrunched up together was preferable to being out in the world on their own? When did it happen? Or has it always been that way, and only the oddballs wanted to live away from it all?
I suppose I'll do a bit of research on the subject. I'll go back, one century at a time. I know in the 1800's there was the Victorian Era, houses built without enough room to walk between them, people throwing their wash water and waste in the streets, disease was rampant, the industrial revolution, pollution, workhouses, etc. In the same era, you have the pioneers, maybe some of our oddball ancestors, looking to live off the land, make their own way, breathe some fresh air, and maybe just be alone.
The Little House books offer a peek into that era. I'm amazed at the difference in the quality of life as the family moves west. Little House in the Big Woods is a serene home, fully stocked with food, firewood, all the necessities. Later on is The Long Winter, where the Ingalls family suffers because they must rely on others for their needs. The latter has a strong parallel to the modern world. So many are dependant on the stores for food. If there was some sort of problem (terrorist attack, transportation strike, gas shortage), and food couldn't be restocked, what would happen? Pretty scary when you think about it.
I can't see myself ever moving back to the city. I like my privacy. I like to keep animals, and I enjoy minding my own business. I don't care what my neighbors do as long as they keep it on their property.
However, I suppose there are some people that are just not cut out for country life. Do not move to the country if:
...You are afraid of the dark. Those of us in the country enjoy the stars and the lack of light pollution. If you feel the need of a security light strong enough to tan leather from a mile away, stay in the city.
...You think it's fine to let your dog run free. No one has a problem with that, until Fido crosses the property line, at which time he is fair game. No one wants your dog pestering their livestock.
...You feel that trespassing is not a problem, as long as it's you trespassing on someone else's property. After all, they aren't using it, so why can't you? How about just DON'T DO IT! Property that belongs to someone else, whether they are using it or not, is not yours to explore, hunt, cut wood, ride ATVs, etc. Get the idea?
...If you are afraid of animals. Duh.
Ok, I do know someone that is afraid of animals. Any and all animals. They moved to the country. The sight of a deer in the yard will send them screaming into the house. When the power goes out, they hide in the closet..and cry. Oh. Dear. Gawd.
I'll never understand people. :) *hums* greeen acres is the place for meeeeeee
Monday, November 12, 2007
One of a kind
Due to some recent events, it has once again occurred to me that we are, well, different. Different from everyone we've ever met. I know that sounds kind of lame, because the world would be a boring place if everyone were the same. However, I am consistently amazed at how different we are. We really don't 'fit in' with any group.
For example:
We don't fit in with most homeschoolers. We homeschool for mainly educational reasons. We don't have a religious or political agenda. We just want our kids to be as well educated as possible, have fun learning, and -oh yeah- we want to enjoy the 7-9 hours a day with them that public school would take away.
We don't fit in with any religious group. We aren't Christian, Catholic, Members of the Latter Day Church Of Who, or any other religion. We refuse to be part of any religion that subjugates women. I want my girls to think for themselves, accept responsibility for their actions, and be the strong women I know they will be. Pretty much everything that is discouraged by major religions.
We just aren't zealots about anything, really. We homestead, and enjoy it. We are on-grid, but we don't own a tractor or even a riding lawnmower. We do most things by hand, including planting, harvesting, and baling hay. A lot of internet homesteaders say you can't do this or that without a lot of money invested in tools, but we manage just fine. That's another post entirely, though.
We are frugal, but it's not an obsession. I refuse to dumpster dive or feed my children crumbs. I don't refuse to leave the house because I have already spent x amount on gas. We rarely eat out, mostly because we just don't enjoy it. I do shop at thrift shops. I love the fact that if I ruin a 'brand new' pair of jeans, I'm only out $5. I'm pretty rough on clothes, and I hate dressing up.
We enjoy being outside, and would really rather be in the woods than anywhere else. I'd rather haul firewood than go shopping. I'd much prefer an evening hike over dinner at a fancy restaurant.
We don't enjoy spending our weekends with other people. We like to be together as a family whenever possible. Even though the kids have lots of friends, they like the 'down time' with family.
We're not easily grossed out, and we're not really afraid of anything. DH had an extensive skull collection when I met him, and the girls and I have added to that whenever possible. In fact, any little bone or odd thing we find becomes part of the collection.
We eat healthy, but we don't spend a fortune just to be organic. I bake all of our bread because store bread makes me gag. Besides, there's nothing as tasty as a freshly baked loaf of bread, hot out of the oven with real butter melting in the middle. mmmmmm We even eat junk food sometimes. Chips and dip...mmmmmm. **Homer Simpson noise*** lol
What else? Hmmmm....we've had two home births. Our girls aren't allowed to dress scantily, but we don't have a problem with Big Sis dying her hair or even getting piercings. We discourage 'junk food for the mind' type magazines and magazines that portray an unrealistic ideal of a woman's body. None of that "you're too fat if you weigh more than a carrot". I know...I'm not hiding the world from the girls, but I don't want Little Sis to think she has to diet her whole life. As for makeup tips, she can get those from mom..I used to model. Really!
We don't have tv. We have a tv set, and dvd/vcr, so we get a lot of movies. I'm not too fussy about what Big Sis watches. She's old enough to decided what's gross and what's not. We love the Simpsons, Spongebob, Looney Tunes, House M.D....all kinds of stuff.
We are weird. We freak out the neighbors because we go outside at night..in the woods..in the dark. We generally carry machetes or knives around the property. DH makes them, and they are handy tools to have. Some are practically jewelry.
You get the idea. We're oddballs. But we are happy. :)
For example:
We don't fit in with most homeschoolers. We homeschool for mainly educational reasons. We don't have a religious or political agenda. We just want our kids to be as well educated as possible, have fun learning, and -oh yeah- we want to enjoy the 7-9 hours a day with them that public school would take away.
We don't fit in with any religious group. We aren't Christian, Catholic, Members of the Latter Day Church Of Who, or any other religion. We refuse to be part of any religion that subjugates women. I want my girls to think for themselves, accept responsibility for their actions, and be the strong women I know they will be. Pretty much everything that is discouraged by major religions.
We just aren't zealots about anything, really. We homestead, and enjoy it. We are on-grid, but we don't own a tractor or even a riding lawnmower. We do most things by hand, including planting, harvesting, and baling hay. A lot of internet homesteaders say you can't do this or that without a lot of money invested in tools, but we manage just fine. That's another post entirely, though.
We are frugal, but it's not an obsession. I refuse to dumpster dive or feed my children crumbs. I don't refuse to leave the house because I have already spent x amount on gas. We rarely eat out, mostly because we just don't enjoy it. I do shop at thrift shops. I love the fact that if I ruin a 'brand new' pair of jeans, I'm only out $5. I'm pretty rough on clothes, and I hate dressing up.
We enjoy being outside, and would really rather be in the woods than anywhere else. I'd rather haul firewood than go shopping. I'd much prefer an evening hike over dinner at a fancy restaurant.
We don't enjoy spending our weekends with other people. We like to be together as a family whenever possible. Even though the kids have lots of friends, they like the 'down time' with family.
We're not easily grossed out, and we're not really afraid of anything. DH had an extensive skull collection when I met him, and the girls and I have added to that whenever possible. In fact, any little bone or odd thing we find becomes part of the collection.
We eat healthy, but we don't spend a fortune just to be organic. I bake all of our bread because store bread makes me gag. Besides, there's nothing as tasty as a freshly baked loaf of bread, hot out of the oven with real butter melting in the middle. mmmmmm We even eat junk food sometimes. Chips and dip...mmmmmm. **Homer Simpson noise*** lol
What else? Hmmmm....we've had two home births. Our girls aren't allowed to dress scantily, but we don't have a problem with Big Sis dying her hair or even getting piercings. We discourage 'junk food for the mind' type magazines and magazines that portray an unrealistic ideal of a woman's body. None of that "you're too fat if you weigh more than a carrot". I know...I'm not hiding the world from the girls, but I don't want Little Sis to think she has to diet her whole life. As for makeup tips, she can get those from mom..I used to model. Really!
We don't have tv. We have a tv set, and dvd/vcr, so we get a lot of movies. I'm not too fussy about what Big Sis watches. She's old enough to decided what's gross and what's not. We love the Simpsons, Spongebob, Looney Tunes, House M.D....all kinds of stuff.
We are weird. We freak out the neighbors because we go outside at night..in the woods..in the dark. We generally carry machetes or knives around the property. DH makes them, and they are handy tools to have. Some are practically jewelry.
You get the idea. We're oddballs. But we are happy. :)
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Living by the clock
Now that the time has changed and we've 'lost' an hour, the days are just too short to get much done. It's frustrating to only have a few short hours of daylight each day.
Yes, I know, it's the same number of hours as last week. And yet, thanks to that pesky hour hand falling back one numeral, my day has practically vanished. You see, we have to live by the clock. Which means that we have to be somewhere when the clock says it's time to be there. You know, annoying places..like work.
Wouldn't it be nice to live by the sun? Get up when the sun gets up, go to bed shortly after dark. Wow, just think of all the sleep I'd get! Maybe I'd finally get caught up!
However, I don't see that happening as long as a time clock has to be punched on a daily basis. Not everyone works 9-5, ya know.
Yes, I'm still a stay at home mom, but we live (loosely) by DH's work schedule so that we can have time together as a family. Another great thing about homeschooling: that whole flexibility thing. :)
Yes, I know, it's the same number of hours as last week. And yet, thanks to that pesky hour hand falling back one numeral, my day has practically vanished. You see, we have to live by the clock. Which means that we have to be somewhere when the clock says it's time to be there. You know, annoying places..like work.
Wouldn't it be nice to live by the sun? Get up when the sun gets up, go to bed shortly after dark. Wow, just think of all the sleep I'd get! Maybe I'd finally get caught up!
However, I don't see that happening as long as a time clock has to be punched on a daily basis. Not everyone works 9-5, ya know.
Yes, I'm still a stay at home mom, but we live (loosely) by DH's work schedule so that we can have time together as a family. Another great thing about homeschooling: that whole flexibility thing. :)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
It's that time of year again...
..and we are naked up here on the hill. Well, I feel naked, anyway. The leaves have almost all fallen, and you can see our house from the road (not our road, but still..)! That tornado that came through during the summer must have taken out more stuff than I realized, because I know we weren't so exposed last year.
What is it about this time of year that is so exhausting? Or is it just me? I realize I am trying to do a year's worth of work in about a month, but I still should not be so tired on the days that I'm just piddling in the house. All I got done today was cleaning the oven (self clean, all I had to do was vacuum the ashes) and some laundry. Oh, and bake some bread. Not a huge deal of work, really, and yet I'm sooo tired! The kids are the same way. They are in bed already, and it's not even 10 pm! For the kids, it could be the time change. For me, I was tired before the time changed, so it must be the season change. I'm this way every year in the fall. I haven't updated my blog much, because by the time I get a chance to sit down and blog, I'm too tired to string a sentence together.
Tomorrow is our anniversary! Of course it would fall in the middle of the week, when DH has to work and I have to haul the kids here and there, but it's still a special day. We'll probably walk in the woods or have coffee by the fireplace. We're happy just to spend time together, and we'd rather be alone together than in the middle of a crowded restaurant.
I have to say that I'm the luckiest woman on earth. DH and I are very happy together, we never argue, and we'd do anything for each other. I don't take a second of our time together for granted, either. My only regret is that I didn't marry him first. I was married before..a nightmare. But then I wonder, would I appreciate DH as much if I'd not been through hell and back? Would I know how great it is not to have to argue or yell or scream just to be heard? We never argue...really! Never! What is there to argue about? Ok..granted..in many relationships, there's LOTS to argue about. BTDT. But I guess once you meet the right person, things fall into place.
Happy Anniversary, Love! I love you!
What is it about this time of year that is so exhausting? Or is it just me? I realize I am trying to do a year's worth of work in about a month, but I still should not be so tired on the days that I'm just piddling in the house. All I got done today was cleaning the oven (self clean, all I had to do was vacuum the ashes) and some laundry. Oh, and bake some bread. Not a huge deal of work, really, and yet I'm sooo tired! The kids are the same way. They are in bed already, and it's not even 10 pm! For the kids, it could be the time change. For me, I was tired before the time changed, so it must be the season change. I'm this way every year in the fall. I haven't updated my blog much, because by the time I get a chance to sit down and blog, I'm too tired to string a sentence together.
Tomorrow is our anniversary! Of course it would fall in the middle of the week, when DH has to work and I have to haul the kids here and there, but it's still a special day. We'll probably walk in the woods or have coffee by the fireplace. We're happy just to spend time together, and we'd rather be alone together than in the middle of a crowded restaurant.
I have to say that I'm the luckiest woman on earth. DH and I are very happy together, we never argue, and we'd do anything for each other. I don't take a second of our time together for granted, either. My only regret is that I didn't marry him first. I was married before..a nightmare. But then I wonder, would I appreciate DH as much if I'd not been through hell and back? Would I know how great it is not to have to argue or yell or scream just to be heard? We never argue...really! Never! What is there to argue about? Ok..granted..in many relationships, there's LOTS to argue about. BTDT. But I guess once you meet the right person, things fall into place.
Happy Anniversary, Love! I love you!
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