A Journey to a Simple Happy Life

{this moment}: Days of Summer 5

2010-07-30T08:32:00-04:00

Joining Soulemama's Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Blogviews: Amy from Progressive Pioneer

2010-07-29T09:35:00-04:00

Today Amy from Progressive Pioneer is chatting with us about living simple, being green and raising children mindfully. Her blog is an inspiration to all of us who are trying to live a healthier, more mindful life. Please welcome Amy!

Who is behind Progressive Pioneer?

I am a stay-at-home mom in Salt Lake City, Utah. I grew up in Midcoast Maine and am a country girl at heart. I have an undergraduate degree in sociocultural anthropology and a graduate degree in teaching social studies. In between degrees I worked as a corporate ethnographer for product design and strategy firms. Where I'm at right now, however, at home with a baby, a small flock of chickens and something tasty on the stove, is by far my favorite career yet. I love sharing my experiences with urban homesteading, natural family living, being an LDS mom, bee keeping, attachment parenting, raw food and whole food cooking, yoga practicing, urban chicken "farming," unschooling and whatever else is inspiring me. I love the internet as a vehicle for connecting like-minded people and creating communities of support and encouragement. I hope that this site can serve to inspire, validate and encourage other women and families who are making similar choices or perhaps to stimulate curiosity in those for whom some of these ideas are new.

Why did I start blogging?

It was actually a playgroup that inspired me. A discussion about cloth diapering arose and the common theme was that most of the moms were curious about it and wanted to try it, but didn't know where to find them or how to get started. They also didn't have many examples of women who were already doing it. During this same group one mom "confessed" to nursing her toddler past two year and another to letting her child come sleep in her bed at night! They spoke as if these things were abnormal and perhaps not okay.

I realized that a space that talked positively about natural parenting could be a valuable resource for a lot of women. I was thinking more of the culture here in the West that I had moved into as the natural family lifestyle seemed to be a lot more common in Maine where I had come from. But I think that women all over can benefit from "seeing" other women around them following their mothering instincts and happily parenting in a whole and healthy way. That is mainly why I started, because I wanted to share the things that I was doing and to show things like extended breastfeeding and co-sleeping as normal and healthy. I've continued because it's been a source of nourishment and inspiration for me as well. I love the feedback and ideas I get from readers; it's a cozy little community.

I find your definition of a Progressive Pioneer fascinating.What is a Progressive Pioneer?
I think of the term very loosely indeed. On my blog I define progressive as "making progress toward better conditions; employing more enlightened ideas or methods, characterized by continuous improvement," and I relate that to the natural family living movement, tying it into the methods that women employed perhaps a hundred years ago. But, I think that the most important part of the definition is that striving toward more enlightened conditions.

I think that is what really makes someone both progressive and a pioneer, the pushing forward, always trying to learn new ideas that they can implement to improve their family's life. They may have been raised on white bread and Jell-O, yet choose now to read everything they can get their hands on about nutrition and start feeding their family a whole foods-based diet. This is pioneering, blazing a new path, seeking ever better things and ways of being for yourself and your family. It's an exciting way to approach life.

You have a background in Anthropology. How does that play in your life as a mother and blogger?

The interesting thing about studying other cultures is that you become less set on your own being the one and only way. Being exposed to so many different ways of being allows me to give myself more leeway and not feel like I have to live or mother in a certain way simply because that's how we do it in our culture here.

Throughout my studies and travel I picked up on common themes having to do mainly with how family interact, really basic, but important stuff, like lots of mom/baby contact, shared meals, reciprocal kindness etc. These, to me, are the important things, but the more culture-specific things like how long to breastfeed, where baby sleeps, eating certain foods at certain times of the day (we're so into "breakfast foods" here, but I think a nice bowl of miso soup or even a salad can sometimes be great first thing in the morning!) etc.

I try to look at more analytically and ask myself, "Am I doing this because it's the best way for my family, or just because it's how everyone else does it." And that has been really liberating- and fun!

Give us a glimpse into your typical day .

I recently started this new thing where I do my housecleaning "chores" first thing in the morning. I've realized I'm going to have to be more on the ball with a new baby, so I'm trying to be a bit more organized:)

So, that's what you'll find me doing first thing in the morning, after some breakfast and reading with my husband. Our schedule varies from day to day, but Sam and I are often out walking with friends, at learning co-op, at the park or just hanging out in the backyard for the later morning. If I'm on the ball and get the "have to" things done earlier in the day and errands run, you'll often find me working on some project later in the afternoon.

I have a list of projects I want to work on and a pile of projects-in-progress that I try to work on when I have a spare moment. During this time Sam is usually either playing outside or reading in his room; he's gotten really good at playing on his own for good chunks of time, which is nice because it allows me to grab snatches of time to work on various projects or throw dinner together. Sometimes the projects take over and dinner ends up on the back burner, so to speak :)

What made you embrace a more "simple" way of life?
Goodness, I can't imagine any other way now! I suppose it's mostly a case-by-case thing where we weighed the options of various choices and the simpler ones won out. TV was out because it took more away from our family than added to it. Junky plastic toys aren't invited into our home because I found that simple, quality and handmade playthings make for a richer experience for Sam (plus, I just think they're prettier).

We opted to let things like gardening, sewing and cooking become our hobbies rather than just another chore than got in the way of hobbies that took us away from the home. More than one big decision, we've found ourselves where we are because of a lot of little decisions. And generally the questions we asked to arrive at those decisions were along the lines of "will this make our inner life and family life richer or just more complicated? Will it give us more or less time together? Will this distract from my spiritual life or help me focus more on the important things? Will this add to or detract from our physical and emotional health?" etc.

I often find it hard to maintain my values regarding media and consumption without making other people feel judged. You seem to have found the balance, how do you do that?
I guess we just realize that there are plenty of paths to walk that lead to a happy end and that we've made choices based on our won personal preferences, not because we think they are the one and only way to be. There are certainly things that we consider wrong in most situations (say, taking a toddler to adult movies, for example), but there are plenty of shades of gray surrounding our choices, like whether you expose your child to no television whatsoever, or only PBS, or only foreign cartoons so they can learn a second language, whatever.

Every parent makes choices because they are trying to do what is best for their family and I try to respect that. We're all at different places, coming from different backgrounds and have different priorities, so this will color the choices we make. I try to remember that relationships and people are the most important thing. So, while I may be very careful about what Sam eats at home, I'm more careful about how we interact with people outside the home. It's more important to me that Sam learn to say "thank you" when a friend's mom gives him fruit snacks, than that he doesn't eat the sugary snack, you know? A few fruit snacks aren't the end of the world, but hurt feelings over something sensitive like diet choices (and this IS a very sensitive subject! As are most parenting choices) can definitely affect relationships.

If you could give one advice to the pre-mama self, what would it be?

Hmm, I don't feel like there's anything in particular that I wish I would've known or done before becoming a mother. Though Sam was born when I was 28 (really 27, but just a few days before my birthday) so I had plenty of time to experience lots of things. I think I would just reassure myself that it would be the most wonderful thing I'd do and I might encourage myself to work on things like patience, and being sensitive to intuition. And maybe I'd tell myself to spend less money on shoes and save up for something more important like a house :)

What's on your nightstand?

Right now a bunch of books about cooperative living. It's the latest subject I've gotten all excited about. I'm also in the middle of The Well-Trained Mind and Light in the Wilderness, both really wonderful books.

Amy in 10 questions:

What is your favorite word? I don't really have favorite anythings, there are many things I like a whole awful lot though. Like the word ombligo (Spanish for belly button), or snarky, that word is fun to use.
What is your least favorite word?
What turns you on? I get really excited about learning new things. When some new subject strikes my fancy I'll check out HUGE stacks of books, way more than I'll have time to read, and find everything I can online etc.
What turns you off? Being told what to do. It's silly, but if something is my idea I'm all ready to dig in, but if I feel like I have to do something because someone else is making me, it's just no fun.
What sound or noise do you love? Just that hum that exists when you're out somewhere far away from the city, a combination of bugs, wind in the leaves, maybe some water flowing nearby, just that hum of the living, breathing, wild outdoors.
What sound or noise do you hate? Electronic beeping noises, even the sound of the microwave or oven timer.
What is your favorite curse word? I don't actually swear:) Especially now that I have kids (who are so quick to pick up anything you say!) I've just gotten in the habit of expressing myself without words of the four letter variety.
What is your favorite blog? The funny thing is, I don't actually have time read that many blogs! I do enjoy Sew Liberated, Maya Made and Anna Maria Horner's when I get the time though.
What is your least favorite activity? Paperwork-y type stuff: filling out tax forms, insurance stuff, blah, blah
If Heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the Pearly Gates? "Well done, my good and faithful servant."

WIP Wednesday

2010-07-28T20:50:33-04:00

I love my WIP posts, well that’s when I actually have some progress to report ;o)

Our summer has been full of water play, pools and beaches. Meal eaten outside and friends to have fun with but not much in the way of creation and crafting. My craft table has been looking like this since the summer solstice. I guess it’s ok, there will be plenty of time to make when the days are shorter and colder.

I managed to finish two projects for Layla. I think the boys are starting to notice that I am knitting only for the little miss because I just had a request for a red hat just like the one Cousteau wears.

Speaking of red. The Ruby Red (i felt a bit poetic) is one of my favorite knits ever, I love the color and the Malabrigo worsted is one of my favorite yarns. I wasn’t too sure about the choice of the yarn until I worked a couple of rows. I love the feel of it!

I modified a February Sweater by E. Zimmermann to make it a short sleeve and in garter stitch. I will have to do some math to make it in a bigger size.

Layla wasn’t too sure about the two button thing ;o) and as you can see we’re going for a minimalist look here.

Another project that made it before this update is a Marron Glace Milo. I had knit one before for my little nephew and promised myself to make one for L. Tadaaa!

The model was not very cooperative but what can I say..she’s too cute!

What are you working on lately?

Monday Medley :: Days of Summer 4

2010-07-26T22:03:36-04:00

A look at my craft table in an effort to keep it real ;o)

I don't know why but when I think of my Monday post I can't think of a theme. There's always many things I want to share: posts, ideas, crafts among other things. I will stop resisting the flow and from now on will be posting a Monday medley.

I started a series of pictures on Days of Summer. You can join me and post your pictures here. I am also looking for a tech savvy blogger who could design a button for us. If you're interested let me know!

The winner of the giveaway selected by a random number generator is:

Angela "What beautiful products! I am not a first timer but I cannot for life of me figure out how to add folks' buttons to my blog. Call me a techno-ignorant. Thanks for the opportunity!"

Some of my favorite reads, posts and crafts:

I love my kids, I hate my life. The article appeared in New York magazine sometime ago and gave me much to think about. I also loved the interview the author gave on WNYC.
A very simple yet beautiful memory game you can make with your little ones.
How to make your summer photo rock!
A wonderful summer tradition
An amazing book
A very cool way of organizing all the cool stuff I find on the internet.

I would like to thank Mary for giving me the Versatile Blogger award. It's always a nice feeling to know someone out there appreciates my blog. Now I have to share 7 things about myself:

I love anything salty. Keep the cupcakes and cakes, I only care for salty stuff
My definition of relaxation is a nice pool, sun and a good book
I'm terrified by mice. I can holler at the sight of the tiniest one
I could spend my days reading
I love my hands
My yarn stash is out of control
I can't come up with the 7th one ;o)

And now here are the 15 blogs I nominate:

Gratitude Sunday :: Days of Summer 3

2010-07-25T21:26:37-04:00

This week I am grateful for:

.:. My mom staying with us for a little bit

.:. Learning each day how to take better pictures

.:. Thunderstorms

.:. Friends

.:. Running

.:. Flowers

What are you grateful for this week?

{this moment} : Days of Summer 2

2010-07-23T17:22:57-04:00

Joining Soulemama's Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

Days of Summer :: 1

2010-07-22T15:00:52-04:00

No words. Just snapshots of my favorite moments.

Gratitude Sunday

2010-07-18T22:13:00-04:00

This week I am grateful for:

creative children
the pool
good books
a husband than can calm my fears and help me see the bright side of things
emergency funds

What are you grateful for?

Giveaway: VidaStyle

2010-07-17T13:57:42-04:00

VidaStyle is a shop featuring a collection of beautiful and practical items for the home and family; have a peek you'll love it!!

And today we have an exciting giveaway!! One of you will be able to win a 30AUD gift card and agonize on what to choose from this lovely store ;o)

You can enter to win by entering a comment below before Saturday July 24th! You can gain Five additional entries in the following ways, but remember to leave an ADDITIONAL COMMENT FOR EACH ENTRY.

Add A Journey to a Simple Happy Life to your blog roll (1st timers only)
Join my friends in Google Friends
Mention the giveaway on your blog
Mention the giveaway on Facebook
Add my button to your blog(1st timers).

Good luck!

Know thy neighbor

2010-07-15T23:01:35-04:00

Do you know your neighbors??

Actually I don't. I know what they look like and we wave if we see each other but I we never got to know them. It's very odd for me.

I grew up knowing all my neighbors, their names, how many children they had, what schools they went to and even their musical tastes if one of them had the bad taste of playing his music too loud. We shared happy events like weddings and births and we were there for each other in time of sorrows. You could always call on a neighbor for help or a cup of flour.

So what is so unconducive to neighborly relationships in my new neighborhood. I would like to blame it on the large lots, the house being far away from the street, the lack of sidewalks or maybe the absence of porches. The truth is that we never really tried or took the time to cross the yard or the street, walk up the driveway ring the bell and say hello.

This morning I had to call my neighbor because of a fallen tree. They've moved to Seattle and I had to contact their Realtor to get their information. So now we will have to talk to each other about estimates and insurances claims. Now it's really not conducive to friendship.

In the midst of all of this I decided I will get to know my neighbors. I will ring their bell and introduce myself...and if nothing comes out of it, I would at least have tried.