Several ruminations November 27, 2008

That Butterfly award was great, got me chatting to a few new people which was great.

I have been reading The Law of Attraction and The Secret History of the World. Both combined are helping me try to think of things as interconnected and in touch with the entire universe, not just the world. Bit head-achey, and properly awesome but very interesting and certainly helps put small matters into perspective. Having been chatting a lot about ambition and life goals and whatnot, I’ve certainly discovered my lifes ambition is to work on exploring and uncovering the secrets of the universe. So not too high an aim then!

I looked at a few newspapers the other day (a rarity for me, only read them if somebody’s left them behind at work), and keep seeing stories about how Christmas is being cancelled because shops aren’t making enough money, and people can’t afford presents and all that. Now surely, correct me if I’m wrong, Christmas is about celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ? Or if you are pagan, that time is about celebrating the winter solstice and the oncoming spring (I’m not a pagan so please enlighten me to its exact meaning). Or if you are neither of these things, it’s just something to look forward to in the middle of winter when everything is cold and dark, a time to spend with family, to relax and generally enjoy and celebrate life?

According to the Daily Mail and The Sun (quality reads I’m sure you’ll agree! ) it’s about presents. Which I find is a real shame. This year, because me and the OH are saving for our travels, we have opted out of giving presents and have invited friends over instead and I am relieved that I don’t have to face Christmas shopping! Now I can concentrate on having a lovely couple of days rest, fun and games with people whos company I enjoy. I think the biggest shame is that there will be people who will genuinely have a bad Christmas because they think it’s all about the presents.

Butterfly Award November 24, 2008

Aaaaaaaaaaand here it is! My lovely butterfly award what I was on about!

Butterfly Award

Ain’t it pretty? Anyway, the rules are that I have to pick 10 blogs I like and write about why I think they’re cool and let them know I have awarded them this lovely award! And then they should do the same!

Official version:

1) post about the award
2) link back to the person that nominated you
3) place the award on your sidebar and then choose 10 blogs that you think are really cool, link to them, contact each person and talk about why you think their blogs are cool.

1) Definitely Heathen Vegan (who awarded me), full of great recipes, energy and sparkle. This lady is heaps of fun and she is spiffingly fantastic and her blog is full of gorgeous pictures of delicious yummy scrumptious food (recommended even if you are the most hardened carnivore). We are both vegans, Ishers and have all sorts of other exciting stuff in common and I delight in her online presence! Hopefully one day we will enjoy the splendours of stumbling around in the fields of Somerset (Glastonbury fields, not just any fields)!

2) Quinta das Abelhas from Portugal. Living my dream life! I love this blog, especially hearing about the WWoofer-s experiences and seeing pictures of the Quinta. This blog has given me plenty of lovely daydreams, especially as they also advertise properties for sale in Central Portugal! Well worth a look if you fancy a change of pace.

3) Raw Cuisine – Food For Consciousness – Holly’s Blog. This is a new one to my reading list, but I have read Holly’s articles in Funky Raw magazine (a great read even if you’re not interested in the raw diet), and they are so interesting. A thought provoking and intelligent read, you’ll definitely learn something new from this blog. Holly herself is an inspiration as well, having brought up children on a raw diet and running her own business (I have bought some superfoods from her shop and they are great!)

4) Hedgewizard’s Diary – I’m willing to bet this guy gets heaps of awards. He is a fellow Isher, and is absolutely hilarious. So much so in fact that I spent hours going right back to the beginning of his blog and reading the whole lot. Genius stuff there, especially the stuff about the Mafioso Mouse. I am pleased to report that he has recently made the transition to full time writer and about time too, as he will certainly be a big success!

5) The Compact – I have been reading this blog for a few months now, and have watched the writer make the transition from life in California to life in London. A big step! Basically a member of The Compact agrees to not buy anything new (I believe there are finer guidelines and exceptions), and this is one member’s account of day to day life as a member of The Compact. Current topics include getting used to Freecycle and using a bicycle to get round London (very brave!)

6) A Good Look – Kate Magic’s blog. Mainly photos but a glimpse into a fun, interesting life in Brighton. Full of colour and fun, Kate is a writer, artist, raw cake maker and much much more. Another blog full of energy and sparkle and lots of fun.Makes me want to leave everything and go and party in Brighton until the end of time!

7) Sharon Astyk’s blog – If you are interested in preparing for Peak Oil, Survivalism and generally looking after yourself then look here. Great blog full of info and practical tips to help you prepare for disaster! Focused on making yourself independent from the system, I absolutely love this blog, really makes you want to go and do something practical and stand up for yourself! Really intelligently written and gives you heaps to think about.

Bean Sprouts – An ex-Isher (although still leading the Self Sufficientish lifestyle), Mel’s blog is full of a variety of posts, fun and inspring. She has created a real community feel and sets challenges every month that are easily do-able and fun to acheive. She also links to some great funnies every Sunday which I really look forward to!

9) Eating the Seasons – Yet another Isher! Quite a little community we have going on there, Hamster’s blog is full of musings on peak oil, container gardening (although this has recently been ‘upgraded’ to an allotment), knitting and other bits and bobs. I like to think she’s quite like me, doing her best and wondering how on earth the world got to be so barmy.

10) Nee Naw – a wild card this one! A blog about an ambulance dispatcher! I used to read Nee Naw on Livejournal, right from the very beginning. I even knew the ’secret’ identity of the writer! (Apparently not so secret anymore). This is a great blog, with a great variety of posts from the upsetting to the hilarious and you learn something from every single entry. Even if you have never even thought about the life of an ambulance dispatcher I thoroughly recommend this brilliant blog as I am hooked!

PHEW! Well that was lovely. Whilst writing that I got to have a quick peek over old posts from favourite blogs. Lovely stuff. I hope this award warms a few hearts like it warmed mine.

Waheeeey!! November 22, 2008

I got given an award! By my lovely cyberstalker (actually I’m stalking her but who cares!), the magnificent Heathen Vegan.

Currently I am sat in bed, overcome with emotion at this wonderful award (possibly the wine has a hand in this too), so will endeavour to read the rules properly and do it all good and proper like when I am a little more sober and less in my pyjamas. So for now I will accept this award with grace and ahem, dignity (as dignified as one can get in a woolly hat and jim jams), and ponder on who to give the award to!

Thanks Jeni, you made my evening.

Loved this October 29, 2008

Got this in an email from The Garden Diet.com and loved it so thought I would share!

Quantum physics tells us that the space between the molecules is not nothing, but rather is energy. And that energy is the same in all things. Everything, everyone, contains this same energy – God! But it is when we focus on something with our consciousness that we actually merge with it, become one with it somehow, or rather become more conscious of this common energy of which we are all part , – that our energies join and the boundaries diminish. Therefore, if I focus on my uniqueness, I become more myself. If I focus on someone else, I become more like them. And if I focus on the God in me, I become more like the God in me!

In Joy!
Jinjee
http://www.TheGardenDiet.com

Vegan MEME survey October 11, 2008

Being vegan again is still taking some getting used to, but this time round it is a lot easier. Although I still haven’t solved the problem of what to do with the litre of goat’s milk in the freezer. But I feel being vegan has definitely made me more comfortable karmically speaking and I can’t really see myself going back now, unless I kept my own animals so I could guarantee they had been fed the right stuff, and been treated decently (although I don’t think I would know whether I would until I was actually in that situation). Only in the case of goats milk products and eggs. I’ll never ever eat meat. Yoinked this off Jeni’s blog. And am currently oogling all her lovely foodie photos. Mmmmm.

1. Name a song that involves food in some way.
i went to the market with my uncle jim, somebody threw a tomato at him…..

2. What criteria do you use when choosing a new cookbook to buy?
i havent bought a cookbook for yonks mainly because i rarely use them, and if i do they get covered in kitchen muck i.e flour! i scour the internet for recipes instead.

3. What did you eat today?
nothing but am planning on having strawberries for breakfast maybe in a smoothie with some chocolate powder.

4. Name a vegan food that you know exists but you have never tried.
soya cream

5. The Food Network just called and needs you to start your new show tomorrow. What will the title of the show be?
erm, not sure about this one.

6. Favorite hot sauce or other spicy condiment?
does vegan worchestershire (sp?) sauce count?

7. How old were you when you became vegetarian/vegan?
11 – vegetarian then a brief dalliance with veganism when i was 19, and now i am more able to commit to stuff, have turned vegan again at 24. a lot easier the second time around!

8. Favorite vegan cheeze?
don’t tend to buy it. i made some rather nice sunflower seed cheese.

9. Cutest baby animal?
mice!

10. Favorite type of jam/jelly/marmalade/preserves?
raspberry jam!

11. Do you take any vitamins/supplements?
if i remember i take a green powder which contains sprouted greens and seaweeds. only because im useless at sprouting seeds and they either get forgotten or rot on the windowsill.

12. What food/dish most embodies the Fall season?
Squash soup!

13. What food would you have a hard time living without?
tomatoes, especially any sun dried tomato product.

14. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?
hot chocolate!

15. It’s 10PM and you’re starving. What do you eat?
marmite on toast.

16. If you have an animal companion, what is his/her favorite food?
my cat lives with my parents because they have a bigger grassier garden. she likes anything fish related.

17. Worst injury you’ve gotten in the kitchen?
my husband had sharpened the knives and i sliced my hand with it. still have the scar!

18. When you have a food-related question, who do you call?
probably the Isher’s!

19. Summer is ending- What food will you miss most?
broadbeans and strawberries

20. What snacks do you keep in your purse/backpack/desk at work?
nuts, seeds, dried fruit and some naughty sweeties.

21. Favorite soup to make on a rainy day?
Squash soup, or lentil soup.

22. What’s your favorite combination of fresh vegetable and/or fruit juices?

Carrot juiced either with apple or pear.

23. Favorite brand of root beer?
Hate the stuff.

24. Make your own question
What’s the un-vegan food you miss the most?
I’ll stick with Jeni’s question. I miss goats cheese the most.

Positive Thinking October 1, 2008

It is amazing how just changing your thought patterns slightly can have a profound effect. For example, I had a blood test this morning and have had it booked for a week and a half. I hate blood tests, having had some pretty nasty experiences as a child so was petrified, every time I thought about this appointment I felt faint, sick and went all clammy. It got to last night, I went to bed early so I would be well rested and on time for my appointment and suddenly started feeling very faint, broke out into a sweat and generally feeling petrified!! I thought I’d never get to sleep like this, so started repeating over and over again ‘the blood test will be fine, the blood test will be fine’ Within a couple of repetitions, I felt my heart beat going back to normal, I felt less sick and was ready to go to sleep within five minutes. This morning, I did the same thing on the walk to the hospital and apart from my hands going a little clammy as I walked into the clinic I was absolutely fine. In fact I dread to think what I would’ve been like if I’d given into my fear – probably passed out on the floor in a pool of sweat and vomit! Ick!

My husband and I have both been engrossed in the Ringing Cedars series by Vladimir Megre. I’ve mentioned them on here before, but they are definitely worthwhile several more mentions as I am amazed by the difference in people after reading these books. I am currently waiting to for book 5 to arrive (should be today!) My husband says that whilst reading them, he finds himself breathing more deeply, feeling calmer and being able to distance himself more from little niggles that usually affect his mood. Luckily for both of us we have jobs were we can read at work and reading these books makes a massive difference to the enjoyment of our shifts! I can’t explain it but just reading the books are a spiritual experience and I encourage anyone to give them a go. You can’t buy them in mainstream bookshops but sometimes they are available on Amazon Marketplace, or you can get them from Funky Raw or Detox Your World. If only enough people read them, I can really see a revolution brewing. Already in Russia (where the books are from originally) there is a large Ringing Cedars movement and many of the predictions in the books are becoming realities. On a more personal level, reading these books and discussing them has brought myself and my husband even closer, it is easy for us just to sit here for hours discussing the ideas and how we could bring them about.

Anyway, having spent last night pondering the origins of universe and the purpose of mankind, then spending the morning being tourniqueted and bled, it’s my day off and I’m going to rearrange the kitchen!

If you want a giggle, check out this programme (it’s only on BBCiPlayer until Saturday I think) one of the ‘hippy panel’ is Billy – The Undercover Hippy – one of my favourite musicians, who I’ve met a couple of times at Glastonbury! It’s a bit cringy in places but it’s quite cute really. Scene Stealers

Thank goodness September 25, 2008

Thank goodness Mozilla remembered my password otherwise this blog would go from extremely rare updates to absolutely no updates whatsoever.

Bin update: STILL havent put out our wheely bin! Expecting to probably before Christmas, but to be honest I originally estimated 6 months and it has been 8 months now so you never know. Saying that, I am having a week off in November for various events and to clear out the house so I’m willing to bet I’ll find some unrecyclable/freecyclable stuff that will find its way in there.

Other updates: Went to the Netherlands! Lovely stuff. I absolutely love it there. So pretty and none of that ‘Im better than you because I have designer label clothes’ attitude that I notice among so many of the people who live in my area. Anyway, have found one place that looks for volunteers to help with organic gardening and related bits so am going to apply and see what happens. Have also been looking on HelpExchange for Spanish and Portuguese volunteer opportunities, just generally want to get off this island!!

Anyway I mainly came on here to add a new link to my blogroll, check out Andy’s new blog (one of the authors of The Self Sufficientish Bible, and one of the founders of the Self Sufficientish website) – Self Sufficientish blog

I love the concept of Self Sufficientish, it is one of my favourite websites, and the only forum I go on regularly. Basically, its the idea of not giving it all up to work the land, but doing bits here and there, like home brew, foraging etc in order to save a bit of money and have a bit of fun but still having the freedom to take a day off and go to the cinema or to a restaurant. It’s the middle ground and Self Sufficientism can be practised anywhere from a huge country farm to a tiny city flat.

Independence Days Update – end of July July 31, 2008

1. Plant – planted more salad leaves (italian mix and extra rocket), oregano, parsley, beetroot (mainly to finish off the packet – might be lucky and get a winter crop), also planted the top of a pineapple in the hope it might grow. Planted out my biggest melon plant into the ground. It’s doing fairly well so far.

2. Harvest – eaten peas off the pod. Blackberries although they weren’t all ripe. Boo.

3. Preserve – I’m really bad at this one, I dried heaps more tomatoes as they go so quickly in this house.

4. Prepare for the future – I got a pressure cooker off freecycle so I can cook stuff quickly and make jam and that.

5. Cook something new or use up old produce – am rubbish at cooking new things I’ve been living off risotto ever since I learnt how to make it successfully, but I’ve used up a heap of berries and eaten the potatoes we dug up.

6. Manage your reserves – err…..actually I’ve been making the OH eat lots of leftovers. But could really do with reorganising the kitchen soon. Actually I’ve spent the past couple of weeks redesigning the allotment on paper so come the autumn that will be the big task, so we can have heaps more produce in a small space.

7. Work on local food systems – got given the website of a place that rents out cherry trees (we can’t have trees of our own), found a place that does 3kg bags of pulses.

See more progress on: work on the independence days challenge

The other blog July 21, 2008

I started another blog here : www.shrublayersandclimaxvegetation.wordpress.com

Bit of a mouthful but I couldn’t think of a name and I took the phrase from the page of a permaculture book I was reading at the time. The new blog is just to chart my allotment progress really, mainly for the sake of a couple of friends, I decided to separate it out to make it a little easier.

Independence Days Update. July 17, 2008

I’ve been lazy, well with writing blogs and stuff. Well I was at Glastonbury, then have been nursing some of my dead plants back to life. And I noticed that part of the Independence Days Challenge stuff I’d written down was wrong. In there somewhere is supposed to be ‘learn a new skill’ and some other stuff. I’ll hunt it out at some point and modify it at some point.

Planted: aubergines, radishes, quinoa, tomatoes, started propogating strawberry plants, oregano, italian salad leaves, spring onions. Attempting to grow a pineapple.
Harvested: basil, chives and potatoes.
Preserve: made basil infused olive oil. Dried tomatoes.
Prepare for the future: Have started to sort out our plant pot collection and punnet collection, and got a few seeds for planting at the end of the year.
Cook something new or use up old produce: I’m a bit stuck on this one. Although I did go vegan so I guess I’m just having stuff without eggs and cheese now.
Manage your reserves: Got rid of some old stuff out of the freezer again…
Work on local food systems: Found a shop to get some local produce from when our veggie box doesn’t provide enough. Also discovered what else our veggie box scheme sells.

Our allotment is being hard work. But fun. We are about 75% up against the slugs i.e. they take about 25% of the stuff we plant. So we’re not doing too badly. And gradually I’m pulling away the cardboard coverings from the earth and planting stuff so weeding is getting less and less too. A lot of the soil needs improving, so I’ve sowed alfalfa (which has long roots which pulls up nutrients from the subsoil), on the bad bits, then before it flowers I will cut it down and let it rot on the surface as a kind of fertiliser.

The strawberry plant (yes, just the one) has been putting out lots of runners so I decided to let it out of its hanging basket and put it in the ground and let it run and get some more plants from it.

All of our tomato plants died in the heat whilst we were on holiday. However, somebody in my parents street had left a load of tomato plants out on their wall with a sign saying ‘free plants’ so we have two. Although they are a little straggly at the moment, hopefully they will do well.

The melons are doing extremely well. I just need to fashion a mini greenhouse for the allotment then the biggest plant can go in the ground as it is desperate to get out of its pot.

That’s all the news for now, garden wise!

See more progress on: work on the independence days challenge