Thursday, June 3, 2010

Little house in the city

So...we have had a big change here. Paul's job finished up last week, and he is officially unemployed. It's been a huge blow to him, and a real strain on our family, emotionally and financially. However, I see it as an amazing opportunity, to create a way of life which allows us to spend more time together, deepen our relationships with each other, strengthen our principles and live by what is important to us.

I don't want him to get another full time job! He has a small business already, and has begun trying to start his own law firm. I do a little paid work as a health consumer representative on hospital and government committees. And earlier this week I went to a session which was part of the Saviours of the Lost Arts Workshops. It was called HOW TO TURN CASUAL CRAFTING INTO A BRILLIANT BUSINESS, presented by Bizness Babes. I'd love to turn some aspect of my crafting into a small home based business. I have some ideas bubbling away and I might apply to do a Bizness Babes' development course.

We've really got to tighten our belts, but I'm excited! I've put my credit card away in a dark drawer, no more big trips to Sewco! We're going to plant up our vegie garden and I've even begun baking bread. (Freaky photo of me but at least the bread looks good!). We're borrowing Little House on the Prairie today from the library, for more tips on how to live frugally!



Already I've experienced wonderful generosity from friends. One has sent yummy baked goods and offered to ply me with dessert whenever necessary. :-) Another gave us two big bags of clothes for Lily, all pink and now much loved! Yesterday, my dear friend Sarah opened up her stash, giving me SO much INCREDIBLE fabric. She is so, so generous. I have literally been stroking my cheek with these from Denyse Schmidt's Hope Valley range.



Beautiful Michael Miller Flora and Fauna fabrics. Quilt ideas are coming thick and fast!



Beautiful Liberty fabric (the pink), I want to make Mia a skirt from the strawberries and I love the orange/brown fabric. Thank you Sar!


We have wonderful friends and family, a roof over our heads, our health and each other. We'll be more than fine.

5 comments:

  1. gorgeous post melissa...looking forward to hearing how new avenues and opportunities open up for you both. (and WHAT an amazing friend to give you all that incredible fabric!)

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  2. we are joining you in your new journey - I'm trying to look at the bright side - like winter in this town is glorious and we won't have a huge heating bill! I'm going to look at your links eitehr that or i may be stalking the holpital birthing corridoors once again! x

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  3. Thanks K. Gosh S, I had no idea. We can share blog links!!

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  4. How exciting to be stepping into a new life together as a family. I love the idea of families sharing resources and being frugal together so I wish we lived closer. We have bucketloads of coriander and eggplant seedlings coming up in our garden so maybe I could pop over with some for your vege patch. And your bread looks great (and you don't look too freaky!)

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  5. PS I reckon if you made quilts for sale they would walk out your door. But I guess they'd have to be smallish (eg for bubbas/wall hangings etc) to be economically viable for an income.

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