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I may or may not be the kind of person to brag, "I told you so." I'm definitely not all-knowing, but... When it comes to young women wanting to learn basic, old-fashioned skills, yep. Here it is.
I told you so!
I'm speaking to Home Extension clubs in our area. (You know who you are!) While I love you all, I really do. I appreciate all I've learned from these clubs, you missed the boat.
I don't know how many times I've heard, "Young ladies don't want old ways, they want easy conveniences." If 2020 taught us anything, it's these ladies want to know basic things. They've been posting pictures and videos of their homemade projects all over the internet and social media with questions. |
Throughout 2020 while a majority of the world was stuck at home, young women were searching the wild web for recipes, patterns and historically based homemaking and homesteading information. They even made up a new name for it.
Cottagecore
It is admittedly a romanticized concept of agricultural life, embracing the simplicity of sustainable rural living. Yes, the nostalgia of prairie living hit the big time and local extension groups missed it. If you'd like to hear me go into a little more detail about Cottagecore vs. Real Life on the Prairie visit the podcast for a listen.
How to transition from a dream.
For a lot of ladies, Cottagecore is a dream. It's a fashion statement, a decorating style or a new hobby. None of which are bad at all. I believe in dreams, I love prairie fashion, I enjoy French country décor, and I have a ton of hobbies.
If you're wanting to move from the dream into a truly sustainable and simple life though, you may find yourself wanting more. I'm so excited you want to start this journey!
If you're wanting to move from the dream into a truly sustainable and simple life though, you may find yourself wanting more. I'm so excited you want to start this journey!
Let me help you with a few first steps.
Start now. Now is the time. Simplify what you have right now starting with your time. Realize how precious your time is and start treating accordingly. Set boundaries. There are so many good things we can invest our time in. Stop and look. Don't settle for good anymore. Only invest your time in the BEST things. Ask yourself if what you are spending time doing now will matter 10 years from now. Most importantly, ask God where He wants you to invest your time. You might be pleasantly surprised at the answer and how less stressful your life will feel once you start saying no.
Join a Home Extension club. I know, I just had my little rant, but seriously, they have the knowledge and information you are seeking. The internet may seem like a wealth of information, but it's also a black hole that can swallow up a lot of precious time (see #1). In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State University is the basis for the Home and Community Extension Services. Each state in the U.S.A. has something. Look up the 4-H clubs, and you'll find it.
Thrift shops are your friend. If you want to learn to sew, pick up a used sewing machine, patterns and fabric to play with. Don't buy a plastic thing from the department store. Find a heavy machine and take it to a repair person. Other craft items are usually available at consignment and antique stores too. Knitting needles and crochet hooks, furniture and fixtures are there waiting for someone to give them a little tender, loving care.
Experiment with some alternatives. Instead of throwing clothes in the dryer, hang them to dry. I did a video last September, showing how I hang cloths on the line and explaining my reasoning for hanging them certain ways. One person said she watched it over and over again and it almost made her want to move to the prairie. Think of different ways you can do everyday things. You may be surprised at how those conveniences aren't as convenient as you think.
Be patient with yourself. Prairie Living is a lifestyle. You can dress like a pioneer and you can decorate your home with farm stuff, but it may leave you feeling empty if you really have the desire to live the simple life. Take one step at a time and work your way toward the goal. Don't get discouraged. In this case, the journey really is half the fun. Relax and let the pieces fall into place while you make the changes.
If you'd still like to learn more about simple farm living, I've got good news! I'm getting very close to opening my new Pioneer Living course. I haven't blogged much this year because I've been putting a lot into getting the course together to answer a lot of questions. In the course, I'll be coming along side you, sharing my experience of living on the prairie and help you walk the journey.
In the comments below, let me know what you are most excited to learn about!
In the comments below, let me know what you are most excited to learn about!
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