tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post6616534699100117748..comments2023-11-05T05:27:55.905-06:00Comments on A Homesteading Neophyte: Dear John,Phelanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-30078634224965813812011-08-11T12:19:41.827-05:002011-08-11T12:19:41.827-05:00You are one of the few blogs I read on a regular b...You are one of the few blogs I read on a regular basis simply because you are honest and keep it real about the homesteading experience. <br /><br />I so appreciate that honesty and your wit and gift to tell of your experiences in such a way that puts us there with you. I have admired your courage and resilience throughout this whole process and hope that you do not decide to give up completely on sharing your life with all of us. <br /><br />Perhaps as you say - you just need a break. However if you decide to stop blogging, we will certainly understand. Just know that you will be missed greatly.<br /><br />This may sound trite right now, but things will get better - they always do in time. <br /><br />I firmly believe that there are bigger and better things ahead for you - things that you can use all of the knowledge/wisdom you've gleaned from your homesteading experience. <br /><br />All of our life experiences - they're never for naught, they're never wasted, and they're never useless.<br /><br />Blessings and love on you and your family,<br /><br />TeeJayTeeJaynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-58024348254849399562011-08-02T08:40:16.816-05:002011-08-02T08:40:16.816-05:00Dear Phela,
It looks like you are not alone in wa...Dear Phela, <br />It looks like you are not alone in walking away. I feel as though I am left wandering and even more isolated then I was years ago. Sometimes I wonder is it all worth it? But then I kick myself for the doubts and try to push forward. I too had to walk away from the world I blogged so much about. My garden is abandoned thanks to the rains {and other issues I have no control of} as well as so much my daily life entailed. Sometimes as much as we want something, ya just have to walk away and do what is best for you and yours.{even if it's not something you really want to do}.<br />Im still wandering about and looking for that place which is for me and I encourage you not to view it as an end but a new begining. A transition that will take some time, tears & hard decisions. It's the only way to climb out of box and see the sun shine again.<br />I wish you all the best in your travels & adventures. I wish I had some great words of wisdom to share other then the above but I'm still trying to figure out how to get out of my own box. :) Brighter days will come. Chin up!<br />~Tammie {that farm chick gal}Enchanted Crushhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17116310795589274663noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-55658462734584033782011-08-01T09:43:52.773-05:002011-08-01T09:43:52.773-05:00As a fellow Homesteader AND Blogger, I understand ...As a fellow Homesteader AND Blogger, I understand (a little) ab9ut where you are coming from.<br />Do what is best for you!<br />But may I suggest a "Break" and not a total "Break-up"? <br /><br />Even us homesteaders deserve a Mental Health Day or two!<br /><br />Hang in there chickie!Dana (tha Homesteading Housewife)http://homesteadinghousewife.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-42383060095487597972011-07-27T14:58:58.313-05:002011-07-27T14:58:58.313-05:00I just found your site not very long ago and have ...I just found your site not very long ago and have come to see you as a person full of laughter, wonder and honesty. The kind of person I can appreciate knowing. (At least as much as a blog allows.) <br /><br />Yes, life can be very, very hard and can seem unfair but aren't we are given the hard stuff in order for us to revel in the good around us? <br /><br />Gosh. I sound like a 6 year old! Heck, maybe I will always be! Be my 6 year old friend in spirit? <br /><br />Praying for you and yours. Please take care.Doug S of Bellevillenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-54074225002147701202011-07-26T15:04:07.798-05:002011-07-26T15:04:07.798-05:00Enjoy your sabbatical.Enjoy your sabbatical.Toyin O.https://www.blogger.com/profile/08429675861306256504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-56550714035906619362011-07-26T14:20:48.617-05:002011-07-26T14:20:48.617-05:00I am very sad to hear this Phelan. I'll miss y...I am very sad to hear this Phelan. I'll miss your writings and wit. I will pray for you and your family, and your land, that someday it all will come to fruition as you planned.<br /><br />I have enjoyed all you have said. Thank you.juleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16351247097680979735noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-7239091534118877052011-07-25T12:25:38.887-05:002011-07-25T12:25:38.887-05:00Oh yeah, I'll be praying hard for rain for you...Oh yeah, I'll be praying hard for rain for your area too. :)MamaHenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17018971960706063902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-75616063117065238982011-07-25T06:26:07.301-05:002011-07-25T06:26:07.301-05:00You may be quitting your blog - and for that, I un...You may be quitting your blog - and for that, I understand - and for all the wonderful stories and the things I have learned - the best part of your blog is I found YOU. And hubs and the boys.<br /><br />For that I am one of the luckiest people in the world - you can quit the blog girlie, but you can't quit me.<br /><br />Remember I not only know where you live I have your phone number too. giggle [and I am not afraid to use that information]<br /><br />Love you! Call me. [I am back in tower land, my phone gets a signal now.]SkippyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09479661523059481730noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-89263877546480212012011-07-24T23:50:32.522-05:002011-07-24T23:50:32.522-05:00I am sorry to hear that the life you once loved ha...I am sorry to hear that the life you once loved has "sucked the life out of you". You can not control what you can not control. You have done your best and it sounds like you have made some decisions. I have enjoyed your blog for many years now and will miss reading about what you are doing. I know when you get past this season in life you will be able to find happiness once again, even if its not homesteading.<br /><br />Thank you for all you have done!<br /><br />Grace and Peace,<br /><br />JohnJohn Taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808662935525868511noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-39703775647621385832011-07-24T17:09:49.393-05:002011-07-24T17:09:49.393-05:00Well, I have started to post a comment a couple of...Well, I have started to post a comment a couple of times and have stopped because I wasn't sure what to say. I'm often afraid that I will say the wrong thing etc. as I tend to be rather blunt myself. I agree with all the other comments left on this post also. I have enjoyed your postings because it was all real and heartfelt, not a rose-colored edition that many of the "popular" blogs publish where all the animals live in joyful harmony, the weather is always beautiful and appropriate and all the bugs in the garden do little happy dances around the plants rather than eating them to the ground. Everybody knows that is bullshit. Crappy stuff happens to everybody but only the honest and self-confident will admit it. Even though I'm not a biker, I could relate to the social issues of stereotyping from years of being a construction worker. I could trade you some stories for sure! I can relate to your isolation too, since I have quit working construction and have often felt like I don't really have any true friends, partially due to the social stigma of female construction workers. the regulars on my blog have often been my friends. Sometimes the only ones I had to talk to. Though we do not see you in person we are your friends too. I would say, real friends. If I could ever do anything to help you please let me know, even if it's just someone to communicate with because I have often felt what you are feeling.MamaHenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17018971960706063902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-27806534305900543722011-07-23T22:11:29.088-05:002011-07-23T22:11:29.088-05:00Hi Phelan, my wife and I have enjoyed your stories...Hi Phelan, my wife and I have enjoyed your stories since I found your blog a couple years ago while I was in Iraq. We also have a small farm, near Abilene, KS. Everything is drying up too, I can only pump so much water out of my well. We've tried a couple of your recipes and ideas. Some worked for us, some didn't. I decided the goat experiment didn't work, they just kept tearing up the fenceline. We still have a bunch of the chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys, and three surviving peacocks.<br /> This afternoon we had a trial. 6 roosters and 22 cornish cross hens were found guilty of "high treason" agains the farm. It seems they were overheard by the yard police, the Guinea hens, plotting to make a raid against what was left of the garden. Justice was given by Molly Hatchet, and Tom O'Hawk. Even while they were being laid to rest, we held a memorial for four of them, then dipped them in flour and fried.....<br /> We have our stories too. Thank you for yours. Russ and ShirleyRuss and Shirleynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-70603738576772619312011-07-23T17:35:04.594-05:002011-07-23T17:35:04.594-05:00I can't say that I blame you, sweetie. It'...I can't say that I blame you, sweetie. It's a goddamned shame what all has happened to you. I hope that you'll continue to network your blogs on Facebook so that I'll know if you come back. Please know that I'm behind you, no matter what you decide, no matter what our political differences are. Be kind to yourself.Lauriehttp://slowlysheturned.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-59645724834740622092011-07-23T16:04:53.495-05:002011-07-23T16:04:53.495-05:00You guys are really sweet, thank you. I just think...You guys are really sweet, thank you. I just think it needs to end. I have been writing it for 5 years now, that's a lot of words! Maybe I just need a break. . .Phelanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08250080326099834661noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-30206192959043294922011-07-23T14:26:20.134-05:002011-07-23T14:26:20.134-05:00While they won't bring you rain, you have my b...While they won't bring you rain, you have my best wishes and heartfelt prayers. You've had a hard time, and that's enough to make anyone feel weak. You're not weak, by the way - if you were, you'd have caved and tried to change yourself to "fit in." Personally I think fitting in is like voluntarily climbing into a coffin instead of living, though. May you be blessed, and safe, and may rain come to you soon.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14894152513746944497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-87458550562501663482011-07-23T12:07:04.291-05:002011-07-23T12:07:04.291-05:00My friend, this saddens me to no end!
My best wis...My friend, this saddens me to no end!<br /><br />My best wishes and my heart are with you and your family.<br /><br />All the best!HermitJimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13631580830147175636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-78464938253604077382011-07-23T10:42:56.308-05:002011-07-23T10:42:56.308-05:00Life is full of uncertainies, feast and famine. Do...Life is full of uncertainies, feast and famine. Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.<br />Contact me if need help.<br />www.suburbhomestead.wordpress.com<br />RobertAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-26204116654254589522011-07-23T09:11:21.752-05:002011-07-23T09:11:21.752-05:00I'm so sad to see that you're ending the b...I'm so sad to see that you're ending the blog. I never saw you as a homesteading failure. I see you more as an educator. You have shown all of us the realities of homesteading, rather than the magazine cover, or "reality" TV version, which always looks so glossy and fun. I totally get that you're discouraged. Nature has not been kind to you guys out there, between the weather, your health problems and the economy in general. Maybe you can scale back or take a break for a little while and get back into it all refreshed and reenergized. I agree with HossBoss that your husband is probably scared about your health problems and frustrated at the weather. We always take it out on those closest to us. Just take some time, grow your children, take a break, and maybe things will turn around. We'll be here waiting for you with open arms!kathhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08602883597772387316noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-20620716157852401962011-07-23T07:32:22.948-05:002011-07-23T07:32:22.948-05:00I don't know you but you have brought tears to...I don't know you but you have brought tears to my eyes. They say don't give up there are better days ahead. I tell myself that every day now I am telling you. Step back take a look around find joy in little things.<br />If there is anything I can do I would like to help. I don't have much but every little thing helps.goatladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10983745237912430783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-87257552044384542822011-07-23T02:24:21.847-05:002011-07-23T02:24:21.847-05:00I am heartbroken even though I have only been foll...I am heartbroken even though I have only been following for a few months. The sadness and helplessness conveyed through your words has touched me so deeply. You truly are a homesteader. The anger, frustration, and helplessness you feel is something I am sure many who have gone before have felt. I will not try to talk you out of your decision but encourage you to seek within yourself to find what drew you to this life in the first place. <br /><br />I, too, have been struggling with the little things I try to do since I cannot live the life you do. I have not made bread or butter in weeks, perhaps a month. I have resorted to an electric grinder as I am just too tired to grind the coffee by hand these days. <br /><br />You have had health issues in the past. Do only what you can do. Take time away for yourself and your health. Maybe you will find the universe will speak to your heart again like it did when you undertook this journey. Maybe it will show you a different direction. Regardless of what you find, find you. Find your happiness and be the person you were meant to be.<br /><br />It is probably no consolation but you can e-mail me anytime at jlandrist@hotmail.com.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10209730161149067572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-70348421309410782252011-07-23T01:58:02.361-05:002011-07-23T01:58:02.361-05:00I agree with all that have left you words of encou...I agree with all that have left you words of encouragement and sorrow that you're feeling left with nothing left to post here. I've enjoyed your blog since the day I found it... I will keep you in my feed reader in hopes that I'll catch you here and there in an occasional post. Hugs.Mrs Pretzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15013942924710797563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-17684120436883107242011-07-23T00:13:11.155-05:002011-07-23T00:13:11.155-05:00I am so sorry to see you go. Though I mostly lurke...I am so sorry to see you go. Though I mostly lurked it was so nice to read someone who could try to find some humor in most anything and who was real in both the good & bad. I do understand & maybe you could just send a letter home once in awhile so we would know how you are doing?Stephanie in ARhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05117946992633230458noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-19207969872662680922011-07-22T23:56:39.244-05:002011-07-22T23:56:39.244-05:00Dear Jane,
Stay in the game.
Love,
JohnDear Jane,<br />Stay in the game.<br />Love,<br />JohnKimberly @ We Call Her Mommahttp://wecallhermomma.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-49448506300968830142011-07-22T21:25:09.219-05:002011-07-22T21:25:09.219-05:00Hey, Sweetie,
You're not a failure--in anyone...Hey, Sweetie,<br /><br />You're not a failure--in anyone's eyes. You're not able to control the weather, but that's about the only place you fall short of being Superwoman. The rest of the time, life smacks you one, and you just rise up and smack it back. This time, life is pommeling you over and over and you don't have a clear target to swing at. You could deal with health <i>or</i> the weather; both of them piling on at the same time is just damned unfair.<br /><br />We love you, and we'll miss your voice on this blog. But I can understand that blogging becomes unsatisfactory when it seems to be a never-ending catalog of disaster. Sometimes, at the end of the day, you just want to forget about your troubles--not rehash them for your readers. But keeping quiet about trouble feels like being dishonest with your readers, so you've forced yourself to do it even when you haven't wanted to.<br /><br />Please check in with all of us from time to time on Facebook. Let us know what you and Dan and the boys and your mom are up to and how you're all doing. We want to hear from you even when you aren't talking about homesteading.<br /><br />With love from your birthday-buddy,<br />KathyKF-in-Georgiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04124517222143949956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-75831808513785216962011-07-22T21:17:32.048-05:002011-07-22T21:17:32.048-05:00I am with FTM Farmer and don't know what to sa...I am with FTM Farmer and don't know what to say. I've admired you since the day I found your blog. Maybe it's because we are alike. Like you, everything I touch turns to crap... but you and I, we keep moving forward. Please don't close your blog, just take a break. I understand being isolated and I know I love hearing your "thoughts" on my life from way across the country. Hang in there!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28663723.post-14538336591404416052011-07-22T19:55:56.962-05:002011-07-22T19:55:56.962-05:00Oh dear. Please do hold on. You are much stronger ...Oh dear. Please do hold on. You are much stronger than you think! <br /><br />I've followed you for years because what you were doing was something that you were in love with - passionate about. I still feel that every post still encapsulates that.<br /><br />Please know I will wish for cooling winds and rains to you out west. <br /><br />Best of luck!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com