Practising Simplicity: we're growing a vegie patch

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

A few months ago we took a leap of faith. Daniel had been contracting with a local business for a few years and while the regular money each week was nice, the other bits weren't so. We have our own business which brings in a couple of jobs a week but, as with any trade, those jobs aren't always guaranteed. And so, we decided, for the sake of happiness and well-being, we would focus on other exciting ventures and leave the comfort of a weekly pay.

What has risen out of our decision has been both unexpected and a complete joy. We have, as a family, spent more time together, watching clouds, eating ice-cream, planting herbs, than we ever have. Because we have the time. For Che, whole days spent with his Dad while I type has been a true blessing. They have established such a special connection, bonding over lego and bush walks and beach exploring adventures. A connection that doesn't always involve me and one that I truly believe, will remain strong for the rest of their lives. The 3.5 of us are relishing in slow days, the change of season and good wholesome food. While our wallets aren't as brimming as they once were (although brimming is most definitely an exaggeration) we have found that days spent close to home, indulging in simple pleasures, is absolutely perfect for us.

And while I grow our baby (we are using the term 'our' because for Che, it's his baby too) I'm wondering if perhaps this time is made all the more precious because in a few months, things will change all over again. This baby of ours has, in his or her own way, encouraged a shift in our lives and a recognition of what's most important.

Right now, all is so very good.

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Labels: family , seasons , we're growing a vegie patch

Friday, January 08, 2010

sweet success

I just spent some time in the garden. The sun is hot and the earth is abundant with worms and bugs - good bugs. A sign that our garden is thriving. I dug out a whole bowl of potatoes, picked stalks of kale, about 50 beans, thyme and lemongrass. It is so incredibly rewarding to watch your plants grow, pick their fruit and then cook for your family. A few weeks ago I was running late for an evening class and the fridge was looking slightly bare. I ducked out the back for a few minutes and came back inside with dinner in my hands. Enough greens to combine with tinned tomatoes, garlic and pasta...a perfectly nutricious and comforting meal for my boys. Ahhh, it feels good.

So good that this weekend I'm extending the vegie patch...making more room for more life.

I was so happy to unwrap Stephanie's Kitchen Garden Companion on Christmas day. What a beautiful book! It's covered in linen and details how to grow, when to pick and how to cook fruit and vegetables. I flick through it at every available opportunity and am so pleased that Stephanie is slowly but surely encouraging hundred of schools across Australia to grow their own food. It's so important for children to know where their food comes from, to spark an interest of healthy living from a young age. Last week Ché was playing in the garden, a bean in one hand, an apple cucumber in the other. He was eating both at the same time. Happiness.

I am so joyous about this new year. So content with my family, my home, my life. It most definately feels good to be alive.

I've been perusing a few blogs in the past few days and I'm loving:

Sweet Lyra (she's even more beautiful in real life and she smells divine. She makes me very clucky)

Rach, Jo, Tara and Rach - all beautifully pregnant. Congratulations gorgeous Mumas.

Melissa's home made ceramic decoration

Leigh has a wonderful giveaway. Go see.

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Labels: we're growing a vegie patch

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

from the garden

spring treasures
eggs
roses
carrots
sweet peas
cos lettuce

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Labels: mama and grandad , seasons , we're growing a vegie patch

Saturday, October 10, 2009

in the earth

The past week has been wet and cold and i'm liking it. It was too unusually warm for Spring so a quick return to late winter has been welcomed. In keeping with my deep-seeded desire to shop with more intention and less spontaneity, and hence eat the same way, I decided to finally start a little vegie patch. Small to begin with - there are only three of us. My Dad had grown vegies for as long as I can remember (I used to collect beans in my skirt) and so he helped us establish a little patch and Ché took to planting...pegs. With all the care and concentration he could muster he pushed coloured pegs into the earth and stood back, proud at his work. Perhaps they will grow...you never know.

It was good to get down and dig into the earth, a good practice, quite therapeutic. I love using herbs in my cooking (and is there anything better than a jug of ice-cold jug of mint-infused water in Summer?) so I planted lemongrass, coriander, thyme, sweet basil, rosemary and mint. Beans, baby spinach and kale made it into the mix too. I'm wishing, hoping, dreaming for a spring garden like Hugh's - one day.

It's become so clear to me over the past few weeks that the food I eat really affects my moods and energy. Since weaning Ché my appetite for meat has decreased and I'm starting to eat light, raw food instead. A salad of home-grown leaves dressed with seeds, nuts and balsamic...a daily indulgence. I'm back into my full yoga practice too - flowing through a dynamic hatha and ashtanga practice reminds me of the number one rule in Ayurveda - never over eat. Eat slowly, and with awareness. Daniel and I, since we have been together, have always promised ourselves that regardless of how much money we have we will always eat good food. Food grown with love and awareness - cooked and eaten the same way.

I truly believe that breastmilk was the greatest start to Ché's love of food. He eats almost everything. The other night I watched him devour a bowl of tofu. And then he asked for more. I was, still am, so happy.

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Labels: food for the soul , seasons , we're growing a vegie patch