Episode 102

I embraced feminism at an early age.  It seemed like a no-brainer. Women should have the same rights as men. Period.

I honor and appreciate all the pioneering women who came before me and through their efforts, made it possible for me to vote and choose to have the career that I want.  Many continue fighting for our rights to this day and I am grateful.

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Episode 92 – Jennifer Osuch of Self Reliant School

self-reliance and parenting

Jennifer Osuch

Jennifer Osuch discovered the art of self-reliance through parenting.

As the mother of two children with asthma, she wanted to do whatever she could to reduce toxins and support their health. Through her research she learned techniques and skills that really made a difference.  She began to make healthy meals from scratch using old-fashioned techniques like canning and food dehydrating that also saved her time and money.

Jennifer  and her husband Bill teach people how to do these things and more on their website, Self Reliant School.

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Episode 84 Diego Footer of Permaculture Voices

Being a Father Brings Change

Being a Father, growing into that role, does not happen overnight. Sure, the physical part, the birth of a child, usually happens relatively fast (and often during the night), but being a father is an ever evolving undertaking. Continue reading

Episode 61

Colleen

Colleen Valles, a mother of a 10-year-old and just about now, of a tiny new baby, is also a writer, a knitter, a pet mama and a Tiny House enthusiast. When her 10-year-old daughter got excited about the Tiny House idea, Colleen decided to take action on her dream. She explored all different ways to downsize and move to her parent’s property, but found that building codes pretty much nixed all her good ideas. Continue reading

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingWhat is simple living and why are so many folks ditching the traditional American dream in pursuit of it?  Joel Zaslofsky of Smart and Simple Matters podcast joins me, Jenise, for a chat on the topic.

Joel shares about his transition from “working in the money industry purely for money” to embracing a simpler, more intentional life. He shares a bit about his average day now compared to then; his podcast, Smart and Simple Matters; and SimpleREV which helps people connect in-person about slowing down, being grateful, and nerding out about the simple life.

Making the Switch

For Joel, the switch wasn’t easy.  But learning that he was about to become a dad for the first time, kick-started him along the path.  How many of us began to feel the urge to make these changes when we became parents?  I know that becoming a mom was a real turning point for me.  But the journey to living a life that is mostly congruent with what my heart is saying, took a lot longer in my case.

And what is simple living all about?  Well according to Joel it’s, “homesteading, sustainability, meditation, mindfulness, minimalism, yoga, transition towns, tiny houses, slow food, slow parenting and more.

Joel Zaslofsky on Simple LivingAn Intentional Life

“I think the thread that runs through it for all these people is they want to live a more intentional life; they want to be more grateful; they want to see the world as an abundant place as opposed to a scarce place; they want to show compassion and patience and kindness,” says Joel, “..but for me its about loving the concept of enough.”

Intentional living – that sums it up for me too, Joel.  What a pleasure it was to meet this kindred spirit.  I think you will agree.

For a few ideas on steps you can take toward a more simple, intentional life, check out these 7 Steps to Start You on the Path to Simple Living.

 

With September just around the corner, we decided it would be a great time to take a look at some of the alternatives to public school.  So we went straight to one of the biggest names in alternative education, Jerry Mintz of the Alternative Education Resource Organization, to get the scoop on some of the options available to parents.