I get so embarrassed

yes it is a double edge sword, Travel (in a timely manner) requires a LARGE carbon print.  But I can only hope I do enough each day to off set what damage I do in my travels.  I get so embarrassed when I come home the pain makes me write the following ...

I have seen a little of the world and hope to see more of it, if my life allows, but seeing and learning is my largest textbook in life and continuing this is important to me.  Eyes Open People!

Ecuador trip while not a travel trip more of a tourist trip was enough for me to figure out where I wanted to go back and learn more of the country and its people.

My choice would be the highlands.  People whom seem to cherish the OLD ways but welcome some of the new technologies that can make life better.

 While still using animals for moving items and / care taking of the lands some have newer ways of caring for soil and the eco system.

While many will NOT agree.  I believe animals to be a serious part of the full circle when it comes to land and food.

Animals can not exist without grasses and few GOOD grasses for the animals can  not exist without bacteria and worms which help to digest and soften the land into a workable system able to support humans, as WE are the heavy burden of the lands.    We as humans require so much and WE (as Americans) require more than ANY OTHER COUNTRY in the WORLD!

Why?   Because WE in the US are not connected to the land as most.  We are not learning as a country we are living life with blinders ... that our food supply will continue at no cost to the earth OR to our health in the long term.

While I am only one person, and I do not EXPECT every US citizen to do much to help their house (with future bills, by using low wattage bulbs CFL's) or their community ( by simply creating their own compost pile, OR recycling all their plastics they can, or purchasing things in glass) OR our country ( by cutting back on water use, electricity usage.. by using a water heater timer)  and even less for the WORLD we live in.. by purchasing local food, drinks, and cutting down on their use of GAS!  purchasing high mileage cars, using public transportation (where available)... There is little OIL in the US and it would never support our greedy appetite  for quick one person travel several times a day.  

I travel daily but only in a specific circle as to save my gas, my car, and my time.  I do all the things above as it is easy for one person to do so many things in order to make life better for others.

We only have CFL's in our house!
While we do not have the ability for an instant delivery hot water system (yet) we have a TINY 50 gallon water heater that is NOT allowed to keep water VERY hot only hot enough to wash with.
We purchase local foods when we can (road side stand)
and while my car is OLD... 12 years old she still gets over 50 miles to the gallon and only uses 2quarts of oil for each oil change.
I use glass when ever I can,
I carry a reusable stainless steel container in summer and winter.
I recycle everything I possibly can and even send things to be re cycled else where if needed. (my area only recycles certain numbers, but will take all plastics to keep them out of the land fills.)

All of this is NOT enough for WORLD wide effects but if everyone did a little it would add up more each day! If everyone added one more thing to do each year it would continue to add up as well.

Please Try people.
This is not about me.
This is about how hard we are on the land, the continent and the world.

Rant time over!

But please! do SOMETHING!

putting myself to the test.

While this blog is about living basic!

I am putting it all to the test and I am going to be traveling BY HORSE BACK in the dead of WINTER from Asheville NC to Nashville TN starting in January.

YEP!   I will be living off my horse during the day, setting up my tent each night as we move across the land.   While I am at a little more of a disadvantage than my ancestors in one way I am more prepared in other ways.

My ancestors had towns to stop, pay to have their horses cared for, and could get a room with no worries of their animals.  It was also during the time when it was normal for a stranger to ask to sleep in your barn, or even ask for a spare bed.  (these things I will not be doing)   I will be worried to death, as many horses are stolen for meat market now a days or just shipped cross country to make a dime, a dime is all they would make on mine!  (as one is more likely to die if feed is changed, and the other...well she is a special needs as well, but more mentally than physically )

Having said as much, I am far more on the advantage side... as my equipment is good, my mind in active,  spirits excited. And I am doing all I can to get the word out... Asking others to tell their friends so I ride up to a house and ask for Water, two trees to tie my horses and a place to throw my tent I am not turned away as quickly if the word was not out there!  

Sounds extreme!  I know! it is... but I at least have to try!   I have to know I didn't put something on that bucket list and not attempt to do it!

Here is my blog for the trip ...http://ambernavarresweetpea.blogspot.com/ This trip , its preparation, and daily updates along the way are all I am putting there.  I will rarely put things on this simple blog as while Simple to the extreme... not quite what normal people do to go simple!

The name of the blog?   Me, and my two horses.   Amber, Navarre and Sweet Pea! after all we are all each of us will have on this little trip, unless I get some followers that want to help, want to spread the word, and want to see me accomplish my goal! ?  we shall see.

its the little things in life.

I know I live in a strange place!  Rarely does someone NOT drive on the wrong side of the road, as they straighten out a curve.  Rarely does someone go the speed limit, and if you do! you're more likely to get hit from behind!

Life is fast, busy, and a pace I never knew it was going to be, but I live it! I hang on, I do my best, and I try to slow it down as much as possible where ever I can.

But tonight it was the simple act of several someones taking turns at a one lane bridge.   (I cross this bridge 6 times a day as I go to and from the barn)  Normally who ever hits their brakes first stops, while the on coming traffic barrels over the creek as fast as possible, more often than not with whom ever behind them stuck to their bumper as if lava rolling down the mountain at them.

Tonight it was the act of kindness of as each person stopped and allowed the next to go.  I was the last one in line, but just seeing the act of kindness was a lift of my spirit.  It was the simple act of each person treating the other as they wanted to be treated.

It is the simple things in life!
From a hand written note, a cold drink of water, down to the daily hum drum of stopping at a one lane bridge and allowing others the right to go instead of TAKING their turn for speed.

One thing every woman needs. WELL worth the money!

This is one of those things one needs when she travels...

Please check out this link.
one thing every woman needs.

check out the video on how to use this one piece of clothing! it is on the link above...

throw this over your little black dress, over your little black skirt and you have more outfits! get a basic color and you have a top, a cardigan, a cover up... and more! it ROCKS!!!!!

CLEANING HOUSE again.. .

This time I'm cleaning out my HORSE SUPPLIES.

Most everything I need to get rid of is GIVE AWAY! 

The only two things I am SELLING are two very expensive horse blankets.  I am only asking $25.00 plus shipping!  for each of these blankets I paid well over $200.00 for!   Otherwise everything else if free!

SO ... if I have it ... and you want it, just pay shipping and it's yours.

I have TONS of horse leg boots,

I even have great chaps for riders!

I've got a pair of barely worn English boots!

warming throws.

leather halter,  brass breakaway...

what ever you are looking for just ask, I may have it in your size.

I've got pictures... I'll add as the weekend continues but first come first get... so send me an email NOW!

Cold ?Weather in May...

Around here you are not suppose to plant tomatoes until AFTER Mothers Day.  Today is a prime example why.

It is not 50 degrees today, wet, cold ,and just uncomfortable.  A good 20 degrees below our average high for this time of year.  It never fails... as soon as you put everything out, something happens.

But having said that so negatively ... this weather works wonders on pastures! They love all the sun with out all the heat! This should make some local hay really good! Wish me luck getting my hands on it.   I had 100 bails expected for the last two weeks.  I am very thankful my guy has hundreds and hundreds of acers to cut, as what got rained on he will keep for his cattle and I didn't loose anything... YET!

I have several back up plans, but mother nature is not very happy thus far so I can only worry about getting my hay till the day I have it safely in a barn!

Otherwise... life is good, animals have been sick but getting better.  A new course of action is in place for the issues, and we will keep an eye on the happenings so next year is not as rough.

I think that is what I enjoy about life.  Everyday is a learning process, some days are simple, some days are rough, but all are about expanding your world of knowledge and relating to local happenings... like weather, hay supplies, and what the weather did to the hay, how well it will sustain my animals over winter... etc...   it never stops!

Simple is HARD!

While simple seems romantic! It sounds poetic! and feels like nothing you have ever felt before... IT IS HARD!

Our tiny 6 acres is getting out of control,  extensive for only one human, no tractor, and very little time to spare.

I did however accomplish taking the old 70's gravely and bush hogging up the side of the road all the way from the garden to the neighbor's drive... which is ON my property ( but the area too steep to put on his... the only reason this bothers me is all the TRASH that spews down into my lot from the garbage can... to his credit it is either wind or bears depending on season and weather.  I almost need to install a repel system so he or I can use it after trash pick up)

If you know what a gravely is... then you know they are ALL torque and no horse power; and on such a grade as what I have, that means it's all ME pulling the thing out of areas or trying to maneuverer it around things like boulders, trees, or gullies.

I need to bush hog SOOOOO much more, but my hands can only take so much (from all the shaking), my back can only pull so many times, and yes my legs can only brace or dig into the ground so often!   So around the perimeter of the estate and then into details around apples and paw paw trees.    I now need to bring it back to the house to bush hog what WAS the garden last year.  The ground at the house needed a rest, it needs to be rebuilt and so... two or three years rest it will have.  I hope to get it in resting order soon.  Clover this fall and legumes next spring...

Weeds on the estate are OUT of control.  It is the area! The state has planted things that roots go down at least 4 feet in order to keep the area from washing away.  Most of the lots on the mountain are so steep cows would have problems on peoples front yards... mine is one of the few that is 95% walkable,  but just because I can walk it doesn't mean I can get the gravely up or down it!

I suppose I am going to have to break down and purchase a GAS weed eater ( I just can't stand them... sound, smell, and they are heavy) but my electric is NOT going to cut it around the barn.  I have plenty of electric cord, the generator is small enough for me to move around, but ... the weeds are too fast, thick and course in nature for an electric... I need one I can put a metal blade on it and go to town!

Then I will need to take the time and work on the old apple tree in the garden area.  This thing has got to be aired out, or it is going to kill itself off.   I've had the property 4 years and only last year after planting my other four trees did this old one start making apples!   A bonus for me, but also one more thing on the to do list!

I hope to take the camera back to the estate later today... if and when I do I'll take some black and whites to post here! /// Sorry guys no black and whites  only color tonight.  I'll try again tomorrow.

I hope everyone else living simple is having an easier spring!

p.s. the trees are not in full leaves up to the top of the mountain yet! and we have had HEAVY frost for the last three nights! making my planting season that much shorter!

you just gotta laugh!
Amber.

confused ? can't find the correct words.

Humans do so many wrongs to each other.
In other countries women are property
In other places around the world people are killed because of tribal affiliations, race, beliefs.

As I sit here knowing one of the worlds harmful humans is no longer a personal threat, I find it hard to act in a positive way, rejoicing in death, or anything other than confusion.

I am proud that our government had the thought to care for the body with respect.  I know in other countries they would have dragged the body in the streets had it been an US citizen, it would have been pulled apart and pranced up and down the streets;  but I am thankful our military did NOT do this.

It is important to me that the Muslims out there that do NOT agree with the action of Osama where not offended by the military actions.

Extremism is out there EVERYWHERE no matter who you are, or religion you are.  We as a country do keep the KKK in check as much as possible, but they are still there, and are still a threat.  I had hoped the Muslims who are of faith, but not of hostile beliefs, would have done more....  BUT I have been eagerly offended by as many extremist of faith (of several beliefs) at my own door, on the streets, in large cities and even recently in business; where we cut ties with a company due to unsolicited pamphlets.

I can only hope at some point in history we can get rid of this I'm better than you attitude, I'm the only faith going to a better place, If you don't think like me attitude!  and my worst... I'm going to put fear into you!

To peace AND diversity...
To growth and education
To the human race getting along!

I know there will always be wars, I know there will always be disputes around the world, and I know as young of a country as we are... we are JUST entering the realm of true hate for generations to come.  But this is hard for me to hear and admit as I was not raised to make judgement on others, when I have not walked in their shoes, lived their life, or experienced their hardships different from mine.

While the US does have poverty... MOST are still above poverty in other countries, and here if you REALLY want help, there is help to be had.  While in other countries it is population control.

I just can not rejoice, but I am glad he is not still here to PLOT more harm... although someone was waiting to take his place... if not several!

Its a new day.

While it is VERY late for me, I have had such a wonderful day.

I got several things on my to do list done, and have set a foundation for getting more settled tomorrow.

Today started with Bella... the dog in my very first post.
Then she and I moved on to playing with the birds.
Letting the horses out for pasture...
back to the house to make room in the truck bed for trees..(moving gravely... old planters broken no longer of any use...as well as all the plastic I had in the bottom of my containers. (milk juges... soda bottles etc... ) .. Yeah...
Going to get my trees I paid for yesterday...
Taking the slowest curviest roads home so not to wind burn my new Japanese Maples.  three in all... two red weeping... ONE of the prettiest things I've ever seen... One is white and green leaves (verigated) with PINK tips... Yea... yeah... don't expect me to remember names of Trees... when I have a hard enough time with humans... (once I see a face... it is burned in my mind... but names... FORGET IT!)

Filling up on Diesel... not even 1/2 a tank and well over $60.00 wow... no towing this week!
Getting to the barn, getting the horses in, brushed, and ready for a ride... As I promised LL and GG I would take them up and down the road today!   and really... SO HAPPY to do it!   I did however forget my gloves... I have become such a wuss. I don't do much without my gloves these days...  But we had SUCH a delightful ride... rides... LL went out with me twice!  Large... blisters on both palms... and both ring fingers! what a laugh! With all the work I do you would think they stay calloused, but ... soft as can be... and now blistered...
I then got the garden tilled again... BUT I have much bush hogging to do tomorrow! Garden area.. / fruit tree area... one of the tiny pastures... (attracting too many bears... YES bears!) that is another story... other blog!  as well as the barn, and wooded area... too much rosabunda (what we called wild roses at home)

Jerry has promised to assist me in changing out the attachments... So as this is the SECOND public "outing" I have made about it... I can only hope it happens... it takes me FOREVER to do it alone!

My to do list for Tomorrow... Plant Tomatoes plants... but plant more seeds...
Plant, more corn, peas, squash, egg plant... and what ever else I feel like taking care of!
Peas are up... but only a few corns are up? not sure what happened there! but an entire row 3 feet wide awaits more corn, beans, pumpkins, squash etc...

I am so excited about getting a little in the garden done...
A little in the pasture
A little in the woods?
I am hoping to start on the blueberry patch by next weekend...

While I posted on my facebook last week I had hoped to start on my rock wall, Too much is getting out of control, and so much needs attention, the wall will have to wait! BUT I am picking up larger rocks each time I walk to the barn... In with a rock OUT with a shirt full of weeds!

I could only WISH I had time for a late ride up the mountain tomorrow... We shall see!   Wish me luck~
Amber

Historical Weather.

While so many have been lost, injured, or simply lost everything they ever owned; we again are of the lucky!

Being in the list of LUCKY people dodging the wrath of Mother Nature, I can only  appeal to your heart and ask you to take note of what is important to you.

Yeah... yeah... yeah... everybody says they can do with out ... But your not! You collect! You keep up with your neighbors, you still get things  society thinks you should have.    Have you EVER put a freeze on your family?   NOTHING new for a MONTH for starters... people learn so much from REAL experiences, and they become more attached to what occurs to others if a parent has taken note and driven that nail home!

I remember as a child... a large family having a hard time with ? everything... it was a slow time in finances of US history and some families really struggled.   This large family was at our house and we went to the back yard and picked corn, enough for them to take home, feed their family of 8.    I remember then... thinking I know that was going to be family food for us and extended family, so for my parents to offer their share to someone else meant a lot.  It hit me that they must have less than us.  This at a time when I was being made fun of for my shoes etc... like kids will do.   A lesson learned, a lesson I NEVER forgot!

I get all the family mementos! Although the US is a VERY young country and few of us have our history back to "the boat" our beginnings of the land.  Photos, trinkets, ?  for me it's a mug I took from my Paw Paw when I moved to California... I stole it! I knew it was wrong.. but I needed something as a security blanket! and that man was mine!  I called and told him once I was 3,000 miles away! Knowing he would never come get it!  To this day it is a prized possession for me!   It is cracked, chipped, and of no real use now; (from moving so many more times) BUT it is a piece of my life I LOVE and would search for in the aftermath of a tornado.  I use it on a daily basis to hold loose buttons... my rings as I wash dishes etc... but it has a function in my home!

I have very little... because I need no more! I live in a tiny house (1930's ) by todays standards, but I do NOT need any more room.  Having a small house keeps me in line!  It keeps me from collecting things that are of no use.  I have certain vases I use, and they stay out with or without flowers, branches, and often HOLD my paint brushes for a daily function.

The fact these people have what is on their back... AND LUCKY if they got out with ALL their relatives!
They still have to pay back those loans on the now rubbish of a house.
They still have to take care of what the insurance doesn't pay off on their cars.
They do not have those shoes they had to get to complete an outfit... Or that purse that was... "to die for" a must.

IF you can't prepare your family by doing without in honor of those whom have lost so much...
Then at least give away ( to a reputable charity) things you don't use anymore.
Talk to your children about other children who no longer have toys, clothes, or a dinner table at which to sit.
and explain to them how Nature keeps its own time!

No I am not saying you have to scare your children!!! I can't stand scare tatics... even in religion I believe it has no place ...

But reality... and having a plan... is important.
Where should your children Hide in your house? How do your children get OUT of your house if necessary... NOT the door people... that is normal... we are talking emergencies here!
Where should your children meet up with you in the event of a fire in your house,  Why should they NOT go back in? etc...
These are all things we must discuss; but hate to do so...


Considering we have no children, for us! it is How and Who is going to get the birds in their travel cages.... etc... But it all needs to be a plan down to what car you drive away in.

Please do this!
Please do the basics no one else to teaching these days...

My parents always planned for the worst... When I was a child from 5 on... It was to climb out your bedroom window  don't worry about the window or screen... just get out... and meet us at the maple tree in the front yard.  DO NOT go back in... and do NOT leave with anyone except your or Nanny or PawPaw.... simple but a life saver all the same.

Basics people... back to the basics... These tiny things not being taught are things that can save your life... and the life of your children AND grandchildren.  Do it as a family ... Do it in each house if necessary... BUT PLEASE DO IT!

This is your chance to have a prime example of why a family needs to pull together... be a family and plan for the worst but may it never happen to you!

Everyone in my thoughts
To those whom have lost so much, may your tomorrow be brighter each day.
Amber

Only words Friday...

For me... Life is about learning!
We all make mistakes, but I have in me the NEED to learn, the need not to repeat. 
It is not always about what I like, it is also about what I do NOT like, what I will NOT allow in my world, and what I have a partnership with, or control of only my own actions.


Cause... can can mother nature  ( completely out of my control) 
Effect would be a learned way, one step closer to doing it right... the next time.

keeping it simple.

While my life has gotten more complicated... I took a THIRD job! with the economy on a down the winter months were sparse to say it nicely.   My animal clients didn't travel as much, and the motorcycle guys didn't purchase as much.  So a third job just to make sure I am pulling my weight, make sure I am feeding and caring for my horses the way I prefer... which no less expensive than a child... I figure my horses cost me about 8,000.00 on a good year! So... 

BUT even with all of this! I am loving my life, enjoying the fact as I sit at this computer it is dark outside, but the birds are awake, and the smell in the air is clean, and I can tell moisture is on the way.  Life is what you make of it, and while I have little time to post these days I am still ALWAYS a work in progress.  Cleaning closets, getting rid of ANYTHING I'm not using all the time.  My garden is a work in progress, a test area for me this year on the estate.  BUT ALL my scraps go into composting... I have lots of dry to balance the food and the manure.  

All my jobs are Season geared... so Summer will be the time I will run like a chicken with my head cut off, but this winter I will be able to care, ride, and enjoy my horses with no one else to worry with.  I so enjoy the quiet of winter riding! The fresh snow on the ground, the quiet of the first snow ride.   So I am just making the most of what I have! 

I can only hope your life... no matter how busy it is... is as peaceful as you intend it to be.

Much love to you all. 

Amber

Only words Friday...

It is not just you- everyone feels down occasionally.

Only words Friday...

Do not allow your exuberance to block out the light needed for your journey. 
Knowledge is light- 
Exuberance without knowledge is a journey in darkness.

Only words Friday...

NEVER tell a child that something... anything... is impossible, for that child might surprise you.

Never be responsible for putting out a light that could have led the world with hope.