I'm married with three sons living at home, (ages: 2 1/2 years old, 13 years old and 19 years old.) I also have a 22 year old daughter and 4 year old granddaughter who live nearby and visit often.

My "homestead" is best described as a mini-McMansion in a cookie cutter neighborhood with a seriously militant Homeowner's Association. Back in August/September of 2008, I had a personal revelation and ever since I've been working toward a simpler, more self-sufficient & more sustainable life. I've turned half of my backyard into a "beautiful mess" of veggies, fruit and herbs in raised or permanent beds. I drive less and walk more. I use CFLs and harvest rainwater for my garden. I try to make do with what I have and use a lot of found items in the garden and around the house. I forage a bit for wild food in the woods behind our property. I'm interested in "deconsumption," but my two teenage boys definitely aren't. I do what I can; taking small steps and trying to be a good example.

I love to garden and I get that honest from my daddy. I like to knit & crochet and learned the skills from my maternal grandmother. I like to cook for my family and inherited that from my paternal grandmother. My mother-in-law is teaching me to sew and to preserve food by canning. I love to read, which I get from my mother. And...I love love love to listen to my boys make music.

All of Psalm 91...but especially "He will cover you with his feathers and under his wings you will find refuge; (Psalm 91:4a)"

And...this wonderful quote from Walt Whitman that my husband included in my homemade Mother's Day Card:

"I say there is nothing greater than the mother of men."

Beautiful Mess of Greens

Blueberries; Lima Beans; Pole Beans; Eggplant; Aloe; Cilantro; Sage; Parsley; Basil; Thyme; Stevia; Lavender; Pansies; Marigolds; Calendula; Purple Coneflower; Chamomile; Tomatoes; Cucumbers; Squash; Carrots; Lettuce; Radishes; Spinach; Cantalope; Watermelon; Green Bell Peppers; Red Bell Peppers; Jalapenos; Rutabaga; Collards;

Weed Garden/Wild Garden: Dandelions; Yellow Sow Thistle; Chickweed; Gills over the Ground; Honeysuckle; Purslane; Wild Onion; Wild Garlic; Yarrow; Wisteria; Morning Glory