PUTTING LIFE'S CHOICES IN PERSPECTIVE

It takes a certain sense of humour and risk taking tendency to live - and survive - in the country. Homesteading lends itself to spontaneity and experimental living. It is by no means a life choice for the faint hearted. After reading "My Homesteading Philosophy" written by @nateonsteemit I was challenged to look at our life's choices, particularly homesteading. Let's face it often we make good decisions. Sometimes we make horrendous decisions. But at times it seems the choice is made for us. With my dad, @quailbreeder, visiting us, it has been special seeing the generational relationship growing between him and my little boy. With plenty of time for my goats as well.

My son is very much like his Gramps. He adores animals and he isn't scared to get his hands dirty. They both have very generous personalities and no hidden agenda. My father and my son were born to live in the country. Sadly, my Dad has lived most his life in the city, and still misses it, but he is a natural homesteader and now happily homesteading. It is always special having him visit because he loves animals. Of the four parents he is the one that is the farmer. Funnily enough the other three parents live with us but more out of necessity than a choice. Let me re-phrase. It was their choice to live here but that decision was based on the fact that we live here. So they out of necessity have been forced to make their home among our animals and the semi-desert mountainside.

Putting our life's choice into perspective is an interesting reminder. I find it necessary to be reminded of why we are here. Homesteading epitomises all of the other homie things that we desired. Homebirth. Homeschool. Homemade. Homegrown. There is something more real and tangible about homesteading than there ever was in the rat race. We've never worked harder or had as many failures (crop failure, animal loss etc) but there is peace and a sense of purpose in the country that was never realized in the city.

We are surrounded by life. The sound of birds fills the air. Walking through the small orchard or onion field the atmosphere literally vibrates with the busy worker bees. My goats always call happy greetings when they see me. There is so much satisfaction from planting a seed, nurturing it and ultimately reaping the benefits. We currently have 7 broody hens - and counting. Soon there will be dozens of chirping fluff balls. Now that the goats are back in milk I am happily making shampoo bars, soaps, cheeses and yoghurts. Nothing quite beats enjoying the wholesome fruits of your labours.

My husband and I chose - or rather were directed to choose - our beautiful homestead, and at the same time one another. It is a special story that most of you know. I try to keep these two memories in mind when it really gets tough here on the homestead. We wanted a better quality of life for ourselves, our children, and our parents. I have my Dad's inherited love of animals and so country living was the answer to a life long unasked question. It was slightly different for my city slicking husband. But he has taken to homesteading like the proverbial duck to water.

There is something about homesteading that really lends itself to adventure. Or as my dear husband would say of me, science experimenting. Whether it be dabbling in wine making, trying worm farming, messing around with different goat milk products (the operative word being messing) or rather hilarious and crooked building - you can get quite creative. Of course the purpose is always towards sustainability and survival. But why not learn a skill while getting a laugh at the same time? For those who have a romanticised idea of country living, it really is the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. However it is also a lot of blood, sweat and plenty of tears. But I choose this life. Every time. How about you?