Comments on: About This Blog (And About Me) FAQ

By: Lynda

Lynda — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 18:49:41 +0000

I just happened upon your site today searching info about Hosta seeds and hope to check it out further. I also agree with your philosophy. I feel like today’s society takes people away from self-sufficiency and being in touch with what is “real”, a connection to nature, growing our own food, appreciating contentment from simplicity. Perhaps there is a movement, a bit to awaken from the materialistic pull of this modern world and see the richness of embracing some of the old ways and letting go of ambition, spending our lives collecting “things” or being driven by power and prestige. Kudos to you for helping to enlighten others!

By: Dorothy

Dorothy — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 01:59:45 +0000

I really enjoyed what I have read from your teaching on saving tomatoe seeds. I am an old lady who lives in the country and am just learning about a “blog”. My daughter and I live together with her two children and we are attempting to earn an income with it. I can really relate to your health issues as I have a few on my own that I am dealing with. The Lord is good and he meets our needs.
Any advise you wish to share would be appreciated. Your site? is just great. I will be reading many of your articles.
Thank you.

By: Rita

Rita — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 21:40:29 +0000

Hi Shirley,

We have a red raspberry patch that is very prolific in a good year. We freeze the whole raspberries and also make freezer jam, but my daughter prefers seedless jam. Do you know a technique or have a recipe for making raspberry jam without seeds?

By: Sanu

Sanu — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:49:45 +0000

Your website information is so close to Buddhist teachings and I really enjoyed my visit. I wish you all the best! Keep up the good work.

By: Barbara

Barbara — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 10:01:51 +0000

I have always felt that it is the simple little things in life that we take for granted, and often don’t appreciate.

I am a novice gardenener from Northern New Hampshire. Unfortunately because of health problems and other distractions in my life, I got started late this year. As I was surfing the web this morning for information on growing bleeding hearts, I stumbled across your blog. And I am so glad I did. You have so many interesting articles here, and so much to read. So I will bookmark your blog in my favorites, and when I have more time I will return to read more.

Your blog is a wonderful inspiration, thank you for sharing Shirley

By: Dayle Ann

Dayle Ann — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:21:12 +0000

I just commented under your entry on one of the hostas (it confirmed the identity of an old hosta I have). I am so happy that my search brought me to your site. I now have it bookmarked and will be returning often, both to read new posts and to catch up on old. Very much of what you write parallels my own life. I grew up in a place and time where living simply was the norm, and I early made the choice to maintain that in my life. It is so much less stressful! And, as things turned out, having these skills and mindset made all the difference when an undiagnosed illness took away my ability to work and made me an invalid. I lost almost everything. I was eventually diagnosed with Lyme disease, by then chronic. But I have been lucky: I found a physician who is expert in treating chronic Lyme, and with aggressive treatment, I am now leading a reasonably normal, though very simplified, life. I had to give up my career as an environmental analyst, but the result was the opportunity to pursue another love of mine: art.

Thank you for sharing your story, and thank you for creating such a remarkable blog that touches on so many of the truly important things in life.