tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post7385964481325780158..comments2024-03-17T08:21:38.566-07:00Comments on The Gardener's Cottage: on clutter and financesthe gardener's cottagehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comBlogger100125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-78436250528886313562013-12-10T13:17:44.018-08:002013-12-10T13:17:44.018-08:00100th Comment! Janet, Thanks for sharing your exp...100th Comment! Janet, Thanks for sharing your experience. I always love reading about decluttering and finances. I'm sure what you saw was an affirmation of the lifestyle you have chosen. We always need to hear personal stories like this so we can keep on track or get back on track. Sometimes a little perspective is all we need to tweak our habits here and there. It can make a big difference :) The Closet Therapisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09138262027540101507noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-38791194917045114952012-01-20T22:18:23.783-08:002012-01-20T22:18:23.783-08:00Years ago I read a great book Your Money On Your L...Years ago I read a great book Your Money On Your Life, which speaks about how many work hours it takes to buy something and that we shouldn't look at a sale of a dress as an example, that is 50% off, but look at how many hours we worked to get the money the dress is, and just how often will we wear the dress? And that many people buy stuff because they are bored or lonely. Add in the interest on the credit card, and most items end up costing more than when originally bought.<br /><br />Maybe if someone would make saving money and not spending money more of a game, rather than looking at it as a punishment it would be a good start. There was an article in 2007 before the 2008 economic down turn, which was about how one of the biggest businesses here in the states were the storage unit places. People would buy so much stuff and either rent a storage unit or buy a bigger home. Rather than step back and take a look at all the stuff one has, and downsize instead. How about the French, Brit's and folks in NYC, San Francisco who live in smaller places and yet live well with less? <br /><br />If you have never experiences hunger, nakedness, homelessness perhaps one doesn't know how to plan long term so that they know they wont experience those again. This means putting extra money in savings, not a new pair of shoes. Being happy with the one tv set you have, rather than thinking you need a flat screen wall model. Rather than fast food which isn't healthy, how about save money and buy healthier fresh food and eat less and become healthier and save money in the process?<br /><br />Am interested in how many people will go back to their old horrid ways, once the economy improves.<br />Read the book The Millionaire Next Door.MotherLodeBethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00869505250312418202noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-33519765040019414412011-12-10T08:28:41.615-08:002011-12-10T08:28:41.615-08:00Thank you for posting my comment and thank you for...Thank you for posting my comment and thank you for your reply. No doubt her personal life is a wreck, but the thing about financial problems is that they aren't contained to one's personal life. This woman still has access to the clean water, hospitals, police protection, etc. that are provided by your community. And please note: we don't have to abandon compassion for people to recognize that their constant state of chaos/tragedy is their coping mechanism for getting through the day. It's like the alcoholic who tells you they have to drink because they've had their heart broken, ignoring the fact that almost everyone has to face heartbreak and disappointment and then make it to work on time anyway. I'd be curious to know how many times you've walked into her house and she's asked you how YOU'RE doing. At any rate, thanks for letting me vent and I really am enjoying exploring your blog!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-9804547911371911272011-12-04T08:11:42.571-08:002011-12-04T08:11:42.571-08:00anon - i knew this woman and yes, she was irrespon...anon - i knew this woman and yes, she was irresponsible with her money in many ways but she also had many, many personal problems that would have put most people into a looney bin. she did sell her stuff for pennies on the dollar, but i do not think she walked away free and clear. she is an emotional, physical and financial wreck. hardly what i would call walking away free and clear. this is just my opinion and i thank you for yours.the gardener's cottagehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16447809353998632722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-38240390110310459252011-12-04T08:06:20.462-08:002011-12-04T08:06:20.462-08:00" i'm not talking about normal stuffed c..." i'm not talking about normal stuffed closets here, but a scary amount of stuff. hundreds, if not thousands of boxes stacked as high as me filled the house, garage and yard."<br /><br />Agony, what agony, I'm surprised, given the frugality of many of the commenters, that they aren't more willing to take pride in what the DID NOT DO. If you are continually using credit cards with no cognizance the fact that things might go wrong (read: a fact of life for any adult) then that's a form of premeditated theft. The banks were the catalysts for this mess, no doubt, but someone had to take the other side of the trade and spend it all. Think of it this way, you all had to go out and earn money, pay taxes on it and then buy what you needed with the rest. This woman probably spend $100,000K or more tax free, will sell her stuff for pennies on the dollar and walk away free and clear. Deserving of pity - I beg to differ, you should as well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-84335795194136669922011-11-02T04:41:10.069-07:002011-11-02T04:41:10.069-07:00The Bible says the eye is never full. The rich an...The Bible says the eye is never full. The rich and the poor struggle with it.....it is universal.<br /> There is always something more pretty to see and nicer to own. Piling things up around ourselves that we love, will hinder our lives in many ways. We will spend our time protecting our things, rearranging our things and end up not enjoying our things because we HAVE SO MANY things!Mohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03137358585207348637noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-44791972892736136972011-10-24T06:48:24.405-07:002011-10-24T06:48:24.405-07:00each time I visit here I adore you and your wise w...each time I visit here I adore you and your wise ways even more. thanks for the inspiration. donnaA Perfect Grayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03022160717740694132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-29746871710348666822011-10-20T20:17:56.058-07:002011-10-20T20:17:56.058-07:00I am sorry to hear so many on this blog page has l...I am sorry to hear so many on this blog page has lost jobs/ homes and have done the best they can. We live in hard times. My husband and I are retired on a modest income. We are not able to get SS so we have our combined retirement. What so many people do not understand at our age when people were working and paying into SS the wages and economy was much lower. So the people that just get SS are living very tight and medicare keeps raising prices and also deducting what is covered etc. We are Christians and we put our Trust in God. Our Country was founded on Christian principals. I feel strongly America needs to turn back to God. There is too many (gods) for us Americans that it pushes God out of the True Picture.There is only one True God and that is Jesus Christ who went to the Cross and died for our sins and rose again and soon will return for His Bride. America's answer and Hope is turning to God and Trusting Him moment by moment. God loves His Creation and desires for a personal relationship with them. He does not punish us. Yet when a person is out of the Will of God, can a person still expect to be Blessed. And yes, in our church we have many families that have lost their jobs, their homes , but have not LOST Their Hope and Love In God. We are living in times that are tuff and very challenging at times. But do not loose Hope. Run to GodAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-49905685184306347972011-10-19T03:30:50.321-07:002011-10-19T03:30:50.321-07:00Thanks for this lovely post. I haven't read al...Thanks for this lovely post. I haven't read all the comments yet. From my perspective here in rural England I have frequently been really shocked by the amount of 'stuff' other women seem to have. <br /><br />It really isn't sustainable or desirable to have more shoes than you can wear in a year, a handbag 'collection', enough scarves to stock an Hermes shop etc etc etc ..<br /><br />I am so sorry people are losing their homes in the current economic situation but I'm not surprised.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-49344751987811391592011-10-18T19:10:17.498-07:002011-10-18T19:10:17.498-07:00This post, and the comments following, were timely...This post, and the comments following, were timely and thought-provoking.<br /><br />A couple very close to me are in the process of losing their home, through no fault of their own. They are victims of the terrible economy.<br /><br />The beautiful decorating blogs were mentioned--and that's actually how I discovered your blog, through a link on one of the decorating blogs--and I love looking at the photos, but couldn't live surrounded by as much stuff as some of these homes tend to have.<br /><br />My husband and I tend to live simply, and I can't tell you how much less stress we live with, compared to the average person who is caught up in the rat race.<br /><br />I'm really enjoying your blog. :)Becky @ Decluttering Divahttp://declutteringdiva.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-22817528643270172872011-10-09T06:22:01.123-07:002011-10-09T06:22:01.123-07:00We just recently decided that two cars was one too...We just recently decided that two cars was one too many. And, after 3 months of living with one car we are making due with little or no problem. As a Canadian I have been hearing about the numerous Americans losing their homes and thinking that we all have to make a shift in our thinking....and I do believe it is not simply a tilt but a complete shift.<br />Inspiring postDonna@anangloinquébechttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03074337849133414753noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-42968647373592731852011-10-09T02:18:00.945-07:002011-10-09T02:18:00.945-07:00There are many woes now in our world and it is sad...There are many woes now in our world and it is sad to see so many suffer due to the economy or worse just to lack of living smart. Letting go of things can be liberating as well as riding a bike or baking one's own bread. There are many ways to live simply. It is all about choice.<br />Thanks for inspiring many as well as sharing your empathy to others -living with challenges.<br />pvepve designhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03527745630303158002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-58240365528187143392011-10-08T20:50:00.379-07:002011-10-08T20:50:00.379-07:00What a beautiful post. I feel you on the simplifyi...What a beautiful post. I feel you on the simplifying. In my heart I have always leaned towards minimalism, but as time progressed found myself surrounded by stuff. Lately in planning an upcoming move, and reading about zero waste, I've been inspired to give away many of my things (my coworkers are thrilled!). I absolutely LOVE it and recommend it to anyone on the fence. Its freeing.(Though sad if you are being forced into it like your neighbors.) Less is so much more. <br />Love your blog!Heather Keyserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13838967031190023079noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-48697770712217630852011-10-08T06:31:26.770-07:002011-10-08T06:31:26.770-07:00Debt freaks me out. We avoid it.
I feel a huge de...Debt freaks me out. We avoid it.<br /><br />I feel a huge de-clutter approaching, our kids have outgrown so many toys, they are first on my list! <br /><br />Woo, you make us think, and we love you for it! BxxAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12169459398749257493noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-30042892060760891212011-10-07T20:59:47.318-07:002011-10-07T20:59:47.318-07:00So Honey, did you ever, hit on a hot topic or what...So Honey, did you ever, hit on a hot topic or what. <br />A truly earnest and thoughtful post, it is. Not to mention quite honest and quite private and I believe this is why you and your blog are so well liked.<br />Keep up the good work!Hollywood forever, Kevinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16608998958466509181noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-43207588679147481862011-10-06T16:25:50.186-07:002011-10-06T16:25:50.186-07:00I once blew $40,000 very foolishly. A vintage Merc...I once blew $40,000 very foolishly. A vintage Mercedes was one of the things I bought. Six months later, it broke down and I couldn't afford to fix it. Regrets, regrets. They say it's only money, but if that's true, why does it hurt so much?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-84533548550854846112011-10-06T13:47:34.654-07:002011-10-06T13:47:34.654-07:00I have to agree w/you. I love my big old house an...I have to agree w/you. I love my big old house and the land we have. Also, I know I'd fill this house or any house regardless of size just because I like beautiful things...but I'm ready to downsize. I just don't want the financial responsiblity any longer...or the upkeep...OH...and you are not in the old lady category....!!!A.J.Barneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04649060799779978067noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-82228132691387741042011-10-06T13:39:19.245-07:002011-10-06T13:39:19.245-07:00Wandered to your blog--I tend to wander--and could...Wandered to your blog--I tend to wander--and could so identify with your post. We lead a simple life in the material sense, always have...but it is so easy to want more, or something different, or something newer, etc.<br />Thank you for putting into words what I do try to live daily.<br />Stacey<br />www.downtoearthdigs.wordpress.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-87757540784254127882011-10-06T10:05:58.093-07:002011-10-06T10:05:58.093-07:00love this.
especially like the story of larry an...love this. <br /><br />especially like the story of larry and his bike. i am so inspired! <br /><br />we've done almost our whole home renovation through craig's list (windows, fridge, chandelier, free landscape stones, so much stuff out there!). we try so hard to not go to the big stores. (ryan is much better at that than I am!). <br /><br />thanks for sharing so honestly. <br />xo teratera @ elgin eco-househttp://www.elginhouse.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-85704345387781493502011-10-05T21:54:02.913-07:002011-10-05T21:54:02.913-07:00Janet, your post was very timely for me. Lately I...Janet, your post was very timely for me. Lately I've been extremely out of balance with excess in all departments and feeling lousy as a result (poor digestion, depression, headaches, bad memory, anxiety) and it all stems from too much consumption and too little self-discipline. I was just contemplating vegetarianism (again!), yoga and restraint when I decided to check in with your blog. Thank you for the reality check. I appreciate all your great ideas about how to be stylish and healthy--simply. AllegraAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-53842466075603044512011-10-05T17:56:26.625-07:002011-10-05T17:56:26.625-07:00Love you.
Love your blog!Love you.<br />Love your blog!Joneshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17867794025851387935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-55989731297967182642011-10-05T15:16:20.780-07:002011-10-05T15:16:20.780-07:00Such an intelligent and insightful post. You are l...Such an intelligent and insightful post. You are leading the way to what all of us must definitely start considering.<br />-Suzanne in IllinoisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-32740403283650266432011-10-05T13:59:38.220-07:002011-10-05T13:59:38.220-07:00Janet you are a real inspiration and you always ma...Janet you are a real inspiration and you always make me think about the way I live my life. A wonderful post. Thank you so much. xSemi Expathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12839322243900070800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-33671593082548475622011-10-05T05:16:50.284-07:002011-10-05T05:16:50.284-07:00I have gone through some rather life changing and ...I have gone through some rather life changing and thinking experiences in the past 6 months. Things are just things. I really found my priorities in life and one of them is not spent finding just the chostkie or "thing" for my home. It's about family, health, happiness and living. I do like to save what money we do make but enjoy life. I always search for coupons or discounts and only shop at certain stores or for certain brands that I am faithful too. This keeps the clutter out, my bills down and me happy. I am perfectly happy staying home, making something yummy to eat and watching movies and taking walks with the family. My son does have his football right now, but he is learning to enjoy one thing instead of many and he gets just as much joy out of coloring with me on the floor as he does running around town. Quality of quantity...I have learned that lesson well.Heatherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00384587118391823497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2191490968189022599.post-7667584574405744232011-10-04T20:12:53.501-07:002011-10-04T20:12:53.501-07:00Janet, clearly you have given your readers much to...Janet, clearly you have given your readers much to think about and their range of responses indicates that our life styles are not always an indication of our means and that living simply isn't necessarily a consequence of a down turn. I deeply respect and admire your frank revelations of your own experiences and the adjustments which resulted from these and sense an ease and conentment which make all that you share compeling and appealing. Thank you, Janet.<br />Linda in VirginiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com