Jan
10
2007
10
2007
If you read any other blogs…I’m sure you have heard that it is National Delurking Week. Being that I have been traveling for the last week, and will be gone for another week, I probably won’t post any blogs for a bit.
SO, it’s YOUR turn to “blog my blog”. I would LOVE to hear from all of you that read…where you are from, your interests, how you found my blog, etc. Basically anything interesting you can think of. This is especially for those of you who never comment…but I want to hear from my regulars as well! I am so encouraged by all of your comments and I appreciate you so much!
Have a blessed week…
Posted by Sara @ 3:10 pm | Leave a Comment
10
2007
Hi Sara:
I’ve been reading your blog since about October, and was turned on to it via LL Barkat’s Seedlings in Stone blog. I’m an adjunct professor, graduate student, and writer in Denver.
I appreciate your insights, particularly those regarding simplicity and compacting. While I can’t quite make the full commitment to compacting — as you and many of your readers do — I am doing a little bit. What a challenge!
Thanks for your writing. I’m always glad when a new post of yours pops up in my RSS feed!
10
2007
I’ve only been reading for a month or so…Found you via Mrs. Catherine. Love it!
10
2007
Hi Sara -
I started reading your blog sometime around August - I think. And for the life of me, I’m not sure how I found it. It must have been in one of my random blog jumping moods. You’re an inspiration and I appreciate so much your honesty and candidness. Thank you!
10
2007
I’ve been reading your blog for the past few months. To tell you the truth I don’t remember how I found you, but I’m so happy that I did! You are an inspiration to me! I live in Northern Virginia where it seems to be very main stream. So reading about other peoples non main stream ways really makes me feel better and helps me to keep doing what I’m doing. Thanks so much!!
10
2007
Hi Sara, I only found your blog recently, through your sig on MDC, I find it so peaceful and refreshing! A true blessing! God Bless you!
10
2007
Right, so I’m going to delurk.
I’m 30, Austrian, a teacher. I live and work in Germany, though.
I love my family, books, discussions, my friends, the mountains, hiking, thinking, simplifying my life.
At the moment I am preparing a lesson about “Fahrenheit 451″, I’m sure you have read it. Rereading it, I was overwhelmed how many of the problems described in the book have actually developed in “real life”. Bradbury must be something of a visionary. I hope my students will start to think about the society they are growing up in and about possible “ways out” of mindless consumerism.
That’s it from me for today - but ask me questions if you want me to “delurk” some more!
BTW, Sara, I love your blog. Thank you for the many insights you’ve posted - and your wonderful pictures.
Have a great week of traveling -
Nina
10
2007
Hi! It’s me. Heth. (waving)
In Iowa, missing you. *sniff*
10
2007
Hi Sara, I have been reading your blog for at least a couple of months. I found it through a link on Mrs. Catherines blog. I have been trying to let things go and lead a better life. I am a big believer that you will receive what you need and when you need it. Your blog came to me just when I needed it.
Thank you, Rennae
10
2007
I am Stephanie and have really enjoyed your blog. I find you very inspiring and along a similar path I’ve been trying to focus on! I’ve blogged about your Compact Pledge recently and it’s really sparked other bloggers to make the pledge, too. (And I didn’t even make the pledge, but am happy to at least get some people THINKING!)
I am from the Chicago area and can’t remember how I found you either… I think it was from a search of something- probably about natural living!
10
2007
Hi Sara, My (blogger) name is Jane and I found your blog through MDC(my user name is DeepLakeSwimmer). I love reading about your commitment to simple living, your compacting and your delicious recipes. I’m Buddhist but very much enjoy reading the blogs of other spiritual people, regardless of faith; I find your devotion inspiring and energizing!
10
2007
I found your blog thru’ Mrs. Catherine.
I was so excited to see that you were in Des Moines, because my son and daughter-in-love were planning to move there in Dec. He is a youth pastor.
So they moved there in Dec. and you moved away….
10
2007
I guess I can’t very well ask MY lurkers to come out without commenting here
found your blog through a friend’s blog–I don’t think she knows you either so I have no idea how SHE stumbled upon it, but glad she did. I’ve been reading for a few months and find your perspectives fascinating. lots of interesting pictures and links, too.
blessings!
10
2007
Hi Sara,
I found your blog by a posting at Frugal-families.com
I have been reading for a couple months. You have inspired our family so much. We started compacting January 1. We also have started recycling everything.
Thanks for sharing your faith and wisdom with us.
Tammy
10
2007
I got to know Sara in Des Moines and lurked for a while before I started commenting. Like DeepLakeSwimmer, I am not Christian (I am Jewish), but I enjoy reading the blog. Christian perspectives on Old Testament texts are sometimes different and surprising to me, so I learn a lot.
I appreciate everyone who is striving in their own way toward “tikkun olam” (that’s Hebrew for “to heal and repair the world”), which is a central element of my own spirituality.
Laurie Belin
10
2007
Hi Sara
You know I read, but I do love your blog.
How’s Montana?
10
2007
Hi,
I started reading your blog because you’re linked on Deea’s blog. I love your insight. Before I read your blog, I wanted my clutter gone and my life a lot simplier. And reading your blog has given me the motivation to do it! And we have started recycling too!
Nicole
10
2007
Hello Sara,
My name is Tracy. I live in NC.
I found your blog through the Sonlight Forums. This is my first year home schooling (obeying Christ’s call after a year of my two girls attending pre-school).
I have been reading since about October. I read them to my husband. He enjoys them also. He, I, and my girls are both are new followers of Jesus Christ (March 2006).
In our recent (major) shift in priorities, your blog has been a true blessing to us. I love your references to scripture. Throughout the years of our marriage, we have so much excess and things we do not need. I have already made a few hauls to Goodwill and sold a lot of things. My house is next in line to go. My parents think I have gone crazy. I am now breaking the trend, in my family line, of being a follower of people (doing what everybody else is doing) and being concerned with what they think of me. I know for SURE who I need to please - God.
Thank you for your inspiring and motivating blogs.
Tracy
10
2007
Hi…I think I found your blog through a search for simple living? I’m not sure but I have you saved as a favorite because you do live a very inspiring “simple” life. I hope to some day scale down as you have.
10
2007
Sarah from Michigan
Came by way of Wendy I believe a couple of months ago.
I love simplifying! Although I am not quite to the point that you are.
Your a blessing, keep blogging.
10
2007
Oh gosh, here I am. At least I’m sent you a message once before so I’m not a TOTAL lurker!
I found you on the compacting thread on the Mothering boards. We’re compacting now for 2007! Thanks for the inspiration.
10
2007
Hey Sara~ I’ve commented before, but I’m Jenn, found you through your MDC siggie
You are an inspiration and you make me think. Many of your more *spiritual* posts have brought me closer in my walk with Him, thank you 
We too, are on a journey to simplification and beauty, not just to heal our earthly home, but to draw nearer to our wonderful Lord.
Love reading your blog, and your others, too. That Bella cracks me up. I think she’d have fun with my 2.5yo Little Man
10
2007
Hi! I have a lot of de-lurking to do this week! =) I came by way of Mrs. Catherine as well - I wouldn’t be surprised if you got a lot of your readers that way! I really enjoy your blog - we have a good bit alike and you challenge me in the things I haven’t yet gotten totally on board with. My husband did cringe when I told him about cloth toilet paper.
I just started a blog and posted you as one of my favorites - I figure I owe it to you to let you know! Thanks for putting so much time & energy into your blog - you are making a difference just by being who you are! -Tiffany
10
2007
Hi Sarah. I found your blog on Mothering and it is the only blog I read. As you I try…. to limit my computer time as to be with my family and in the real world.
I have 2 kids - Keagan 3.6 and Alaina 1.
We live in Southern Illinois. I stay at home and my husband works for a company but is based from our home so he is here often as well which is nice.
We try to focus on what really matters- which is very hard in the society we live in that spends millions /billions encouraging on us to sink farther in debt and buy more.
Anyway- enjoy your travels and I look forward to reading more of your blogs.
10
2007
I was referred to your blog on a homeschool message board I frequent. It was about three months ago, and we’d been having discussions about living more simply. I bookmarked it after my first visit!
I LOVE all your pictures. You are a very talented photographer, and you’ve inspired me to be even more careful about how much my family and I consume.
I’m from Alberta, Canada, by the way, and I am envious of your new home. It looks very similar to my dream house!
My interests are my family, homemaking, writing, and nutrition. Oh. And reading. But that’s more than an interest. I call it an obsession.
11
2007
Hi Sarah,
I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time now. And now..I set up my account so I could quit lurking and make a comment. Yours was the first blog I ever looked at, about 3 months ago after following a link to it on the Sonlight boards. I have been so inspired by your writing and your wonderful attitude about life. Thank you so much for sharing. I live in Washington state and am interested in simple living, the environment, homeschooling…I find so much useful information from your blog
11
2007
Hi my name is Leticia I am a 31 year old homemaker and homeschooler from Washington state. A friend of mine found your website and sent me a link to it. It’s awesome. I’m so glad she did.
11
2007
Hi Sara–
My name is Kelley and I live outside of Vancouver, British Columbia. I think I came across your site through another blog: Earth Home Garden. I have really enjoyed your thoughts and evident devotion to faith,living well and loving your family.
11
2007
I feel like such a stalker…..well here goes….I am from Des Moines and came across your Myspace website through Denise Muller’s page last summer (I was engaged to a guy she dated in high school). I love your beautiful pictures and I admire the simplicity you have added to your life. I feel like the last two years have been an accumulation of “stuff”, two gas guzzling vehicles, a boat, 4 bedroom house. I am ready to shed some “material baggage”, but the hard part is trying to convince my husband he wants the same.
11
2007
Coming clean. Can’t remember how I found you, but have been reading along since this Fall. Was very intrigued by your aims to simplify your life, and have tried to adopt some of them to my own over-cluttered life. Live in England with my partner, and we are both trying to incorporate as many of your simple living tips as we can. Thanks for your inspiration!
11
2007
I’ve been reading since Your Compact Christmas post—it literally changed my life.
I came across your page through Eat Peace Please.
Kari
11
2007
There are a whole stack of us in New Zealand who read your blog and were given a link to it on our super mb www.thenappynetwork.org.nz , the BEST cloth nappy mb that is soooo much more!
11
2007
Have been reading your inspiring blog for a couple of months. I think I found it via a Compact site or article. I’m a christian from London, UK and really enjoy reading about your journey with Christ and how this has affected your everyday life. Thank you.
11
2007
Hi!
I found your blog via Mrs. Catherine’s site too and I love it!Your simplicity is refreshing.
11
2007
I got to your blog from the Decluttering boards on Mothering. (My username there is Babybun). Your move to simplicity has been mirroring our own changes in our lives and your blog is constant source of inspiration.
I live in Israel, by the way.
11
2007
Hi Sara!
Ok, I’m de-lurking: this is Malva from MDC and from the compacting mamas group. IRL, I’m in Ottawa, Ontario and my name is Chloe.
I found your blog when you first posted your compact pledge on MDC.
You are truely inspirational and I look forward to your new entries as it seems most things that interest you, also interest me. I also find your faith and spirituality fascinating.
Thank you for sharing with all of us!
11
2007
Hi, I found you through Mrs. Catherine also, a couple of months ago. I’m American, living in Spain. My husband is a pastor. We’ve lived in Europe for the past 14 years, and when I travel home to America once a year I can see a marked increase of consumerism and materialism with each visit home. It’s overwhelming to me to step into an American supermarket and I can’t even imagine mall shopping anymore. Pathetic maybe, but things where I live just aren’t the same, and I like it better this way! My blood runs red, white, and blue but the materialism of the general American culture is too much for me! I have a story about trying to buy popcorn in an American supermarket that you might find amusing. Maybe I’ll post about it on my blog. I’m interested in simplifying and decluttering my life in every area. Have a great day! ~Mariah~
11
2007
I found your blog about a month ago via MDC. The first post I read was about compacting. As someone who has always strived to live in such a way I was drawn into reading about your efforts to do so. And now you are in Montana, a beautiful state that our family would dearly like to visit one day. I find myself looking forward to reading more about your adventures in your new home state!
11
2007
I’m Debby from New York. I found your blog several months ago through Mrs. Catherine. You are a talented writer and photographer and I look forward to seeing God continue to work in your life.
11
2007
Hi Sara!
I found your blog from Mothering.com in October and have been a faithful reader ever since. Your messages on decluttering are what got me hooked and I have kept coming back to read about your journey. I have also began the Compact in October and our family has long been working on getting rid of debt. It has been so much fun coming here and reading about someone else who shares the same views (and lives them) as I do. Happy travels!
-Noel
11
2007
Hi Sara…I have commented a few times on your posts and always look forward to checking in with you weekly. I am Aimee from South Carolina…I love the Lord, simple living, just had my 4th child at home last May and babywear him in an Ergo carrier. I love to learn, philosophize, and connect over coffee or a good read. I cook organic, simple cooking and shop at thrift stores…always on the hunt for something that will bring a smile to our home. I am enjoying becoming ever more feminine, relishing being a wifey and mama, and being content as a homemaker. I am on the hunt right now for vintage aprons! We unschool and view learning in the context of living and by our desires/loves/interests. I have also begun recycling more and using cloth bags to shop, cloth napkins, tablecloths, and cleaning towels. I also enjoyed Shane Claiborne’s book “Irresistible Revolution” and have been so inspired to love/help the poor and needy and to recognize that I am poor and needy and how much I need to learn from others…very convicted about my superiority complex. I am reading a book called “The Contented Soul…the Art of Savoring Life” by Lisa Graham McMinn and it is really good/thought-provoking. I am always inspired by your thoughts and am thrilled for your Montana adventure!
Enjoying the journey,
Aimee
11
2007
Hi there. I’m Dee, a crafty sahmama of three and a fellow mdc mama, that’s how I found you. I really admire the way you live and hope one day I’ll be strong enough to participate in the compact!
11
2007
You know me; I’m Rachel! I discovered your blog through the now famous “423 square foot apartment” post on MDC, and read through all of your blogs in one sitting. My husband came home the next day to “Sara this” and “Sara that”, and I began my own blogging adventure soon thereafter. Wife to Chad, mother to 6mo Oliver, I’m a particular person who cannot stand the phrase “Git er done” (for many reasons, grammatical and cultural), loves the colors green, and knows no greater joy than to hear my son and husband laughing together. I live to stand in God’s grace and new mercies every morning.
11
2007
Hi Sara,
My name is Abby. A friend of mine referred me to your blog about 4 months ago, and I have been hooked ever since. I literally felt like my thoughts had been transferred across the way at points. Your blog inspired me to start my own. I love to write, but had let it slip for awhile. I am in Iowa, a crunchy momma, and I think my dd would get along well with yours…they are pretty close in age. I am a Christian, and am very interested in simple living, garening, organic and sustainable living, baby wearing, homeschooling…lots more, all on my blog on here. Keep writing, you are inspiring!
11
2007
hey mama!
I love your blogs, your pics, but most of all you! I guess I’ve been reading since you started here…. so glad to have met you online at HCB & myspace!
God bless,
Ela
11
2007
Hi Sara,
I also discovered you through Mrs. Catherine’s blog. I could hardly believe how similar your interests were to mine. I have enjoyed reading back through your blog and checking out the other online and print resources you suggest. Plus, it’s fun to see what your other readers post - I felt I was one of the only people I knew who was interested in vegan cooking, Christianity, environmentally sound and sustainable living, simplifying my life and enjoying (not just having) my family. Now I know there are a lot of us out there. Thanks for everything!
Jennifer
11
2007
Sara,
“Busted” :)… I’ve been lurking for awhile, it’s a secret pleasure of mine… after the girls are asleep, I’ve made a cup of tea, I often take a few moments to check in. I’m Marcelle (sounds like an addictions confession!)and I found your blog through your simplifying posts on MDC. Like many of your readers, I often find your thoughts an echo of my own. I love reading your posts and always leave challenged to simply follow Christ with all my heart. My daughters are 2 and 6 months. I’ll be interested to read of your journeys. Take care and may God bless you abundantly for seeking to live with a vision for eternity-beyond here, now, and stuff.
Marcelle, in Ontario, Canada
11
2007
Sara! You have soo many readers. It’s so awesome the wonderful opportunity to have to share. I’m Angela, but you already know that. I met you through our lovely friend Jackie and was - and still am - so pleased to find a friend with a heart like my own. I would like to say thank you for your special encouragement and your open heart.
11
2007
Hi! I found you through your link at MDC. I’ve been reading for awhile now. I enjoy your blog very much! Thank you!
11
2007
Hi Sara, I found your blog on MDC. I love looking at your pictures for inspiration of how to organize and downsize. We will be building a home this summer and I want it to be small yet homey. I live in MN with my husband and our daughter that we adopted from Guatemala. We love spending time outdoors. I can’t wait to see what you will do with your new apt. Congratulations on the big move!
Starr
11
2007
I found your blog through Mothering.
I am a teacher and mother of many. 
I live in somewhere in Northern Europe
I first loved your blog because of your beautiful appartment, now I love it because I want to be a human, not a consumer, and I know I’ll keep coming back because who knows what you next step will be
AND you have way the coolest blog title I’ve ever come across.
Europeanmom
11
2007
I’m Melanie in SC. Been reading your blog for two months now. Found it on the Sonlight forums through a simple living thread that was started. Love your Happy Foody blog too! I love food. I guess everybody could say that. I love cooking new ways with new ingredients and to have it be healthful and organic is a total bonus! I love Ecolips, by the way. Found out about them from you and got some as a Christmas gift from my hubby. Hmmm…what else? I’m a mom of two boys (11 & 9) and the old-fashioned kind at that. Greet them when they get off the bus, ask them about their day, have their favorite cookies waiting for them. There’s just nothing better than listening to all of their after school chatter!
11
2007
Hi Sara.
Anna here. I have commented to you before. You may have noticed…maybe not…that I am not a good lurker. I always want to comment.
I can’t even remember how I got to your blog…but I am so glad that I made it here. I have really enjoyed everything you have wriiten. Being so far from home in ministry it has meant a lot to me to read encouraging words from you and get a glimpse into the journey that you are also embarking on with your family.
I had not recyled once (ok, maybe once…) until I got to your site and then had a new fondness for the “forced” recycling in Great Britain. I think that my mind was opened a bit through your blog about our enviroment and other issues.
So thanks. Know that you have a family across the pond praying for you and your family.
Anna
11
2007
im still lurking….i plan to lurk for quite some while too….lurk lurk lurk.
hehehe
b.
11
2007
Sara, I’m from Oklahoma and I have never met a Christian who also believes in vegan eating, recycling, and saving the environment.(I thought all that belongs to the liberals!) But now I see that Christians have a responsibility to our world God created for us. I have found your views very interesting and I have read some of the books you have mentioned. I am a Christian as well and I am now interested in organic and natural living. I think you have changed my life. Thanks
Miss S
11
2007
I’ve been reading your blog for a little over a month. I am a Christian homeschool Mama who strives to live a life of voluntary simplicity. Actually, I just linked to your blog today in the post that I wrote.
Interests: My Lord, my family, knitting, reading, writing, making lots of things, treading lightly, yummy vegetarian food, and exploring the new (to me) world of podcasts!
Come by and visit sometime!
11
2007
I guess I’m an official lurker. I read blogs and hardly ever comment. It’s mostly bc/ it’s easy to click and hard to type while nursing. I follow blogs which help me be a better mama and citizen of the planet and follower of Christ.
Live Slowly Walk Wildly is my all-time favorite blog. I tell people about it all the time. I have read books on your recomendation, and loved your recipes for honey baked lentils and oat bars. We’ve basically been compacting without knowing it was a thing with a title.
I am an artist and would-be farmer. My husband is a musician and barista and would-be photographer(b&w, he has a darkroom in a neighbor’s basement) mechanic, tinkerer, linnux geek, and bible teacher (his passion).
We recently bought a diesel car more than two decades old that gets more than 40 miles a gallon. It is our only vehicle and we are hoping to convert it to run on veg oil within the year.
I have two kids under two and am working on how to wear them both so I can take the bus without killing my back! Maybe come spring I can pull both of them on my bike–I’m a bit worried about traffic with them in a bike trailer.
We live in a tiny christian community in Minnesota, in an urban and underpriviledged neighborhood. We are trying to figure out what God’s will is for our lives. (I’m pretty sure the basic idea is to love and enjoy him forever; the question is just where to do it!)
It looks like we might move to Uganda for a while. I may have an invitation from Ugandan friends to start a program teaching women to build their own sun ovens so they can cook without fuel, and develop methods of preserving thier foods. I am excited about researching this! It sounds like the church there is vibrant, and I know they would teach us a lot!
I really struggle to spend time with God, and to feed myself a healthy spiritual diet. Your post about morning devotions meant a lot to me, and helped me focus on really acting like I love Jesus.
I also read obsessively; it’s a bit of a problem, am tandem nursing, and had both of our kids at home. I don’t know what we’ll do when they are school-aged. Sorry to write so much; this is why I never comment.
Thank you so much for the blog! I count on it for the encouragement and ideas.
11
2007
Wow. You’ve got a fan club!
And all of these readers demonstrate how the Web really is a web, with all of these interconnections that lead a person from one place to another, to *you*!
Like so many, I can’t remember exactly how I found you–I just clicked here and there and ended up at your site, drawn in by the title and sucked totally in by your Compacting. That sent me off Googling to learn more. I live in a wealthy area and have always felt so out of place, being drawn to simplicity and frugality but feeling very alone in it. Thanks to you, I felt perfectly comfortable giving my family Goodwill gifts this year, and our Christmas was very simple.
I love your “About Me” list of words and phrases.
Thanks for taking the time to write. Obviously, you are making an impact.
I hope more people find you and gain inspiration. I’ve got you on my BlogLog. Maybe someone else will stumble over from me to you and find a kindred spirit.
12
2007
Hi Sara,
I am a 26 y-o mum of 4. two girls (just 4 and 2 1/2) and two boys (18 months and 4 months)
I am from New Zealand. A friend of mine told me about your “tribe” post. Since then we have started spending each Thursday working together. We take turns going to each other’s house (she has 4 kids too, 5 and under.)
I love visiting your blog, you encourage me, challenge me, get me thinking!!
Thanks! Have a great holiday,
Jess
12
2007
…“You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” I think this scripture found in Matthew 5:14-16 speaks of you well. Keep on shining!
12
2007
Okay, de-lurking
I can’t remember if I found your blog after reading the MDC Compact thread or if I found the MDC Compact thread after finding your blog … but, I *think* I found your blog after reading your post on MDC about downsizing to the 500 sq. foot apartment from your house because that is something Hubby and I have talked about doing.
We’re compacting in 2007, partly inspired by you and this wonderful blog! I’m also really inspired by your beautiful photographs and your writing about family life. Thanks for a terrific spot on the web to come for encouragement!
Best Wishes!
Kara
http://rockingranola.typepad.com
12
2007
Hi Sara,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, and I love it! I found it from Mothering magazine. I live in the Washington DC area. I have a 19 month old toddler (and I’m pregnant with my second child), and I too love tea, natural living, and your beautiful photographs! Your lifestyle is inspiring to me. Thanks for sharing.
-Charlita
12
2007
Hi Sara,
I found your blog through your posts on MDC (seems like a lot of us have).
I’m repeating what others have said, but I just want to add that your blog is full of interesting ideas and perspectives about simple living, faith, decluttering, etc. I love the color of your ideas (and photos!)
Keep up the good work!
12
2007
Hi Sara:
I’ve only been lurking for a few days, possibly a week. I found you through Emme’s blog. I visited you on a whim and discovered that we have much in common; a desire to simplify, to know God, a stint in the AF. Last year I finally read The Bible from page one. My life has changed a lot since Sept. 11, 2001. I woke up and much is for the better.
Other things we have in common, a small child at home, a home birth-yours successful, mine ended up in the hospital after 36 hours of less than desired dilation, a desire to homeschool or unschool.
There’s more. I am already learning from you and appreciate the wonderful recipes and insights.
My blog is rough and newly born, so it will be some time before it is fleshed out.
Take care and thank you.
Evan
12
2007
I blurk. I’ve commented a few times but not often. I love your pictures and posts and living simply.
12
2007
Hi Sara! I have never commented here before, but I started reading your blog in Aug or Sept when someone posted a link to your blog on the Sonlight Homeschooling Forums with the byline “on the topic of voluntary simplicity”. I was intrigued because I had never heard that phrase before, and b/c it kinda sounded like what my husband and I had been doing. We have 3 small children (5.5 yr old boy, 4 yr old girl and 2 yr old boy) and when we sold our house (2200 sq ft) 17 months ago to move into my parents basement (700-800 sq ft w/ 5 people) everyone thought we were nuts. Life has been awesome since then. We paid off all debt including student loans with the profit from our sale. We paid cash to finish off the basement of my parents home. We paid cash for me to go to massage therapy school - I graduated last month. We have so much less responsibility and so much more time and energy to respond to God and his calling on our life. I am a follower of Jesus, wife of over 7 years to a great man, homebirther, breastfeeder, homeschooler, (almost licensed) massage therapist, (almost completely) raw foodist, and also a lover of life. May God bless you and your family on your new journey! Sincerely, Caroline Moon
12
2007
i just stumbled across your blog today via gentle christian mothers and i’m so excited to find it! thanks for all f your hard work and research and seriously heart-felt posts. looking forward to more good reading.
12
2007
I have been reading your post for a few months when momteacherfriend pointed me to your blog in one of her posts. I’ve enjoyed everything I’ve read - you’ve been an inspiration! May God bless you and guide your paths.
12
2007
Sara, I found your blog after you left some comments on mine. I find your blog to be inspiring and love to know that there is a like-minded person sharing experiences in living gently on this earth!
12
2007
I’m a brand new reader of your blog. I’m also a new blogger myself.
www.myislandinthesea.blogspot.com
Someone mentioned your blog on an AP parenting forum.
12
2007
Hi Sara,
I found you via your MDC signature. I think I found your Happy Foody blog first (which I love) but wandered over here sometime later.
I’m Chessa, a SAHM to one 6 month old boy, we’re in Metro Detroit.
I love your posts on compacting, simplicity, decluttering and the like, both mentally and physically. You certainly have a way with words! I also thinks it is uber-inspiring how you and your family just up and moved to a whole new state. We’re working up the courage to do the same, hopefully soon. Can’t wait to get back out west to Oregon!
Anyway, I’m an aspiring Vegan, Compactor, and simplifier in general. I have big goals for this year, and hopefully I’ll be able to stick to my guns and make them happen!
Thanks for writing. I love checking in here and seeing what you’ve been thinking about/doing lately. Keep up the great work!
12
2007
Hi Sara,
I’ve posted a few times but here goes. I truly cant remember how I found your blog but I love it.
You are real and your love for the Lord is precious.
I am Kim,wife to Chet,mama to 5. They range in age from 28 down to 7. I am also a grandmama to 4.
I’ve been married for 22 years.
I love:
jesus,my husband,my children,my family,books,vintage,green,gardens,sustainable living,nature,bob marley,psalters,intentional community,birkenstocks,ugly socks,natural beauty,avocados,pansies,red onions,chickens,sun,moon,old houses,paint chipped anything,passionate people,the smell of clothes drying outside,the back of my children’s necks,non-consumerism,Ghandi,dreads,thrift stores…….
love and peace,
kim in IN.
12
2007
Hey, Sara! It’s me! It’s so fun to keep up with how you are doing. I found you through Heth…years ago.
Even though many of your passions have changed over the years, you passion for the Lord has only grown more intense, and that is why you are so beautiful! Miss you!
12
2007
I like your new profile pic! Very cool.
13
2007
Sara,
What an unexpected blessing reading your blog has been! I don’t remember how I came across it, only that once I read it…I was hooked. Thank you for your honesty and your generosity.
God Bless,
Missy
13
2007
Hi Sara–
I noticed a lot of people found your blog through “MDC”. What does that stand for?
thanks–
kelley
13
2007
Hi Kelley,
MDC stands for “Mothering Dot Commune”. You can find it at www.mothering.com and then click on “discuss” in the top toolbar. It’s an amazing community of natural living/holistic mamas. I especially like the Mindful Home Management and Homeschooling forums. Hope this helps!
Sara
13
2007
Wow! Look at all your readers!
Hi Sara… I am Jackie’s (Jacqulyn’s) younger sister from VA. I am not sure if I ever met you, but I have definitely gotten to know you a bit through your blog. I have been reading it since about the time jackie started her blog… I think maybe since July/August? I love your blog, it is so refreshing! And encouraging. You simplifying the material things in your life has encouraged me to simplify the emotional baggage I have picked up and wasted time dwelling on in the past years. =) Thank you for your encouragement, and I can’t wait to hear more about your new home and lifestyle!
13
2007
I just found your blog last week, I think. I immediately added it to my favorites list because you are such a beautiful and inspiring writer. My blog is at www.xanga.com/benzismama.
13
2007
Wow….what an impact you are having on many people!
I am Becky, currently a SAHM to a 7yo son and a 5yo daughter. My husband is in culinary school in NY state, but we are spending our winter in Arizona for his externship!
I, too, can’t remember how I found your blog, but I read the whole thing that afternoon. I then promptly passed it on to several of my closest friends!
I have been blessed, encouraged, convicted, and strengthened by your words. Keep it coming!
13
2007
i’m not sure where i found you but i’ve been reading you a few months. i have 4 kids of my own, 12-b, 9-g, g-2, b-4 months.
i’ve enjoyed reading your thoughts on compacting.
13
2007
I think I found your blog through the “seven things” project. I have been reading since July I think. I always enjoy reading your blog and you always give me something to think about. God bless.
13
2007
Hi Sara,
found you through a link at www.gracefulmothering.com
I blog @
www.xanga.com
recipebox.wordpress.com
www.largerfamilies.com
uh … that looks like more than it really is! LOL!
13
2007
um … that would be www.xanga.com/boclark
13
2007
Hi Sara,
I’ve been reading your blog for a few months - linked from some other blog I can’t remember now.
Walk Slowly Live Wildly has been such an inspiration to me in my journey to live a greener and more simple life.
I love your writing and your commitment to environmentalism and the joy you seem to have in your faith.
Keep writing - as you can see, you have many fans in the blogosphere!
Regards,
Eugenie
=waves to the other girls from New Zealand!=
14
2007
Hi Sara! I found your blog in the last couple of days, linked from Tales of A Crafty Mama. Love your thoughts! You are motivating, thank you!
14
2007
Sara,
I found your blog on simpleliving.net. There was a thread on small homes and someone linked it to your “Home Sweet Home” article. I loved your little apartment but must admit of feeling a bit dissappointed when you moved. I love your blog and look forward to hearing of your adventures in life.
Nadege Armour
knit_fool@yahoo.com
14
2007
I am an occational lurker.
14
2007
I found your blogs through a certain daydream believer. I reside in a little valley of TN with my childhood sweetheart, two beautiful kiddos, a dog that looks more like a pot bellied pig, a fancy rat, and a hamster. I look forward to reading your posts. They are equal parts encouragement, informative, and art. You have inspired me greatly. Thanks for sharing your journey so beautifully!
14
2007
Hi Sara,
I’ve posted here before (About the ‘Under the Overpass’ book) but am introducing myself, now. I’m a mother of 4 (one homebirthed, 3 homeschooled), a graduate student (library sciences), and a follower of Christ who is trying to simplify her life. This year I’m compacting (at least for myself, my teenagers are another story), carrying my own bags (got some chicobags which have been great!), recycling as much as possible, and volunteering at a ministry which gives items away with prayers.
I was on this path before I ‘met’ you (through my sister who loved the pics of your apartment in Iowa), but was encouraged to find there are other Christians who care about the things I do.
Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Jen.
14
2007
I found your blog in October and am now a frequent visitor.
I am moving towards a simpler life and you are a great inspiration.
14
2007
Hi. I found your blog when someone linked to it saying to read about down sizing and living more simply. So I don’t read all the time, but if I miss a post or two, I usually go back to see what you wrote. I’m Amanda and I live in Ohio. Married, 2 daughters, one dog. I read your blog because it feels like you are not trying to push your ideas on anyone, you actually have a basis for your beliefs. God. And we share that. I lost my brother in the Iraq war, and kept my faith through the devastating loss. That’s me in a nutshell.
~Amanda, lurker
14
2007
I stumbled on your blog a while ago, probably through MDC. I’ve been drawn to your ideas of your impact on the environment, faith, and family. You’ve posed reflective questions that I’ve often posed to myself. Though I don’t share your particular faith, I’ve found your faith foundation inspirational while I seek my own. Thank you!
14
2007
I love your blog, so inspirational. I linked you on mine. I found you from MDC. I hope you are enjoying Montana.
14
2007
I found your blog through MDC, and it is wonderful! I love reading through the archives, and looking at your pictures
15
2007
Hi Sara-
I read your blog all the time… I have the RSS feed linked to my homepage! I started reading it after you posted the link to pictures of your apartment on MDC. You’ve made me look at things in my life I had never considered before. One good example is that I’ve made the switch to family cloth after reading your postings on MDC. I was also really convicted by the “Powered Off” post here. I’ll be praying for your ministry both in Montana and here in cyberspace
15
2007
Sara, I just found your blog a week ago when my sister in law gave me the link and it quickly became one of my favorites. I appreciate your perspectives on faith, the environment, and living a simple life. Not to mention the fact that you are an amazing photographer and have great decorating style!
xoxo Andi
andimae.typepad.com
P.S. Your food blog is awesome too!
15
2007
Hi there! I’m Stina from Germany and I love reading your blog. I don’t agree with everything you post and I don’t share your faith (eclectic pagan here), but your recipes and the pictures are really great. The thoughts on simple living are also very fascinating, and I find myself wondering about that from time to time.
I really can’t remember how I found your blog, most likely via several other links, but now it’s bookmarked.
15
2007
sara, i stumbled across your blog thanks to a christian AP mothering board that i frequent, and i am hooked. i was originally linked to your post about downsizing into your apartment in iowa, but i ended up so intrigued that i read through all of your archives in one day! anyway, i appreciate your thoughts, values, and convictions, and find them quite similar to my own. God bless you and your sweet family! lauren
15
2007
Well I found your blog through Rockin’ Granola, it was just recently too. My bil lives in Missoula Montana, Someday it would be nice to make a trip out there to visit him. I went through a few recipes on your food blog and they sound yummy, you are linked in my favs and I will be back again!
15
2007
Hello!
I’m really not sure how I stumbled accross your blog, but it’s in my Favorites. I’ve been reading for a couple of months and I find your entries to be very inspiring.
15
2007
Just wanted to stop by and say I love visiting. I’m a frequent visitor and really love your blog. Visit me sometime.
16
2007
Wow Sara, you are an amazing gal. See how much impact you have on all of us with your posts, I love it!
My name is Becca, I’ve introduced myself before. I found you through Kristen M. and Ashley H.’s myspaces. I live in Boston with my husband Travis.
It always amazes me how the topics you post about are exactly what’s been running through my head. The Lord works in mysterious ways!
Much love to you all.
16
2007
Wow, Sara, who knew? Look at all these unlurkers.
16
2007
this is actually my first time visiting, but looks like a great site! i’ll certainly be back! i linked here from “the flourishing mother” site.
16
2007
HI! I am Michelle. I got to your site from Natalie’s. I am also an Emmaus Road transplant in Colorado. I am always inspired by your blog. Keep up the great work.
16
2007
hiya! i’m another michelle. shelley4 on mdc. i love your compacting and frugalness
16
2007
Love the people coming out of the woodwork, but I NEED a new post…
Bueller, Bueller…
please give us something new to work through our brains!
17
2007
Well, I’m joining quite a rank - I’ve popped by often to hear what you have to say, and I always appreciate it, and I can see that others do, as well.
Thank you for sharing your life!
18
2007
Hi! I’m Allison, 26, from NJ, now living in Frederick, Maryland (and at work right now just outside of Washington, D.C.). I can’t remember how I came about your blog, but I’ve been reading it since, maybe, September, and just caught up yesterday on everything Bella
Read Happy Foody too.
As for me, I’m an architectural draftsman, and an actor. Also love to paint, sing, dance, create, live!
I’ve definitly been inspired by you with ideas on how to compact my life and live a greener, more earth-centric, self-aware, respectful life. My most recent change has been buying bulk and storing everything in jars in my pantry. (Also made most of my Christmas gifts this year. What a fun time!)
I had never heard of Bozeman before, and I was watching something on TV that mentioned it. The first thing I thought was, Oh wow! That’s where Sara lives! It’s so crazy…I don’t even know you, but you are definitly affecting my life in ongoing ways.
Congratulations on your move, (and the new hair!) and much love to your beautiful family!
~allie (p.s…hope you don’t mind, but I have a link to your blog on mine. just want to share your writings with the people i know
18
2007
I have been reading for a few months. I found your link on a frugal message board. Since I started reading I have been so much more aware of the mark I am leaving on this earth. I have stared recycling, bought cloth trash bags, started buying more organic foods and will have a garden this year. I love how you share the Christian message in a non-preachy and positive way. I can’t wait to read more about your life in Montana.
19
2007
Hi, Today is the first time i have read your blog. Iam Lorraine from England. I am married with 2 wonderful children and have another one on the way…
I found you by reading a home schooling blog, i am interested in alot of parts of your life. You are very inspiring.Look forward to reading your blog.
God bless
lorraine
19
2007
Hello! I am not a lurker, I post once in a while. I realy enjoy your blog!
Very inspirational.
Staci
19
2007
I just found your blog and find it very inspirational. I do plan on becoming a regular blurker.
19
2007
Withdrawls….I’m having Sara withdrawls…Please..HELP…time for a new post.
19
2007
Sara,
I was telling my husband about your blog and how diverse you were and accepting [i.e. not liking the cussing of one your fav singers but like the message].
So, it made me put on Sandy Patti, who’s voice I love…and peruse your site some more.
I laughed outloud at my prejudices, thinking you were a somewhat *conservative* person, whatever that means in my brain…and found the pictures of your conversion to dreadlocks. ha! They are lovely…hope you still have them.
Did you knit the scarves you wear with them?? I’m now learning to knit. I need help..the book isn’t very clear!
I told my husband, if it wasn’t too cold, I’d love to move to Bozeman when we retire or sooner and rent it out. It looks so civilized.
Here in CA we have 5 lanes of traffic just 3 miles away.
I’m ready for less cement.
Thank you for working so hard at getting so much fabulous information out.
I have a lot to learn and I appreciate viewing life from your eyes…the simplicity, the love of God and the willingness to be willing to “what’s next.”
Bella is a real kick. I adored the conversations you posted. Made me laugh.
All the best to you.
Karen
karenferguson@compuserve.com
20
2007
are those some locked dreds peeking out there? very exciting!
20
2007
Hi! Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoy reading your blog as well.
Not sure where I found it but it may have been from a google search for something or other. *lol*
Love,
Jennelle
20
2007
Hi Sara! My name is Christina and I just love all your writings on this blog, what an encouragement you are to me and to all of the people who wrote to you above. I also am a Christian and on my way to Heaven . I found your site when I was browsing around for some almond milk recipes on the internet and I came across yours on Happy Foody! Thanks again and please keep posting! God Bless you Sara!!!
20
2007
Sara,
I just looked through some of your flicker sets and realized that you have been crazy busy! Hope that you are having fun with your family.
Looking forward to your next post! I too am having withdraw like all the people who have commented above! Take care.
Anna
21
2007
I’ve been reading for several months. Found you through a long chain of blog links. Love your photos.
22
2007
Hi Sara!
My name is Melanie. I’ve posted a comment or two here before. I found you blog from your siggie at MDC. I’ve been reading it for quite a while now. I love reading your blog b/c so much of what I want to do in my life you are already doing. I find you to be so full of life. I think it’s great that you are able to truly be who you are; so many of us find it hard to put our true selves out there, as you seem to do. Before reading your blog I didn’t realize that there were others out there who were very much into AP and also devoted Christians; You are very inspirational and I always look forward to reading your blog entries and your posts on MDC!
Melanie (MelanieMC on MDC)
26
2007
Sara,
I found your blog on MDC and I have been sooo inspired. We lived in a really small apartment (500 sq ft) in seminary and have now “upgraded” to a 1600 sq. ft. house. We love our house, but continue to strive to live simply and free of “stuff”. We may not be quite as “crunchy” :), but I love seeing how you intergrate familiar books we love (Dave Ramsey, Ann LaMonte, etc.). You should read Wendell Berry, you would like him too. Thanks for your inspiration! Meredith
26
2007
I found your blog through a homeschool forum. The funny part is that I kept checking back and thought you had quit writing because I didn’t see any new posts. It kept coming up on the same page in October. Thankfully I finally clicked and found your new ones!
Phyliss
30
2007
I don’t know how I found your blog… I’ve been to it a few times over the past several months. Then you came up at GCM… but you’ve been on my ‘list’ of blogs I love.
Nice to ‘meet’ you.
10
2007
:o) hello sara
i’m kate and i live in The Sunny Bay of Plenty in New Zealand…
just found your blog today, i linked here from a friend’s blog.
i love your tone, in particular:
Think. Dream. Dance. Love. Worship. Be.
That’s me all over.
*arnie schwarz voiceover*
“I’ll be back!!”
mwah
23
2007
Sara, I miss your posts! Please come out and play!
I found your blog a little while ago and was immediately smitten!
23
2007
Hello~I found your blog from mrs catherines site. I am completely fascinated by you. I am a born again believer, but sometimes I go the other way on enviromental issues, because I think there is some extremism, and I don’t want to be associated with that. But you seem to have found a balance. I think that is wonderful. and just going through your site, i would love to know where you got your quilt. Did you make it? I will keep reading. God Bless
7
2007
OK…I am incredibly late! But here goes!
I’ve been reading your blog since August or September of last year after reading your posts on MDC. In October I began the Compact. However, I soon fell into a deep depression and gave up blogging and most everything. A few weeks ago, I came online and began reading your blog along with some others. I also began to pray again. You played a part in lifting me out of the depression and now I am hopeful again. I’m back recommitted to the Compact and in establishing simplicity both within myself and in my surroundings. Having a family of 5 (including a teen and pre-teen) in an 800 square foot apartment isn’t always easy, but through a simple and natural lifestyle, it can be awesome! May God bless you and your family and watch over you always.
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