We are branching beyond REAL FOOD and learning to become self-sufficient suburbanites (we, like there’s a mouse in my pocket).
Hubby is happy to let me go about my merry way and enjoys the results of my labors but isn’t very enthusiastic about becoming a homesteader. Luckily, Katie and I are having a blast.
I look forward to the day when I feel confident enough to call myself a homesteader. Now that I am past the misconception that we don’t have to keep animals to have a homestead (no desire to), that coveted title feels much closer.
It feels like a much bigger deal that it really is, but there is a whole mindset and culture that goes along with it in an online community.
Much like the world of REAL FOOD that includes whole sub-systems like the GAPS diet (Gut and Psychology Syndrome), Paleo/Primal lifestyles, WAPF (Weston A. Price Foundation), and traditional foods, this world has its own terminology, personality, sub-categories, and knowledge base.
I think I will feel more worthy once we are eating and preserving food that we have grown ourselves. As soon as the vegetable garden is successful and I start preserving some of its bounty for the lean winter months, that will bump me into the honored category of Homesteader.
By the end of the summer, I will be a homesteader!
For now, I am going with ‘homesteader in training’. Yes, I realize this is all in my head and I just may be a bit of a crackpot. Eez OK. I’m good with it. 
Here are my current homesteading goals:
• Learn the beneficial wild edibles, both for foraging and cultivating medicines and extending our food supply for further sustainability.
• Replace the entire front lawn with ornamental perennials, herbs, other medicinal plants, vegetables, and a fruit tree or two.
• Grow at least 80% of our produce for the year and over 90% of our spices and medicines.
• Create a local homesteading group.
• Establish a small bartering network for local small businesses and other tradespeople that I (and possible the homestead group) can trade and share products or services with.
What important areas of your life are you working on right now?
This post is part of Works for Me Wednesday, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Simple Lives Thursday, Barn Hop, Small Footprint Friday
Loved this article. I’ve been thinking about working towards becoming a suburban homesteader myself (although a full time job makes that more challenging). I’m looking forward to hearing more about your homesteading adventures as you work toward you goals.
I’m in the process of revamping an old blog, which used to be book and recipe reviews, to focus on a wider variety of home ec topics.
Oh – I found you through the Simple Lives link-up. Thanks for sharing!
Absolutely! I feel better about gathering up everyone else’s ideas if I contribute a bit of my own.
Amanda, that’s so exciting! A blog is a great way to help you explore things at a deeper level. It’s the new journal, just a lot less private.
I’ll keep an eye on what you are up to also over at http://alszambrano.wordpress.com/. Have fun on your new adventures and remember to start small with such a full schedule!
I am the same way with planning, so go forth and plan in public all you like!
Soli
Thanks Soli! What would we do without our fellow bloggers?
holy smokes! create a local homesteading and bartering group!!?? What awesome ideas!! You need to do some follow up posts on this!
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We are super excited about it. There have been some unexpected things come up, so we haven’t been able to meet up yet. I will definitely post on it when we do!