:: Chasing the sun and sometimes succeeding!
:: Loving my new reading spot
:: Eagerly anticipating an upcoming course on how to properly care for your pet donkey (!)
:: Giving thanks and finding joy in simple treasures, while praying for people in difficult places and choosing joy even in a season of unemployment!
:: Nursing a hot chocolate, listening to this (how have I gone all this time without knowing about Rachael Yamagata?) and feeling such incredible inner peace!
Can you believe the weekend is here yet again? Mine is looking wonderful – a trip to an organic market with friends, walking along a river, hiking in my favourite forest, peppered with some Olympic watching and crafting – I’m going to attempt to make an apron. Attempt being the operative word :0)
And now a request. Over the last couple of days 8000 people have read this blog. I’d love to know who you are, I’d love to know something about you. You could join me with the statement “I am……” or just say hello, whatever you like, I’m really not picky! 
Happy Weekending friends!
Found your blog through “Down to Earth”; I really enjoy your uplifting posts and ability to find joy in simple things (one of the things I myself struggle with.) Love your beautiful photos and hope to visit more in the future.
oooh Celeste, thank you and thank you for being the first. I’ve had a lot of people ask about joy and I can tell you it has been a huge journey. I will do a series of posts on it soon!
Blessings!
I am Jennifer, I live in Wyoming and am striving for a simpler life. We have four kids, homeschool and are trying to savor every moment. I am glad to have met a new friend in you.
lol thanks for introducing yourself Jennifer
Hi there! I’m Melissa. I found your blog via Emily at Under 1000 per Month. I’m really enjoying it so far; thanks!
Thanks Melissa! Welcome!
Hi!
Apologies for being mysteriously anonymous for so long… I’m afraid I have no idea how I stumbled on your blog! But I enjoy your photos immensely, and reading about your peaceful activities, and finding joy in things. I live in England too, further north than you, and sadly not by the sea. I love having a go at crafting, pottering in the garden, tea in cafes, walks by water, making soap, soup, and buns, watching the birds, and generally finding lovely things to appreciate.
I’ll make an effort to not be so mysterious in future!
Jenni
x
lol that’s ok Jenni! Wow you have a lot of lovely hobbies, I look forward to reading your blog
Hi, I am Jools and have been an avid follower of your journey for several months now.
I love your beautiful writing – it is matched by your wonderful photos.
What a lovely compliment Jools, thank you for introducing yourself!
Hi, I’m S.B., and I’m just another D-list blogger from the Northeast Corridor of the U.S. I’ve been reading your blog for many months and really enjoy it, but I’ve never left a comment here before. Sorry ’bout that.
And please don’t ever stop posting the wonderful pictures!
Thanks S.B! No problem, thank you for commenting now :0)
Hi, I’m Kristi in northeast Ohio….Thickethouse. I’m a 65 yr old widow with 3 kids and 3 grandchildren interested in a meaningful life.
ooh Kristi, that’s a great purpose, a meaningful life
Hi, can’t really remember where I picked up your blog.. but I really like it..
My name is Hanna and I’m, writing from Sweden..
Have a great weekend—
Hanna I’ve always wanted to go to Sweden! Thanks for commenting I look forward to reading your blog!
I would love that reading spot too! Are you getting a donkey in the foreseeable future, or do you want to know how to take care of one just in case?
lol well I hope to get a donkey, but time will tell
I love donkeys. I hope to someday have a farmette so I can have a pet miniature donkey.
I am sure you will get there Chiots!
I am Tricia, mother of 3, living in Canada. I feel blessed that I am able to stay at home to raise my kids, but at the same time, I struggle some days with this job. I never knew it would be so challenging.
We work hard each day to lessen our eco footprint but know we can do more.
I like to take photos and record, in detail, the things we do.
Writing my blog and reading other blogs are activities that I do daily and REALLY enjoy (including your blog).
Enjoy your weekend,
Tricia
Thank you Tricia for taking thet time to tell me a bit about you! I look forward to checking out your blog! And yes, when I had the four children I learned parenting is exceptionally tiring!
Hi, I’m Louisa. I’ve been reading for a while and might have commented once or twice but don’t know if I’ve introduced myself at all.
I too downsized in my 20s and have dreams of a little bit of land and assorted animals. I’m all for aspirational assorted animal husbandry courses!
I think I found your site through Simple/Green/Frugal and stuck with it because it’s always nice to find other people in the UK writing about frugal/simple living. I love all the US/Australian blogs I read but it’s great to read about someone closer to home for a change.
oooh nice to meet someone so alike
i came upon your site yesterday, by visiting Compact UK…
love your blog, love the pictures..
Have a lovely weekend..
Thank you LuLu!
I am Beth in Boston, mother of 2.. I am dropping one daughter off at the airport for her first (school) trip to London.. and hopping on a plane myself to visit a more sun drenched part of this country for a week. Looking for a relaing place to read like the one you have found.
I hope your daugther enjoys London, it is grand! I hope you find your resting place!
I am.. well you know me! But a regular reader and one day you never know, we may meet. Thanks for the offer.. but wouldn’t want you to go to any trouble..
I’m sure we will! lol
Hi, I’m known as Goosey to all my friends and family and I have just discovered you and enjoyed looking back through your blog. Your photos and the words that go with them are very inspiring. Thanks for having a peep at my blog and nice that you saw a bit of your home area on it…lucky you to live that way. My son was injured during the training there but hopes to return one day when he has fully recovered. BW Goosey
Sorry to hear your son was injured, hope he returns soon!
Thanks for the kind words Goosey!
I am a wife, daughter and sister. I am a horsewoman and momma to a 5 year-old black Morab (half Morgan, half Arabian). I am a life-long resident of Wisconsin. I am an avid blog reader and yogi. I am a lover of life!
Bonniejean I can think of nothing better than being a lover of life!
I am Kathryn and I am loving your blog more and more each day!!!
lol thanks Kathryn
I’m another regular reader, as you know, and I genuinely can’t remember how I found the blog! It was probably via the wordpress tagsurfer, or maybe a recommendation from another blog? Or maybe you visited me first – sorry, terrible memory!
I’m really enjoying the photos recently. I really need to get out and photograph more!
Thanks Jennie!
I am Sally from Somerset in England and not very far from you
) I’m on a downshifting journey too and moved to the West Country from the home counties 10 years ago, although I started downshifting in about 1998 when took both my sons out of school to start home educating them. Now they’re quite grown up and independent I enjoy accompanying others on their downshifting journey.
Do keep on writing and posting your lovely pics and captions. I have you in my blog roll so that others will find you too and benefit from your interesting comments and perspectives. 8000 readers – isn’t that wonderful?
Nice to meet another downshifter! How fabulous you home educated!
Hi! I’m Val. I live in Ohio, and like to say that I am never bored. I have 1 husband, 2 kids, 3 dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, rabbits, dairy goats, a macaw and a donkey. I am back in school to get a BSN (nursing degree). I adore spending time with my menagerie, reading, hiking, crocheting, and cooking/baking. We are gluten free, and better for it.
I enjoy your posts, and love your pictures. My hubby went to University at Exeter, so I have shown him some of your pictures as well (he’s English). You seem so giving and level-headed.
ooooh you have a donkey!!!!!
How fabulous that your husband went to U of Exeter! Happy to send you photos anytime of the University!
Hi! I’m Judy, I’m from South Australia, I have been reading your blog for some time and particularly love your photos! I enjoy cooking, movies, spending time with family and friends, and am in the fortunate position of working from home 3 days a week.
Cheers
Judy
lol thanks Judy! I so enjoy having you reading my blog! Great interests
Hi-I’m Sarah and I’m a clinical psychologist (hence psychsarah) in Canada. I think one of the other blogs I read linked to you a while ago, and I’ve been happily reading ever since. Your posts are beautiful and thought-provoking-always makes me consider how I can lead a simpler life and appreciate the many blessings I have.
lol Sarah I wondered how you got that name! Welcome to the simple life, it’s a good one :0)
I adore your posts.
My name is Vicki and I live in the US in the state of Nebraska.
I live in a small trailer home community and live very simply. I garden and grow about 80% of my food. My husband and I are disabled but this does not stop me. I also care for elderly parents so I have a non stop daily schedule.
I do bread, yogurts,cheese and will attempt soap making when it gets a little better weather in the late spring. My grandparents were Amish and broke away from the commune.
I love the country of Britian, and the old world ways of your people. My ancestors hail from the british isles.
I have several blogs that I follow through the week, and recently found yours through mention from the Down to Earth blog from Rhonda in Austrailia.
I also love the photos you provide, spectacular!
Warm Nebraska Regards
Wow, what an inspiration you are Vicki! I am sure you’ve learned a lot through your Amish heritage!
I am…meeting with a midwife tomorrow morning. Nervous!
oooh so exciting! I’ll be praying for you! Midwives are wonderful (mostly!) lol!
I am Rowan; on a journey, destination unknown. I feel confused about my future. My path is hidden from me. I feel curious about your life so I read your blog. I love your photos and generosity to all in sharing these thoughts and pictures as well as your generous attitude towards the less fortunate.
Rowan, I have to say I love your name! Thank you for your kind words! I can very much relate to feeling like you are on a journey with a destination unknown!
Hi … I’m Sandie and have been following your blog for some time (as you know)
I smiled at your reading spot as I know where it is – I used to live very close to it – in Fore Street to be exact!
lol well fancy seeing you here!! OOh how funny you remember that spot. It is wonderful isn’t it?
Hi I’m Helen living in Edinburgh with my husband and four girls. I found your blog when googling Edinburgh blog – you’d visited from North Berwick. We are living very frugally as my husband’s firm have asked all their employees to take a 20% pay cut to help them over the next 5 months. We are trusting in God to provide and he really has.
Helen, I adore Edinburgh and North Berwick and Scotland in general. I’m so glad you can see how God has provided! Blessings to you!
I am deno, mum to 3 and i work as a nanny housekeeper for 3 boys . I love to make cards, cook from scratch and read. Working hard at trusting God at the moment as my job ends in 3 months.
I love reading your blog, its helpful, inspiring and your photos are wonderful.
Deno, I’ll be praying about your job situation! Thank you for your kind words!
Hi
I also live in South Devon and found your blog through my love of crafting and attemping to live Frugally. Really like reading your blog.
oooh Lesley, a local, nice to meet you!
Hi, I’m Beth, I live in California, and blog extremely sporadically (once a week or so). I can’t remember how I found your blog either, but I admire your optimism and the enjoyment you get out of your daily life.
Thanks for introducing yourself Beth! California is somewhere I’ve always wanted to go!
I am a fan of Rachael Yamagata…’Worn Me Down’ and ‘Be Be Your Love’ are my favorite tracks.
I love your plans for the weekend…I too will be heading to our organic winter farmers’ market and probably make some hot chocolate that rivals your last picture. Good luck on your apron!
oooh thanks for the recommendations Sonrie.
Hi from the mountains of NC. Just found your blog and love it
Peggy we used to holiday in NC as a child, such a beautiful place!
I am my name
… I have always loved living simply and think I came across your blog by typing in the words “frugal” and “UK” and there you popped up. I live in Canada but was born in the UK and hope to one day have a wee cottage by the sea in Ireland. FT you have been an inspiration to me yesterday, today and tomorrow. I remember having to catch up on about 6 months of your blog and how I made myself a little checklist to make sure I’d read every single post / comment. On a funny note my bank is my first saved favorite website and you are my second.
lol thanks Amanda. I so struggle to think how little ol’ me, with my thousands of mistakes could inspire anyone at all, but it is such a lovely thing to say, thank you!
Hi, I’m Nicole and I live near Seattle, Washington. I enjoy reading about your journeys in life. I also love your pictures. My husband is originally from England and we have many good memories of England.
THanks Nicole! I love taking photographs! Very glad England is a lovely place for you!
My name is Hilde, I am a housewife on the wrong side of fifty living in Germany. I think I found your blog through Down To Earth, and I have been following for about two years. Your photos are among the most beautiful ones on the web, and I admire the way you can find joy in everything. As grew up in a family with very little money, I can remember my mother doing a lot of the things that are now considered to be part of a simple life, e.g. gardening, canning, of cours cooking from scratch, making your own clothes etc. This makes it easier for me to live simply and enjoy the small pleasures of life. And very slowly, my husband and my two grown-up sons are joining me on my journey (Please excuse my English, it is not my first language).
Hilde, your english is wonderful, goodness me if I had to write in German, well I wouldn’t be able to write!!
Thank you so much for sharing your story and commenting! I’m glad your husband and sons are seeing the light
My name is Andrea – I am a part-time housewife, part time preschool assistant in San Diego. I came across your blog through the Simple Green Frugal Coop. I LOVE your blog because you write so clearly and beautifully about things that I intuitively have always believed in! Like living on less so you can work less and give more! Like “choosing joy” in the midst of trials. Like making baby steps toward a healthier lifestyle. Thank you! Your blog is a blessing in my life! Praying for you to find work that you enjoy soon!
Thank you Andrea, what a lovely compliment and the prayers are very appreciated. I’ve always wanted to go to San Diego!
Hi, i’m Anna from Sweden. I found your blog ages ago, and love following your journey towrds a more fulfilling life. I work as a legal advisor, which i love, but my job can be very consumig and stressful, and at those times your blog is a very valueable reminder for me that there are things in life that are equally important as my job. I find the Reclaiming simple sundays-post especially inspiring.
Oh Anna, thank you for the feedback! I too love the Reclaiming Simple Sundays!
Hi, I’m Stella from Wiltshire
I’ve been visiting your blog for some time now. It always provides much to think about and it’s also good to meet all the lovely people who post comments.
I’m married with a grown up family. Looking forward to having grandchildren at some point. I am also looking forward to retirement in a couple of years when I hope to be able to continue to pursue a simpler life and having more time to devote to giving………love, time, skills and money and generally serving Jesus in my own way.
Oh what lovely goals for you Stella, I especially like the bit about serving Jesus in your own way, such a personal journey isn’t it? Thanks for commenting!
I am Rachael, I love your blog because I grew up v. near Exeter and love seeing your pictures and feeling nostalgic
You are inspirational, your writing is lovely and your posts always leave me thinking. So thank you!
Thank you Rachael! Let me know if you ever want specific places in Exeter photographed. It is such a lovely place!
I am Sue from Hereford, England. I have been reading your blog for quite a while and am always so inspired by it. I am trying to live a more simple life. In the little spare time I have I enjoy crafts, particularly anything involving fabrics. However. it is your compassion and generosity that touch me the most, such Christ-like characteristics that I would like to see in my own life. So thank you so much for being a wonderful example of a life lived selflessly.
Goodness me Sue, what a compliment, thank you! I have to say I honestly do fail daily but am determined to keep growing in Him! Thank you!
My name is Alison and I’m a registered nurse living in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. I found you through the Simple/Green/Frugal website. The thing I like about your blog the most is your candor and very honest commentary. Some days are good, some days are bad – this is part of life for all of us. Your focus on simplifying your weekends has inspired me to try to do the same. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Thank you Alison! I’m so pleased you are enjoying more simple weekends
I am Catherine! I found your blog as I was looking for personal finance blogs in an attempt to budget but I really like your way of thinking
Thank you Catherine!
I’m Canadian Saver and I think I’ve been visiting your blog for well over a year now
I love reading about your corner of the world!!
lol thanks Canadian saver
I don’t usually post comments on here, but as you asked… I am Alice and I live in West Sussex. I’m nothing like your other readers as I make no effort whatsoever to save money and you would probably think I am dreadfully frivolous!
I am not as nice as you and really only want to stop spending on stuff I don’t really notice or care about so I have more to spend on things I enjoy. Like nice holidays and pretty shoes (oh the shame!)
I think you set a good example and I like how positive you are about everything. I wish I were so disciplined!
All the best,
Alice
Oh Alice, please don’t be too hard on yourself! It is so hard to start, honestly, but it gets easier every single day! Thank you for commenting, best wishes!
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Hello, my name is Katherine! I’m from Texas. I’m really not sure how I found your blog, honestly, but I’ve been reading for a really long time… since you were working & trying to get out of debt & all. I think that it is amazing how you’ve pulled yourself out of debt & are making your own path & do read for inspiration. I read Rhonda’s blog too & thought it was lovely when she posted a link to your blog. Anyway, don’t forget about the cloth toilet paper! {And, is that even what it ought to be called? I mean, it’s not paper. But what else do you call it?}
Katherine, yes it was lovely of Rhonda, she is a kind and special soul!
I know I too wonder whether it is paper
I’m going to do the post, I’m just trying to use it for a full week and figure out the laundering before I post about it. A lot of people have had questions, so I’m trying to figure out answers. I hope to have it up Monday or Tuesday!
Thanks for commenting
I am Brandy. I lurk around the frugal and simplicity blogs. I have an animal blog that chronicals theyre lives.
Oh Brandy, I look forward to looking at your blog! I adore animals! :0)
It’s me, Sam formerly know as (An ostrich named Sam). FT, I have no idea how I found your blog, but I’ve been reading it I’m guessing since July 2008. Between you and Canadian Saver you both inspired me to blog. I love the photos and the food. I like your social commentary too. Your attitude towards life is what keeps me coming back. When I see your photos it makes me want to visit Britain.
lol I think you’d love England Sam!! Thanks for commenting! :0)
Hi, I am Paola from south coast NSW Australia. I found your blog via Down to Earth. I am a mother of 2, relief primary school teacher and interested in all manner of things where I am “doing it for myself”, cooking, gardening, knitting and sewing (and blogging about the above). I have really enjoyed checking out your blog for many reasons, but especially because it brings back special memories of when my husband and I lived in Weymouth, Dorset for three years in the early nineties. Your photos are very evocative of this time.
Wishing you peace and good things for 2010…
I’m so glad they bring back nice memories for you Paola!
Stumbled across you about a year ago and love your blog. I live in Wiltshire just a couple of miles away from Stonehenge another beautiful part of England.
ooh Betty that is another lovely part of the country!
Hi I’m Ella, I blog at most | least (not about frugality, though). As a family we practice a frugal lifestyle which is why I love reading your blog. x
Ella, I’ll check out your blog :0)
I am Angela and, as you know, have been a regular reader for sometime! Can’t remember how I found you but I have had an interest in simple living for sometime. I live in London, Ontario, Canada now but lived in England until January 2002. I miss England and the English countryside in particular – so I adore your photos!
Angela, do hope you are settling and finding some countryside in London!
Hi! I’ve commented before, but can’t remember if I ever said who I was. I am a mother in Michigan. My husband is in the United States Coast Guard.
My favorite part of your blog is your pictures. Well, now that I’ve said that, I have to admit that they make me jealous, which is not a good feeling! Hee hee! But they are gorgeous!!
I cloth diaper my baby, love to read, and cook from scratch, so even though I don’t know you personally, I’ve always felt of you as a “kindred spirit”. (yeah, I went all Anne of Avonlea on you)
I’m very glad you let us all read your diary!
Cheers!
Well Mrs Smith it is nice to meet a kindred spirit
Hi, i,m Esther,and i live in The Netherlands.
I try to live the green,frugal and beautiful life we all so love, but alas.. i,ts not always posibble!
i just love your blog!
Thank you Esther! I adore the Netherlands!
i think you are so great .even though i am older than you,30 something i would like to be like you when i grow up.i am trying to be more mindful in my life .and calmer too. reading your blog helps with that.
on one of your posts i read about you wanting to come back to visit new york.i live in brooklyn new york and if you are ever in new york and need a place to stay you can stay here.
i am working on my own blog and i dont know what i want it to be yet.maybe when i figure it out i will send you a link and you can tell me what you think.keep up the great work.
p.s. love the cat pictures.i have a furball of my own. i put a video of her on you tube.i think you will get a kick out of it.
Oh my Jennifer, my cat was sitting here watching with me and went wide eyed!!! She was sooo intreagued!!!!
I love the name Coco! Thanks for sharing!!!
if the link doesnt work just go to youtube and type in coco the cat quacks.