Made from Scratch: Discovering the Pleasures of a Handmade Life by Jenna Woginrich
The book is light, but infectious. Jenna Woginrich is so excited about all the self-sufficient and sustainable aspects of her life that you absolutely want to join her.
As a child my parents raised chickens and rabbits, and the occasional other animal (a duck, a flock of turkeys--turkey eggs have such a thick inner sac you have to cut it with a knife, but they are BIG). I loved it. I love fresh eggs, and I liked hunting around the yard for them. We raised big New Zealand rabbits, meat rabbits, and I really like rabbit meat. I did actually help with the slaughtering, and I continue to believe that if you are going to eat meat you should be knowledgeable and comfortable about the fact that an animal did have to die for you to do so. And you know absolutely what they ate and how they lived.
Woginrich isn't eating any meat but she eats eggs, wishes she could have harvested some honey, and spins her angora rabbits' fur. She also gardens (another thing I love), knits and is a serious thifter.
I challenge you to read the book and not want a flock of chickens of your own!
One of my main wishes for my children is that we lived in a place and time where they could have more freedom. Raising animals in the backyard feels like that for me. It isn't the same as letting my five year old explore the neighborhood on his own, obviously, but it brings a bit of "wild" into the yard. It makes the yard a place with more opportunity for independence, exploring, responsibility, learning, and all while still being a kid. And knowing Gus he'd quickly have the idea to set up an egg stand and pretty soon he'd have all the money for Juicy Fruit and Pez he could ever want and I'd be back to supermarket eggs!
We rent right now, and live in a neighborhood with an HOA and associated rules. We also have no fence. I'm not willing to do the research and work to figure out if I could raise chickens here and then do it. But, when we are living in a different situation I am going to do it. Nothing beats an egg straight from the backyard! I have big plans too. Raising bees, a big garden full of fresh veggies, chickens. Who knows what else? I already want to skip the grass and grow fruits, flowers, and veggies in my next sunny yard. One thing at a time though--I'll start with hens* and see where that leads me.
*Oh yes, hens only. I do have one not-so-fond memory of my childhood chickens involving that time the rooster decided I was too close to his space and thought he'd deal with me. Nothing is quite the same as having a rooster land on your shoulder and start pecking your head! I'm not so sorry to confess that I did enjoy having him for dinner quite a bit!
ooh, your review totally makes me want to read this book! i just started removing some lawn yesterday and bought some herbs and strawberries for that space - yum! i have visions of edibles being all over the place in our yard. one step at a time though, right?
Posted by: kristin n | April 20, 2009 at 09:54 AM
Maya, Your Mom gave me the link to your page when I was in Austin visiting with the family! I love this because I remember always thinking that Aunt Shirley and Uncle Geoff had the coolest rabbits and such in the back yard. I have the pictures ( you may remember taking them) of Brittainy, me and My Dad in your backyard and I was maybe 4 holding the big white fluffy rabbit! It's my favorite picture!
Your inspire me to be a better mother- not that there is much to do with a 15 week old, but I still LOVE reading about everything you're doing and how your boys are growing!
We missed each other in Austin by a few hours. I was going to come down the weekend before but was totally uncomfortable driving with the baby alone. I am sure that you understand! Still I hated not being able to see you and Chris and your sweet boys. I saw TON'S of pictures and they're just adorable! I am so happy that I have your link and can follow you and the boys on all of your adventures!
~Brandi
Posted by: Brandi Grubbs | April 23, 2009 at 08:06 PM