Last week, the five of us shared a little bit about ourselves with you. This week, we’re sharing a bit more of our individual stories.
So much of what we share on our blogs is funny, happy and/or pretty. But there’s a reality behind all that. Here goes.
Most of you are familiar with our story to some extent. Our work is in the arts and both of us freelance. Freelancing is challenging at any time, but for the past two years it has been especially challenging. My husband has been a professional actor for over 40 years. He has worked in the theater, television and film. He’s a very, very good actor. Theater doesn’t pay very much and theaters have had a tough time in this economy. Television – where Don has worked a lot during his career – has been taken over by so-called reality television, which has nothing to do with reality and everything to do with cheap entertainment. It has put actors, directors, costume designers, set designers and a host of other people out of work. The next time you sit down and watch some obviously staged reality television show, think about that.
Don has had to take a job with a car rental company in the meantime. After 40 years as an actor, he has had to learn new skills. The pay? Not good. But the job gives us health insurance and after being hospitalized twice last year, I am only too aware of the perils of not being insured. Thank goodness we were insured at the time. Don needs to work as an actor. It’s the talent he has been blessed with and it also has the potential for the most income. But we need health insurance. And so the cycle continues.
My work comes and goes and sometimes requires me to be out of town for several weeks at a time. When that happens, we are paying for food for two households – doubling our expenses. I’ve looked for work here at home. I’ve worked at other jobs in the past and am perfectly willing to do so now, but I can’t find anything. As far as teaching, which is what I did for 20 years, no university will even consider someone with my experience and resumé. They’d have to pay me too much, so they pass on an interview and hire someone ‘up-and-coming.’ And local companies don’t necessarily want to put money into training someone my age. I also need to be near my ill and aging dog, Riley, who needs help getting around the house.
We don’t have children, but we have two dogs that require prescription dog food and medications. We eat simply. We hardly ever buy new clothes and when we do, they are on sale. We are down to one car because the very old second car we were using requires expensive repairs that we can’t afford. Since we’re down to one car, I am limited as to where I can work. We live in the country – I can’t just walk or take a bus to work. The one car we do have is 11 years old.
I have a job coming up in April and May. After that? Nothing on the horizon.
Thrifty? I’ve always had to be thrifty out of necessity. I’ve never had the luxury of impulse spending. In my world, impulse spending is buying a bouquet at Trader Joe’s for $3.99. I’d kill for a new pair of jeans right now. At the moment, that would be an extravagance.
We don’t take vacations. We very rarely eat out. We almost never go to the movies – too noisy, way too expensive. We’ll catch the film later on DVD or cable.
I’m exploring other avenues for income: advertising on this blog, an etsy shop. In an ideal world, I’d be able to make a fairly good income from work online. That is my hope for the future.
Our mortgage payments are high. Our house is worth much less than it was when we bought it. If we were to consider selling, we would lose lots of money. So far, we’ve never missed a payment in 6 years of living in the cottage. Miracles do happen.
Like so many of you out there, we are approaching the years where we had hoped we would feel a measure of security after a lifetime of work. But the reality facing us is entirely different.
Even with all the worries and stress, we find joy in our daily life. We laugh, we get silly and we are thankful for the blessings we have. Times are tough, yes, but we’re already used to tightening our belt. We’re simply pulling the belt a bit tighter.
We are thrifty. As we move forward in this series, I will share my tips with you. I look forward to reading the tips from Brenda, Diane, Elaine and Jen. We have much to offer each other!
I’m glad you’re telling it like it is, Claudia. That is the majority of what the rest of the world is facing, unless they happened to inherit a fortune. I enjoyed reading your post, as it hit on all the highlights. You know I have my fingers crossed for you everyday, my dear friend. Me and you both. And sweet Don of course!
Brenda
I agree with you about the ‘reality television’. We don’t watch any of that. It’s not entertainment to us.
Hope it goes away, and your husband gets all the rolls he can take.
Some of the blogs I read are producing a good income for the bloggers.
I’ll be looking forward to your tips.
Good luck…
I enjoy your blog more and more because of the mix. Our local newspaper, in order to save money and hire fewer reporters (I suspect) started using more and more national feed. Week day papers now read like a Weekly Reader and have very little local news – the reason you would want to buy one. Now fewer people subscribe – the paper will even lament the loss of readers and subscriptions and lay off more reporters and wonder why no one is reading. It may not be exactly what is happening to our economy as a whole but it seems (to me) to be the gist of it. In order to make more profit cheaper ways are found to produce things. People are told (and believe) that the more stuff they have the better off they are – even if it’s crappy stuff. On a personal note – I tried to buy local or US made last week, I did a pretty good job. Everything was American made except $1.58 for some embroidery floss made in France.
When things got tight for me, I started shopping at Goodwill, and found amazing bargains. Every six weeks, or so, they have 99 cents jeans sales. I have found many pair of brand new, sometimes designer label, jeans under a dollar, and haven’t had a pair from any other source for a long time. Many times you can find clothing with the tags still on them. If you need clothing, you might want to check out resale shops.
I am not a political person. I am one who believes times ebb and flow regardless of which party is in office. That being said, something is definitely wrong when a few superstars (whether is be in sports,actors, investors, etc.) are making millions and regular people are not being paid a decent wage to survive on. My husband and I are both middle class, blue collar workers with a mortgage higher than what our home is worth. We make a decent living combined and thankfully have been able to keep up with our mortgage payments but I see so many around me being phased out of their jobs in their 50’s and 60’s in order for less expensive labor to be brought in. They are now faced with making ends meet by taking jobs making substantially less than before at a time when their parents were thinking about retirement. Thank you for your candidness. I am looking forward to your input in this series. Patty
Claudia, I honestly never thought that the reality shows would cause so much distress to so many people. I am not a big fan of them, celebrities being made overnight of spoilt twenty something brats…. we don’t watch them very often.
It seems that there are so many older couples who live like you do. And this should be a time when things do get easier, not harder. I am hoping that soon things will turn around, for everyone out there. And those who are looking, find work that pays a decent wage.
And their life improves.
Jen @ Muddy Boot Dreams
Talent like the you both have takes time, training, skill, a genuine love for the arts and experience. It hard to fathom that its cast aside for fowl mouth, non-experienced blobs of protoplasm that are called actors and feel the general public wants to see that on TV or better yet, pay to see it in the theaters.
We do not watch much TV accept for PBS and news as its gotten out of control, cable fees and just general crap on TV. And as for, this so called “reality TV”… NOT! It does not take any skills or brain power to have a camera follow said person(s) around and be directed by non-skilled directors, to have meaningless conversations or a yelling match. Or worst yet…. the shows that have a bachelor or batchlorette looking for love…. LOVE! thats not real love.
Keeping you all in my prayers that the lord will open more doors for you both, you both deserve it.
I abhor reality television. I detest it, hate it, it makes me sick. I hope it goes away. Give me a sitcom anytime. Being thrifty is nothing new to me. I have had to be thrifty all my life. I think if I won a lottery, it would be difficult to get out of the habit of being thrifty because it’s all I know. Anyways, as long as I eat enough and have enough money to buy good, nourishing food, that’s all that matters to me. I don’t need much clothes because I never go anywhere anyways. Besides, if I had twenty dresses, I would probably wear the same one all the time. I tend to get attached to the same piece of clothing. If one uses savvy, a fantastic wardrobe can be put together with just a few pieces of clothes and jewellery. That’s for those of you who are still working. I remember one day, I think I was in my thirties then, I made a one month chart of daily outfits to wear to work. In one month, I never wore the same thing. The same pieces, yes, but different combinations. It was fun, in the morning, I would just look at the chart and wear what was written on it. It saved me so much time getting ready.I can’t remember how many pieces of clothes I had but not much, I can guarantee you that.
When I was in my middle twenties and my marriage ended, I only had one black skirt (you know, the straight cut model) two turtleneck sweaters. One was black and the other was bottle green. Well, I went back to school and for the duration of the school year, I wore the same skirt with one day, the green sweater, the next day the black sweater.
I bought a cheap Singer sewing machine one year and taught myself how to sew and I sewed made myself some cheap cotton dressed to go to work. In those days, you could get fabric at three yards for $1.00.
I remember when my children were young, I used to make three meals with one chicken. One meal was the usual potato, vegetable, gravy, chicken one. The other one was a chicken fried rice eaten with a green salad, (I mean just the green) there was not money for the other stuff like tomatoes and cucumber, etc., the other meal was a hot chicken sandwich. So, a chicken went a long way. That’s when my children were small. I remember when they were really young and they would eat half a pork chop, with potatoes, of course. We ate lots of potatoes because it was filling and of course, the green salad which I would mix with just oil and vinegar.We also ate lots of pasta. Just spaghetti or springs. I would serve it with a laddle of tomato juice. To this day, my children’s comfort food is a meal of springs and tomato juice.
Well, I could go on and on when I get started. So, I had better stop.
I think the continual tightening is what is straining so many of us. How much more can we all squeeze? I have always hated reality TV and refuse to watch any of it. I can’t relate frankly, all those housewives are gross and rude. Why would I ever want their nasty means lives. I am old fashioned and don’t get it. You are in a place so many are and I think it is so helpful to know they are not alone. So glad to be a part of this series.
I came over from Elaine’s blog. What an insightful series this will be. Times are indeed difficult. We have always lived on one income, but that has become more and more difficult these past few years. I too am a crafter, and I have Etsy, but don’t have it up and running currently. I have a small hand made’s business. I quilt, sew, crochet, knit and all that jazz. I look forward to knowing you better. You seem delightful!
Kris
: )
Good morning Claudia!
Who’d have thought that at this time in our lives we would be worried about the future…really! Thank you for such an honest assessment of your situation…I think it makes the rest of us realize that we’re not alone. We all have different circumstances but the bottom line is that this is a tough time with the economy the way it is and then our ages which makes it even worse if we find ourselves out of work. It’s a real shame that reality TV has become as popular as it has…I for one can’t for the life of me figure out what people see in it! Are people that stupid that they believe what they’re seeing is REAL? OR is it like wrestling where they know it’s not real but just like to watch anyway. Either way it makes you wonder what the future holds. Anyway…good luck to both of you…I hope you find work in the fields that you love and that it’s close to home. Please give your critters a scritch for me…thanks.
Maura :)
I don’t like “reality” tv at all and don’t know why anyone finds it appealing, or could even think that it is real in any way. Like Patty, I am not a political person — but having lived away so many years, I do have a different perspective on the ways of the world. I will never understand why so much emphasis is placed on “celebrity” when it is the every day folks who are doing all the work; yet are the very ones having the hardest time making ends meet. There are some rights and benefits that should be a given, not cost an arm and a leg or be out of reach to those who need them the most. Thanks for sharing your reality with us. Best wishes, Tammy
My hubby and I also share one car. We are retired and live on our fixed income. We are also supporting my 27-year old daughter who has an 18-month old. She is currently looking for work but has been unsuccessful so far. At least we can babysit for free for her. Our house value has also decreased, and we still have over 200 thousand mortgage. I hope we live to see it paid off. I remember one of my dreams was when I retired I wanted to travel all over Europe and even live in England or Italy or Switzerland for a while. Well, that is not going to happen, but it is ok. We have a roof over our heads, food to eat, and family and friends. I like to go to thrift stores when we need clothing. Sometimes I luck out, sometimes not. We never go to movies, we have netflix and use that. We mostly watch BBC, public television, Food network, HGTV, that sort of thing. Most tv is terrible anyway. Reality tv? It certainly does not require any talent, does it? Finding new ways to be thrifty and frugal is kind of fun, actually, and makes you appreciate what you have. I an enjoying your “thrift” series, we certainly can all use as much advice as possible. I wish I could do an Etsy store for some extra $ but unfortunately I do not have any craft/sewing/knitting skills. But I wish the best to all of you who do, and look forward to them.
Lots of comments today echoing your post. Reality post. Thank you.
Uh oh. I like some of the reality shows… mindless entertainment at best. Until my son and now daughter-in-law moved to CA and started their careers, her “in the business” I didn’t give much thought to the damage Reality TV (and yes, I realize it’s not real!) has done to the industry. No writers, costumers, set designers or actors (real ones)needed. I’ve come to realize through my kids. This bad economy has hit just about everyone in one way or another. I appreciate your honesty and look forward to following all the blogs involved and learning from you all. May 2012 be the year when good fortune visits again. Ann
I really enjoyed your post and I think Im going to love this series you all are doing. I can totally identify with you on the dog thing, I have a diabetic dog and between insulin needles and prescription food…yikes….I will follow you from now on and look foward to your tips!!!
Claudia, we have always detested reality tv but now have another reason to do so. I am so thankful you have health insurance through Don’s job. When Joe and I calculate how much we pay for our insurance it is a staggering figure but we are grateful to have it. I buy all our clothes at thrift stores and garage sales and I wear very nice jeans by the way. I pray and wish that your Etsy shop is a smashing hit. Olive
I am afraid that everyone is in some shape or form feeling the pinch in this day and age. I worry about the next few years and retirement coming up. I heard something on tv this morning with the statement of he was afraid that his children will never experience the life that he has the privilage to have enjoyed in his adult life. Life will be different for our children and grandchildren. One good thing out of all of this is the fact that we have all been forced to get back to basics and not waste anything, no matter if it is food or clothing or whatever. Gives a new appreciation to what we already have. ~Patti
Claudia,
So much of what you’ve posted today rings true for me as well. I say we are thrifty because we have to be. We’ve chosen a life that requires us to be.
My husband and I are both musicians and some of our income comes from that (on a good day). We choose not to work a job because we want to have some autonomy in our life. But we’ve taken jobs when we’ve needed to. We’ve operated our daycare business for the past 7 years together because it allows us to stay home with our babies and make an income. Yet like all business owners we must be frugal in anticipation of the hard times. It’s been well worth it to us, even with difficulty finding health insurance.
Now we are entering a new phase and cutting back on our daycare business so my husband can focus on building his sound and lighting business (we have so much invested in band and stage equipment, this seemed like a natural business to branch off into).
So once again, we will pinch our pennies tighter and find ways to make everything last a little longer! But it’s an adventure because we try to make it a fun challenge for the whole family. Our six children even get a little excited when we try a new way to save money (except for the 2 year old, she’s just happy to BE). We just watch her when we need to remember to be happy and enjoy the moment!
Thanks for the “on the mark” posting Claudia! And have a wonderful day!
RaShell
Thank you for posting your story, Claudia. I’m looking forward to the upcoming posts – I am living very frugally as well, and we all stand to learn from each other on this journey :)
I appreciate your honesty Claudia.
After 34 years my husband found himself out of work due to his plant relocating. Fortunately, he did get some pension but the medical and dental only lasted 1 year. Being Canadian, our medical is covered but not prescriptions. Thank goodness I have really good teeth so I have not had to worry about the dental part. After almost 7 years my husband got a part-time job, and not for lack of trying, which is really slow in the winter but thank goodness picks up to full time in the summer.
I have always been a thrifty shopper but like you we have our dogs and 3 cats so the vet bills do get on top of us. We don’t go out much but I love to read and we do enjoy our movies on the satellite dish. Thank goodness for TCM.
Over the years we have had really lean times but together we have come through. I don’t know how but without much savings we put our son through film school. He is now a sound technician and loves his work. It is amazing what you can do. Things have worked out but like you we thought as we got into our mid forties things would get easier financially. I have learned to roll with the punches.
Have a lovely day,
Sue
Claudia, I found you through Brenda’s post. I am so glad you are doing this series. Sometimes when I read all the blogs and see the beautiful houses and accessories I think I must be the only one who is living on a shoestring. I am in the same circumstances as you, except that we have 3 kids- 2 teens and 1 in college. Seems like no one wants to hire a 50 something woman with degrees and experience when they can hire a fresh young face right out of college. It is extremely difficult to get back into the field of education after having my own consulting business for several years. So I decided to follow my passion and create a blog. I have only been blogging for 2 months and it is so hard to get followers. So if anyone wants to come visit at Beachnut Lane, I would welcome you!
Claudia, we can all learn so much from your example. Having a warm and loving home isn’t about the almighty dollar.
And I’m not a fan of reality t.v. either!
Everyday it seems a new challenge, I went to the basement to get meat out of our freezer…seems everything was cold but semi thawed. So now our freezer on the fritz.
I kind of paniced thinking of all the meals I was going to lose and the money I do not have to replace them. Luckily I smashed it all in the upstairs fridge freezer!
And the rt rear light is out on my car, going to wait till the weekend so my husband can fix it thank goodness.
It seems now these little inconviences are so magnified and cause so much stress.
But I have health insurance, and a roof over my head…I know how lucky I really am.
I wish that I could wave a magic wand and make all of your problems go away. Sadly, our society has put an emphasis on quantity instead of quality. Our economy seems to be based on inferior entertainment, products we don’t need and houses too big to be cozy or affordable to heat. Obviously none of this is working. Here is a thought ~ perhaps you two could put your talents to use and produce a quality short video and put it on YouTube. We all need to get creative when it comes to securing our future in these uncertain times.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley
We don’t watch much television now that “reality” tv has taken over. We’ve always been movie junkies and watch them 2 or 3 times a week.
We switched to just basic cable and subscribe to Netflix. We rarely buy new DVD’s (my son does though), instead we go a pawn shop and get them for cheap plus they guarantee they work.
Have a wonderful day!
Thank you for being so open and honest. Many of us are facing similar situations, and it is not what any of us imagined for this point in our lives. While the recent loss of our sweet dog breaks my heart, one reason I am not running out to find another is the expense. Fingers crossed for easier and brighter days for all of us!
Claudia, this was a very interesting post. I know many of us are balancing life in ways we never thought we’d have to. And we’ve cut way back on our animals due to the cost of vet bills. I’m appalled to put an animal out of its suffering it’s almost $200 out here. Our society went crazy with the wages they’ve paid athletes and movie “stars” over the years. There’s no reality TV in our house. I’m not going to contribute to that form of “entertainment” and mentality. You and Don are just perfect for one another, and I know there will always be a new adventure for you two.
So many of us in a similar boat! At least here in the UK I don’t have to worry about paying for medical care, and where I live in Wales all prescribed medicines are free too. But we also have a house worth little more than the mortgage and will still be trying to clear it in our 70s. I’m not working right now due to problems with my health and the credit bank my husband works for is being sold and he may lose his job. But I have decided to continue to look on life as an adventure and find the fun in everything. I hope you and Don can continue to do the same :D
What a good post with things we all can relate to. You’ve received some interesting comments, too! I’ve enjoyed reading them. There are so many subjects that bloggers want to discuss about the economy! Enjoy your afternoon! ♥
I hate reality TV, it’s all junk. I think people like to watch it because it’s a glimpse at someone else’s trainwreck, that’s all I can come up with.
Great post, Claudia…so many can relate, and we can all feel a little less alone in our struggles when we share here in the blogosphere.
Claudia, another great post and I will be enjoying this series. I grew up in the 60s and 70s on frugal living – I never really knew anything different. It was just normal – garage sales were fun and hand-me-downs from relatives were “cool”. Eating out once or twice a month at Burger King or Ponderosa ($3.59 chopped steak dinners w/ salad!) were exciting outings. Because of this kind of living, my parents were able to pay for my college for which I am most thankful.
Frugal living is still ingrained in me. I do like an occasional little ‘extravagance’, but I don’t think I’ll ever change. It will be fun to read about your tips!
I wish you and your hubby nothing but good things. I look forward to your etsy shop and KNOW that your blog will be a continued success. Hang in there Claudia! Cheering for you girl! :)
I despise reality shows……so fake and disgusting….what do they do for the kids today…..nothing good……
i collect social security and thank the lord i do…..i also live with my daughter and that is a big help also.
i remember those days you talk about
it was hard…..this series should be very interesting……..rizzi
Hi Claudia – thank you for your story and I will be avidly waiting for your tips. I always leave your blog (and Brenda’s) to the end to read. Saving the best for last.
I’ve never really had to be concerned about money. I’ve almost always had good jobs – cheap apartments and family to rely on for a loan if I spent more than I earned. Then about 12 years ago I was in a fair bit of debt about $12K on credit. Renting a cheap apt $325 a month and came into some money $14K. I could have just paid off my debt and followed the same lifestyle but I decided it was time to grow up (I was 38 after all and single so all my $$ was spent on things). I worked very hard for a year and used $3k of the windfall and managed to pay off all my debt. I bought a house and used $11k for downpayment. As the housing market is good in Canada, my house has appreciated by $100k but I have put $50K of renos into it.
I guess I was getting complacent. I bought a car for $30K 2 years ago on credit and still owe $50k on the house. Now I’ve benn off sick since mid-Nov with no $$ coming in, savings are depleted but I am returning to work next week. However, I have also been told that my job with be gone by April 2014. Due to health issues, I doubt I will be able to work at another job. Soooo – your thrifty advice couldn’t come at a better time and I will be following it religiously.
Hi Claudia,
Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes here on the blogs we think that lfe is so perfect for some. Little do we know what they might be going through or have gone through.
I agree with you about the stupid reality tv shows. I never, NEVER watch them.
You and Don are blessed to have one another and that IMO makes life wonderful.
hugs
Sissie
Claudia, there has been a lot of tightening of the belt at our house too since my husband has been out of work for two years. Not quite old enough for retirement and too old to get a good job. We do much of what you do as far as saving money. Being creative, living simply, and having faith gets us through.
Hugs,
Donna
I must say I never thought about ‘reality’ tv putting actors and others out of work…that is awful. I am in a hard place with no health ins and no income so I’m living as frugally as I can. I am really excited about this series and admire all five of you for being so honest…it really is what needs to be said. Wishing you and your hubby the best! hugs, Linda
I hear ya loud and clear! Thank God for health insurance is right. a dear friend was out of work and her husband became deathly ill…all their saving gone. very scary indeed. I have always been frugal…I don’t buy name brands and thrift stores have become my go to places lately. I hope you find more work soon.
Blessings, Joanne
What a lovely and heartfelt post today. I hope and pray that your financial situation improves and that your life at mockingbird cottage is a long and happy one.
I hope that you always have food to nourish you, walls to shelter you, and the love of that good man to keep you warm :)
(corny but sincere!)
Best wishes to you
Hi Claudia,
It is somehow comforting to realize that so many of us are in the same boat. Unemployment, underwater mortgages, blah blah blah. Here’s to living life on shoestring budget! Looking forward to hearing more of your story.
xoxo Debbie
This is the third time I have typed a message and it went away. I guess I am too tired to be posting. But kudos to you girls for doing this. I feel bad for your situation. So many of us at this stage of our life are struggling. Having a roof over our heads is hard……I have that but it leaks…..really bad, seriously.
Your are just delightful. (((((HUGS)))))
Claudia, thanks so much for this honest post. I am wishing only the best for you and your husband. My husband lost his job about 4 years ago. Like so many, he was too young to retire but too old to find a decent job. We made major changes to adjust and are trying to live off my retirement income. Not easy, but we are doing it. Thank you for doing this series because I don’t feel like I’m in the boat alone anymore!
Hi Claudia, What a great post that we all can relate to in many ways. Everyday is a challenge to find ways to live good by cutting corners. I especially do this in my decor as well and creating for my shoppe on etsy.
This is such an interesting topic and we all have much to learn for the future because life does change as we age and our country changes.
Have a great weekend and give your sweet fur babies a hug from me and Miss Beazy.
Hugs, Celestina Marie
I have a daughter who has been a member of SAG and Aftra since the age of seven. So no, I never watch reality TV shows. It is part of the destruction of the arts in our wonderful country. I lost my counseling position five years ago and was never able to find another one. I was in my fifties and like you, no one wanted to pay me. I have put all of my furniture in storage and moved in with my 87 year old mother. Three years ago I started an Etsy shop and now am blogging. I love what I am doing and look forward to a time when I can support myself on my own again. Yes, at this age, I thought I would be planning for a comfy retirement. That didn’t happen, so frugality is my middle name.
Thanks so much for sharing your story with us.
hugs,
Laura
Do you have a webcam on your computer? You could give some kind of lessons online perhaps.. Check out this link.
http://www.figplug.com/pages/about.html
Thank goodness you have the health insurance. That, as you say, is a huge blessing.
The world is definitely changing around us. My philosophy is to tighten your seat belt and hold on for the ride.
Hello Claudia,
Wow. I really love this post– so thought provoking. The comments have also been so interesting to read. So many of us have had financial, career, retirement and stability concerns that it doesn’t surprise me that so many readers can identify with this series at some level. I really appreciate you sharing your story with us, and look forward to following this series.
Hugs,
Jill
PS: I watch a lot of PBS, and Netflix a lot of documentaries and period films. Reality tv is, for the most part, ridiculous. I do enjoy the “talent based” ones (Dance, music) but the crazy, pointless drama ones make me want to throw up in my mouth.
I watched the first episode of the new show “Touch” (starring Kiefer Sutherland) the other night and was absolutely rivited the entire hour. I. am. hooked.
Great to read your story, Claudia! Thanks for sharing. Times are tough. This is a great time to flex our thrift muscles! My husband and I are thrifty bordering on eccentric! ;-) I’m looking forward to reading more about what you do to save money. :-) Jennifer
Hi Claudia…I wanted to post something here the other day but got distracted by the phone…so I am back…a little late though! My Lord what comments you got on this. Looks like most of us are in the same boat. I know we are. I love your writing. You are clear and concise and always speak from the heart. People like you always amaze me…not only do you take the time to create these wonderful things (via being thrifty) but you take the time to share with all of us…through your blog and photos…etc. I so appreciate that. The things that I do to save money are make meals that last 2 to 3 days or that I can use the leftovers in another meal. Make hand made items for gifts. Shop at places like Goodwill, Marshalls and Mardens. Not sure if anyone outside of Maine knows what Mardens is but it’s an awesome place!! A lot of folks around here “shop” on big trash day in the summertime….picking up lets say a piece of furniture and repurposing it like you do. Our local dump now has a small building where they house the “junk” that people bring there. It’s like a little shop…many treasures to be found there. I think that in this economy, people are finding that they have to reinvent themselves. My husband and I both worked for at a state run facility for years. We thought we would retire there. The state had other plans. We both started our own companies. My husband became a self taught computer techie and I started a cleaning company. It has had it’s ups and downs but we survive…sometimes barely. I also sell things for people on Ebay and have done that for us too. I hope that we can ALL get back on our feet soon. But meanwhile, being thrify has kept me humble and has forced me to find gratitude. I substitute “fake” flowers from the dollar store for real until summer comes and light scented candles for the nice smell! Ha ha Oh!!…I wanted to tell you how amazed I am when I see the photo of you with your folks at Christmas…that beautiful little face framed by your snowsuit hood, is still the same beautiful little face today!! Amazing!! You look the same to me!! Lovely kind eyes and a beautiful face.:)
We were in the city yesterday, and saw so many holding up signs asking for help as they were homeless. It has taken us 8 years to rebuild our lives, and we went through many difficult years, but we didn’t rebuild it as before. Thoreau wrote ‘Walden’ in what? 1845? And so much of what he wrote still applies today. There is a tremendous gain in letting go of what doesn’t work and embracing what does.
~ Zuzu
Wow! You are really struggling! I really dislike the “reality” shows! PALEEEEEEZE! When this wave is over, I will be oh so happy!
Keep it going girl!
Just sending you a Texas sized hug. My hubby and I are past retirement age, but can not afford to retire, so I can identify with you and your spouse.
Yes, the reality shows are trash, and hopefully the rest of the viewing public will notice that eventually!
I am a minister of music in a church, so that job is pretty secure as long as they like what I do :^)
I will add you to my list of folks to remember and yes, please DO keep a smile on your face..it’s hard, but oh so welcome!!
Blessings to you,
J