I thought I might have your attention. <chuckling> Anyone who knows me may have actually asked themselves that very question.
You may not know that I went from business executive to helping others learn about a more simple life, one that includes hands-on messy work…(compost comes to mind). Why not just keep doing what I was doing so I could just BUY anything I thought I needed or wanted?
It took me a bit, but I learned what others already knew. One cannot buy the best things in life. Love. Happiness. Health. Those things come from a bank of a different sort. And you have to work for them.
But…I digress…Is Valerie Crazy?
Yep. Just crazy enough to open two businesses, in MICHIGAN, in this poor economy..and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. It is quite an adventure too! Crazy enough to trust the relationship my husband, John, and I have. Although, maybe he’s crazy-er for smiling and helping to make all this happen! A very good friend, Gordon, reminds me once in a while that “John didn’t sign up for that.” when I get a bit ahead of our plans. (John says I do everything fast.)
Bygone Basics is nicely established and picking up steam. I am thrilled with the uniqueness each guest brings to an experience. I feel truly blessed by them.
Amanda’s Bequest Bed & Breakfast is just now opening. (click the name to check out the website) John and I look forward to every guest. I’m all excited too…MORE PEOPLE TO COOK FOR! (I can’t help it, I grew up on a rural country farm in a big family….food was a very important part of life…and you fed people as a means of letting them know they are welcome)
Here is the perfect example of why I do what I do:
Bygone Basics' guests sitting down for a hearty farm lunch.
This family planned a vacation in March 2012 around their Experience with Bygone Basics. They drove through two states plus part of Michigan to get here. They were a brother, sister, husband, mother. And oh did they know how to enjoy each other’s company (I can only imagine that road trip)! They make a point out of celebrating holidays with a unique theme every time so noone takes any holiday for granted. Isn’t that a great idea? It might sound odd, but think how memorable a “Mexican” Easter would be. As each is different, it isn’t as likely that these special family times will fade from memory. They learned how to can at Bygone Basics, both pressure canning and water bath canning. I feel certain they will take that knowledge home and have much quality, happy, family times, canning produce from someone’s garden together.
Canning CAN be fun!
People of the past always knew, but we’ve begun to forget. Many hands make light work and lighter hearts. Think barn raisings and Amish summer kitchens. It’s not much work when you are enjoying the company of others while using the time industriously. Some might even call it a vacation. Is that crazy or what?
Light is the task where many share the toil. – Homer
On a completely different note: Here is a link to the March “I Can at Bygone Basics” Newsletter. Try the dried apples recipe. They are easy, healthy, and delicious.
icanatbygonebasics 