Innovation

When our family decided to take the road less traveled, we knew that our income would be less than if we had continued on with our life centered on career goals and the demands of my husband's job and the self inflicted pressures of living in suburbia.

Selling what we create with our hands, eating and selling some from what we grow on our homestead, and the occasional odd job have given us enough income to eat well, have a simple shelter (home), be clothed, educate our children simply, and provide the occasional extra.

A concern that often creeps up, probably far too often, is the worry that we are not providing our children with all the tools that could enhance their gifts.  I think of the instruments for the musicians, art supplies for the artists, science kits for our scientist, and movie making equipment for the future director.

As the oldest boys are now nearing 15 and 17, they have been called on often by neighbors to do odd jobs such as stacking wood, raking, taking care of animals, etc.  In addition, they have been able to earn money helping us with our business as it has grown.   As a result, they are saving to buy themselves the tools they need to work toward their goals.

Thomas is an excellent keyboard player but he has always wanted to play drums.  While living in our off grid mobile home, a drum set was not an option.  However, in our home now we could make it work.  (I cringe a bit thinking of the noise, however.)

In the interim, while he saves, I was inspired by this temporary set up ~

Sorry for the blurry picture - He used the top of our oil lantern on his microphone stand, and I think you make out the rest - even the drum sticks are branches.

My hope is that his creativity and innovation will be carried with him throughout his life.

Warm wishes, Tonya