Ulog 49: 2019- New Beginnings Are Here: Time To Add To The "Skills-To-Learn" List
2019 Offers New Opportunities To Learn More Skills
The first month of 2019 is almost over and I'm already in the mode of making a list of new skills I want to learn; as well as crossing off ones I have conquered over the twelve months in 2018.
Since joining blockhain blogging platforms back in July 2017, I have exceeded my own limitations and set goals of learning new skills. When I first joined steemit back then, I was a hopeless non-green thumb person. I had barely kept cacti alive... but after joining, becoming a part of a homesteading and gardening community (or two), I have flourished with gardening, growing new herbs and flowers I had never heard of previously and have extended my knowledge of foraging, plant recognition and being able to become more self-sustainable on my own homestead.
I found that being on steemit and connecting with other gardeners, homesteaders and people with similar interests have really boosted me to try more every day.
I never knew I could accomplish half of what I posted on steemit over the last 18 months; let alone having more successes and learning from my failures.
Granted my homestead is only about 1/3 of an acre; but this allows for creativity on space allocation of gardening. To some this may seem as just a corner of a piece of property and one cannot truly grow, become self-reliant or produce enough to satisfy a homestead's needs, but on the contrary... it is perfect for the moment as there are only two of us in this household. Some day we hope to have 5-10 acres of land to call our own, but until then I will continue my growing here.
My Newly Developed Skills
Over the last 18 months or so since joining the platforms I have followed some great homesteaders and gardeners; and learning SO much from their posts, videos and comments. As I said when I first started this venture (into homesteading) seriously about three years ago, I had nothing to give. Or so I thought...
I had my knowledge. I had my underlying desire to learn. I was craving more. I researched. I read. I started experimenting. I broke through the never-gonna-do-it mentality and have done it. I have honed in on some older skills I had forgotten. I had jumped head first into new skills because I saw other people showing me and explaining to me how to do it.
So what have I learned so far?
- How to grow herbs & use them for culinary and medicinal purposes
- How to forage for edible plants and medicinal flowers
- How to preserve more by dehydrating, fermenting and smoking
- How to make homemade health and beauty products; including soap
- How to make my own spice and herb mixes from my garden
- How to make wine
- How to grow cannabis
- How to harvest all sorts of seeds
- How to make vinegar (ACV image below)
- How to make my dog's own (healthier) dog food and treats
- How to make tinctures, salves and lotions
- Making and using homemade cleaning products
- Starting an indoor winter garden two years in a row with success
- Making cheese and learning how to make kefir
- Started eating more healthy and even began the trek of a keto-friendly menu plan
But there are still some skills I'd love to learn and be able to conquer.
Things Like...
- Sewing
- Building small cold frames or raised garden beds (things out of old pallets)
- A rain water catch system
- How to process and field dress deer
- Go fishing (catch and clean the fish)
Here is my first ever attempt with making homemade apple cider vinegar
What I have learned so far (aside from all these new skills) was more about myself. I learned that I can push myself further, be more productive and that it's OK to make mistakes.
Portions of this post were previously posted to Whaleshares and updated.
ǝɹǝɥ sɐʍ ɹoʇɐɹnƆ pɐW ǝɥ┴
Thank you for stopping over @themadcurator!! I've seen you around on a few other posts I stopped in at!
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I too used to be a thumb person until I grew cacti and then I became a non thumb person
Coincidence you mention cacti.
My first ever houseplant was a cactus terrarium my dad had given me decades ago.... it died- sad but true
It's really beautiful to see how proud you are of your journey and excited for the road ahead! You reflect the excitement many of us have in experiencing learning and sharing our passion for homesteading with others on steem. But I have to hand it to you learning and sharing while encouraging, inspiring and helping others at the same time. You sure are a role model for many of us!
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follow: @homesteaderscoop
This is an ambitious and inspiring undertaking, Dawne! Good luck with everything you've planned to learn and achieve in 2019!
Wow! You've learned a lot. And lots to aim for. Never stop learning, never stop growing.
#powerhousecreatives
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Wow, I just thought a lot of the stuff you shared you had been doing for years, so it gives me a lot of hope on my journey that you are fairly new to some of these great skills, too! I have learned a lot through blogging on here. If it weren't for some of the people like you sharing your techniques and experiences I wouldn't have sauerkraut fermenting currently or homemade mint extract in my pantry right now! I love being surrounded by so much enthusiasm to learn. It truly is infectious!