"Self-sufficiency does not mean 'going back' to the acceptance of a lower standard of living. On the contrary, it is the striving for a higher standard of living, for food that is organically grown and good, for the good life in pleasant surroundings... and for the satisfaction that comes from doing difficult and intricate jobs well and successfully." John Seymour ~ Self Sufficiency 2003

Thursday 26 April 2012

Creating memories

I am so excited that MKid is going to be living just "over the field" from us come the end of this year.


And I have a secret planned for him...
A secret door leading to where,
and lived in by whom...
... and I think on one of our trips to the farm before they move down will be the perfect time to create this memory.


I saw this on Rachael's blog and thought it was a wonderful idea.  If it works out, then I hope the memory of this will live in his mind for many, many years. I would've loved to have found something like this that stirred my imagination when I was his age.  Nothing better than allowing a child free range of thought - especially in today's world where everything is instant result and instant gratification.  I reckon it's of paramount importance that a child exercises their brain in other ways than through electronic stimulation - which is the current pathetic situation for today's young 'uns.


But he's a good kid - the best in fact - I know - I'm biased :)  And like his Nana, and his mother, he loves reading.  


No, I don't have any old, gnarled and twisted oak trees on the farm - just an alien Australian Black Wattle down by the dam.


But, I think, with a bit of ingenuity, it could work.


We have plenty of scrap wood for the door, and I will be taking a bit of pewter along to fashion into hinges.  Perhaps I can use a paper tack as a handle...?


If it works I will post a pic for you.


I wonder how many times he's going to visit it to see if there are any visible signs of any inhabitant...
Posted by Dani at 09:16:00
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17 comments:

  1. Unknown26 April 2012 at 09:34

    What a brilliant surprise for MKid...or for any kid really :) Are you going to tell him a tale when you 'discover' the faery door? Will it open?

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    1. Dani26 April 2012 at 12:40

      Tanya - I think making it an open-able door is beyond my capabilities :) Anyway, I wont be inhabiting it, so I wont be in possession of the key... LOL

      Delete
  2. Sue26 April 2012 at 10:54

    Great idea!
    I love the idea of kids "discovering" .
    Hope it all comes together for you.

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    Replies
    1. Dani26 April 2012 at 12:40

      Sue - Critical for kids, I reckon, especially in today's world.

      Delete
  3. Jane @ Hard Work Homestead26 April 2012 at 13:57

    That will be so cute.

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    1. Dani26 April 2012 at 17:21

      Jane - Hopefully I get it right, and it is cute LOL

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  4. johnnyb26 April 2012 at 15:03

    A neat idea. I have done some amateurish carvings of wood spirits on cottonwood bark. Old legend is that it releases the spirits from the wood.

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    1. Dani26 April 2012 at 17:22

      John - I'm a useless handywoman, but I'm going to give it my best shot :)

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  5. 1st Man26 April 2012 at 19:01

    OMG what a brilliant idea! I was just about to post about an old tree we have on our property and it's similar in appearance. I would LOVE to do a project like this for when people (of all ages, ha) visit.

    As for opening, why not make it static, as you said, and have a story about only fairy magic can open it, or troll magic, or something like that. Sort of like believing in Santa, you have to believe for it to happen.


    Awesome, please keep us posted.

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    1. Dani26 April 2012 at 19:58

      1st Man - LOL yeah, reckon it would appeal to people of all ages.

      Good explanation of the "locked" door - I must remember that... MKid does still believe in Santa - or likes to pretend that he does LOL

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  6. Linda27 April 2012 at 13:10

    I'm excited with you! Can't wait until they move. I saw this too. Cute.

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  7. Dani27 April 2012 at 15:19

    SBUK - Second hand bicycles are an eco-friendly method of transport - so I'll let your ad stand for all those in the UK :)

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  8. garden girl in SA27 April 2012 at 19:17

    Great idea. My fondest childhood memories are of those spent in the garden - climbing trees, lying in one reading, digging in dirt, picking fruit - I could go on forever! Good luck, however it turns out I am sure the memory will be awesome.

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    1. Dani27 April 2012 at 20:55

      GG - I hope so :) Like a swing suspended from a branch where one can sit and sway - day dreaming the day away. Good childhood memories - they're what makes us rounded adults.

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    ReplyDelete
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