Click subscribe (it's free) and follow me on my journey of living without a wage. Living off the land and a bit of 'make do and mend'. Check out my blog at viviskitchengarden.wordpress.com Find me on Facebook at / viviskitchengarden
Your videos fill me with joy Vivi, thank you so much. I spend a lot of my time alone even though I have a family, it's great to know I can just come to this lovely warm space when ever I need to. If I'm having a break from gardening I pop a video on with a cuppa and I'm good to go, it's like having a friend round for a chat lol x
I havent worked since my dad died five years ago. I was unwell with anxiety and that has reared its head a few times. I am so busy with my allotment, garden, and I look after my grandchildren which I love doing, twice a week. I am so busy but I agree that there is a belief by some that I sit around when I most certainly don't 😂. I have just started to reward my self with a sit down to read my magazine or book, and currently I popped to the plot and had a good soaking in the rain so I decided to have the afternoon off so showered, pj's on and watching your videos on the sofa. Love your chats Vivi. Watched some videos this morning while cleaning the kitchen. Thank you Vivi.
Oh Vivi, this struck home for me so completely. I went through this exact cycle when i gave up working. The exhaustion took me by surprise and I felt like I may have slept through an entire month! I accomplished very little and not only felt a tad depressed but actually had muscle spasms, twitches, aches, what have you...hiding below the surface of a hectic 9 to 5 life! Now, I've just turned 47, I have a 10 year old daughter, and a hubby bringing home the bacon. So not the same as you. But other than teaching last year, I had not worked since that girl was born! This year, lord have I suffered all over again not working. My tips, make a strong sleep, wakeup cycle, and a morning/breakfast/day-planning routine and religiously stick to it. I found it hard to become alert and active without this! I plan not a day of rest, but a time of day rest (kid is home for the summer, there will be no peace lol). As soon as she goes to bed, it's ME time. Wind down time, or I don't sleep.
I'm gradually working out a routine....sort of (!).....it depends a little on the weather (rain = sewing, sun = gardening!).... I'm still adjusting but generally happier than I've ever been. Good advice re the sleep/wake-up routine. Thank you. :-)
Also, being a bit of a note book/bullet journal nerd I would love to see a video in how you track your garden info/produce weights etc. Although feel free to say no!! ❤❤
I would also love to see how you track it all. You seem so organised. I am haphazard at best and if I'm going to start growing as a serious way to reduce my food expenditure I need to get much more organised.
Cup of coffee and a new video from Vivi. :) Great start to my morning. I'm glad to hear you're going to give yourself a day off a week. Saying no is something I have a hard time with when I'm free as well. And some people don't seem to realize that it is okay to say no - for whatever reason you decide. Even if it is just because you don't want to do it. I'm so glad you feel the "viral" love. LOL. Have a fabulous night!
Yes, people who learn you aren't scheduled to work for pay think you are available to help them meet their needs. It is perfectly acceptable to continue that conversation with the words, "What's the going rate for that? I think we can do better than that." And get PAID a nice tax-free sum for your capable presence. House-sitting, pet-sitting, those things cost REAL MONEY or they wouldn't need to ask you at all. Find out what those things sell for, and then beat the price. Buy some CHEESE!
You are doing great! Very on top of things. I completely agree with you about how you are feeling. I heard a man speak who went through years of stress and struggle in keeping up with things happening in his life including divorce which left him with not enough money to support living in an apartment or house. So he bought a van and set it up for living in. Money issues were resolved and to his surprise he began what he called decompressing. For the first time in years he was able to relax. Even though his story was tragic based, I think stress is stress no matter where it comes from. I went through the same decompressing. 2016 was a very bad year for me as far as my health goes. One was a diagnosis of severe stenosis. I had to quit my job. Now, husband is working so we are okay, but my job provided half of our income. Serious changes occurred. Even so, I had no problem doing without things I wanted. Got used to living according to need again, which in my opinion is healthy. The decompressing began. I'm very excited about being a full time homesteader. We have chickens and rabbits as well as our organic gardens. This is the ultimate lifestyle as far as I'm concerned. Are you permitted to do home health care on your own where you live?
I heard about an interview with a very old man. He was asked to share his secret to longevity. One of the things he mentioned was, "I sleep like a dog." Do you know how many hours a day a dog sleeps? LOTS! But not all at the same time. I have taken this to heart, and really, it does feel much better to just go snooze when you feel tired. When we are getting older, and are feeling pain, we really need the sleep to repair, and refresh.
Totally!!!!! I have ALWAYS been a fan of the siesta..........even when I was younger and had more energy I always have an afternoon sleep. One of the reasons for making the new shed so comfy (mattress coming soon!) is so that I can have my siesta there and then when I wake up I can carry on in the garden. Nap well my friend! :-)
So interesting to watch this now that you’re so far along your journey. I can relate to some of what you say. I took redundancy in May 2019 and got a tiny payout. Almost three years on, I still have some of it left! I am super frugal but don’t live off the garden. I write a blog instead and started a RU-vid channel last year - finally plucked up the courage! It’s so liberating to jump off the 9-5 gravy train. Luckily the mortgage was paid off and I would encourage anyone that yearns for a simpler life to put all their efforts into buying and paying off a modest home if at all possible. I know it’s not possible for everybody as my own daughters don’t earn enough to get started, which is frustrating. It’s hard for youngsters these days. Anyway thanks for your channel. I really enjoy your chats.
Wowzers, well done you still having some of your redundancy pay! I've often said the only way I was able to make the jump into this new life was for the fact that I had paid my mortgage and student debt off.....and I already had somewhere to grow my food. I feel for your daughters' generation......I can't imagine trying to start on the property ladder now. I wish them so much luck!
Vivi, I understand what it is you are going through. Yes, people don't get it that you are not "working". Perhaps when they ask you for help, and you feel you can, offer to barter your time for something they have that you need, or let them know that your time has value and it will be X to watch the cats for the weekend. Me time is soo important. If you can't give yourself a whole day, try to give yourself a morning or afternoon, where you just go off by yourself and reflect. I'm a knitter, so I spend an hour each morning, with my coffee and I knit. It helps to keep me sane. It's something that I generally do just for me. Money, I understand those worries as well, but over time, I have found that if I don't somehow carve out a little bit to go for a coffee, a dessert or a movie with a friend, they stop asking. You can say no, I can't meet your for dinner, but I'd be happy to have after dinner coffee or dessert with you. That way, the expense of a whole meal is not spent, but you still get to enjoy being with your friends and getting out and doing something "special". Just something for you to think about. I admire what you are doing and I am enjoying being along for the journey with you, thanks to RU-vid. Happy Gardening! Catherine
Wow Vivi you are doing amazing! I am in total awe of what you have undertook. To be more or less self-sufficient is a very daunting task, well done for making an amazing start! I was fascinated by your 'take' on your first month and how open you are about sharing your deepest thoughts and feelings, thank you for sharing. What I agree most with you is how difficult it is to say no lol! A good while ago I left 'work' to be a stay at home mam with my third child and although I still earned a living cooking from home and working a few evenings a week teaching, friends and family decided I wasn't 'working' and exactly as happened to you I was asked to do all sorts during the day lol! I very quickly learnt the art of saying no! Which previously I struggled with. I also think it gets easier to say no as you get older haha! I'm coming up to 60 and can now say no at the drop of a hat! Lots of love from up north xx
I to grow my own veg and stuff, I'm not a vegetarian but I don't run out of any of the Kale and other things in the garden and if I do there are options like if the onions get low I eat chives, greens get low I eat nettles, protein can be more of a problem but being a meat eater not for me, I do grow lots of peas and beans and I did have chickens in the garden so lot of eggs. What I'm trying to say is don't get in to a rut with how you think about things just do it. I broke my back a year or two ago so I have not worked since...I'm 63 so for me getting another job is I find really hard I have got to grow my own food cause I can't afford to buy it even if I wanted to....I don't buy it cause of all the chemical s on it and the lack of taste. So I think you should do stuff for yourself first then other stuff next and bend a little now and again. Thanks for sharing your life Vivi.
My husband and I are less than 5 years away from a 'unpaid-employed' life. Planning for rest? I wouldn't have even considered that, but now I can certainly see how critical that is. I know too that leaving work will be a major sea-change for Papa Bear & your words of wisdom in that area are more valuable than I can express. Thanks so much for giving us the benefit of your new experience. We're going to need it!
Thank you so much for taking us along on your journey. I haven't been in your shoes but think each week, month, etc. it will get easier and you will look back and be so proud of what you accomplish. Keep those positive thoughts going. :0)
Vivi? How about setting up an "ETSY SHOP".....you can sew your buntings and sell them there.....and maybe some gardening aprons? and maybe some floppy gardening hats? You can call your ETSY SHOP, "What Vivi Sewed Next"........that could possibly be your fall/winter side job, when the weather turns to cold to garden......that way people everywhere could buy your creations through Etsy!......
I think I can only speak for myself Vivi. But I think your magnetic personality and honesty and your love for things is what I love the most. You seem to be an open book. Sharing your ups and downs. Just keeping it real. My mother and I set with a good cup of coffee and watch you. She always says you're such a peaceful and relaxing person to watch. I tell my Momma that you're the "Steve Irwin" of gardening. Meaning you're so passionate about what you do. Also I've learned it's ok to say"No"! How does the song go??? If you can't please everyone you've got to please yourself. ✌🏼️❤️& Happy Planting & Harvesting🌱🍎🌽🍠
Oh, I LOVE the fact that your mama watches with you (hello Leigh's mama!). Thank you so much for your lovely words and encouragement since I started making these vids - means the world to me. And, yes, I'll keep it real.........seems no point in doing it any other way. Give mama a hug from me. X :-)
I found that , once I retired from the job I was busier than ever. Same amount of work on the farm that I used to get done in 4 ish hrs a day around work but now I could start working in the morning, work till dark and still only get the same amount done. It is important to tak e a day every once in a while to just "be Vivi". No schedule nothing planned as a "must do". This is something that I have fallen down on badly. I have been retired for 7 years after over a year on leave and have been away from home overnight ......... twice. Going to have to work on that I guess. It is completely OK to not be at everyone else's beck and call. I hope that your upcoming vacation to the continent will leave you refreshed and relaxed. Enjoy!!!
Your video post was very touching. I can relate to most everything you've been going through and although it's all overwhelming at times, pacing yourself always helps. Designated 'time off' is a must. Everything you've tackled so far will be such a reward down the line. Your journaling is perfect along with your "todo" lists and long term goals. The fact that you document everything is wonderful. You are destined to succeed and I admire you a lot. I'm in a similar situation - but I actually retired from my job. I'm trying to follow in your footsteps with the organization techniques. I'm learning a lot from you, so Thanks. I also feel compelled to comment on the people who want to take advantage of you're having time off. It's selfish of them and if they react negative to your telling them no, they're not your friend. I'm just sayin....
You're so right Wilma....about the friends and taking time out. I'm learning as I go.....but the 'day off' is definitely something I will plan for from now on! Thank you for you encouragement. :-)
Love that you are raising your food! Getting to know your story by going thru old videos(I’m a new sub) In 2005 I left my full time job to be home with my son. Started cleaning homes a couple days a week and raised a huge garden as well as foraged. You are so right that it initially is exhausting. Here I am 16 years later, different home, huge garden, cobbling part time employment to pay the very few bills I have (mortgage, etc). It is a Good Life although lots of work but also scads of peace and joy. Wishing you a 💕 lovely growing season. Enjoy your videos.
Calm is a free app that I use to relax and fall asleep! Full body scan really helps me to drop off. We all love you too Vivi. I've just watched your nettle soup video and know I have some growing in the garden 😕 will give it a go and let you know how I get on xxx
lovely to hear your thinking out loud. I can totally relate to how you feel the pressure and needing time off. I am a stay at home mum my husband is in the forces we have five children two who are autistic one who is epileptic, my life is like two full time jobs with appointments and medication and all the extras but on top of that I have decided to try reduce the supermarket costs and eat well by having a full allotment and a half plot too. I volunteer at the pre school to help with their garden, I offer to help others when I know I'm struggling for time I've just started crocheting sensory octopuses along with all that in a student too......but I never take time to just be and it takes it toll I'm not 25 anymore and it shows my body hurts and everything takes a bit longer and more energy than it used too. great advise to all Take time for self!!! 👍 you are an inspiration Vivi keep sharing I'm sure great things are ahead 🌱
Oh missy - you need to have some time to yourself!!!! That's a huge amount to deal with! But good on you (HUGE good on you) for continuing to think of and help others even when you need it yourself. You're a superstar. X
I came of out of a very stressful marriage/divorce and it does take time for your body to relearn how to live outside of stress. Self care is a big deal, allowing yourself down time in whatever form that takes. I am disabled and have chronic pain and you get really good at camouflaging your pain. Other people say oh you have free time and look ok and so I understand when people ask you to do things they aren't seeing the whole picture. Having a schedule book when those calls come just ask when they need you and you can say I've a previous engagement scheduled. They don't need to know if it's garden time or whatever, your time is valuable same as someone working full time because you Are working full time to feed yourself. Oh and care for your Aunt. And care for you too!
Retired to my garden and studio. Did not miss the leaving "formal work" but like you became busier and worked more and longer. Like you I have realized one must have a rest time from new work routine or will loose the joy of my gardening and home. I very much admire your strength and life force and pray that you continue to grow and prosper.
Oh goodness Vivi, I had the exact same sleep issues when I retired. I assumed it was the reduction of stress and my system adjusting. I have a 'sleep cd' that has worked very well for me. Saying no can be very difficult, if you want to soften it a bit, pick a phrase like "I'm sorry I already have something scheduled" or one a friend of mine used " Sorry, that doesn't suit". I heard this a few years ago, "when a man says no it is the end of the discussion, when a women says no it is the beginning of a negotiation." :-) sad but true. I have really enjoyed watching your journey, thanks for sharing!
Wow! You are doing great, and you don't owe anybody an explanation about not being able or willing to do stuff for them!! Honestly, friends who counter 'no' with 'why not' are....not exactly non-friends to me, but people who I know to guard myself around. All my real friends whom I feel comfortable with, respect me for protecting my own well-being and would never push on after encountering a boundary. Maybe this whole journey is one of discovering boundaries for you, now that I'm thinking about it. You're discovering physical boundaries - how tired your body really is - mental boundaries - having to 'plan' days off - and even spiritual boundaries, you could say:). I went through a somewhat similar process when I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and an anxiety disorder (half my days are 'planned days off' now to be honest:)). It sucked at first, but looking back I think learning to handle and communicate boundaries is one of the most inspiring things I've ever done. I'm looking forward to next month's reflections! EDIT: And then she got to the end of the video and wept...;)
Love watching your videos Vivi, its always exciting to see when you have posted new ones and watching old ones. You are very inspiring and I am happy to see such support for you on your RU-vid comments! My garden has greatly benefited from your knowledge and joy you bring to gardening, thank you. It has given me much more drive to go out and get things done, though I have to say I have been neglecting going though my raspberry bushes. lol I too work from home and have a hard time saying no, but am slowing getting better at it. Hope you have fine weather, all for now. Jenn
Thank you Jenn! I am sort of laughing at your raspberry patch.......I think we ALL have one of those bits of the garden that just never seems to get done....... I'm sure they won't mind. ;-)
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I really enjoy listening to your thoughts. I think it is perfectly normal that you feel tired now that you have the time to allow the feeling. If the feeling does not go away try look into "emotional exhaustion". I am looking forward to see what adjustments the next month will bring to your new life. Learning to say no is the hardest thing - may the force be with you :-)
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us, you are on an adventure for us and your willing to share. Thats fantastic! Some off your thoughts are so new to me and some are so understandable. It is a priviledge to whatch and learn.
brilliant up date vivi, i truly understand about feeling wore out , its taken nearly 18 months to stop feeling tried, stepping out a routine, i used to teach and lecture and not being at work (i left through ill health) i only just got used to going out in a school day because i felt i should be a school etc, i used to be single so i needed like you to be the bread winner, but i now have a partner who is awesome but its so difficult to let go of looking after your self etc, i started last month to start a little veg garden and you know we got a couple of days off and instead of going out all i want to do is stay home and be in my studio or garden, there no rushing to see things, do things, i live in a wood which is awesome ( i couldnt sleep so i up listening to the dawn chorus), and yes the guys from my channel which is small at the mo are brilliant , you never feel alone...i think about them as friends plus i look forward to see you and sean and other people , its amazing that i can pop to london to see you for 20 mins,then pop to stoke, to usa while just popping into the kitchen to make a cuppa, any way thank you for sharing your month and i'll see you soon hugs bee x
Gosh I hope it doesn't take me 18 months to feel like myself again! It sounds like you've got things turned around now and have a lovely set-up for both you and your partner. Happy woodland dwelling! :-)
Hi Vivi you are a real princess i'm 76 years old retired 2006 ...... it did my head in so i started working part time using my years of skills to a good cause maybe you could use your skills in the same way " part time " we all know how difficult it is to do what your doing living without a regular income darling your courage is most commendable i wish you my most good wishes " i think you'll make it Vivi light at the end of the tunnel as they say.......... im interested to follow you Go for it Darling give it your best Love Ed
I "retired" about 2 years ago. It was a scary move at first. As you did before taking this step into a different life style I lined up the all the negatives and positives. The positives were leaps and bounds above the negatives. The main thing I missed was the routine. I have since set up a bit of a schedule for my self. I am very goal orientated and I am also a list person. I really love your channel.
Thank you!!!!! I think if you are/were goal orientated in your working life it's absolutely fine to carry on with it........folk keep advising me to dump my to-do lists.........without realising that I actually like them......it's just the way my mind works. Happy goal achieving to us! :-)
This is very interesting I work only 3 days a week and if I allow it I will be baby sitting on most of my days off I am a frustrated gardener because some times I have to drop every thing. I will be paying a lot of attention to what you are saying as one can get taken advantage of. I often think of when I can be at home the whole week but I do also get scared your story has given me a lot more courage to face such eventuality. Could it be cyber love your talking about Vivi
I think it's really important to make boundaries and establish one's own 'work' pattern on what other people see as my days off.....I'm sure some folk think I sit around and do nothing each day! The hardest thing I find now is to give myself a day off.......I'm working on it but I really need to do it....a day for simply reading....or walking in town...or hanging with friends......that would be lovely. :-)
Good on you Viv .You'll find it gets easier as time goes by . When I was forced into retirement it was very difficult , now I don't know how I found time too work .Best wishes ................Bill from Oz
I know y'all aren't big iced tea drinkers over in the UK but I'm a big fan of making iced tea popsicles {ice lollies}. Just prepare tea however you prefer to drink it and pour it into ice pop molds. If you already drink tea and have those supplies on hand, it should be free. Not nearly the same as an ice cream cone, I know. But still refreshing on a hot day. Might fill in the gap for the freezer treat in the evenings. XOKK
We love you too Vivi! lol. Viral love... yah I'll pass on that case too. What else has been going on to make you smile.. hmmm? what ever it is.. keep it up. you're simply radiant!!
hi vivi, i enjoy watching you and also sean. your so bubbly. i was like i defo need to start growing food again and lots more of it as i use to grow a few bits but nothing like i will be doing this year in a mount's and verity of food and fruit as i use to always by it from the shop's. i no longer have a garden like i use to as i gave up my house for a flat and i have to say its the best thing i have done for my son as he has a lot more indepence than he use to due to being in a wheelchair a lot or crawling around the house. i've now opted in for allotment. i found a small one just 5 min's away which i though was great for my son so i said yes to is but then i got thinking if i wanted to grow all this fruit and veg then the plot would'nt be big enough. some how i've gone from no allotment to 2 allotments which i keep laughting about. lucky enough my son has always enjoyed getting out in the garden and getting muddy so it means we will have a family hobby and im lucky as my partner will be helping out when his not working. sorry this is also his account as i keep saying i will set my self one up and i still have'nt got round. but on the hope i just wanted to say thank you for being you and making me think more about the benifit's to growing your own instead of keep buying it from the shops. zoe
Good on you taking on another! It may seem like work to start with, to get it sorted to how you want it.....but then it will give you so many hours of pleasure......for both of you by the sounds of it........and you get free food at the end! Go enjoy getting muddy together!
Vivi, you shouldn't worry. You sound like a very realistic ^ thoughtful person. This first year will be the hardest, getting your processes and schedules in order. Farming, which is what you are doing, IS a full-time job. I am retired and I luckily had a full year of traveling and a changed schedule (none) before I settled down to everyday life (I drove around the states doing genealogy and visiting cousins). And yes, it is hard to give yourself a day off from doing what you did for love before but now are doing to survive. My income is meager and I now have a little (!) urban farm with 3 chickens, 17 fruit trees and a veggie garden to help with expenses. During the drought here in CA I worried that I wasn't going to be able to make it on my income. I even worried that I had overestimated how good a gardener I was. Now that its raining again and all the hard work of establishing my farmlet is done, I am much more confident about being able to grow and preserve almost 90% of my produce, eggs, treats and juices even though my total growing area is about half what yours is.
It sounds like you have adjusted really well and got yourself a great set-up there.........I know what you mean about momentarily doubting your gardening abilities.........we just have to trust in ourselves and let nature take care of the rest eh? Thank you. :-)
I totally admire and respect what you are doing. Taking the time to share your experience with us all, is wonderful! You are truly an inspiration for those of us who are going through lifestyle changes! Hugs from Canada
I like the fact that you keep notes of every thing. Its amazing how much valuable information you can build up where gardening and food growing is concerned, As for work I work pretty hard monday to friday, just do all the easy jobs on saturday then on Sunday I do nothing but relax and enjoy the environment. I have no time for TV or negative news or mind numbing rubbish. I like to keep happy and positive. Only concern my self with things I can do some thing about. The things I can do nothing about I just don't give them any thought to. If you like growing your own food You just have to try growing these. Nettles,Rosebay Willow Herb, Dead Nettles, Hedge Garlic and Cinnamon vine. All these species here require no looking after once established and will keep providing for years and years. Only a compost mulch in the fall when they all die down is all you need to do. Cinnamon Vine is a very nutritious yam by the way. Many tons can be grown in a small acreage
Ditto re turning off the negative stuff! Re the list of other things to grow I generally don't because I can forage for them in the 'wild'.........but I don't know the cinnamon vine.......hmmm.......need to look into that one! Have a wonderful day in your garden. :-)
I just want to say how much I love your videos. I am sending hugs and good growing wishes from Montana. My dad certainly understands your pressure about the food you need to grow to feed yourself. His family farmed during the late 30s and 40s and didn't have money to purchase food. I'm sure the love you put into growing will reap you lots of rewards.
Thank you so much. Gosh....that was a tough time to live......I think we can all learn so much by knowing/understanding what our grandparents achieved during times of adversity. :-)
I feel quite fortunate that I grew up with parents who had lived through the 1930's here in Prairie Canada. I learned an awful lot about growing and doing for myself from them.
When you first left your nursing job, maybe people would have had a better appreciation for what you were doing if you had said that you were changing your career to full-time farming? Or would that have been too cheeky of a response, as you say in the UK? 😉 Regardless, I admire what you have done in the past few years, Vivi, and receive a great amount of joy and knowledge from your channel. I have been a homeschooling, stay-at-home mom for 24 years, and as the nest is emptying, there is often pressure from others - even within my own family - for me to get out and "work" 🙄 As if I haven't been for the last 24 years, lol! Vivi, if I hadn't married and had children, I'm pretty sure I would have embraced a similar lifestyle to yours. I completely agree that we are meant to "be" (as you said in another older video) and should not define ourselves by what we do for an enployer for 40-odd hours each week. I have continually advised my sons since they were very young to try to be their own boss by the time they're 30. My 24yo is almost there already 😀 Anyhow, thank you, Vivi, for your mentoring and your genuineness.
Thank you so much Lorraine, I so appreciate you sharing your own experience......I can't think of many jobs tougher than running a household AND being a teacher. Hats off to you and all other home-schoolers....you have my total respect!
@@WhatVivididnext You're too kind, Vivi! I'm not sure that I did either very well, but I certainly gave it my best effort. I think it's important that we be true to ourselves and our calling no matter where it takes us, and that is what I was attempting as well 😉 We'll see what the next chapter of my life entails 💖
Hi Vivi, just started watching your channel recently after seeing you pop in on Sean. Sounds like we are in similar situations, my last work day will be next Friday. I've resigned due to health issues. Wish we had better health care options here in the states, that is my biggest worry. At least I have a bit of land and I'm working on expanding my garden space.
Vivi !! don't take this the wrong way but is it just you for is it all ladies think about that many things at once, lol if a bloke thought of that many thing at once would shut down and need a reboot LOL !! it's great, one thing at a time men can't think or do two things at once !! thanks for sharing and happy gardening !!
As I too am just about to retire from a lifetime of nursing. Like you I am very arthritic and frustrated that things take longer to do I am less flexible so some jobs are harder. I love your channel and admire you for what you are doing. I am interested in see how you progress through the second episode of your life.
Oh Pat I wish you so much joy and fun as you move into your next chapter! Yes, some things (hahaha, most things) definitely take longer......but while we take longer we have the time to hear the birds and smell the roses.....sort of! Good luck lovely......it's a big change.....I STILL miss my patients and families. 😊
You are not unemployed, you are now self employed. You have taken something you love to do and turned it into something you have to do. Just a different way of being. Life is a journey, with many different roads to follow. Enjoy!
Good afternoon Vivi, love your last video as do l love them all.Now then, please give yourself time and don't be afraid to let go now and then you might like it.But l know what you mean, alow your self to be happy its ok you know honestly.Anyway I'm just sitting hear scooping out tomatoe seeds for next year,l got some tommys called VICTORIA which lve been eating for the last week Mmmmmmmm can't stop eating them they are so incredibly sweet so l thought l would save the seed and grow them next year.Ive also saved seed from SUNGOLD tomatoes and with great results.Awaiting your next video all the very best ta ta for now xx
Save your inside home jobs for the winter, or wet days,vivi. It is a huge adjustment, and sometimes folks can have a period of 'grief' for the life they had and also feel trepidation about what's to come. Give yourself 6 months to adjust and you'll be feeling great.. x
Hey Vivi, have you heard of The Palace Pint? If you grow hops (they use the dwarf Prima Donna variety) for them I think they trade for beer. If you have a tiny spot for some hops (up the shed for some summer shade on those really hot days?) then you could join in. Also, scrumpy is dirt cheap to make and I have some homebrew gear you can borrow so you could start a tipple store in time for the festive season come the apple harvest if you like. My pressure canner has arrived too so you're welcome to borrow that if you can get your hands on some canning jars. Longterm shelf stable storage would free up so much freezer space for you!
Ooooh - haven't heard of them before.....what a fabulous idea. I actually have plans to start home brewing again.......recently been given some kit (early birthday present) and will add to if from freecycle. I've got a secret plan for the compost bin end of my plot !!!! You're such a lovely soul offering advice and use of your kit!!!! Thank you!!!!!!
I'm really in awe of how you live your life :) watching your videos has really helped me start to think about producing my own food on a larger scale. I've recently got an allotment which is in a bit of a state so although I will be growing some things this year I'm taking hints and tips from you on how to produce enough for a single person. Thank you :)
Oh that's wonderful to hear!!!!! Getting the allotment into shape will feel tough and daunting at times but it's soooooooooooo worth the work in the end! Have a ball growing your own food. Good luck. :-)
Thanks! It's 17ft by 110ft! It's even more daunting as I'm a disabled, mainly a wheelchair user, and I don't have a too many non-disabled friends I can rope in to help with the physical work! Luckily my mum has been growing for 30+ years so I have a wealth of knowledge to tap in to, and of course people like you really help. I currently grow at home in my small garden; this year I've got broad beans (can't wait to try the hummus recipe!), french beans, dwarf peas, mange tout, carrots, beetroot, radish, chickpeas, spinach, chard, strawberries, blueberries, autumn raspberries, parsnips, squashes, cucumber, peppers, aubergine, garlic, walking onions, 3 varieties of tomatoes and... er... I think that's it?! All grown in pots, planters or in my one large raised bed. I've also bought bare root summer raspberries, blackberry, tayberry and gooseberry plants that I'll keep in pots at home until next spring when I'll have a fruit cage at the allotment. I also bought bare root strawberries this spring to prep for next year as my strawberry bed is 4 years old now but both my original strawberry bed and the bare root plants are full of flowers so I imagine I'm going to have a huge strawberry glut this year! To make matters worse I'm going to be away for six whole weeks starting at the end of june and I am entrusting my food harvesting and storing to my Dad! Do you have any tips on freezing or bottling strawberries? Thanks again for all the videos, I've come to look forward to them more than Gardeners World and Beechgrove!
What you describe is perfectly normal and natural. Because it IS work. It IS your life. So naturally that's something you'll stress about. Nothing to beat yourself up over, love. But think about it. Comparatively, the stress level with this has got to be less than what you were experiencing at work. Revel in that and let it keep being your labor of love. Also, have you considered writing an e-book to generate funds? I would LOVE to have your advice in written form.
My stress now is nothing!!!!! Compared with when I was working. I'm pretty much a non-stressed person now. :-) I'm writing all the time.......maybe, possibly.....a book will appear.........frugal living/gardening/food storage/recipes etc............and idle thoughts. ;-)
Viv u r doing brill :) .I would love to do what u are doing at times as working with children with disabilities and their families can be so stressful at time .Epsom salt is in home bargins ,same bag u use for just over £2 if that helps .I got lots of them to make bath bombs and now use in the garden too.Much love (viral love lmao ) sent your way .love catching up on how u r and what u have been up to :) Hope u have a wonderful bank holiday :) Deb x
Thank you lovely. That is a stressful job (a wonderful and rewarding job but stressful all the same)........I hope you have some lovely downtime planned in the next few days. :-)
It has its moments that make the stress worth while :) I am growing alot of flowers aswell as veg so plan to pot them on and hope my hubby is able to make more planters for my garden :) x
I know the feeling when you crave something so badly that you can almost taste it, and there just isn't enough money to get it. We need to figure out what our priorities are, which sometimes can be difficult. It is great to see you happy.
I wish Vivi would open a "paypal account" and share it with her subscribers........ I would LOVE to buy her a ice cream cone or two! Her video's always make me smile!
My wifes a mental health nurse and as you will know the nursing profession takes it out on you. She also has arthritis of the lower spine her knees like yours are bad and she has sciatica so I know how you feel not sleeping well you made the right choice leaving the rat race and if you want you can always do a little bank work gonna keep checking these vids and hoping for loads of recipes for veg as we are not big veg eaters save for potatoes carrots etc bottling and storing tips will be good to. Good luck to you and the future.
Hi Vivi, maybe looking into supporting your 'adrenals' naturally. When one has had lots of stress and worry, and injury and pain, it can drain the 'adrenals' and it takes time for it to rebuild. You are a very strong woman (person) and remember that. You are encouraging others to be true to their own hearts. God Bless you Vivi. Sherry :)
Hi Vivi, do you know 'Indian Lore'? Take you hands and rub vigerously till they warm and it gets harder to rub, causing friction....NOW send Love from your Heart to your hands, then place them on your Adrenals and send them love. Tell them they have 'Divine Intelligence' within them and know how to rejuvinate. Bless them and keep sending them Love. Also, thank they for serving you all these years. God Bless. Hope you don't discount this. Sherry :)
Vivi, on the subject of scraping the bottom of the barrel, what if we made a list of who to turn to if different scenarios happened, or what offices we might make inquiries of. Since the job of our brain is to problem solve, why not put that bottom of the barrel thought into idle, by making a list. Hope this makes sense and that it helps.
Viral love lol so funny, you could add a condition - will house sit for cheese. I'd love to know how you keep track of the allotment and growing, I've tried a few ways but it never lasts cx
I have a notebook - I jot down dates of sowings, germination, transplanting, out into open ground etc......I weigh the produce and tot it up at the end of the harvest.......I also make a quick note of time spent on the plot each time and a brief summary of the work I did. I'm a geek! ;-)
You don't have to explain to people why you say no, they will have to trust your answer. "I will be occupied that day" or "I can not now" are for example perfectly good answer
Lol, VL might need to get vaccinated for that Vivi😆. Years ago,when I was laid off from a job that worked 60 hours a week for years, that first month I was so tired I thought there was something wrong with me. It took just under three months before I was my old self again. The body has to reconnect and become one again, don't rush it! lots of love your way!
I wanted to tell you that I am growing flint corn as well to see if I can tolerate it. The regular popcorn cause so many allergy issues and I think it is because it is not a heirloom variety I figured I would try it anyway because I love popcorn
Aww Vivi I wish I would live near you and could invite you to a cheese tasting or something :) Too bad we can't send food stuff across the channel :s You are always so positive and exuberant and I have to admit I feel always better after seeing your videos.
You might try keeping small hard candy on hand when you need a sweet. This next year you can make your own. Also, some of your pain may decrease as you continue to distress and your body recovers years of to much hard work. Maybe you could spend a day writing as a day off.
Hi Vivi do you have a PO box? You give so much to us with your films and knowledge. I would love to send you some seeds etc that I have left over. My way of saying thank you. X
Awww......bless ya! I've always been a 'smell the roses' type of person........but now I can do it to my heart's content. Have a lovely rest of your weekend. :-)
Great video ...it struck a cord with me after reading the book "How to survive without a salary" by Charles Long. He talks about some of the issues you've experienced .....no days off! Give yourself permission to have a day off...as Charles says you have been( playing weekend or days off for a month) You were finally free to do all those things you enjoy plus all the things that needed doing and after a month you are exhausted because your former recreation has become your work. You need time off from that too. Waiting for the leisure to happen or putting it off until all the chores are done doesn't work. Try imposing a discipline and set aside regular inviolable , Vivi time. & just say NO. YOU CAN DO IT!
I so enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing with us your adventure. I love your stories. I am from California. I would love to visit an English allotment. Yours especially. Maybe one day. You mentioned that you sew. Do you make and sell banners? I like it when you put yours out in the garden. I would love one. It would be special if sewn by your hands. Have you considered selling them on Etsy? Well I look forward to your next video. Take care.....Babs
Oh thank you Babs! Yes, I sew......I'm planning to start making bunting to sell soon......although the garden and kitchen keep me busy so the bunting may be more of a winter job.......I'll keep you all posted. :-)
As time goes by you are going to lose the desire for those treats and when you try them the taste will not be as you remember and the tiredness I feel the same you have to make an effort to push through it or it will take you over when I stop work I was feeling like I was recovering from a bad illness now I push through you are not alone
Hi Vivi, do you intend to renew your registration or do you think you won't go back into the profession. I love your style of filming looking forward to your successful summer.
Vivi did you have any panic attacks with the change of no employment? I have, I started a small wholesale/resell on eBay to have some income coming in & a part time job working online with a call center. Both working at home instead of a 9-5 job. I still have debt to pay off so maybe that is the reason of panic.
You really are doing great, I can see you getting the balance of leaving one type of work for another kind AND giving yourself the task of down time... hey, even the big guy took one day off deary, lol! Now go nap, sew a little cheese money later only if you feel like it :) 🐣🐞🦉🐝🦋🌺🌹 ps what if you got an apple off the tree at the lot, whirled it in your blender and froze its juice for a fruit-ice as a treat in all that heat your getting? 🍎🍦?
Say no. It's easy. No. And on the 7th day he rested. We all need down time. You're still working, just for your food not a wage. You're doing great. Keep seeing friends. Organize a bring your own night at home or at the plot. No need to spend loads of money to spend time with friends.
Yes.......days off need to be planned too. The shed is quickly becoming the place I share with friends......so lovely to have somewhere to share and folk seem to love the peace and quiet there.......as well as the food. :-)
Well, I eat/drink all the others too. ;) Once I decided to become vegan (I was 19 and vegetarian for 4 years), and then one hour after the decision I consumed some milk chocolate (by total accident). So that was the end of my first trial. Haha. Anyhow, enough youtube, I need to go water my plants (and plant one million things). ;)
Have you thought about setting up a Patreon account? It allows your fans to fund your ongoing creation with a monthly subscription of their choice. For example, if fans supported you for $5 or more a month, you could give them access to a bonus video that only they can see. Patreon.com Anyway, I've been really enjoying your videos and look forward to see how you process this year. Thank you for sharing!
I thought about doing it (I was asked by a lot of folk to do it) but when I looked into it I got quite a nasty backlash from some troll types so decided against it. :-)
Eeeeeeeuuuuuwww......hahahahaha. I hate chutney!!!!! Hahahahaha. But, you're right, maybe make some to sell. Eeeeeuuuuuuwwwwww........trying to get chutney out of my head now! ;-)
How do you pay for your home, electricity , etc with no income? Also are you completely vegetarian ? If so you need a vitamin B-12 shot .Maybe why you are so tired.
My bills are tiny and they are being paid for by a combination of a bit of savings and money made from sewing (I have no mortgage - I paid it off while working). Yes I am vegetarian......I have my bloods checked annually and my vitamin levels are all great.......the tiredness, I think, is part of the letting go.....
What Vivi did next Just be careful about the b12. I've been vegan for 20+ years and need a b12 shot every 6 months. The body only gets it from near and dairy And an occasional unwashed dinner trip to the garden . The body will shut down and die without it . PS. Love all your videos. Wish I were as brave as you. I have lupus and working is very hard.
