Comments on Mockingbird Hill Cottage: Thrifty Living 2012 - More of Our Stories

Just sending you a Texas sized hug. My hubby and ...

2012-02-08T17:21:33.268-05:00

Just sending you a Texas sized hug. My hubby and I are past retirement age, but can not afford to retire, so I can identify with you and your spouse.
Yes, the reality shows are trash, and hopefully the rest of the viewing public will notice that eventually!
I am a minister of music in a church, so that job is pretty secure as long as they like what I do :^)
I will add you to my list of folks to remember and yes, please DO keep a smile on your face..it's hard, but oh so welcome!!
Blessings to you,
J

Wow! You are really struggling! I really dislike...

2012-01-31T17:41:28.665-05:00

Wow! You are really struggling! I really dislike the "reality" shows! PALEEEEEEZE! When this wave is over, I will be oh so happy!

Keep it going girl!

We were in the city yesterday, and saw so many hol...

2012-01-28T12:02:57.274-05:00

We were in the city yesterday, and saw so many holding up signs asking for help as they were homeless. It has taken us 8 years to rebuild our lives, and we went through many difficult years, but we didn't rebuild it as before. Thoreau wrote 'Walden' in what? 1845? And so much of what he wrote still applies today. There is a tremendous gain in letting go of what doesn't work and embracing what does.
~ Zuzu

Hi Claudia...I wanted to post something here the o...

2012-01-28T09:54:09.221-05:00

Hi Claudia...I wanted to post something here the other day but got distracted by the phone...so I am back...a little late though! My Lord what comments you got on this. Looks like most of us are in the same boat. I know we are. I love your writing. You are clear and concise and always speak from the heart. People like you always amaze me...not only do you take the time to create these wonderful things (via being thrifty) but you take the time to share with all of us...through your blog and photos...etc. I so appreciate that. The things that I do to save money are make meals that last 2 to 3 days or that I can use the leftovers in another meal. Make hand made items for gifts. Shop at places like Goodwill, Marshalls and Mardens. Not sure if anyone outside of Maine knows what Mardens is but it's an awesome place!! A lot of folks around here "shop" on big trash day in the summertime....picking up lets say a piece of furniture and repurposing it like you do. Our local dump now has a small building where they house the "junk" that people bring there. It's like a little shop...many treasures to be found there. I think that in this economy, people are finding that they have to reinvent themselves. My husband and I both worked for at a state run facility for years. We thought we would retire there. The state had other plans. We both started our own companies. My husband became a self taught computer techie and I started a cleaning company. It has had it's ups and downs but we survive...sometimes barely. I also sell things for people on Ebay and have done that for us too. I hope that we can ALL get back on our feet soon. But meanwhile, being thrify has kept me humble and has forced me to find gratitude. I substitute "fake" flowers from the dollar store for real until summer comes and light scented candles for the nice smell! Ha ha Oh!!...I wanted to tell you how amazed I am when I see the photo of you with your folks at Christmas...that beautiful little face framed by your snowsuit hood, is still the same beautiful little face today!! Amazing!! You look the same to me!! Lovely kind eyes and a beautiful face.:)

Great to read your story, Claudia! Thanks for shar...

2012-01-27T15:32:17.911-05:00

Great to read your story, Claudia! Thanks for sharing. Times are tough. This is a great time to flex our thrift muscles! My husband and I are thrifty bordering on eccentric! ;-) I'm looking forward to reading more about what you do to save money. :-) Jennifer

Hello Claudia, Wow. I really love this post-- so...

2012-01-27T11:21:27.732-05:00

Hello Claudia,
Wow. I really love this post-- so thought provoking. The comments have also been so interesting to read. So many of us have had financial, career, retirement and stability concerns that it doesn't surprise me that so many readers can identify with this series at some level. I really appreciate you sharing your story with us, and look forward to following this series.
Hugs,
Jill
PS: I watch a lot of PBS, and Netflix a lot of documentaries and period films. Reality tv is, for the most part, ridiculous. I do enjoy the "talent based" ones (Dance, music) but the crazy, pointless drama ones make me want to throw up in my mouth.
I watched the first episode of the new show "Touch" (starring Kiefer Sutherland) the other night and was absolutely rivited the entire hour. I. am. hooked.

Thank goodness you have the health insurance. Tha...

2012-01-27T11:17:43.081-05:00

Thank goodness you have the health insurance. That, as you say, is a huge blessing.

The world is definitely changing around us. My philosophy is to tighten your seat belt and hold on for the ride.

Do you have a webcam on your computer? You could ...

2012-01-27T11:10:52.261-05:00

Do you have a webcam on your computer? You could give some kind of lessons online perhaps.. Check out this link.

http://www.figplug.com/pages/about.html

I have a daughter who has been a member of SAG and...

2012-01-27T07:19:43.816-05:00

I have a daughter who has been a member of SAG and Aftra since the age of seven. So no, I never watch reality TV shows. It is part of the destruction of the arts in our wonderful country. I lost my counseling position five years ago and was never able to find another one. I was in my fifties and like you, no one wanted to pay me. I have put all of my furniture in storage and moved in with my 87 year old mother. Three years ago I started an Etsy shop and now am blogging. I love what I am doing and look forward to a time when I can support myself on my own again. Yes, at this age, I thought I would be planning for a comfy retirement. That didn't happen, so frugality is my middle name.

Thanks so much for sharing your story with us.
hugs,
Laura

Hi Claudia, What a great post that we all can rela...

2012-01-26T21:29:10.191-05:00

Hi Claudia, What a great post that we all can relate to in many ways. Everyday is a challenge to find ways to live good by cutting corners. I especially do this in my decor as well and creating for my shoppe on etsy.
This is such an interesting topic and we all have much to learn for the future because life does change as we age and our country changes.
Have a great weekend and give your sweet fur babies a hug from me and Miss Beazy.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Claudia, thanks so much for this honest post. I am...

2012-01-26T21:08:38.807-05:00

Claudia, thanks so much for this honest post. I am wishing only the best for you and your husband. My husband lost his job about 4 years ago. Like so many, he was too young to retire but too old to find a decent job. We made major changes to adjust and are trying to live off my retirement income. Not easy, but we are doing it. Thank you for doing this series because I don't feel like I'm in the boat alone anymore!

This is the third time I have typed a message and ...

2012-01-26T20:10:21.692-05:00

This is the third time I have typed a message and it went away. I guess I am too tired to be posting. But kudos to you girls for doing this. I feel bad for your situation. So many of us at this stage of our life are struggling. Having a roof over our heads is hard......I have that but it leaks.....really bad, seriously.
Your are just delightful. (((((HUGS)))))

Hi Claudia, It is somehow comforting to realize th...

2012-01-26T20:03:12.377-05:00

Hi Claudia,
It is somehow comforting to realize that so many of us are in the same boat. Unemployment, underwater mortgages, blah blah blah. Here's to living life on shoestring budget! Looking forward to hearing more of your story.
xoxo Debbie

What a lovely and heartfelt post today. I hope an...

2012-01-26T19:15:54.432-05:00

What a lovely and heartfelt post today. I hope and pray that your financial situation improves and that your life at mockingbird cottage is a long and happy one.

I hope that you always have food to nourish you, walls to shelter you, and the love of that good man to keep you warm :)
(corny but sincere!)

Best wishes to you

I hear ya loud and clear! Thank God for health ins...

2012-01-26T17:41:34.890-05:00

I hear ya loud and clear! Thank God for health insurance is right. a dear friend was out of work and her husband became deathly ill...all their saving gone. very scary indeed. I have always been frugal...I don't buy name brands and thrift stores have become my go to places lately. I hope you find more work soon.
Blessings, Joanne

I must say I never thought about 'reality'...

2012-01-26T17:22:50.989-05:00

I must say I never thought about 'reality' tv putting actors and others out of work...that is awful. I am in a hard place with no health ins and no income so I'm living as frugally as I can. I am really excited about this series and admire all five of you for being so honest...it really is what needs to be said. Wishing you and your hubby the best! hugs, Linda

Claudia, there has been a lot of tightening of the...

2012-01-26T16:55:55.784-05:00

Claudia, there has been a lot of tightening of the belt at our house too since my husband has been out of work for two years. Not quite old enough for retirement and too old to get a good job. We do much of what you do as far as saving money. Being creative, living simply, and having faith gets us through.

Hugs,
Donna

Hi Claudia, Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes he...

2012-01-26T16:44:02.854-05:00

Hi Claudia,
Thanks for sharing this. Sometimes here on the blogs we think that lfe is so perfect for some. Little do we know what they might be going through or have gone through.

I agree with you about the stupid reality tv shows. I never, NEVER watch them.

You and Don are blessed to have one another and that IMO makes life wonderful.

hugs
Sissie

Hi Claudia - thank you for your story and I will b...

2012-01-26T16:20:23.835-05:00

Hi Claudia - thank you for your story and I will be avidly waiting for your tips. I always leave your blog (and Brenda's) to the end to read. Saving the best for last.

I've never really had to be concerned about money. I've almost always had good jobs - cheap apartments and family to rely on for a loan if I spent more than I earned. Then about 12 years ago I was in a fair bit of debt about $12K on credit. Renting a cheap apt $325 a month and came into some money $14K. I could have just paid off my debt and followed the same lifestyle but I decided it was time to grow up (I was 38 after all and single so all my $$ was spent on things). I worked very hard for a year and used $3k of the windfall and managed to pay off all my debt. I bought a house and used $11k for downpayment. As the housing market is good in Canada, my house has appreciated by $100k but I have put $50K of renos into it.

I guess I was getting complacent. I bought a car for $30K 2 years ago on credit and still owe $50k on the house. Now I've benn off sick since mid-Nov with no $$ coming in, savings are depleted but I am returning to work next week. However, I have also been told that my job with be gone by April 2014. Due to health issues, I doubt I will be able to work at another job. Soooo - your thrifty advice couldn't come at a better time and I will be following it religiously.

I despise reality shows......so fake and disgustin...

2012-01-26T16:16:34.429-05:00

I despise reality shows......so fake and disgusting....what do they do for the kids today.....nothing good......
i collect social security and thank the lord i do.....i also live with my daughter and that is a big help also.
i remember those days you talk about
it was hard.....this series should be very interesting........rizzi

Claudia, another great post and I will be enjoying...

2012-01-26T16:02:28.473-05:00

Claudia, another great post and I will be enjoying this series. I grew up in the 60s and 70s on frugal living - I never really knew anything different. It was just normal - garage sales were fun and hand-me-downs from relatives were "cool". Eating out once or twice a month at Burger King or Ponderosa ($3.59 chopped steak dinners w/ salad!) were exciting outings. Because of this kind of living, my parents were able to pay for my college for which I am most thankful.

Frugal living is still ingrained in me. I do like an occasional little 'extravagance', but I don't think I'll ever change. It will be fun to read about your tips!

I wish you and your hubby nothing but good things. I look forward to your etsy shop and KNOW that your blog will be a continued success. Hang in there Claudia! Cheering for you girl! :)

I hate reality TV, it's all junk. I think peop...

2012-01-26T16:00:50.249-05:00

I hate reality TV, it's all junk. I think people like to watch it because it's a glimpse at someone else's trainwreck, that's all I can come up with.

Great post, Claudia...so many can relate, and we can all feel a little less alone in our struggles when we share here in the blogosphere.

What a good post with things we all can relate to....

2012-01-26T15:57:37.166-05:00

What a good post with things we all can relate to. You've received some interesting comments, too! I've enjoyed reading them. There are so many subjects that bloggers want to discuss about the economy! Enjoy your afternoon! ♥

So many of us in a similar boat! At least here in ...

2012-01-26T15:49:04.209-05:00

So many of us in a similar boat! At least here in the UK I don't have to worry about paying for medical care, and where I live in Wales all prescribed medicines are free too. But we also have a house worth little more than the mortgage and will still be trying to clear it in our 70s. I'm not working right now due to problems with my health and the credit bank my husband works for is being sold and he may lose his job. But I have decided to continue to look on life as an adventure and find the fun in everything. I hope you and Don can continue to do the same :D

Claudia, this was a very interesting post. I know...

2012-01-26T14:30:11.432-05:00

Claudia, this was a very interesting post. I know many of us are balancing life in ways we never thought we'd have to. And we've cut way back on our animals due to the cost of vet bills. I'm appalled to put an animal out of its suffering it's almost $200 out here. Our society went crazy with the wages they've paid athletes and movie "stars" over the years. There's no reality TV in our house. I'm not going to contribute to that form of "entertainment" and mentality. You and Don are just perfect for one another, and I know there will always be a new adventure for you two.