
I love homemaking. I love the very word of it even. I must admit this is a very new feeling for me. It's only taken 20-odd years. Perhaps it's just (another) sign of my advancing years.
But despite all that I have to say I am not good at it. Oh no. I am sure there would be some family members, if they ever read this, who would be double checking ownership of this blog. And then howling with laughter. For at least 20 minutes.
And that's why it's an art that has, up until now, been totally lost to me. I now find myself having to learn new things. Like organisation. And routines. And so much more. It's not easy let me tell you.
I don't even know how to explain my new found passion to people. I've discovered that recently the subject of work has been brought up by friends. Most of them seem to need reassurance that I'm just "taking a break".
While I don't want to be pedantic, this is work. Mine. Not all work is paid. Or needs validation from outsiders even. And yes, I don't want to be one of those women who falls apart when confronted with an empty nest. But with Hubby by my side, a love of my own company and a ferocious curiosity about nearly everything, I don't see that happening.
There are some immoveable facts too: raising a large family is more work than raising two children. I've found it requires heaps more organisation not to mention laundry powder.
When I was a child, from about the age of seven, there was no-one home when I got in from school. I didn't have my own key, I would just put my hand in the letter box and pull out the key tied to a piece of string. I know. Fridays were my best days because there would always be a copy of Debbie comic waiting for me alongside a mousse and a spoon.
I'm not sure it was an every day occurance and maybe sometimes my dad was home from work. My mother was always at work. But I can't really remember it being any different. That is my overriding memory.
And when I had my own family I was certain that wouldn't be my children's memory. An empty house. It wasn't something I had to debate or even think about. I just knew.
When I was juggling lots of children, with home education thrown in, new babies and just trying to get through the day I would look with wonder and disbelief at the stay-at-home mothers whose children were at school.
What did they do, I wondered somewhat enviously.
Now I am one of those and I'm starting to feel there are not enough hours in the day. There is so much to do in the house, so much to declutter and organise and yes, clean that I actually feel a tad overwhelmed.
I am currently apprenticing in financial management, greening my kitchen, bread making, healthy family eating, immunity boosting, using a sewing machine, making Christmas presents, creating a winter veg patch, making my own lotions, potions and soaps, decluttering, space clearing, household routines, creating a household log as well as becoming more thrifty and self-reliant.
Not all at once though.
I have no idea how this will pan out. If I'll get bored. Or if necessity will see me scouring the Vacancies page. But for now this is my reality and I am so happy.