#i want to fund every passion project and plant flowers in the garden. i want our community festival back.

[sunshine-in-a-bottle]

Venting. Yay. You guys want to go out for ice cream?

What's the point of all this, man. I am in Semi Constant Pain, I'm exhausted, and when I'm not exhausted I'm manic, and sometimes I'm both at the same time. Music is my favorite thing in the world and yet I don't want to touch my schoolwork. Family's grumpy because I can't tell them what job I'll get with my degree and how much money it'll make. I can't take care of my parents, or my sister, or my beloved like this; I can barely take care of myself.

I feel fucking terrible being envious of the little block gamers, but. They have money. They own their houses. They get to play a game I love with their friends. They get to talk to people as a chat or on a zoom instead of feeling terror from being surrounded.

I don't want a mansion or a bazillion dollars. I just want to be safe. I want everyone I care about to be safe.

[ibijau]

“Stop borrowing flowers out of my garden to woo people who don’t even treat you right.” said by Jiang Cheng! Hm, could you make this mingcheng???

This one got away from me so it’s a tiny bit longer than the usual, oops?

The problem was that strictly speaking, it wasn’t a garden. It was just a patch of dirt on the side of a long abandoned construction project that had never been completed due to lack of funds, or embezzlement, or some other bullshit that Jiang Cheng had never cared enough about to try and find out.

It wasn’t a garden.

But Jiang Cheng had been planting flowers there, out of sheer boredom, because he lived right next door and missed the greeneries of his parents’ house. Their garden had always been gorgeous, perfectly maintained by his mother, an absolute work of art. It was the only place she seemed happy. It was the only thing Jiang Cheng missed about his old life. Those quiet moments when his mother, in a fit of good mood, took him around her garden, her one true love, and explained to him about the plants and how to best care for them. People in their circle would sometimes joke that Zu Ziyuan loved her garden more than her family.

Jiang Cheng had never found it funny. Perhaps because he knew what it was like to envy mulberry leaves for the tenderness with which Yu Ziyuan would remove caterpillars from them, when she could hardly be near her son without pushing him around.

For a while, Jiang Cheng had hated gardens. That wasn’t the whole reason why he’d moved to the city, but it had probably impacted his choice anyway. He’d wanted to get as far away from his parents’ life as he could.

But in the end, something must have run in his blood. After months of walking by that abandoned patch of dirt, Jiang Cheng had given in one day. He’d bought some bulbs and seeds, a beginner’s guide to gardening, and set out to work.

It had surprised him when flowers actually started growing. Jiang Cheng was used to failure, and his mother used to tell him he had no skill for gardening. No skill for anything really, but gardening in particular seemed to piss her off. 

But there were some wallflowers and geraniums to prove she’d been wrong about this.

About other things too, perhaps. For the time being, Jiang Cheng just clung to the gardening thing.

The entire first week after the flowers started growing, Jiang Cheng expected that whoever owned the plot of land would come to pour bleach on them. It was private property after all. But the plot appeared to be fully abandoned, and that meant Jiang Cheng was free to do as he pleased.

He got more flowers, making sure to pick varieties that were good for bees, because that would make his sister happy, if he ever got around to calling her. He also planted tomatoes, and after hesitation a few courgettes, because those grew like weeds and it wouldn’t matter if someone stole a few, or even all of them. It was the sort of things that’d make his brother happy, except he talked to him even less than to his sister, so Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure why that mattered.

What mattered was that the garden made him happy in a way he hadn’t been in a while. It gave him something to care about. To care for. Something to check on in the morning as he headed out to work, a place to spend a little time when he came home. It encouraged some of the neighbours to chat with him, when up until then they’d apparently half wondered if he was a serial killer with his constant angry face. The little old lady next door asked if she could borrow some of the vegetables growing, and gave him half the dish she made using them.

It felt like a homecooked meal, in a way the family gatherings he still occasionally attended never did.

“You should try planting daylilies,” she suggested. “Pretty and delicious, it’d be a win. My grandmother used to prepare them for us, I’m sure I can remember how to do it too.”

Jiang Cheng did as she asked, and sweet old madam Wen delivered on her promise when the flowers were ready. She invited Jiang Cheng to have lunch with him one Sunday, when her nephew and niece were there. It should have been awkward, but madam Wen was a cheerful old lady that managed to get all three of them chatting as if they’d always known each other.

Better than if they’d always known each other, in Jiang Cheng’s case.

He ended up trading phone numbers with both siblings. Not because he felt like flirting with either, as their aunt so clearly hoped for, but so he knew who to contact if something happened to the old lady. Wen Qing wasn’t very chatty, except to complain about their roommate from hell, but Wen Ning often asked for photos of the garden, and in exchange sent Jiang Cheng pictures of the dogs he got to see at the veterinary clinic where he worked.

For the first time in years, Jiang Cheng felt that things weren’t so bad.

So when one evening after work he dropped by his garden and saw a stranger in an expensive thought pacing by his courgettes, Jiang Cheng felt a familiar dread. If this was the plot’s owner, if he had come to ruin things…

Jiang Cheng rushed ahead, ready to plead his case.

Then stopped after a few steps when the man turned his way. He was handsome. Very handsome. The sort of handsome that belonged on the pages of a magazine, not in the middle of Jiang Cheng’s shitty illegal garden.

The man was also on the phone with someone, and apparently so deep in an argument that he didn’t even see Jiang Cheng just a few metres from him.

“You are the worst,” the man shouted at his phone, “and I swear I’m kicking you out this time. I will… no, don’t cry. Stop crying, it doesn’t work anymore! You…”

The handsome stranger started pacing nervously between the courgettes as whoever was on the other end of the conversation made their case.

“Listen, you are going to calm down, ok? I’m… hey, I’m bringing you flowers. How does that sound?”

He leaned down toward the daylilies, not yet picking one as he waited for the other person to reply.

“Of course real flowers. You… listen, I don’t have the energy for this. We’ll deal with it when I get home.”

The man hung up, and started tearing away Jiang Cheng’s flowers, roots and all, like a barbarian.

Jiang Cheng had always allowed everyone to take what they wanted or needed, but only if they showed some respect for his efforts.

“Stop borrowing flowers out of my garden to woo people who don’t even treat you right!” he barked, stomping toward the man.

The handsome stranger, startled, dropped the flowers.

“Your garden? What do you mean, your garden?”

“You think this got here on its own?” Jiang Cheng asked, gesturing at his garden. It wasn’t as beautiful as his mother’s, but it was his all the same and it loved his plants.

The man looked around with wide eyes, as if he hadn’t even noticed before where he was.

“Sorry, I thought they were just… wild flowers. Did you plant all of those?”

“Not the pumpkins, that’s the kids from down the streets who thought it’d be fun. And the herbs are madam Wen’s because she doesn’t like getting them from the store if she can get fresh ones. But the rest is mine.”

“Must have been a lot of work,” the man said with an admirative whistle. “I can make a cactus die of thirst, so I’m impressed, you must be really good. You’ve been at it for a while?”

“A couple months,” Jiang Cheng grumbled, refusing to let praise from a handsome man get to him. “I live next door and this place has been abandoned for ages apparently.”

“So it’s not your garden,” the stranger noted with a grin. “Well, if you’ve stolen the land, I feel less bad about stealing flowers. It’s not like you can call the cops on me.”

He bent down, ready to slaughter more flowers, so Jiang Cheng did the logical thing and pushed him to protect his daylilies. The handsome stranger fell in the dirt, which thankfully was dry and wouldn’t stain too badly. Jiang Cheng wasn’t sure he could afford to repay that suit.

“If you’re going to steal my flowers for your shitty manipulative wife, at least do it properly. Nobody wants a bouquet with roots.”

The man blinked a few times, a little disoriented after being pushed down. When he saw Jiang Cheng grab the torn daylilies and carefully cut the stems so he could replant the roots, the stranger laughed.

“You’re really passionate about this, uh,” he said, standing up and wiping the dirt from his suit. “That wasn’t my wife on the phone, by the way.”

“Your manipulative husband then,” Jiang Cheng retorted, cutting a few more flowers.

“Little brother,” the man corrected. “Apparently he got drunk last week, slept with my best friend, panicked, ghosted him, left town for five days to hide at his best friend’s house, and now he’s… ah, but you probably don’t care.”

Jiang Cheng shouldn’t care, no, but he couldn’t help laughing at the crazy story. It sounded like something right out of a shitty soap opera, or the kind of bullshit that Wei Wuxian used to pull all the time, back when he was still part of Jiang Cheng’s life.

“My brother’s the same,” Jiang Cheng said, handing out the small bouquet he’d managed to salvage. “Did you take those so he can go apologise to your friend?”

“Honestly, I’m not sure if he’s going to give them to Xichen or if he just wants to keep them to feel spoiled. I’m not sure I’ll give them to him, anyway. It’s not every day a handsome man gives me a bouquet, I’ll be tempted to keep it.”

Jiang Cheng shrugged and rolled his eyes, and absolutely did not blush like a schoolgirl being complimented by her crush.

“Just go give those to your brother. And learn to cut flowers properly, asshole.”

“If I drop by again, will you teach me?”

Jiang Cheng shrugged again and turned away, so it wouldn’t be too obvious just how red his face was. He’d have slapped himself if he could have. It was ridiculous to react so strongly. His only excuse was that the man was really, really gorgeous and had a really, really nice voice… and that it had been a long while since anyone had flirted with him, even this badly.

“Maybe I will, if I can find the time. My life’s not a fucking soap opera but I have my own stuff to do.”

“Fair enough. Well, I hope I’ll see you around. It was nice talking to you.”

Jiang Cheng shrugged, and refused to turn around to watch that too handsome man go, though he might have been slightly tempted.

He’d lost enough time to that asshole already, and the tomatoes weren’t going to water themselves.

[phyrephoenix]

The StoryBook Legacy Challenge

Each Generation is a new Chapter in the Book of Lives.

Overall Rules and Notes:

Lifespan: Normal

If you choose to make Same Sex Couples, make sure your Heir is set on Get Pregnant and the partner is set on Make Pregnant.

Even though there is Occult Children in this Legacy, they are not part of the Legacy Line. Abduction babies don’t count as eligible for Heir decisions.

Read Story for the next Generation, important for the Heir’s Childhood

Each heir must Practise Writing (PC or writing in journal) till they can write “non-fiction” books.

They must write a book named after their Generation’s title.

All these Book, plus urns must be kept in the heir’s inventory till last generation.

The last Generation’s Heir will have a mausoleum where the books and urns will be displayed.

Books should be written as elders, put all the children and Spouses/ Partners names in description.

If heir dies from accidental of emotional deaths before elder or before they could write the book, one of their children or partner can write it.

Money: You can choose how you want to play the family funds.

If you play this challenge and want to share it with us, go ahead and post with #StoryBookLegacy

The traits are listed as (Child),(Teen),(YA)

Generation 1: The Friendly Doctor

Your Passion is people. To Heal them, to befriend them, to entertain them on the Piano. If you ever fall in love, it will be with a Co-Worker.

Career: Doctor

Traits: Genius, Outgoing, Ambitious

Aspiration Complete: Friend of the World

Skills Maxed: Charisma, Logic, Piano

Goals:

Workaholic till Death.

Focus on work and skilling till end YA

Fall in love with an Adult Co-Worker, while still YA

Get married to Co-Worker after turning Adult. (and Co-Worker is Elder or close to)

Have 1 Pregnancy

Do not retire, but can use vacation days after the Last Days pop-up came.

Rules:

Live in the San Myshuno, can move apartments as you have more money

Have a Party for Every Birthday

Main Sim may not fix broken objects, just replace them. Spouse/Child may fix them.

Join Main Sim at work and work Late most Days, may work normal in Birthdays for Parties

Can only control other Family members when Main Sim is at home

Heir: Only Child/ First born from 1 Pregnancy

Main Packs Needed: Get to Work + City Living

Generation 2: Parenting 101

Growing up, your parents wasn’t very present. Your Father died when you were young and your mom before you became a YA. The only time you and mom spend together was with music, listening to it together or making it: she on the piano, you on the violin. You want to work from home as a Writer and be a Super Parent to a big Family.

Career: Freelance Writer

Traits: Music Lover, Neat, Family-Oriented

Aspirations Complete: Super Parent, Bestselling Author

Skills Maxed: Writing, Parenting, Violin

Goals:

Have 1st Child soon after turning YA

Have at least 3 Pregnancies

Female Heirs may get married or just have children

Male heirs must have GF move in, or get married

Rules:

Move to Newcrest

Must help with Homework/ Projects often

Be friends with ALL your children

Middle Child must be “neglected”, rather help another Child

Try for Multiples

Must have Uneven number of Kids (abduction babies do not count for number)

All children must be in after school activities, Middle child must be in Drama club, the rest in Scouts.

Heir: Middle Child (preferably a Daughter)

Main Packs Needed: Parenthood + Get Famous

Generation 3: A Star is Born

Growing up with a lot of Siblings is tough, you got lost in the crowd. As the Middle Child you rarely got attention, now you want to be in the center of it.

Career: Actress

Traits: Active, Self-Absorbed, Romantic

Aspirations Complete: Bodybuilder, World Famous Celebrity, Master Actress

Skills Maxed: Acting, Fitness, Mixology

Goals:

Have 2 Pregnancies with 2 Different Sims

Keep figure Skinny

Be close with your children

Rules:

Move to Del Sol Valley. Start in cheaper home and move to Celebrity home when 5 stars

Don’t get married (if male heir – GF must move out after birth(s))

Have 1 Pregnancy as YA and 1 Pregnancy as Adult

If 1st Pregnancy is female(s), Carrot/Alternative music method for 2nd Pregnancy (or use MCCC)

Try to never lose stars

Heir: Oldest Male

Main Packs Needed: Get Famous

Generation 4: I Need More Space

Your Parent was/is a Star, you want to Reach the Stars! You want to explore space and maybe even find an Alien Planet and meet some native Aliens! You know there is Aliens living between us now!

Career: Astronaut – Space Ranger

Traits: Perfectionist, Geek, Unflirty

Aspirations Complete: Nerd Brain, StrangerVille Mystery (with Spouse)

Skills Maxed: Rocket Science, Handiness, Video Gaming, Programming

Goals:

Have at least 1 Abduction Pregnancy

Only 1 “Normal” Sim Child

Travel to Sixam

Be friends with all Aliens you meet

Spouse must be in Military Career (they join it after they move in)

Complete Stangerville aspiration with Spouse.

Rules:

Move to Strangerville

Can’t have children with Aliens unless it is through an abduction or After Heir is a Teen

Have at least 1 Child with Non-Alien Sim as YA or Early Adult (Do not try for multiples)

You do not have to marry Non-Alien, just have child and move out

Marry an Alien after Heir is a Teen

Give spouse the StrangerVille Mystery aspiration and Military Career

Heir: Non-Alien Child (oldest in case of multiples)

Main Packs Needed: Get to Work + StrangerVille + City Living

Generation 5: Nature Child

While your Dad’s head was in the Sky, yours was on the ground. You want to be one with Nature. You are also the only (one of few) “Normal” or Non-Alien Sibling, which made you a bit of a Loner.

Career: Gardener – Floral Designer

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Loner, Vegetarian

Aspirations Complete: Outdoor Enthusiast, Freelance Botanist

Skills Maxed: Gardening, Flower Arranging, Herbalism, Wellness

Goals:

Have a big Garden/ Green House,

Try to collect all main plants

Have at least 2 Pregnancies

Getting married is not important, unless it is a male heir

Rules:

Move to Willow Creek

Go to Granite Fall after turning YA and finish Outdoor Enthusiast Aspiration.

Only start Career and family after finishing Asp and starting with Freelance Botanist

Have all Children help with Gardening, they must also all get the Loves Outdoors Trait as a Child

Heir: Youngest Child (Either Gender, but Male more)

Main Packs Needed: Seasons + Outdoor Retreat + Spa Day + City Living

Generation 6: Dirt for Dirt

While your family wanted to make things come out of the Dirt, you wanted to know what was in the Dirt. You wanted to uncover the Dirt!

Career: Secret Agent – Diamond Agent

Traits: Loves Outdoors, Genius, Self-Assured

Aspirations Complete: Jungle Explorer, Archaeology Scholar

Skills Maxed: Archaeology, Salvadorian Culture, Guitar, Logic

Goals:

Main focus is finishing both Jungle Explorer and Archaeology Scholar Aspirations by switching between them

Have at least 2 Pregnancies before turning Adult

Get married to Salvadorian Native

Rules:

Move to Oasis Springs and live in the more desert side

Go to Salvadorada after turning YA

Only start with Career after finishing both Aspirations

May choose any new Aspiration

Don’t have to finish career before death

Get married to a Salvadorian Native you met while visiting Salvadorada

Go back to Salvadorada with Children often

Make sure 1st Pregnancy is female

Heir: Oldest Daughter

Main Packs Needed: Jungle Adventure

Generation 7: Hungry for Knowledge

Growing up your family went on Vacation to Salvadorada a lot. You got to experience all the food there, which made you grow in love with Food. Making it, eating it, learning new meals.

Career: Critic – Food Critic & Culinary – Chef

Traits: Cheerful, Foodie, Non-Committal

Aspirations Complete: Master Chef, Renaissance Sim

Skills Maxed: Baking, Cooking, Gourmet Cooking

Goals:

As Teen be a Fast-Food Employee

Start Critic Career as YA, try to reach Food Critic branch before Adult

Switch to Culinary career once Adult and join Chef Branch

Have at least 3 Pregnancies with 2+ partners

Learn all Experimental Food & Food stalls Recipes

Rules:

Move to San Myshuno, start in cheapest apartment and work up to a penthouse

Reach cooking lvl 5 as teen, learn all Salvadorian meals before becoming YA

Go to every Festival and learn all meals

Learn & Photograph all experimental meals

Don’thave to get married, but if you do, as an elder

Buy a cupcake machine and Ice Cream Machine and learn to make (and make) all the recipes

Heir: Youngest Child

Main Packs Needed: Jungle Adventure + City Living + Dine Out + Seasons

Generation 8: Family Pet

Growing up you were used to having a lot of Varieties. A Variety of meals, of siblings and partners for your mother. You want a simple life, one partner to grow old with and lots of pets.

Career: Open a Vet Clinic

Traits: Cat Lover, Dog Lover, Family-Oriented

Aspirations Complete: Soulmate, Friend of the Animals

Skills Maxed: Parenthood, Veterinarian, Pet Training

Goals:

Have at least 1 Cat & 1 Dog via adoption

Have at least 1 Pregnancy and adopt 2+ Children (baby/toddler)

Operate and make money of a Successful Vet Clinic

Rules:

Move to Brindleton Bay

Adopt a Kitten on first day

Spouse must share 1 Trait with Main

Adopt Child before having 1st Pregnancy

Don’t have a “real” job, the Vet Clinic is your full time gig

Can do Odd Jobs for more money

Spend more time with pets

Heir: Biological Child (preferably a daughter)

Main Packs Needed: Cats & Dogs + Parenthood

Generation 9: Something Fishy

Growing up, your parents gave more attention to your adopted Siblings, both human and animal. You do love animals, but is more drawn to the ocean and its creatures. You would love an easy life in a Beach House.

Career: Conservationist – Marine Biologist

Traits: Music Lover, Child of the Ocean, Materialistic

Aspirations Complete: Beach Life & Fabulously Wealthy

Skills Maxed: Fitness, Singing, Wellness

Goals:

Turn into a mermaid before becoming an Adult, but after having a Child

Have 1 Child before becoming a mermaid, more children after becoming one

Do not marry the father of 1st child.

Complete the Fabulously Wealthy asp by starting at the bottom (Rags to Riches style)

Rules:

Spend a lot of time on the Beach as Child (in Brindleton Bay and/or Sulani)

Become pregnant with teen lover’s child on the day they age up to YA

Move to Sulani after confirming pregnancy.

Only switch to Fabulously Wealthy Aspiration after you moved out.

Build a small house on a beach lot and move Sim in with “freerealestate” cheat, move out with only $1,000

Spouse must also be a mermaid, but not the father of 1st pregnancy

Only become mermaid after having at least 1 Biological Child

Heir: Oldest non-mermaid Child

Main Packs Needed: Island Living + Spa Day + City Living

Generation 10: Colour Me Musically

Growing up it was just you and your mother. But then your mom fell in love with a mermaid and became one herself. They had a big mermaid family and you became an afterthought. You became a Clean Canvas, and want to fill it with a lot of Creativity.

Career: Style Influencer - Stylist

Traits: Creative, Music Lover, Clumsy

Aspirations Complete: Musical Genius, Painter Extraordinaire, Best selling Author

Skills Maxed: Guitar, Painting, Piano, Violin, Writing

Goals:

The Focus is Creative skill levelling

Have at least 2 Pregnancies

Sell paintings on street sales

Rules:

Move to Windenburg Island area (Close to bluffs)

Spouse must have Creative Trait.

Sell all Paintings, excellent or higher, on street sales

Must reach lvl 10 on musical instruments before Elder

Work on all Aspirations by switching them

All children must have Creative skill and complete Artistic Prodigy Aspiration

Heir: Oldest Child

Main Packs Needed: City Living + Get Together

Generation 11: Socially Famous

Being Creative was a must while growing up. Your (Main Parent) influence other people’s style, but you want to be an Internet Personality. You also want to do everything you can with the Computer. Maybe you can even become famous? You also want to run some groups.

Career: Social Media – Internet Personality

Traits: Creative, Insider, Outgoing

Aspirations Complete: Leader of the Pack, Friend of the World

Skills Maxed: Media Production, Programming, Video Gaming, Dancing

Goals:

Have at least 2 groups and marry someone from a group

Join at least 1 existing Group

Spouse only have to be in 1 Group (after leaving Singles Group)

Become at least a 3 Star Celebrity

Have at least 3 Pregnancies

Rules:

Move to another neighbourhood in Windenburg

Make a Singles group, which Main & Spouse will leave after getting together

Start another group after leaving Singles group

Make use of the streaming bod

Heir: Youngest Daughter

Main Packs Needed: Get Together + City Living + Get Famous

Generation 12: Capturing Magic

Growing up there was always people around you. Your parents loved being social. You love photography and want to make a career from it, but you also want to know the truth about Magic. You’ve seen a Magical Portal in Glimmerbrook as a Teen and want to explore it more.

Career: Freelance - Fashion Photographer

Traits: Neat, Perfectionist, Art Lover

Aspirations Complete: Spellcraft & Sorcery, Purveyor of Potions

Skills Maxed: Photography, Painting, Charisma

Goals:

Have a successful career as a Photographer

Become a Spellcaster

Have at least 2 Pregnancies with Spouse and 1 Pregnancy with a One-Night Stand

Form a big Spellcaster Family

Rules:

Move to Glimmerbrook

Become a Spellcaster after moving to Glimmerbrook

Marry a spellcaster, all children from marriage must also marry spellcasters (or must turn into Spellcasters).

Have a One-Night Stand with a non-spellcaster after getting married.

Only have One-Night Stand pregnancy after having 2 pregnancies with spouse.

Ask “To be just friends” after getting Pregnant with One-Night Stand

If Illegitimate child is a spellcaster, they must take the Rite of Dissolution as a Teen

Take photographs of everything/everyone and display it.

Heir: Oldest (Only) Child from One-Night Stand

Main Packs Needed: Realm of Magic + Moschino

Generation 12: Who Wants To Live Forever

You were the Black sheep of the Family. A constant reminder of your Mother’s infidelity. Your Step-Father tried to include you, but you could see it pains him, your Biological Father wasn’t part of your life. Your half-siblings mostly ignored you. You just want to go Dark, maybe even live forever!

Career: Criminal – Oracle Branch

Traits: Bookworm, Loner, Gloomy

Aspirations Complete: Chief of Mischief, Master Vampire, Good Vampire

Skills Maxed: Vampiric Lore, Mischief, Programming, Pipe Organ

Goals:

Befriend a Vampire and become a Vampire while still YA

You do not have to have to get married or have children

Legacy Ends when Sim finished both Aspirations, Career and Main skills

Rules:

Move to Forgotten Hollow after turning YA or as a Teen if mother dies

Turn into a Vampire as soon as you can ask a Vampire to turn.

Disliked for CoM Asp must be half-Siblings and /or step-father

Have a mausoleum where the books and urns of the Legacy are displayed.

Heir: No Heir – Legacy Ends

Main Packs Needed: Vampires

[janinediary]

Another interesting activity is the committee to publicize Thai Orchid Foundation which for over 10 years campaigned with charitable activities for funding  of Her Majesty the Queen’s project “Return Thai Orchids Back to the Forest”. Those activities included bicycling, golf, bowling, concerts and orchid-painting contests. The latter activity was quite popular with students, artists, the public at large and government agencies, submitting paintings for the contests in order to fund the project and successfully awakening the consciousness of Thai people. This brings me to introduce a young female watercolor artist who received many awards from various painting contests with the theme of Orchids. Her name is Pikulthong Wiengnil. She is currently living in Lamphun Province. Pikulthong is an enthusiastic artist who uses watercolors as a medium and portrays her works passionately with paintings of various orchids. She began submitting her paintings to various contests in 1996.

Here is a brief conversation I had with her:

มีเรื่องน่าสนใจที่เกี่ยวข้องกับกล้วยไม้ในประเทศไทย สามารถกล่าวได้ว่ากล้วยไม้ ไทยเป็นที่รู้จักมากที่สุดและมีส่วนแบ่งตลาดสูงที่สุดในโลก สถาบันการศึกษาและ องค์กรที่เกี่ยวข้องสนับสนุนการปรับปรุงพันธุ์และการอนุรักษ์สายพันธุ์กล้วยไม้ป่า มากกว่า 1,000ชนิด โดยทั่วไปแล้วเกษตรกรไทยพัฒนาความรู้ให้เพียงพอและมี ประสบการณ์ในการปลูกกล้วยไม้เป็นเวลานาน เทคโนโลยีใหม่ๆได้รับการคิดค้น ขึ้นมาเพื่อปรับปรุงพันธุ์กล้วยไม้และเพาะเลี้ยงเนื้อเย��่อเพื่อพัฒนาการส่งออก ราคา กล้วยไม้ในประเทศไทยนั้นมีราคาถูกกว่าต่างประเทศมาก ความงามที่น่าประทับใจ ของกล้วยไม้แถบเอเซียนั้นค่อนข้างมีความแตกต่างจากกล้วยไม้แถบละตินอเมริกา รายได้ต่อปีสำหรับการส่งออกกล้วยไม้ไทยนั้นมีมูลค่าสูงกว่า 1 ล้านล้านบาท

สายพันธุ์กล้วยไม้ในประเทศไทยมีต้นกำเนิดมาจากกล้วยไม้ป่าเขตร้อนในพบได้ ในป่าไม้ประเทศไทย มีบุคคลสำคัญหลายคนที่จดบันทึกและจัดกลุ่มสายพันธุ์ กล้วยไม้ เช่น ศาสตราจารย์เต็ม สมิตินันท์ เป็นนักพฤกษศาสตร์คนสำคัญจากกรม ป่าไม้ และท่านเอกอัครราชทูตชาวเดนมาร์คที่ชื่อ กันนา ไซเดนฟาเดน ที่ได้ สำรวจและและระบุชื่อสายพันธุ์กล้วยไม้ในแถบเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ ในช่วง เวลานี้ได้มีการตีพิมพ์เอกสารที่ชื่อ “Orchids of Thailand and Preliminary list” ท่านเอกอัครราชทูตกันนายังได้ประชาสัมพันธ์กล้วยไม้ป่าเขตร้อนในประเทศไทย ไปยังทั่วโลกอีกด้วย

ดิฉันขอกล่าวถึงบุคคลสำคัญอีกท่านหนึ่งคือศาสตราจารย์ระพี สาคริกผู้ซึ่งทำให้ กล้วยไม้ไทยเป็นที่รู้จักมากกว่าเดิม ศาสตราจารย์ระพีเป็นหนึ่งในคณะกรรมการที่ ประสานงานกับสมาคมกล้วยไม้โลก “world orchid society” และในปีพ.ศ. 2521 ได้จัดการประชุมกล้วยไม้โลกครั้งที่ 9 ขึ้นที่กรุงเทพ ในภายหลังท่านไปทำงาน วิจัย ดูแลการฝึกปฎิบัติในวิชาพฤกษศาสตร์และสอนการวางแผนวิจัยเรื่องข้าวที่ มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้ ท่านยังได้เปิดหลักสูตรอบรมเรื่องกล้วยไม้โดยที่ผู้เรียนไม่เสีย ค่าใช้จ่ายและก่อตั้งสมาคมกล้วยไม้แห่งประเทศไทย

เป็นความโชคดีที่กล้วยไม้เติบโตได้ดีในสิ่งแวดล้อมเขตร้อนชื้น โดยพาะอย่างยิ่ง ในแถบเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ ประเทศไทยเป็นหนึ่งในไม่กี่ประเทศที่สนใจใน การปลูกและขยายพันธุ์กล้วยไม้

มีการจัดประกวดกล้วยไม้ขึ้นที่มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้หลายครั้งเพื่อโปรโมทความ สวยงามของกล้วยไม้ไทยซึ่งดึงดูดผู้คนจากทั่วโลกให้เข้ามาชม ตัวอย่างที่ดี อันหนึ่งคืองานนิทรรศการกล้วยไม้เอเชียแปซิฟิคครั้งที่ 4 ในเดือนมกราคม พ.ศ. 2535 มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้เป็นเจ้าภาพรายการนี้ สมเด็จพระราชินี สมเด็จพระ นางเจ้าสิริกิติ์ พระบรมราชินีนาถ เสด็จมาเป็นองค์ประธานในพิธีเปิดงานและทรง สนทนากับศาสตราจารย์ระพี สาคริกและผู้ช่วยศาสตราจารย์จำเนียร ยศราช (อธิการบดีคนปัจจุบันของ��หาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้) เกี่ยวกับการอนุรักษ์กล้วยไม้ไทย ซึ่งใกล้สูญพันธุ์ ต่อมามีโครงการในพระราชดำริของสมเด็จพระราชินีเพื่อเก็บสะสม และอนุรักษ์กล้วยไม้ไทยก่อนที่จะคืนกล้วยไม้กลับสู่ป่า

กิจกรรมที่น่าสนใจอีกอย่างหนึ่งคือการที่คณะกรรมการได้ประชาสัมพันธ์มูลนิธิ กล้วยไม้ไทยซึ่งมีการรณรงค์มามากกว่า 10 ปีกับกิจกรรมการกุศลเพื่อหาเงิน สนับสนุนโครงการตามพระราชดำริของสมเด็จพระราชินี “คืนกล้วยไม้ไทยกลับสู่ ป่า” มีกิจกรรมต่างๆเช่นการขี่จักรยาน โบว์ลิ่ง คอนเสิร์ต และประกวดวาดภาพ กล้วยไม้ กิจกรรมอันหลังสุดค่อนข้างจะเป็นที่นิยมกับนักศึกษา ศิลปิน ประชาชน ทั่วไปและหน่วยงานของรัฐที่ส่งภาพเขียนมาประกวดเพื่อหาเงินสนับสนุนโครงการ และปลุกความรู้สึกของคนไทย

ในโอกาสนี้ทำให้ดิฉันขอเสนอศิลปินสีน้ำหญิงที่ได้รับรางวัลจากการประกวดเขียน ภาพศิลปะมากมายที่มีหัวข้อเกี่ยวกับกล้วยไม้ เธอมีชื่อว่าคุณพิกุลทอง เวียงนิล พำนักอยู่ที่จังหวัดลำพูน คุณพิกุลทองเป็นศิลปินที่มีความกระตือรือร้นที่ใช้สีน้ำเป็น สื่อและถ่ายทอดผลงานเป็นภาพเขียนดอกกล้วยไม้หลายชนิด เธอเริ่มที่จะส่งผล งานภาพเขียนไปยังงานประกวดเขียนภาพตั้งแต่ปีพ.ศ. 2539

ต่อไปนี้เป็นบทสนทนาสั้นๆระหว่างดิฉันและคุณพิกุลทอง

JY: Please tell us about yourself and what inspires you.  

PW: I was born in Lamphun Province on 19 June 1975.I went to study art at Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna, Chiang Mai Province. For me, I think nature is a great source of inspiration. I grew up and I still live in the countryside close to forests and mountains. Most of my painting references are all kinds of flowers especially roses, lotuses and orchids. In my view, orchids are the most beautiful flowers as I find them so delicate and majestic. Watercolor technique captures the delicacy and softness of orchids perfectly. I prefer to paint in the early morning to see the morning light because it is the first light of the day. Morning light is so warm and soft — it makes orchids look more gorgeous and gentle than in the late morning or in the afternoon. I am so excited to look for wild orchids in the deep forest where they grow freely and bloom healthfully on large trees. This is the source of nature that inspires me so much to express my feelings through watercolor painting.

JY: Which is your proudest achievement?

PW: In 2005 I received the Excellent Award Princess’ Cup from Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn. The contest theme was “Thai orchid, stroke, line, sciences and art." The princess asked me about my work and my inspiration as well as complimented my work. I was very impressed and this was the best encouragement to make me create more paintings.

JY: Tell us about your working concept and the techniques you use in your painting.

PW: Most of my current works are watercolor paintings but they are different from watercolor paintings made by others. My works are realistic watercolor paintings mixed with imagination. I have to prepare lighting and installations in my workshop purposefully because light and shadow have to be well positioned.

I get a great deal of pleasure using watercolor to express my emotions and feelings. I hope that people who love watercolor paintings can touch my real identity through my works and I want to be the inspiration for new generations of artists and encourage them to create more art.

JY: What do you think about works of other northern artists in Thailand?

PW: I see many improvements from other northern artists. They have better skills, concepts and techniques but it depends on what is their preference and interest. The different ways of expressing their art concepts will make their works unique and charming. In the end, they have to find their unique identity by themselves. This is an accomplishment that every artist must pursue. For me, it is always interesting to see more varieties of art.

JY: And what is your next goal?

PW: For now I wish to improve my works continuously and have more solo watercolor-painting exhibitions about Thai orchids for everyone who loves both arts and flowers.

Some of Pikulthong Wiengnil’s awards:

1996 - Honorable mention from “Asia-pacific orchid painting" contest Maejo University, Chiang Mai Province.

2004 - Gold medal award from “2nd Thai orchid as a symbol of being" Thai painting contest at Thai orchid garden, Maejo University.

Honorable mention from “Colorful plant painting" contest at Bangkok 9 international hospital, Bangkok

2005 – Excellent Award Princess’ Cup from Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn. The contest theme was “Thai orchid, stroke, line, sciences and art."

2007 – Outstanding award from 1st NAN ME Fine Art Award at NAN ME Art Gallery Bangkok

2008 - Honorable mention from 5th Chiang Rai beautiful flower festival painting contest.

2009 - Special award from 4th NAN ME Fine Art Award. The contest theme was "Beautiful Thailand."

2010 - Honorable mention from “Thai education” held by the Office of the Education Council

2012 – Gold medal award from the ARCHES painting Contest CANSON FRANCE

2014 – Gold medal award in realistic painting “5th Thai orchid as a symbol of being Thai painting" contest held by Thai orchid foundation, Maejo University.

กิจกรรมที่น่าสนใจอีกอย่างหนึ่งคือการที่คณะกรรมการได้ประชาสัมพันธ์มูลนิธิ กล้วยไม้ไทยซึ่งมีการรณรงค์มามากกว่า 10 ปีกับกิจกรรมการกุศลเพื่อหาเงิน สนับสนุนโครงการตามพระราชดำริของสมเด็จพระราชินี “คืนกล้วยไม้ไทยกลับสู่ ป่า” มีกิจกรรมต่างๆเช่นการขี่จักรยาน โบว์ลิ่ง คอนเสิร์ต และประกวดวาดภาพ กล้วยไม้ กิจกรรมอันหลังสุดค่อนข้างจะเป็นที่นิยมกับนักศึกษา ศิลปิน ประชาชน ทั่วไปและหน่วยงานของรัฐที่ส่งภาพเขียนมาประกวดเพื่อหาเงินสนับสนุนโครงการ และปลุกความรู้สึกของคนไทย

ในโอกาสนี้ทำให้ดิฉันขอเสนอศิลปินสีน้ำหญิงที่ได้รับรางวัลจากการประกวดเขียน ภาพศิลปะมากมายที่มีหัวข้อเกี่ยวกับกล้วยไม้ เธอมีชื่อว่าคุณพิกุลทอง เวียงนิล พำนักอยู่ที่จังหวัดลำพูน คุณพิกุลทองเป็นศิลปินที่มีความกระตือรือร้นที่ใช้สีน้ำเป็น สื่อและถ่ายทอดผลงานเป็นภาพเขียนดอกกล้วยไม้หลายชนิด เธอเริ่มที่จะส่งผล งานภาพเขียนไปยังงานประกวดเขียนภาพตั้งแต่ปีพ.ศ. 2539

ต่อไปนี้เป็นบทสนทนาสั้นๆระหว่างดิฉันและคุณพิกุลทอง

จานีน: กรุณาเล่าเรื่องราวเกี่ยวกับตัวคุณและสิ่งที่เป็นแรงบันดาลใจให้คุณ

พิกุลทอง: ดิฉันเกิดที่จังหวัดลำพูนในวันที่ 19 มิถุนายน พ.ศ. 2518 ต่อมาได้ไป ���ึกษาศิลปะที่มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีราชมงคลล้านนา จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ ดิฉันคิดว่าธรรมชาติเป็นแหล่งรวมแรงบันดาลใจที่ยอดเยี่ยม ดิฉันเติบโตและยังคง อาศัยอยู่ในชนบทที่ใกล้ชิดกับป่าไม้และภูเขา ตัวแบบอ้างอิงสำหรับเขียนภาพของ ดิฉันเป็นดอกไม้แทบทุกชนิดโดยเฉพาะอย่างยิ่งดอกกุหลาบ ดอกบัวและกล้วยไม้ ดิฉันมีความเห็นว่ากล้วยไม้เป็นดอกไม้ที่สวยงามที่สุดเพราะมีความอ่อนช้อยและดู สูงค่า สีน้ำจะจับความอ่อนโยนและความนุ่มนวลของกล้วยไม้ได้อย่างสมบูรณ์แบบ ดิฉันชอบเขียนภาพในตอนเช้าตรู่เพื่อที่จะดูแสงในตอนเช้าเพราะว่าเป็นแสงสว่าง แรกของวันใหม่ แสงตอนเช้านั้นอบอุ่นและนุ่มนวลทำให้ดอกกล้วยไม้ดูงดงามและ อ่อนโยนมากกว่าในตอนสายและตอนกลางวัน ดิฉันรู้สึกตื่นเต้นเวลาที่มองหา กล้วยไม้ป่าในป่าลึกที่เติบโตได้อย่างอิสระและมีสุขภาพดีอยู่บนต้นไม้ใหญ่ นี่เป็น แหล่งที่มาของธรรมชาติที่ให้แรงบันดาลใจกับดิฉันมากมายเพื่อแสดงความรู้สึก ผ่านการเขียนภาพด้วยสีน้ำ

จานีน: ผลงานชิ้นไหนที่คุณรู้สึกภาคภูมิใจมากที่สุด

พิกุลทอง: ในปีพ.ศ. 2548 ดิฉันได้รับรางวัลยอดเยี่ยม ถ้วยพระราชทานจาก สมเด็จพระเจ้าลูกเธอ เจ้าฟ้าจุฬาภรณ์วลัยลักษณ์ อัครราชกุมารี หัวข้อของงานคือ “กล้วยไม้ไทย เส้น สาย ศาสตร์และศิลป์” เจ้าฟ้าหญิงทรงถามเกี่ยวกับผลงานของ ดิฉัน ที่มาของแรงบันดาลใจและชมเชยผลงานของดิฉัน ดิฉันรู้สึกประทับใจมาก และสิ่งนี้เป็นกำลังใจที่ดีที่สุดที่ทำให้ดิฉันผลิตผลงานให้มากขึ้น

จานีน:กรุณาบอกเล่าถึงแนวคิดในการทำงานและเทคนิคที่คุณใช้ในการเขียนภาพ

พิกุลทอง: ผลงานของดิฉันแทบทั้งหมดเป็นภาพวาดสีน้ำแต่ก็มีความแตกต่างไป จากภาพสีน้ำของศิลปินท่านอื่นๆ ผลงานของดิฉันเป็นภาพวาดสีน้ำแนวสมจริง ผสมกับจินตนาการ ดิฉันต้องเตรียมการจัดแสงและอุปกรณ์ประกอบฉากด้วยความ ตั้งใจเพราะแสงและเงาจะต้องถูกจัดตำแหน่งให้ดี

ดิฉันมีความสุขมากที่ได้ใช้สีน้ำเพื่อแสดงอารมณ์และความรู้สึกต่างๆ ดิฉันหวังว่าผู้ ที่รักภาพเขียนสีน้ำจะสัมผัสตัวตนที่แท้จริงของดิฉันได้โดยผ่านตัวผลงานและดิฉัน อยากจะเป็นแรงบันดาลใจให้กับศิลปินรุ่นใหม่และกระตุ้นให้ศิลปินเหล่านั้นผลิต ผลงานศิลปะให้มากขึ้น

จานีน: คุณคิดอย่างไรกับผลงานของศิลปินภาคเหนือในประเทศไทย

พิกุลทอง: ดิฉันมองเห็นพัฒนาการต่างๆ จากศิลปินชาวเหนือท่านอื่นๆ ทุกคนต่าง มีทักษะ แนวคิด และเทคนิคที่ดีกว่าเดิม ขึ้นอยู่กับว่าสิ่งที่ชอบและสนใจคืออะไร วิธีการที่แตกต่างในการแสดงออกเรื่องผลงานจะทำให้ผลงานมีเอกลักษณ์และน่ ดึงดูดใจ ในท้ายที่สุดศิลปินทุกคนต้องค้นหาแนวทางเฉพาะตนด้วยตัวเอง นี่เป็น ความสำเร็จที่ศิลปินทุกคนจะต้องไล่ล่าความฝันไปให้ถึง ดิฉันรู้สึกสนใจที่จะได้ เห็นผลงานต่างที่มีความหลากหลาย

จานีน: เป้าหมายต่อไปของคุณคืออะไรบ้างคะ

พิกุลทอง: จนถึงตอนนี้ดิฉันอยากปรับปรุงผลงานต่อไปอย่างต่อเนื่องและจัด นิทรรศการศิลปะเดี่ยวเกี่ยวกับกล้วยไม้ไทยสำหรับผู้ที่ชื่นชอบทั้งงานศิลปะและ ดอกไม้ต่างๆ

ผลงานเกียรติยศบางส่วนของคุณพิกุลทอง เวียงนิล

2539 - รางวัลชมเชย การประกวดวาดภาพกล้วยไม้ เอเชียแปซิฟิก มหาวิทยาลัย แม่โจ้

2547 - รางวัลชนะเลิศ การประกวดกล้วยไม้ไทย ในความเป็นไทย ครั้งที่2 ณ. อุทยานกล้วยไม้ไทย มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้ รางวัลชมเชย การประกวดวาดภาพ “สีสันพันธุ์ไม้” ณ. โรงพยาบาล บางกอก 9 อินเตอร์เนชั่นแนล กรุงเทพ

2548 - รางวัลยอดเยี่ยม ถ้วยพระราชทาน สมเด็จพระเจ้าลูกเธอ เจ้าฟ้าจุฬาภรณ์ วลัยลักษณ์ อัครราชกุมารี หัวข้อ “กล้วยไม้ไทย เส้น สาย ศาสตร์และศิลป์”

2550 - รางวัลดีเด่นNAN ME fine art award ครั้งที่ 1 ณ. นานมี แกลเลอรี่ กรุงเทพ

2551 - รางวัลชนะเลิศ การประกวดภาพวาดเทศกาลเชียงรายดอกไม้งาม ครั้งที่5

2552 - รางวัลพิเศษNAN ME fine art award ครั้งที่ 4 หัวข้อประเทศไทย สวยงาม

2553 - รางวัลชมเชย การศึกษาไทย ของสำนักงานเลขาธิการสภาการศึกษา

2555 - รางวัลที่1 ARCHES painting Contest CANSON FRANCE

2557 -รางวัลชนะเลิศอันดับ1 ประเภทเหมือนจริง กล้วยไม้ไทยในความเป็นไทย ครั้งที่5 มูลนิธิกล้วยไม้ไทย มหาวิทยาลัยแม่โจ้

[benjamingarden]

Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders (and Chicken Lovers)

The 2017 City Girl Farming Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders and Chicken Lovers

It’s that time of year again when we all scratch our heads to figure out what to give to to those we love. I’ve put together a few things to help you out this year. Gifts focused on the chicken lovers, the gardeners and the general homesteaders (and folks who long to be homesteaders but aren’t there yet) in your life.  Here I present to you the 2017 Holiday Guide for homesteaders and chicken lovers on your list. May it get your holiday creative juices flowing!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Chicken Lovers

Because I am one of those chicken lovers, let’s start with them first. There is tons of stuff on the market these days that targets chicken fanatics (because our ranks are growing). However, not every chicken-themed object is a good gift.  Here are some I’ve  come across that I think are fun, cool, or somehow unique. Some of them I’ve used as gifts for the chicken lovers in MY life and they’ve been a hit.

Chicken Wine Cork: Okay, this isn’t just another chicken-themed thing. Well, actually, it IS, but it’s hysterical! I’ve bought them for people who have LOVED them. Remember the rubber chicken from childhood? This is that, in miniature form, crafted to fit inside an open bottle of wine. (Bonus: It’s a great conversation starter at parties!) Get it here.

Chicken Stickers or Stamp for Egg Cartons: This is something I’d LOVE, but would feel guilty buying for myself. There’s lots of options out there from stickers to stamps. You can even get them at the City Girl Farming Zazzle store here.

Other Customizable Chicken Items: As a matter of fact, there’s all sorts of customizable chicken related gifts over at the City Girl Farming Store. Mugs, T-shirts. Pillows. Tote Bags. And more. Check out the whole selection here.

Chicken Forage Seeds: I love these for my girls. It’s a variety pack of seeds (Annual Ryegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Buckwheat, Flax, Millet, Forage Peas, Red Clover, Alfalfa ) specially blended for chickens. They also make for a great bee garden with a variety of cute blooming flowers creating an easy to grow, blooming garden to make everyone happy. My girls LOVE it. Here’s proof (if you look close you can see several hens enjoying the garden:

Chicken Coloring Book: Creative Chickens Coloring Book was a project I modeled after my own flock, combining my quirky personality with their whacky behavior. There are 20 original, hand drawn whimsical chicken drawings to color.  Great for children and adults. You can get it here.

Gifts for the Garden Geeks

Permaculture Cards: This deck of playing cards was thought up by a guy passionate about permaculture. He took his idea to Kickstarter and got it funded and now they’re available. Each card is full of fun facts and great photos to help educate the players of the card game.

Gardening Apron: This isn’t just any gardening apron! The Roo Joey Apron is the ultimate gardening apron with a huge pouch to fill and a chute to empty the pouch without any mess (or residue left behind).

Seeds: Okay this might seem kinda  boring to you, but think about a gardener! SEEDS are everything (and they’re somewhat addictive). There are some great ideas out there. For example, how about an Heirloom Survival Seed Kit?  If you’re worried about being to specific on your selection, what about a gift certificate from a good seed company like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Territorial Seed Company and then they can pick out what they want. (Trust me: a gardener never tires of seeds…of trying new seeds…of stocking up on old favorites…a Seed Catalog is like the toy catalog for kids. Bright, shiny, and oh so alluring.)

Heirloom Beans: This is dinner and seeds all at the same time! Rancho Gordo sells a wide variety of heirloom beans (for eating). Your garden lover can sample savory meals all winter long featuring hard to find heirloom varieties of beans. If they save some along the way, they’ll be able to plant their favorites in the garden next spring. Eat now. Eat Later. What’s not to love about that? (Not to mention that Heirloom beans are WONDERFUL. If you want to know more about them, check out my blog post on the subject–I’m an heirloom bean addict!)

Kid Gardeners: Cute seed kits (that come in egg cartons) and are a variety of themes (pizza, salsa, etc.) but my favorite is the Summer Fun seed kit that contains seeds to grow Birdhouse Gourds, Luffa Sponges, Sensitive Plant, Spaghetti Squash, Big Orange Pumpkins and Mammoth Sunflowers.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Homesteaders (and Homesteader-wannabes):

InstaPot: I LOVE LOVE mine! I’ve been wanting one for over a year and finally got one. I’m not disappointed. If you’re not familiar with the Instapot, it basically does everything: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, sauteing, baking, a warmer, a rice cooker and some models have a yogurt maker. Pretty much everything you need in a kitchen appliance (except for still needing a good blender!) There’s different models, sizes and options all designed to make life easier! Here’s one to look at.

There’s also great InstaPot cookbooks and ideas galore as well as much inspiration on Pinterest for what to cook and how to use this amazing all-in-one machine.

Fermenting Kit: Give the gift of good gut health with a fermenting kit.

Sprouting Kit: Another great gift for good health is a sprouting kit.

A Big Basket of Organic Fruits and Nuts: Even better if you can buy it local.

Local Handmade Gifts: Think soaps, local honey, hand knit items, etc.

Fatwood: I’ve heard people talking about Fatwood, but only recently experienced it. Fat wood is wood kindling that has been made from the base of the tree, where the resin is more highly concentrated. You can light a fire WITHOUT paper or kindling just with 2 tiny pieces of Fatwood. It’s amazing! Plus, added bonus is that it’s all natural. No added chemicals or anything else. And they’re sustainable. They take the stumps from trees that have already been cut and put them to good use.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fatwood. I’m hooked!

Essential Oils: Give the gift of health (and all sorts of DIY homesteading solutions). I use essential oils daily, both inside and outside the house. I use them on the chickens, too, when they’re sick or wounded. It makes so many things much more simple. And healthy. And non-toxic. If you’re interested in the kind I use, check this out. Or message me. I’d be happy to help you out.

For Homesteading Kids:

Don’t Throw it, Grow it: 68 Windowsill Plants from Kitchen Scraps: This book ROCKS! And it opens the curiosity for kids (and adults!) to see what will grow from the kitchen. (Think: the spices in the cupboard that are still in seed form (not ground), the end of the celery you chop off, etc.) Great book for curious children to open them up to a world of gardening.

Educational (and fun!) Board Game: Wildcraft Herbal Adventure Game. This is a cooperative board game that actually teaches about edible herbs and their uses, focusing on medicinal and first aid situations.

DIY Projects and Time

Lastly, it’s not all about what you can BUY. Sometimes the gift of TIME is the best gift of all and there’s hundreds of ways to do it. For example:

Who wouldn’t love free babysitting so they could go out one night?

Or help painting/fixing/cleaning something around the house/homestead?

What about ‘gift certificate’ for an afternoon of weeding or helping muck out the coop (you might enjoy it more than you think).

I have a friend who just gave a YEAR OF SOUP to someone.  Once a month she makes a big pot of soup and delivers it to her recipient. Mmmm. That sounds wonderful.

Get creative. It doesn’t have to cost anything but a little time.

Or, if you’re into DIY projects, things that I make that are oft-requested items are these:

Lemon Curd

Salsa Verde

Blackberry Jalapeno Jam

(All of the above recipes include canning instructions but don’t let that put you off if you’re not into canning–you can make it fresh and deliver it in a nice jar for refrigerator storage, or put it in cute packages and freeze it.)

Make Pine Cone Fire Starters

Another fun idea I’ve done is make Snowmen in a Jar kits for kids. They were a big hit. (And I even include labels you can print!)

Snowman in a Jar Kit

No matter what you do, nor what you celebrate, when it comes down to it, it’s all about your relationship with people. Hopefully this holiday gift guide for homesteaders and chicken lovers will get your creative juices flowing and you’ll think of even more perfect things than I’ve listed here. Have fun.  And happy holidays!

Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders (and Chicken Lovers) was originally posted by My Favorite Chicken Blogs(benjamingardening)

[chetdent3248-blog]

The Usefulness Of A Backyard Tool Sharpener.

As very easy as it is actually challenging, growing your veggies within your green house possesses its own ups and downs because of the 4 season temperature within the United Kingdome. Gardening readies workout, especially if you have a pass on all the most recent power resources and also place your muscle mass to the activities of digging, spreading out and switching garden compost, gathering and dispersing mulch, digging and selecting rocks. The vital thing to comprehend concerning gardening tools is that there are various resources for different projects in the garden plus all tools perform certainly not supply the most ideal high quality. Each from these resources could be obtained at a trustworthy horticulture shop, including Growhouse, which has actually shown to become effective and also quality work throughout the UK. One distinction is that gardening is actually labor-intensive as well as works with very little infrastructural funds, often approximately a handful of resources, e.g. a spade, container, water and also hoe can Through comparison, larger-scale farming commonly involves irrigation units, chemical plant foods as well as harvesters or a minimum of ladders, e.g. to reach up in to fruit product plants However, this distinction is actually becoming blurred with the increasing use of energy devices in even small gardens. As well as, if combined moist, that will certainly continue to be in a kind of mortar, and are going to cling and also expected all together, as well as will leave behind basically of cracks, when it become dry out. In order to get your dirt ready for autumn horticulture you must first eliminate any sort of leftover spring/summer plants as well as pots. Buying an excellent set of gardening leg pads are going to conserve your priceless knees from injury. This kind of horticulture is actually as effortless as sitting in your favored office chair, searching the catalogs, and also either fantasizing concerning just what you are actually heading to do this spring, or even really pulling designs for the gardens you aim to service. Vegetable gardening is actually no different in comparison to developing flowers or herbs and also if the effective actions are had as well as the plants are give the effective treatment they will certainly prosper and also generate incredibly delicious veggies. Modern gardening actually has actually been determined by several points and as each day passes there will certainly be even more changes in horticulture. Should you loved this informative article and you would want to receive much more information concerning mountains in england to climb, adelgazar-es-super.es, please visit our web page. That is actually most effectively to be naked when you do this (or any sort of horticulture), merely since that is the most joyous means of performing this. This suggests horticulture during the night, in the moonshine, so the next-door neighbors will not view you. Listed below are actually some ideas to help ensure that your effort at horticulture is successful right initially. Without any wire to vacation you over, Gtech landscape resources permit you removal readily around the backyard. Willful Activity Epping Rainforest's Horticulture Service is on call Monday to Friday in between February as well as Nov. Although you might think this will be better to get acquire with as little as achievable, ultimately, it is better to obtain the tools. Yard gardening could follow along quite formal lines or along laid-back lines. Additionally, grimy devices may camouflage resource harm as well as cause resources to corrode quicker. Beginning small and just growing the crops you enjoy is actually the best way to get engageded in this strategy of horticulture. Coming from yard fundamentals like tools as well as woodcare to grow-your-own sets and quite garden extras, there is actually everything you'll need to have listed here to reveal your landscape some passion. When mounting steel, pipe or even copper, this variety of resources allows for simple installation without an over dependence on reducing or even making use of fittings. Horticulture to me is not simply the act from creating and mounting gardens this is extra like conservation. That is achievable to find software program that delivers you along with online book keeping devices that could simplify the procedure of maintaining publications. There are lots of easy as well as simple tasks that the youngsters can easily obtain involved in. The jobs will definitely show all of them concerning nutrition, attribute, reprocessing and also natural gardening. Toads, hedgehogs, snakes, bats - each one of these exist merely to serve you in the horticulture parasite purge. Below's another horticulture pointer: location a sheet from bright tinfoil behind your vegetations if you grow them inside and experiencing a window. Kathryn Dawson creates write-ups for Bristol Yard Providers, a garden gardening and concept provider offering Bristol landscape upkeep to customers at realistic costs. This is actually the easiest way that one can easily acquire relevant information on any kind of form of gardening devices. To respond to that all essential ground examine an electronic soil tester is fantastic horticulture gift. Then again, there are actually special cold frame horticulture kits that could be bought online. Many people that do gardening like the tip from eating or even offering veggies as well as fruits increased by themselves. The initial method generally starts in January as the gardening catalogs begin to arrive in the email. A residence landscaper is actually delegated to using various ordinary hand tools for planting, sustaining the story as well as cultivating. Gardening is actually performed on a smaller sized incrustation, predominantly for delight as well as to make goods for the gardener's very own family or area. There are an amount of unique gardening tools and also each one is designed for a particular job. THEY ARE long-forgotten resources from a lost planet of Yorkshire kitchen area horticulture, a grow older through which seedsmen as well as farmers had an implement for every single job, consisting of one to cut the legs off poachers. A bunch of really good health and nutrition, physical exercise and benefit awaits the garden enthusiast having a tendency the abundant harvestings enjoyed coming from increased mattress horticulture. Gardening items may range coming from tools too enrich to the true plant itself. Vegetable gardening is actually certainly not that expensive to start and the taste of home developed veggies undoubtedly defeated that from grocery store veggies. Productive veggie gardening is as a lot about good preparation as this is about execution. Yes, that corrects, along with hydroponic gardening that is actually quick and easy to grow the best from veggies and fruit in also the littlest of rooms. One more of those enjoyments that a bunch of our company enjoy showing our family members is our passion from horticulture. However, autumn horticulture will result in outstanding veggies and will definitely expand crops long after springtime grew plants are actually ended up. The majority of vegetations need a minimum of 6 - 8 hours of sunshine per day, therefore you will wish to decide on a yard plot that will allow all of them sufficient straight sun light throughout the day. A team of 2 gardeners will visit your place, delivering all devices and also tools for the task. The only thing that soil-less gardening needs is actually to incorporate an exclusive mix of nutrients to some water to create a service in which the vegetations are actually increased. These repairing devices will definitely likewise guarantee your job is actually quicker and a lot more exact, without jeopardising premium. Placing in reared bed gardens can be a big financial investment eventually as well as cash, but this is going to additionally pay you back in far better plants, more gardening space, and also less complicated accessibility to your gardening regions. Make sure to keep all these kinds of horticulture items in a high cupboard, from the range of children. Organic horticulture is a fulfilling leisure activity that anyone may enjoy, as long as they recognize what they're carrying out. I would certainly suggest booking a flight terminal transactions along with Shuttle bus Direct just before you prepared off if you wish to beat the tourist crowds contending for taxis at the flight terminal. Handwear covers are going to assist to save your palms coming from any unexpected accidents that can easily occur at any kind of provided time. Micro Backhoes are perfect for cramping and packed rooms, Mini Excavators are ideal for any type of tiny excavating activity as well as the Midi Diggers handle several of the greater works. The growing channel utilized in Hydroponics gardening can be any kind of lot of factors, like Rockwool, perlite, coconut thread, crushed rock, sand, vermiculite, or perhaps sky. You could dismiss these simple facts, of course, and continue your gardening as well as with your life in some kind of West Nile denial. The second sort of wintertime gardening is to really venture out in the backyard as well as do a little bit of work. Yet make indisputable, this research is a great one, and has our expertise a step forward, plus all credit score to the Royal Horticultural Culture, assisted due to the Wildlife Horticulture Online forum, for performing it. Hydroponic increase bodies are indoor gardening units that make use of no soil, but create splendid vegetations that flourish in an interior growing setting. Vegetable gardening may create vegetable that are actually normally more affordable in comparison to establishment bought, as well as veggies off a home vegetable backyard undoubtedly try much better easily. The the best possible position for a Brush is actually in between four and also 6 feet coming from a bright home window which gives the vegetation excellent in straight sunshine. Additionally, our experts must bear in mind that effective wildlife-friendly gardening really isn't just about abundance.

[benjamingarden]

Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders (and Chicken Lovers)

The 2017 City Girl Farming Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders and Chicken Lovers

It’s that time of year again when we all scratch our heads to figure out what to give to to those we love. I’ve put together a few things to help you out this year. Gifts focused on the chicken lovers, the gardeners and the general homesteaders (and folks who long to be homesteaders but aren’t there yet) in your life.  Here I present to you the 2017 Holiday Guide for homesteaders and chicken lovers on your list. May it get your holiday creative juices flowing!

Holiday Gift Ideas for Chicken Lovers

Because I am one of those chicken lovers, let’s start with them first. There is tons of stuff on the market these days that targets chicken fanatics (because our ranks are growing). However, not every chicken-themed object is a good gift.  Here are some I’ve  come across that I think are fun, cool, or somehow unique. Some of them I’ve used as gifts for the chicken lovers in MY life and they’ve been a hit.

Chicken Wine Cork: Okay, this isn’t just another chicken-themed thing. Well, actually, it IS, but it’s hysterical! I’ve bought them for people who have LOVED them. Remember the rubber chicken from childhood? This is that, in miniature form, crafted to fit inside an open bottle of wine. (Bonus: It’s a great conversation starter at parties!) Get it here.

Chicken Stickers or Stamp for Egg Cartons: This is something I’d LOVE, but would feel guilty buying for myself. There’s lots of options out there from stickers to stamps. You can even get them at the City Girl Farming Zazzle store here.

Other Customizable Chicken Items: As a matter of fact, there’s all sorts of customizable chicken related gifts over at the City Girl Farming Store. Mugs, T-shirts. Pillows. Tote Bags. And more. Check out the whole selection here.

Chicken Forage Seeds: I love these for my girls. It’s a variety pack of seeds (Annual Ryegrass, Perennial Ryegrass, Buckwheat, Flax, Millet, Forage Peas, Red Clover, Alfalfa ) specially blended for chickens. They also make for a great bee garden with a variety of cute blooming flowers creating an easy to grow, blooming garden to make everyone happy. My girls LOVE it. Here’s proof (if you look close you can see several hens enjoying the garden:

Chicken Coloring Book: Creative Chickens Coloring Book was a project I modeled after my own flock, combining my quirky personality with their whacky behavior. There are 20 original, hand drawn whimsical chicken drawings to color.  Great for children and adults. You can get it here.

Gifts for the Garden Geeks

Permaculture Cards: This deck of playing cards was thought up by a guy passionate about permaculture. He took his idea to Kickstarter and got it funded and now they’re available. Each card is full of fun facts and great photos to help educate the players of the card game.

Gardening Apron: This isn’t just any gardening apron! The Roo Joey Apron is the ultimate gardening apron with a huge pouch to fill and a chute to empty the pouch without any mess (or residue left behind).

Seeds: Okay this might seem kinda  boring to you, but think about a gardener! SEEDS are everything (and they’re somewhat addictive). There are some great ideas out there. For example, how about an Heirloom Survival Seed Kit?  If you’re worried about being to specific on your selection, what about a gift certificate from a good seed company like Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds or Territorial Seed Company and then they can pick out what they want. (Trust me: a gardener never tires of seeds…of trying new seeds…of stocking up on old favorites…a Seed Catalog is like the toy catalog for kids. Bright, shiny, and oh so alluring.)

Heirloom Beans: This is dinner and seeds all at the same time! Rancho Gordo sells a wide variety of heirloom beans (for eating). Your garden lover can sample savory meals all winter long featuring hard to find heirloom varieties of beans. If they save some along the way, they’ll be able to plant their favorites in the garden next spring. Eat now. Eat Later. What’s not to love about that? (Not to mention that Heirloom beans are WONDERFUL. If you want to know more about them, check out my blog post on the subject–I’m an heirloom bean addict!)

Kid Gardeners: Cute seed kits (that come in egg cartons) and are a variety of themes (pizza, salsa, etc.) but my favorite is the Summer Fun seed kit that contains seeds to grow Birdhouse Gourds, Luffa Sponges, Sensitive Plant, Spaghetti Squash, Big Orange Pumpkins and Mammoth Sunflowers.

Holiday Gift Ideas for Homesteaders (and Homesteader-wannabes):

InstaPot: I LOVE LOVE mine! I’ve been wanting one for over a year and finally got one. I’m not disappointed. If you’re not familiar with the Instapot, it basically does everything: Pressure cooking, slow cooking, sauteing, baking, a warmer, a rice cooker and some models have a yogurt maker. Pretty much everything you need in a kitchen appliance (except for still needing a good blender!) There’s different models, sizes and options all designed to make life easier! Here’s one to look at.

There’s also great InstaPot cookbooks and ideas galore as well as much inspiration on Pinterest for what to cook and how to use this amazing all-in-one machine.

Fermenting Kit: Give the gift of good gut health with a fermenting kit.

Sprouting Kit: Another great gift for good health is a sprouting kit.

A Big Basket of Organic Fruits and Nuts: Even better if you can buy it local.

Local Handmade Gifts: Think soaps, local honey, hand knit items, etc.

Fatwood: I’ve heard people talking about Fatwood, but only recently experienced it. Fat wood is wood kindling that has been made from the base of the tree, where the resin is more highly concentrated. You can light a fire WITHOUT paper or kindling just with 2 tiny pieces of Fatwood. It’s amazing! Plus, added bonus is that it’s all natural. No added chemicals or anything else. And they’re sustainable. They take the stumps from trees that have already been cut and put them to good use.  I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fatwood. I’m hooked!

Essential Oils: Give the gift of health (and all sorts of DIY homesteading solutions). I use essential oils daily, both inside and outside the house. I use them on the chickens, too, when they’re sick or wounded. It makes so many things much more simple. And healthy. And non-toxic. If you’re interested in the kind I use, check this out. Or message me. I’d be happy to help you out.

For Homesteading Kids:

Don’t Throw it, Grow it: 68 Windowsill Plants from Kitchen Scraps: This book ROCKS! And it opens the curiosity for kids (and adults!) to see what will grow from the kitchen. (Think: the spices in the cupboard that are still in seed form (not ground), the end of the celery you chop off, etc.) Great book for curious children to open them up to a world of gardening.

Educational (and fun!) Board Game: Wildcraft Herbal Adventure Game. This is a cooperative board game that actually teaches about edible herbs and their uses, focusing on medicinal and first aid situations.

DIY Projects and Time

Lastly, it’s not all about what you can BUY. Sometimes the gift of TIME is the best gift of all and there’s hundreds of ways to do it. For example:

Who wouldn’t love free babysitting so they could go out one night?

Or help painting/fixing/cleaning something around the house/homestead?

What about ‘gift certificate’ for an afternoon of weeding or helping muck out the coop (you might enjoy it more than you think).

I have a friend who just gave a YEAR OF SOUP to someone.  Once a month she makes a big pot of soup and delivers it to her recipient. Mmmm. That sounds wonderful.

Get creative. It doesn’t have to cost anything but a little time.

Or, if you’re into DIY projects, things that I make that are oft-requested items are these:

Lemon Curd

Salsa Verde

Blackberry Jalapeno Jam

(All of the above recipes include canning instructions but don’t let that put you off if you’re not into canning–you can make it fresh and deliver it in a nice jar for refrigerator storage, or put it in cute packages and freeze it.)

Make Pine Cone Fire Starters

Another fun idea I’ve done is make Snowmen in a Jar kits for kids. They were a big hit. (And I even include labels you can print!)

Snowman in a Jar Kit

No matter what you do, nor what you celebrate, when it comes down to it, it’s all about your relationship with people. Hopefully this holiday gift guide for homesteaders and chicken lovers will get your creative juices flowing and you’ll think of even more perfect things than I’ve listed here. Have fun.  And happy holidays!

Holiday Gift Guide for Homesteaders (and Chicken Lovers) was originally posted by My Favorite Chicken Blogs(benjamingardening)