Welcome to Urban Homespun!

Urban Homespun is a chronicle of my ongoing adaptation to a devolving lifestyle. This adaptation was initiated by circumstance (a common tale--no work) and by fundamental personal convictions and beliefs. I am convinced, first of all, that we are living on a planet in extreme peril, and that a finger can be squarely pointed in the direction of humanity as the perpetrator. I am also convinced that American culture as we've known it and its talisman, the dollar, are going the way of the Dodo bird. I could list all the reasons why, but there are tons of sites laying that out way better than I can.

My earnest belief is that it's time to make the shift to something new of my own choosing while there is still time to gain the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to live in a non-technological world-- a world where dollars and cars and other such frivolities are worthless and social networks and bartering are crucial to survival. To me that means learning how to:

• Grow vegetables, fruits, and nuts in my yard to create a sustainable, edible forest
• Make food basics from scratch (cheese, crackers, bread, etc.)
• Find off-the-grid fuel (wood, solar) for winter heating and cooking
• Mend and make clothes
• Make my own clay oven
• Exchange help, tools, and information with neighbors
• Encourage my city to become a transition town
• Change local ordinances to allow raising chickens
• Start a gardening club to exchange labor, tools, and expertise
• Locate and use alternative transportation

I have a lot of work to do.  I hope you'll join me.