Hello my reader.
My friend.
I could think of a thousand things to blog about today, but I kept finding myself drawing back to a particular topic.
You.
That's right. You.
There are more of you now as we have almost been going for two months strong! I am always giddy when I see that people have been visiting our homestead. Because really, I don't have anything that important to say and yet you still come to visit! What a joy.
If you stop coming, I stop blogging. So please don't stop. Because then I would actually have to find something productive to do with my time, like clean out my closets or mop my floor. And I don't want to do that.
But here is my frustration:
I don't know you. Or do I? Who are you dear readers?
Mom? Dad? Is there anyone else out there?
Oh yes, my sisters. I'm pretty sure they read it. Hey girls!
Oh, and Melanie. And Becca. And Kendra. And Jannica. Hey ladies!
Pastor Gene? Is that you?
Kimberly? Hello?
So today, I am asking you to reveal yourself. This is an interactive post, as in, I want you to comment. As in, I demand it. Tell me who you are! Where are you from? Why do you visit? Any posts you would like to see or project you would like to see me try this next year? What are your hopes and dreams? Spill your guts people!
That way we can talk and joke and make fun of eachother and stuff.
I very much appreciate every view and every comment that I've had – it brings a little sunshine to my day! I hope that this blog brings a little sunshine to your day as well. I look forward with great anticipation to what this next year has in store for The Elliott Homestead. A wee little blog that started off as a twinkle in my eye has now grown into the fastest growing, top-rated homesteading blog on the internet!
I made that last part up.
But wouldn't that be cool!
So, let's hear it people!ย Give a shout out.ย If no one comments I am going to feel like a real loser that will turn to baklavaย so that I canย drown my sorrows in nuts and honey…so that being said…
Hey y'all.
How are ya.
Who are ya.
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE!!!!!
Rebecca C.
I couldn’t possibly let this one go unanswered. Sorry we didn’t get to chat more during the Christmas Eve service; it was good to see you in real life though! : )
Mr. Elliott
Hi. My Name is Stuart,
I read your blog religiously. I’m a big fan. I want to hear more about your husband. He is the coolest part of this blog. You should think about only doing posts about him from now on.
peace out
Sister
This is your sister. Your ‘little’ sister. I too read your blog religiously. I am grateful I read your blog today because Stuart just said, “peace out”, which made me laugh out loud. Literately. I would say do more cool posts about your awesome family but God only knows what kind of disgusting pictures of us you would put up here. So stick to arts & crafts and cute babies.
HAPPY NEW YEARS EVE. FODUE. WINE. WHOO-HAH!
Jill
Hello ๐
I will introduce myself: I’m Jill- a fellow homesteader and blogger. I stumbled across your blog a couple weeks ago and have really been enjoying it. I like your writing style and how informative your posts are. Also, we are in the same stage of life on many things, so that is also fun!
I especially enjoy your tutorials. Keep up the good work!
The Mrs.
Dear ‘Sister’
As a teacher, it is important to proof read your work. Please note that it is “Fondue” and not “Fodue” – that made ME laugh out loud. ๐
Hey Jill – so glad you are here!
Sister
Haha! Touchรฉ.
Melanie H.
You know me. I read your blog because 1) it’s funny, 2) you like to do things the natural way (which I admire and aspire to), and 3) y’all are just the cutest dang family at church so I want to know more about ya.
Thanks for blogging!
Btw, I made chapstick. It turned out just a little hard (though still usable) so I’m going to try again with a little less beeswax. It’s scrumptious. ๐
Scott
Hey there! Your blog is hilarious and has touched on a lot of things that I find intriguing ๐ It is so fun to read!!
Cheers~
Jen
Gene Helsel
Pastor Gene here, on duty, reading your blog and enjoying it. BTW, nice pics on this post! But please, even if you get a large response from your readers/fans, eat the baklava anyway. It’s the right thing to do.
Mom
Ok…that made me laugh as well between Stuart’s peace out and Tye the teacher misspelling “Fodue”–made me laugh right out loud! Tye is also right that pictures and stories of the family can be a little frightening! Cute babies are always a hit!Thanks for the enjoyment daughter blogger.
The Mrs.
Paster Gene, I will eat baklava. Because I can. And I want to. Glad you read today and didn’t leave me hangin’ ๐
Melanie, I just love ya ๐ Try holding the chapstick in your armpit (HA!) for a few minutes and the coconut oil will warm up and make it softer. Or lower the beeswax ๐ Which may be more socially acceptable than sticking a chapstick tube in your armpit.
Jen, Cheers to a better 2011! ๐ Stay healthy you beautiful mama!
Anita - aka Granny Patches
There are others reading your blog too. I’m a little old lady who remembers her past by reading about your beginnings. Watching your discoveries reminds me of my discoveries so many years ago. Thank you.
The Mrs.
Anita, that made me smile ๐ Glad you are here!
Kendra at New Life On A Homestead
Hey girl! Yeah, you spotted me. I’m now an avid stalker. I can’t help it. You make me laugh. I need a good laugh at the end of my crazy days ๐
Christine
Hey Shaye! Your posts are so funny. Each day I read them and wish I could be a great writer. I love the posts…even though they sometimes make me feel like I am a looser for not being such a great homemaker. ๐ It is an accomplishment for me to get showered and put makeup on each day with two little boys. ๐
-Christine
Dad
Dad said…
I am the Father. I feel very lucky just to be alive after floating in a sea of estrogen these many years. I read your blog to see what experiment your mother is going to try on me this week. I was happy with burgers, coors lite and a spot on the couch. Now it’s foods I would not even try to pronounce, some sort of berry drink and going to the gym 4 days of the week. I also like to see you spread your love to other people. I know you would not do this if you did not feel you were giving joy to others. Keep up the good work. I love you daughter.
Brynn
Hi, I’m Brynn. I’m the oldest of the sisters. I am actually quite grateful every day I get on here and can let out a sigh of relief that I have not made it into the post for the day! I’m sorry sister that you had to point out your blog to me today and I had to admit I had not been on for several days ๐ OOPS! But it’s not like my time is all my own. I mean really remember this conversation: Kyson, please let the dog out. No, you. Kyson, is that what God would want you to say? I think he would want you to say sure mom. No, me asked Him. He wants you to do it!
Yeah, times that by 3 and that sums up my life! ๐ LOVE YOU!!!!
Jessica
Hey there! I’m Jessica. I found your blog through the chapstick post on Kendra’s blog. I read your’s (and Kendra’s) blog just about everyday. I live vicariously through you and Kendra as my family is older and against moving out to the country to start homesteading. My goal is to start a little suburban homestead. Just taking babysteps so not to shock the family! Nice to meet ya!
Whitney
Marhba (Hello) from Syria!
I read your blog everyday during my break at work. I love it! It gives me a small reminder of home. Thank you Shaye!
Kimberly
I think I found you via the chapstick post on the other site. ๐
I am just your typical American housewife taking a break from making 7 quarts of granola, a triple batch of chapstick, milling flour, baking bread, reading Emma, cleaning with baking soda and vinegar–from my hair to the counters. You know, the usual. I make our lotions, deodorant, cleansers, etc. Working on the soap making and cloth diapering as soon as the three month old fits into the ones I have on hand from the big and bigger brothers. Can’t crochet or knit. Yet. That’s my goal for this year. As well as getting my own chickens and goats. This suburban/city girl is headed to the country this month to a town I’ve never seen and a home I’ve never set foot into. Should be exciting! And I love Jesus. Not a footnote, but I ramble when I write, so there it is!
My blog has been pathetic lately as I have moved twice with one more move this month, had a baby and have generally needed to keep a lot more to myself these last few months. Time on the computer has been limited, along with space and privacy. Will be back up in gear by March. Until then, there are archives. ๐
Alicia A.
Hi! I’m Alicia, your fellow Trinity Church and A2G member. ๐ You can add me to the list of regular readers. I always look forward to new blog posts popping up on my Facebook news-feed. Keep ’em coming!
brittanygoeswest
Hi – my name is Brittany and I went to Covenant with your inlaws. I saw your post on Facebook one day and I’ve been reading your blog regularly ever since! I love all of your helpful tips and can’t wait to try out the vanilla extract recipe. ๐
leslie the young mother
Hi Shaye! My name is Leslie and I also went to school with your inlaws back in GA. (Hi Brittany!) I think I saw your posts a while back on FB and was hooked. While we live (literally) in the city and I can’t have my homestead… we do try to live naturally and I have loved your posts on bread and chapstick to be specific ๐ Do ya’ll have chickens? Because you should. I feel there would be many a good post on taking care of chickens. Anyway, until then, a picture of your beautiful babe will work. Thanks for writing and looking forward to more!
Most likely Jenn
This is Jenn. The two-“n”-Jenn. I read your blog because I’m seriously jealous at how witty you are. And Bob and I both laugh. It’s delightful. I’m not even sure how to make the right thing show up in the “comment as” box. Do I have a google account?
Most likely Jenn
Ah. I do. Never mind.
Cosette Benoit
Dear Shaye, Stuart and Georgia,
Many thanks for your beautiful blog, it is a joy for me to read your posts and to know how life is going on for you. How precious is it to hear the news of your little family and to see a happy mother, a wonderful housekeeper living every day as a blessing from God and as a wonderful day ! In our society, making family life one’s joy and one’s ambition is not usual; how sad ! So, your blog is precious to remind us the beauty of a simple family life led by the good Hand of our Heavenly Father.
I am a far away reader from Switzerland, where I met Stuart and Alex during their European trip and visited Neuchรขtel with them. I got on your blog through Facebook and I’m happy to be able to “keep in touch”.
I’m 21 and I study in Lausanne University (Literature, History and Political Science) to become a teacher. I have 4 more years until I finish my studies. I guess you can imagine what a student life looks life… nothing much more to say !
I send you much love,
A Swiss sister in Christ,
Cosette Benoit ([email protected])
The Mrs.
Brittany, let me know how the extract turns out! I love that you are reading this from across the country – and that you know my fam over there!
Leslie, I wish we had chickens! I’m trying to convince Stuart to call our landlord and ask if it’s okay – we have the perfect spot for them! Something tells me the vegetables will win though and we will just plant them instead of converting the space to a chicken coop. You never know though…! I’m going to keep trying!
Jenn, the thought of you and Bob smiling makes ME smile! We’re going to brew our next batch of beer soon and want you guys to come over!
Cosette, so nice to meet you! I was wondering who my reader in Switzerland was – now I know! Welcome!
Corey M.
Shaye,
I am Corey Eifert, Jeffrey Eifert’s wife. We are brand new to the area and my wonderful father-in-law suggested that I read your blog. I can’t wait to get to know you more. Your blog makes me feel like I have an instantaneous friend from the way that you write, which trust me is quite the blessing seeing how I have no friends in Ellensburg yet. Thank you for writing and brightening my day! ๐
Ellen H.
Ellen Helsel here – just LOVING your blog! You are just the sort of person that ought to be blogging…you are interesting, funny, adorable, and you have a wonderful gift of writing that is “gospel-esque” and truly beautiful.
(I also love it that you are a true cowgirl – not the “all hat and no cattle” type ๐
The other Melanie H.
This is a long time coming…I’m sort of a lurker. There you have it. You see I really think blogging is a bit of a waste of time, or so I did…until, I gave in and started reading your blog. Lots of people told me to. WOW! I love it. You are my daily conversation with someone who thinks like me. Keep up the good work.
Shaye @ The Elliott Homestead
Welcome Melanie H. #2! Don’t worry – lurking is allowed.
emily felts
I’m Emily, and I found your blog through a muffin recipe (I think? Was it raspberry oat muffins? or something else? Now I can’t remember) I have “baby brain” because I am 5 months pregnant with our first child…a genuine miracle! We have been living and blogging (a bit) in Africa for a while, and I love hearing about your homestead and life as a young mom because I hope to be (in the VERY near future) head of my own little house and mother of God’s precious little gift to us. Thanks for the inspiration, humor and great ideas. I feel like we could have been friends…on another continent ๐
Alyssa C.
Hello Shaye
My name is Alyssa and I am from Alberta, Canada. I stumbled upon your website through pinterest. Think it was how much meat do you need to raise for a year or something of the sort. I enjoyed that post so started from the very beginning of your blog cuz i think this is one i will be following. We are currently in the midst of setting up a mini permaculture site at the daily farm place. My husband and I live with his mother, his aunt and her boyfriend and our 3 dogs. We have got the gardening down pat and now this year introducing lambs, pigs, chickens and turkeys. I am very excited. And I am positive your blog will come in handy many times. Thanks for being the little ray of sunshine in my little interest world. Happy Homesteading!!!
Tori Shelmidine
Hi. My name is Tori. I live in Central Square, NY about 15 minutes outside of Syracuse, NY. I have been reading your blog for just over a week. I can’t seem to stop. I’m addicted. I grew up in Germany and came to the US at the age of 13. I love simplicity and traditional way of life. I am in the process of buying a home on 5 acres. Hoping to close in a couple weeks. My plan is to garden and have meat chickens this year and begin laying chickens and goats next year. Just want to say thank you for being an amazing resource for homesteading. You have truly blessed and touched my life through your words and encouragement.
Emily
Hi… I realize I’m commenting on a post from a little more than 7 years ago… *le sigh* but I’m a new reader, and yes, I’m digging through your archives for a few reasons, 1. I’m weird and like to start all things (tv shows, blogs, etc) from the beginning, and 2. I’m just starting out on this crazy wonderful (mostly research oriented) journey called homesteading. Seeing how others begin gives me hope for my true beginning. And I am so so glad that I found you!
P.S. I might take you up on your offer to re-home your kombucha starter sometime in the future!
Holly
Like Emily, I recently found your blog and have an absolute need to start from the beginning. I’ve come to you from YouTube, where I am loving your Year in the Gardens series. Also like Emily, I’m learning about homesteading in hopes of one day owning land and animals. I already garden and preserve food, and recently I’ve gotten into researching planting the traditional crops grown from pre-1950s that are culturally important to my part of the Southeast. (This doesn’t my any means mean I hate hybrids and don’t grow those, too!) I’ve ordered Welcome to the Farm today, and it should arrive over the weekend. Really looking forward to it!
Carol
Hi Shaye, I recently found your blog by way of my daughter who follows you. I like to start everything from the beginning so I have gone back and am catching up ๐
I love all things homesteading. We have a garden and I have canned before and I have recently started baking bread and I have started a sourdough starter. We live on 2 acres, but I would love to have a bigger farm. I would also love to be a full time homemaker, but I work an outside job. I do what I can when I am home as that is where my heart is.
I love your writing!