A Painted Line

The economy is getting worse. At this point, you'd have to live on a self-sufficient island not to notice. Oil prices are at a new high... slightly over $100/barrel. The economic impact is undeniable. The price of everything is rapidly increasing.

Until recently, the quest for the simple life and living frugally was something of a novel idea. There was something reminiscent of a bygone era and a simpler time. Folks would tighten their belts for the thrill of a bargain and the defeat of commerce. Or, as a mere escape from their busy "rat race" lives. Now, it has become necessary to pursue this lifestyle because it is more and more difficult just to pay the bills each month.

I have an advantage. I was raised living the simple life in the Ozark foothills of northern Arkansas. My childhood was from a bygone era. I've often compared it to "The Waltons" - with the major exception being that my experience was in the 1970's rather than the 1930's. We milked cows, churned butter, gathered eggs, made bread, split wood, planted crops, canned vegetables... and worked to live off the land. I am not enamored by the romantic notion of these pursuits for the "simple life". That life is not simple. It is hard. It is work. But, I know that I can do it and I know how to do it. The beautiful part is, I can choose where and how I implement my knowledge to create a combination of convenience and cost-savings that better fits my life.

Thus, here I am... sharing my tricks, tips, insights and daily happenings in an effort to impart some words of encouragement and maybe some wisdom here and there to those who are pursuing a more frugal life in order to reduce their financial burden. I hope it helps.

Oh... about the name of the blog; it is a reference to women painting stripes on their legs when stockings were in short supply.

Enjoy!