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I'm a 58-year-old engineer. In our technological world, where we're disconnected from the making of things, it's easy fall into a numb series of passive activities--computers, TV, BlackBerries...When I was a teenager my mom and I cooked, canned, sewed clothes...but by my 40s, work, kids, and commuting had squeezed these out of the mix. Plus, didn't we consider these household skills inconsistent w/our new Professional Woman outlook? BUT...Increasingly I find myself returning to these--finding physical, hands-on projects an important balance to WORK-SLEEP-WORK. Even more, I really find satisfaction and a connection with community/heritage through teaching myself near "lost" arts...so since moving to Oregon, I taught myself to can, make jam, applesauce, and once pumped, moved on to teaching myself quilting, knitting, crocheting, and embroidery.
Others talk about the benefit of fresh food--knowing the source, reducing additives, and this is all good, too--but for me, it's the physical accomplishment. I go to my local U-Pick, pick the apples, then through organization, skill, and diligence, voila! I've produced quarts of lovely, tasty applesauce...which I can also share with friends as homemade gifts. What's not to love!

posted 4 years, 7 months ago
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