i went thru a stretch between where i was unable to work and when my disability pension kicked in...i had no phone, no food, no money, no car, etc. i had a home because i was renting from a friend.

i used the local food bank (which at the time 12 years ago was not good) and walked everywhere. there was no library so no books. my electricy was cut off so no tv.

as you can see...the situation was not pleasant. BUT...do you know what? i learned from it. i learned what i NEEDED and what i WANTED. big difference between the two things. for me...i crave the the things i want but don't really need to survive...like chocolate, or sweets, or new clothes, books, etc. they would be nice to have or make my life easier but are not needed for survival. kind oif like ..."i have $20 to spend...on gorceries that are real food or chocolate, ice cream, etc.?" sounds like an easy decision but sometimes it's easy to get swayed.

i am glad i went thru that period. even tho things have improved since then i still keep those lessons close to my heart. do i need that? i think many times people just purchase goods without examening the cost to their budget, lifestyle, environment, etc.

the media tells us we need that huge suv, or the biggest best whatever and our life isn't complete without it....to me it takes a strong person to say no...my life is just fine without that big ol' status thing in my driveway,

so i grow my garden because it's fun, cheap and gives back. i am usually able to make. 3 pots of tomato sauce that i freeze for the winter and i give away tons of stuff to friends.

so for me a garden gets me back to where i want & need to be...simpler times...back in touch with what is important