Hi Friends,

We (josh and Sarah Brown and Horizion Christian Fellowship of Greenfeild)are going to be opening a place called Simpler times, this spring, pretty much in our own back yard we have a few acres. We are considering the field across the street in the future. We where hoping that others who have unique skills, a desire for simpler times, organic farms and gardens, in our area could be part of this co-op on a small or big scale, many, many, families are going to be part of this and providing organic produce to our families is one of our biggest priorities. I'll send the attachment explaining what Simpler Times Workshop, Gardens and Trading Post is all about. As more and more people share the vision it’s looking like other people- even in Florida, Ohio and Michigan are going to going to open outreaches of Simpler Times in their own backyards, neighborhoods, churches, kitchens, farms and workshops. Simpler times is a place where friends, families and strangers gather together to learn the timeless skills of our grandmothers. Once we learn Grandma’s skills many of us modern day women are going to be growing our own organic produce, making our own soap, from the milk of the goats at the Simpler Times Barn, we will exchange books, recipes, homemade crafts, cheese, bread, the eggs from the chickens in our back yards, we will have a clothing exchange, toy swap, we will can pickles and salsa and Jam. Infact the women of Simple times are seeking to leave many of the stresses of society, and return to the ways of the pioneers, we will form neighborhood villages and this will be a place of love where the elderly will be valued and needed, people going through cancer treatment will have a place to relax and watch children play and gardens grow, the poor will be able to work in the garden in exchange for the best quality foods and produce and stay at home moms are going to help support many of the needs of the family. Each chapter of Simpler Times is an outreach of the women’s ministry of the local Christian Churches, and began with the women of Horizon Christian Fellowship in Geist and Greenfeild Indiana.

God Bless America,

Sarah J. Brown

In about a month we will be holding a seminar for anyone interested in being part of this, please contact Sarah Brown if you would like to come. There will be no fee for the seminar but we do ask that you would bring any book found on our book list for the library- you may have one on your shelf right now! I want to encourage anyone who is desiring to be involved to read the book Simpler Times by Thomas Kinkade- this is the only requirement for membership… besides the fact that this is a woman’s ministry outreach- Simpler Times is an Out Reach of Horizon Christian Fellowship, Greenfield Indiana and was also inspired by the people at Calvary Chapel of New Smyrna Beach Florida.

Above every doorway, at Simpler Times, you will read the words “God Bless America HERE"S HOW IT WORKS:

Simpler Times Workshop Next Spring I will be opening the “Simpler Times Workshop” for Women and Children. The finished barn will be a cozy place where I will teach and practice many of the skills of our grandmothers. The workshop, Trading Post, and Gardens will be open on Tuesdays and Thursdays from Sunrise to Sunset, for a few hours on the weekend, and by appointment. Creative Homemaking Classes will take place on Fridays, and as scheduled.

Here you will find old Singer Sewing Machines, baskets of craft supplies, a library filled with great and inspiring books, a scroll saw, colorful fabrics and yarns and so much more. We even have a kiln! You may sip a cup of herbal tea, listen to the music of peace, or lose yourself in a mural. Here you can learn unique ways to express your creativity and come to truly appreciate your heritage. Maybe you will find satisfaction in making your own soap, tea blends or curtains. Just outside you can watch our kitchen garden grow, and tend to it’s needs if you like. You can trade at our trading post and gift shop, and explore the library. You can make salsa with new friends, pick strawberries and can pickles. Learn how to milk a goat and meet our laying hens, take home some fresh eggs. While my children play with the new baby goats I’ll tell you my story, and maybe you can tell me yours. Hopefully your faith in God will grow like the sunflowers, and you will discover simple ways to live a life of peace, purity, creativity and beauty.

The exchange of money has no place or value at Simpler Times. We are delighted to return to the old-fashion game of trading for goods and services. We have designed a value system in which fresh organic produce, used books, some time in the garden, homemade soaps and herbal teas are worth more than gold or silver… or a piece of paper with a face and numbers on it. At Simpler Times it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, a grown-up or little child ,

educated or illiterate, a farmer’s wife or a city girl, everyone is equal here and has equal opportunities. No individual makes an income but everyone profits. The value of a product remains the same- 2 ounces of honey is worth 1 point whether you are the producer or the consumer. The main goals of the Trading post is to make wholesome eating possible and affordable no matter what your financial status is and to give women, especially stay at home moms and students, the ability to provide for many of their physical needs with out having to work for money, ultimately allowing them to put their time and attention into what matters most.

Many Hands-on Workshops will be offered at Simpler Times. Members who have special skills and would like to share them may be able to teach a class. I will also be offering a course on Creative Homemaking beginning late April and continuing through early August. This class is for women who are serious about creating a peaceful and simple home life for their families (present or future). We will be looking into what makes home a place of peace, creativity, simplicity, faith, purity, beauty and fun. The class sizes will be small because of all the hands-on activities and individual attention each woman needs. There will be many reading assignments and a few field trips. So if your are interested in taking part in this unique opportunity please contact me soon for more information and an application. Tuition will be paid by of the trading goods and services. You will be buying or Borrowing your own books.

MEMBERSHIP It’s easy to become a member of Simpler Times Workshop, you will just need to fill out a simple questionnaire and read the book “Simpler Times” by Thomas Kinkade, within 1 month of membership. This is required so that you can better understand the heart, vision and mission of the place named after this book.

Examples of how the Trading Post will Work

A young mother who has no extra money and nothing to trade but her precious time, she can come to Simpler Times, spend her day working in the garden or library and enough points to feed her little family with the freshest most nutritious foods for the week. A Bible School Student could bring some handmade winter hats to the gift shop and go home with some Trail Mix, Used Books and organic produce!

Another woman may want to use the equipment in the workshop. She will need to give 20 value points to spend an hour in the workshop, so she might bring in a used Paperback Gardening book some fabric and a few pounds of tomatoes from her garden, her products have a value of 40 points . She spends 1 hour in the workshop (20 points) using the weaving loom, She spends her extra points on 2 balls of yarn for her project, 1 yard of fabric, a 1 lb. package of organic granola, and a handmade catnip mouse. Before she leaves she spends a half hour pulling weeds in the garden and receive 8 points for her services. Perhaps she decides to put her 8 points toward the cost of next weeks soap making workshop.

Another more affluent woman may want some unique, handmade gifts. Since money isn’t used her she buys 20 extra bags of organic granola at Trader Joes and brings them into the shop, exchanges them for homemade soap, candles, and a few patchwork purses, then takes some time to enjoy a cup of tea and conversation with a toddler. She enjoys the handmade soap so much that she signs up for next weeks soap making class- there she makes some new friends.

The Children in another family are lactose intolerant and unable to drink processed cow’s milk, so their mom learns the proper process of milking goats, sterilizing equipment and filtering the milk. She comes twice a week at 8:00 am. She pays for the milk with a 40 pound bag of goat feed every 2 weeks.

Perhaps a young lady is getting married next year, she wants to become the best wife ever, and wants to create an enriching home for her future family. She’s taking the 16 week Homemaking Course. To earn her tuition she collected used books and craft supplies from her friends and family, she also learned to make the prettiest candle holders and book ends. She also works in the shop once a week, and baby-sits for other members.

The Point VALUE System: What is the value of a “Point” compared to a” dollar”?

So maybe you wonder, what exactly is the value of one Point? How does it compare to the “Almighty” Dollar? Tell me, what is the value of the vine ripe tomato that you just picked 5 minutes age on a warm July day… when you even remember planting the original seed? What is the value of a basket of brown eggs that our happy hens laid this morning? What would you pay for a cup of tea, a new friend, and a patchwork quilt made from the dresses that don’t fit your little girl anymore? What is a peaceful home worth? What would you give to have a healthy body, a happy marriage, an organized home, creative children, and faith that moves mountains? What is the value of disease prevention or the fact that your fresh produce has never been treated with chemicals and pesticides? What about knowing that your milk has no Hormones, pesticides, antibiotics or preservatives? What are you worth and what is the value of an hour of your time? Maybe you will learn all those answers at SimplerTimes… where a dollar is only worth it’s weight in paper. So what is a point woth? 2 ounces of Honey.

Once again: The exchange of money has no place or value at Simpler Times. We are delighted to return to the old-fashion game of trading for goods and services. We have designed a value system in which fresh organic produce, used books, some time in the garden, homemade soaps and herbal teas are worth more than gold or silver. At Simpler Times it doesn’t matter if you are rich or poor, a grown-up or little child , educated or illiterate, a farmer’s wife or a city girl, everyone is equal here and has equal opportunities. No individual makes an income but everyone profits. The value of a product remains the same- an ounce of honey is worth 1 point whether you are the producer or the consumer. No one person is allowed to exchange more than 300 points per week. Items traded are intended for family use or to be given as gifts should not be used to sell. Abusing the point value system can influence your standing as a member. This system relies upon the honesty and trust of each member. Points are Transferable… so if your babysitter or massage therapist is a member she may accept our coupons which represent trade value points!

ALL AROUND SIMPLER TIMES

The Workshop, all members are welcome to use the equipment in the workshop after proper training, we plan to have sewing machines, a weaving loom, a scroll saw, flower arranging equipment, etching and engraving materials, a printing press, scrapbook supplies, an easel, a work bench, a drawing table and many other tools of various trades. After using the workshop it should be well cleaned.

20 points are required per hour to use the workshop.10 points are required for a half hour

The Gardens, there’s always work to do in the gardens, and every member should spend some time tending and nurturing our growing plants. We will have veggie Gardens, Herb Gardens, and Flower Gardens, and a huge Strawberry Patch! The produce will be available through Trading. We also hope that many of our members will grow their favorite things at home to share at Simpler Times. So pull some weeds, stake the tomatoes, and water the pumpkins. 16 points per hour are earned when you help in the garden

Library: We want to fill our shelves with wonderful books to share. Look on your shelves and in the used book stores for books pertaining to homemaking, creative living, cooking, pioneer life, gardening, homesteading and country living. There will be a list of “Most Wanted “ Books available. Books must be on the list or approved.

The Gift Shop: Do you enjoy making Bath Salts? Do you sew pillowcases? Do you crochet hats and scarves? Do you do woodworking? Can you make soap, candles, pottery, paper, or cloth dolls? If you enjoy doing crafts you may be able to trade them here! If you enjoy giving handmade gifts you will be able to trade for them here! We will value each product individually and can work with you to help you to help you produce quality products that compliment the style of Simpler Times.

A Few Things we plan to have in the Gift Shop: Gift Baskets: From the Cupboard: Honey, Granola, Trail Mix, dried fruit and nuts, jar of jam Bath time: soap, salts, bath herbs, candles, scrubby thing, Tea time: Tea for every occasion, 2 tea cups, tea strainer and tea light with holder New Mother: Diaper Bag with goodies Labor Care Basket: (mother’s tea, bath items, rice sock, massage oil, 4 Seasons collection: Jars of these favorites: Italian/Pizza, Mexican, Stir fry blend, lemon pepper

Tea Making Supplies: Strainers Cloth tea bags French Press Tea pots and tea cups Bath time and Comfort Items: Bath Salts Soaps facial masks and scrubs Bath Teas Massage oil Candles Lavender and Rice heating pads Lavender pillows Mothering: Ragamuffin’s handmade Cloth diapers and Baby Slings Sarah’s Patchwork Diaper Bags, changing Pads, Purses and baby toys Accessories: Handmade things to wear, hats, scarves, bead work... Handmade Toys and Dolls: old fashion style. Kitchen Gadgets Home accessories Homemade Jams, Jellies , cheeses and so much more

Teas: • Woman’s Blend Strength and Vitality: Red Raspberry, Red Clover, Mint, Alfalfa • Pregnancy and Nursing Blend: Red Raspberry, Alfalfa, Fennel (with or without mint) • Labor Ease Blend: Red Raspberry, Butcher’s Broom, Alfalfa, Squaw Vine • Soar Throat: Sage and Thyme • Good Night: Chamomile, lavender, rosemary & mint (add honey for head aches) • That time of the Month: Red Raspberry, Squaw Vine, Shepherd’s Purse, Spearmint,Alfalfa • Tummy Trouble: Papaya, Ginger & Spearmint

The Goat barn & Chicken Coop: If anyone is interested in trading for goats milk we will arrange for you to learn the milking process, and you will have a certain time (or times) every week to come get your milk. Soap and Cheese making supplies and books are available in the workshop and trading post. We have a few laying Hens, and hope that other members who have happy hens will trade their eggs too. 6 points are required for each quart of goat milk. 4 Points for 1 Dozen eggs 30 points are earned for a bag of Goat feed or Chicken Feed. 5 points are earned for a bale of hay or straw.

Transfering Points outside the Shop: All members can use our coupons which represent trade value points in exchange for personal services. Need help with Laundry, babysitting, yard work, your friends from Simpler Times can help you out and earn points at your house!

Babysitting: Work Shop Teachers may need child care here during classes If there are members willing to provide child care during classes for other members than childcare will be available. 12 – 22 points are earned per hour for babysitting depending on number of children.

Workshop furniture and equipment: We are in need of all kinds things for the Workshop: wooden chairs, tables, sewing machines, baskets, pottery and ceramics supplies, a scale, any sort of art, craft and homemaking supplies.

Odd Jobs, There are always odd jobs to do around Simpler Times just ask or look on the chalk board. 16 points per hour are earned when you do odd jobs.

Clothing Exchange: Every Season we will host a Clothing Exchange Party at the Barn. Bring your hand-me-downs and those things you just don’t wear much, everyone can take home whatever they like, the rest will go to a Charitable Clothing Ministry.

T.V. Free Kids: Your children can earn 1 point for everyday they just enjoy life with out a T.V. We’ll have a special Kid’s Shop at the Trading Post. (Moms- you can reward your kid’s with points for other things too!)

Parties: Members are welcome to use the Barn for Bridal Showers and Baby Showers, these must be planned 4 weeks in advance, and we can not schedule more than 2 parties per month. 50 points worth of packaged Dry goods are required per hour in exchange for the use of The Simpler Times Barn for a party.

Workshop Teachers: If you have a special skill that you would like to teach we may be able to schedule a class for you. 60 points are earned for teaching a 1 ˝ hour class.

Work Shops: Look on your calendar to see if there are any Workshops you would be interested in taking. 20 points are required for attending each 1 ˝ hour class.

NEW CHAPTERS OF SIMPLER TIMES: Simpler Times is an outreach of the Women’s ministry of Horizon Christian Fellowship of Greenfield, IN. Any future Chapters of Simpler Times must also be accountable to a Bible Teaching Christian Church. I will work with others who would like to establish A Simpler Times in their area. There are definite guidelines and traits that make Simpler Times what it is, anyone wishing to establish one must meet the standard and fulfill necessary requirements. It would be great if Leadership of any new Chapters of Simpler Times go through the Creative Homemaking Course – Home Study Program, or attend the class. I plan to offer an internship for those interested. “BARN RAISING” Construction Materials and Labor: If anyone desires to help in the process of the “Barn Raising” Please contact Sarah to find out what specific needs are… I personally have been painting murals in people’s homes and saving the money in order to build the barn. My prayer is that other women and families would share my vision help to supply the materials and labor needed to make this place the best it can be. Contributors will receive value points to use once the Simpler Times opens. Depending upon the Support we have the structure could be anything from a cute and cozy 20ft X 20ft Heartland barn with a loft and an extension cord running to it, to an equally cute and cozy 2 story structure with a kitchen, restroom and green house, designed especially for it’s unique purpose. This Charming Barn will be constructed on our beautiful 3 acre property just east of Geist Reservoir, out in the Country near Fortville.

We are praying that God would put it on someone’s heart to help oversee the designing and building of Simpler Times, we are looking for a skilled person who shares the vision to help with this. There are already many people willing to swing a hammer on Barn Raising day, but we need someone to tell them where the nails go. This person will be graciously reimbursed for their help.

We may register at Lowe’s Home Improvement Store to make it easier, and please have the materials delivered. I plan to have the Barn built and Open by Mid April of 2002.

(Free Mural painting demonstrations and hands on training will follow the installation of dry wall…. We may be whitewashing some fences too. J)

Creative Homemaking Course: This 16 week class takes an in-depth look at the life, goals, work and heart of the homemaker. The Class will prepare a young woman to take on the responsibility of becoming a wife and mother. It will inspire the stay- at- home mom to put her whole heart into the most important work of all. New skills will be learned, women will be equipped to create a peaceful home, live a simpler life, decorate their home beautifully no matter what their budget . She will know how to make healthy living choices and understand God’s perfect design in nutrition. She will receive hands-on instruction in meal planning and Preparation. She will learn about gardening, hospitality, mothering ,pregnancy and birth. She will study the Art, Music and faith involved in raising children, study brain development and learn to help her children reach their fullest potential. She will learn what it is to be a gracious wife, hear about the power of prayer, and hopefully understand what trust, forgiveness and faithfulness does for a marriage and so much more. The goal is that she will shine her brightest in her home and in this world. This class needs to be very small (no more than 12 students) because of the hands-on activities and personal attention required. Living without watching T.V. over these 16 weeks will be an important part of getting the most out of this class. Students will need to buy or borrow required books, many used books can be found for half price or less on Half.com. 950 points are required to take this course. 40% will be due before classes start. Points can be accumulated in very creative ways, don’ t let the big number deter you, it’s worth it! Seriously pray about being part of this Creative Homemaking class. Unlimited use the workshop is included in tuition. I will be prayerfully deciding who will be in this season’s class, a second class will be offered in the following Season.

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 18, 2001

Answers

I really appreciate the thought you have put into this endeavor. You seem to have thought through a lot of the details.

I am sure some forumites will poke a few holes in this venture, but, nevertheless, carry on. It's a great idea.

-- Rick#7 (rick7@postmark.net), December 18, 2001.

Good luck Sarah!! sounds like a wonderful place to be!

-- Jenny (auntjenny6@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

Who are you? What are your qualifications?

-- Anne Keckler (raymondkeckler@yahoo.com), December 18, 2001.

Sorry, I cannot resist. 50 lashes with a wet noodle. Rather sounds like a CPA has taken over a 1960's (peace and love) hippy community.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 18, 2001.

Dear Sarah, I am so proud of you and your so special to take on such a project, it truly is a calling. If I can help in any way let me know I'm a Art teacher, weaver, potter and I would be willing to help your project along. My husband is a carptener and contractor and I think we could get him involved. He is a carptener for Christ for our church.

let me know what your needs are, Sally

-- (mallardhen67@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

This is just the sort of thing that I have been looking for. I would like information on how to start a similar type of center wherever I end up settling. Do you have to be a member of the church, or just espouse its beliefs in a general (or more specific) way? I am unfamiliar with the church, and though I do not consider myself to belong to any particular sect, I feel a very close kinship with the values and ideas that you are putting forward. I have been looking for a religious group that "does", as opposed to just "says". I would be grateful for any info re: the church and it's precepts, and the above described complex/coop idea at my personal address. Thank you for your inspiration. PS: I love that Psalm.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

Okay, so it's not a Psalm. But I've always thought of it that way, and so that's what I call it.

-- Soni (thomkilroy@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

Confused, where are these "communities". Sounds nice but I think we all need details on where they are and what Church this is part of. Proverbs 31 is great. My oldest daughter teach a girls Bible Study using that Proverb. But like - I am in OK., I can teach spinning, weaving, soap making not to mention a few other things like the canning & preserving. Do they have one in Ok.? I doubt it, never heard of it before.

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), December 18, 2001.

Thanks, Ken.

-- Ed Copp (edcopp@yahoo.com), December 18, 2001.

Hello Sarah, I am sure your intentions are good about explaining this "new utopian society" but, it already exists! We do all that on our own homesteads everyday. There is no need to go to seminars and classes to learn how to be a homesteader. Reality is the best teacher. Besides, my experience and research about intentional communites is that they are usually ran as a fascist style of organization. That means to say, that you may own the buildings, livestock, crafts, etc. but, you have no control over what is done with them. The provider of the utopia dictates the outcome of all that is produce. I am sorry but, the 60's communes were unsuccessful because of the fascist thinking. Only a handful of communities still exist and those that I am familiar with still have the same philosophy.

Maybe I am just to independant and prefer the harsh realities of homesteading and am willing to do without some things than to allow a "provider" to give them to me in exchange for "points". What good will these points be to pay my taxes, or gasoline for my car, or any of the needs that my family may need that are not barterable goods?

I am still contemplating whether or not that your post is even real! Your description of exchanges and co-existence between particpants of this "society" do not emphasis reality. It seems that your ideas look good on paper or in this case on screen but, fortunately many can or should read between the lines.

What is see is a method to control a group of well meaning homesteaders so that the provider can expand their profits, in disguise of a community that permeates a back to the land movement. This is a folly and I will not support a so called organization that would do this injustice.

Sincerely, Ernest

-- http://communities.msn.com/livingoffthelandintheozarks (espresso42@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

It sounds a bit unrealistic and utopian, but at least she's trying to promote some honorable causes(even if it is self-serving). Even though it could easily turn into a mutinous disaster like most of these ventures, at least some people will be left with some useful skills. I hope she has good insurance or a well written liability disclaimer to cover all these people in the workshop and on her property.

This might be a good idea for anyone else out there who'd like to fix their place up with donated materials and labor. ; )

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 18, 2001.

The post has to be real , could you imagine someone taking that much time to make it up ? It sounds wonderfull if it ever works out .People are strange they may seem like the perfect neighbor {member} then poof! they have changed. Good luck and keep us posted.

-- Patty {NY State} (fodfarms@hotmail.com), December 18, 2001.

Give it a try. There will always be naysayers of what is a bit different.

-- charlie (charliesap@pldi.net), December 18, 2001.

Hi, Thanks for the encouragement. And its good to hear your other ideas. This isn't about homesteaders, infact in my group I am the only homesteader, I live on the edge of Indianapolis, all the women in my group live in average neighborhoods. This endevor isn't that big, it could be. I'm not doing this for profit, my husband is a Computer Guy who makes all the money we need by working 2 days a week. I'm just doing this for fun and to help others. Last summer I hosted a gardening group at my house, there were about 16 ladies involved, I have also been teaching homemaking classes. I’m only 25, I have 3 kids under 3 years. But I always wanted to be Laura Ingalls. I’m really from the city, I read Simpler Times and that inspired me, over the past 2 years I have been teaching young women about developing homemaking skills. I began to see the need for this was bigger than I could imagine. One month I got 3 dairy goats, in the spring we will have to much milk, so some of my friends wanted some, I didn’t want to charge money for it, we have enough money, so we were going to trade, they would help buy the feed, do some milking and care and I would keep the goats on my land and build the barn. Last Thursday this whole plan for the Trading Post, workshop and gardens came to me, the Ideas were coming faster than I could type, and soon the whole plan was before me. With in 3 days I had told a few friends, they spread the word, and there are already more women who want to be part of this than my plans can handle. So my vision grew, their visions grew. Friends and Family in Florida, Ohio and Michigan and seeing how simple this really is, and are making plans to do something similar, using my basic plan layout. Many of them had dreams of doing something like this but couldn’t see how. There are already a possible 5 Simpler Times Locations around the Indianapolis Area, with the possibility of being up and running for the next growing season. Each Simpler Times location will be over seen by leaders of a Christian Church, but any women in the community can freely become members, the only requirement is reading a book about Simple Living by Thomas Kinkade “Simpler Times” All women of all walks of life are welcome here, there is no commitment of what they must put into Simpler Times- but the more the give the more they receive. Supply will perfectly match demand. This is so simple that a city mom could finish her garage, and put in a sewing room, game table, and some shelves for tradable things and books, then have a Simpler Times with 8 or 10 women. God has given us recourses to do this on a larger scale, but it would be just as satisfying with a few family and friends, tell your friends, neighbors, and the women at your church, see what happens and let me know. If you want to be a Simpler Times Group, you owe us nothing, just make sure the leader reads the 2 required books and you follow the guide lines, but you can do this on your own. Our Point system is well thought out it may help you. Oh, Greenfeild is just East of Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Star will be doing a feature story on our family and simple way of life after the first of the year, so we will be able to see what impact this idea will have on many more women. My Simpler Times location will only be open for trade 3 days a week, but any of the women can come through the week to garden, and use the workshop, members will have keys to the place. I have another friend who has a really big house in a down town area, of a cute town, she may be having a workshop in her home, with a focus on teen girls, children and recovering women. Another Woman is focusing on the Library, but will also bake bread and make soap, another woman will be focused on Pregnant women and new moms, helping them with all that the need, in the location at my house and in her home too. Anyone can E-mail me for the more complete details of the pointsystem and stuff.

You don't have to be part of any certian church to do this, Simpler Times should either be a nonprofit organization or formed under the accountablity of a Church, and hold to the Non- Profit Standard.

God Bless America

Sarah Brown

Tomorrow By Sarah Brown

Tomorrow I want to paint my walls with hills and trees, butterflies and clouds, and sing the songs from “The Sound of Music”. Tomorrow I want to ignore the laundry and play outside with my toddlers. I want to be close to creation. I want to feel the wind and the rain and watch the sky.

Tomorrow I want to wake up in my husband’s arms, and listen as he prays for our family. And I really want to live my life like I was designed to live it. I want music, purity, sunlight and the laughter of children. I want to know the one who made me, yes, I want to make God smile.

Tomorrow I want to bring fresh milk from the barn, bring fresh flowers to the table, and let my little son feel the joy of gathering a basket of fresh eggs. I want to look out the window and watch the neighbor’s horses run. I want to share my two-year-old’s amazement as we examine the beans spouting in a jar on the windowsill. I want to build Lego towers, block towers, and couch pillow towers… again and again and again. I want to watch with wonder as my baby girl falls asleep to Mozart.

Tomorrow I want to drink a cup of loose leaf tea, and share a cup with a friend as we talk about the treasures we found at garage sales. I want to fill my house with used books and take time to read them. I want to learn all about the way my great grandmothers lived, and teach those skills to others. I want to make things I couldn’t buy, and make other things anyway. I want to make my home an expression of creativity, discovery and faith and I want my heart to be an expression of Jesus.

Tomorrow I want to listen to the hearts of my children and be the one who nurtures them from sunrise and sunset and all through the night. I want to giggle with my daughters and read about tractors with my son. I want to smile when people tell me that I must have my hands full, smile, knowing that my hands are full of blessings.

Tomorrow I want my husband to come home to joy, to peace and to unconditional love. I want to kiss him and rub his back if he’s achy. I want him to enjoy a meal seasoned with herbs from our garden. I want to sit on the porch swing with him and watch the sun set and seasons change. I want to listen as he talks about his computer business and all the new people he meets, then talk about making plans to go to Austria again, or drive down the west coast.

Tomorrow I want to say yes to the things that matter most, and say no to the things that stand in the way of peace. I want simplicity. I want to live by faith. I want my neighbors to see a candle burning in the window, but never the blue glow of a television set. I want to be thankful and content with what I have and when I have more than what I need, I want to give. I want to give even when I must sacrifice.

Tomorrow evening I want to put on my shoes and Jacket and go out… to the barn. I want to pass the chicken coop and peek in at the hens as they huddle close, dozing on their roost. I want to sing quietly as I milk my goat by lantern light, then take a little time just to look up at the stars, and say a few words to the one who made them.

Tomorrow night I want to fall asleep in a room with wood floors and soft yellow walls as my husband reads the bible to me. I want to dream big dreams, and then make them come true… in my own back yard.

I guess what I really want is for tomorrow to be… a lot like today.

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 18, 2001.

My Ramblings about how I ended up here… By Sarah Brown December 10, 2001

Today I learned not to put raw eggs in my coat pocket. I knew it was a bad idea as soon as I dropped the fifth egg in and heard that dreaded cracking sound. My husband’s yellow rain coat, and two less eggs for the carton. Today I also learned not to leave the lid off the goat feed, especially when rain clouds are on the horizon, and then I learned that I need to shut the barn yard gate just a little faster. There I was trying to pull a stubborn goat out of a garbage can full of wet feed… with eggs in my pocket.

I didn’t grow up in the country, but I must have read a few to many pioneer love stories in my early teens. I had never even spent more than 3 minutes with a goat or chicken, until we were riding home together in the mini van to our little house by the corn field. As I looked back at my three pregnant LaMancha Does, then smiled at my sweet husband –He would have never imagined the adventures in our path when he married me. I knew that my little girl dreams were really coming true. My life seems to be full of these moments.

Three years ago Josh and I were newlyweds living on the beach in New Smyrna Beach Florida and Aunt Joan came to visit. Y2K was coming she said and we needed to learn how to survive without technology because life as we knew it was coming to an end. Sounded like fun to me, and I began to do a little research on pioneer living and pondered putting a chicken coop up on the roof top balcony. Then came Hurricane Floyd and we decided that chicken coop on roof deck wouldn’t be such a good idea... besides that their were neighbors and zoning laws…

For a few months I was content to just know that we had a few cans of potatoes in the pantry. But then a friend gave me a pile of Magazines depicting country life in the Midwest. I had visions of a white cottage with wood floors, homegrown tomatoes, clucking hens, fruit trees and fresh herbs in my window boxes. I dreamed of seasons and porch swings and the state fair.

At this time in our life my husband ,Josh, was a flight instructor at Embry Riddle, he had just gotten a 30% pay raise, and was having success in starting a new business called “Need-A-Nerd? Computer Service” We had been married a year and a half, with our second baby on the way. I called him on his cell phone and told him about my big dreams and that I had even found a few houses near Indianapolis, on some website, that would be almost perfect.

Well, Hurricane Floyd had two brothers, we even had to evacuate… we evacuated all the way to Indianapolis for a few days. During our visit we took a few drives out in the country. Then came back to Florida to a beach house with a little less siding and a few missing shingles. One month later we were closing on our little white house in Indiana, and moved in just one week before Christmas. My little girl dreams were starting to come true on the three most beautiful acres in Indiana. Y2K came and went before we built our barn and chicken coop, and the spring came with the scent of cherry and apple blossoms. We watched the tulips bloom from our porch swing. We discovered a strawberry patch and a creek in our back yard, and wood floors under the carpet.

We’ve lived in Indiana for 2 years now, I love life and I love living it here. My Husband has lived in Indianapolis most of his life and I have been visiting him in Indianapolis since we were 15 and 16 years old. (We met in Cincinnati when we were 13 and 14… 10 years ago.) We now live just east of Geist, out in the country a little bit. I’m a full time mom of three children under 3, and my husband is “THE NERD” of NEED-A-NERD? Computer Service, he also leads worship at our Church- Horizon Christian Fellowship. I may take a couple jobs a month just for fun- painting murals or arranging wedding flowers. I also teach homemaking classes at my house, and host a mother- daughter gardening group here in the growing season. My own walls and rooms have become an Artist’s playground. And I’ve become a master of getting the most out of our budget as I bring each room in this house to life. We enjoy life and like to keep it simple and fun, peaceful and pure. Our home is full of music, art and books, there is no T.V. here, but there are always so many things to watch, to discover, to create and clean up.

As I write my three little children are asleep upstairs, I have fresh eggs and milk in the fridge, and Josh is still out fixing computers- I think he must be the most popular computer nerd in town today… but tomorrow he’ll be home with the kids for the day, and he’ll have the joy of milking the goat and collecting eggs while I read a library book at Starbucks. Oh, there was one other thing I learned today- never leave green paint on the kitchen counter if you have a two year old who likes to paint murals just like mommy.

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 18, 2001.

What's a CPA?

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 18, 2001.

Guys, I came up with this whole Idea last Thusday night and just stayed up til 2 am a couple nights in a row after my kids went to bed. There wasn't all kinds of planing, I don't need to fix up my homestead, and I'm paying to build my own barn- I paint murals sometimes and have been saving up, and my husband is helping out with extra money he makes. I'm a stay at home mom, and my vision was to help other women learn how to be more self sufficiant and to help out a handful of friends who are also stay at home moms who struggle with dept and have to skimp on groceries and don't know how to grow their own food. My reason for seeking other homesteaders is because more people than I can teach want to learn about homesteading. But now I see that when most of you, when you concider this concept, you see it with selfish motives with a desire to make a profit. But many of you have good hearts, those of you who share the vision go for it, but not for yourself.

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 18, 2001.

Hello Sarah, Simpler times is what we're all searching for. Hope yours works out for you. Sounds like you have most of the details worked out except for one possibility...the almighty IRS. The IRS looks upon any barter system (that they know about anyway) as income for anyone receiving goods or services from the barter system. So the young mother who received fruits and vegetables for her work in the garden would have to pay income tax on the value of the fruits and vegetables she received lieu of cash for her work. The owner of the garden would have to pay taxes on the value of the labor they recieved from the young mother. Finally, the manager of the barter system would be liable to collect or withhold the income taxes to pay the IRS quarterly. I'm not a tax accountant or anything like that, but I did check into barter systems about 10 years ago and didn't liek what I found out. Find a way to discretely inquire about this before you get hurt. Also, talk to the Amish as they rely heavily on barters as part of their religious beliefs.

-- Steve in So. WI (Alpine1@prodigy.net), December 19, 2001.

Sarah:

A CPA is a Certified Public Accountant. Your point system will be extremely difficult to monitor. For example, who is going to keep track of everyone's debits and credits. Is everyone to be treated equally? For example, would a master carpenter receive the same number of credits and the person who is just handing him lumber and doing go-fer jobs? What happens if someone wants to cash out their credits and leave?

The IRS was mentioned above. They consider barter to be cash transactions and taxable at current market value.

I have twice taken out the Bibical quotes out of this thread. Once more and the entire thread goes. Go to the religious category and read the thread on the forum's policy on religious threads.

I know of no communes, for want of a better term, which have lasted more than a couple of years before falling apart due to internal warfare. The biggest was The Farm near Summertown, TN. In its hayday they had 1,500 people living there on a barter system (although all new members had to turn over all of their worldly goods first). Today it is down to a couple a hundred under much like a small village government system. If fact, it is basically a gated community in that you have to get by a guard shack first to visit. You now pay for the privilege of living there in one form or another.

I suspect you have been swept up in the enthusiasm of the moment, such as many converts to a new religion experience. Please be careful.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 19, 2001.

heck, I wish I had her enthusiasm though I thought maybe it was the tea... ; )

I would not worry about the IRS in barter situations. They only know what they're told or they can find on paper. I think it'd be foolish to notify them of any barter situation. In the rare event that somehow they found out, they wouldn't pursue it because it'd be an impossible mess for them to figure out.

Sarah, I admire your motivation and spirit but consider that the road to hell is paved with good intentions.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 19, 2001.

It only takes one disgruntled neighbor to get you in trouble with the IRS. Even without angering the neighbor, people (particularly kids) talk, and word gets around. Barter systems are taxed, and it would only be a matter of time before you would get in trouble. Not to discourage you, but just stating facts.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), December 19, 2001.

I hope your plans work out well for all involved.

Sarah, I noticed that you posted your piece on "Tomorrow" and your "Ramblings . . " on a separate thread too. Seems sort of like "spamming" the forum to me. Just IMO, I'm not the moderator here. But my two cents worth -- I prefer that people not post the same thing again in a different thread. It crowds this already crowded forum, and it makes it difficult to follow discussions.

There are other offshoot forums where religious "witnessing" is allowed or even encouraged. You might like to check those out. If you go to the Lusenet list (of which this forum is a part), you can find the active forums: http://hv.greenspun.com/bboard/index.tcl

I'd suggest trying ACountryPlace, Country Families, and/or Freedom! There is also another offshoot that has a different format, Christian Homesteaders. Not sure if this is the right address, try: http://www.stormpages.com/homestead/

-- Joy F {Southern Wisconsin} (CatFlunky@excite.com), December 19, 2001.

By now everyone who is familiar with my comments won't be surprised at this one! Oy vey!!!!

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 19, 2001.

lol Ardie. That comment is worth at least 100 points. ; )

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 19, 2001.

Thank you Dave! Glad you enjoyed it! I'm having a devil of a time not saying any more! I'm binding my hands before I get into trouble! ROFL!!!!

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 19, 2001.

I reread the original post again. The Simpler Times author Thomas Kinkade you mentioned is not the same as "big bucks" reproduction "artist" Thomas Kinkade is it?

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), December 19, 2001.

yes it's the same guy. He's a great artist. His paintings are beautiful. I was in one of his galleries last month and was majorly impressed by his work.

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 19, 2001.

GT, Yes they are the one in same. Thomas Kinkade's book is really a book of art work with beautiful sayings. Now I know a lot about the "family" beings that my parents live in his area in Northern CA. My oldest begs for his over priced prints, which if thats what she wants I get her one for each Christmas and thats it. I do intend on getting her a painting upon Graduation for college. Now, I have been in many of his galleries and a good many of his paintings were done in England. We were stationed there so I immediately recongized the scenes. This man did start out in Placerville painting in front of his most famous art gallery now but immediately became famous. They say and I am not doubting he is a Christian, although sometimes I become leary on marketing everything with Christian logos or verses in that is his market Christians and thats all or is he a devout Christian! I hope the latter. Anyway, it is too bad we can't barter and have "centers" around the country to learn from. Once I was stationed in Utah so the Mormons had these centers for canning & preserving and their Church had woman's group with teachers the kind that Sarah is talking about. They were nice and even though I am not Mormon they allowed me to learn with them and use their facilities. That is where I did learn a lot of useful information. What I am wondering is it "part of a Church group" can you avoid the IRS. Maybe in the trading or bartering within the "Church". As in the church I attend we have cake sells and what ever . My husband will do certain things for the church without taking money, we call it part of our tidings. I wondering if Sarah could get around the IRS with that kind of logic? Lets give her credit that this would be a wonderful thing. I would love some kind of center near me. I could learn and teach not to mention socializing with people I have things in common with or should I say fellowship! Debbie

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), December 19, 2001.

Thanks Debbie, for clarifying that. I watched the profile of him on 60 Minutes 3+ weeks or so ago, and was not impressed. I can stand his work on Christmas cards, but would never pay a dime for those highlighted canvas reproductions (they are expensive for mere copies)--there's just too much of his work out there. Also, you talk to many people who own them and they don't seem to get the fact that they are reproductions. Why, I don't know.

I too am leery of the religious angle with which he sells his work (he is nearly always referred to as a Christian Artist, not as just an Artist)--this from a man who has a housing tract in Vallejo (CA) that you can buy into, contracts with LA-Z Boy furniture, etc. So to me his books and this proposed community seem to be somewhat at odds. But maybe that's just me.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), December 19, 2001.

Debbie, on the bartering, the problem is when you get into people who are deducting business expenses (and getting tax write-offs) and then with bartering, not reporting the value of their services.

With churches it is a little different. In your example, you mentioned canning. Say you exchanged canning services for babysitting. Neither of you is taking a business deduction, so it is not that big a deal. However, if you were exchanging dental work for plumbing work, you both would be taking deductions and both of these professions make really good money, so of course the IRS would want to look at it (whether it was done at church or not) because (as far as I know) businesses are businesses, not churches, so the idea of the church "umbrella", so to speak, wouldn't work.

I personally would like to see more accountability with where church monies go, because a friend of mine who does taxes said that if churches got all the money people said they were donating we wouldn't have any more hunger in the world (smile).

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), December 19, 2001.

Look, if you are legit and keep written records of points earned, you will be audited. The few odd barters between neighbors (my cookies for your snowplowing) don't get taxed because they aren't organized and are really seen as gifts. This clearly isn't.

Don't even get me started on those "points of light" pictures.

Why do you need a 'franchise' to work within your community trading labor for food, etc.? Teach what you know, share what you can, learn your neighbors' names.

-- Anne (Healthytouch101@wildmail.com), December 20, 2001.

Anne, I agree with you about the teaching and learning because that is what we do with our friends and neighbors. The problem I see is that people want to do this but there needs to be some sort of organization to do it. For instance, I have lived in Ok. now for 4 years. I live very rural where there is at least a mile plus between neighbors so...I never see them. Just recently a group of woman started a craft club, we meet in a different house every two weeks (that is a bit much for me but I belong), now I wish it wasn't limited to crafts but that is all these particular woman want and I join for the socialization. I would love to see this done with actually life skills. Before moving to Oklahoma I lived in Nortwest Ill. My children were still in the homeschool age and we met once a month and each one of us became responsible for teaching a life skill. I was taught bread baking at one, we now have our own mill and do it from scratch. Had I not taken a class I would still be buying our bread. That is just one thing. I took a class on weaving and spinning which I could teach if there was a group of people interested in the area. I have a soap business where actually one of the woman up north taught us soap making. I will say that that particular "homeschool group" worked and acted the way Sarah would like except we didn't do points or anything we just all shared our skills and interests with each other. I would love to be part of a community like that now. Both my children are now in College and the homeschool group here is not organized nore do they really want to be. My point is we need help on getting together a group of woman who want to learn and take responsibility on contributing without the IRS involved. I doubt if my dentist would be interested in chixs! Debbie

-- Debbie (bwolcott@cwis.net), December 20, 2001.

Hi Guys,

I am really interested in what you have to say. I'm not trying to do a terrible thing here, my group is only going to be about 50 -70 people, (our barn will be about 20 by 20 feet two story)mainly neighbors, ladies from church and homeschool groups will be involved. There are many other churches that are going to do something simalir, a lot of people are concerned about an economic crash and want to learn how to live simply.

Just in the past week- I’ve been talking countless women from all walks of life, from the millionaire republican, to the Hispanic girl at the Payday Loan office, from the Lady at the Christian bookstore to the Check-Out girls at the health food store. I’ve talked with democrats, republicans, green party, women from other countries, Women’s Ministry Leaders, Neighbors, farmers, city girls, journalists, elderly women, pastors, teen girls, stay at home moms, students, working women, and little children. 98% of the people (IN MY COMMUNITY) have had a very positive responce. I am starting out communicating with the IRS and Government now to be sure that I am doing this right from the beginning. It will be a non-profit organization.

We have been contacted by a Natural Resources Specialist, here is what he wrote to my husband:

I am not sure if you remember me. I work for xxxxxxx Environmental, you fixed my hard drive once. Anyway, Sandy xxxxxx forwarded the email you and your wife distributed concerning Simpler Times. Sandy sent me this because I have a lot of experience with sustainable technologies, most of these borrowing from the past, including current scientific understanding, and creating systems that not only work, but are (in some cases), unbelievably successful. My graduate thesis was based on studying intentional communities that employ sustainable/appropriate technologies. Most of my experience lies in food production, waste management, and housing. As well, as part of thesis, I have done extensive studies on the social components of intentional community; i.e.; social structures, decision making processes, conflict resolution, etc.

I am excited to be aware of what you are doing. Not only from a social context, but I am a Christian as well. I have taught a couple of classes at my old church in Shelbyville on Christianity and the environment. I would love to be involved in any way that I can. God Bless

Jason xxxxx Natural Resources Specialist xxxxx Environmental Services, Inc. Indianapolis, Indiana 46250

Jason is doing a report on the effect That Simpler Times could have on:

Environment

Society

The Human Heart, Mind, Soul

Pollution

Natural Resources

Government

Economics

Education

And More

He will be helping to develop the details of the vision God has given us. He has been Studying Voluntary Simplicity for 10 years. We are blessed that God brought us together last Wednesday.

-- Sarah Brown (joshsarah@bigfoot.com), December 21, 2001.

yup. Oy Vey indeed... ; )

-- Dave (something@somewhere.com), December 21, 2001.

Assuming Jason's last name is not xxxxx, and his company isn't named after him, why can't you give us his name, and maybe email address? I'd be interested in learning more about his thesis. I love the idea of intentional communities, though the most successful one I've seen is down to three families after almost forty years. They're doing very well, though.

The biggest problem I've seen, and no one seems to have found a satisfactory way to deal with it, is how to deal with money people have invested in buying the property, should they later decide to (or have to ) leave.

Sarah, have you folks discussed this at all?

thanks, JOJ

-- joj (jump@off.c), December 21, 2001.

Sarah:

My recommendation would be to start slow. Perhaps start with a community garden where tools and techniques can be shared. That may lead to a canning kitchen. When not in use for canning, perhaps cooking classes. When not in use, other classes as you suggested. Often projects fail simply because they tried to accomplish too much at one time, much like a new homesteader going out and buying some of every livestock they have always wanted to own. Start with one, when you have mastered their care, include the next, etc., etc.

I still think your debit/credit system would be a nightmare to administer. Just let people develop their own barter system, such as a bushel of my pickles for a bushel of your cabbage and lettuce. It need not be immediate under an IOU system. Just let them do it themselves.

-- Ken S. in WC TN (scharabo@aol.com), December 22, 2001.

Are you aware that just saying it is a non-profit agency does not make it so? There are legal concerns. Be sure to check them out. And until you are officially declared non-profit you do not get the benefits given to a non-profit. The paperwork will take some time. Check it out now so you won't be held up.

-- Anne (Healthytouch101@wildmail.com), December 22, 2001.