newsletter details

In December 2011 This Blessed Life Newsletter was born.  A "newsletter" is essentially a "zine" with a grown-up name. It is entirely handwritten by me, plus any volunteer contributors. Although my friend Brett, whose wonderful story can be found in the winter issue, may want to mention that her "volunteering" came after my harassing her via email. ;)

The title is "This Blessed Life, a seasonal newsletter of simple living and radical gratitude". Some of the topics you may find in it are stories on living simply, close to the seasons and the land, finding joy in mothering and homemaking, reverence for God and nature, recipes for homemade remedies, meals or snacks, ideas for simple crafts or children's activities,  instilling gratitude in our children (and ourselves), and just about anything related to today's "homesteading". Along with quotes and black & white pictures strewn about.




Here is the winter 2011 issue, which included stories written by myself and also 2 contributors: my aforementioned friend  Brett, who built her own home with her husband and lives off grid, and Samantha of WoodlandWoolens.blogspot.com . Also, recipes, ideas, quotes and simple photos. All with a winter theme.

Although I had planned to create a newsletter that ranged from 10 - 20 pages in length, the issues have  ended up 22 - 36 pages in length. I think perhaps I am too chatty for a mere 10 page newsletter.


I put them together by hand, photocopy them here on the same machine I prepare our homeschool work on, and drive them to the tiny post office in our tiny town, usually on time (right at the beginning of the season), sometimes not...



Feel free to contribute a story, letter, or other item! You will receive the issue your writing is included in at no charge. I think it's so fun to get to know each other through our own handwritten word. Much more personal, and more fascinating and educational than just listening to me all the time. ;) I want the newsletter to be an encouragement. And a breath of fresh air in the midst of our face paced, consumer-crazed society that seems to have forgotten how abundantly blessed we all are, and Who gifted us with those blessings. Please do share your thoughts or experiences on any of the topics that relate to simple living, gratitude, joyful mothering, do it yourself ideas, etc.




The spring 2012 issue describes springtime on our homestead, contributed stories about maple sugaring,  gardening, and moving to the country, plus stories and recipes by me.

The newsletter won't ever be a substitute for the blog, just something fun and encouraging on the side. I really enjoyed Tonya's handwritten newsletter, Plain and Joyful Living, while she was able to create it. My newsletter will never replace her wonderful one. I think of it more as the younger sibling of hers. I am extremely grateful to Tonya for allowing me to borrow her idea.



A new issue will be mailed out each season. So, four issues per year. The subscription cost is $15.00 per year. Or, you are welcome to purchase just one issue for $4.00.




The summer 2012 issue, describing our daily rhythm, keeping things simple during stressful times, and a contribution by my husband on spending wisely.

If you are interested in subscribing and wish to pay by check, please give me your email address and I will send my mailing address to your inbox. Or, you may pay via PayPal by clicking here:




Updated later to remove paypal links and mention that I am no longer creating these newsletters. Thank you!