Days of Yore Challenge

Ah this modern age with its constant rushing, heads down, focused on the newest phone. So many angry, impatient voices and dying attention spans. I do not think I am alone when I say I long something more simple, more peaceful. I have always wanted to step back into another age. I long to wear a dress with a bustle or hoop. I love oil lamps and candles instead of harsh electric lights (although unfortunately they also have their place). I have always wanted to cook over a wood stove. I love growing my own food. In short, the past calls to me, more strongly now than ever.

Am I seeing the past through rose-tinted glasses? Not seeing the forest for the trees?

I do not believe so. I am very aware of the difficulties and tragic stories that litter the past. However, I also believe that in pushing into obscurity everything our ancestors accomplished and struggled for we are doing them a serious discredit. These were strong, hard-working people who made do with much less than we are fortunate enough to have today. I have always tried to find the wisdom in their lives. I intend to reclaim it. I am just sorry it took me so long and so much of my life to reach this point.

Any dreams I had of exploring the past were pushed to the back burner over the years by necessity. There were expectations and responsibilities. To survive I had to live in the modern age. So, I did most of the things that were expected of me. I graduated high school, got a job, went to college and had a career. I had my own apartment. I paid my own bills. Things that many modern women push as the thing to do. It is also the thing a single woman has to do to survive on her own.

For many women this is a great life. They feel free and fulfilled. Having no obligations to anyone but themselves works for them. If this style of life works for you, so be it, but this life is not for every woman. It was not for me. I was miserable. So, in my 30s I chose a different path.

I have for many years now been what is called a Stay-at-Home Mom. Living in my little suburban home caring for my husband, son and fur babies. We are not rich. I have used whatever products and services that worked for me at the time. I did not look much further than surviving day-today, which I think many Moms do. While I love this life and would not trade it for the world. It has only been in the last couple of years, as my family gets older, as I get older, that I have come to the conclusion “whatever works” is not enough. I do not want to add any more regrets to my life. There are things that I have always wanted to do, make and experience. I want to live a more authentic life, wrapped in the arms of history.

So, this is my new Challenge. The Days of Yore Challenge.

I am giving myself the starting date of January 7, 2025. This will be the day after Epiphany (January 6) my traditional date for putting away all things Christmas/Yule thus ending the holiday season and beginning the new year.

The following are the things I wish to experience within the next year. You are welcome to follow along and even give it a try too. How I will present these things will vary from blog post to pictures to video.

The Days of Yore Challenge

I am creating this challenge loosely using the framework of the Scientific Method. Putting forth an overall process which will be used more than once as I explore different aspects of living in the Days of Yore. I believe this will make it easier to decide on a process and have reportable results in the end.

Observation:

It is my observation that many things we commonly use within our day-to-day existence have negative effects on our health (physical and mental), the environment and society. I have always wondered how many things we could remove from our current modern lifestyle and replace with old practices, which would improve health, the environment, and societal interactions.

There are certain aspects of life that I will not be able to change due to living in suburbia and being unable to afford to purchase a homestead outside of the city. I also must work within the laws of the country, province, and municipality. For example, I have no intention of living without running water or indoor plumbing. Things that I cannot change will be noted as I go along. There is also the issue of reporting on my progress and results. This will be accomplished by using social media which necessitates electronic devices, whether I like it or not.

Research

I will conduct research and use the resources I can find which would have been available and used within the time period of 1880 to 1914. This is my current favorite time period and the one I have wanted to explore. Resources can be primary and secondary sources, including video and printed materials (or reprints).

Hypothesis

It is possible to live a healthier and happier life when you discard the negative aspects of the modern world and replace them with practices used during an earlier time period prior to the widespread use of modern inventions and ideas. The idea of modern and negative being subjective and dependent on the invention or idea and my own opinion.

Process

I will attempt to make a number of lifestyle changes during 2025. These changes will include, but are not limited to, the following:

1.       Cutting back on computer/social media use.

2.       Limiting or eliminating eating fast food, take out.

3.  Making recipes from old cookbooks using fresh, in season, ingredients.

4.    Making and wearing clothing from 1880 to 1912 patterns or the closest reprints I can find.

5.    Planting heritage seeds, native plants and keeping to plants of the period.

6.       Engaging more in handicrafts and the practical use of them.

7.       Making more instead of buying – including meals, gifts, etc.

8.       Listen to more music, read more books

9.       Connect with family and friends in person and through letters and cards.

It is likely that many different activities will be taking place simultaneously. This is understandable considering I am working within a home setting, and things are very interconnected.

Analysis/Report Conclusions

I will document each activity I attempt and record if it was successful, for how long and whether it is something I have been able to incorporate into my day-to-day life. I will create some form of report to my readers/followers to keep them apprised of my progress and results.

I suspect that the following year will be full of surprises. There will be things I will not accomplish and others that I will stumble upon. All that I wish to do will have to be balanced with the needs of my family as well. I do not believe this will be easy. It may even prove to be impossible. But, I need to know that I tried.