Hi everyone, my name is Michelle, I'm new to permaculture, but not new to growing things. I've always surrounded myself with nature, had about 200 house plants in my home in Arizona and a lemon tree in my backyard at one point.
A little bit about me: I'm 54 years young, caribbean woman, I recently returned home to my birth country Barbados, after having spent the majority of my life living in America. I'm a Sagittarius, I love to laugh, dance, cook(always looking to try new vegan recipes) be creative( I make jewelry, sew, beginning woodworking) I love to learn. I'm plant based, I do not consume any meat, dairy, fish), no alcohol, smoking or drugs. I enjoy the occasional concert(maybe once a year) here in Barbados its Soca music, I love the Arts, museums, love to explore different cultures. I'm currently learning Italian. Would love to do more traveling and exploring the world. I lead a very healthy lifestyle, daily yoga, meditation, weight training. I love nature and I have a very strong connection to mother earth. My idea of having a homestead/living off grid, sustainable life, does not mean I want to be completely isolated from society. I love people, having community is very important to me, it's something I've actually never had in my life and I crave it very much. So I'm excited to explore here on Permies and absorb as much knowledge as I can and perhaps make some meaningful connections along the way. Maybe even my soulmate
So last month I planted some herbs, (thyme, celery, dill, parsley) and sweet peppers, and some baby potatoes( red, purple, gold). Also just planted some grapes as well (fingers crossed on that one). I am in the process of acquiring 5 acres of land and will be co-partnering with a few friends, doing full-time farming. We plan to run a fully sustainable organic farm with solar power and rainwater catchment system. There's a struggle from time to time with water shortages on the island.
Here on the island we are blessed with a bounty of tropical and exotic fruit like Sour Sop, Mangoes, Bajan Cherries(AKA acerola), Golden Apples, Mamie Apple, Guavas just to name a few. We also grow Breadfruit(one of favorites), Jackfruit, yams, cassava, edoes(AKA taro root),coconuts, pineapple, watermelon, gooseberries, plums, ackee(another favorite), the list goes on.
My goal is to be a part of the initiative to revitalize farming on the island and help my fellow Bajans become more self-sufficient. Right now we rely heavily on imported foods majority from the US, and I would love to bring us to the point where we completely eliminate that need. Especially when it comes to packaged "foods"(which is not real food) that are full of sugars, preservatives and chemicals. Unfortunately, like many Americans, the people in the Caribbean have become addicted to these foods and are struggling with many of the very preventable diseases that come along with the consumption of such.
It is my dream to see more people grow their own food, eat only from the earth and realize their own power and strength in living a self-sufficient, sustainable lifestyle. But I'm learning that you should never try to convince a person. The best I can do is live the example and hope to inspire, and refrain from judging or criticizing. I believe that every person on this planet wants to thrive, be happy and peaceful, but sometimes circumstances, mindset, limiting beliefs and societal conditioning plays a major part in creating obstacles that are very difficult for many to overcome.
Farming is hard work , it's not sexy and it takes time and patience and it's not a financial windfall and that makes it unappealing to many. Especially the younger generation who are enthralled by western culture and capitalism. How do we get them to see that real wealth is in nature, connecting to the land that's a part of us, growing our own food. Nourishing ourselves and the community physically, mentally and spiritually. And remind ourselves that we are all connected and we are meant to take care of one another.
Anyway, I don't want to rant on. That's all for now. Nice to meet you all.
Peace and love
Michelle
