Homestead mailing list

[Cathy <goosecreekfarm AT gmail.com>]

Earlier, James wrote:

"This is a true story.  Back when the tribe was somewhat younger, we
frequented homeschool meetings.  Most of the parents showing up were women
though not
all.  There seemed to be no women of medium build in the group.  All were
either slim, nubile women or rather obese.   I observed. "

For thirty years or so, I have noticed this "one or the other-ness" of women
in eastern KY, West Virginia, and other rural (poor) mountain areas in the
southeast.  Wonder what causes that?  Does it occur outside of that area?

Later, James wrote


> Even if someone were genetically
> predisoposed to be sedentary in their habits (which I much misdoubt), they
> will
> suffer the same consequences as someone who chose to be that way ... and
> they
> would benefit from reversing that habit same as anyone else would.
>

You told me a true story, I told you a true story.  Even as a toddler, my
oldest conserved movement. At two, he picked up toys with his feet rather
than bend over!  It was amazing to watch.  My other two kiddos did not.  I
do not misdoubt the likelihood of predisposition.  I wasn't debating your
point, only telling a story, sharing an observation.

Your assurance that all can be fit through mindful daily homestead activity
reminds me of the "how to be a good Evangelical Protestant wife" books I
read in my dark distant past.  All the presumably fit authors advised that
nothing more than stretching while vacuuming the curtains and daily sweeping
the porch would maintain a trim waistline.  I guess since they needed no
additional exercise, they assumed no one else would.  I always figured it
was a Calvin thing--if you're not trim by this method, you must not be
elect, or else you're lying about eating donuts in the bathroom and you have
a messy home.

I think we come into this world with lots of predispositions.  Some serve us
well as is, others need modification.  That means additional, potentially
less than pleasant, effort for some people in some areas of life.

Cathy