Small Changes Do Add Up

You've probably heard the saying, "Eavesdroppers never hear anything good about themselves." Well, the same might be applied to Internet eavesdroppers who go poking around to see what people are saying about their book. Yes, I'll confess, I've been poking. And that's what prompted this blog. First of all, thanks to all of you out there in blogger land who get what I was trying to accomplish with my latest novel "Small Change". I wanted a fun read that would encourage women to think about their lifestyles, where they're spending their money, and then make improvements one small change at a time. I understand that a girl can't please everyone. But to doubt my financial wisdom. Aw, that hurts. Okay, I'll admit that simply planting rhubarb in our flowerbeds won't save us if our economy is sliding south. That alone won't keep the wolf from the door. But it won't hurt, either. I'm convinced that incorporating edibles into your landscaping is a financially wise thing to do. So is having a small veggie garden in the back yard. I mean, why not? If you have a house with a patch of land, why not make that land work for you? You're going to be watering something. Make it something edible.  And why not find bargains at garage sales, clip coupons, and cut back on your spending? It does all add up. Really. I know this from personal experience. Over the years we have driven used cars no teenager would take as a gift, we've passed on expensive dinners out and found creative, inexpensive ways to have fun with friends. We've scrimped and saved on everyday expenses, pinching our pennies into submission.  And the money we saved kept us out of debt and helped us build for a financially secure future. I even sold treasures on eBay to help put our son through college. Yes, I am growing rhubarb and am proud of it. I also have a couple of fruit trees, a veggie garden, blueberry bushes, and strawberry plants, which make great ground cover. Oh, and I'm growing raspberries, too. (No, I don't have a huge chunk of land, but what I have I'm using to the max.) I have also just scrounged a new "back-up" espresso maker for when my current one goes belly up so that I can continue to make my own lattes when the girls come over for coffee. So go ahead, you doubters. Think I'm crazy. But I'm still gonna grow my rhubarb, find treasure at garage sales, and generally save money. And if you're in the neighborhood I'll feed you rhubarb muffins and give you chocolate mint tea made with my own mint. And maybe, if you see the light, I'll even give you a rhubarb start.

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