Emergency Homemaking

Mrs. White's 1800's pitcher and wash basin at our home in Vermont.

I visited a museum last month and one of the displays was an old fashioned pitcher and wash basin.  It was interesting to see how towels and soap were set out nearby.  These items were kept inside a bedroom, on a low dresser, for easy access.  This was for those days before indoor plumbing was available. It was a convenient and pretty way to have water and such to stay clean and neat. I loved to see the little touches of homemaking from the humble decorations in the room. A homemade quilt on the bed provided warmth and charm.  There was also an oil lamp in the home.  This dim light looked cozy and nostalgic.

In our modern culture, with central heat and air in homes as well as electric lights, we sometimes forget that these are luxuries we are enjoying!  And while we are grateful for modern inventions, it is important to be prepared for the storms in life.  We need to understand the art of emergency homemaking.

I came across an estate sale some weeks ago.  It was set up as a yard sale next to a local business. We stopped to browse on our way home from an errand.  I found two items that would look beautiful in my home but also provide practical resources should there come a need for me to practice emergency homemaking.  The first item was a beautiful pitcher and wash basin from the 1800's. (See the above photograph.) The second item was a lovely oil lamp.  (Shown below.)   The cost was shockingly very little.   I felt blessed to bring them home with me.

 

Mrs. White's oil lamp on the parlour table at our home in Vermont.

In our 1850's house we understand what it is like to struggle to stay warm and to have what we need. There is a great deal of work to do at our property to keep things decently running on a limited income. We do this in a Yankee way, with thrift and a sense of gratefulness for all that we do have.  Yet it is nice to have things look pretty and pleasant.  When the power goes out, we get our flashlights and blankets and make the best of the moments.  We look out the window into the dark night and sense a feeling of quietness and peace.  We know that joy comes in the morning and so does daylight.  In the meantime, we enjoy the beauty of the stars in the sky and the coziness of having shelter to keep us safe.

Last summer when massive flooding happened in our state, our security felt threatened.  We watched as the waters rose and we were nearly helpless in stopping the flooding from damaging our home.  Through it all we had a sense of trust and faith that God would watch over us. We would be okay regardless of the outcome. It is well, as the old hymn goes, with our souls.

We must not panic in difficult times. We may be stunned in the moment with anxiety but then a wave of peace should surround us as we give our troubles to the Lord. We serve the family with picnic style food on hand and we remember to say grace before we eat.  We use our best manners and have a heart of love and service. We do all we can to keep up morale, smile kindly, and get through the hard times together. We clean, we have our routines, and we do them in a way that keeps the heart of homemaking in our midst.  

I came across a portion of my old writings from a few months ago. This was when we were enduring more flooding, here in Vermont. We had walked outside and viewed the ongoing damage that was happening before us. As I re-read these words, I felt that same sense of comfort and faith.  For those who need encouragement today, I hope you find this helpful:

---------------

"In the midst of such somber moments, we reflect on the beauty of our surroundings.  My husband walked with me outside this morning so I could take some pictures.  Just before we reached our playground, I saw a bird sitting on the top of our park bench. It was as if he was surveying the situation before him.  It made me think of how we have this little spot to build our own nest of a home and yard. We manage it with daily labor. We fight off the blizzards in winter and repair damage from hurricanes and storms.  And through it all, the bird sails high above us without a worry in the world.  The Lord feeds him and helps him find his rest.  He will do the same for us."

-------------

 

Blessings

Mrs. White

 

From the Archives -

The Reality of Getting By - A New England Winter on a Small Income.

A Slow and Peaceful Way of Life - Simplicity of Old Fashioned Homemaking. 

A Lesson in Beautiful Living - The Quiet Kindness of a Titus 2 Mother.

 

- To find out more about this blog, or Mrs. White, please visit our About page. -

 

Find cleaning inspiration and encouragement in Mrs. White's book, "Gracious House Keeping."

"Gracious House Keeping: Advice, Encouragement, and Cleaning Help for the Christian Housewife."

Complete with Encouragement and Work Charts to cheer you along in your homemaking!

115 pages, paperback.