THE BLESSINGS OF STEEMIT CONTINUE TO FLOW
The potential of this community is incredible!
Not only do many of now know people all of the world, some of us have also been stopping by! I got to hang out with @xtrodinarypilot (& family) and @jed78 the last time I went to Texas, and @vcelier even came all the down to visit with his grandson @narucelier. It sounds like some people will even be participating in a STEEM B&B as we move forward.
A while ago I mentioned how cool the #homesteading community was getting around here. Not only have a bunch of homesteaders in my general area been joining, but worldwide the numbers are growing as well. I'm still periodically sending out garden seeds, and recently, I even struck up a plant swap with another homesteading steemian!
THE GREAT ELDERBERRY SWAP VIDEO
BACKGROUND STORY
I had came upon a post from @flemingfarm about harvesting elderberries. We already have tons of elderberry plants, but his variety was very different. The ones around here are a deep, dark purple color, while the ones that @flemingfarm had were a cool light blue color.
@papa-pepper elderberries
@flemingfarm elderberries
Photo Source Fleming Family Farm Post
After reaching out to @flemingfarm about a potential swap, we were both very excited. Though it was only 9 days ago that @flemingfarm made that post, now we both have cutting from each other potted at our own homes!
In case you missed either of the recent posts from @flemingfarm on this swap, here they are:
- Steemit Plant Trade with @papa-pepper, YAY Elderberries!!
- Potting up my new Steemit Facilitated Elderberry cuttings
BONUS: GENEROSITY
So, the actual deal was a straight swap, elderberry cuttings for elderberry cuttings. However, people don't aways play by the rules. When I opened my package, something else was inside it!
Mongolian Giant Sunflower seeds! Now this was a cool surprise! I had just seen a post about how Mr. Fleming won GRAND CHAMPION at the Spokane County Interstate Fair with his 170" tall sunflower! When I saw the post, I thought, "How cool would it be to get some of those?" Now I know, it's very cool!
Photo Source Fleming Family Farm Post
Interestingly enough, the day that I mailed my cuttings to @flemingfarm was the day that I received mine. My package was already on its way when I opened the one from @flemingfarm, so I had no clue about the bonus seeds. However, I did something too!
I had taken a small handful of my Chinese Red Noodle Bean seeds to send as an added bonus. @Flemingfarm had grown some of these in the past, and was planning on planting some in the spring, but only had a few seeds left. How cool is that?
FREE, FUN, & BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS IN THE COMMUNITY
So, whether it is steemit as a whole community or those with specific interests like #homesteading, we have a lot of potential. From gifts, swaps, and sales, a lot of goods can be exchanged within our community. I've been so blessed to both give and receive during my time here, and I am still trying to get caught up on some shirts that I've been shipping.
Whatever your comfort level of interaction is, I'd recommend that you maximize it while you're here on steemit. Read, comment, and enjoy, because a lot of interesting, talented, and even generous people are all over the place in our community.
I'll keep you posted on how my cuttings do, but so far so good!
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-elderberry-cuttings-from-fleming-family-farm
Great wild fruits
Yes they are!
I was a little distracted, when I watched the video, by the spider on your hat.
Really? I hope it wasn't the lost Black Widow from the other video!
Looks like some sort of Arrowhead Spider, but good looking out!
I love this place. I already have a couple of shirts that a couple of members designed besides my own designs, but I have gotten on decal and speaking of @xtrodinarypilot he just sent me another smaller decal that is on the way (post to come when it arrives and I figure out where I am sticking it) Plus another member sent a laptop computer to me with the original box and paperwork so my daughter could have because my granddaughter pour kool-aid all over hers and she couldn't work because of it, as she earns money using the internet too, But because she had just paid all her bills she didn't have the money to replace it. I was floored that someone I just meet a few weeks ago would do something like that. She said she was paying it forward because someone gifted her a better laptop. Yes I came for the rewards at first but I have stayed because of the community and the people. To me the internet is pretty much crazy, but steemit is that gathering place for those who are sane and care about people in general weather they are personally known or not. And that gives me hope for humanity. Looking forward to seeing your updated posts when these plants are grown.
Earning money with internet is always a good idea. Thanks for this!!! I hope you have a wonderful day! 😀 😃 😄 😁
@papapepper have you considered setting up a seed / cutting exchange? I have many things I would LOVE to barter / swap, but very few people see my posts. You could get something HUGE going. Just a thought!
I think so, but I'm not completely sure how. Within specific countries, the impact could be huge. I'll think on it some more and consider what we can do.
If you need help with behind the scenes stuff, let me know. I am pretty passionate about "guerrilla gardening."
Right now I have milkweed and red bud seeds I could send! Next year I'll be harvesting more seeds to share...food should be free.
My opinion on sending boxes to friends. If there is still room in the box, something can go in there.
Gift economy works! And people really feel good being a part of it.
The only problem with it is that it doesn't make any money for the tax man. Govern-cement wants to destroy happiness.
Excellent mentality!
Once steemian understands steemit, the post get better and more genuine.
keep on steemit @papa-pepper
If I had anything to swap I would. Your fruit looks delicious. Thank for sharing
Cool, thanks for that!
Hey, @papa-pepper! Steemit is indeed an exciting community. The more you participate the more your experience grows. I am still learning here and I am grateful for all the helpful tips and hints people are willing to share.
You are right, the more me invest the greater the return on that investment is. It's not just posts or trying to get STEEM, it's interacting with people, real people!
I had no clue about homesteading until I started reading your posts. I am a rastafarian, so being self sufficient is part of that, but you take it to another level. Your karma is also dope to see. #salute Friend.
I used to know a few rastas in New Orleans. I've had about 5 sets of dread in my life, with the longest being 7 years, so I'd get a lot of questions in my days. Glad to hear that you like the posts man.
I never knew what elderberries were but I see them by the river often. Do you eat those like other berries? Or do they have another purpose?
They are incredible for the immune system, but parts of the plant can be poisonous. Many also recommend NOT eating them raw, but cooked instead.
I guess this kind of interaction is a prime example of the homesteading mentality...
It is the interest to do things our way, share what we can and help eachother out...
I recently found out that I am an urban homesteader and that it does not really depend on having acres of land but on having the mindset...
although I really would not mind having a plot of land to get my hands dirty I do what I can on my small balcony and in my kitchen
you can read up on my city homesteading here if you are interested:
https://steemit.com/homesteading/@felander/are-you-city-apartment-urban-homesteader-i-think-i-am
Very good point! Also, I think that you are an urban homesteader, GREAT POST! (and thanks for the mention)
well, i would say (and I guess that most will agree) is that you are a prime example of the modern homesteader, combining blockchain and technologie with "going of grid" and you are a form of inspiration for a lot of us here on steemit in one way or another... so thank you