When is it all too much?

[cafarmgirl]

Well where do you stop with the "When is it all too much?" question? If we want to go that route you can apply it to every conceivable area of all our lives and nitpick away. The bottom line is that people will spend money on the things that are important and meaningful to them. If someone else thinks it's excessive, well, so what? To me it's nobody's concern but the person who paid the bill. If a fancy chicken coop makes somebody happy it sure doesn't bother me!

 

[Rozzie]

Couldn't we ask that about almost any aspect of American life?

Do we really need 3 or 4 bedroom homes, with more than one bathroom? Could we live with less?

Do we need homes that are 1500, 2000, 2500 square feet? Or, could we go back to building homes that are 900 square feet and 3 bedrooms, as was the case in the 50s suburb home (one bedroom for the boys, one for the girls). Or, we could go back to rural Texas where my grandfather grew up as one of 8-10 people (depending on who was living with the family) in a one room home.

Do we really need cars? All of us? Or, could those of us who live in the city abandon the cars and use the bus, even if inconvenient for our schedules (even if it would take me an hour to go where it now takes me 7 minutes)?

How about food? Why should we have chocolate, soda, or even coffee? We could all eat beans, rice, and oatmeal, cabbage, potatoes, etc. and just the minimum of fruit for health.

It's a matter of lifestyle choice. I chose to buy a 50+ year old house, while others might want (no, demand) newer. I chose to buy into an older ethnically/racially mixed neighborhood, instead of practicing "flight" out of such an area. I chose a subcompact, super gas efficient car, where others I work with choose SUV's and higher end cars. I don't eat out more than a few times a year (if that) and almost never go to a fast food restaurant. I don't own a stereo, though I have a record player with a built in radio/cd player (no external speakers). I don't buy / wear a lot of high end makeup. I buy almost all my clothes and household furnishings at thrift shops and garage sales, or occasionally estate sales and auctions.


I happen to choose to spend my money differently. I don't have to feel guilty about it. I cannot personally help every person in the world. That doesn't mean I don't do something, though. It doesn't mean I don't donate money and/or time, or items needed by others. It doesn't mean that I don't open my home up, even, in times of need. Of course, it doesn't mean I do, either. This isn't the place that I talk about this. It really isn't the appropriate place to do so.

Frankly, if building with new materials, it doesn't cost MUCH more to build something nice. All the decor for the home I'm building now was bought at a thrift shop or on clearance -- so not terribly pricey (maybe $30 worth of decor). The building itself cost more, sure. However, mine is INSIDE my house (garage, actually) so I will see it constantly. It's like a piece of furniture, actually.

For those people who live in congested areas, cities, or suburbs, having a nice looking coop can help keep bird keeping on a friendly note with the neighbors. Putting up a coop that looks like it was built with the rejects of a Hooverville is not going to endear the neighbors. There is a lot to be said for being friendly -- or at least on good terms with the neighbors. For those who live in isolated rural areas (and I "did" for many years) it's possible to get by with something that looks less decorative or is much more basic. I know that I, at least, would still want it to look decent, since I'd be seeing it daily.

Also, remember that aesthetics are more important to some of us than others. Though I don't spend much on my wardrobe, I am "very" aware of style. Though I don't spend much on hairdos or makeup, I am "very" aware of making sure that what I do spend is spent wisely on what will do the most good. While I may not have the fanciest aviary going in, I want it to look nice where I can enjoy it. (And, frankly, it cost less than my tv anyway.)

 

[paridisefarm2009]

Quote:

this is the one I like Im with you on this one

 

[Beekissed]

I know what the OP is trying to convey and I feel it too...but then, living in America is just like that. We are a country of excess and extravagance. It doesn't justify it nor explain it...it just is what it is. Until people develop a general compassion for their fellow man that transcends their love of self and their possessions, this is probably going to be the status quo.

I don't see the whole "I worked hard to get it why shouldn't I indulge myself attitude" being morally justified on a daily basis. I do, however, think its okay for folks to treat themselves once in awhile and have a few pleasurable things.

On the whole, I do try to think of those who have less and try not to live like my animals deserve a better life than they do....they don't. I used to be one of those who have less and I'm not too far from that right now.

God provides all things....they are not our things. They were given to us and as such, were meant to be shared with those who do not have any. The Bible says there will always be poor people. It also says many are blessed so that they might show God's love by giving their riches to those who need them. Its a test of your compassion and, if you are not giving it away to those who need, you have failed that test.

I try to live that every day. What I have, I give. I give locally first, as this need is the one that pops up in my face every day.

My chickens live in an old coop that is probably 50-60 years old. The dogs live next door in a building of the same age. They live outdoors, eat plain foods and get the usual creature comforts~dry, warm housing, cool clean water and enough food.

Even still, they probably eat better than most kids in third world countries. Its my job to see that the creatures and people in my care receive what they need to live......the word NEED is the real issue.

I agree with the OP on principle....I think many people in the US today care more about their animals than they do about their neighbors~and this is wrong, no matter how you slice it.

 

[chicky_mama]

i definately care more about my animals than my neighbors....why shouldn't i ....my animals love me.....my neighbors don't.

 

[Beekissed]

Here...lets make this a little easier to understand..... neighbors=fellow man, humanity, human kind.

 

[surfchicken72]

I think you SHOULD go over the top for your animals you keep. dog, cats, fish, chickens.... actually the more over the top the better.

Also.. people's locations may have a LOT to do with how they choose to build their coop... If you're in a super rural area where you have acres of land, maybe you can get away with something a little less pleasing to the eye.
As long as the designs have the chicken's needs incorporated also, then I think you SHOULD go over the top.

Having a coop that's nice to look at, AS WELL as serving the needs of the creatures living in it, was a big priority for me.
I don't see where using recycled vs. new even comes into it. If I could have used 100% recycled and had it turn out nice enough I would have...

So I guess, in my mind, it's NEVER too much, as long as you love it.

 

[Jess N Jeff]

Quote:
Hahahahaaaa....This actually is kinda funny. Its also true for me. I like my neighbors...but I know they think I am a bat case. My animals on the other hand...Love the heck out of me.

Plus, my neighbors would call the police on me if I tried to cuddle them. I make my spot my own little heaven. When my neighbors poke their head over the fence I say hi and give them a couple of eggs...its all good!!!!

 

[n3kms]

God has said we are to help the needy and he has said that if a man does not work he shouldn't eat. Americans give huge amounts to help needy and they feed, clothe and provide for those who won't work. Millions and millions have been sent to Haiti and whenever I have a doctor or nurse friend who goes to help them they gather donations for medical supplies. There should be medical supplies waiting on the beaches for them to use with all the money that has been sent. But , where is it? Most people don't appreciate what is "given to them". They only truly appreciate what they earn. Americans have given and given and are still giving to other countries and they all hate us. We provide for the "poor" of this country and they take advantage by expecting more and more. I work to take care of girls coming to the hospital to have babies. The vast majority are not married or even having a relationship with the father. They were not even trying to prevent pregnancy. They have their hospital bill paid for by taxpayers, their food paid is for by taxpayers and their children's raising paid for by taxpayers. We who work have our incomes taken from us in the form of taxes to give to those who do not work and those who do not appreciate it. Why should we feel guilty for spending what we have left the way we want. I don't even own a chicken coop. I do want to though. Been searching craig's list for good deals.
I like to help the true needy of this world with the money the government lets me keep. Jesus said that we will always have poor. We do what we can. But we waste way more money on the lazy than on chickens.

 

[surfchicken72]

Quote:
well folks, that should just about wrap this one up.