This is my first post on this blogspot, so I guess I will say a few words about myself and why I wanted a blog before just plunging in...

First, my name is Deborah. I am a longtime homesteader, naturalist, environmentalist and freelance artist/writer. I have one husband, two grown sons (who live elsewhere), 10 dogs, 4 goats, 2 cats and a whole bunch of chickens. (All our animals are family members, and all but the chickens are rescues.)

The Natural Pagan is the name my husband James, and I came up with to reflect who we are, and what we think is truly important in life. We are first and foremost lovers of this incredible planet we call Earth. To preserve the natural environment and to protect the diverse plant and animal species that share this space with us, is -- and always will be -- our primary goal. To that end we are longtime, committed vegetarians (almost 100% vegan as of last year) and organic homesteaders, trying our best to live a simple, frugal and thoughtful life. Our “footprint” on the planet is a light one, and we try every day to find ways to lighten it further.

In addition to this blog — where I hope to share personal insights and tips about living a frugal homesteading lifestyle (and hopefully get some of the same from all of you) -- I am working to create The Natural Pagan website (still under construction) and The Natural Pagan Etsy store (Grand Opening this spring!) as a way to showcase unique handmade, natural or upcycled jewelry, artful home accessories and other useful objects made from the many diverse and beautiful materials that nature offers in the landscape all around us. 

When I get those up and running, you will be able to go directly to those sites, where -- if you are interested -- you can purchase our products. The proceeds from those sales help us feed our menagerie of rescued animals and make it possible for us to continue living gently on our beautiful planet.

Thank you for looking at my blog. This is a brand new enterprise for me, so please be patient as I build it and add to it. The homesteading life leaves few hours for blogging, but I will do my best!

Deborah Stephenson