Ticks, Trade-offs, and Technology

The Meaning of 'A Common Life'

What if the most radical act in today's frenetic world is simply embracing the ordinary?  For three years, we've been sharing our philosophy of "A Common Life," but we realized we've never fully explained what that means. When someone recently suggested we change our name to "An Uncommon Life," we knew it was time to articulate our vision more clearly. A common life acknowledges that we share this journey with others. In a deeply divided world, we're making a call to remember our fundamental interconnectedness—in our communities, neighborhoods, and on this planet. The Latin root "communis" reminds us that life was never meant to be lived in isolation. While so many voices push us to be extraordinary, spectacular, and loud, we're championing the beauty found in mundane moments. As our digital world accelerates toward virtual reality, blurring the lines between human and machine, we believe slowing down to embrace our humanity is revolutionary. This isn't about elitism—a rich life is accessible to everyone. Whether it's savoring morning coffee, tending a small garden, cultivating relationships, or practicing silence, these simple acts reconnect us with what makes us human. Just a century ago, everyone lived by the sun's rhythms. Today, most can't even tell you when it rises or sets. Reconnecting with these natural patterns pushes us back toward our humanity. Our philosophy embraces seasonal rhythms, place-based living, deliberate simplicity, integration of spiritual and physical life, and the centrality of the shared table. We're inviting you to notice the world around you, participate actively in life's rhythms, slow down intentionally, and connect meaningfully with your community. Join us in this quiet revolution. In a culture obsessed with the extraordinary, perhaps embracing the common is the most radical act of all. Community Newsletter - The Common [https://acommonlife.substack.com/] DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/]. The artist is Garden Friend [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/gardenfriend]. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

Vermont: We traded screens for springs.

In this episode Morgan and I talk about our family's trip to Vermont for a Permaculture Design Course with Ben Falk, Mark Krawczyk, and Erik Schellenberg.  Mentioned in the show: Ben Falk - The Resilient Farm and Homestead [https://www.wholesystemsdesign.com/farm-store/p/the-resilient-farm-and-homestead-revised-and-expanded-edition-20-years-of-permaculture-and-whole-systems-design] Mark Krawczyk - Coppice Agroforestry [https://www.coppiceagroforestry.com/] Erik Schellenberg [https://cceorangecounty.org/staff/erik-schellenberg] Bill Mollison [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Mollison] Vermonts land-use law [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Act_250_(Vermont_law)] Community Newsletter - The Common [https://acommonlife.substack.com/] DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/]. The artist is Garden Friend [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/gardenfriend]. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

Ticks, Trade-offs, and Technology

We explore the possibilities and implications of artificial intelligence alongside the everyday challenges and joys of farm living. • Taylor discovers ChatGPT's impressive capabilities when helping his mom with landscaping plans • Discussion on how AI might benefit Kingdom work through translation services and theological resources • Morgan experiences FOMO as city-dwelling friends join a gym with amenities unavailable to her on the farm • Taylor explains plans for regenerative farming practices to replace conventional GMO corn wildlife plots • Nuanced conversation about GMO crops, acknowledging benefits while questioning corporate agricultural control • Challenges of raising livestock and dealing with pests like ticks, considering guinea fowl as natural control • The surprisingly positive experiences with strangers at Costco complimenting their family • Morgan reflects on balancing creative expression with the demands of raising young children Community Newsletter - The Common [https://acommonlife.substack.com/] DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/]. The artist is Garden Friend [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/gardenfriend]. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

We're sharing what's on our plates, bookshelves, and playlists right now.

"What if the simple act of reading a physical book has become a form of cultural resistance? Taylor and Morgan ponder this question while diving into their current obsessions with beef tallow cooking, homemade marshmallows, and thought-provoking literature. The conversation begins with a lighthearted examination of "virtue signaling" in modern homestead culture. Is sharing your reading list or posting about cooking with tallow simply a way to showcase your virtues? Taylor and Morgan acknowledge the grain of truth here while celebrating the genuine joy of discovering and sharing meaningful books, recipes, and ideas with others who appreciate them. Food takes center stage as the couple describes their journey away from vegetable oils toward traditional cooking fats like beef tallow. Their description of making homemade french fries as "a labor of love" captures the special moments created when family gathers around the kitchen, snagging hot fries straight from the skillet. Morgan's triumph with perfecting homemade marshmallows after multiple attempts demonstrates the satisfaction of culinary persistence, while her candid confession about being stuck in a dinner rut will resonate with anyone who's ever stared blankly into a well-stocked refrigerator. Literary discussions reveal both hosts' evolving relationship with reading. Taylor shares his appreciation for Substack's thoughtful, long-form content without the distraction of advertisements, while Morgan enthusiastically describes her latest book haul including works by Julia Cameron and Annie Dillard. Perhaps most refreshing is their mutual liberation from feeling obligated to finish every book they start – a freedom that has expanded their literary horizons and reading enjoyment. This delightful glimpse into Taylor and Morgan's everyday pleasures reminds us that a meaningful life often emerges from these small indulgences and thoughtful explorations rather than grand gestures or achievements. Whether you're curious about beef tallow cooking, looking for your next great read, or simply enjoy authentic conversation, this episode offers a warm invitation to appreciate life's common treasures." Thanks Jenkins! Let us know what you think! Reach out to us at Morgan@ACommonLife.co Community Newsletter - The Common [https://acommonlife.substack.com/] DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/]. The artist is Garden Friend [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/gardenfriend]. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”

The familiar hike, Luna, A Rich Life

This episode unfolds the beauty of slowing down to notice life’s simple pleasures and the enriching conversations that strengthen relationships. We explore the concept of a 'familiar walk,' the heartwarming story of adopting Luna, and what it means to define a ‘rich life’ in partnership. • Emphasizing mindfulness through daily walks  • Sharing nature journaling prompts to engage the senses  • Connecting with the beauty of subtle changes in nature  • The heartwarming tale of adopting a stray dog, Luna  • Reflecting on creating a rich life through shared goals  • Practical gardening updates for the upcoming season  Let us know what you think! Reach out to us at Morgan@ACommonLife.co Community Newsletter - The Common [https://acommonlife.substack.com/] DM us on the Socials or email us at Taylor@acommonlife.co Music on the podcast was composed by Kevin Dailey [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/]. The artist is Garden Friend [https://www.kevindaileymusic.com/gardenfriend]. The track is the instrumental version of “On a Cloud”