Lately, I’ve been trying to switch mental gears.
I no longer want to view my life from the consumer mindset, but rather as a steward. A steward is one who has been entrusted with something. It could be life itself, the earth (or at least a portion of it), resources, or finances, just to name a few. Whatever the thing is, the steward has been given a certain responsibility with it and is expected to properly oversee it adn utilize it in a wise way.
It seems that a common consumer attitude focusses on obtaining, using, discarding, and then repeating. This is often how I lived and treated things. Now, though, I try to make sure to get the most out of things by finding real uses for them.
I will illustrate how I am using this new mentality with the example of fishing.
Now @papa-pepper has been fishing for his entire life. Even when I first taught @mama-pepper how to fish, my saying was, “When the refrigerator and the wallet both get empty at the same time, it’s time to go fishing.” I am not stranger to the joy and excitement that a fishing trip can bring.
I am also no stranger to filleting the fish and using them as an incredible food source. Before, though, that is about where it ended. Rather than purchasing fish like a consumer I would often opt for catching, cleaning, and cooking my own. Far too often though, the parts of the fish that I was not going to eat myself were just discarded.
Now, I am living a different life and taking a different path. I am in a different situation and live my life in a different environment. Since I am trying to raise more of my own animals and grow more of my own food, I have more opportunity to utilize things in beneficial ways. For the fish, here is what we get out of them now.
FUN
Yes, the exciting adventure of catching your own fish lives on. We do not just catch fish for sport, but we cannot deny the great time that we get to have when we are reeling in some fish.
EDUCATION
From practical life skills like baiting your own hook or learning how to cast a pole to understanding how to accurately identify different species, there is a lot that anyone can learn on a fishing trip. The @little-peppers are no strangers to gaining hands-on knowledge while being out there in the world. We try to take the opportunities that present themselves in life and use them as learning opportunities.
FOOD
Yes, just like fun, food remains a great reason to fish. When you catch your own fresh fish from a trustworthy source, there is a certain feeling that you get which cannot be rivaled by purchasing a box of fish sticks.
FERTILIZER
Even in my old garden back in Wisconsin, I learned about the benefits that fish carcasses can provide when they are used as fertilizer. Often, our fish scraps will end up being buried under some sort of garden plant. I must warn you though, this may not work as well if you have a pet dog. It just may be that your dog will want the buried fish carcass and uproot the plant with it.
ANIMAL FEED
Oftentimes, people discard whatever parts of the fish that they are not eating. This includes the entrails, bones, and head. Some people will still use the heads and bones to make a broth or a soup base, which we do sometimes as well, but in a lost of cases these days, all of this is wasted. As long as there are no lead sinkers if hooks in the fish, there is no reason that they cannot be used as a food source for animals. Chickens really like to peck these sort of things, and our hogs made a quick meal of everything that we offered them. Why dump it in the garbage for no purpose when you can have your hogs turn it into bacon?
ANIMAL BAIT
Lately, there have been some larger raccoons eating local chicken flocks. One of our neighbors had their entire flock eaten. Raccoons can be hard to catch, but with a live trap and some fish carcasses for bait, I was able to begin trapping and relocating them. Many people would have just dumped the carcasses in the woods, which could have added to the predator problem, rather than helping to solve it.
CONCLUSION
It takes a little effort to find creative uses for things like this, but when you can get back from a fun family fishing and use every last bit of the fish, you know that you made the most out of it when your harvested them. Sometimes when little children are learning to fish, hooks can get caught deep in the throats of small fish that you would have otherwise let go. Rather than throwing the little dead fish back into the water like so many do, now we can use that too by fertilizing a plant, feeding a farm animal, or baiting a trap.
I'm not sure how many of you enjoy fishing for fun or fishing for food, but I enjoy it all the more when I can use the fish and their carcasses in these ways. Do any of you have a creative way that you've used what others often throw away? If so, why not make a comment, or even a post, about it?
As always, I'm @papa-pepper and here's the proof:
proof-of-fish
Until next time…
Don’t waste your time online, invest it with steemit.com
Being a steward is something so many people have no desire to do. I absolutely love the idea of being a steward for everything I am in contact with. Leave everything better than the way you found it!
Have you ever tried to make fish emulsion for your plants? I just learned about it, but the basis is: catch fish, blend compostable bits, spread on plants.
I local farmer I spoke to has had amazing results!
Yes, I have used fish emulsion. Great stuff.
Great article pepper!
An interesting point how people do not realize how much more harm they can cause themselves by not using proper husbandry. Taking care of your family and teaching them a life style that so many have forgotten. Keep up the great work and loving all those peppers! Your doing an AWESOME job!
Thank you kindly Sir! I'm glad that you understand!
Nice blog as always pepper ;) I always upvote and comment on your content and I am 14 and almost on 100 followers :) If you could check me out that would be great as i am new to this community :p
Family and fishing go hand in hand. I remember when I was the age of @papa-peppers children, my father and grandfather taught me everything....We would spend our sundays after church, sitting around the lake fishing. This is something I still do today and will one day teach my children the art.
Great post and keep it up papa^
Nice catch!
Well now a days I like jumping into the water to catch my fish...Even the playing field a little bit.
YES! That sounds excellent!
Proof-of-fish, LOL!!
I love the distinction between consumer and steward.
So far I thought of this distinction as consumer vs. owner - as in taking ownership of and responsibility for yourself.
But I like steward better, actually, because it has a ring of "trust" in it. You've been entrusted with a great responsibility.
Sorry, I know your article is about fishing, but this bit is what staid with me and what I will think about a little more...
No, fishing was the example used to illustrate the point you understand. You got the point!
For me when we began tithing it changed everything and I saw that nothing is ours; God has just entrusted us over certain things and we have to care-fully use them. It was a very freeing realization.
Very good realization to reach!
Posts like these make me realize that being a constant consumer is really mind numbing. Plastic? Oh we have handy bags that people come take away once a week. Not my problem.
I was at a man's house earlier. Twice a year he takes in his garbage. Usually, it barely fills the back of a pickup truck with the bags. It was really inspirational.
In my opnion Maslow`s pyramid is very true...(look it up). You want to achieve higher consciousness and understanding of life AFTER you have taken care of your primary needs, so you can live without focusing on money AFTER you have enough of it. Greetings!
Makes sense. Consumerism would only be the first step then.
this is great,there is no love like doing what you love doing,and it's sound fun to me lol. already followed you for more post like this.
Totally agree with u :)
About to do the same
Awesome post. I'm doing a PhD looking at people's motivations for foraging and domesticating wild food plants in Brazil- it was nice to great to see this post as it taps in to much of the mind set for plants as well :)
My motivation for foraging here in the US is that I can often get healthier food for free than what I would normally pay for. Plus I prefer fields and woods over the grocery store anyway.
Exactly!
Social science is all about making the obvious official :)
I'm making a questionnaire at the moment - I was only going to distribute it in Brazil and the UK to be honest, but then I was thinking that if I'm doing a version in English for the UK I may as well let Americans have a go at it, maybe you could help me distribute the link on ere when it's done?
proof-of-fish
papa-pepper 2017 lool
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you are not the one who give them fish but the one who teach them to fish.☺
Cracking Picture - exciting adventure of catching fish !!!!!!!
This article is amazing! I love the outdoor lifestyle and catching me cleaning my meal. If it was possible for me I would grow all my food right now. Thank God I found moringa as a healthy organic food source I grow on my own. Thrive in AZ
Speaking of local farmers, our Univrsity sponsors a market that only sells organic non-GMO foods produced in a fifty mile radius. What a godsend. So don't just be a steward, support all others. To have a soft heart, open to love and compassion for all things, is to be truly alive. Thanks Papa for sharing your wonderful thoughts and experiences.
@papa-pepper .. amazing blog .. this line caught my attention, - When the refrigerator and the wallet both get empty at the same time, it’s time to go fishing.' - can be thought/quote for the day :)
It is a true story! Thanks for noticing that.
I used to to the same during my childhood we and my brother often wake up in the morning esp. saturday when there is no class and head to the river near our house to catch fish.
Wow! this is awesome!.. I upvoted it and following you! :D
If you want to help me, check my account, click follow me and upvoting my post, please! I really appreciated it!
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Iv'e always loved fishing, but i hate eating fish it's a very weird dynamic.
But i do support your idea of not letting anything go to waste, great article :)
Cool, thank you.
so fun thanks for sharing @papa-pepper
I Like!👍🏼
@papa-pepper you are awesome ,Great content
I love fishing in lake kariba Zimbabwe
I really like fishing! Good post dude! Respect!
Nice article. I enjoy the back to basics lifestyle. I noticed the nicely mulched garden picture, are you a Back to Eden practitioner? I have had great success with that method. Bigger yields with less watering and less weeds, a win win for me here in the deep south!
Yup, garden of Eden mulching the garden. Good eye!
I think this is one reasons why you are so successful on steemit, it gives us the chance to be a 'steward' in the sense that just like fishing we can catch our meal ticket without being a consumer. Since I have joined steemit I have not once invested as I could not afford to financially. Instead I blog away hoping to catch a fish or even better a whale. Thanks again for a great post I am happy to be following. Cheerz
never even thought of using the remains as fertilizer!
Fish heads are the best, especially for tomatoes. Place two large fish heads 6" below the roots when transplanting your tomatoes and you will have the best crop ever!
Love it. We always used left over fish parts for the garden growing up. Back in the day there was no waste and all parts of the animal were utilized to some degree or another. Over time we seem to have lost the ability to do this. Our modern way of living does not give back it only takes and takes. Great blog.
My trick
Nice trick!
Lol!😂😂😂
Wow.. It's really great that you do not waste any part of the fish and i like it that you are doing what you really like and i am very happy for you.. Following and looking forward to seeing more of your posts. See you around papa-pepper :)
Cool, thank you.
The proof pic is awesome.
Steem on and 🐟
Good article, we also try to use all parts of the fish and animals that we harvest. Ground fish make great chicken feed too! Love your posts! @jbcoin
Good point! Thanks.
very nice...good luck.
Fishing is so relaxing and such an enjoyable thing to do either with self orwith family and friends. A retreat where one can ponder on the important things in life. Getting to understand again that the best things in life are the simple and true things. Fishing is sopure in that it isso natural. Your interacting with nature, enjoying the surroundings, catching the fish, cleaning the fish, cooking the fish , eating the fish, and using all parts of fish to recycle and use as fertilizer , bait, or even food for others to benefit from. It doesn't get more basic and natural then that. Gives you a sense of completion and satisfaction . As if the circle has completed itself. All and all, a nice fishing trip.
when bored in the bejerja usual, everyone has experienced it, but most importantly the spirit that should never be lost.
I'm also very fond of fishing, and usually I do it when I'm tired of working.
What a wonderful outlook on life you have - I think you are an inspiration to a lot of people
I miss my freshwater fishing days in southeastern Michigan. Out here in the east coast, almost everyone shuns a nice mess of breaded up pan-fish. I love a nice striped bass, or flounder, but there is something amazing and nostalgic about a bucket fill of bluegill and pumpkin-seed fillets.
I love your use of the carcasses too. Have you ever tried boiling them to make a stock or sauce of some sort? I never have with pan fish, but I was wondering if it could be done?
Great usage of fishes and their parts. I guess raccoons can be very annoying.
Very true and down to earth so to speak message. Nice lookin' sunfish by the way. We've fished most of our lives too, growing up doin' it. Love the sport of fishin' and have spent countless hours chasin' ole' bucket mouth in my younger days. Now we've about a 2 acre pond my boy and I fish loaded with crappie, yellow breast, warmouth, bass, catfish and one of my favorites the red eared sunfish or better known as shellcracker! Pound for pound shellcracker are one of the strongest fighting sunfish out there. On an ultra light rod one will feel like a small dog pulling to get away :) Fun fun. Always enjoy your posts Papa and I also wanted to thank you for the SBD's through the steemit appreciation program. Very kind and thoughtful of you and a major surprise for me. Thank you sir, much appreciated. Fish on and prosper........
ABSOLUTELY. We love finally having some land (as of this month) so we can be stewards of it and help heal it. Love that the kids get real education through this! Have you ever read Restoration Agriculture by Mark Shepard? Lots of good thoughts on how thoughtful land management can help restore it to an even BETTER state than if it was left to itself.
We were originally put in a Garden for a reason! I love living a life where we can act as we were designed. Lovely post.
Excellent post ! Lately I have really been thinking about how we are to be stewards of what He has in trusted us with! Very encouraging thank you! And seeing them gills , makes me long for the ice!
i m new here can anyone wanna follow for follow upvote for upvote
Sometimes the best use is for the one that got away. Not saying I ever exaggerated .....
I'm glad to meet you @papa-pepper earth stewardship is not philosophically embraced by industry where engineering & architectural concepts such as from Cradle to Cradle® are rare rather than the norm.
I'm sharing 👍
@papa-pepper, I real appreciate that you are taking back the responsibility that you have as a father to educate your children.
There are so many life lessons that are not being taught! And I am encourage to watch a husband and father making changes now that will change generations!
Ah I liked this post so much! Your philosophy is very similar to ours, we only try to use what we need and replenish if we take. I love making fish stock out of scraps, it is super yummy and full of all sorts of health benefits. Hmm, think I might go fishing this morning😉
I love fishing to most of my fish gets released but the ones I do take home will be eaten and when my wife is finished , trust me there is not even nutritional value left in the bones, lol but we do just chuck it in the bin the heads i use for bait or to catch crayfish with
Great example, you have a great knack of breaking thing down in a vary simplistic way!
One of the basic rules for homesteading and permiculture, everything you do must have at least three uses, otherwise most of the time its not worth doing, you have provided a perfect example! Keep up the good work!
Yes @papa-pepper, you are so on the money with this. The world around us is being so badly desecrated and damaged that each and everyone of that has some little foothold on the planet needs to steward and care for it with all their power.
I am blessed to have a few acres of the gorgeous green countryside of wild west Wales in the UK. I strive continuously to make what we have better for nature and better for the future. So far we have planted 11,000 native trees and in amongst those I am finding space for 100 fruit trees and 100 nut trees. Eleven thousand for the birds and insects and 200 for us. There are a lot more birds and insects that need the trees, there are only five of us that need the fruit and nuts.
In amongst all this we have a small quarter acre lake. About 10 years ago it was stocked with several hundred mixed coarse fish (perch, tench, rudd I think). Mr and Mrs Heron and their friends the Otter family have had most of those now, but I would like to find a way to share the bounty of the lake with them and stock it with some more edible fish. That is one of my challenges to come.
Good lessons, spot on observations, and a nice mess of fish to boot! Doesn't get any better than that...
That is what I am talking about!
