• About
  • Archive
  • Contact
The Greening of Gavin
  • Home
  • Our Green Shop
    • Little Green Workshops
  • Green Workshops
    • Cheese Making
    • Soap Making
    • Soy Candle Making
  • eBooks
    • Clay Oven eBook
    • Keep Calm and Make Cheese eBook
  • Podcast
    • TGOG Podcast
    • TGoG Podcast Archive
    • Little Green Cheese
  • Vlog
  • Cheese
  • Green Living
    • Chickens
    • Gardening
    • Soap Making
    • Recipes
    • Climate Change
    • Peak Oil
    • Solar Power
  • Resources

There Is Nothing Wrong With Asking For Help

January 15, 2015 @ 22:55 By Gavin Webber 12 Comments

We all want the satisfaction of doing things ourselves, but sometimes we need help.  However, many of us find it difficult to ask.  Let me tell you something.

STOP trying to be Superman or Superwoman and start asking for help.

You can’t do it all yourself.  Honestly, I know, because I am speaking from years of experience.  There’s nothing wrong with asking for help.

There is no way I could have built all the garden beds around here or let alone filled them with the layers of cardboard, straw, and compost.  NO FREAKING WAY.  It would have taken me a month of Sundays.  Thankfully I asked Adam, Megan, Amy, and Kim to give me a hand and they kind of volunteered to help me out over a few very wet weekends back in March and April 2007.  They were happy days, excellent character building exercises, and best of all; we had fun.

Nothing wrong with asking for help.  Veggie Patch circa May 2007

Veggie Patch circa May 2007

Another example was building our chook house.  Every single family member helped to make it.  Amy and Megan dug post holes (begrudgingly as they were teenagers at the time) for the initial chicken run.  Adam and I built the first chicken enclosure and coop, and Ben helped me to paint the coop.  It was a family affair, and once again, I asked for help and people joined in and had fun.

Nothing wrong with asking for help.  Painting the first chook house circa June 2008

Painting the first chook house circa June 2008

My final example is our Backyard Clay Oven.  This project was certainly not finished in a day.  It took many weekends of hard graft to get the oven completed.  Sure, I built the plinth of breeze block (cinder blocks), but there was no way I could have lifted the four very heavy slabs that formed the base with my friend David’s help.  Nor could I have finished the first layer of cob by myself in two hours.  The members of the Melton Sustainable Living Group helped out during a clay oven workshop that I held and everyone pitched in.  Once the first layer was on, the other four were a breeze, even though it took me another two months to complete it, and that was with help from my family.

Nothing wrong with asking for help.  Cob Oven Firing 4th layer

Cob Oven Firing 4th layer with Megan and Jake circa Sept 2011

As you can see, all of the projects I have completed around our Suburban Food Farm have not been singular tasks.  I am not Superman, and neither is anyone else I know.

Don’t be scared to ask for help anytime during your own sustainable living journey, because my friends, that is what makes it interesting and fun.  Team work with others, sharing the joy of a completed project, and being able to use the fruits of the joint labour with all your friends for a very long time.

In reality, this blog has not been about my sustainable living journey, but the journey of every single person that has helped me along the path.  Every. Single. Person.  And for that, I thank you one and all including every reader of this blog.  You have also been on my journey with me, helping me keep motivated via emails and comments, and inspiring me to try out new things, ideas, and ways of thinking.

So reach out and ask someone to help with your next project.  You may be surprised at their response, because everyone knows that sustainable living projects are the best fun!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket

Filed Under: Chickens, Cob Oven, community, Family, Friends, Gardening, Philosophy, Sustainable Living

Pick Me Up Pizza

August 17, 2014 @ 22:28 By Gavin Webber 12 Comments

What a week!  One I would rather forget.

I don’t exactly know what caused it, but I was in a funk for most of it.  I needed a pick-me-up.

By Thursday I knew that something had to change if I was to snap out of it, and that I needed to do something that I enjoyed for the entire weekend.

I had a chat to Kim and asked her to help me organise a gathering of a few good friends to share pizza on Saturday night.  Then, I wanted to visit a farmers market, so we had to find near.  Riddells Creek was close by so we locked that in.

Finally, Kim wanted to make some more soap in preparation for our Advanced Soap Making course in two weekends time.  I really enjoy being her chemist, so that was added to the list.

Excellent.  Lots of great stuff to do all weekend.  This had to work.

IMG_0034

It all panned out as planned.

Ben and I visited Riddells Creek farmers market early on Saturday morning.  There were about 20 stalls, and besides the two butchers, every single vegetable or preserve for sale was already available in my garden.  Well, maybe not all, but felt surreal, as I suddenly realised that I had my own little farmers market right in my very own yard.

I bought a loaf of organic sourdough rye bread as a treat, and Ben and I grabbed a sausage in bread and then headed home.

On the way home, we picked up a few things for the pizza evening as we were going to prepare everything before our guests arrived.

At 2.30pm I lit the fire for the clay oven, and cleaned up under the veranda.  Amy turned up early (at Kim’s request I think) and she kept me company all afternoon.  It was delightful to spend some quality time with my daughter and relaxing whilst feeding the fire.

At 6.00pm the remainder of the guests turned up.  We had some delicious pizza, a few beers, and lots of laughs.  Just what the doctor ordered.

IMG_0037

This morning we slept in until 8.30am.  Amy slept over so I made everyone breakfast.  Fresh eggs from the chooks, some free range bacon in rye bread toast, and freshly brewed fair trade coffee.  We talked about stuff until 11am which was lovely then Amy headed home.

Kim and I then proceeded to practice our fancy soap making skills.  We made 4 kg of soap using different techniques like layering, confetti, and swirls.  It was great fun.  I promise that there will be photos in a post sometime this week.

Then for dinner we made a chicken casserole using some organic free-range chicken thighs, potatoes and broccoli from the garden and some other veg brought from the green grocer.  Slow cooked in a low oven for a few hours, topped with homemade dumplings.  Comfort food at its best!

So, all in all, a very rewarding and relaxing weekend which broke me out of the funk I was in.  Sometimes you just have to turn inward, listen to your body, and do the right thing by it.  Mine was telling me to slow down a little, relax, and laugh.

And the cure?  Well I think I have to stop paying so much attention to the media and all the lunatics that are running the asylum, and just focus on what is important to me and my family.

After all, if I don’t look after me, who else will?

Same goes for all of you out there.  Don’t forget to take the time to look after yourselves.  It can creep up on you, and before you know it, you feel terrible.  Take action before getting into a full-blown funk.

Do something you really enjoy doing and give yourself permission to laugh!  It certainly is the best medicine!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket

Filed Under: Cob Oven, Gavin, Organic, Path to Freedom

TGoG Podcast 066 – Building and Cooking in Our Backyard Clay Oven

June 4, 2014 @ 21:59 By Gavin Webber Leave a Comment

Listen to the Episode Below (00:24:01)
Download Listen in a New Window iTunes Stitcher SoundCloud Leave a Review Clammr It Subscribe via RSS Subscribe on Android RSS Patreon

Ever wanted to learn how to build a backyard clay oven?  Want to know how to cook in it effectively?

Well look no further for the answers because this podcast episode is for you.

I talk about design considerations, the build of our backyard clay oven, preparing to cook in it, basic pizza recipes, and most important of all; how to cook in it.

Backyard Clay Oven

Cooking in our backyard clay oven

Our backyard clay oven has been in operation for over 2½ years, and is still going strong.

Links mentioned in this episode:

  • https://www.greeningofgavin.com/clay-oven (eBook link)
  • The Ultimate Clay Cob Oven video – http://youtu.be/Q70k2Pc8B1g
  • My Backyard Clay Cob Oven update – http://youtu.be/2ULHg2C-47I

Enjoy the show.

If you enjoyed the podcast, please pop over to iTunes and rate it and/or leave a review. You can also do the same within Stitcher Radio if you use that service.  It would help me out so much, and elevate the ratings so that others can find out about the podcast and learn about sustainable living in the ‘burbs.

You can subscribe to the show via RSS or iTunes or Stitcher for your portable device.  Just use the subscription buttons below.

RSS Feed for your podcatcher application
iTunes

Stitcher Radio
Listen to Stitcher
 

Until next time, stay green and keep keen!

Will this article help someone you know? If so help them out by sharing now!

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket

Filed Under: Cob Oven, Cooking, Podcast, TGOG Podcast

« Previous Page
Next Page »

Search This Blog

Follow my work

About Gavin Webber

About Gavin Webber

An Ordinary Australian Man Who Has A Green Epiphany Whilst Watching A Documentary, Gets a Hybrid Car, Plants A Large Organic Vegetable Garden, Goes Totally Solar, Lowers Consumption, Feeds Composts Bins and Worms, Harvests Rainwater, Raises Chickens, Makes Cheese and Soap, and Eats Locally. All In The Effort To Reduce Our Family's Carbon Footprint So We Can Start Making A Difference For Our Children & Future Generations To Come.

Delve Into the Archives

Visit Our Online Simple Living Shop

Little Green Workshops

Latest Podcast Episode

Subscribe on iTunes

Top Posts & Pages

Black Aphids On Garlic
Broad Bean Rust
2 Fruit Marmalade
Outdoor Solar Shower
How To Remove Scaly Leg Mites
African Horned Melon
Hot Chilli Chutney
Repeat After Me. I Will Never Plant Potatoes With Pumpkins Again
Dripping at the Co-op
Organic Jonathan Apples

Recent Awards

Recent Awards

Local Green Hero

Categories

Favourite Daily Reads

Debt Free, Cashed Up, and Laughing

The Off-Grid Solar House

Greener Me

The Rogue Ginger

Little Eco Footprints

Down To Earth

Surviving the Suburbs

Little Green Cheese

Eight Acres

The Witches Kitchen

TGOG Readers On-line

Podcast Reviews

  • Always inspiring and entertaining!
    August 4, 2016 by floriographer from Australia

    I've crowed about Gavin's podcast before but I just have to recommend it once again - I love that he shares his learning as well as his successes - it helps the rest of us try try try again! Thanks Gavin!

  • ms
    July 22, 2016 by Ketaea12 from New Zealand

    I really enjoy listening to Gavin, he has a kind lovely voice. He covers some great relevant topics for the everyday greenie. With lots of tips or how to or what not to do. Thanks Gavin, love it!!

  • Well worth your time to tune in
    October 23, 2015 by A Vision Splendid from Australia

    I can highly recommend Gavin’s podcast ! I have followed Gavin’s blog since the very beginning and have loved to see his journey unfold. Gavin has a lovely speaking voice so this podcast is always very easy to listen to. Gavin has a very authentic approach to his green living lifestyle. He shares the ups and downs but always provides motivation and practical steps that we can all implement.

  • very good
    June 28, 2015 by Scared pax from United Kingdom

    This is a great podcast if you want to improve your life in so many aspects and become a more sustainable person. I love the soothing voice, the good pace, and it contains lots of useful information. Recommended!

  • opened my eyes
    May 25, 2015 by Gorn4lyfe from Australia

    A wonderful show!

  • Inspiring
    April 30, 2015 by Alan Whelan from Ireland

    This is a great podcast if you're looking for practical info on saving money by living more sustainably from someone who's made that journey over the last few years. Told in a nice, easy conversational style

  • Green Living, inspiring and practical
    January 8, 2015 by EliseMac from Australia

    Thanks Gav for sharing what has (and hasn't) worked along your journey for living a greener lifestyle. Inspiring and achievable for anyone, I look forward to this podcast weekly.

  • Local food equals less waste
    December 27, 2014 by allotmentadventureswithjean from Australia

    Another brilliant podcast from Gavin Webber encouraging us, and showing us how, to cut down on food miles, growing our own food, and cutting down on food waste. Gavin is a really interesting speaker, showing us how to eat better, growing our own food and how to live more sustainably.

  • Honestly australian
    December 15, 2014 by HodgepodgeOz from Australia

    Fantastic podcast, with a wide variety of well thought and researched topics. Gavin is a honest, forthright pod aster with a genuine interest in helping others get green. Like a day alongside is a day wasted, so too is a week without listening to Gavin. Highly recommended for people starting out, or those in the midst of their new lifestyle. Keep it up Gavin, wish there were more great reviews! Kimberley

  • Morning motivation
    December 8, 2014 by Bunnyworm from Australia

    Gavin has a great passion for living this greener lifestyle that motivates others to do the same. The podcasts are always interesting and informative. :)

  • Passionate Advocate
    October 18, 2014 by BoomOpGirl from Australia

    Gavin's enthusiasm and passion for creating a more sustainable world is nothing short of contagious. Thanks Gav, you are my weekly source of motivation for living a sustainable life! :)

  • Gavin speaks from the heart
    October 13, 2014 by Green gavin from Australia

    Gavin's podcasts are required listening for anyone planning to live a more sustainable life. He doesn't preach, but tells you his story from the heart. You'll laugh, smile, share in his concerns and along the way you'll pick up some great tips on living a simple life.

  • Green thoughts, so well iterated
    October 9, 2014 by Kwasikwami from Australia

    This is a wonderful podcast. Not only does Gavin talk knowledgeably on a range of sustainability topics from gardening tips all the way to the issues facing humanity as a whole, but he does so in such a wonderful voice, it's like listening to my Dad, love it!!

  • Easy listening inspiration on being green
    September 24, 2014 by Broomedy from Australia

    Gav knows how to share his journey to a more sustainable life in a manner that shows just how easy it really is. Not to mention healthier, economically beneficial and generally rewarding. The podcasts are an easy way to absorb Gav's great lifestyle. I recommend to anyone.

  • Thanks Gavin!
    August 31, 2014 by Honeywoodmilk from Australia

    Great practical advice for a greener lifestyle. This podcast is for anybody interested in growing their own food in suburbia, saving electricity, brewing beer, making cheese, all that wonderful business and most of all, saving money! Thanks Gavin, love the podcast mate!

  • Enjoyed those ideas for staying warm
    August 15, 2014 by enduringdragon from United States

    Like you we are having winter here in Chile—brrr! Every bit we can save on heating we will.

  • Green Podcasts
    July 26, 2014 by Carneu from Australia

    Excellent podcasts, which are full of information to help get started on a sustainable lifestyle.

  • Practical ideas and inspiration
    July 19, 2014 by HeathrowHeath from Australia

    I highly recommend Gavin's podcast and blog. Down to earth, entertaining and inspirational. Thank you.

  • Interesting & easy to listen to
    April 27, 2014 by Velocity3 from New Zealand

    Gavin & his guests make this green journey lots of fun.

  • Great green listen
    April 18, 2014 by Obscurenickname from Australia

    Gavin is a great down to earth, tell it like it is aussie with a passion for sustainability and growing food and making cheese

Carbon Offset website

Copyright - Gavin Webber © 2025