2025-10-04T13:19:12-04:00

Transformative Journey: Reflections on the 30-Day 100 Mile Challenge

October 4, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

I didn’t have a perfect plan when I began the 30-Day 100 Mile Life Challenge. I also did not spend weeks preparing. I simply felt the nudge to start. The “why” was clear. The shifting world situation contributed to this. Rising transportation costs also played a role. There was the fragility of small businesses. Additionally, my own wish to play a meaningful part in shaping a more sustainable way of living was important.

Starting With “Why”

At first, my preparation was simple—pulling out a map and drawing that 100-mile (120-kilometer) circle around my home. That radius became both a boundary and a guide. From there, I peeked into my pantry with fresh eyes: What do I really need? What do I do without? And most importantly, how can I source what I do need? How can I do this in a way that strengthens both my household and my community?

Shifts in Awareness

One of the biggest transformations has been in my awareness. I no longer glance at labels occasionally; now, it’s a daily habit. Where was this made? Who raised the animals? Does this company run ethically? Does my buy ripple out to support my local world rather than drain from it? These questions are no longer optional—they’re part of how I live.

Even my refrigerator and freezer tell a different story now. Instead of stockpiling “just in case,” I choose foods that nourish both my body and my values. Each item feels less like clutter and more like an intentional choice.

Facing the Challenges

Of course, challenges surfaced. Budget-wise, not every local product fits comfortably into a monthly plan. And then there’s the reality that bananas and oranges will never grow in Ontario soil. Still, I found that most of what I buy can be sourced close to home. And honestly? That feels like a victory.

This journey also reminded me of my grandmother’s way of life. Granny knew her household budget well. Yet, she relied on milkmen and delivery services for staples like eggs and bread. I feel like I’ve stepped back into that rhythm. Grocery deliveries and milk arrive at the door. This occurs with the modern convenience of online ordering. This allows me the gift of slowing down and checking origins carefully.

The “Grannie Core” Connection

Part of this journey has been living out what I lovingly call a Grannie core life. I create a cozy home with what I already have. This means I avoid filling my house with “new” at every turn. It means rethinking my wardrobe. I turn to thrift shops before malls. I pull out fabric for sewing projects. I resist the lure of fast fashion.

Fiber arts are another layer. I promised myself I wouldn’t buy yarn or fiber unless it was locally sourced. I stumbled once, with cotton, but the experience reminded me why I love wool and why local matters. Staying away from craft fairs has been hard. Nonetheless, it has also freed me to truly appreciate the stash I already own.

The Emotional Impact

Emotionally, the month surprised me. I expected more frustration, more longing for things I “couldn’t” have. Instead, I felt joy—especially when I discovered a local choice that fit beautifully into my challenge. More than anything, the transition felt smoother than expected. That gives me hope that this isn’t a fad, but a way of life.

What’s Next?

So, what’s next now that I’ve crossed day 31? For me, the 100 Mile Life doesn’t stop. This is more than a challenge—it’s a lifestyle I want to deepen. I’ll keep tightening my circle, keep making better choices, keep asking the hard questions.

This month has shown me that living within 100 miles isn’t about limitation. It’s about connection—to the land, to my community, to the wisdom of those who came before. And that feels like a gift worth carrying ahead.

✨ Reflection Question for You:
Have you ever tried living within a “circle of enoughness”—whether through food, clothing, or crafts? What did you learn from it?

💌 As always, thank you for sitting with me in this cozy corner of life. May you find joy in small, local things today.

From my rocking chair to your home,

Grannie Doll

Why Source Wool Locally?

September 23, 2025September 23, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Unboxing Provenance Fibre Club

There’s something magical about opening a box of fibre. The colours, the textures, the promise of what it will become. When my Provenance Fibre Club subscription from Julia arrived, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Each braid held not just fibre—but a story.

As I unwrapped each treasure, I felt my excitement grow. But it also reminded me of the bigger question: why source wool locally?

Connection to Place

When we choose local fibre, we’re literally spinning the land around us. Each lock carries the imprint of the farm, the fields, and the seasons. It’s a way of holding our home in our hands.

Supporting Farmers and Makers

Behind every fleece is a shepherd who has cared for those animals through storms and sunshine. By sourcing locally, we honour their work and help keep small farms thriving.

Sustainability

Local wool travels fewer miles to reach us. That means less fuel, less packaging, and a gentler footprint on the earth. It’s one small but meaningful way to live in harmony with our values.

Unique Character

Local breeds raised in particular climates develop distinct textures and qualities. These fibres can’t be replicated elsewhere—they are one-of-a-kind.

Storytelling

Every skein spun from local wool carries a story. It’s not just yarn—it’s the voice of the farm, the shepherd, and the land. When we knit or weave, we share that story with others.

As I spin through my Provenance Fibre Club box, I imagine: this is more than fibre. It’s connection, sustainability, and creativity wrapped up together.

If you’ve never tried local wool, let this be your invitation. Visit a nearby farm, sign up for a local fibre club, or swap with a neighbour. Discover the joy of spinning stories that belong to your own backyard.

Every skein has a story, and every stitch holds a place. May your fibre journey keep you rooted, keep you warm, and keep you close to home. Until next time, spin gently and live locally.

Grannie Doll

Why Wool Matters 🐑🌿

September 22, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Today, as I sit with my knitting in hand,

I reflect on a fiber that has been part of my life for so long. That fiber is wool. It may seem like a simple thing. It is a skein of yarn spun from a sheep’s fleece. Nevertheless, for me and for many of us living closer to the land, wool carries a story that’s worth telling.

Wool Is Local

When I choose wool from nearby farms, I’m not just buying yarn. I’m supporting shepherds, small mills, and rural communities who care for their flocks with dedication. Each skein connects me to the fields, pastures, and farmers within my 100-mile circle.

Wool Is Sustainable

Wool is renewable, biodegradable, and natural. Unlike synthetic fibers that linger in landfills, wool eventually returns to the soil, nourishing it. It’s a beautiful example of creation’s design—what’s given to us can also be returned with care.

Wool Is Practical

It’s warm in winter, breathable in summer, and it resists odours in ways synthetic fibers can’t match. A well-made wool garment can last for decades, passed down through families like a quilt of memory and comfort.

Wool Is Comfort

For me, spinning, knitting, or simply handling wool has always been calming. It quiets my racing thoughts and steadies my heart. In every stitch, there’s a prayer. There’s a rhythm of stillness. It connects me to God’s peace and the slow work of my hands.

A Gentle Reminder

Wool is important for many reasons. It is more than a material. It signifies a way of living simply. It involves caring for the earth and honoring those who bring it to us. When we wrap ourselves in wool, we wrap ourselves in connection.

💬 Let’s Talk

Do you have a favorite wool story? Maybe a cozy blanket, a beloved sweater, or even a project on your needles right now? Share it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

👉 If you’d like to follow along on this journey of slow, local living, make sure you’re subscribed. Subscribe to my YouTube channel to stay updated. Subscribing will keep you updated on new content. I share each day of the 30-Day 100 Mile Life Challenge there. Together, we’re discovering that living closer to home brings us closer to what really matters.

🌸 With gratitude, living life 1 stitch at a time,
Grannie Doll

The Challenges of Living a 100-Mile Life 🌿

September 18, 2025September 18, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

When I first began

this 100-Mile Life journey, I knew it would be an adventure. It would be full of discoveries, creativity, and connections with local growers and makers. What I didn’t fully realize was just how many little challenges would rise up along the way. Each one has stretched me, sometimes frustrated me, and often surprised me. But they’ve also shaped this path into something deeper than just “buying local.”

🌱 Food & Meal Planning

One of the first things I noticed was how much my pantry had to change. Foods I once took for granted—bananas, coffee, rice—suddenly became special luxuries I had to think twice about. Planning meals meant paying close attention to the seasons. Strawberries in June are heavenly. Come January, I’d better have canned or frozen some if I want to taste summer sweetness.

It takes more work to preserve, to store, and to plan. But in that effort, I’ve found a rhythm of gratitude. Every jar of tomatoes in my cupboard feels like a victory.

🧶 Fiber & Clothing

Then there’s my love of wool and fiber arts. Finding local wool has been a joy, but it also comes with hurdles. Some farms don’t produce enough to supply bigger projects, and local mills are fewer than you’d think. If I want to spin or knit a sweater, it takes patience. I need to piece together skeins from different sources. I will also learn to work with blends I wouldn’t have chosen before.

Yet, those limitations have taught me something precious. The garment on my needles has a story. It is tied to my land, my hands, and my community.

🏡 Household & Lifestyle

I’ve also had to rethink the everyday items I once bought without a second thought. Spices, oils, cleaning supplies—many don’t come from within 100 miles. Some I can substitute, some I can make, and some I simply go without. Convenience has shifted too. There’s no longer quick trips to the big box store. Now it means going to farmers’ markets, local shops, or even a neighbor’s porch.

💰 Budget & Sustainability

Another challenge is the cost. Buying from small farms and artisans often means paying a little more. But here’s the flip side: That money goes straight into my community. It supports real people I can actually talk to and thank.

Time, too, is part of the cost. Local shopping doesn’t always happen in one big swoop—it takes more planning, more intentionality, and sometimes more patience.

🌍 The Emotional Side

And then, there’s the heart side of it all. Family and friends don’t always understand why I’d choose to “limit” myself. At times, it can feel like deprivation. But I’ve come to realize that what looks like a limitation is actually a doorway to creativity. Every missing item is an invitation to discover something new, to slow down, or to lean into community.

Closing Thoughts ✨

Living a 100-Mile Life isn’t simple. It has stretched me in ways I didn’t expect. But with each challenge comes a reward—deeper connections, greater creativity, and a growing sense of gratitude.

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about learning to live more fully where we are. We do this with what we have and alongside the people who share our corner of the world. 🌿

So yes, there are challenges. But they’re the kind that shape us into something stronger, wiser, and maybe even more joyful.

💬 I’d love to hear from you. What challenges have you faced if you tried living within 100 miles? Or do you imagine you’d face challenges? And what local treasures have you discovered along the way? Share your stories in the comments—I think we can learn so much from each other’s journeys.

With gratitude,
Grannie Doll
“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” – Psalm 24:1

Click to download the checklist

Support Local Producers: A 100-Mile Journey

September 16, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Day 16

Theme: Let’s connect a little deeper with the people who make your local food and goods.

Daily Task (active + simple)

Take 20–45 minutes to map local producers within your 100-mile radius. Include farmers, mills, and bakers. Add yarn shops, honey producers, and maple syrup makers. Don’t forget cheesemakers, co-ops, and thrift stores.
Pick one maker you don’t already buy from and plan a visit (or order one small item). If you can’t visit today, send an email or message. Ask them their story — who they are. Inquire about what they raise or make. Request one tip for shoppers.

Quick 100-mile recipe — Maple Pork Chop with Roasted Root Veggies

(Uses local pork, apples, maple syrup, root veg)

Ingredients (serves 2)

2 local pork chops (about 150–200 g each)
1 tbsp local maple syrup
1 tsp mustard (local or pantry)
1 apple, sliced thin (local)
2 medium potatoes, cut into wedges (local)
2 carrots, cut on the diagonal (local)
1 small onion, quartered (local)
1 tbsp olive oil (or local butter)
Salt & pepper, dried herbs (rosemary/thyme)

Method (30–40 min)

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss potatoes, carrots, onion with oil, salt, pepper, and herbs; roast on a tray for 25–30 min until golden.
Meanwhile, heat a skillet. Sear pork chops 3–4 min per side until golden. Reduce heat; add apple slices to pan, pour on maple + mustard, spoon over chops and let glaze finish for 2–3 min.
Rest chops 3 minutes. Serve with roasted veg and apples. Portion control: 1 chop + generous veg + 1 apple half per person.

Storage tip: If you bought extra local apples or veg, slice the apples thin. Dry them in the oven at a low temperature. Alternatively, simmer them in a little syrup to make a small jar of apple compote. It freezes or jars well.

Mini Craft / Maker-Love Activity (10–20 min)

Make a small thank-you/label card to include with your purchase from that maker. Add a hand-drawn logo or floral border. Include a short note: Example : “Bought with gratitude — Doll Creelman / 100-Mile Life.” Snap a photo for your socials.

Journal / Reflection Prompts

Who made the food in my kitchen today? Name them.
What surprised me about that maker’s story?
How does knowing who made my food change the way I eat or store it?
One small step I can take to support a local maker this week is…

Short devotional

“Small hands and steady work make the table possible. Today, by meeting a maker, we practice gratitude and stewardship — small choices that stitch us into our local community.”

Day-16 Checklist

Map 5 nearby makers (farm, mill, baker, yarn shop, co-op)
Visit or message one maker today
Buy one small local item (support local!)
Make a thank-you/label card to include with purchase
Cook the Maple Pork Chop recipe or try a local ingredient in a new way
Journal one reflection (line space)

“Little steps make a big difference. May peace and gratitude carry you through today.”

— Grannie Doll

What Is the 100 Mile Life? Day 15

September 15, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

Living Local, Simply, and Well

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live more closely connected to your community? Imagine being closely tied to your farmers, your makers, and your land. That’s the heart of what I’ve been exploring through the 100 Mile Life Challenge.

In my recent live stream, I shared our half way point in this lifestyle. It is about committing to source as much of what we eat, wear, and use from within a 100-mile radius. It’s not about perfection—it’s about awareness, creativity, and building stronger connections with the people and places right around us.

What the 100 Mile Life Means 🌱

At its core, the 100 Mile Life is an invitation to slow down and live more intentionally. It asks us to:

Notice where our food, fibers, and household goods come from.
Choose local when we can, supporting nearby farms and artisans.
Celebrate the small joys of living simply and sustainably.

For me, it has meant rediscovering the flavor of local produce. I have relished in the beauty of hand-dyed yarn. I have also experienced the richness of community connections.

Why It Matters 💡

Living this way has been both surprising and rewarding. Sometimes it’s challenging—like figuring out how to replace ingredients I used to grab without thinking. But other times, it’s pure delight. I find honey from just down the road. I meet a farmer who grows the exact beans I love.

The journey has already reshaped my pantry and my perspective. It’s not just about what I buy—it’s about the stories and relationships woven into every choice.

An Invitation to You 🤝

Maybe you’re curious about what’s grown near you. Maybe you’d love to try sourcing just one ingredient locally. Or maybe you’re already on this path in your own way.

Here’s my challenge for you:

Draw your own circle. Look at a map and find your 100-mile radius.
Pick one thing. Choose a food, fiber, or product to swap for a local choice.
Share your story. Tell me in the comments or during the next live stream what you discovered!

Looking Ahead 🌸

There’s still time to join in the fun and I can’t wait to see how it unfolds. Together, we can learn and adapt. We will celebrate the joy of living more closely connected to the world right outside our doors.

✨ If you missed the live conversation, you can watch the replay here: YouTube Replay

Let’s keep this conversation going—what would living a little closer to home look like for you?

Wrapping Up Week 2 of My 100 Mile Life 🌿✨

September 13, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

By Grannie Doll

I am two weeks into my 100 Mile Life journey. I’m beginning to see just how much richness comes from living closer to home. There is also a new rhythm to this lifestyle. Week 1 felt like dipping my toes in—learning, adjusting, and asking, “Can I really do this?” By the end of Week 2, I feel a shift. This lifestyle is less about rules and more about noticing the blessings woven into each day.

What Week 2 Taught Me

This week was about settling in. I learned that the 100 Mile Life isn’t only about food or fiber—it’s about slowing down and choosing with intention. Here are some highlights from the past week:

Farm Store Treasures: Apples, corn, tomatoes, and green beans filled my basket again, alongside maple syrup and (yes!) another cinnamon bun. Each item reminded me how local food tastes better when I know where it came from.
Kitchen Simplicity: With fresh ingredients, my meals became simpler and more flavorful. I didn’t feel deprived—if anything, I felt abundant.
Knitting Progress: My 100 Mile Sweater grew steadily. Every row became a meditation on patience and place. It feels good knowing the wool came from a farm within my circle.

Cozy Connections

Evenings this week were marked by cooler air, warm tea, and the click of needles. I found myself reflecting on the 100 Mile Life. It pairs well with the heart of DollCanCreate. This involves making do, making beauty, and making memories. Creativity thrives in rhythm, and I’m finding a gentler pace that feeds both body and spirit.

Blessings from Week 2 🌸

Apples that tasted like autumn’s first note
A growing sweater that warms more than my shoulders
Neighbors’ smiles at the farm stand
Quiet moments of knitting, prayer, and reflection
Gratitude for choosing what’s near instead of always chasing what’s far

Looking Toward Week 3

As I step into Week 3, I carry a sense of calm and confidence. I want to keep trying new recipes with local produce. I aim to deepen my knitting progress. I will continue noticing the little joys that come from living this way.

If you’re considering your own 100 Mile Life journey, take heart—it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. Start small, find joy in one swap, and let it grow from there.

✨ Thank you for journeying with me. If you want to see more of my daily rhythm, join me on YouTube. You can also subscribe to my newsletter. I share behind-the-scenes glimpses of both the 100 Mile Life and my DollCanCreate projects there.

Week One of the 100 Mile Life Challenge:

September 5, 2025September 6, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

🌿 Gentle Beginnings

As September begins, I’ve started a 30-Day 100 Mile Life Challenge. I’d love for you to journey alongside me. This first week focuses on small, intentional steps. These steps ground us in place. They remind us why living locally and simply matters.

🌸 Day 1: My Why

Every meaningful journey begins with purpose. On Day 1, I wrote down my “Why.” Why does living within 100 miles matter to me? For me, it’s about slowing down, supporting local farmers, and discovering joy in simplicity.

👉 Reflection prompt: What would your “Why” be?

🌸 Day 2: Draw Your 100-Mile Map

With a simple circle on a map, I can see the farms, markets, and small businesses close to home. This circle isn’t a limit — it’s an invitation to rediscover my own community.

🌸 Day 3: Three Local Foods

I listed three foods I already buy locally — honey, meats, and vegetables. Naming what’s already part of my life reminded me I’m not starting from zero; I’m building on a foundation.

🌸 Day 4: One Small Swap

Today I swapped out a non-local item for something grown closer to home. I swapped out apples from South Africa for local apples. Small changes like this, meal by meal, item by item, create a ripple effect in how we eat and live.

🌸 Day 5: A Visit to the Farmer’s Stand

There’s nothing like the color and smell of fresh produce at a local stand. Shopping face-to-face with growers brings me into relationship with the people who nourish my community.

🌿 Reflections So Far

This week has been about awareness and gentle beginnings. By naming my why, drawing my circle, and making a few small swaps, I already feel more connected. It’s not about perfection, but about noticing and choosing differently, one day at a time.

💡 Cozy GrandmaCore reminder: Keep it simple. A loaf of bread, a pot of soup, and a kind word go a long way.

✨ Join Me

If you’re tracking along, I’d love to hear what you’ve discovered in your first week. Share your reflections in the comments — or even better, share your 100-mile finds with a photo.

“With love & stitches,
Grannie Doll 🌿🧶”

Download Check list here

Day 1 – 100 Mile Life Challenge

September 1, 2025September 5, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

30-Day Challenge 🌿

Today marks the beginning of my 100 Mile Life 30-Day Challenge. This month, I’ll be focusing on living more intentionally. I plan to source as much food, fiber, and everyday essentials as possible. These will come from within 100 miles of home.

Why 100 miles? Because living locally connects me to the seasons, to my community, and to the land that sustains us. It’s also about slowing down, appreciating what’s nearby, and letting go of the constant pull of convenience.

On this first day, I’m reminding myself that this challenge isn’t about perfection. It’s about curiosity, discovery, and small steps toward a simpler, more sustainable lifestyle.

I’d love for you to follow along. You might be joining the challenge or perhaps you’re just curious about what local living looks like day by day. Together, we can explore how to live closer to home and closer to our values.

✨ Here’s to Day 1 — one step toward a gentler, more rooted way of life.

What step will you take today to start your journey?

Download the check list here: 100 Mile Life

#100MileLife #GrandmaCore #SlowLiving

🌸 DollCanCreate Newsletter

August 29, 2025August 26, 2025/Barbara (Doll) Creelman/Leave a comment

August Wrap-Up: Threads of Creativity, Calm, and Community

Hello friends,

As August winds down, I’m reflecting on this past month. It was full of slow stitching and mindful spinning. I explored how creativity can anchor us in both joy and calm. Here’s a little round-up of what’s been happening in the DollCanCreate community this month:

🧶 Fiber Arts Highlights

Tour de Fleece Wrap-Up: I shared my final skeins. I enjoyed watching small daily spins turn into something beautiful. If you missed it, I talked about what comes next—socks, hats, scarves, and blanket squares.
100 Days of Spindle Spinning: We’re right in the middle of the challenge! It’s been such a gentle rhythm, a daily moment of stillness with wool in hand.

🌿 Living the 100-Mile Life

This month I’ve been reflecting on what it really means to live within 100 miles. I considered sourcing local wool and fresh produce. I even explored thrifting for home goods. I shared a new blog post on “What Is the 100 Mile Life?”—a lifestyle that connects us back to land, farmers, and community.

👵 GrandmaCore Meets Slow Fashion

I’ve been having so much fun blending the heart of GrandmaCore with the values of slow fashion. As a grandma myself, I embrace using what I have, thrifting the rest, and creating pieces that carry meaning. I shared reflections on how GrandmaCore teaches us to slow down, savor, and stitch wisely.

🙏 Faith & Reflection

August also brought moments of pausing in faith:

Sermons like “Life Is Like a Puzzle” and “Life Is Like a Library” reminded us. They taught us that our lives are stitched together in God’s image. Our lives are also part of God’s story.
I began a mid-week pause series, finding stillness in scripture during these summer days.

🏡 Decluttering & Calm

Many of us carry a bit of clutter—both in our homes and in our hearts. This month, I shared reminders, checklists, and simple daily steps. These help in clearing space. I suggested making it into a game. The goal is finding calm through order.

💌 From My Rocking Chair

Finally, a little chat: knitting socks, piecing a hexagon project bag, and dreaming about autumn projects. As always, it’s about more than just yarn—it’s about the life we weave together.

✨ What’s Coming in September

Launch of the #100milelifechallenge
New reflections on faith & creativity
GrandmaCore fall inspiration
More 100-Mile Life stories and practical tips

Thanks for walking with me on this creative journey. Whether you come for the knitting, the local living, or the moments of stillness—we’re in this together.

With threads of grace,
Doll 💜

100 Mile Life/Grandma Core