Successful Swaps

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In addition to my own swaps, the farm where I live also carries on the fine old tradition of bartering: We use our organically grown wheat, hay, and soybeans not only to feed ourselves and our horses but as swapping goods ... to supplement our supply of honey and to furnish us with publications relevant to what we're doing here (we trade with a combination restaurant/bookstore in our area).

Anyone who wants proof that this moneyless medium Is workable needs only to rent space at a local flea market and watch the action. Barter is one of the greatest economic tools we have ... let's use it to the fullest!

Caren Kershner Bradford, Ohio

"Barter ability" really came in handy during my financially insecure college days. Friends were always eager to swap for a spot in my eight-week speed reading course ... and I've exchanged the lessons for massages, chiropractic adjustments, astrological readings, meals, books, and catsitting services. My most satisfying trade, though, happened just recently while I prepared for my MOTHER-style wedding.

i'd been trying to find size 12 shoos (I'm 6111) to match my nontraditional, afghani/nomad-styled wedding dress, but the footwear I wanted just did not seem to exist. On one of my frequent and frustrating "hunting" trips, however, I invaded a local cobbler's shop and explained my dilemma (and thin pocketbook) to the craftsman. He listened intently, excitedly sketched out a beautiful shoe design, and then beat me to the punch on terms: "I barter," he said. Now that cobbler is as happy with his new reading ability as I am with the originally designed, soft leather moccasins I proudly wore on my wedding day!

Elizabeth Lyon Carpinteria, Calif.

I recently picked up a used posthole auger bit when I noticed a little old lady trying to remove the odd-looking piece of metal from the street gutter In front of her house. Recycling the prize was easy: I gave the bit to a co-worker who- In ex. change- welded together a "MOTHER's Rebar Log Holder" for me. The entire cost for the holder (I purchased and shaped the reinforcement rod myself) was about half the $10 estimate given In MOTHER NO. 53. What could be more successful!

Stephen T. Sprehe Tulsa, Okla.

We live so high in the mountains that we can't grow many of the fruits and vegetables we'd like to raise. The owners of a gold mine that surrounds our home, though, let us harvest half their treasure ... for free!

Now that may sound unbelievable ... unless you know that the "gold mine" is the forest around us, and the treasures we gather are the wild foods, herbs, and nuts which grow there. We do leave half to the rightful owners-the forest animals - and the rest we sun dry and swap to folks in the valley for small Items and growing things which we want and need but can't produce ourselves.

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