The simple life!

[RoseMary]

annielinz ended one of her posts over on the Tiny House thread: To the simple life! A statement that I love!

I don't know if this thread will turn into any sort of discussion, but I thought that it might be something everyone can add to now and then when the mood strikes them.

My question is: Do you think that you lead a simple life? If so, what areas of your life are simple? Are there areas that you want to change?

A simple life is something that we are striving for here in the cabin. That doesn't mean that we don't want modern conveniences of sorts. We have electricity and running water, though, with a little effort, we could live without both. But that is not one of our goals, at least not for now.

Sometimes, I think our goal here is more 'self-sufficiency', than simple. Two very different things. For instance, I bake all of our bread. Some weeks, it seems like I'm baking bread everyday~which can get tiresome. But that is not really total self-sufficiency. I depend on the store for my flour, yeast, and sugar. It's cheaper than buying bread from the store, but I still depend on it for all of my supplies.

Are any of you familiar with the old British program, Good Neighbors? I see a lot of ourselves in that show! And it does show that sometimes the 'simple life' is really very complicated!

[Zuzu's Garden]

Lovely thread, RoseMary!

I agree - leading a simple life is quite different from one of self-sufficiency. I do not believe that we are leading a simple life. For example, we chose to heat our home with a wood stove. That involves cutting and carrying wood up the hills on our property to the house, cutting it into a size that will fit in the wood stove, stacking it, bringing enough indoors for two fires, cutting some of those logs into smaller tinder, starting the fire, tending the fire, cleaning the ashes, disposing of the ashes, cleaning out the wood stove, cleaning the glass on the wood stove... then starting all over again.

So, why would anyone do this? A combination of self-sufficiency, savings, physical activity, and the best part - sitting in front of the fire, enjoying the warmth and beauty it provides.

Off-grid electricity is the same thing. A great deal of work and maintenance, but to us it is worth the effort.

Simplifying, to me, is taking a look at what you want out of life, and then reducing or eliminating those things that prevent you from achieving your goal. I now have less home to maintain, the "yard" is maintained by Mother Nature, there is more time to spend outdoors, and I have time to draw, paint, cook, sew, and embroider. More like "Trading Time" than "Simplifying".

:)
Zuzu

[Lisa S]

What an interesting thread. Thanks for starting it.

I should wait until I've had a full cup of coffee before responding. I just got two of the kids to the school bus. With the chaos that's involved in that task, my life seems anything but simple.

In effort to lead a more simple life, I try to stay organized. It's so much less brain power when everything has it's place. We stay home... A LOT. Many of my friends are involved in loads of activities. Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, but I think our style works best for us. The zoo, museum, shopping... all happens about once a year. It's neat to see what the kids come up with when they're lives aren't planned out. My daughter made the coolest board game the other day. It was multi-dimensional and had game pieces. Very well thought out and clever.

I just thought of a good analogy for the way I live. It's kinda like a cottage. Not a lot going on, but there is much beauty in the details.

[CohenCottage]

I would say that our life is so not simple, and here is my list of why:
1. We got cable - it's a love hate relationship
2. We got wireless internet - also love hate
3. I have two jobs and work approximately 65 hours per week (6 days)
4. We have an unending list of projects that don't get finished in a timely fashion b/c of the above-mentioned work schedule.

DH and I were talking about wanting to be able to enjoy our house and free time and not just work or clean or project all the time. We are getting close to getting all of our big stuff done, so hopefully this will happen in 2009. We don't want all of the projects done, just the ones that hang over our heads and the ones that will make our house a more liveable place.

I did decide this weekend that it might save us time and sanity to get a house cleaner 1 or 2x per month and to get at least 1 or 2 of the dogs groomed each month.

[Lisa S]

If you can afford a house cleaner, it's worth every penny. It's like buying piece of mind. We had to cut expenses this year, and unfortunately, the house keeper was the first to go. Can you hear my sobs from there?

Rosemary, when was Good Neighbors on the air? It sounds interesting.

Zu and Rosemary ~ good points about the difference between self sufficiency and simple. One thing is key: you're getting back to simple base elements. Being outside, working your body, experiencing warmth, making wholesome food.

[RoseMary]

You are so right about the wood stove, Zu! The woodstove was something that I didn't approach at all in my post--but yes, it is anything but 'simple' to supply and maintain it. Yet, when you're sitting in front of it late at night or early in the morning watching those flames dance around the logs, something about it seems so simple, so basic. You've used a lot of your own energy to get that fire and it is a very satisfying feeling to know that you've had a part in producing your own heat.

Maybe that's part of what living a simple life is~being satisfied with the results.

I agree with Lisa that 'staying home' is a big part of a simple life. We do it out of necessity most of the time, but it's very enjoyable. I think it has made us closer than we would be if we were on the go all the time.

I've never had a housekeeper, Lisa. I'm afraid that I would have to clean my house before I could let her come look at it:o! I can see her doing my windows, though:D.

Good Neighbors was a show from the late 70s to the early 80s about a couple in the city/town that decided to chuck the 9-5 grind and become self-sufficient on their own little piece of property in town. Each episode was about some little 'trial' of being or becoming self-sufficient.

Cohen, I don't have cable, but we do have a television set and I have that same love/hate relationship with it. Last night, like many nights around here, the television wasn't on at all, and I find that those nights are so much more, well, peaceful, than when it is on. The television seems to add so much noise to the atmosphere and it cuts down on any talking or sharing of thoughts with each other.

Obviously, we have internet and I do enjoy it and as long as my speakers are off, it's not very noisy!

I'm happy that you girls wanted to discuss this. I think that simplifying our lives is sometimes anything but simple:)!

[chyna]

I'm not so sure how simple our lives are but for us it is really just working with what we have and doing it ourselves instead of hiring out. Guess we're more homebodies than anything. Our real simple living would be our 2wk-ish mountainman recreation trip. However that is anything but simple to get prepared to go but once we're there it is major simple. And a good way to reset out internal one with nature. :)

[Gigi]

Rosemary~ This is such a GOOD post-simplify-YES. My husband and I have decided that we are going to sell our family home-too BIG-too much land to care for...we don't entertain like we use to. Our frequent visitors are our two granddaughters-and they don't care were we live...

So on that note- we are looking and looking to an area near my daughter-half the house-a fraction of the property-and I will be able to see the girls on a daily visit.

[memmey]

Rosemary this is a very interesting thread. :)

I don't think that everybody's idea of simple is the same amd I guess that is how it should be.

Since my divorce I've had to learn to live very thrifty. Every year when I do my taxes I wonder how I lived on so little.

I am turning my home phone off soon, and will be using my cell phone. I have basic cable ( 13 channels) DSL for my computer and one department store credit card for seasonal clothes. Those are my extas. My house payment is very very low, my car is paid for along with my salon.
I am one of the un-insured working people in America. BUT I have no problem going to the teaching hospital here if I need to.

I HAD to simplfy....HAD to. But I found that it is OK. I still go to the flea market and find cheap treasures for my house. I have 2 dogs ,a bird and now a cat, they are fed well. So I guess it is a matter of what is important to you.

I want to grow some vegetables this season and I wish I could learn to can. I don't think I have to patience to sew but I do want to make some curtains to keep the cold in and the heat out. I might give it a try.

I would love to win the lotto but I would have to buy a ticket first.

I guess I live simply, but with great FLAIR :p

[ChapterTwo]

I guess I live simply, but with great FLAIR :p

Therein lies the secret...It's not how much you've got, it's how you use it! ;)

[annielinz]

Do I live the simple life, Nope. I am not a pioneer woman by far. My backpacking days are behind me.
I love my conveniences such as the washer,dryer, hot shower, heat, my blow-dryer and electric blanket, the computer/internet,TV, the grocery store. Could go on and on here. ;)
However I don't live the extravagant life. I do my own cleaning because as someone stated I'd clean before they came, and gardening. (DH has hired a guy to mow the lawn which drives me bonkers but it was his choice he'd rather golf on the weekends). We mostly eat in and have home cooked meals, rarely go out to dinner. We aren't in debt up to our eyeballs, house and cars are paid off and take a decent vacation every year. Still no flat screen TV, granite or travertine in this house, we definitely aren't keeping us with the Joneses here. I have an incredibly out dated kitchen and 2 bathes. Someday we will update, but my priorities have been getting the kids thru college and on their feet. In the current economy I'm afraid to do anything.

When I responded to Zuzu's post about the simpler life it was more in getting back to basics and removing those things that clutter up your life.I guess the word simplify is better. I'm glad it has made for some lively conversation and thoughts :)

[Breezy]

Ah - the simple life. No hustle or bustle. No waiting at traffic lights or long lines at the gas pump. No McDonald's or Wendy's but we do have Ma & Pa's diner that serves THE best hot roast beef sandwiches yum.
One grocery store and one drugstore. Two gas stations. Several churches. An elementary school, middle (called it jr high in my day) and high school.
Easter parades down Main Street with fiddle music in the gazebo on the town square.
We do have Dish tv - but then again we don't go to movies. We have a Dollar General Store on the square but no mall. One bookstore, one library and Historical Society.
We simplified - we downsized. Got rid of lots of stuff and kept things we really cared for or things that seemed right in the little bungalow.
We do dishes by hand. When we go to the big city it's a special outing.
To me simple living is all about a slower pace. It's about not keeping up with the Joneses or trying to impress anyone. It's about being happy and contented with what you have. It's sitting on the front porch with a good book or magazine or just watching the world go by. Watching children play. Seeing and hearing nature all around. Hearing the train go by in the middle of the night. It's a sense of belonging. It's comfortable. It's a very good way to live.

[Lisa S]

While we don't have a blueprint for simplifying, I find something in each of your posts that resonates with me. The sound of a train in the distance, home cooked meals, growing a garden, being self sufficient, spending time in nature, eliminating the "to do list" are all things I enjoy about my life too.

I know I've mentioned this before, but... I used to get together with a group of women to study a 'Voluntary Simplicity' course given by the NorthWest Earth Institute. It was a fantastic spring board for sharing ideas. Here's a link to their website: http://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/voluntary-simplicity

[RoseMary]

Thank you for that link, Lisa. I've never been to that site before. I love the fact that you got to take this course with other women that had the same goal.

There are so many places out in cyberspace dedicated to simplicity, back to basics, whatever you want to call it. I know that some, me included, are striving for a simpler life partly out of necessity. But I also enjoy it and the challenges it sometimes presents.

I think maybe contentment~being satisfied with what you have, is really the key to living a simple life. As long as a person keeps striving for 'more', in the material sense, I don't think they can be content. Some of you mentioned decluttering, downsizing, etc.

I love the fact that there are so many different meanings to simplicity. I am trying to learn to knit and casting on the stitches was hard at first. One blog I went to said that there are as many ways to 'cast on' as there are knitters. I think that maybe there are as many definitions of simplicity as there are people trying to accomplish it:).

[Evelyn]

As Lisa said, I too find something of myself in everyone's posts.

I continually strive for simplicity in this modern world. To me that inlcudes creating a lifestyle that has a smaller footprint on the earth. I have a small home, waterwise yard, I shop at thrift stores more often than the mall, I eat fresh foods, I buy local when I can, drive a fuel-efficient vehicle etc. I also love to travel to other lands, other countries by vehicle, boat or plane.

Our home and lives are an eclectic blend of the modern world and the dark ages. We have not tuned in the t.v. since sept 11, 2001 but we have blackberries (the phone and the plant)!!

I strive to slow down in my non-work life. Play with the cats, take a walk, read a book, visit with friends, cook, make my own cleaning supplies, make jewerly, visit on the C & B forum..........keep out of the fast lane as much as I can.

Rosemary thanks for starting this.....I love reading everyone's thoughts on this.

Evelyn

[shabbychick]

I don't exactly think of my life as simple, but I do strive for a quiet, but meaningful life. I am a middle school librarian and am busy, busy, busy from the time I get to school until the time I leave, almost always surrounded by people who want something. I love my job, but it's exhausting, so when I come home, I want to stop being busy. It's one of the reasons I left the classroom and became a librarian instead. I'm busy at work but don't have to bring home papers to grade anymore...a lifestyle change that made a huge difference in my quality of life. Now if I spend an evening tinkering with a craft project, sorting bills, writing, or cruising on the Internet, I feel like I'm being productive without being desperately busy to meet someone else's deadline. I don't feel the need to go out much. I am on the South Beach Diet eating plan so make most of my own food (which usually involves a crock pot or my George Foreman grill). Last summer I started growing some of my own vegetables and will do that even more this year, though it'll all be container gardening. I'm starting a class this month on reupholstering your own chair, too. I love that even though I'm more than 50 years old, I'm still learning to do more and more things for myself, making old things new (or new-looking), and taking the time to do the things that make me feel happy and centered instead of worrying about the things that other people think should make me happy (like husband-hunting). I still get involved in outside things (I'm a member of a community choir, serve on its board, and serve on my homeowner association board, and lead a couple of professional development groups at work) so I don't grow too housebound, but all in all, the time to focus on my home and to whittle down what used to be a very busy, work-centered life, has made me a much happier person. I love that the Internet has helped me connect with all kinds of people who share my interests...people I'd never have met otherwise and who have become very good friends. In its own way, it has helped me simplify my life by functioning as a research tool, a communication tool, and a personal shopper. :) Key for me was learning to distinguish wants from needs in my life. I have everything I need, thank God, so now I can focus on slowly satisfying my wants as time and finances allow, which gives me all kinds of time to dream, to change my mind frequently, and to just take life as it comes. It's not real simple, but it's simple enough.

[Lisa S]

You lead a very diverse and wonderful life. (I'd like to take the upholstery class with you.) It sounds like you made the right decision regarding your job.

[Evelyn]

Shabbychick mentioned the internet as a way to simplify.....and I think that is ever so true. First of all - this forum is a WONDERFUL way to slow down. In the quiet of my home I can be stepping out.......

Also, I do some shopping and banking online. Sometimes I weigh the cost of my time and gas to drive somewhere and buy something vs. 5 minutes ordering online and having it delivered to my door.............

Evelyn

[Gigi]

Never thought of it that way--but the Internet is a way of simplifying my life.

I shop on-line-connect with wonderful people- get the weather, even took courses on-line.

This forum is such a wonderful source of information.

[ChapterTwo]

For me, "simplifying" is a way to capture peace of mind, which is what I'm striving for! Possessions possess, or so the saying goes, and I do think that's true...so the less we have, the less time we have to spend on our "stuff"...cleaning it/repairing it/maintaining it. (This is my mantra, as I try to purge years worth of things...)

I'm of the generation and the mindset that I don't need every new gizmo or gadget that's out there, and that helps me in my quest for the simple life! :)

[Gigi]

Although cable, etc...is great for many things- I miss the days of channel 4,5.7, and 9 only....:o

[Zuzu's Garden]

I am enjoying this thread - what everyone has shared - so very much! :)

I love the website Lisa posted, and this quote:
“To live more simply is to live more purposefully and with a minimum of needless distraction.”
-Duane Elgin

When annielinz wrote "To the simple life!", my first thought was that I wasn't really living a simple life. But after reading the quote above, I am. :)

Six years ago, I packed up what I thought was essential to living a comfortable life. Now I am going through those boxes wondering what I was thinking. I have a KitchenAide mixer with all the gizmos, and I prefer mixing, whipping, and mashing by hand using the same kitchen utensils my grandmothers used. I enjoy cooking more, and it tastes better. To me, so many things that are supposed to make our lives simpler seem to complicate them more.

The best thing we ever did was to get rid of the TV. I don't want to spend my life "watching" - I want to spend my life living, and doing the things that matter most.

So, thank you annielinz and RoseMary, for getting this conversation going!

Zuzu

[Deb D]

What a great thread!

Like Memmey, a divorce gave me the opportunity to downsize and be thrifty. I also spend part of my summers living and working in the wilderness, and that gives a person a different perspective on what you really need to live well. I was raised in a rural area in the 60s and 70s, and learned a lot of self-sufficient skills from my parents and grandparents. To continue to practice them gives me a lot of satisfaction.

I have a garden and preserve food that I grow and get at the farmer's market. I haven't had TV in years. I listen to the radio, read the newspaper, go to the library. Reading is a great love of mine. This computer has a dial-up connection--slow, but affordable. I don't have a cell phone or any other electronic gizmo. Just don't have that much to say. I like to write letters and send them in the mail. I can walk to my job, and am only going grocery shopping twice a month. I hate driving around, so plan trips carefully. Not driving very much means I don't spend time or money on vehicle maintenance. Internet shopping is great. My little house and garden are easy to take care of.

Community is important too. My friends and neighbors are generous with their time and skills, and I try to be with mine. We help each other and have fun.

I keep a gratitude journal. When I look back in it, I see that what I am grateful for are small things. Soup on a cold day, my cats, a flower. When I am grateful for small things, I don't feel the lack of fancy things.

[Lisa S]

Deb ~ I was just reading your blog. I didn't know you were a poet! Your writing is comforting and intriguing all at the same time. I plan to read your older posts when I have more time today.

[RoseMary]

Deb, I just now saw your blog. I loved reading your posts~they are all so peaceful. I especially liked the one on knitting. I had to tell my SIL earlier this week that of all the talents God gave me, knitting is not one of them. At least for now, it doesn't come naturally--but I am plodding on with it. I don't have goals of knitting sweaters or anything more complicated than scarves, shawls, and afghans--the easy ones, of course.

Like Zu, I don't want a lot of new gadgets. Right now, even my microwave is going. I've always felt that there is something about microwave food that is just 'not right' and I've never used it for anything more than warming up something about once a month. So it's leaving my kitchen and giving me a little more pantry space. Living so far out in the country, I can use all the pantry area available, so I can stock up on items I run out of quickly.

shabbychick, I think you made a wonderful decision to change jobs. Your life sounds very peaceful and enjoyable~and simple:).

I agree, Gigi, that the internet does simplify our lives, if we let it. I spend a lot less time driving somewhere to shop than I used to (except for food, of course--and that is only about two to three times a month). The time it saves me is amazing and I can get on with the more important things, like herb gardening, bread making, reading, writing, etc.

[ChapterTwo]

I spend a lot less time driving somewhere to shop than I used to (except for food, of course--and that is only about two to three times a month). The time it saves me is amazing and I can get on with the more important things, like herb gardening, bread making, reading, writing, etc.

I agree, Rosemary - often the cost of shipping is well worth it, when we figure out our time/energy/fuel for the car.

One thing I wish I could do is food shop less often, like you do. I have the smallest kitchen fridge that is made, and that's the only spot in the kitchen where I can put one. Besides that, I have very little storage for "pantry items". Fortunately, I'm about 5 minutes from the supermarket, but I waste a lot of time going there.

[chyna]

Being from Arkansas I'm surprised you haven't sworn off the microwave before now. Some friends of ours lived there for a bit and worked at Tyson Chicken and when they moved back here the mother swore she'd never use that thing again. Something to do with how they prepare the chicken or something. :confused: She also came back really into naturapathic stuff, I'm sort of scared to go to your state if living there for a couple years makes a person go over the edge that bad. :D

I would love to get rid of our microwave myself. Our old one was broke by a roommate and my in-laws got into a tizzy about it that we didn't have one. So they took it upon themselves to buy us one, bigger is not always better people!!! :mad: Right now ours keeps sparking so that is going to be my excuse to retire the thing. I do want one for heating water and reheating food ocassionally but we don't need one that can cook a turkey. And I too would rather have the counter space.

[RoseMary]

I haven't heard about Tyson microwaving the chicken, though I'm not surprised since they make a lot of heat and serve type entrees and they probably cook it in a microwave first. There is a Tyson plant in our town and most people eat the stuff like crazy. I'd never seen shingles in children (very common here) before I moved to this area, and I'm wondering if it has something to do with the chicken.

There are quite a few naturopathic types here, too:D. I really do think that the more you can stay away from medicine, the better. . and sometimes doctors, too, but I think they are necessary sometimes, of course.

I just don't like the way that microwave food tastes and since it's not a very 'natural' way to cook things, it just doesn't seem necessary to me.

ChapterTwo, I understand about not having enough space in a kitchen. Mine is very small also, so any extra storage is welcome. I am thinking about downsizing to a smaller fridge, once my daughters move. We don't have a double door fridge now, but I could still go smaller. I do have a chest freezer out in the workshop, so that comes in handy for buying up extras. I freeze my flour in large (2 gallon) ziplocs.

[Lisa S]

Interesting... how long does flour keep when it's frozen? I bet you go through lots of the stuff since you make bread so often.

I grocery shop twice a week. We go through a gallon of milk in a day and a half, a box of cereal and a loaf of bread every day. I have a freezer that's always full of meat, bread, apple pie filling and berries. I have an extra pantry that's pretty full... but I still spend a lot of time at the store.

I use my microwave for defrosting purposes only and rarely at that.

[Gigi]

I HATE to grocery shop. Period.

Luckily my husband loves too :D...

Two years ago I did a WONDERFUL farm co-op- for 20 dollars a week you could feed a family of four! Goodies included all in season fruits and veggies, pies during the holidays, bread and even some handmade soap at times. It sized down to customers closer--- I was 45 minutes away. :(

There is an orchard down the street and when in season it's the place to be from picking strawberries to blueberries, apples to cutting Christmas trees... it's called Butler's Orchard (Lisa have you heard of them?)

I dream of quitting my day job and working there in the market...I would be soooo happy with that type of life...

[Lisa S]

I haven't heard of Butler's. Have you heard Cox farms? I think they're in Vienna. My brother worked there in high school.

I didn't know you could get such a good deal at a co-op. I'll have to look into one here. I know there are some local farms that are co-oped. That's intriguing to me. Some of the farms around here also serve dinner. It's a cool concept ~ talented chefs creating super fresh meals and the guests eat in the field.

My freezer full of berries and pie filling are from my summer of picking. I also put up pickles and applesauce. I got the apples for free. Gotta love free.

We grow our own tomatoes, herbs, blueberries, strawberries and blackberries and cherries. Our cucumbers are very hit and miss. Last year it was a total miss. I think I need to amend the soil.

I'm wondering how much gardening I'll do this year. I hope to spend much of the summer at the lake. It's a strange thought, not to plan a garden. Maybe I'll plant pumpkins ~ they don't need much work and can survive weeds.

I was just thinking how much I'd enjoy working with flowers. The smell of fresh flowers has strong powers of lifting my spirits. It would be a nice way to spend every day.

[Lynzee]

I'm late getting to this wonderful thread. I've really enjoyed reading your posts.

My life is not as simple as I would like at this stage in my life, but I guess that comes with having a six year old. We live in the middle of nowhere--a rural farm community where I grew up. Nearest town is miles away--one grocery store, a dollar store, two gas stations, a flea market, many churches and, finally, a public library. The school the little one attends is also rural--K-12 in one building, with 10 or 12 students per class.

We enjoy the peace and quiet of living in the woods with no neighbors for miles but don't get to spend enough time enjoying it. BPG works at a nearby military installation full time. I work in another state--a two and a half hour commute one way. Even being able to set my own work schedule, it is demanding on our time. Throw the little one's extracurricular activities into the mix and I just sit back and wonder where the day went.

We don't grow our own vegetables because we do not get enough sun through the thick woods, but all of our "neighbors" make sure we have plenty during the growing season. We also have a local Farmer's Market. We use whatever we are given, but I do not "work" at making sure we have fresh veggies.

We had downsized and simplified our home until the little one arrived. Now, we have lots of "stuff". The all white decor that I found so peaceful and soothing is a constant struggle to keep clean these days. Also, they--not me--have added a dog and cat to the household. Nothing, I have found, is simple about that! We also took on an acre of pine trees and kudzu--so yard work is always on our "to do" list. Sometimes we get to it, most times not.;)

I have found that I am trying to find more ways to simplify my life--but in the other direction. Trying to find any and all modern conveniences to simplify things that need to be done. I sometimes wish I had a dishwasher, I do use my microwave, I use my dryer--ALOT... It seems, these days, that the faster and easier it is, the better I like it. :o

While life may not be simple, it is, indeed, very good! :D

[Deb D]

I use the microwave too. Reheating and thawing. I don't like what it does to the texture of fresh vegetables or bread. But it seems like a pretty efficient way to get things hot.

I think I am part squirrel. My need to stock up is almost compulsive. I gather and preserve most of the summer and fall, and can't avoid buying stuff on sale when I go to town. My freezer is small, but I'm glad I have it.

Lisa, my cucumbers were a failure last year too. I had to plant three times before they finally grew. It was just too cold.

[Lisa S]

Lynzee ~ All of these conveniences were created to make life more simple. I would hate to do without my dishwasher and washer and dryer. It's funny, but I have a ritual. If I need to leave the house in the morning, I won't go until I have the dishwasher and the washing machine going. My thought process is: Our great grandmother's would have considered these machines a day off of work. I can work and run errands at the same time!

Deb ~ I'm glad I'm not the only one with a cucumber disaster. I really missed picking them for summer salads. I just paid $1.00 a piece for them at our local discount store. It just kills me!

[chyna]

I think it was the irradiation process they use on the chickens. I don't know but she was very adament about not using it. Then the kids got into putting cd's into it and watching the lightning storm dance across and the cracking appearance and eventually she went back to using it somewhat. Not alot though. Not sure what happened at that plant but it scarred her for life. :eek:

[ChapterTwo]

Oh, Lisa...be careful about running the appliances while going out. My friend's washing machine caught on fire and thankfully, she was upstairs and smelled the burning. It was a complete loss, but she called the fire dept. in time and that's where the damage ended! I'd hate to think what would have happened if she had not been home.

I'm not saying this to scare anyone, but just to relate what can happen...

[Lisa S]

That thought has crossed my mind... A friend of mine who is a firefighter has said never to leave a lamp on when you leave the house or go to bed.

[annielinz]

Just to add on what Chaptertwo wrote.
A friend left her dryer on while running errands, hadn't cleaned the lint basket, caught fire, not a good thing. Lucky for her a neighbor was home and able to call 911 fast. So I don't leave anything going because with my luck.....
I'm also not a fan of the microwave, just use it to warm things up and occassionaly to defrost.

[Gigi]

Lisa~ It sounds like you have an orchard already! I haven't heard of Cox farm, but will Google them.

[QUOTE=Lisa S;2542]I haven't heard of Butler's. Have you heard Cox farms? I think they're in Vienna. My brother worked there in high school.

[rubyslippers]

I really enjoyed reading through this thread.

I cannot say that I have a simple life. I am hard pressed to find anyone who really does in the truest and purest sense of the phrase with modern gadgets, gizmos, and conveniences.

I do however find that I am a bit of an "odd-duck" compared to some others my age. My husband and I are in our early 30's. As most of you know, we are living in our first home. It is a two bedroom / one bathroom cottage. It is not to big, or too small - - it is "just right" - - would it be nice to have one more bathroom? YES! Would it be nice if the wallpaper had been changed before I moved in to the house - - I don't really care anymore.

The greatest life simplifier I splurged on at Wal-Mart a couple of weeks ago was a dust buster. Why didn't I own a dust buster? How did I survive all of these years of my life with a cat and a slightly messy streak without a dust buster? I don't really know.

I find that I take joy in cleaning my floors - - much the way I like to work outside. I find that I like to imagine the colors will be when there is time and money to change them. However, life itself is not simple. I believe in working hard; so, I tend to be a bit of a "go-getter" at work and I exhaust myself. We eat our meals at home many nights; but, I can't say they are all "home-cooked". The frozen food fairy visits more than I would like.

Personally, I would like to have more time to write, paint, garden, nap, and honestly just dream. I have been good about drinking more water, hoofing it around the block, and going to bed a little closer to "on-time". I think a simple life means really relishing the details and being thankful for those beautiful day to day moments that are most likely "once-in-a-lifetime" occurrences.

As I drive home now and turn on to my street, I feel a real sense of peace. There is this great, "Aaahhh, I'm home feeling." As the colors become my own and the plants of the spring take root, I believe some of the inner peace will start to encourage me to live more simply. I still tend to "want" things though ... new clothes or trips to the movies ... but, I live a life I try to balance. We have a phenomenal recycling program in our community. I believe in education and I read a lot. I believe in doing it yourself if you can. I also believe in asking for help when you need it. I believe in making breakfast on weekend mornings. I believe in telling your family members "I love you - - have a good day" - - even if you bicker a little.

The world is an odd place now. I'm not sure I am capable of living a simple life - - after studying the transcendentalists for years (Walden and Thoreau) I can't say I would want to follow the tenets they ascribe to; however, I actually have magnet on my fridge given to me by a friend with an interesting quote by Henry Miller stating:

The aim of life is to live, and to live means to be aware, joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely aware.

In some ways, I believe this is living simply. Very few people see the beauty and joy in things the way many of us do. It scares me sometimes. Our lives stay rather hectic especially with the woes of the economy and our nation and the day-in-day-out chaos that is a "modern" life. I don't think I would have it any other way though ... then again, I do like to come home. I'm not really a fan of the lights, smoke, and thumping music out there in the world.

Anyway, this is an interesting thread. Thanks for listening to my musings.

[Gigi]

Rubyslippers~ You really have a "charming" way of explaining things. I LOVE that your cottage is just right and it sounds truly like you are home. Wonderful feeling.

[rubyslippers]

I didn't know dust busters were quite so charming. In all seriousness, I appreciate your kind words. Bye - - Jenny

[Evelyn]

Simple life Condo-style!!!

We are visiting with friend's in their 600 sq ft condo in Downtown Vancouver BC. 4 people in this space works perfectly. The bedroom is separated from the big room by some sliding glass doors. We walk everywhere. Several miles each day. No driving. There is fresh food of every kind available from local farmers, cheesemakers, bakers etc. The views of the water and the mountains are magnificant!!

For me, I would not want to live here, but it is fun to visit and I am happy that many people do like living here since we can squeeze more people in a vertical structure than horizontally!!!

Evelyn

[Lisa S]

Sounds like fun time! My husband and I are toying with the idea of moving downtown after the kids are grown. A house at the lake and a small condo in the heart of town sound like the perfect way to live.

[Deb D]

So interesting how our lives continue to change and evolve...I appreciate all the different points of view here. I appreciate that there are still thoughtful people in this world. I guess that's one thing that bugs me about the world today: some people are too busy to pay attention and be thoughtful. Yesterday I was working in a Forest Service Visitor's Center, and this lady was text-messaging while getting ready to snowshoe in some of the most magnificent old-growth forest on the planet. I have seen people listening to iPods while they hike the Pacific Crest Trail. I have been going there for 18 years and am still not bored enough to need to be distracted by electronics!

Simplicity is a choice these days. It feels simple to bake my own bread, although it would take less time to walk to the store and buy a loaf. It feels simple to turn on the washing machine, although it would take lots of time to heat water and scrub my clothes by hand, then figure out how to dry them while it's snowy outside. I'm sure I wouldn't do laundry as often if I had to do that!

It's a choice to have a computer but not a cell phone or TV. I have been accused of being a cavewoman. Parts of my life are voluntarily simple, and parts are not.

I love that Henry Miller quote. It's something to work toward.

[rubyslippers]

Deb, I believe you are absolutely correct about the choices involved with simplicity. I really take your point to heart regarding the fact that you find it "simple" to make your own bread. If we did have to wash our own clothes, sew our own sheets, etc., when would we ever bake true home-made biscuits or make "real" soup as opposed to opening the can. You are correct; we would not.

This thread still intrigues me.

Bye all,

Rubyslippers

[RoseMary]

I think our foremothers would have been very impressed with our washing machines. I'm sure they were very thankful when the wringer washer were invented, and I wouldn't want to have to wash on one of them. I guess in some ways only having a change or two of clothing apiece was a blessing for the housewives back then!

I think that combining modern with old fashioned is the secret of a 'simple' life. I think a lot about the way we use our time--are we just hurrying so we can get things done and watch a movie--where none of us are interacting with each other, or are we enjoying each others company with what we are doing?

Our daughters gave us a pasta machine for Christmas. We used it for the first time last night. It was great. Sure, it's a lot more trouble than opening a box of pasta, but it tasted so much better. And the fun we all had together making it was priceless:).

[Deb D]

Oh, I would love to have a pasta machine! Tell me all about it. What kind do you have?

[RoseMary]

Deb, it is a Norpro Pasta Machine. It is the handcrank type that you clamp on the table or cabinet edge. I thought it might be hard to 'crank' but it was very easy and was easy clean up, too, without having to take it apart. You cannot use ANY water on it as it will rust the gears, just clean with paper and I think a small brush would be good, too. I'll have to get one of those.

I guess the hardest part was kneading the dough before hand, but it wasn't too bad and it was still a lot easier than trying to roll the dough out ourselves--something that left all of us with sore arms the last time we did it!

[Zuzu's Garden]

I read an interesting article in the NYTimes this morning on the Pew Research Center's study about where Americans would like to live and what sort of lifestyle they would like to have:

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/opinion/17brooks.html

Denver :confused: Boulder, yes, but I don't think Denver is all that great. People in Boulder do use public transportation and bicycles to get to work. Recycling is easy and free. This a community where people are aware and innovative.

What do you all think of this article? If you could live anywhere, where would it be?

Zu

[Gigi]

Zuzu- Thanks for sharing the article-What do I think? Ummm.. it seems the younger you are the more appealing the BIG city life looks.

Also- are we really on the edge of less is best? Small is more...Doing without? Just where are we going? What will make us really happy? I really think we are on the cutting edge of something- what that something is (I believe) is the way Americans look at the work/life balance- what really is home, sense of community, what is really important...

[RoseMary]

That is a very interesting article~and I have to say I was surprised at the number of people 18-34 that would like to live in NYC:confused:!! Even when I was young (and visited there) it never had that appeal for me.

I agree with Gigi that we are on the cutting edge of something--whatever is is. I think that whatever happens with the economy in the next year will be a deciding factor.

I had really thought that more people might try to leave the cities--obviously, according to the Pew people, I am wrong:o.

For me, personally, I like living in the mountains. I don't really have any other place in mind, but I don't think I would be comfortable leaving the southern states to live elsewhere, except for possibly TX or OK as they are very 'southern', is the southern part of MO.

[shabbychick]

Although I know that denser urban living is more environmentally responsible, I can't see myself ever doing it. For one thing, I teach in the suburbs and in an area with inadequate public transportation. For another, urban living is expensive. I couldn't even touch a downtown condo for the price I pay for the one I own, and anything I could afford downtown would be not much more than a studio apartment. I love living in the Pacific Northwest, so I wouldn't move elsewhere, but I'd really like to have a home out in the country with a nice sunny yard, room for a big dog, and no homeowner association dues. It would be nice if a really good public transportation infrastructure were in place...fast commuter trains; efficient, frequent, and reliable buses; and safe and secure park and rides. To be able to hop a train and ride fifty or sixty miles in to work in relative comfort would make it possible for me to live further out in the country than I care to drive every day so that I could get more than I can afford to get closer in to the city. The older I get, the less appeal a long, dark commute holds for me.

[Lisa S]

True suffering as an exception, I think this change in our economy might be just the thing we need in our country. Our value system has been out of wack because it was so easy to obtain, obtain.

Interesting article... I thought of Portland when I read: "They’ll move back to the urban core. They will ride more bicycles, have smaller homes and tinier fridges and rediscover the joys of dense community — and maybe even superior beer."

In the past, Portland's suburbanites have looked down their noses at inner city dwellers. (I've lived in wonderful places all over the world and found this rip roaringly funny!) Personally, I love the character of an older home and the ability to walk to the library or the corner store. Interestingly enough, the suburbs are the hardest hit in the real estate slump.

I continuously play with the idea of moving. When I'm in Key West, I wonder why I don't live there. When I visit the Midwest, I long to live in a small town surrounded by diary farms and corn fields. The truth is, if my kids are happy in Portland, this is where I'll stay. We have the best of all worlds right here. We're right in town. A bus passes near our house every 15 minutes. I love our kid's school and the friends that we've made. We have an acre worth of romping room for the kids to play.

Bloom where you're planted. Right?

[shabbychick]

Portland is a beautiful city. I'd love to go tour some of those beautiful old homes one day. Seems to me it's got a much milder climate than Seattle, too. I was listening to The Splendid Table on NPR the other day and they were talking about a little chocolate shop in Portland where you can get the best hot chocolate in the world. I can't remember its name, but I can probably find it on the Splendid Table website. They said it really was a chocolate shop, not a restaurant, but that you could buy this wonderful, not-too-sweet, to-die-for hot chocolate there. Makes me want to visit.

[Lisa S]

I bet it was Moonstruck. They have wonderful chocolate and hot chocolate. They sell to retailers all around the country.

My mom used to own a chocolate shop in downtown Portland. It was very fun to work there!

Shabby ~ let's start planning a get together with the "West Coast Girls". I'd love to have a party here in the summertime.

[Deb D]

Interesting article.

I guess I have it made, since I live in the northwest near scenery, and I work in an "outdoor paradise". I've never wanted to live in an urban area.

I wish articles like this would dig deeper. You can dream about living in a semi-rural place in the West, but what's the reality? It's true I can practically ski or hike out my back door, and there's wonderful food grown regionally. But this area has been resistant to public transportation for years, is politically conservative and backwards. There is enormous development pressure. Public services like police and fire protection have not been able to keep up with the population growth. We need a bigger school and all the towns' water and sewer systems are outdated. Nobody wants to pay for that. This area is semi-arid, and all the water is allocated, but people keep drilling wells. How long until the water table is permanently affected? The wildlife is being pushed off of traditional ranges into subdivisions and golf courses. There are traffic problems on busy weekend, and more litter. There's not much money to pay for the upkeep of public land, yet the demand for recreation just keeps growing. There's no mall and no big box stores in this county--you are either for or against them, and there's no middle ground.

There are problems anywhere you go. And you have to live somewhere. Personally I hope that this current phase leads to some thoughtful reflection about what really matters and is sustainable. How to live within our means, where we are.

Sorry about the rant.

[shabbychick]

Lisa, I'd love a get-together in Portland. I checked out the name of the shop. It is Sahagun Chocolates. Here's their website: http://www.sahagunchocolates.com/ Now you have to go have some cocoa there and let us know what it's like. I've got most of the summer free. I'm getting together with some friends from another group I belong to at the end of July, so mid-August would probably be best for me. Luckily, Portland's close enough that a last-minute trip is easy.

Deb, I agree with you about Washington. It's a wonderful place to live on either side of the mountains, but the infrastructure was never designed to accommodate so many people. And we wonder why the bears and cougars end up wandering into town looking for dinner when we continually encroach on their land. It's sad. You can see why so many people want to live here, and a larger population helps grow the economy, but there's not so much interest in making sure that what we build respects the environment.

[chyna]

New York, no I don't think so but I wouldn't mind living in Seattle in one of the areas like my little brother. I found it so wonderful that everything was within walking distance. About the only thing within walking distance in my town is the gas station and it closes early! :rolleyes:

Drawback to Seattle besides the rising costs? I couldn't take the weather. Maybe a summer home or winter home there would be awesome. I even have the place picked out from my visit. Across the street from Tate's apt is this abandoned building with wonderful charm. And drug paraphenilia, that part would have to go. ;)

[Lisa S]

August sounds good. Deb are you in? Who else is a PNW girl?

[shabbychick]

Chyna, what part of Seattle does your brother live in? Sounds like downtown. The weather definitely has its downside here. It's so completely gorgeous when the sun comes out on a clear haze-free winter morning. You can see from Mount Baker in the north to Mount Rainier in the south, and from the Cascades to the Olympics from east to west. Too bad it's then too darn cold to get out of the car!! :)

Lately we've had a long run of grey days with no rain, and that gets pretty dreary. I can see why people with seasonal affective disorder struggle. I personally prefer rain to just clouds, and I love a spring storm. But there are an equal number of days when I'd really like to be able to sit outside in the sunshine and not have to wear a coat. Gardening is not much fun when your fingers are freezing solid. That's one of the reasons I've chosen to do mostly container gardening. I can pop the plants in my wagon, wheel it into the garage, and do the deadheading, digging, and whatever else in front of the space heater. I'm a gardening wimp. If someone invents a head-to-toe heated rainsuit that lets you move around and still keeps you warm, s/he's gonna be rich, and I'm going to be their most devoted customer!

[Deb D]

Gray days here too, but the sun is out today! Yahoo!

Lisa, I have a hunch August is going to be absolutely insane for me. July too. I'll be gone for work more than I'm home, and when I'm here I'll be putting up the harvest and refitting for the next mountain trip. May or September would be better for me. But if August works for everyone else, go for it.

I'd love to snoop around Portland--never spent much time there. Why couldn't I zip down for a weekend before my work gets too busy?

[chyna]

Yep downtown (I think), we had to go down Governor's Hill (or is that Presidents Hill), yes I'm pretty lousy with directions and names of streets. Sorry. :o He is on a hillside that if you look down you can see the Space Needle. Where he lives there are several Victorians with housing and business in the same building. I thought it was just charming as all get out, wish we could have stayed longer so I could have looked at all the vintage houses and so forth in the area. And maybe hit a few rehab stores, flea markets and whatever. ;)

[Lisa S]

Deb ~ zip on down anytime! My schedule get pretty clear after April 4th. I'd love it!