Clearing the Clutter

 I leave my cozy bed and pad over to the kitchen window this December morning. The thermometer reads -22 degrees C (7 degrees F). Too cold! I look out the window and note that the bird feeder is almost empty. There's a skiff of new snow on the car, and crusted snow drifts blanket the yard. Beyond that, the river looks half frozen, some small floes drifting towards town. Yesterday I spent a grand total of fifteen minutes outside. Today, it probably won't happen, as much as I need it and know it's good for me. 

I sit at my counter height kitchen table and look over into the living room. It looks cluttered. It's time to tidy things up. My brain feels it. 

Out come the storage boxes. I remove all the extraneous Christmas decor, leaving some wintery items to keep the cold season vibe going. I carefully remove the tree ornaments and pack them away in their boxes. Those are then stored in one of two large Christmas totes I pull from the storage room.  I remove a wreath from the wall, a small shelf top Christmas tree with lights from the bookcase, the small nativity set from another shelf, and a foot high hand painted wooden St. Nick from the floor near the cabinet. I find myself dusting shelves, rearranging and watering plants, putting away Christmas table cloths and runners, and vacuuming. Hours pass as I putter around, take a little break to visit with my son and grandson, and enjoy a video chat with my sisters. By late afternoon,  I scan our living space to check whether I've missed anything. There are our grandchildren's books stuffed onto the bottom shelf of our bookcase that will never stay organized, but that's a mess I don't mind! Done for now. I feel peaceful. 

The tree, all ornaments removed, still stands. This year, due to moving to a smaller home (900 square feet), I purchased a 'pencil' Christmas tree. It stands seven feet high but is only a foot and a half in diameter--perfect for this space.  The tree, now with only simple white lights adorning it, brings a sense of winter calm into our home. I'll be leaving it up at least until New Year's Day. I've been doing this the past couple of years, and really love this tradition. I'm trying to be mindful that the Christmas celebration doesn't end on Christmas Day.

Today, I've been listening to a few podcasts on questions to ask myself as the year draws to a close. Now that my physical space is in order, I'm more ready to hunker down for some reflection and discernment exercises. I may even come up with a word for the year. I don't do this every year, but we'll see if anything rises to the surface while I answer the questions.

That sounds like a plan for tomorrow. 

The view from the sixth floor

 If we ever move, I really, REALLY want to be sure to have a view! My home doesn't have to be fancy as long as I can stand by my window and behold. 

Today my part time job took me to a little apartment complex in the downtown area of our little city. When I looked out the window of the tiny dwelling, I stopped wiping and paused.  I could live here, I thought. With a cute little apartment and this view, I'd be quite happy. 

I imagined my favorite chair arranged just so, so that I could sit comfortably to observe the goings on and admire the view. 

Of course, I'm not really ready to live in an apartment, and I think I'd probably wither without a little bit of greenspace of my own.  Where would the grandchildren play? And where would my husband work on his car renovation projects, if not for a garage or workshop? I remember having a conversation with him a while back  about downsizing to a condo (hypothetically speaking) and he responded by saying we'd have to have a really good cable package if we did that. Yikes!  That was his way of showing a strong disinterest in the idea.  

It was fun to day dream of downsizing and simplifying, but no, we're not ready for that YET! 

The Blank Slate and Catching Up

I open up my email account and scan the more than 100 sitting in my inbox. I'm bad that way. I used to have a few thousand sitting there and just never got around to deleting them. Not that I had read them all or anything! I guess I was waiting for that right moment to catch up on them.  Then one day someone called me on it. I know, a cluttered inbox = a cluttered mind, or something to that effect. So, I bit the bullet and deleted wildly. Aaaahhh...much better. I like blank slates.

And.. 'catch me up' features. I need all the help I can get!

I use theYouVersion app for most of my Bible reading and am usually reading one of their devotionals, as well. It's a great, not only for the excellent content, but for the Catch Me Up feature. Without that, I'd feel dejected, because I like to check off boxes neatly. Missing a day or two, or three in a row would usually wreak havoc with 'daily' plans, but YouVersion offers peace of mind with one click. Suddenly, all the days I've missed disappear and I'm caught up once again.

Saturdays are often 'catch me up' days. Google had sent me my calendar for the day last weekend with the words "you have no events scheduled today". Yippee yi yay! I love it when Saturdays are a blank slate, to fill however I need to or wish to.

I'm so glad we have only 24 hours in a day. At the end of that, I'm just about ready to start over, anyway and begin with a new slate.

Listen

Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.
Simone Weil

I've been part of a study group for several weeks now where we are sharing our stories with each other. The rules are to sit, listen, and let each other share what we want to or need to. No judgments, no fixing, no advice, no interrupting. Then we thank each other for sharing the hard parts of our lives.

I wish I could transfer the way I pay attention in this group, to how I listen to my own family and other friends. It seems hard to simply listen. More often than not, I'm partly listening (it might LOOK like I am fully listening) and partly formulating my response to what I'm hearing. But what would it be like to really listen and then pause before I replied?  What would it be like to make it my goal to value the other's words and need to be heard more than valuing my need to be heard, to have my opinions validated, advice accepted, and my needs met?

I messed up again today. I caught myself and did my best to listen and validate.
 "It must be really hard", I said.
"Yes", she replied, "very hard".
I may not have agreed with how she was handling this difficult situation, but if she wasn't asking for advice, it was better for me to simply listen. To be generous by saying nothing.

Not so simple. But so important.

Yes and No

Looking back at the past year has caused me to ponder what I'd like 2017 to look like -- at least the parts that I can control. I know that accountability factors high in successful goals, so maybe I'm setting myself up for failure with some of these! But then I remember my mantra for the year...

I'm saying yes more often to :

• journaling- quotes, devotional/prayer, morning pages, gratitude journal, memoir (however sporadic!)
• reading hard copy books borrowed from the library
• using Overdrive to listen to audio books (free!). I've not been a huge fan of audio books, but I'm giving it another go.
• time for creativity- knitting, watercolor, cardmaking - have enjoyed them all this past year. 
• watching a few good shows on my Ipad -- my little 'zone out' pleasures -  favorites: The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, This is Us, and Nashville (if/when it appears on Netflix). 
• using my YouVersion Bible app.  I tried to get back to using my hard copy Bible, but I always seem to gravitate back to the app more often than not. 
• the Abide prayer app
• GoodReads - a great place to keep track of what I've read and to see what others are recommending. I've set a goal of 25 books this year. Life isn't all about quantity, right?
• personal growth - spiritual - through Freedom Session this year. 
• regular fitness activities, which includes intentional walking and spending time outdoors 
• continuing to go gray... I might add a few highlights to help my hair through the transition, though! This might include another purple, green, or blue streak.. you never know. 
• listening to Spotify playlists. Best $10 a month I've ever spent. 
• listening to podcasts -- all those thought provoking conversations! 
• family time - fun, dinners, and just being there to help out 
• nurturing friendships, practicing hospitality,  and being of service to others 
• eating healthy - more paleo for me and my man
• Instagramming - just because I like it. 

I'm saying no more often to:

• reading too many books at once. This is tough because every time I get a new book, I add it to my already impossibly tall pile of readings-in-progress. I think I'm a bit of a book hoarder - not so much on the shelves, but on my side table! Which leads to...
•  borrowing too many books from the library; must.set.a.limit
• reading books for review. I've realized that it just stressed me out to have to read books on a schedule, especially when I realized I wasn't enjoying them that much. I'm going to pick and choose very few this year. I still LOVE to get books in the mail! 
• doing things out of guilt 
• procrastination. This is going to be very difficult because it's my default! 
• starting too many 'free' online courses.  It just clutters up my brain. Ugh. 
• signing up for too many free online newsletters. 
• subscribing to too many podcasts. 

I see a theme running through my list.. the words 'too many' show up too many times! ;)  Balance. Simplicity. Moderation.
 Keeping my mantra for 2017 in mind, "Always, we begin again", I just may experience some success in sticking to my yes's and no's.

What are you saying yes or no to this year?

Book Review: Running on Red Dog Road

Looks like all I do is review books on here lately. Waiting to be inspired to blog again.. but it's coming up pretty empty these days.

But, wait! I do want to tell you about my latest book I read for review.

Running on Red Dog Road by Drema Hall Berkheimer was such a great memoir! If I ever decide to write mine, I would like it to be as entertaining and inspiring as this one. Simple stories, yet written so well and so authentically, with humour, from the point of view of a child.

Drema was born in a coal camp in Appalachia, the child of a West Virginia coal miner who died when Drema was just a child. Drema's mother worked in another city during WW2, working in a factory like many women in those days, to help the cause. So, Drema and her siblings were loved and cared for by their devout Pentecostal grandparents. These coming of age stories include gypsies, carnivals, faith healers, revivals, hardships, family drama, adventures, and more.

I loved watching The Waltons when I was a teenager, and this story reminds me a bit of that style of family life and community. You never know who you might meet living in the hills or down the road. And life lessons are everywhere.

Running on Red Dog Road was an easy, light read, but yet full of meaning... perfect for a weekend away. I heartily recommend you read it!

Thanks to BookLookBloggers for this free book given to me in exchange for an honest review. 

I don't mean to sound grinchy, but

It's too early to even think about Christmas festivities.

 Let me continue on my merry way until December 1st and then I'll bring out the Christmasy mugs, seasonal music, we'll set up the tree and decorate a few days after that. But please, not till December! 

The more Christmases I've experienced, the less excited I am about all the hoopla. All I really want is to do some small but meaningful activities to celebrate and focus on the true reason for Christmas. And that gets me to thinking. It's really a 365-days-a-year celebration, isn't it?

I read a great  post this morning from Susie Davis's blog. An excerpt: 

There are 365 days in a year to remember people in thoughtful, inexpensive and free ways. A call, a text, a funny photo shared. An old fashion letter or a handmade loaf of bread. A hug, a smile, an unexpected visit. There's so many ways we can love one another... and so many days to choose from (my emphasis). 

My thoughts exactly. Don't get me wrong. I do love giving gifts to people, but I don't enjoy the time pressure for determining 'what to give' and the rules for 'when to give'. 

Thankfully, my immediate family are all on the same page when it comes to simple. We choose names and keep the spending limit to a minimum. We have a few traditions that we enjoy each year, and that's it. And we are understanding when we can't have everyone around the Christmas Day dinner table. With married children and those who are far from home, it's impossible to expect that every year.

Still, even with simple plans, it gets busy.  

I hope I can set aside some hours to create a few handmade items, but time is limited in November/December due to work deadlines (and all the extra social outings at this time of year). I should have started last January. But usually the gifts I make early are already given away by the time December rolls around!

I am trying to determine how to keep it simple, yet special. With little stress. Time with family, friends, meaningful giving, laughter and celebration, and remembering those in need.  

To begin with, I hope to stay far from shopping malls for the next month or so! 

It's Thursday

"When you wake up in the morning, Pooh," said Piglet at last, "what's the first thing you say to yourself?"
"What's for breakfast?" said Pooh. "What do you say, Piglet?"
"I say, I wonder what's going to happen exciting today?" said Piglet. 
Pooh nodded thoughtfully. "It's the same thing," he said." 

A.A. Milne

Yes, sometimes the most exciting thing about the week is the food! It's been one of those quiet, nose-to-the-grindstone weeks. Sometimes the days are predictable and  blur into each other, and sometimes there are little surprises along the way. I have seen more deer in our neighbourhood than ever before. They are not intimidated by people at all.

Out the back window. Helping itself to leaves and green tomatoes in my garden.

 The reason it's been so quiet is this:

and this:

going...

...going...

Gone!

Two of my young adult children have made big moves this month. One has left to explore the far reaches of the earth (that's the way I see it, anyway) in S.E. Asia and the other has packed up and moved to another province - new adventures for both! (all good things). 

But, yes, the house has been quite quiet lately. 

Good thing I have my little companion Enzo to keep me company throughout the day!

Very Interesting

I've recently been following a blog that has quickly become one of my favourites. There are so many people out there with encouraging things to say and Joel Malm is one of them. Go check him out!

I am putting a twist on one of his recent blog posts-- hope that's okay! (I'm stealing like an artist ;)

I agree that each one of us is unique, created for a purpose, and can change the world for the better in both small and big ways. We can choose to keep our gifts or share them. No gift is too small or insignificant in God's eyes. And He is good at multiplying the little we might think we have to offer.

Signs that you are probably a very interesting individual: 

You create. I recently read Steal Like an Artist by Austin Kleon. Good stuff. How many times have you heard the comment "I'm not creative". I've said that many, many times but I know it's a lie. We are ALL creative! But our creativity might look very different from someone else's. No sense comparing. In our culture, we often default to passive entertainment, which steals our God-gifted creativity. Creativity takes time to grow.

You read. It's a great way to experience things you might not be able to see or do first hand. And it opens up your mind to how others live and think.  It's not always comfortable to step out and read others' views when yours might be pretty entrenched. But it's healthy. And it helps you  to understand where others are coming from.  It's the best way to help  figure out what you really believe and it can make for some interesting and lively discussion.

You take risks. Remember what you consider a risk might be a piece of cake to someone else. I tell myself that a lot! Do you regularly do something that 'scares' you?

You ask questions. The most fascinating people are the ones who don't have all the answers. And they aren't afraid to ask the questions. Interesting, scary, uncomfortable ones sometimes. Asking questions usually leads to finding answers. But sometimes it's good to just sit with the questions until answers come.

You learn new things. And then you share your experiences to enrich others' lives.

You listen. You look people in the eye and you focus on them. You are interested in what others believe, think, and experience. You don't have to have all the answers. You are open to learning. That makes you very attractive.

You admit mistakes. A wise person once said, "Do you want to be right or be happy?" I want to be happy. Winning an argument is never a win/win, is it? I don't enjoy being around people who are continually wanting to be right. Sometimes that person is me. Ouch. Often the most beautiful (and hardest words to say) are "I'm sorry, I was wrong, I apologize".

You need people. We are made for community. And we don't often do this well. You include people. You meet new people. You are honest. Your bravest word might be "Help".

You care for others. In your own unique way, in the small and big things, you care for God's creation - people, animals, all of creation. You do what you are able to do because it's the right thing to do. We are all in this together.

You take time for YOU. Self care is so important and it's not selfish unless it takes up all of your time and interest. Then it's self-absorption. We care for ourselves so we can care for others.

Can you add to this list? Disagree with any of these signs?

It was a dark and boring night....

Near the end of our dinner last night, the lights flickered. Off. On. Off again. On Again. Then Off.  

We waited. 

Nothing.  

No power. 

And no hope for restoration until past our bedtime, it turned out! 

So, that meant my plans for getting some computer work done in the evening were dashed. (bittersweet, really)

There we sat, the 3 of us, as the room grew darker. We moved to more comfortable chairs in  our little sitting room off of the kitchen and chatted for a while. I lit some candles. I sipped wine. I shared some chocolate. We checked our phones on and off. I pulled out my Kindle, the one with the light attached.

 

Want me to read a story, I asked? (just like the good ol' homeschooling read- aloud days). I know I'm strange, but I LIKE reading out loud. 

They nodded.  Not excitedly (I should have noticed). 

Just..well... resignedly. 

I brought them up to speed on the story of one man's journey hiking the 2000 mile Appalachian Trail.

And then I began..

After about a half hour or so (maybe longer), I looked up at my quiet, respectful listeners and asked.. shall I continue to the next chapter? This was so good! 

Um.. I think I'm heading downstairs, said one.  

I think I slept through most of that, said the other. 

Oh, said me. 

Really? I thought to myself. 

I looked down at my Kindle, clicked to the next chapter and silently read on, destined to enjoy this book alone. 

To each his own. 

surviving a power outage 

Time to Tidy Up

So, are you feeling that, with a new year, it's time to declutter and simplify your life? Me, too. That's why I decided to read the life-changing magic of tidying up by Marie Kondo. I wanted to gain some some new perspectives on decluttering, and definitely got that here.

Some of the info gleaned: 

• When simplifying your possessions, choose one category at a time and spread them all over the floor; then decide if each item "sparks joy". If not, give it away or discard it. For example, if you are purging books, empty all of your bookshelves in your home all at once. Then pick up each book and ruthlessly determine if it is a keeper. How does it make you feel?  Research shows that if you have a book that you are 'going to read one day', you most likely never will. Keep that in mind, too.

• Respect your clothing and fold items up neatly and mostly upright, not stacked or hung. They will be kinder to you.

• Shoeboxes are the best organizational tool, hands down.

• Storage containers (rubbermaid bins, etc) are NOT your friend. The smaller ones are a waste of money (see above) AND the larger ones just teach you to hoard. And they clutter up your home unnecessarily. If you are storing things, you probably don't need them. 

• A tidy home gives you peace of mind and  tidying up boosts your confidence in your decision-making ability (I could use that!)

• The reason you can't let something go is either because of attachment to the past and/or fear of the future.

• Letting things go teaches you that you can do without a LOT of things. And that regretting a decision is not the end of the world. 

• Letting go of things teaches you to make decisions based on your personal values, and this relates to your whole life. It helps you know who you are and what you really care about.

So, did I just read this book and do nothing? Remembering that my ONE WORD for this year is MOVE (as in: don't just sit there, do something!), I decided to begin tidying up. I began with my husband's t shirt drawer. I didn't take a 'before' pic. I really should have because those poor t shirts were a jumble of mixed fibers! No matter how many times I organize that drawer, it doesn't stay that way for more than 2 days. So, I followed Kondo's recommendation and did this:

And you know what? He prefers it! This drawer has stayed neater longer because hubs is not upsetting the stack when he chooses a shirt.

I also went through my drawers and compartmentalized with shoeboxes. Bingo! I also decided to be kind to my socks and not roll them up into a ball. Apparently, there's a better way. Just a couple of folds will do.

I don't agree with all this author suggests. I don't have a shrine in my house and I don't think my clothing or my house needs to be thanked for what they do. Yes, I appreciate them, but I thank God for them ;)   But, Kondo did confirm to me that I definitely have feelings toward inanimate objects such as jewellery, books, and clothing. I have gotten rid of a stack of joyless belongings, and really, I do feel better now.

I am planning to tackle my books and paper files gradually, just  because I'm a tad rebellious. I'm not going to dump all my papers or books on the floor all at once. That would just make me want to scream and run away.

So, are you ready to do some serious tidying up? Check out this book, but if you buy it, make sure it 'sparks joy' if it's going to take up space on your shelf!

Take It Easy

The last couple of days have been pretty slow around here. After the busyness of having most of the family around, preparing meals, enjoying outdoor activities, and keeping up the house as much as possible, then dismantling Christmas decorations,  I've been a little bit of a slug.  Let's just say me and my chair have spent some time together.

So, I've watched a few Netflix movies that I would recommend if you like a little bit of cheese, escapism, warm feelings, a bit of tension, heart string tugging,  and happy endings. And some good acting, too. Perfect to knit or sip of cup of tea to.

Because I like Morgan Freeman, I watched The Magic of Belle Isle. Ingredients: a disenchanted writer, a single mom with 3 girls, a small lake community and life lessons.

Because I like Robert Duvall, I watched 7 Days in Utopia. Ingredients: family issues, golf, faith/life lessons, small town, handsome main actor ;) The ending.. well, different.

I also watched a DVD theatrical presentation called The Belle of Amherst, about  the poet Emily Dickinson (borrowed from our local library). It was a one woman performance by actress Julie Harris and was excellent! Okay, it was wayyyyy too slow for Dave to sit through, but I loved it. :)

Going to enjoy a fun New Year's Eve with a few friends, some good appies, and board games. A perfect mix.

Then it's 2015!  Are you ready!? Who knows what it will hold.. ?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Sweet Somethings

I enjoy coffee without sugar, but it's gotta have cream, the more fat content the better. :)  The best, of course, is coffee with whipped cream. Honestly, it should be its own food group, it's that good. I have always loved whipped cream.

This morning I dropped two generous dollops of the good stuff (which had a bit of maple sugar in it) in the bottom of my coffee cup, then placed it under the Keurig spout, pressed the button, and watched the coffee slowly stream down.   It was smooth and caramel-looking and the flavor was YUM! Better than usual, for some reason. Perhaps the slowly mixed ingredients warmed up together and that made the difference.

Sometimes it's the little things that add a sparkle to the day, don't you think?

Moments like:

• not having to cook supper because you remembered the leftover turkey dinner you froze in October (stuffing, mashed potatoes and turkey!)

• getting a hair cut and color and loving it  

• getting positive, happy emails at work

 “As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives for which we should be particularly grateful. They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness -- just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; just warmth and shelter and home folks; just plain food that gives us strength; the bright sunshine on a cold day; and a cool breeze when the day is warm.” 

― Laura Ingalls Wilder, Writings to Young Women from Laura Ingalls Wilder - Volume One: On Wisdom and Virtues

Have you had a sparkly moment today?

Holding onto Fall

Autumn is certainly in full swing, but today winter was threatening to move in. At least it sure felt that way. The wind didn't tickle, it sliced! Not nice.  My girlfriend who lives an hour and a half away told me she saw snowflakes swirling in the air. No.. !! Say it isn't so!! 

I have enjoyed our autumn weather so much, and I think I was in denial that our beautiful Fall weather would actually end. So, in honor of the dwindling autumn season... 

I managed to work through most of this bin. A few pies made, bags of apple slices frozen for later, and containers of homemade applesauce. These apples were so sweet, I didn't even have to add sugar!

Our huge lodgepole pine dropped its nasty needles a few weeks ago. Not a fun job to rake those up. 

picking a pail of painful pinecones

 (step on one of these with bare feet and you'll know what I mean!)

I stepped out to check for mail later in the day and was greeted by a pile of lost, lonely leaves pushing pathetically against the door. I was sure they were begging to be let in, 

away from the cold wind! 

 View from my desk, which I was chained to for most of the day. The sun tempted me to go out, but I could hear the wind's warning whistle.  Wimp that I am, I chose to stay indoors.  I think it's time to bundle up a bit more before heading out! 

Not sure if you noticed or not, but I have been using alliteration in this post.

Couldn't help myself. 

Poetry on the brain, what with planning for this week's lesson. 

I spent an hour writing a 'found poem'. I figured that if I asked my students to write one, I should probably write one, too. It was rather fun, I have to admit. Although it took longer than I expected. Creativity is hard work! 

Day of Rest

Hope you had a restful day!

Better than a Birthright?

It's been a long day at the office (which is steps away from the kitchen), so I'm glad I started this 'soup' yesterday, which has been simmering for hours and has morphed into a lentil stew (thanks to my blogger friend for the recipe and the idea!).  

You know the story of Esau giving up his birthright to his brother Jacob in exchange for some yummy lentil stew?  I understand, I really do.

 Not a wise move, but understandable. 

The Rest of Summer

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under the trees on a summer's day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. ~ John Lubbock

Hi, blog friends! Hope you are enjoying your summer, including a little time off to rest, even if it's just an afternoon here and there!  I took this pic on the Oregon Coast in 2010.  I LOVE the Oregon Coast (even though the water is freezing cold!). 

Enjoy the slide down into Fall activities (at least it feels like that to me!). 

Spring Things

I think Spring is my favorite time of year. It's not too hot, the occasional downpours make everything so green and the outdoors has a fresh fragrance that reminds me of camping. And I do love to camp! As well, as much as am no expert gardener, I do love to watch things grow! Once those seeds or little plants are in the ground, I check back often just to see what's going on. And YES, things are going on!

I have a VERY small garden plot, but I treat it like a square foot garden and it seems to hold quite a bit (including peas, tomatoes, beans, carrots, beets, kale, and spinach). Last fall I planted a row of organic garlic and this Spring they came up in full force as soon as the weather warmed. What a treat to watch them take off! And they smell so... garlicy (I love garlic). I can't wait till the scapes appear and I'll be able to cut them off and fry them up. My strawberries are blossoming and little green berries have appeared. My herbs are doing well in their own little pot, and my sunflowers have peeked through the dirt and I am anticipating enjoying them, too. I begged my hubby not to weed whack the wild daisies growing along our pool fence, and he relented. I like the wild look! The other day I saw some crows heading to my garden. Not sure what they want with it, but I decided to set up the plastic owl on the corner of the pool fence, a great vantage point for keeping eye on my plants. So far, no crows have returned. Could it be a coincidence or is this owl really doing its job? Whoooo knows? ;)

Have you planted a garden this Spring? Planters, plot, or both?

BMD

Friday, November 23rd is "Black Friday", the day many celebrate by buying, buying, and buying some more. I remember watching a video clip of this once, and it was scary!

  But wait, Friday, November 23rd is also Buy Nothing Day, a yearly event begun by a BC based organization called Adbusters (check their website, it's neat!)

This year I have decided to join Adbusters in buying nothing  this coming Friday.  To be honest, this won't be too difficult for me, since Black Friday is more of an American pastime and I'm Canadian. :) That's not to say I don't enjoy buying new things. But this particular Friday isn't a big deal for me. 

Reading about living more simply is beginning to intrigue me. I wouldn't call myself a big spender by any stretch, but it does make me ask myself some questions about my spending habits. Why do I shop? For entertainment? Filling a void? Am I bored? Do I want to 'keep up with the Joneses'? Is having all this 'stuff' a good thing? 

I want to become a more responsible, generous person. I don't want 'stuff' to have a grip on me. 

So, I choose to stay out of the stores on Friday, November 23rd. It will be symbolic for me, if nothing else. Anyone joining me?

Here's to a more simple life! (Just in time for Christmas..!)

Simplify

There’s a trend in homebuilding recently, which is the increase in tiny houses or micro-homes. The average North American home is about 2300 square feet but in the last few years, people are beginning to choose to live in smaller homes. It’s less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and is in keeping with the movement to live more simply. Some homes are as small as 100 square feet! These homes are sometimes only 4 feet wide in places! Every square inch is put to good use, and obviously they are meant for only one or two people to live in.
I don’t know about you, but I’d feel a little claustrophobic in these, depending on where they were built. I’d rather a home than an apartment this size, because it would be important to have some open space around me.
A bonus to choosing to live n such a small home would be the inevitable cleaning out of closets and bookshelves, and purging oneself of excess everything. It really makes one keenly aware of how much stuff we have! And why?

I do wonder how to prepare for an emergency when living in a home like this. No room to stockpile extra food, water, or other necessities. Where do they store their freezer, bikes, tools, winter clothes and jumbo sized cereal boxes?  I wonder how many people living in these tiny homes have a mini storage unit somewhere?
In order to thrive in a lifestyle like this, I’m guessing mini-home owners have radically changed their consumerist mindset to living one day at a time and storing only what they need for that week.

This reminds me a little of living in a VW van. I could do it for a summer, but for a whole year? Ummm…no.