Am I the only one feeling a pull towards a more pared down, simple life right now? If anything good can come from all of the uncertainty in the economy & by extension, our lives right now, I believe this is it. We are seeing so much devastation around us, natural disasters, people losing their jobs and their homes. It is affecting me. I think more and more about what's important in my life & find myself just wanting to huddle at home with my family and thank God for the many blessings in my life. I'm happy to have a roof over my head & that we are able to pay our bills and put food on the table. I'm happiest sitting in this corner reading, playing games with my family, watching movies and sitting on the patio listening to children play. Simplifying my home and my life gives me a sense of peace. I'm going to take this summer to really appeciate the little things and wanted to let you know that I might not be around as regularly, but know that I'll be thinking of you. I hope you all take some time to enjoy your own simple things.
I am trying to simplify too. Having your stuff in storage for over 3 years makes it fun to unpack and see what you HAVE DONE without and also makes you realize what you CAN DO without!!
ReplyDeleteI find myself simplifying lately too. I found that clutter is like noise and I am more at peace in a less cluttered house. Don't be TOO much of a stranger.
ReplyDeletethanks for this post. we are in uncertain times now and its got me thinking about what's most important too. it really is the simple things that make life grand. i love your blog.
ReplyDeleteGreat post & pics Jen. We've been gathering up things for a garage sale - decluttering the bookcase, closets, storage room etc. I'm with you - paring down feels good!
ReplyDeleteI've seen several "SIMPLIFY" signs lately. I just may have to buy one as it seems to be what I strive for lately.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. I try to do the same thing. Life is pretty stressful out there and home is our haven.
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by to see my new chest of drawers! I love it too.
Rhoda
I have been feeling that same pull to simplify this year. I hope you enjoy your summer!
ReplyDeletePlease don't go too far; I love your site and will miss you!
ReplyDeleteJen - I can totally relate to this post. I have been in the process of simplifying my life for quite awhile now. I have been cleaning out closet, drawers, cabinets and getting rid of things that I really don't need. It so nice to unload things. It gives you a free feeling! And yes, my main goal to simplify is to spend less time taking care of "stuff" and more time enjoying my life.
ReplyDeleteYeah, I've always been a bit of a minimalist. It seems like the more stuff you have the more time you spend having to take care of all of it. Have a nice break, but please post dining room updates!
ReplyDeleteI think a lot of people are feeling that way, Jenn. I hate that it takes foreclosures, $4 gas, and economic downturn to make the masses think that way, but I do think it has.
ReplyDeletePersonally, I think you've always felt that way...maybe you're just honing in on it more now. You seem to have always had a grasp of seeing the beauty in simple, authentic things and treasuring family vs. chasing the "bigger-better-more" myth.
Simplify away Jen! Have fun! Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSo lovely, thanks for the post. I just took everything off our mantle in order to change to a more Colonial Style.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. Simplicity is something I strive for every day. Enjoy your down time.
ReplyDeleteThe other day some friends and I took our kids tubing down a nearby river. It was so much fun. I highly recommend it! Simple and relaxing!!
You are so right on with your post. Less "stuff" in your house means less stuff to clean!! Love reading your blog so please don't wander too far off!
ReplyDeleteI love your blog! And I most definitely agree with your post! Lately I've been paring down, cleaning out and trying to enjoy simple pleasures. For me, that's cleaning, listening to music, reading, walking and truly enjoying the company of others. Also turning off the tv, computer and even radio to hear the sounds of summer.
ReplyDeleteKeep us posted on your dining room progress!
I love the plates up on your fireplace and the fireplace itself.
ReplyDeleteSimplifying sounds good to me too.
I agree, simplicity is making a comeback. I am heatily sick of all the clutter and am in the process of getting rid of a good deal of it. Too much focus on little things makes us forget the big ones.
ReplyDeleteI agree!!! I to enjoy the simle things in life like reading a good book...Mary
ReplyDeleteI can only agree and have began paring down some rooms in my house, just feeling I am being over taken by "stuff".
ReplyDeleteAny excuse to stay home and be with great friends and family has my vote! Here's to a simply blissful summer enjoying what "really counts!"
ReplyDeleteI think there's definitely a need to simplify life right now where ever we are in the World. I hope you have a lovely summer. Enjoy good times with your family but don't go away from the blog for too long.
ReplyDeleteWhat a timely post! I spent yesterday afternoon clearing out the storage area in my basement and have resolved to go through each and every container and rid myself of things I do not want or love anymore. Life's definitely not about the "things", but we seem to accrue them anyway.
ReplyDeleteI love your outlook on life, and share it whole-heartedly. I dread reading the newpaper each day, as it seems full of stress, sadness, and gloomy predictions. Let's hope we can remain insulated in our homes and with our families, and pray for those who are unable to enjoy such a luxury...
You'll be missed, but I'll keep popping in and checking on you!
Letting go is a process to simplify. Once it is gone -
ReplyDeleteyou are freer to think and you have more time. Meditate, keep a journal, make things, eat green, and blog about it! Such a nice nest you have here!
Jen, go check out my blog. I have a suprise waiting for you!!! (sorry, no it's not my friends patio.)
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!!!
susie
I'm not happy about this...but I understand. ;) Enjoy your summer sweet Jen!
ReplyDeleteLOVE this post...i am constantly striving for the simple life...funny how much effort it takes...but sooo worth it!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is so inspiring. I just found it and truly love reading it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the simplify mentality that seems to be so common now a days. Growing up my mom always recycled and had a compost can under the sink for her compost bin in the backyard.
I too have noticed since I simplified my main living spaces it's been a LOT easier to keep them clean.
My current project this week (check out updates on my blog) is my master bedroom. Once we get it back together I will only put back in it things I need. The rest will be donated or placed in a yard sale at the end of the month.
Anyway - keep up the good work and enjoy your summer!
I agree with you completely. I too am feeling effected by our times. I want to become as self sufficient as possible. We are doing little things like taking bags back to the store instead of taking plastic, we turned our air conditioning up, my husband drives the car instead of the truck to work, I only shop once every two weeks, and generally cutting back on the things we buy. It makes me feel comfortable inside to do these things. I love your blog!
ReplyDeleteYou're always an inspiration, Jen--I apologize ahead of time because this has probably happened to you, and if you don't have time . . . but you've been "tagged" and you can see the details at my blog . . . have a wonderful weekend, and I love your photos! ~Jann
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I am with you on simplifying...we are building a new home...but we are trying very hard to keep it timeless. One of the ways I hope we acheive this is by paring down and keeping it simple. I don't need a lot of stuff either...just the love of family, our home and lots of "together" time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for keeping it real...Blessings...
Teresa
beautiful post jen, simply beautiful
ReplyDeletei love your grateful heart
xo
OMG! I just posted something a little similar on my blog last night!
ReplyDeleteEveryone around me at work is wigging out about the economy and gas and food and everything else, but I feel like this is a much needed wake up call to America to try and remember what is truly important.
Glad to know there are others out there who feel the same way.
Last winter, a group of my friends and I participated in a voluntary simplicity course together.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nwei.org/discussion_courses/course-offerings/voluntary-simplicity
We met at a coffee shop and discussed a chapter a week. It was wonderful to hear their ideas as well as ideas from the authors.
I just found your blog and enjoy your positive outlook on life.
Cathy
http://www.thelifeandadventuresofcatepoo.blogspot.com/