"Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them." - Nathaniel Hawthorne

The Paradox of Simplifying Your Life

Is the pursuit of simplicity a dubious dream in this fast-paced world?

Ask any number of people what a "simple life" means to them, and your bound to get a different answer each time. For me it means spending time with family and a few close friends, treading lightly on this earth by consuming fewer resources, creating comfort and beauty in my home and garden in an environmentally-friendly way, owning fewer possessions, enjoying meaningful work, indulging my love for books, savoring nature, and making the most of my life as it unfolds each and every day.

When I think about simplifying, life gets complicated. To tread lightly means (for me) that I need to be more aware of the products I purchase, and buy only what I truly need. I need to recycle as many items as possible, which means I may have to make numerous trips to different locations to dispose of my recyclable items. I have to make tough choices on which of my stuff to keep, and which to eliminate. Are you beginning to see my dilemma? Living a simple life is not as simple as it may seem!

What is your vision of a "simple life?"

An Unexpected Surprise

Nature has a way of keeping us on our toes. For the most part she seems predictable, but then when you least expect it, the unexpected can happen. We experienced this on Monday when Hurricane Wilma and a cold front from the North arrived hand-in-hand. A first for us!

I popped outside early on the morning Wilma arrived, hoping to rescue my gazing ball before the wind whisked it away to unknown parts. I was expecting to be blanketed by the heavy humid air that accompanies such storms, but to my surprise the wind felt like a blast of Arctic air (a little exaggeration, but in Florida fifty degrees feels like Arctic air to us).

It served as a reminder to me that the unexpected can be a pleasant surprise. The mix of volatile tropical weather with cold air from the North combined to create a unique fall storm for us - a much needed watering and the arrival of Fall. Hurray!

Where I'm From

I am from the humid and still heat of the South, from Noxzema and home-cooked German meals.
I am from a simple place, a dirt road, the saving grace of books, and endless summer days.
I am from orange blossoms and palm trees, saturating the air and swaying in the breeze.
I am from memorable holiday celebrations, from sensible German heritage-hearty stock, frugal and stubborn.

I am from an inner world where thoughts and feelings are closely guarded.
From the endless affirmation that a good work ethic is a virtue.
I am from the traditional realm of Martin Luther, idealism, the voice of intuition, fairy tales & happy endings.
I am from the land of Spanish moss and oak trees, from the old world of castles & knights, orangesicles & sauerkraut.

From an optimist and a homebody, from grandparents I barely knew but inherited a love for the soil.
I am from a world neatly saved and cherished, the earthy smell of steamy rainshowers, family walks after dinner, unending thoughts & questions.

This poem about where I'm from originated from a poem written by George Ella Lyons. I used the Where I'm From template provided on the Fragments From Floyd blog to create my own. It was a lot of fun and it brought back memories that I hadn't thought about in years. In visiting the past, I realized the profound impact those years have had on who I am today.

Do yourself a favor and create your own Where I'm From poem!