Simplicity

When we returned to Colorado from Maryland, except for a few valued pictures, some clothing and accessories, and some books - well, lots of books -everything was sold or given away. We didn't even bring furniture! We mailed some boxes - 28 of them - and everything else had to fit in the cars.

So, who would have thought that after downsizing from a 3000 square foot home (not including the basement!) to a 1200 square foot "cottage," as Elsa likes to call it, that I would have enough to sell and a full load to give away?! Granted, alot of the items were kids clothing, toys, some books, random funky knick-knacks, and some kitchenware, but still...do we really need so much STUFF?


Over the years, I had an urge to purge. I saw how accumulating things took away from living life - always worried that something would break, having to repair this or that, keeping all of the junk organized and clean, trying to keep up with the Jones', and taking time out of my weekends to yard sale for things that really meant nothing to me.

When I began my journey as a Quaker, I felt so relieved. Finally, a group who practiced simplicity ( keeping things simple emotionally, spiritually, physically), thereby encouraging me to do the same! Our meetinghouse wasn't ornate - just a small building with a few benches, a large table for sharing meals, some bookshelves, and a kids room. Nothing fancy. Yet, it was so welcoming and grounded. The people made it that way.

After today, I feel like I'm back on track. Don't get me wrong...I still have my collection of antique rolling pins, vintage jewelry, and handmade quilts.  My house still feels warm and cozy. And I don't plan on halting the joy I find in rummaging through antique stores LOOKING at history. But I
realized - remembered - in the grand scheme of life, taking time to collect things is far less important than spending time making memories.


(Oh, and donating things was on the list. The work that Habitat for Humanity does is uplifting in so many ways. They always get my stuff;)

Give It Away

Lagniappe - something extra, something special that is given away when not expected, usually with a purchase...but in my case, not always.
My ex-husband can't stand when I have a yard sale. He's in it for the money. I'm in it for the giving away of things that people like! Nothing makes me happier than telling someone they can have something that they find necessary, pretty, or odd!
So, as far as I'm concerned, today's yard sale was soulfully successful!

Tra La La La la

Finally, I have sound on my computer! That means I have music on the computer! Yippee!

Journal Every Day...

I love my children...and have accepted the fact that they will, one-day, move on to start lives of their own. I believe you should smile at everyone you see. I think you should look someone in the eyes when they are talking to you. I believe that if you are going to pray, you need to be ready to do the work that comes with what God has to say. I like freckles. I believe that touch is vital to survival and healing. I love old movies. Cooking should be a family affair. I would do anything for my friends. The goofier, dorkier a person is, the better. Meditate. I believe in PDA. I think seashells should be displayed. Clothing is optional, but if I had to pick one thing to wear every day it would be a pair of jeans, white t-shirt, and flip-flops – and some sort of hat. I think anyone who spends needless time, money, and energy on a wedding day, isn’t really ready for a marriage. I spit watermelon seeds. I believe it takes work if it means anything. I think of laughter as a thread that keeps relationships sewn together. I believe in loyalty. I don't fake anything. I think that playing with and reading to children are two of the most important gifts we can give them. I believe the elderly are national treasures. Diamonds and gold are overrated. I love sand. I miss my Nana. I’ll always be an Oriole’s fan, even when they suck, every year. I think that being alone and feeling lonely are two completely different things…the former I don’t mind, the latter makes me sad. Music should be on more than the television. Family is important. I am a farmer at heart. Dreaming is wonderful, but doing is better. I don't believe in coincidences. Fish-net thigh highs rock. I believe if someone is within three feet of you, you should speak to them. I love holding hands. October is my favorite month. I believe in second chances – and three’s a charm. I love to celebrate other people's birthdays. My favorite flower is a peony. I think it’s unfair and unhealthy to expect one person to fulfill all of your needs. I like breakfast for dinner, but burritos for breakfast. I’m terrible at doing the dishes. Heart beats out head, hands-down, every time. I think chocolate should be its own food group. I admit when I'm wrong and I admire others who can do the same. I (quietly) cuss like a sailor when I get upset. Everyone is beautiful. I love getting my hands dirty. I'm sensitive to the feelings of others. Green! I love to have my face touched, especially while being kissed. I think people should be required to buy at least one box of Girl Scout cookies every year. I love boobs. I like images of the Madonna and Child. I consider lying on a blanket, watching the stars come out a fantastic date. I think you should eat by candlelight as often as possible. Rain calms me. I know that I love you. I believe that God is all-loving and all-forgiving. I love to dance. I love the smell of the ocean. I think that you have to be able to laugh at yourself. I make the best coconut cream pie on the planet. Kissing is underrated. 4 is a lucky number. Quotes by famous dead (and some who are still alive) people make me think. I love the smell of babies. Pumpkins make me smile. I believe that Halloween is as much for grown-ups as for adults. The simpler the better. I believe that even the most wonderful, loving, long-lasting relationships have challenges. I think that, should the situation ever present itself, God would choose a beer over any other beverage. Birthday cakes should be homemade. I believe in, on occasion, saying Yes! to a child before the question is even asked. Camping puts things in perspective. I believe that you can’t truly love a person who you don’t really like. I feel that everyone needs to laugh through life, hand in hand, with another person.



I could keep going…


I think that journaling is eye-opening…


See, I can’t stop…

Hunting

I've been a little scattered! I completely forgot to blog about Easter and the egg hunt!

Sometimes my fondness for gatherings clouds the reality of my days. Even though I was scheduled to wake at 4:00 am to fly from Baltimore to Colorado  - with a layover somewhere in Ohio - I still thought it would be an excellent (Yes, I was going to type egg-cellent) idea to have the neighborhood gather at my house that same day for Easter dinner and an egg hunt.

To my credit, I did ask (usualy I don't) people to bring something to contribute. For some reason, lemons were on the mind. So, I made baked salmon (OMG! I freakin' loved it! I had a bad experience with this fish before, but it was awesome this time), roasted red potatoes and asparagus with lemons, lemon and herbed chicken, hummus (yum, lemony), artichoke and spinach dip, and rosemary and thyme bread. I cheated and purchased egg, chick, and bunny-shaped cookies, but I did manage to make ambrosia! Delish!

The  kids had an egg hunt out back. There were eggs all over the place - in the grass, in the trees, under the deck, around the neighbor's decks. They really had to look for them. Fun times!

The kids and I were egg-hausted by the end of the day. Though, well worth it, always, to have friends and family around.

Sexy Soul Sister In A...

Red dress! Wore one and got that comment. Love it!

Maryland, My Maryland

Well, it wasn't the trip I had envisioned, but it was a visit to Maryland, nonetheless. Cross it off!

I'm not going to tell you about my days there except to say that I had a blast with Grace, Nic, Mary, and Bob and that Saturday was delicious thanks to Candy and Grace.

No one from Colorado, as well as some people from Maryland, can understand why I want to go home. If you've always lived in the same place...never far away from where you grew up...you wouldn't get it. It's all about the roots!

When I was growing up, I was blessed to have cousins, aunts & uncles, my grandparents, neighborhood friends, school friends, people from church...weaving throughout my days, visiting for Sunday supper, celebrating special occasions, sharing in sorrows. It was a great learning experience for me. And it was one of the happiest things I remember about my childhood...the feeling of being surrounded by people who are connected & grounded...feeling protected and loved. I miss it. I want my children to have similar memories of their childhood. Maryland - and the people in my life who are there - can offer that to them.

There are other things I love, miss, and can't wait for...
The smell of the ocean,  Honfest, Scenic routes that are actually scenic, Tony's Pizza, the Giermek's, Forsythias in bloom, Geri, Chris, Being able to use the term HON and not have anyone glare at me, Aline, Monica, Old-carved-gorgeous architecture, Shelby and Hannah, Diversity, Candy, O's games, Bob, my Poppy, Preakness, Anita, Awesome vintage clothing stores, Chrissy, Assateague ponies, everything Poe, Trader Joe's, Tastykakes, the Harbor, Nichol, Pain-in-the Ass, Momma (yes, there is supposed to be a comma between ass and Mom) an east coast Autumn, crabcakes, Thunderstorms, Little Italy...and so much more.

There truly is no place like home.

Pardon the pictures...they are crooked and blurry...I had to wash my crabcakes, hush puppies,  and cole slaw down with several  Bud Light (bottles of course, but still...what was I thinking?).