Leonardo truly was an amazing person - he always seemed to get it right. A trip abroad is a cathartic experience - it cleanses your mind of all that 'stuff ' which clutters daily life when in one's home. I lived in an apartment (more on that wonderful place soon) for eight days with some one's beautiful stuff. I survived with a basic wardrobe rolled into one suitcase. I really need to simplify and I'm starting right now!
The written word - clean, mostly short, forthright. I love words such as pegs - why did they need to become clothespins? This was my purchase at the kitchen shop because I couldn't carry the china teapots home. And do I need another teapot? No of course not.
Bag - a simple. short word - it can contain anything. This beauty found in England has a zip (yes the word over there is not zipper) on the side to take out a spud, no need to take the bag off it's hook.
My new loden colored, paisley patterned clogs with the soft, comfy insoles deserve a special simple cotton bag for travel. A Devon castle gift shop find..............and on sale to boot!
These clean, crisp neutrals seem the way to go toward simplification. Dusk is falling and DH is in New York. This evening is mine alone. I'm off to my chair (wish this one was mine) to make lists on how to simplify yet remain sophisticated.
.jpg)
The sign is out - take notice if you arrive at my front door. Where do I start? The list may say ~ just a single white pumpkin next year ~ simple and sophisticated.
-crop.JPG)
I love the sign, I do love the simple life.
ReplyDeleteOh Mary, simply said, you are so wise. You are an inspiration, for as I was reading your post, thoughts ran through my mind of 'stuff' that I do not need - why do I have it? -- Some sort of insecurity, I imagine. Now that I am inspired to go forth and declutter my life - I just have to have the will power to follow through. Now therein lies my problem.
ReplyDeleteSee what you brought from your travels? More than those cute little bags - simple purchases that is causing a new attitude to emerge and making a change for the better in your life...and perhaps mine and how easy was that to carry back with you! :) A simple life can most certainly be a beautiful life.
Thank you!
Hugs,
Deborah
It's the best way to enjoy living...for me.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI must ask you where you ever found that chair! It looks like something from out of dreams!
By the way, thank you for posting on my blog!
oxox
Jennifer
hi mary - thanks for your sweet comments on my blog! love yours too! yes, i have to agree, a trip abroad does do wonders for a soul! i look at my paris album from this past spring and think - i was really there! love your goodies here - the clogs - i need to know who makes them! and that's the chair i saw in a magazine that i dream of having for my living room!
ReplyDeleteI have found that having moved into a new house (4 years ago now)helped me to simplify because I didn't have years of clutter anymore-plus I had gotten rid of many things since I had to move it across the ocean. Sometimes, I think my place is too bare. My life is much simpler now simply because I'm retired and no children live here.
ReplyDeleteDo you hear me cheer for this post??? I have been in a decluttering mood for some time now. You would not believe the stuff we have donated to the thrift shop. It feels good to pass those things we don't really need, like or use on to others. I really think it is good for the soul. I am trying to simplify too. It is easier said than done. We seem to keep adding to our life until we realize that those very items weigh us down don't they?
ReplyDeleteOne thing that helps here in Holland, is our houses in this neighborhood have not attic. There is one small closet up and downstairs so we have to root through things very regularly.
The bags are adorable.
~~ Heidi ~~
Beautiful photographs depicting simplicity. So lovely you had a wonderful holiday and made it back safely.
ReplyDeleteAlexandra
Oh, now I really love the bags....
ReplyDeleteI am talking to Heidi on skype and she said "Oh, they also come from Devon" Wow.
Nancy
Torquay looks simply lovely to me. I knew nothing about it except that I knew about Torquay pottery.
ReplyDeleteJulie
First time visiting your blog and I'm loving it. I really love those bags. Simplify needs to be my motto ~ I'm working on it!
ReplyDeleteNice to meet you, I'll be back soon.
Blessings,
LeAnn