The Simple Life

With the economy in a downward spiral along with our personal finances I find myself returning to my Mennonite roots. The simple lifestyle of learning to be content with what you have. "The Power of Enough" is a great, little reading. The author stresses being a wise steward with our finances and being free. Free to say no, free to do without, free to embrace what you have, free to dream about what you want. I long for a more simple life, maybe someday I'll get there.

Summarizing Mennonite simplicity- Use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without.

Rejuvinating

I am looking over my beloved ocean. We have been vacationing with old friends (the Hess's for those who know) for the last few days. The familiarity of being near the Florida surf and sun warms my body accompanied by the familiarity of being near those who know me and love me warming my heart. I am blessed.

In lieu of Mother's day

"The Mother who gives up her life for her children does them no kindness but rather burdens them with the legacy of a life unlived." -Janet Fallaron

"The phrase 'working Mother' is redundant." -Jane Sellman

"If evolution really works, how come Mothers have only two hands?" -Milton Burle

"Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its Mother. -Moorish proverb

Remember

We do not remember days, we remember moments.

Words

I am a logophile, a lover of words. I love new words, long words, short words and if there is not a word for what I am trying to say then I will make up one.

I love a good story, a funny joke, rhymes, songs and most any kind of word play. Puns are my favorite. I have been told that I am quite funny in an off beat, quick-wit kind of way. I often entertain myself with a running commentary in my head.

In an effort to keep my blog going on a limited schedule I have decided I will commit to writing short quotes. The words of others inspire and comfort me. So without further delay-

"Life is an adventure or nothing at all." -Helen Keller

Where has the time gone?

Writing is a luxury that has not been afforded to me as of late. Seems like life is so busy with details and duties-cooking and cleaning, ad nauseam, laundry up the wazoo, bills to juggle, children to feed, doctor appointments, exercise, nebulizers...blah,blah,blah.

I used to be a firm believer in the saying that goes something like "we all have time for what we really want." Now I am not so sure. I feel swamped all of the time with too much to do and not enough time to do it. Or maybe I just don't know what I really want. Time will tell.

Seasons of life

The weather is getting cold. Again. Snow flurries in April, so much for global warming, this seems like the winter that will never end. We recently had a small reprieve from the cold season doldrums. The air finally warming enough for the dogwoods to blossom. The azaleas, which are the northern version of bougainvillea with their crepe paper texture, are also showing their bright faces.

I took a motorcycle ride yesterday. My first one in many years. The countryside was glorious, every curve bringing colors more vibrant then the curve before. The colors of Spring bursting forth with promise of a new season. With the wind in my face and the sunset at my back I was confident, ready to face the challenges of life.

Today the cold winds blow, the sky is a dull gray, soon the temps will drop to below freezing. I wonder if the delicate blooms will survive.