garden delights

the first of our irises popped out this morning - love irises

Every morning, there are new treats in the garden. So many beautiful flowers, and now we begin eating from the garden. The first lettuce was snipped and added to our salad. We have been snacking on our radishes. And they are very good. I added some pansies to our salad too. Edible and pretty!

Just a few more thoughts on minimalism - I received a nice, thoughtful email on the subject from my good friend kjh. Unfortunately, I can not access my gmail account on my computer, only on my phone.

She read my original post (before my accidentally deleting it in a ditzy blond moment). She reminded me that I had said that my possessions can be used to bless and minister to others.

For example, if you want to take some food to someone in need, this requires some sort of kitchen equipment. In addition, I have used my clavinova to record music which will be used to accompany my little Praise Kids on Sunday night. My Bibles and reference materials enrich my personal Bible study and hopefully help me live a more Christ like life (and add to the discussion in Bible study and Sunday School).

And kjh, you were spot on. The two people that I referenced were young men. No apparent attachments. Their belongings are exclusively used to serve them.

I have a lifetime of belongings that have been (and hopefully will continue to be) used to serve my family and friends and neighbors and my church.

That said...there are a few things I could get rid of....Severe storms are headed this way, making for a good day to clean closets!

dust catchers part 2

Last night I wrote a rather longish post regarding minimalism (though I suppose that a post on minimalism should be short, hmmm?). Thought provoking; witty. At least you will have to take my word for it. I somehow deleted the whole thing.

In it I outlined 5 reasons why I would like to be a minimalist and 5 reasons why I will never be a minimalist. Now of course, I can not remember what they were.

super fragrant pollen dispersing holly

My thoughts on minimalism reminded me of a camping trip long ago. We were headed to Lake Superior with a group of friends. For the better part of a week, I piled up the things I wanted to take camping; things to make our trip comfortable and to cover every eventuality.

The pile included:
Our camping box (contains cooking and eating stuff) a BIG basket full of towels and tablecloths and rain gear and pillows, sleeping bags, tent, cards, bug spray, sunscreen, camp chairs, yada, yada, yada.

One shelf in the fridge dedicated to food for the trip; one shelf in the pantry dedicated to food for the trip. I thought of everything.

Shortly after we arrived at the camp site, my friend N. pulled in. We were busy setting up, figuring out where to put stuff - what should be left in the car, what should come out.

N. and her kids set up their tent. Then they put a pitcher of juice on the picnic table and a lantern. That is all they had! Oh, and maybe a few granola bars in the car. I'm not even sure they changed clothes all weekend. But what difference does that make when you are camping?

It took me hours to plan and pack. It took her five minutes.

And I bet they had just as good a time as we did.

Lesson learned. We don't need as much stuff as we think (please feel free to remind me of this as I pack for our trip next week).

one reason not to be a minimalist - priceless pictures of little brothers styling in leisure suits
and he is just as cute as he was then - still have that leisure suit, Roger?

Here are a few more links for you to peruse regarding minimalism. 51 things, seriously?

Karen has been pondering minimalism lately. Here and here.

super fragrant pollen dispersing laurel

I sent Pat (WHO RETIRES ONE WEEK FROM TODAY!!!!) a link regarding a potential second career for him.
This career would supplement our retirement income and make a small dent in our the pile of stuff that no self respecting minimalist would have.

So, I'm curious, and would love some feedback - are you a packrat or a minimalist?