Big Bear, CA
Several weeks ago U.S. News and World Report featured an article titled “15 Things You Shouldn’t be Paying For”. I highly recommend it. Free computer software, drinking tap water, fee-free checking accounts, adopting animals from a shelter instead of buying from a breeder, obtaining books from the local library, and lots of other great ideas are discussed. Check out the article and see if any of the ideas resonate with you. Read the rest of this entry »
David on the hiking trail in Topanga Canyon
“For you wake one day, look around and say, somebody wonderful married me”.
~ Fred Ebb
David and I celebrated our wedding anniversary this past weekend. I am lucky enough to be married to one of the world’s best guys and each year with him just gets better and better. So when David asked me what I wanted to do for this year’s anniversary, he willingly agreed to my vision of celebrating our special day without breaking the bank. Finding creative ways to live a rich life without spending tons of money has become a sort of game for me. I don’t agree that money buys happiness and I’m always looking for ways to enjoy life that don’t depend on my financial situation. Read the rest of this entry »
If there is a legal limit as to how many books on simplifying and de-cluttering that one can read, I have probably exceeded it. I’ve been “simplifying” for over a decade now and I’m always on the prowl for some new information that will finally turn me into that streamlined, simplified, minimalist person that I’ve always dreamed of becoming. It’s no wonder Francine Jay’s new book The Joy of Less, A Minimalist Living Guide: How to Declutter, Organize, and Simplify Your Life is right up my alley! Read the rest of this entry »
Back in April, I posted about the Random Acts of Blogging Event. Several of us female bloggers were to use the same blog post title and on our assigned day we would commit one senseless act of kindness for a total stranger – then blog about it. The beautiful and talented Jill aka the Duchess of The Duchess Guide organized this very lovely event. Read the rest of this entry »
Hiking Trail in Topanga Canyon, CA
Is it just me or have we Americans created ridiculously complicated lives? Our monetary system is incredibly complex and our health care system has layers and layers of bureaucracy. The cars we drive are complicated and very few of us understand how to fix them when something goes wrong. It seems there was a time when small complications could be taken care of quite easily in one’s own garage but not anymore. Read the rest of this entry »
Rorschach the tiny titan of terror
My household has a new member. His name is Rorschach and he is of the feline persuasion. Who says wealth is only about money and sundry other intangible assets? Sometimes wealth comes in tiny little packages with four legs and a really loud meow!
Rorschach showed up in our neighborhood several weeks ago. My husband David gave him his name which was inspired by the Rorschach inkblot tests and the character in the movie “Watchmen”. Read the rest of this entry »
The Mighty Mississippi
The last couple of weeks have been tough for me. It’s been hard to focus on what I do have as opposed to what I don’t have. I know my thought process is a bit exaggerated but it seems like everyone around me has a great career, is traveling to exotic places, and spending money on fun. So many people I know own homes and although I know I’m probably imagining it, I feel like I’m looked down on by some because I’m a renter. Read the rest of this entry »
Louisiana Sunset
Two types of economies exist in our world today. There is the “outer economy” which is the one we fixate on the most – money, bartering, loans, jobs, stock markets, interest rates….. The second type of economy is what my friend Darice likes to refer to as the “inner economy.” This economy is the more powerful of the two and the one we often forget to focus on because we are so disproportionately concerned with the outer economy.
What exactly is the inner economy? Read the rest of this entry »
Classic French Quarter House
I’ve been a bit disappointed these last few months because I was hoping my husband and I could take another trip abroad this summer. Due to various factors (economic mainly) it may not be in the cards for us. So several weeks ago when my husband I were visiting his side of the family in Baton Rouge over the Easter Holiday, I suggested (actually begged)we take a day trip to the Big Easy. Read the rest of this entry »
The British Petroleum Oil Spill
July 7th, 2010 . Posted in Commentary | 1 Comment »Tags: British Petroleum, Change, Consciousness, environment, Nature, Oil Spill, Tony Hayward
“Treat the earth well: it was not given to you by your parents, it was loaned to you by your children. We do not inherit the Earth from our Ancestors, we borrow it from our Children.” ~Ancient Indian Proverb
I like the Native American Philosophy. They view the earth as a living entity and as a provider, not a playground to pillage for monetary profit. Harmony with the earth is part of their culture and they are extremely aware of how certain actions can impact the environment. They believe the earth is part of us and we should respect it. It’s not something to use up nor is it here to serve us. The earth is a great resource but we have to treat her with respect. We are part of her and there is no separation. Read the rest of this entry »