Simplicity...

There is something profoundly beautiful in simplicity. But all too often, I forget this.

I start to feel that the "more" I have in every aspect and area of my life...the better it will be.

The better I will be. 

More things, more money, more time, more blog comments and followers, more sales, more career opportunities, more creativity, more skills as an artist, photographer, designer, etc. And what would all of these things equal?

SUCCESS of course!

I would be on top of the world.

I would be content and satisfied.

I would want for nothing.

Everything would be...perfect.

Or...would it?

Would it only leave me wanting...more?

So, I am reminding myself in small ways, each and every day, to find the beauty once again in the simple things. The precious things that I have forgotten in my search and yearning for more...

The hand I get to hold every day if I choose to...

The adorable dog I get to cuddle with...

The tiny house that brings peace and a warm place to stay...

The quiet moments...when I can pray and connect with my Creator...

The warm sunset painted each evening out the living room window...

The healthy food and clean water that are readily available...

The inspiration found in the small details all around us...everywhere.

“As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness.”
~Henry David Thoreau

Till next time...

{p.s. I just reopened the shop tonight - hope to add new items in the next couple of months.

And...Renoir's contest ends tomorrow and there is still time join the giveaway...ends the 11th at midnight eastern...see the post below for details! Thanks to all who have voted for him so far!}

Comments

[Denise]

you're right......we all need to remind ourselves of that....seems we always want more. Thanks for your beautiful words and photos to go with them.

[Sheila R]

What great words to remind ourselves what really is important. I have tried several times to vote for Renoir but been unsuccessful at loging in... frustrating. But hoping that he wins!!

[Julie Marie Vicknair]

Hello Alice, I love this post and the beautiful photos you put with it... you and I have talked some, and I know we both want the simple things in life most of all... all the things you listed are most precious...it seems like I am the happiest of all when I am enjoying a "simple" pleasure in life... our daily Nature walk is one of those pleasures as we always encounter some of God's precious little creatures going about their day... the dried flower in your book is so pretty... I inherited some of my mama's books when she passed away, one of my favorites is her very old copy of Anne of Green Gables... as I leafed through the pages, I found a beautiful flower she had pressed between them when she must have been a very young girl... that little hidden treasure is priceless to me, and when I am feeling down, I take that book out and open it up to the flower and everything seems right again... Good luck to little Renoir today... much love to you... kisses Renoir... xoxo Julie Marie

[Crystel]

What lovely photographs to go with such a beautiful message. I agree, it's so easy in this day and age to get caught up in what is bigger and better. It's wonderful that you value the simple things. My husband and I recently started trying to live more simply, and we're so much happier. It's a shame that more people don't realize the joy this lifestyle can bring!

[Mimi]

I am so happy that you left a comment on my flickr photo so that I could find you! It is amazing how much we shoot alike~

As for simplicity, Simplify was my mantra word last year and it served me well. I love the idea of really giving your all to the things that matter and "clearing the clutter" so to speak, with the rest.

So very nice to meet you Alice,
bisous

[Koralee]

Such a lovely reminder...with lovely images. I will carry your thoughts with me all day. Thank you. xoxox

[Alexis Lozano]

Oh! Cranford!

I just read that book last month. I also saw the first season of the BBC mini series. Lovely. :)

[Mitzi Curi]

Thanks for making me stop and think about wanting "more". We really have to appreciate the journey, especially with an activity like blogging, because there is really no "destination". What end are we working towards? There isn't one. We need to enjoy the process itself, and I'm really trying to do that.

[Tara]

This was so beautifully writeen Alice, I think this is a good reminder for everyone that if you look their is beauty in the simple things, those things that bring us joy....I need to remember that for myself when life seems to get away from me, so thank you!

[Rebecca Ersfeld]

Hi Alice
My life is far from simple and in todays hectic world it is hard to control what is around us. Yes, we can cut some things out and try to make things around us somehow do-able but in the end the peace has to come from within. I love the verse that Paul talks about In Philippians 4, " I have learned, in whatever state I am, in this to be content". He was in prison at the time. Love your post today...
Blessings
Rebecca

[rene@missgracieshouse]

*Why* do we all seem to get so caught up in this? Lovely reminder...I need it...and Cranford is one of my most favoritest!
simple blessings to you,
Rene'

[lorraine lewis]

Beautiful post Alice- they have been my thoughts for awhile now. Your photographs are lovely with this post.

[Leann]

Hi Alice

Perfect for this very day!

Leann

[Aina]

Oh I get lost in your words, You write with so much warm and passion!! You are so right, it is something profoundly beautiful in simplicity. Often we forget when life`s busy to really aprecciate what we have. To stop and think, listen and see what life is really about. Wonderful words, beautiful pictures. I love your blog,

Aina

[Tami from: www.SouthStreetShabby.blogspot.com]

Alice....Your thoughts today...inspire me. Thank you...
I have to mention that I LOVE Tracy Chapman....all of her music is always so soulful and the lyrics are some of the best 'poetry' I've ever read/heard. My favorite is 'The Promise'. Her voice musically and poetically - is mesmerizing.

Thinking about finding bloggers and blog readers from upstate NY for an afternoon get together this summer. Thinking Syracuse is central and about mid way for most. Know anyone that might be interested? Send them my way so I can make an email list. :-) Tami

[susan]

alice, you're so sweet. this rings true for me as well. i do find myself with those same thoughts. in the end as one of my friends said we won't be thinking about how many comments we got or how successful our business was. it'll be those we love and what we leave them with. thank you for such heartfelt post. i'm going to kiss my kids and enjoy a quiet, simple night with them. enjoy your weekend :) susan

[Leah C]

Too many of us get caught up in the "more", don't we? Your words are just the right message at just the right time:) Wishing you enough...

[Nancy Jo]

Hi Alice,
Nice post. Now you made me order that book. I think I have about five books coming in the mail now. I love old books. The one I ordered is a 1895 copy. What year is that one you have?
Nancy JO

[Amy Case]

Thank you, Alice. I needed to hear this today. Even though I certainly have more than "enough", I've noticed that trolling around bloggyland can make me feel covetous at times. So many beautiful homes and ideas! I know that this attitude is not one God wants for us.

That said....I adore your blog. You have a lovely way of expressing yourself. (-:

[Jo-Anne]

Hello Alice,
First I want to complement you on your new website design. It captivated me in an instance! Beautiful!
I love this post, as it tells the wise old story of " yearning and contant craving". Like beauty, Success is all in the eyes of the beholder. The passions inside of each of us, is what drives us, motivates us to do what we love. If nothing else, doing what you love will attract all the love, peace and happiness you will ever want, and need...It comes together like a beautiful orchestra...
And you possess all of these beautiful qualities Alice..
Love & friendship,
Jo-Anne

[Allison]

what an absolutely posting, Alice... as always! The writing, the message, the photos... joy to my life. Thank you, Doll.

[Maureen]

Yes, the simple things in life really cleanse one's soul. I crave simplicity, which is sometimes harder than we think to acheive. Isn't that strange?
Maureen

[Angela]

What an absolutely beautiful and "simple" post. Simplicity itself seems to be a lost art in our time.
I've been trying to de-clutter and downsize in my life recently and have been pondering this very idea. Thank you so much for laying it out so beautifully.
summerscreations

[Kande]

Beautiful post and a great reminder to enjoy life. Thank you for sharing!

[Amada Lebel]

Hi Alice,
This post is "quite simply" wonderful!
Hugs,
Amada

[Bonjour Romance]

Bonjour Alice,
Just found your very beautiful blog. Well said, the lovliest things in life are usually the most simple and right in front of us.

Love your old copy of Cranford. I'm off to explore your posts and will visit your boutique. Your images are incredible.

Happy Valentine's week-end to you!

[Laura]

Hi Alice,
To know this about simplicity, to really hold it in your heart as a young woman is a gift. Beautiful photography! Happy Valentine's Day!
...and thanks for stopping by...always nice to have you visit!
:) Laura

[Lynda]

A beautiful post, Alice! We're continually bombarded to spend more, have more and be more ... to step back from it requires a lot of strength. Thank you for the gentle reminder to simplify.

xo,
Lynda

p.s. - I adore "Cranford" ... love your vintage copy!

[Rebecca]

Wonderfully beautiful....enjoy the rest of the weekend Alice. :-) ~ Rebecca
(love your new blog header too!)

[Tracie~My Petite Maison]

So beautiful for the eye and the heart!
Love back to you, Alice & Renoir
~Tracie & Zeke

[Elizabeth Kay]

This brought tears to my eyes. I really needed to hear this, thank you.

[re-joyce]

perfect.
so resonate with your longings.