a simple yarn

“In order to seek one’s own direction, one must simplify the mechanics of ordinary, everyday life.” —Plato

Much like Tom Good searching for ‘IT’ on his 40th that led him down the path of British comedic self-sufficiency in ‘The Good Life,’ my own transition-from-Ireland-to-America directionlessness is beginning to wane, leaving a clearer picture of focus and purpose.  Okay, here is what I am not:

This-Is-Not-An-Indictment-Disclaimer:
In saying that ‘I am not’ does not imply that ‘to be’ is in any way a bad thing.

1. I am not a Birkenstock wearing hippie.
2. I am not a bleeding heart liberal.
3. I am not seeking to drop off the grid—we live in the city with electricity and water and sewers—and I like it, not the sewers part, but the city part.
4. I do not wish to roam about a farm in the midst of Montana.
5. I do not necessarily wish to be part of an urban homesteading revolution.
6. I am not allowed to raise chickens in Fairfax County, Virginia.
7. I am not going to jettison money as filthy lucre since Husband-Will is employed in a fulfilling position.
8. I am not Ma Ingalls (sigh).

So, can we live responsibly without having to go ‘whole hog’ in a self-sufficiency-stick-it-to-the-establishment-rebellion?  Here’s what I want, then:

A simple life.
A simple life built upon meaningful values.
A simple life built upon meaningful values that are not dependent upon commercialism.
A simple life built upon meaningful values that are not dependent upon commercialism and in which each part contributes to the whole.
That’s it. Or perhaps I should say that’s ‘IT.’

I’ve been faffing about various hobbies and interests without knowing why or to what degree I should invest my energy. And now that the transitional haze is clearing, there is freedom to think and pursue a dynamic, not static, path with its whys and wherefores. I realize that much of the list is more of a renewal to do things ‘again.’ Somewhere along the line I’ve become a slave to supermarket convenience. Perhaps it was more about lack of supplies during our years in Ireland. But now that we’re settled US homeowners again and the kids are in school, there are no excuses.

My Simple Life, A List

1. I want to grow a good portion of our fruit and vegetables so that our children can eat wholesome, pesticide-free, flavorful produce.
2. I want to stockpile surplus summer bounty for winter enjoyment because that seems a responsible thing to do.
3. I want to support local farmers as far as it is economically feasible to do so.
4. I want to grow common herbs for the kitchen providing that I don’t inadvertently kill them, as I’m not very good at it, and to again stockpile summer’s bounty by drying what is harvested.
5. I want to research and grow naturally medicinal plants in my flower gardens, which may prove beneficial in reducing the need for over-the-counter medicines.
6. I want to bake my own bread again as we don’t eat very much of it anyway and freshly baked bread must indeed be one of the best smells on earth.
7. I want to make soap again as it will reduce the amount of chemicals on our skin, and economically it’s a no-brainer…pennies per bar to make. Will need to reacquaint the family with what bar soap is, instead of liquid soap and shower gel.
8. I want to learn to make candles, as their light in the evening is a warm and homey glow, reducing the need for electric lights, and kids are old enough now for it to be safe.
9. I want to renew efforts for making natural house cleaning products as store-bought things are just down right expensive and who knows what the health consequence is. Besides, you can buy vinegar in big gallon containers in the US!
10. I want to be a regular at the multitude of charity shops in the area. There are at least five within a few miles of my house. There’s clothing gold in them thar shops! Affluent people in the greater Washington, DC area toss out great stuff. And the money I spend goes to worthy charities.
11. I want to knit purposefully, whether for gift giving or for my own consumption. Will probably knit more socks in future.  Am loving the thick woolly boot socks on the needles.
12. I want to weave wisely for that little bit of extra household income. While reducing costs is good, a boost in cash flow is always welcome.
13. This is in addition to the general responsible living efforts of using energy saving light bulbs, recycling rubbish, composting, turning down the thermostat, using the library, walking as much as possible, etc.

Whew, a bit overwhelming! And it’s possible that tomorrow may find me dashing to the supermarket in the car for bread and Diet Coke and a package of conveniently boxed macaroni-and-cheese, but it’s a start, right?