Have you ever seen beauty that left you speechless?  Jeremy and I recently visited a field full of dahlia flowers in Canby, Oregon.  Gazing across the seemingly endless rows, your eyes begin to blur into the melody of color.  The scene resembles an elaborate painting, filled with rich brush strokes and precise detail.  The artist obviously has a deep, impassioned longing to be discovered and known.

Personally, nature plays a central theme in my journey towards simplicity.  To be still and study the curves of a petal, noticing the vibrant, sparkling shimmer as it catches a kiss from the sun.  To watch bees dance busily and happily around its fragrance, stopping for a sweet afternoon snack.  Each flower, separate and unequivocally unique, yet part of the whole.

I think simplicity, like a flower, invites us to be more thoughtful in the words we choose to use.  Adopting a simplicity of speech is valuable, as we recognize that fewer words can often have greater impact.  To talk less and listen more is an art worth practicing.  As for our day in the fields, no more words can describe or justify all that our eyes took in.  Maybe pictures will help some.

In the Beginning.

A Busy Bee

Standing Tall

“Flowers have spoken to me more than I can tell in written words.  They are the hieroglyphics of angels, loved by all men for the beauty of their character, though few can decipher even fragments of their meaning.”

~Lydia M. Child

Take time to notice something beautiful today.  What do you see?  How does it leave you without words?

April – September = 6-month Blogging Sabbatical.  :-}

Ge’ez, where has the time gone!  I can’t believe it’s been so long since my last post!  Spring semester ended, summer came, and summer went.  As we circle back into the fall season, I feel excited about the change in the air.  Living in the Pacific NW, we are fortunate in that we get to experience distinct seasonal cycles.  And while I appreciate other parts of the year, this is particularly my favorite.

My husband turned 30 on Tuesday.  In our culture, the big 3-0 is a big scary deal (for most).  Yet, we’ve discovered and found joy in the fact that each passing year only gets better.  We don’t mourn that our 20’s are gone with the wind, but instead celebrate all the highs & lows.  It was a fabulous decade, filled with memories that will last a lifetime.

Kissed by the Sun

So, what did we do?  Living in Oregon, we are surrounded by endless outdoor options.  Yet, it was obvious that Tuesday’s celebration called for a day of relaxing and reflecting on the beautiful, picturesque coast.  Plus, the weather forecast called for 80’s and sunshine!  WOW — can’t get much better than that!

So, we packed up a picnic lunch and headed west, throwing all “to do’s” out the window.  As we found a prime beach location and hunkered down for the afternoon, I felt a flood of emotions.  Truthfully, it was a day ordered straight from the hands of God.  The sunshine, scenery, light breeze, and soft sand cradled us like newborn babies.  We were in awe over creation!  No words can fully define all that we took in.

Bathing in Creation

As I continue to study and live into simplicity, I’m discovering a new sense of freedom.  Few people shared the ocean with us that day.  Yet, all that were there felt something special.  It was  a day where time just seemed to stand still.  Everything and everyone slowed down.  For an afternoon, we all became children.  Basking in the glorious rays, digging our toes into the silky earth, living in the given moment.  A gift and a day locked into memory.

“To me a lush carpet of pine needles or spongy grass is more welcome than the most luxurious Persian rug.”

~Helen Keller

Simplicity, as some see it, is not about self-deprivation.  It’s actually quite the opposite.  As we choose less, we truly gain more.  Not more in the sense of material possession.  But more in the luxury of joy and real living.  Our values change and we begin to embrace something better.  Our eyes, the windows to our soul, gain new sight.  We are invited to bathe in nature and take in what we so often miss.  Our day on the ocean helped validate that simplicity and celebration go hand in hand.  Every day, every hour, and every minute of our lives count.  Yet, the rushing and busyness of our present day robs us of this pleasure.

“Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature.  It will never fail you.”

~Frank Lloyd Wright

How will today be etched into your memory?

Simply Stunning.

Over the past several months, my heart has been breaking.  As I was driving along the beautiful roads of Oregon, I witnessed a massive evergreen tree falling from the sky.  As it crashed to the ground, its pristine, thick needles crumbled into pieces.  Something that was so bold and breath-taking; gone in a matter of seconds.  As I studied the scene, I realized that a massive chain saw had been brutally hacking at its thick trunk.  When the tree and dust cleared, what was left behind made my stomach turn in circles.  A gaudy, over-sized sign:

“STORAGE – COMING SOON!  Reserve your space today!”

Your space.  Who’s space?  Truthfully, it made me sick.  Was this necessary?  Another storage unit?  Over the past few weeks I’ve noticed these things going up faster than we blink our eyes.

As much as I’ve tried to forget the scene, the image of the tree falling has stayed with me.  As I reflect a bit on this happening, I start to wonder why.  Who are we to do this to nature?  What kind of “stuff” qualifies for this type of destruction?  Is it a valuable use of space or just another way for us to mark our territory?

Now, I understand that some storage units are necessary.  Moving, living overseas, family crisis, and death of a loved one all constitute use of extra space.  Yet, in our current situation of economic decline, why are storage units rising faster than the sun?  My best guess is that people are stuck.  And when they are stuck, unable to move to larger living, the reality sinks in.  Where do we put all this stuff?  How can we survive with so little space?  I wonder if the inventor of storage units ever rented one of his own?

So, take a moment to think about this.  In no way do I mean to offend or judge.  Yet, doesn’t it seem silly?  The majority of people that I worked with in organizing openly admitted that they had no idea what was in their storage unit.  And yet, they continued to pay the inflated price each and every month without question.  Really?

Reconnect to Nature.

The thing is, when we rent a storage unit, we endorse it.  And when we pay the monthly bill for someone else to store our stuff, we vote with our money, recognizing them for offering a “worthy” service.  These places would not be in business if it weren’t for our over consumptive society.  Most of the time, the stuff that is stored is just that.  Stuff.  It sits, collecting dust.  Slowly purged, but mostly, added to.  Forgotten with time.  Sometimes, the stuff even gets moved to a larger unit because the smaller one started to burst at the seams!

As I continue to study simplicity, I realize that consciousness is part of the process.  Noticing, seeing, and communicating the things that just don’t feel right inside.  For me, this is one of them.  If this has hit a sore point for you or ruffled some feathers, maybe it’s time to reconsider how you look at the things around your life.  Re-evaluate the layers behind the reasoning.  Why is it important that you keep the stuff?  How will you stop bringing the stuff into your life and home?  If extra space is truly necessary at this point in your life, can you work something out with a friend or family member?  Might they have room for you to store your things, temporary?  Personally, I would much rather give my money to a loved one than encourage a business I don’t support.  Taking time to shed this from your life will bring freedom, as well as money saved.

How will you let go of the excess in your life?  If you currently rent a storage unit, how and when can you hand back the keys?

I love Recipes.com!  It’s a community of people, sharing fabulous ideas and tips for the modern kitchen.  It is also a great space to organize and keep track of your own favorite meals, drinks, and desserts! 

In keeping with the fall theme from last week, I wanted to share the best recipe I have found yet for Apple Crisp.  It is the epitome of “Yummy!”.  So, gather your family and friends and take a trip to the pumpkin patch and apple orchard! 

Apple Crisp II (by Diane Kester)

• Prep Time:  30 Minutes
• Cook Time:  45 Minutes
• Ready In:  1 Hour 20 Minutes
• Yields:  4 servings  (Allrecipes.com allows you to change this according to your need)

Ingredients:

• 3 1/3 cups all-purpose apples, peeled, cored and sliced
• 1/3 cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons water
• 1/3 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/8 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 tablespoons and 2 teaspoons butter, melted

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degree C).
2. Place the sliced apples in a 9×13 inch pan.  Mix the white sugar, 1 tablespoon flour and ground cinnamon together, and sprinkle over apples.  Pour water evenly over all.
3. Combine the oats, 1 cup flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soad and melted butter togehter.  Crumble evenly over the apple mixture.
4. Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for about 45 minutes.

Couple the warm crisp with a few scoops of ice cream and you have yourself the perfect treat to welcome and celebrate the season with those you love!  Enjoy!

What recipes or special treats fill your home with savory smells and rich memories? 

I absolutely love this time of year!  Can you smell the season in the air?  The cool, crisp nights and turning of the leaves make we gaze with wonder at all the change.  Many people experience a bit of sadness as we enter into the fall and winter months, but I have an overall sense of comfort and peace.  Although I enjoy the hot, long summer days, I always look forward to the turning of this season.  One of my favorite things in the coming months is cozying up to a warm, crackling fire, sipping steamy apple cider or soothing mint tea. 

Jeremy and I had the opportunity to visit Rasmussen Farms this past week in Hood River.  The location is spectacular, with views of Mount Hood and Mount Adams in the distance.  And while they carry a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, jams, and gift baskets, I was most interested in the “backyard”.  A pumpkin patch and corn maze!  Seeing these two things immediately propelled me back to my childhood days and our annual family trips to pick out the best looking pumpkins and gourds.  Oh, and I can’t forget the petting zoos and hayrides too!  And during the week of Halloween, my precious dad exuded endless energy in decorating our home for the countless goblins and candy seeking ghosts.  All of these memories carry incredible joy and will forever be etched in my heart.  Ah, the sparkle of fall.  I think the teapot is calling my name! 

“Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn.”

~ Elizabeth Lawrence

What special memories and traditions do you hold of this season?  How will you take time to create lasting memories this fall?

There is something about nature that just makes my spirit soar to incredible heights.  The sounds, the smells, and the sight of color and texture are enough to propel me back to my childhood days, when the little things made my heart pitter patter with joy. 

When was the last time you bathed in the outdoors?  And, I don’t mean literally.    When was the last time you heard (really heard) a bird sing?  Or, watched a squirrel scamper on the ground, looking for his next meal?  When was the last time you simply sat and observed the trees and their branches swaying gently and passionately in the wind?  Or, gazed up at a star lit night, remembering just how spectacular the universe really is? 

Like a child, I find that the facets of nature are enough to reignite my passion and gumption for life.  It’s almost as if the magic and colors of our imagination vividly twirl and twist luminously through the air.  Choosing to walk away from man-made beauty, to consciously immerse myself in God’s beauty is a step I consistently try to take on a daily basis.  After all, our lives are filled with chaos, noise, and distraction.  Nature offers a predictable remedy to our often frittered and routine days.

“Earth’s crammed with heaven,

And every common bush afire with God;

And only he who sees takes off his shoes;

The rest sit round it and pluck blackberries.”

 

~Elizabeth Barrett Browning on Autumn

Honestly, I have always enjoyed and respected the outdoors and its variety of aliveness.  As I seek to live with more simplicity, I find that it plays a key role in helping me to realign and live more fully.  Truthfully, it’s a key ingredient to this life!  It makes me incredibly sad that so many people have lost their ability to see its magnificent power and potential to heal.  So much of the natural world is being lost to human selfishness and desires for more.  Just being aware of this destruction is a place to start.    

So, get out there!  Experiencing, noticing, and appreciating the true beauty of life outdoors is like riding a bicycle.  Once you master the skill, you never forget.  Have fun reclaiming yourself in its reflection!

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.” 

~Anne Frank

How will you make time to consciously step into nature today?

We made it to Whistler!

Jeremy and I had the opportunity to take some time off and travel into British Columbia this past week for our four year wedding anniversary.  We stayed in Whistler our first night, and then ventured into Vancouver to experience a bit of Canada’s city life.

During our eight hour trip, there were several things that happened that made us question our decision to head north.  The sky was blanketing the roadway in a brilliant blue, as the majestic mountains stood firm in the distance.  In reaction to the gorgeous scenery, I quickly grabbed the camara out of my purse to capture the sight.  To my dismay, I discovered that the lens was stuck, making a unwelcoming clicking sound.  After some struggle and frustration, we realized that sand must have blown into the opening during my girls weekend on the coast.  At the time, I felt incredibly guilty and sad that we were facing the possibility of crossing into Canada without any way to document our journey on the road.  The situation definitely turned our car atmosphere sour for the next hour.  Fortunately, we were able to find a Walmart, which carried a decent camera replacement. 

Once we were back on the road, our spirits began to lighten up again.  The sky seemed a bit brighter as we grew closer to entering a country we were so eager to explore.  As I turned around to get a snack from the back seat, Jeremy suddenly slammed on the brakes, making my seat belt lock firmly against my neck.  Apparently, the driver in the lane to our right, swerved heavily over the line, nearly colliding with our front side.  According to Jeremy, he missed us by inches.  Whew, that could have been disastrous.  And honestly, I don’t think the other driver even had a clue! 

After much anticipation, we finally crossed over the border.  We soon realized (pardon the cliche) that we weren’t in Kansas anymore.  The roadways quickly became narrow and fast as they encompassed a European resemblance.  With 30 minutes into Canada, we came to rest at a stoplight.  As we patiently watched for the green light, the driver behind us decided that she could no longer wait to enter the left turn lane.  As she clumsily turned the wheel, she must have stepped on the accelerator a bit too fast.  Bam, bam!  Jeremy and I looked at each in disbelief.  Did she just hit us?  Oh my goodness, YES, and she’s not stopping!  Truthfully, we had no idea what to do.  For a moment, Jeremy switched the flashers on and was preparing to pull off to the side, but we soon realized that we had just experienced a hit and run. 

After some discussion, we decided not to report the incident.  It may not have been the right decision, however we were so incredibly ready to just make it to our destination.  

Finally, after a very long day and nearly eight hours of driving, we finally pulled into our hotel in Whistler.  We barely even noticed the beauty around us, as we felt extremely exhausted and annoyed.  Why did we decide to go on this trip anyway?

The next few days were filled with more ups than downs.  After all, we did come to celebrate our marriage.  And honestly, once the dust had settled from our minds and hearts, our eyes were opened to the beauty that is British Columbia.  It is definitely a gem and a must see in North America!  The mountains, the trees, the rivers, and waterfalls.  It was God clearly manifesting Himself in so many ways.

“A journey is like marriage.  The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”

~John Steinbeck   

As I look back on this trip, I can openly say that we learned a lot.  It was a week full of frustration, anger, and amazing joy.  Hmm, sounds a lot like marriage.    I can’t say that we honestly enjoyed the journey, however seeing something new and being open to learning from it is always worth while.  We ended our week with a visit to some dear friends who now live in Seattle.  After finishing up some of the most amazing salmon we have ever tasted, we headed down for a personal look on the shores of the Puget Sound.  God had created a beautiful sunset just for us to enjoy, which validated the fact that He had us in sight all along.  It was a sound reminder that control over this world is not for us to hold.

“Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comfort of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things – air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky – all things tending towards the eternal or what  we imagine of it.”

                                ~Cesare Pavese

What trips have you recently taken?  What kind of emotions and lessons did you experience and learn along the way?

Growing up, I can honestly say that I undervalued the friendships in my life.  At the time, I had no idea how important they are to the survival of everyday living.  Today however, I can genuinely say that friendships matter.  In fact, they are absolutely, positively necessary. 

Anna, Me, and Jessica

Last weekend, I had the opportunity to spend the weekend on the coast with two of the most amazing woman that have ever come into my life.  They inspire me, challenge me, and support me.  They help me to let go, and let God.  Both of them are so unique and passionate.  They just truly love life and the energy that comes from being around others.  I love them dearly, and cannot imagine how I ever believed that friendships were optional.  

During our weekend at the beach house, we found time to just be girls.  We laughed, we cried, we created, we listened.  We just took some time to care for one another.  It was beautiful, simple, and real.  I believe in these girls just as much as they believe in me.  How can it get any better than that?

As I step into living with more simplicity, I am reminded that girlfriends (and community) are an essential piece of the authenticity and accountability we need in our lives.  At the core of our being, we thirst for relationships and connection.  By finding them, we find ourselves.  And in doing this, we get a tiny glimpse of God and His magnificent creation.  Over time, the friendships we appreciate and nurture will turn out to be one of the true and lasting memories we hold in this life.

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art, like the universe itself (for God did not need to create).  It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.”

~C.S. Lewis

How have you made time for the core friendships in your life?  What are some of the lasting memories that you’ve recently created? 

P.S. ~  Jeremy and I were in Canada last week celebrating our four year wedding anniversary, so I missed posting to my blog.  In trying to live more simply, I intentionally chose not to bring my laptop.    More to come on Wednesday….