The New Simple

If you are anything like me, when you hear the word simple, you might think of other words like bland, plain, boring, hippie, hemp, root vegetable, barley, sacrifice.  As in, “I think I’ll wear my plain, un-dyed hemp dress to the farmers market and pick up a sac of organic barley and some root vegetables and sacrifice three days of my life making a bland stew to eat on for a week.” Not that there is one single thing wrong with that if that is what you are into but I feel itchy and hungry just thinking about it, not to mention bored (though that may have pretty accurately described me in a previous life).

I have been trying, as many people these days have been, to figure out what simplifying means for me (how can I possibly spend any less money?).  I have also been trying, as many people these days have been, to spend less money and still have a good time in life (What, I can’t go shopping on my lunch break three days a week?) Why is it so hard to have fun when you don’t have any money?

We have become addicted to the convenience and entertainment that money can buy.  Simplicity takes creativity. You have to think in new ways and use resources differently.  You stop relying on the prepackaged meal for dinner or the movie out to keep you entertained.  But aren’t those things dulling our lives anyway, allowing us to shuffle through in a mind numbing haze? I don’t know how many times I have been surprised to realize that another week has flown by and I really can’t even remember anything from it. There is nothing memorable about it.  We’ve all heard the sayings about not remembering all that stuff you bought when you are on death’s door. No, but buying stuff is fun nonetheless. I am only giving it (partially) up because I have no choice! Seriously, even after saying all that about mind-numbing hazes, I don’t think I would stop if I didn’t have to. Consumption is very addictive.

I have always been a “creative type.” I like to cook and garden and make art and learn new things.  I have never felt like I was really great at coming up with new ideas though. I can spot a good recipe, imagine it and know pretty well if it will taste good. I can see an old Italian fresco on a wall in a magazine and copy the distressed muddled colors on my own wall for a pretty good faux finish. But come up with something on my own? Not a great strength. Also not a great strength is going about my creative pursuits without spending ridiculous amounts of money. “Oh, the cost of the raised beds and the soil amendments, and the plants, and the seed-starting supplies, and the gloves, and the clogs, and the hat, and…it will all be worth it when we are canning up all the bumper crop of beans and tomatoes.” Okay, there was never a bumper crop and since I was growing full sun veggies in a half-shade yard, there was hardly enough for a salad once a week. It was damn fun though and I can’t wait to garden again.

Okay, so since I have to do it anyway, my goal for this year is to simplify in meaningful ways by using my own creativity. No real specific goals beyond that. I hope they will develop throughout the year.  I figure maybe I can save some money, clean out the cluttered closets and hone my creative skills all at once. Here's to 2010!