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Wednesday, January 23, 2008

I went four wheel riding with my sister a few Summers ago on her property. We went deep into the woods. Her property is vast. She owns 900 acres of prime wood lands.
As we went deeper into the woods it got darker and darker. The sun was filtered by the countless oak, fir , pine, sassafras, and the many more varieties of trees that are on her property.

We had went about 5 miles in when we came upon this old cabin. It took my breath away. It was an old pioneer cabin, we presumed it was because of the age. It may have even been older than a pioneer cabin.
It had a hand made sandstone cistern. On the side of it.

I got off the four wheeler and took a look inside. It wasn't a very deep cistern but it was sufficient.

We walked up to the cabin very carefully. We didn't know what we would find. It was in pretty bad shape and we couldn't go any further than the old stone front steps. But we looked in one at a time. It had an old stone fire place on one wall. On one wall hung a table, like the one you use to see in those old cabins. You can let it down and use it and then put it back up with a hook on the wall.

I thought to myself how much more simple things were back then.
Most people didn't live in huge houses they lived in small homes. They used their space for maximum potential.

I thought we have become such an over indulgent nation. We have an overabundance of everything we could ever possibly want. Yet most of us still are not happy.

Overindulgence has become the Norm, not the exception.
Myself included.

One goal I have this year is to have a simpler life. One free of clutter. And to use what I have to the best of my ability.

Then I will have more time to do what I really want to do. Explore more.
Go to places and learn about new things. I want to live life to the fullest and not worry about what I have to clean out when I get back home because of having too much.

What do you want to change this year?

~Nita~


14 comments:

  1. I am drawn to this simplicity as well. I just went to a financial meeting with a friend. The whole premise was to thing of all I could have with financial security. I kept thinking, but I want less, not more. When I am alone in this world and have nothing more than a wood table that hangs from the wall and one wooden chair, I will be happy.
    Much love to you, my friend.
    amanda

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  2. What a wonderful thing to find!! You wouldn't be able to get me out of there! lol I love old stuff. Has an Historical society been contacted? Maybe they could do some restoration...hold it...that would also tye her hands should she ever want to sell...Private funding?? My mind is just whirling!! LOL
    Much love Sweetie!

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  3. Wow... this is beautiful, and so very true. One of my favorite series of books (Little House by Laura Ingalls Wilder) has always made me yearn for this life. Even my daughter often notes that I might have been born in the wrong era...

    You have a beautiful goal in mind.

    My goal is to change the speed at which my life is moving, slowing down just a bit to enjoy my surroundings.

    Love to you,
    Love,
    Me

    :-)

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  4. http://storyofstuff.com/

    You need to see this website (if you haven't already). Exactly what you were talking about, yes?

    :-)

    Love,
    Me

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  5. Hi Nita ,
    That little cabin sounds interesting , I want to have a look inside too!.
    Yes i think we are an overindulgent nation & very wastefull too. I used to go shopping a lot & keep buying clothes bringing them home , putting them in the wardrobe off shopping buying more putting them in the wardrobe ..... It got to the point where my wardrobe was jam packed with items , some , well quite a few never had the labels taken off. They didnt necessarily cost a lot but it wasnt the point. I didnt need them , it was just a habit. i stopped & took a look at myself and thought what am I doing . I did not go shopping into town ( equivalent of your mall)for 4 months till today & not even at christmas . I kept things simple ordered a few things online etc at christmas. So now I dont go shopping I make the most of what I have. I have more spare time , time for hobbies , friendships. I dont work and I appreciate that , but we are very carefull with money. I love going to boot fairs & thrift shops and making the house look nice and homely on a little budget a few plates here and there. Also at the end of the day all that matters is family & each other, not maintaining a materialistic lifestyle, as you cant get back time so I think definaetely we should all use it wisely. Also we should not let advertising or feel pressured by what other people have or are doing. we keep our life simple ,I think the bigger house, the newest car etc etc all need maintaining or the cash to maintain/pay for it. Nowadays I go for walks & appreciate the sunnyday the breeze on my skin & I feel more at peace with myself in simple pleasures like a cup of tea on my doorstep in the sun.
    I definaetely agree with having less clutter it makes you feel free also one should not live beyond their means & we must not think of what we have got.
    ps nita I love your blog as it makes you search your soul & think, & you must be very busy in your life & have your own worries but you always post x Dominique
    ps I hope I havent taken up to much of your blog space by rattling on x

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  6. just correcting my mistake

    think of not what we havent got but what we have got

    you will throw me off your blog soon xxxxxxxx

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  7. Clutter is a huge problem with me too and I have been looking for a simpler life myself, I've been quite introspective the last few days. Here's to decluttering our home, body and mind!

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  8. Amanda: Simplicity has become my mantra for this year. I have to get everything organized for more peace of mind.
    And I am decluttering the whole house. I want things to be as simple as possible, yet still beautiful. Have a lovely evening..
    And much love to you dear Amanda
    xoxo Nita

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  9. Donna: Sadly it has fallen in this past year. Straight to the ground. It was amazing that it stood as long as it did. If it had been restored it could have lasted, but money is always the issue in those type of things.
    Love nita

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  10. Pixie: Another goal I have is to squeeze every drop of life out of every day. I want to savor my life.. Like a fine wine.
    Or a beautiful meal.
    Just absorb each sunrise and sunset. Savor the rare moments alone and do something I love to do. xoxo Nita

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  11. Dominique: I just loving saying your name!! The way it rolls off my tongue feels amzing. LoL
    I treasured everything you said.
    You have so much insight into life. You fascinate me.
    You would never get kicked off my site!
    xoxo Nita

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  12. Kate: I am with you on that. Decluttering the mind, body, soul and spirit. Very Good!
    Wait, the house too. LoL
    xoxo Nita

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  13. Oh this sounds so neat. I would have been in hog heaven there. I love old cabins and simple things!
    Did you take pictures?
    Hugs
    Patti

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  14. Patti: No but I wish I would have. That would have been wonderful to have had a picture of that. xoxo Nita

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