Sunday, April 15, 2012

Simplify, Simplify

It's hard to believe that it's been over a month since I last blogged. To be honest, it was becoming a burden to me. I am somewhat of a technophobe, so blogging is a constant struggle between sharing my thoughts and fighting with the technological demons that pop up to discourage me. So I took a break to try to figure out where I wanted to go with all of this.

And as I reflected, I realized that my lack of motivation isn't really a result of the technology issues. The real problem is that my blog doesn't have a focus. I have been blogging about things that interest me, but there doesn't seem to be a common thread that binds my posts together.

So moving forward I am going to move in a different direction. For years, my true passion has been reading about and finding ways to simplify. I truly believe that my true purpose is to share my conviction that our world is in too big of a hurry, and we're missing out on the meaningful things in life.

I was at Barnes and Noble this afternoon and this book caught my eye:


So I splurged and bought it for myself. I've always had an interest in and respect for the Amish, and who could resist the lovely apron on the cover! The subtitle reads One woman's quest for a slower, simpler, more sustainable life. That describes me, and what I believe will be the heart of my blog going forward.

I have discovered my focus and purpose. You will no doubt see some changes as my blog is reborn after seven short months. I hope you'll check back and share in this journey I'm on. Together, in the words of Laura Ingalls Wilder, maybe we can rediscover the sweet, simple things of life.


24 comments:

EllenaElizabeth said...

Little Red Hen you are back. You have been missed. Glad you have found a relevant focus for you. I understand what you mean about blog direction but I find that a little bit of this and a little bit of that is 'me' and I am quite happy to go along in that vein. Looking forward to seeing your changes in the future. I hope the change does not involve getting rid of your red and white spot borders....

Cottage and Broome said...

Good luck with the new focus on your blog. Looking forward to seeing what you do, Laura

From Beyond My Kitchen Window said...

I can't wait to read about simplifying our hectic lives. Looking forward to the reveal!

Perfectly Printed said...

Missed you! I understand what you mean about a focus.... I created my blog so I could participate in a tag swap and then did not post for six months.... and then started posting again. I still feel like I don't have a true focus but we'll see how it goes. :)
Glad you're back... chris

Sunny Simple Life said...

This books sounds like me too. I have always had a fascination with the Amish ways not in religion but in simpler ways of living. I must get this book.

Melanie said...

Missed you, glad you are back and can't wait to read more! The Amish have always fascinated me too. Love the apron on the cover of that book!!

Hausfrau said...

Heh--funny, that apron is definitely not "plain"! It would have caught my eye, too. :)

I look forward to reading your thoughts on how to live more simply. My young family was big into the Voluntary Simplicity movement back in the late-'90s, in the Dallas area, so I have read a lot of the literature and feel strongly about many of the tenets.

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Well, I am so happy to find a new post from you! My blog is slightly younger than yours. I understand the struggles with blogging. What I did do when I started blogging was pray that it would be a blessing. Either, to God, me, others, or any combination or the above. Like you, I really wanted to point out the simple blessings in life, but I never actually have stated that in my blog. So I am excited to look forward to any new posts that you have.
Blessings,
Susie

Anonymous said...

Good to see you posting, Betsy Anne!

Oh my! I could talk forever on this subject of simplfying so get ready! :) You know, I think it all depends on ones definition of simple. I probably live the simplest life of anyone I know and I like it that way!

I really think the poor Amish people have been romantized but they are real people with real problems that are just as herendous as us "english" people have in our world.

I don't mean to come across as critical but I have a first hand perspective on the Amish because my DIL was Amish until she was 14.

Our family had wanted to simplify so we lived among many Amish and former Amish people- which is how we met our DIL :)

The Amish people may not have elctronics in their lives but they are certainly a LOT busier than I am or ever have been. (Although I did TRY to keep up with them for a while!)

It seems so strange to me now how people want to take pictures of the Amish like they are some sort of zoo animal! Hee-hee! Can you imagine someone slowing way down as they pass your house and try to "see" you? ;)

My DIL's Dad tells about the hard time they had getting rid of their kittens until they wrote AMISH kittens on their sign! Then they went like hot cakes! :)

The Amish are amused by the English interest in them but it *is* good for their products. (And I'm still amused by them calling us English)

I love the Amish people but I'll take our problems over theirs any day. I don't want to burst anyone's bubble but the Amish spend very little time with their children and show very little afection. I met many from all over America and only met a few who seemed very happy.

My DIL is 30 now but she's still trying to learn how to enjoy life and her children without feeling guilty that she should be "working" instead of being "idle".

As I read over this, it could seem like an Amish rant but it really isn't. I guess I just think we can simplify without using the Amish as an example. I'm glad I had their example, though. I guess i had to go there. But now I know how I *don't* want to live.
:) I sure would like one of Ohio Amish quilts, though! :)

Crafted by Carly said...

I'm glad you're back in blogland, and look forward to reading your future posts on simplifying life (we could all do with a bit of that, I'm sure)!
Carly
x

Shirley Hatfield said...

I guess I didn't notice that it was so long since your last post...because we have been keeping in touch. After moving my sister's "hoard" the concept of simplifying my life has become quite appealing to me. I'm glad you found a focus that works for you...you know I will be looking forward to your posts. =D I haven't posted for awhile myself...again the "hoard" is to blame.

Ric Rac and Polka Dots said...

Well I sure hope you can give me some pointers! I wish to simplify but don't seem to be able to!! I'll be waiting anxiously. Thanks for the very nice comment!!
Hugs,
Julie

Lois' Laughlines said...

The sweet, simple things in life are the BEST things.
blessings to you.

Sue said...

I am so happy you are back and will love any and all posts! Your blog is so neat! But I am all about simplifying and need some ideas big time. Looking forward to seeing what you do.

Amanda said...

What a lovely focus for your blog! We could all do with simplifying areas of our lives, looking forward to seeing what you share.

Red Rose Alley said...

O.K. I have to tell you, my friend, I loved this post so much because I can totally relate to what you are saying. I love simplicity, and I think that is what we tried to portray on our blog too. I look forward to seeing your posts in the future. I hope you keep some of your color on here - that is one of the things I love about your blog. Don't ya just love Laura Ingalls Wilder? I'll tell you a secret...I watch Little House on the Prairie every day. Have a sweet day.
~Sheri at Red Rose Alley

Unknown said...

I'm glad you're back! I missed your post!
Like the idea of simplify, too!
~~Dorothy

Julie Whitmore Pottery said...

Oh that book looks good! A friend just gave me a set of the Little House books, and they are going to be my 'fall' read. By then I hope my life will be simplified enough to really take time and savor every page.
))
I'm starting by cleaning out everything and having a huge garage sale this summer. All left will go to the local thrift store and not come back in!
Your lily of the valleys are so pretty, must smell heavenly
xx
julie

GardenOfDaisies said...

I'm glad you came back!!

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