Simple Living in the New Year

The Simple Life
By Sheryl Simons
It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness

SIMPLE LIVING IN THE NEW YEAR
Doesn’t life seem to get more complicated sometimes? Relationships are complicated – with some people, we have to be careful what we say. Jobs are complicated, we have to be careful how we act. To me, it seems it’s great to be home. It’s one of the few places you can just be yourself and relax and not have to be or act in a certain way. Everyone needs a place to feel loved and accepted, just the way they are. "If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I'll bet they'd live a lot differently." ~~ Calvin of the "Calvin and Hobbes" comic strip. Most people long for simplicity. A man named Tom enjoyed the simple things of life. He traveled, sometimes taking jobs at ranches, national parks and resorts. His brother, thinking he should get a "real" job often sent him photos of himself enjoying the so-called "good life." He labeled his snapshots "My new jacuzzi" or "My new car." Then Tom responded with a photo of his own. He sent his brother a large poster with a breathtaking view of Wyoming's mountainous scenery. On the back was Tom's message: "My back yard." His brother’s photos stopped arriving. "The Good Life" is not defined by things, but by the pure simplicity of having a safe place to be yourself and enjoy the beauty around you. One morning as I left for work, several Bald Eagles soared right above my back door. They were so close, gliding under the big white cloud hanging low above the yard. That was one of the most awesome moments of my life.
I recently hit a deer while driving home from work. The damage was minimal to the deer, as he trotted off but now there is a small ding in the hood. Even though it was barely noticeable, could I live with it the way it was? I realized that if I invested the money in my vanity (which was exactly all it was), I could hit another deer anyway. No, the only dent was in my thoughts. The people who love me don’t care what I drive. I was disappointed, but I let go of the dent. My car runs great, gets really good mileage, and is dependable. It’s transportation – which is what it is meant to be. The ½ mile of gravel road, before I get to the pavement, leaves my car looking like I was mud bogging during rainy spells, but it gets me where I need to go. I am thankful for my little friend. If I keep taking good care of her, she may last me a good many years more. What’s one little ding? I have a few myself. John Burroughs (1837-1921) put it like this: "To find the universal elements enough; to find the air and the water exhilarating; to be refreshed by a morning walk or an evening saunter...to be thrilled by the stars at night; to be elated over a bird's nest or a wildflower in spring -- these are some of the rewards of the simple life." Those of us who have learned to appreciate the beauty around us, do livedifferently. The difference is this: when we value simplicity, we have really learned to live. May this be the motto for your New Year!

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The world is a looking glass, and gives back to every man the reflection of his own face. Frown at it and it will in turn look sourly upon you; laugh at it and with it, and it is a jolly kind companion. ~William Makepeace Thackeray
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Simple Muffin Mix
3 c Flour,
3 c Whole Wheat Flour,
1 c Sugar,
1 c Instant Dry Milk,
1/4 cup Baking Powder,
2 t Salt,
2 T Cinnamon,
1/2 t Cloves

Spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. In large bowl, combine allingredients; blend well. Store in airtight container in a cool, dry place. Makes about 8 cups mix. For gift giving, measure 2 cups mix, and place in airtight container orzipper- topped storage bag. Be sure to include recipe for Holiday Muffins. A pint jar is the perfect size for giving this mix as a gift. To decorate, cut a 9 inch-diameter circle from fabric of your choice. Center fabric over lid and secure with a rubber band. Tie on raffia or ribbon bow to cover the rubber band. Attach card with the following directions:

HOLIDAY MUFFINS 2 cups Simple Muffin Mix, 2/3 cup water, 1 egg, slightly beaten, 1/4 cup oilHeat oven to 400 deg. Line 2 muffin cups with paper baking cups. In mediumbowl, place muffin mix, water, egg and oil; stir until dry ingredients are justmoistened. DO NOT OVER MIX. Fill prepared muffin cups approximately 1/2 full. Bake at 400 degrees F for 10 to 15 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Immediately remove from pan. Serve warm. Yield: 12 muffins. 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips or 1/2 cup pecan pieces can be added to batter.

Keeping it Simple,
Sheryl


Please contact Sheryl with recipes, questions, comments and simple living ideas that work for you. Email: thesimple_life@yahoo.com
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