Simplicity

I love this series of shirts from Patagonia, but somehow spending $30 bucks to remind myself to simplify seems like a bit of a contradiction.

The more I get rid of the nouns and verbs that don’t fit into the life I’ve imagined, the better I feel and the more room I have for the nouns and verbs that I want to be part of my every day. I stumbled upon this little book in a used bookstore a few weeks ago. It’s corny in places, but this passage has me thinking:

“According to psychologist Paul Rozin of the University of Pennsylvania, Europeans spend a greater percentage of their disposable income on experiences such as vacation packages and concert tickets while Americans spend more of their money on goods such as cars and air-conditioners.” – The Sweet Life: 101 Great Ideas for Living a Happier, More Balanced Life by William Sinunu.

I like A/C and I am proud of my culture, but I am drawn to stories from European families about long holidays and the kinds of experiences that seem simple and memorable. Statistically speaking, they work fewer hours in Europe. I can learn a thing or two about that. I hope to focus on cultivating family experiences more and stuff less.

Speaking of simple beauty, I loved this post from Molly Wizenberg about her grandmother and her recipe box. If you haven’t already, check out her flickr feed, too for photos of things like her wedding, Delancey {the restaurant she and her husband have opened in Seattle}, remaining dishes on their table after a dinner party with friends. You know, the good stuff.