Simple Pleasures

There is a whole new trend on "Living the Simple Life" We are having to teach folks through books, instructional DVD'S, seminars, TV talk shows, radio broadcasts and social networks what is means to "Simplify"

REALLY What is so hard about being Simple??? Have we really gotten so screwed up that we do not understand how to unplug from all the techno crap, sit down with family, friends or just yourself. Can we not make a simple meal and enjoy the fact that someone took the time, money and hard work to grow and raise the items we are eating. REALLY - do we have to have this explained to us?

I admit I am the strange one who does not have a cell phone,that I am just now trying to understand the workings of Face Book, does not have a cable hook up and yes my TV had to have a converter box to get just the basic worthless TV stations. I still listen to some of my favorite tunes on CD's - no, I do not have 8 track - I am not that bad!!! I am just wondering if all those techno gadgets are the reason why we have lost touch with all those things that now folks are trying to get back?? Just wondering!!Not Judging - Just Wondering!

Last night this simple gal had the best night ever!!! At 8:45 pm I heated up the last of the homemade peach cobbler and drizzled a bit of cream on it. Made a cold glass of ice tea with ice cubes (Yep, I rarely make ice cubes - takes up space in the freezer for more important things like food). Fluffed up the pillows on the couch and turned on the TV to PBS. As I sat in the dark waiting for "Murder on the Orient Express" with my favorite detective Hercule Poirot (Played by David Suchet) my body began to tingle... You heard me right - I felt like those folks who sat around the radio listening to every word as their weekly stories unfolded before them - such excitement, such simplicity..

As the story began, one that I have read, watched and know by heart I still felt my heart beat faster. With each nipple on the cobbler my mind was replaying each event in the story, each facial expression - the wonderful accents and clothing.. As the minutes ticked by I was transformed into the story - mind, body and sole. The cares of my daily life slipped away, the aches and pains of heavy farm work did not register for one moment and yet I could hear the sounds of my farm four legged family members outside talking amongst themselves as the evening grew darker. This is the life I thought. How could you teach this to someone??? Why would they have to be taught??

I understand it is easy to say these things as I sit far away from the street lights. I have the bright star lights. Instead of hearing ambulance sounds I hear owls hooting on top of my barn. Not having to be concerned that all my doors and windows are open to catch the sweet evening breeze which I might add is the smell of wet grass, pine trees and my silly llama boy who is still releaving himself where I do not want him too but I would take that smell over crowded city smells any day. Is this why we are having to teach the Basic Simple Life??? I admit it is easier for me to live that simple life because I have not hooked my life into all those techno gadgets that keep us a slave to continual information, disconnected connections, demands on our time that have no value - shouldn't the first thing we do is put those things on the shelf and just live in the "Right Now". Find those small things that give us pleasure and do that - instead of twittering, texting, talking and watching video games on the phone. Connect to Nature or Ourselves - you do not need a book, lecture, social network to do that - just do it!

So as the story ended all to quickly leaving me wanting more - I thanked the universe for sending me such a perfect simple night...

What is your idea of a simple pleasure??