Nice Day Today

Hi Friends
I love Sundays. They are so peaceful and quiet. I guess my not having kids does factor into the "peace" aspect... I went to a horse show yesterday which was fun. Got to go out to a friend's house out past the Tucson Mountains. She has some of the prettiest views of the desert. Its funny to me how people see the word "desert" in their minds. The word usually brings visions of sand dunes and cow skeletons. If you have never been to Tucson you dont know. The desert is beautiful, alive and GREEN! We are in a cooler season right now so we have these beautiful crisp clear days. Lows in the 40's highs in the mid 70's. The sky is so blue you could just stare at it for hours. The best part, sunsets. I know, I've talked about sunsets here before. This is another one of those things I could describe but those descriptions do no justice. I took several picts for the benefit of a new friend who has never been to Tucson and posted them on my Facebook. The sunset that I caught with my camera yesterday, simply amazing. Winter sunsets are not usually like this one. Ones like this are usually seen during monsoon in june july and august. Those are accompanied by stunning electrical storms and warm rain. The Saguaro National Monument during a monsoon sunset is one of the things that should be on that list of things to see before you die.

In any case, this one was...wow. What do you think? Let me know! It's nice to know if someone likes my blog much less is reading it! ;)
Peace and cheer!
Christine

Thoughts on Frugalism

I sat in my office today and listened to my "consume everything" minded office mate and my thoughts went to consumerism and the art of frugality.

I live simply. I don't desire designer this or luxury that. I think simple and functional are beautiful. Even before the economy started to tank and gas prices went insane, I shook my head in wonder at people who measured their worth by giant SUVs and how many pairs of Manolo Blanik (sp) shoes they owned. I've never felt a need for such things. I own a Fossil purse - that I bought thrift for $5 - much better than the $75 it would have cost new. I guess now that people are "trying to be more responsible" the ones who are addicted to BUY, BUY, BUY are sad creatures. What is more beautiful, a desert sunset during monsoon or a new Hummer. What lasts longer in your heart? What means more? In the grand scheme of things what makes you feel better?

In my mind's eye, I smell the desert after the rain. That intoxicating scent of moisture, dirt and sage. It's the smell of life and renewal. I open my eyes to the grand show nature is putting on. Boiling clouds set affire by the setting sun. Brilliant jewel tones in blue, red, purple, orange and gold light the sky. For that moment you're one with nature and the Earth itself. Listen and you can almost hear it breathe. That-or 8 miles to the gallon, new car smell and the "envy" of your friends...you can probably guess my preference.

It seems to me a man trying to fill the holes in his soul and self esteem by buying and buying...must live a very sad and unfulfilling life - even though I'm sure they would be the first to argue the opposite.

I'm sorry, I sometimes go on but in the age we live in, deep reflective thinking isn't seen very often. Its nice to know there is more to a person than the credit cards in their wallet or the email address on the screen.
My thoughts for today come from an article on msn.com about frugality "Frugalist find bargins in the trash" http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24879628
While I admit I wouldnt eat from a dumpster (dont put that in your mouth really stuck with me from childhood LOL!) but the comments had a lot of really interesting stories. Some quotes that inspired this blog entry are...
"He who knows he has enough is rich" Lao Tzu
"Only a fool would judge the size of a man's wallet by the pants he carries it in"
"The measure of a man's wealth is in proportion to the number of things he can do without"
Thomas Jefferson
"Big hat - no cattle" Old Texas saying