Simplicity
February 1, 2010
A book I am re-reading at the moment, “The Art of Simplicity”. Still fascinating and inspiring. Dominique Loreau writes about living more simply, reducing the number of objects that may surround us, having less, making choices about what is really essential in our life. Her wish in writing this book is to invite us to try getting rid of the superfluous to find more inner space. She reintroduces us to the pleasures of living without the excess. A wonderful perspective, one of my resolutions for this new year. The good news is… slowly but surely I have started the “désencombrement” (to clear) and it feels so good !
I chose this picture to participate in Scott Thomas’ “White” assignement for this month on his blog . You are all invited to visit his site and join in ! Don’t wait too long : your “white” pictures should be posted till Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 ! Good luck and much pleasure.
The red rose is for you, giiid, http://my2008blog.wordpress.com/ . Thank you so much for your help ! I made it 😉
Isathreadsoflife's Blog 
Isa, you are so sweet. I am very happy. Thank you !!!
The subject you are reading about is absolutely fascinating, I am thinking about this matter almost every day. (I´m not sure it LOOKS that way,though!)
Years ago, as a young mother of three sons under the age of three, I quickly realized my limitations as an organizer and decided to tackle the overwhelming problem of having to manage ‘stuff’ by strictly limiting its entry into our home. This meant fewer clothes (but more frequent laundry days), fewer dishes (but more frequent dishwashing), less furniture, books and possessions(but more household space).
Now in my fifties, I probably own less than I did in my twenties. The constant editing and refusal to bring more into my environment on an ongoing basis hasn’t been easy, but it does give me immense peace of mind.
With all best wishes to you in accomplishing your goal.
Simplicity is a noble goal.
It is not easy to reach. Your image is elegant in it’s simplicity.
…Some simplicity would do fine here. There are too many things around me. Far too many. Perhaps they even occupy my inner space.
For all its spare simplicity, that image is warm and inviting. An interesting take on “White.”
Hello everybody 🙂 so nice to see you all here and to read your comments ! Wish we could share our words around the table with a morning coffee or tea if your prefer.
giiid, thanks again for your help, it’s a pleasure to offer you this red rose, even if only in a picture !
flandrumhill, I admire your wise decision of years ago, surely you have enjoyed the benefit of it since then. Every day I am progressing in my resolution and I am amazed at the superfluous things that I thought were absolutely necessary.
carsten, simplicity is not so easy to reach indeed. Parting with certain things is like leaving a little of your past behind. But living in the present with less around and more inner space is so rewarding !
Gerry,I do appreciate your comment on the picture itself. I tried to make it simple yet appealing. Less is beautiful, they say. I still have a lot to learn.
Merci à tous 🙂
Adding color to offset the white, makes it more white and leads our eyes to your subject. A very nice still-life composition, Isa! Thank you for participating and telling us about your quest to simplify.
I love the idea of simplicity. The words “burden free”
pop into my head…When there is less clutter I feel I can think more clearly. The rose is beautiful : )
and what a perfect picture for the word “simplicity”.
Beautiful!
[…] from Switzerland is looking to simplify her life. The still life photo she produced to illustrate her quest is an excellent study in how white compliments color for a wonderful, eye-pleasing […]
Scott, again thank you for your appreciation of my picture. I do enjoy participate in these assignements, it makes you look differently at your own pictures… and search for something special !
ancientcloth, I feel like you, with less clutter around, I think more clearly and go to what would be the essential for me. Thank you for your warm comments:)
What a lovely photograph. The texture as backdrop was an excellent choice. 🙂
Best of luck to you in decluttering your life. Much easier said than done is true. I have managed to do a bit of weeding out, but am still surrounded by “stuff.” Ah, well…one character flaw at a time! lol 🙂
Thanks for your visit kanniduba and for your good wishes too. You are so right, decluttering is not that easy but a little each day makes you feel good in the evening and encourages you for the next day 😉
Hi, Isa! Scott just nudged me over to read your blog on simplicity. Love what you said! And your photo as well… (And it’s nice to see some other blogging friends, flandrumhill and Gerry commenting here, too.) I just wrote a blog last night called Simplify, Simplify, Simplify which you might enjoy. It’s a life-long intention, I think.
P.S. Spent a summer in Basel at age 18, and then re-visited your beautiful country a couple years ago, taking a train up from Italy through the Alps. You live in such a beautiful place!
How lovely to read you Kathy ! Just went to your blog and entry Simplify, Simplify, Simplify… I loved all I saw, pictures and words.
If you travelled by train from Italy through the Alps, you went through my area, Valais. I agree, I am lucky to live in this area. Although I know it, I can’t help admiring it at all seasons. Gratefulness 🙂