Voluntary Simplicity

I realized today as I was flipping through my bible, The Simple Living Guide by Janet Luhrs, that I haven't given the voluntary simplicity movement enough credit in this project. Voluntary simplicity means mono-tasking instead of multi-tasking. It means living in the moment, taking one's time to engage the senses and truly experience a task. The Simple Living Guide continues to bring me back to center as I try to live this counter-American way of life here in the Midwest.

Still Kicking

One thing I've learned from this project is that I'm not a very passionate blogger. I really like the idea of a blog, and I thought a web-log was an appropriate medium for this project, but I just don't like to spend that much time on the internet. It feels like a chore. It's getting so warm out and I just got a Wisconsin State Park pass so I've been in the woods where I can't get wi-fi.

Despite my lack of enthusiasm for posting my progress, I do have some success to report. Everyday for the past week, the Demon of Instant Gratification has been whispering in my ear to buy things. New things. For example, I've been obsessing about my health (again, spring fever) and decided that I need a vegetable steamer. I wanted to go to Target and buy one so bad, but I got a used one on ebay instead. Now I wait in agony until it arrives...

Sweater Rehab

I found this handmade sweater at the thrift store and it was very unflattering. I removed the cuffs from the waist and the wrists, made the neck more attractive, and added some accents with yellow yarn.

Felting Wins Again

I realized I didn't like wearing this sweater anymore (and yes, it's the sweater in my profile picture) but I wasn't ready to donate it because I still like the pattern. Since its previous owner had already felted it, I easily cut off the sleeves without any fraying and I now have a vest and leg warmers.