first snow

homecoming

Coming home last night, just after dark,
I was surprised to find a moon in my tree.

giving thanks

I've been reading a blog I'd like to recommend: No Impact Man

It's a thoughtful, intelligent, well-written blog that focuses on the environmental impact of our choices. This is not a doom and gloom diatribe, but an optimistic experiment in "eco-effective" living.
(And there are links galore to other informative blogs).

I've always lived small and simple. It's a deliberate lifestyle choice.

My family, bless them, have long felt sorry for 'poor Carol' and hoped that maybe someday I would have a bigger house and a newer car and more fashionable clothes to wear. It embarrasses them that I shop in thrift stores and puzzles them that I'm quite content with my low consumption lifestyle.

But, living simply is not about being frugal just to save a dime.
And, for me anyway, it's not about saving the planet. I'm not militant about it, not trying to prove anything, not aiming for sainthood.

It's just that I discovered long ago that living with less felt more abundant and satisfying than living with a long list of wants and desires for more, more, more.

One of my favorite quotes by Lao Tzu is:
"He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough."

I'm so grateful that I've always had enough.

tenacity

one last leaf
hanging on

Luna Love

My friend, NitaLisa, owns a fabulous bead store in Frisco, Colorado.

I took these pictures there in September
just before we left for the bead show.

Imagine shopping with someone who is buying for an entire store! Yikes!
That's why it takes us three whole days. But, oh, the fun we have.

I just got an e-mail from her saying that she had rented more space
to set up a hot glass studio for lampworking, fusing, glass blowing,
and will have room for classes.
She's been wanting to do this for the longest time
and I know it will be a great addition to her store.

So, I just wanted to give her a shot out and wish her luck.
If you are ever up her way, stop by and say hi.

#3051

I'm number 3051.
What number are you?

If you haven't taken the pledge yet, head on over to buyhandmade.org and sign up.
There is power in numbers!

My blue heaven....

The sky over Salida, Colorado
November 1