blog changes/refocus of purpose

So I'm revamping the blog a little.  I'm still going to feature ideas for living simply in a small space because I am passionate about keeping my footprint on this earth down to something from which it can easily recover.

But there is more to living Simple Symmetry than just the space one occupies...there is the space one is occupied BY. The space within.  Our purpose, values, ideas...and dealing with the everyday messiness of the mind.

I've been doing a ton of reading/studying/self-reflection and I need a space to write about this facet of my life along with other "simple life" types of things. They all go together in my world.

So I hope you'll all enjoy the changes, the post count should go up now too. I hope you'll weigh in with your own insights and thoughts about what I post. I'm looking forward to learning from a variety of viewpoints!

Photo by Eric Jacobs

Today's epiphany was compliments of BNet  a fantastic sight for all things motivational, business, inspiration and just good stuffs. You have to join, but it's free.  Today I read an article about multitasking and was struck by the last bullet point:

• Likewise, when you’re meeting one-on-one or in a small group, you should give them your undivided attention. Not only is that more efficient for everyone, it’s called treating people with respect. 

That one hit me right between the eyes!  The whole experience of reading that one bullet point began with some mental finger pointing in the direction of one of the people I deal with on a daily basis. Oh I was righteously indignant and that finger was LONG!  But then, there was this sudden turning of the finger...and I remembered that "silly" thing I learned so many years ago. The things that bug you the most about others are the things you don't like or won't acknowledge about yourself. BINGO! I am so guilty of this, no wonder it derails me when I am on the receiving end.  I'm trying to wake myself up!  

Ok, I'm awake. This week I practice giving others my full attention. This week I practice offering them my respect.

more small homes

Seems more and more Folks are looking to live simply without unneeded extravagance. I like some of these tiny homes, but not all of them. Which one is your favorite? (click the Picture to go look!)

shabby chic victorian cottage in the catskill mountains

Ok, so I admit it's a bit "girly" but I am a girl, so I love it. The surroundings, the house, everything.
Look at this front view:

Click the picture for the article in the NY Times

This was originally a hunting cabin in the Catskill mountains. The woman in the picture, Sandra Foster, renovated the whole thing for the cost of about $3000.00, furniture included. 

For more pictures, there is a link in the article to follow to see the inside, surrounding areas and to learn more about Ms. Foster and her husband.  You can also click the following photograph.

 (I even like the idea that the bedroom is all hers!)  Another small space I could call home, except for the missing heat and bathroom...fix that and I'm IN!

found the perfect table!

Well, almost perfect. It's the perfect size and height...absolutely perfect in that way.
I picked it up for a sweet 10 bux at the local thrift store. It could use a refinishing and a good sanding, to smooth out a nick or two, but it'll do the trick.
Living in an RV, I don't need it to be too fancy...not in this RV anyway...maybe the next one.

Unfortunately, I also learned that the printer is up at my MIL's so it will be a while still, before I have that in place.

I'll post a picture of it later. Thrift stores rock!

my new video! you can make one too!

unexpected guests?

This is a cute little number that doubles as an ottoman by day into evening and when you need an extra bed, it folds open to become a comfy bed!  I have used those inflatable Aerobeds that are famous for being the height of a real bed, though there aren't, and I can never get warm enough to sleep. For some, the Aerobed is a great solution since they prefer cooler temps for sleeping.

It's possible that I might appreciate an Aerobed in the heat of summer...oh wait, it was Las Vegas in September! Nevermind. Even a blanket to sleep on wasn't enough. But THIS little bed would be warm and cozy. It's quite a bit more narrow than a traditional twin bed - 9 inches actually - and only an inch longer than a traditional twin. Still, a good solution to have an extra bed around in a studio apartment, dorm room or even a den. Look!

As a Bed

As an ottoman

Pretty cool!

For my purposes, it would be great to have a couple of ottomans for putting our feet up at the end of the day, and all the while, I'd know I could handle a couple more overnight guests than are supplied with the built in sleep areas within my home.

Once again, you can find it here: www.improvementscatalog.com

I realize I've posted a bunch of items from this company. I assure you all, I am not affiliated in any way. I just received a catalog and realized there would be some great stuff in there for me to mention here. So there you have it. I suppose there will be other posts from this catalog company as I did see a couple other items I'm thinking about, but then, another catalog might arrive with great ideas too.

Do you have some favorite sites/catalogs like Improvements for me to check out? Would love to know about them!

the coolest little table ever!

I found the perfect table for the next trailer we own. When we have that sweet fifth wheel, I shall tell them to keep their dining room table and replace it with this sweet little space saving gem!

It will live against a wall - perhaps beneath a sunny window - when not in use and it will be so perfect! See?

And when it's time to enjoy dinner or something that requires a little more table space, I'll open it up and do this:

And if we have more company, I'll get the 2 extra FOLDING chairs and the two extra leaves out of the "basement" storage and do this!

What style I choose depends entirely upon the interior decor of the fifth wheel. I like them both equally. Pretty neat, huh? This would work really well in a studio apartment too. 

Find it here: www.improvementscatalog.com

What do you think?