Some friends of mine called the other day.
They were off to Sligo to do their Christmas shopping.
The list of what they had to buy was long and detailed…three children and lots of family living close by!
Whilst here, they collected Holly, Ivy, lots of other greenery, as well as a small Christmas tree, which they left down by the gate to collect later on.
Back inside the cottage, warming ourselves by the stove in the kitchen and drinking mugs of hot tea, they remarked on the similarity between my lifestyle and that of the television series, “The Good Life.”
I won’t expand too much on the series as you can always look it up on YouTube and have a laugh at my expense…
So, what exactly can be called a “good life?”
And here, we’re talking in terms of lifestyle choices, rather than anything too holy!
I could draw up a list of all the things that make my life feel good, but, instead, I shall condense it all into one little word.
Simplicity.
For the past few months I have been endeavouring to make my life as simple as possible, by giving away as much as I do not want…clothes, books, household items…and painting furniture to bring it all together.
The result is very satisfying…less stuff to move around, fall over, gather dust and fret about and, more simple elegance.
Did you know that Coco Chanel built an empire on that very theme, Simple Elegance.
Her little black dress, well cut suit and No.5 perfume are still as popular as ever they were!
Living the “Good Life,” is not all about muck and wellies, no…it’s about lots of simple elegance too!
Ask Missy, she knows where to sit to look her best!
Part one of The Good Life, Christmas special 1977…
Hi Colette — I wanted to thank you for providing such inspiring thoughts to me for a couple of years now. I feel happy and peaceful when I enter the world of Bealtaine Cottage. Thanks again and all this best this festive season. Yours truly, Jools O’Gorman (not too far from you at all really 🙂
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Thanks Jools…this is all I want for my visitors…to be inspired!
You are always welcome to visit!
Bless you
Colx
I love anything that reduces the pressures of modern living and reading about the experiences of others. Will follow your blog for more of the same. Glyn
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Welcome to Bealtaine Cottage, Glyn.
Bless you
Colx
Yes, simple living does make life peaceful and stress free… Thou we live in different places, the essence of your posts and pics is very similar to my life.
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This lifestyle choice makes the best sense for living a sustainable and lovely life on this wonderful planet…so glad to find kindred spirits!
Blessings from Bealtaine Cottage
Colx
Whoever coined the very catchy, catchphrase….Less is More, defined in those three words, the essence of simplicity. Missy, of course with her colour co-ordinated choice of personal decor, is gifted with a genetic inheritance of grace and elegance from her royal Egyptian ancestors!
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Oh, that made me laugh! Missy is such a princess!
Bless you
Colx
Hi Colette.
This sounds alot like what my intentions are.
A friend called today who I’d not seen for ages and she stood in front of my log burner to get warm and said it reminded her of the Good Life.
I have my kettle on the top of it too.
She went into my garden and was followed by my 2 lovely chooks as she had a look inside the polytunnel.
I do try to pass as much stuff on as I can but sometimes struggle with this.
Have decided tonight that the Christmas decorations that aren’t being used, can go to the charity shop along with a bag full of bits and bobs that might be useful for someone else.
Less is definitely the way forward.
Loved reading tonight’s post.
Thanks again for inspiring me.
Best wishes.
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And one thing is certain…money can’t buy a good life! It is a Zen state of mind we cultivate in de-cluttering and sharing.
I hung excess decorations on the trees along the driveway!
Blessings from Bealtaine Cottage
Colx
She certainly does. I think you have the key with simplicity. Too much stuff is a great complication…letting go of things is a great goal. Some embrace it easier than others ,but everyone I know who has done it feels a great sense of relief! Your cottage is looking great by the way….uncluttered and yet welcoming. Take good care, Patti
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The Charity shop in town will be getting another load of Bealtaine goodies tomorrow!
Blessings to you both
Colx
Colette you are so right, it is the simple things that make life so wonderful. Last night we had meteor showers , I always go out in there dark pasture every night to look at the night sky and I saw one streak through the sky, how lucky am I to see such a simple thing. I am blessed and every year I add more and more plants to my property to make my life more sustainable. Thank you for always being inspiring. I love seeing your kitties they are so sweet, Missy knows the perfect place and Sam is an explorer. Oliver is healed now and he getting friendlier.Life is good. Blessings to you and your family.
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We can but look after the little piece of Earth we live on and treasure the simplicity of a life well lived.
Since you left this comment there has been news of a dreadful calamity in Connecticut.
May the families of the bereaved and traumatized find comfort.
I will light a candle for them tonight at Bealtaine Cottage.
Blessings to you and yours and those who suffer in Connecticut.
Colx