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[threedame...@gmail.com]

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[peggyc...@sbcglobal.net]

I have made some grand changes in my finances. I have learned to
simplify. I spend less than I make. Not having a cell phone, cable
TV, etc does not feel like deprivation. Getting $6 haircuts at Culver
Beauty School and leaving $5 tips is a win/win. The greatest feeling
is to spend less and give more. I love my charities. However, it
requires investigation to know that your charity is a top rated one.
One of my favorites is International Rescue Committee. THey have been
given top ratings and have been around for 75 years. They even gave
to Katrina victims. Life feels so abundant when you can become more
involved in giving back to our world..

[katiegirl]

When you set out to simplify your life, how did you go about doing it?
What was the impetus, if you don't mind me asking. You've totally re-
shaped your life and you sound so happy and fulfilled, it's quite
beautiful. I'd love to know more!

[Joyva]

Check out Vanity Fair this month/Bernie Madoff article where the rich
and famous wiped out by his ponzi scheme now have to reinvent not only
their bank accounts but how they view themselves, their social group,
their "retirements" and then find out what to do for a living, maybe
for the first time, to survive. It is really relavent and incredible
to hear their stories and know "there by the grace of God go I".

[dsignrmom]

On Mar 14, 4:57 pm, dsignrmom wrote:
My husband and I recently bought a house in an area that used to be
farming land. We have huge almost ancient trees in front, about four
of them are pecan trees, and then in the back of the house is a large
open area upon which we are planting the largest garden we've ever
had, and I will be re-learning to 'can' fruits and vegetables. Not
that we can't afford to go to the local supermarket, but because we've
made a pledge to ourselves (and our sons) to maintain a healthier
diet. So our own organic garden, and seeking out local organic farmers
is a big thing for us, and is affordable rather than making twice a
week trips to Whole Foods, which end up being over $100 a trip. (I
still can't figure out how it can cost that much, but it's organic/
healthy, right?) I've also joined a co-op who seek out resources for
grassfed beef, organic eggs, dairy products, and even fresh/frozen
Alaskan salmon. (I can't wait for this arrival!) Why go to all this
'trouble'? Keep reading.

I was, once, an interior designer. I've worked in the hotel design
industry, the retail residential design industry, and in kitchen
design (which I loved doing and would go back into if I could), but,
due to my health I haven't been able to work since 1997. I have
fibromyalgia and it's done a number on my pain level and my memory, or
as Fibro Patients call it, "Brain Fog". When the fatigue begins, the
fog settles and I am known to reply to any comments directed at me
with, 'Hmmm?" "What?" or "Aaaaaaaaa..." It was this forgetfulness
that caused me to offer to leave my last job, after enraging a client,
instead of having the shame of being fired. (Talk about kissing ass
over the phone! I did it, for several minutes on his answering
machine.)
The fog and the fatigue are my constant companions, no matter what.

My husband is a partner in a small commercial building firm. At the
moment they've not been seriously effected by the economy, (or he's
keeping things from me, which he's been known to do) mainly because
they primarily build housing for the handicapped or for the elderly
that is funded in tandem by a religious group/church and funding from
Housing and Urban Development. It is our hope that HUD continues with
their commitment to these citizens of our nation.

My husband works long hard hours to make sure he prices these jobs,
via the architect's blueprints, correctly so his hard working
employee's can be paid, and the company will make at least a small
profit. Some projects end up paying better than others, but in the end
it seems to be working out and we feel blessed.
Another thing he has done from the day we wed 37 years ago is to put
back much more money than we spend. My husband can actually get blood
out of a turnip! So, he has money stashed away, supposedly so our
sons will have an inheritance. I believe it would kill Mike for us to
go through that savings and leave nothing for the boys except this
house. But, one never knows, so we are relieved that he's the
contientous one.

So, how am I reinventing myself? Re-learning to put food by, either
canning or freezing, cooking at home more than before, getting
exercise from making the large garden as productive as possible
instead of paying for a gym or personal trainer for my health issues.
And best of all, I've returned to writing, photography, and have
turned one of the rooms in the new house into an art studio, I truly
believe I can sell my work. I've always been my worst critic, but no
more. I've seen what's sold at artist's markets around here, and I
know I have something to offer and it beat's standing for hours in
uncomfortable shoes saying, 'Welcome to Ethan Allen!"

[dsignrmom]

I look forward to reading this. Thanks for the heads-up, Joy.