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Quote of the Day: Duane Elgin

December 23rd, 2012

“Our life experience is based more on our individual level of awareness than on any particular external experience. Our enjoyment of life is profoundly enhanced by the knowledge that we don’t need much in order to be happy. By consciously adopting a simple lifestyle, we give ourselves the opportunity the be satisfied and happy, whether or not we strike it rich or not.”

Mother Earth News, in article about Voluntary Simplicity by Duane Elgin

Yesterday, as I baked and cleaned in preparation for Christmas and I thought about what I really love. Cooking is one of those things. I was planning on having a really nice dinner for just Mr Chiots and I, but then we decided to invite our neighbor who’s a widower. Since his daughter lives in London and the rest of his family lived in the Midwest, we figured he might enjoy some company on Christmas. Then my parents decided to come for a few days and now it looks like we’ll have a full house on Christmas day. It’s a good thing since I got a 10lb standing rib roast at the farmer’s market.
roasted root vegetables
There’s nothing I love more than spending the day in the kitchen making a wonderful meal, then sitting down with friends and family to enjoy it. Cooking is really one of the simple pleasures in my life and one of my favorite things about the holiday season! Whether I’m cooking an expensive rib roast or simply making soup from a few bones, I’m happy in my kitchen!

What are some of the simple pleasures you enjoy during the holidays?

11 Comments to “Quote of the Day: Duane Elgin”
  1. kristin @ going country on December 23, 2012 at 5:43 am

    I love Christmas trees. Every year I bitch (internally) about putting it up and stringing the lights and hauling out all of the ornaments . . . but it never fails to make me happy to sit in a room illuminated only by a Christmas tree.

    Merry Christmas to you and everyone else at Chiot’s Run, Susy.

    Reply to kristin @ going country's comment

  2. Maybelline on December 23, 2012 at 6:30 am

    The wonderful smells and the magical glow from Christmas lights or candles.

    Reply to Maybelline's comment

  3. Lisa on December 23, 2012 at 9:43 am

    Each year, few days before Christmas, I make my soft molasses cookies. That evening I sit with my big mug of tea and eat a few cookies before the marathon cooking session begins. I sit near the tree and just take it all in. One if my favorite moments all year.

    Reply to Lisa's comment

  4. Beth K on December 23, 2012 at 9:59 am

    I think for me the very best part of the holidays is the time spent with family.

    Reply to Beth K's comment

  5. daisy on December 23, 2012 at 10:35 am

    Stringing popcorn for the tree and watching Christmas movies.
    Hope you have a memorable Christmas. Enjoy!

    Reply to daisy's comment

  6. Robin on December 23, 2012 at 11:23 am

    The roasted veggies look delicious. My mouth is watering.

    I love bringing the outdoors in to decorate for Christmas, and food. I’m hosting our second Christmas dinner today. Everything was grown and raised here or nearby–roast beast, potatoes, carrots, winter squash, freshly baked bread (whole wheat honey, cooling now) and apple crisp for dessert. My in-laws will go home with gift baskets loaded with farm raised and homemade goods. Christmas from the heart.

    Reply to Robin's comment

  7. Joan on December 23, 2012 at 12:08 pm

    So glad your parents are coming. What a gift!

    Reply to Joan's comment

  8. misti on December 23, 2012 at 12:40 pm

    I like the times of just relaxing and not running around—watching random, old movies on tv and hanging out with family. And baking….baking is my cooking.

    Reply to misti's comment

  9. judym on December 23, 2012 at 2:20 pm

    One of my favorite things is getting up early Christmas morning ( or any morning) and watching the birds and other wildlife in our yard. It’s such a peaceful scene. Occasionally, if we’re lucky, we will see deer run through the property – That’s a real thrill!

    Merry Christmas to you and Mr. Chiots!

    Reply to judym's comment

  10. Sierra N Hampl on December 23, 2012 at 5:32 pm

    Each year I look forward to brunch at my parent’s house. My mom is a very good cook, and makes a wonderful brunch for all of us, and then we get to enjoy watching the kids open presents.

    Reply to Sierra N Hampl's comment

  11. bonnie k. on December 23, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    Good for you for inviting your neighbor! Hope it’s a great day for everyone!

    Reply to bonnie k.'s comment

About

This is a daily journal of my efforts to cultivate a more simple life, through local eating, gardening and so many other things. We used to live in a small suburban neighborhood Ohio but moved to 153 acres in Liberty, Maine in 2012.

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