For years and years, I have been wondering if there were others out there like me ~ others who wanted less, not more. Less items, less things, less stuff. I’ve always wondered what it would be like to be nomadic, to have just what fit in your car, and nothing else. This idea has excited me for years.

But a home brings things, and a business brings things, and being an artist brings supplies and canvases in various stages of completion. And now, being a mother and wife ~ both bring their equipment as well. All have made my simplification urges harder to fulfill. But I love to nest, so twiddling away at clutter control is perfect for me.

Quite awhile ago, I began searching online for people who share this feeling ~ I had heard of packrats, shopaholics, hoarders ~ and even clean-freaks and neatniks ~ but I wasn’t getting enough personal information online about people that seem to have a strong adversity to clutter, people who, since childhood, would get the sweats and dizzy-ill spells if they spent too much time in a department store (like I did).

I searched online but always found the opposite of what I was looking for. I have visited hundreds of homes over the years, and (at that point) had yet to find someone as freakishly intent on sharing this desire.

These tendencies are far from debilitating ~ they are invigorating. Each time I find something not needed anymore, I am cheered. Happy to give it to someone who can put it to good use. The local charities have been fond of us over the years. Each time a toy breaks, I toss or recycle it, happy to have one less thing in the home (but don’t get me started on cheap-o toys, that’s a whole ‘nother conversation).


It wasn’t until I stumbled upon the Circle Of Simplicity and began studying Voluntary Simplicity, that everything began to make sense. I began to view myself as less and less of a weirdo and more and more as a piece to a puzzle.

My obsession had found a purpose, and that was refreshing and offered so much promise.

Fellow simplifiers, I know you are out there!

Love & Sincerely, Katie

This is just a smidge of the beginning of my journey into Simple Living, more will come, promise.

To be continued…

Above Image: Refined Chaos ~ my intention was to show the physical simplicity of a space (living room) allowing the wild excitement of life to take place within. This painting is available, let me know if you are interested.