At the very least, having handmade skills contributes to my sense of self-worth. I feel proud when I make something I love, and I've been stopped in the street many times and asked where I got my dress. "Slow Clothing" pg 71
Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you? I’m probably not the best example of someone living simply, as I do enjoy some (many) indulgences and I’m aware there is a lot more that I can do! My husband and I live in a 2-bedroom apartment rather than a house. It’s all we need, and by default it prevents us from accumulating too much stuff. We have a little herb garden and composting system on our balcony and are thinking about setting up a communal vege patch in the yard of our apartment block. I think the biggest thing that I personally do is try and educate myself on how things are made and where they come from. This started with clothing around 10 years ago, when I became more aware of sweatshops and fast fashion. However, it also extends into other aspects of life, such as understanding where food comes from, having awareness of and empathy for others — particularly refugees, First Nations peoples, and those living in developing countries. Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living? My special interest is sewing — I make most of what I wear (mostly dresses, skirts and tops). I still buy some things (underwear, exercise clothing, jeans), but I try to buy fewer things that last longer, and largely from companies who are sustainable or on their way to becoming sustainable. One of my favourite things is being able to make a new outfit for a special event — I can guarantee that no-one else will be wearing it (especially since I buy a lot of my fabrics in India when I travel there for work). Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path? As I educated myself about the fashion industry, I became increasingly uncomfortable financially contributing towards it. I decided to teach myself to sew my own clothes and had varying levels of success to begin with! I don’t like when people refer to it as a ‘talent’ — it’s simply a skill that anyone can learn with time and patience. I didn’t have much of the latter when I began, but I do now! What do you find challenging about trying to live simply? At the moment, it’s having the time and space. My sewing space is in a study/dining nook in our apartment, and this became my full-time office in 2020. After working long hours in there, the last thing I wanted to do was stay longer to sew. I’m very lucky to work for a company that encourages work–life balance, and for the next 4 months they’re giving us Friday afternoons off to do something for ourselves. I plan to get back to sewing! What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you? I love having unique clothing that no-one else has. I get an enormous sense of achievement when I complete a garment that is just for me. What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down? This is something I’m really bad at, unfortunately. Does drinking a gin and tonic count? Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful? I struggle to listen to podcasts (as I find my mind wanders), and books can also be difficult for me due to my job in the publishing industry (it’s like more work!). However, I do have a few books and documentaries I can recommend!
What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year? I learnt about Tiger King! I may have watched a lot of Netflix. But, seriously, I was fortunate enough to remain employed in my publishing job throughout 2020, and I was incredibly busy! Even though I was at home all the time, I didn’t have the time or headspace for sewing or baking. I guess the main learning is that humanity is the most important thing. I find it really upsetting seeing how much worse nationalism has become during this crisis — it’s every country for themselves instead of everyone working towards a resolution for the greater good of all people. It’s especially an issue with the current situation in India. I have spent a lot of time there for my work, so I have first-hand insight into the challenges that people there are facing. I see a lot of the Western media blaming ‘poor behaviours’ of people without having any concept of what the living conditions are like. We should all be working together to help overcome these challenges for the collective good of all people, rather than turning countries against one another. What would you like to learn about or do in the future? I wouldn’t mind doing an MBA or economics degree, with a focus on ethics and sustainability. If money or time were no option what would you like to do? I’d love to be able to help fund sustainable projects to enable First Nations peoples and those in developing countries (particularly women) establish businesses to achieve financial independence. I think it’s particularly important to provide the resources for people to be able to leverage their own cultural capital, rather than it being used by others for profit. If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you? I’m out of the blogging world these days, but you can find me on Instagram (@kyliepc). Hopefully you might see fewer photos of gin and more photos of sewing projects!
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 Thankful Thursday. On one of my morning walks this week I found this birds nest on the ground beside the footpath. It is such an incredible work of art. It is made with some natural fibre but also strips of plastic and lined with pillow stuffing. It certainly would have been a cozy nest.
It reminded me of our family this last weekend. It has been a year since Dad had his accident and we gathered together to remember and honour him. It was a very meaningful occasion, a real team effort, with everybody contributing in different ways. It was like we were in a soft cosy nest with everybody caring and looking after one another. Giving each other the space to share, laugh and remember. Today I am thankful to God for: campfires, heartfelt songs, stories and memories, crazy socks, slide show complete with upside down slides, a sheet for a screen and technology problems, a full house, hugs, stacked fire wood, farm walks and lunch at the Bunya Mountains. I am re-learning that Jesus to me is Still. Time is lost when you spend time with Him. He brings quiet, peace, contentment and just ‘still.’ He stills the storms, the waves, the rush, the competition, the judgement. I want to get to know this more.
Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you? Living simply to me is being intentional about my choices, rather than following every trend. I know that I will never feel like I have enough if I keep chasing the next best thing. For the first time this year I have felt more content than I have ever felt. I have dedicated the next 12 months to pausing and slowing down more than I ever have and to actually feel BORED. My goal is to achieve ‘peace’ and ‘still’. I catch myself feeling guilty about this because it seems so counter cultural to not be making huge changes or influencing others, and then I pause to consider where that guilt comes from. Even after 8 years of listening and reading to minimalism advice, I am still on a journey of learning that it’s ok to have less, to be less celebrated in the eyes of the world and to do less. Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living? My focus is contentment and reducing my anxiety. I think my motivation to keep going with a simpler lifestyle is that I have experienced huge benefits to having less to maintain and having more time with my children. I know that I wouldn’t be able to home school my children if my home was as cluttered as it used to be, and I remember often feeling like I was drowning in responsibility and “chores” and the expectation to better myself. Living more simply, gives me space physically to have time to think, read, create, grow, nurture my home and be present. I still catch myself feeling overwhelmed, but I am learning to stop and be grateful and breathe through those moments. We have also moved interstate within the 8 years of decluttering and it helps a lot to own much less when moving often. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path? The catalyst began after having my son, who was born with a cleft lip and palate. Our lives were a series of 11-hour drives to Brisbane Children’s hospital for his fortnightly appointments; a baby with feeding issues and silent reflux, plus three other children under four years old in tow on these drives was not very enjoyable. There was not much time to think with lots of little ones, and when I did, I was usually worried. During this time, I realised our accumulated clutter of our belongings was suffocating me along with the pressures of life, which was the beginning of my decluttering journey. I was addicted to freeing the visual clutter. The people at the local opshop asked me every carload if I was moving to a new house! While life felt out of control I could control how many towels and bedsheets we owned! That’s where I started, in the linen cupboard. It seemed like the least daunting space, and I continued from there. What do you find challenging about trying to live simply? I have a hard time not buying books! I love what they look like on my shelf after I have read them, I love the smell of them, their covers, the dreams they hold of knowledge and even if they haven’t been read, the hope of reading them. I think I often also feel guilty for not making more eco-conscious choices, but I think living simply has the natural benefit of consuming less, and hopefully, making better environmental choices will continue for our family. What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you? I feel pleased that I can tidy my whole house in an hour and have a deep clean in a few hours. I love that I feel joy when I come home to our space. I love that I have time for my kids to wander with them and show them interesting things in our garden and that I can have the energy most days to make our own meals. I love that when I go shopping, I can see pretty things, but I don’t have the urge to bring them all home all the time. I love that my brain is learning that when I feel sad, I don’t have to buy something new to make myself happy, I can go out for a walk, or make an artwork, or make a cup of tea or coffee and watch a storm or be outside in the fresh air with my pets. I am learning that I can be creative rather than consume. I have learnt that everything you buy takes time to care for, even my beautiful pot plants all need extra love weekly so realising this helps me not buy too many things I appreciate. What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down? My mum taught me a variety of handicrafts and encouraged my creativity as a child. I never feel like I don’t have something to do as an adult, though I do usually feel like I have to have a tidy house before I can begin the “fun” stuff. I get a lot of joy organising the things we own. We probably could still live with a lot less, but I have found a happy balance and as the children get older, I want them to be responsible for their things, and I enjoy bringing order to our spaces together. I love when I am mid-way through a creative project that I have been delaying and then I realise I am in utter love with the process and even if the world feels chaotic around me, I am loving being with my paints and brush, or knitting, or crafting. I love the ritual of my morning cup of coffee and watching QLD storms come over in the evening. I watch in awe and am invigorated by their energy and the nature around me here. I feel grateful I have made the time in my life to enjoy these things. Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful? Josh and Ryan from The Minimalist’s were the main inspiration for me and have been over the years, even though I need them less now. My friend took me to see them live in Adelaide and the fact that they were so “normal” and down to earth gave me a lot of comfort. I have read a lot of decluttering and simplifying books over the years and still love reading them, even though I don’t often learn anything new anymore from them. They keep me focused and confirm my values. I loved Rhonda Hetzel’s Down to Earth because she is Australian, speaking to our way of life here. Books I own and love:
Current Podcasts:
What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year? I am re-learning that Jesus to me is Still. Time is lost when you spend time with Him. He brings quiet, peace, contentment and just ‘still.’ He stills the storms, the waves, the rush, the competition, the judgement. I want to get to know this more, and I feel like allowing this year to be gentler, I will get to experience Jesus more like this in my life. I don’t feel like our world is like this, even in Church communities I feel like there are expectations to keep the machine going - the cogs going. There is truth to that too, but as my Father-in-law preached many years ago, perhaps the first sermon I heard him preach, there is a season for everything, like Ephesians says, a season to be busy, as a season for quiet, a season to grow, a season to cultivate, when we allow time to be with Him, maybe that’s when we can recharge and have the energy to pour more into others and enriching life? For now, I am seeking stillness. What would you like to learn about or do in the future? I love learning about anything I can, because I am constantly looking for things to spark my children’s curiosity with our schooling! I honestly think I get more joy and excitement from learning than they do, but I am hoping it’s contagious and they fall in love with it in their lives as much as I love it. I hope I never ever stop wanting to be curious about the world around me. That is something I want to pass on to my children. If money or time were no option what would you like to do? Although I have studied Visual Arts at University, majoring in Textile art and minoring in drawing, and a diploma of Graphic Design, there is an illustration course I would love to do eventually as well, just to keep developing my skills and passion. I would also like to travel around Australia with my husband and children, but I am not in a rush to do that as I love being home too much. I think we would love it as a family though. We do enjoy each other’s company and experiencing our gorgeous landscape together would bring me joy. If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you? I have an Instagram account where my artwork is displayed and the occasional slow living post is made, but I currently don’t have a huge online presence. You can find me on Instagram at annaspilsburydesign. I have become more private over the years and have started a few blogs here and there but I am currently enjoying being less online and more in my garden.
Thankful Thursday: Just before I was going for my morning walk I looked out the window and the world had turned orange. I raced outside and there was the most incredible sunrise. It was so spectacular! Then on my walk I thought I would do an orange search. It was interesting how little I could find. What I did notice was how often it was used around signs to draw attention to the information. Thinking about the sunrise it was like God drawing our attention to his magnificence and glory! Look up, pay attention! I am doing this for you!
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1 Today I am thankful to God for: painted skies, a park walk with a pram, campfire meal with neighbours, the colour of pomegranate tea, compliments from students, incredible singing in a school musical, coffee and cake with friends at Maidenwell.  Here is my latest upcycling project. An overall dress from a denim skirt. No pattern. I made the front pockets from left over fabric, unpicked the pockets and put them on the back and unpicked some belt keepers and put them on the bib. I wore this to work the other day and received so many compliments, even from my primary school students. BTW the socks are ones I knitted myself and this was the first time I wore them.    Are you interested in reducing your waste but don't know where to start? Alice Carwardine, my very first blog guest, is holding a zero waste workshop for Simple Living Toowoomba on the 8 May. Alice will be giving participants a whole host of different tips to get started on a zero waste journey. For more information about Alice you can check out her guest post on my blog - https://www.simpleslowstill.com.au/.../let-me-introduce... or her website - Overturn the Tables - https://www.overturnthetables.net/. To book a place please RSVP to simplelivingtoowoomba@gmail.com or phone/text Michele on 0423858059. Simple Living Toowoomba is a community group that holds workshops once a month on a huge variety of simple living topics. At each workshop there is also a giveaway/swap table where you can bring excess produce or items that you think other people might be able to use. Some suggestions are sewing patterns, unwanted fabric, books on simple living but please take them home if nobody has a need for them. What an ability the weather has to swing our moods! What I have noticed especially in the last few weeks is its ability to draw me into the present moment and capture my attention so fully. And that has been wonderful. Today I would like to introduce you to Catherine McAleer. I would describe Catherine as a kindred spirit. We have so many common interests and ideas. Catherine and I have enjoyed many cups of tea as we chatted about books, reducing waste, sewing, podcasts, sustainability and books - yes we talk about books a lot! I am inspired by Catherine's work in the Philippines and I love reading her blog posts. She is a great story teller and paints pictures with her words. Thanks Catherine for being my guest today!  Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you? When I hear ‘living simply’ I think of Ghandi’s quote “Live simply so that others may simply live”. We live in a world of abundance when eighty percent of the world’s wealth lies with just twenty percent of the population. I know I have too much ‘stuff’ and I’m doing my best to change that. What I am trying to do is live in a way where I think before I buy. If I can buy it second hand I do. If I can make it I try to, I try to buy locally and do my best to think of my carbon footprint before I buy. It’s all of these things and it’s about making sure I’m conscious that the decisions I make affect others near and far. Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living? I’m a bit of an all-or-nothing kind of person, whilst I’m a work in progress when it comes to living simply, I believe it permeates all aspects of my life; from cooking and cleaning to sewing, to what I do in my spare time and how I work. Essentially my focus of simple living comes from a social justice perspective. I try to think of how my actions will affect others, both near and far and the implications that what I do affects the planet. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path? I grew up in the border town of Goondiwindi before moving to Toowoomba. In Gundy we lived on a small hobby farm where playing either meant outside creating sometime of adventure or inside with my head in a book. I’ve always been interested in making things, whether it is cooking something, sewing clothes, patchwork and quilting or sending handmade greeting cards. To me this was living simply, not simply heading into a shop to buy something I needed or a gift I wanted to give. Over time, even this has changed. Whilst I still love doing all of these things, I think more about my supplies, where they come from, if I have something else that could do the job and the sustainability of the product or products I’m using to create. Over the years there have been many catalysts to challenge me and change my thinking. Growing up in a household where we made things, made do with what we had and/or saved until we could afford what it was we felt we needed I believe was the initial one. Watching “The Story of Stuff”, a short documentary on the life cycle of ‘stuff’ and its effect on the planet and each other, then sharing this learning with my Year 7 students in 2011 was also a pivotal moment. Travelling to and spending time in Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Kiribati, South Africa and Cambodia where I was clearly reminded of my extreme wealth (most of us in Australia come in that 20% holding 80% of the wealth) and how my actions affected others even though they or I lived half a world away. I was blessed with many things one being an education and I saw first-hand how many don’t have this basic right. I want to share what I had been gifted with. Most recently I did two courses, one on International Aid and Development with World Relief Australia (WRA) and the other to become a Global Animator through the lens of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ encyclical letter. These both challenged my thinking, changed my approach to the way I do things and have set me on a number of paths I never dreamed of. It’s kind of ironic that living simply sometimes is very challenging and not always simple! What do you find challenging about trying to live simply? In a world of instant gratification sometimes it’s hard not to get caught up in that. I am often impatient when I would like something or it done in a certain way. It often takes more time to do things sustainably and simply. Attitudes of those around you can also be challenging. People will sometimes get defensive about their choices if your way of life challenges theirs and you stand up for what you believe. I’d be lying if I said that sometimes it’s hard not to think about these things. I keep going back to the words of William Wilberforce “You many chose to look the other way, but you can never again say that you did not know.” If I know, then I try not to look the other way. It is about being steadfast in my beliefs which isn’t always easy. What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you? There are many benefits and they include; the joy of doing something in the way I perceive as right, knowing that I’ve done the best I can thinking about others as I do, bringing joy to others, helping people and spreading my love of handmade. What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down? Things that bring me joy and help me to slow down:
Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful? Podcasts: The Next Right Thing by Emily P. Freeman – how decision making can be mindful and how we can do our next right thing in love. Books: Slow Clothing; Finding Meaning in What We Wear by Jane Milburn The Cosy Minimalist by Myquillyn Smith Documentaries: The Story of Stuff Websites: The Story of Stuff (there are lots of short documentaries on here) Emily P Freeman Creating space for your soul to breathe so you can discern your next right thing. The Nester: Nesting Place What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year? I’ve taken more of an interest in gardening. I have enjoyed learning about some permaculture techniques and growing some of my own vegetables. What would you like to learn about or do in the future? There’s so much to learn about. I’d like to learn more about gardening, making homemade products, other people’s journeys to living more simply and sustainably, the impact that simple living has on children and how this might be able to be brought into the classroom more and nature art. If money or time were no option what would you like to do? Continue to work with communities where education doesn’t seem to have the same importance that it does here. Time is the most challenging aspect of this. If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you? I write two blogs: So Now From Here and Musings by Macca I teach yoga: www.ps139yoga.com I lead a project in the Philippines where we are creating a community education centre for a marginalised community. Details are found at So Now From Here and at WRA: 1816 Share, Teach & Reach - World Relief Australia Or email me: mcaleercatherine@hotmail.com  Thankful Thursday: Ingratitude blinds us - Not seeing what we have on the way to having more. Not noticing what we step on, on the way to somewhere else. Not aware of the person beside us on the way to seeing someone else. Not valuing the good on the way to something greater. Not being in the now on the way to getting ahead. "Moments of Stillness" by Sister Stan Today I am thankful to God for: family helping to paint our house, fine weather for painting, a fun sleepover with a little boy, visits from a very tiny boy in his capsule, cafe breakfast in Bundaberg, swims in the ocean and safe travel.  I have always been interested and fascinated by tiny homes. So when I heard that Daina and her husband Jono built a tiny home I was so excited, curious and even a little bit envious. Daina is a gorgeous young lady. We have known Daina for a long time as she is a friend of our daughter, Rachel and we are friends with her family. I was so pleased when Daina agreed to be my special guest and was willing to share her simple living story with you.  Living simply looks different for different people. What does living simply look like for you?
To me, living simply looks like living intentionally. I strongly believe that the decisions we make shape the world we live in, so through making intentional decisions; whether that be the food we eat, the clothes we wear or the ‘stuff’ we buy, we can create change for the better. Through living more intentionally, I naturally consume less and can focus on what’s most important in life to me – the simple things. We also live in a tiny house, so this has been helpful for me, as it has literally forced me to be more intentional… because we can’t fit much in the house! Do you have a specific interest that you like to focus on in the area of simple living? There are 2 main ones. I’ve always been fascinated with the idea of ‘zero waste’ living and try to incorporate as little waste into my daily life as possible. This has been a slow transition, breaking old habits, using up what we already have first, shopping second hand and finding more sustainable alternatives to things I use everyday. My husband and I also love to grow some veggies and love collecting fresh eggs from our happy chickens! I don’t think anyone can truly live completely waste free, but there are so many little things that you can do! I’m also interested in the ethics behind the ‘stuff’ we consume, and dedicate some time to learning what impact my decisions have on other people and things – such as garment workers, the environment and marginalised communities etc. I also think shopping with these things in mind can support living with less waste, by buying quality over quantity. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your journey toward living a simple life. Was there a catalyst that led you to follow this path? The catalyst for me was learning about the human beings who make the ‘stuff’ that we consume. Learning about the ethics behind products and companies opened my eyes to a whole lot of injustice and corruption that I didn’t want to be a part of. I remember reading the quote: ‘Every time you spend money, you’re casting a vote for the kind of world you want.’ So I started to make more intentional decisions with what I purchased, holding companies accountable for how they treated humans and the planet. From there, I learnt more about the materials economy, which is the entire process from extraction to production, distribution, consumption and finally, disposal. Basically, everything we own had to come from somewhere, and the journey it had to take to get into our homes and the impact it has left on our planet is much larger than we often consider. Annie Leonard sums it up perfectly in the ‘Story of Stuff’ by pointing out ‘You cannot run a linear system on a finite planet indefinitely.’ This led me down the path of environmentalism and learning more about how our decisions impact our planet, wildlife, natural vegetation, and our future here. What do you find challenging about trying to live simply? I feel as though it has been a slow transition for me, so it has not been too challenging. I also accept that I am not perfect at sustainable living and do not aim to be. I think it’s far too easy to become obsessed with perfection which can lead to an unhealthy mindset. Whereas I think we all need to be a bit kinder to ourselves and do what we can, within our own capacity. What are some of the benefits of this way of life for you? I believe that living in alignment with your personal morals and values is truly rewarding and everyone should find something that they’re passionate about and pursue it. There are obvious benefits for the planet and people that range from supporting liveable wages for garment workers to supporting local sustainable farmers. For me personally, living simple helps calm my anxious mind and allows me to express my empathy in practical ways every day. What simple pleasures bring you joy and help you to slow down?
Are there any podcasts, books, documentaries or websites that you have found helpful?
What is something new that you have done or learnt about in the last year? This last year was the final year of my uni degree (Bachelor of Health Science & Nutrition), so most of my time has been dedicated to finishing that and working in the student clinic. It was a year of putting everything I had learnt into practise. Throughout the year I really began to notice that so many patients weren’t meeting their basic needs of sleep, movement, relaxation, happiness and of course; nutrition. Nutrition is complex and individualised; but what I realised is that for so many people, the first step in healing or overcoming a health condition was to actually just go back to basics first and ensure these needs are being met. Simple changes really can make a huge impact, and I think this can be applied to so many areas of life. What would you like to learn about or do in the future? I would like to learn more about growing our own seasonal food. We already grow some herbs and veggies, but there is just so much more to learn in the way of permaculture. If money or time were no option what would you like to do? I’d love to run my own nutrition clinic with likeminded practitioners in a centre that also caters to sustainability – nutrition, fashion, food, homewares… coffee! A girl can dream. If people would like to learn more about you and what you do, how can people follow you online or get in contact with you? I am currently in the process of developing a website and Instagram for myself as a nutritionist, so I will keep Margy posted and maybe she will be able to share that once it is up and running 😊  Thankful Thursday: Walking along the beach at Moore Park as the sun rose on a beautiful day, it was so much fun looking at the beautiful coloured shells, as the waves gently lapped the shore. It is interesting how the shells need the water to keep their bright colours and how quickly they dull when they dry.
That is what gratitude does for us. When we see things awash with gratefulness, everything looks bright and joyful. When we are ungrateful and discontent, the world around looks dull and uninviting. Today I am thankful to God for: the wonderful news of the resurrection on Easter Sunday, family gatherings, card games, beach holidays, cheese platters, the foggy mist on the Bunya Mountains, a little boy splashing in the waves. |
AuthorHello! My name is Margy. I enjoy living simply, I am trying to slow down and I am learning how to be still. I would love you to join me on this exciting adventure. Archives
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