Look at your own life. Has it become overly complex? Have you found yourself burdened by too many possessions or responsibilities? Take a deep breath and ask yourself: “What steps can I take to reduce the clutter so that I may live simply and joyously?

We wear 20% of the clothes we own, today I started giving away clothes I've not worn in the past year. It was quite a lot two rubbish bags in total. The bonus is more draw space and the knowledge someone needy got my stuff today.

I often talk to people who complement me on my lifestyle. Which in its self is ok,Im not living for them, so what others think is irelevant. Nice to know that others think Im doing ok.
What concerns me is when people tell me their wishes and plans for the future. Again plans and wishs are important for they become reality if we want them to.
Heres the concern its when the wishs and dreams are prefaced with if only, if I could afford it, next year, when , when when......
These dreams, wishes will never happen as the person putting forth the statement is presenting them with a get out clause./

My advice to someone who uses the get out clause is " the only thing stopping your dream coming true is you".
Lets face it if you want it you will go out and do it.
That's the only difference between me and them I wanted it.
Make no mistake its hard to make a wish or dream reality, so if you mean it go and make it happen.

Xmas 2008

In the new life I live each day excited to see what it will bring. In so many ways my world has changed. No longer do I worry about things that I cant fix. I see things I started to take for granted as the real pleasures of live, such as the trust of real friends , the value of time, the simple act of walking with the dogs , the vagaries of weather are there to enjoy or at least marvel at. I enjoy riding my bike so much more now. The company I keep is my choice now. I look forward to my job because it has become a part of my life not a drudgery to endure.

Earlier this week I spoke with some one who had raised a loan to buy Xmas presents. This has had a profound effect on me. I cant stop thinking why someone would do this. I know why this person in particular did this. They think that this will make their life fuller and they will become happy as a result. All be it until they have to pay the loan.

Here's a thought What did you Give/receive for Xmas 2008. I don't know.

Nothing material really matters if you run this exercise.....You are at home with your partner/family dog cat etc. and the house is on fire you can take one bag with you what do you put in it?

Now the big TV the I phone the wine collection the nice carpet means nothing, its all the trappings of what we think we need to be happy.

Last year I started letting go of meaning less crap material and otherwise. The more I do the better I feel.
Of course I'm still a sucker for the biggest brightest but now I'm beginning to see it for what it all is, mostly a ploy to take money from you on the pretext that you need it. It breaks it becomes obsolete the moment you have it and guess what i don't feel any better for it

Have you watched the movie the book of ELI, he says in it "people are fighting for things we once threw away". It is a statement about what is really important.

I'm not one little bit Christian if anything I lean toward Buddhism. In saying that here's my Xmas list for 2011 and beyond.

1. Listen , to what someone's really saying and take interest.

2. Do something kind for someone else just because you can.

3. Encourage complement someone and mean it.

You can add to it but guess what You won't have to raise a loan to do this and the interest you receive will make you happy longer..

Day light saving

It's that time again a man made measure that has such an effect on you is just amazing. The First Monday just gone i woke and did exactly the same things Ive done all winter . Walked the dogs then made breakfast. It felt so different. It was like something was about to happen I felt like a kid on their birthday morning expectant and excited. It hasn't gone yet . Suddenly the sun is hotter the days longer and more full.
Here it is 5.30 in the afternoon sun streaming into the room and what am I doing typing. Shit I'm off for a ride don't want to waste time now do i.

How far can you ride this.

Ive just in the last week got my Surly Pugsley bike. It is something else.
Just learning to ride it has been a blast. You cant attack anything especially hills!!!. Dial up a gear sit down and grind away.
What surprised me is that it isn't that much slower than my single speed go figure.
Made my way up the knob and down my usual trails it just goes.

Now I'm thinking how far can I go on this baby. I pulled out of the Brevet later in the summer because of over commitment but now I'm looking for something to do on this fatty .
I did three laps of the loop on it with the dogs today and it was no problem at all. So the planning starts I want 7 to 8 days self supported summer adventure. So time to hit google earth watch this space.

ZOOM ( or coping with a lack of talent)

Rode my brand new Surly Pugsley today. Ive been thinking of buying one since i read Jill Homers book "Ghost Trails". Then a few months ago a friend got one and after riding it for point one of a second I knew I had to have a fatty.
I built it up yesterday and had a small ride around the point twice. I learnt that a heavy bike is not for attacking climbs but for relaxing and winding your way into up and over things.
Today's ride was up Colonial Knob and down the reservoir single track then through the hospital walking track and back to the Bay.
It is like nothing Ive every ridden before the bike stops at nothing , i rode over mud tree roots sand, rocks and swamp grass. it just goes on.
My lack of mountain biking skills are hidden by the bikes ability to roll over all in its path.
I dont normally get to excited and name bikes but.... this thing is so cool it begs for one. So Zoom it is cause it sure dosnt zoom, but Fat Larrys band sang a song called Zoom . I grew up around the time it was popular and the double meaning makes me smile every time i say it.

The Art of living with Dogs

" We yean for the company of dogs because they return us to an ancient way of life, vanishing now. It is the power of the natural world to reacquaint us with our quiter selves, the part now buried alive in the nosie and glare of modern life and the habit of nonstop connection with others" Martha Sherrill

This is an extract from the book Dog Man.

Since the age of eighteen I have had a dog in my life. Dogs draw me away from humans and into a world of trust and love that is pure and so simple. The trust has a way of redefining values you seek in others, but so often found in that bond I have with my dogs.