14 Comments
User's avatar
Pbr's avatar

There is part of me that admires the minimalist aesthetic and way of living. I love how clean and put away everything is, also everything has a place! It just for me, doesn’t work, isn’t realistic. I have cut back, donated clothes, sheets, towels over the past year. I don’t buy fancy plates, glasses, bowls for special occasions because I don’t host events that require them. Right now my biggest expense is food, because of inflation.

My clothes are year round and I wonder if repairing them is feasible or donate for scape quilts. I could use a quilt that I could throw in the washer because the dogs lay on the bed. I love that I have a big stash of books, yarns, dvds of movies and tv series because I watch then over and over and I don’t want a streaming bill. The yarn, patchwork sweaters, pullovers, socks, jackets, blankets, warm shawls. They go to various Indian reservations. Oh and yarn store, like fabric stores are becoming scarce so there is a little bit of hoarding.

I like William Morris’s saying have beautiful things but use them, perfect. There is also a mind set that I am trying to embrace in these current times. No need to buy, look around to borrow, or fix. So no big mixer, blenders, bread machines, insta pots, or air fryers. Regular pots pans, and electric stove. I kind of wish for a grill, but it’s not immediate need.

With the current state of the world everyone is scaling back, and prepping for a future with the knowledge that will be less. Just my take, it is getting rougher and rougher out in the world.

Expand full comment
Java Ceridwen Bere's avatar

I love this, you are very similar to my dad, and I've always thought if anyone is going to survive this world and the madness it brings, the madness that has been created, it will be him (and you). I think this is wonderful and I sincerely applaud your clarity and commitment on this, it's not always easy but it makes so much sense.

Expand full comment
Pbr's avatar

Thank you! What a nice thing to read. Your dad and I are probably the same age.

Expand full comment
Hannah Marcotti's avatar

This was brilliant. (And, I have never used lol either.)

Expand full comment
Java Ceridwen Bere's avatar

Haha thank you! Team Non-Lol!!

Expand full comment
JoJo Magno's avatar

You might be amazed at how many Jeffreys have told me that my therapy for major depression is just me hunting for someone to psycho babble an identity label so that I can avoid all accountability for my bad behavior, laziness, and awful personality

Expand full comment
Java Ceridwen Bere's avatar

Woweeeee that's verging on cruelty isn't it?I truly do wish the Jeffreys of this world a little blanket of peace once in a while in between the mean thoughts and words. Sorry you've experienced that.

Expand full comment
Shalagh Hogan's avatar

Old Jeffrey just needed to read himself saying that. I get having a hard time fighting my snark but your, "When people say stuff like this, I always imagine them grumbling into a scratchy polyester armchair covered in doilies. I hope you have a comfier seat to cast these aspersions from” is both impressively descriptive and the best comeback ever! I too am an uber-creative and organized maximalist and Your work is awesome!

Expand full comment
Java Ceridwen Bere's avatar

Hahaha I love that you've highlighted that line! I spent some time wondering if anyone would know the kind of chair I meant, so it's a relief that it landed, haha! An uber-creative and organised maximalist is a force to be reckoned with!!! Love this.

Expand full comment
Shalagh Hogan's avatar

Your attitudinal backlash made my day! Thank you 😊

Expand full comment
Claire Marchant-Williams's avatar

Omg - why are these people so boring! Who cares who you live in YOUR home. And if you don’t like seeing how you live then move along. Jeez 🙄

Expand full comment
Java Ceridwen Bere's avatar

Claire has her hands on her hips and her eyes are firmly rolling. Beware Jeffrey.

Expand full comment
Shalagh Hogan's avatar

Bahaha hahaha!

Expand full comment
Jennifer Granville's avatar

Yes, the William Morris quote immediately came to mind reading this -"Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful" - as i think it encapsulates your home Java. Whenever anyone criticised me my Mum would tell me 'they're just jealous' - she wasn't always right but I think Jeffrey is.

Expand full comment