From Meredith:
I thought of one more question for you! I certainly hope I'm not wearing out my welcome! Does your family read your blog? By family I mean your husband, your parents, your sister, your in-laws, cousins, aunts, uncles, etc?
Let's see...
My sister has always read my blog and was one of my first commenters.
My mom has been reading my blog since Christmas--when she got her first computer.
I don't know about my dad. As to aunts, uncles, cousins, in-laws, and so on...I'm not sure. If they do, they don't comment.
All in all, I'm always amazed at the people who read my blog. Sometimes there are people I think would (friends especially), but don't; other times, I'm surprised when someone says they read it every day. I guess it all comes down to comments--that's how I know who reads!
**
From Melissa:
When and how did you become "The Simple Wife"? When did simplicity become something you crave, and how did you put it into action?
Well, I became The Simple Wife when I started blogging two years ago because I was in the process of writing Living Simply--a book whose working title was The Simple Wife. The title changed (which is good, because I really like the simplicity of Living Simply and hear from readers all the time that they were drawn in by the title) but the blog was already in place.
Simplicity became a huge issue for me when we moved to Southern California and when Audrey started school. I felt overwhelmed by the excess of life in a super wealthy community and overwhelmed by all the activities I saw the five-year-olds in Audrey's class involved in. Especially since I still had a toddler at home (Emma was two years old at the time and still napping), I couldn't do everything I saw others doing with their kids--theater, music lessons, dance, sports, and so on. It didn't feel right for our family to pursue those things, but I still struggled with feeling like I was a "bad" mom for not giving her those opportunities.
(I will say that part of what helped me get over that guilt was my mother's best advice: "Do what's best for your family." And that might look different for different families.)
Also, we got rid of a lot of stuff before moving to California (we just couldn't afford a house as big!) and yet, even with so much less stuff, life still felt too full. I realized that simplicity was about more than just stuff. I really wrote Living Simply as part of my journey toward simplicity.
For me, simplicity is primarily about having a simple focus. About pursuing the kingdom of God first--and letting everything else fall into place behind that. As I strive to keep my focus simple, things like our calendar, our closets, and our clutter start to fall into their proper places.
Yay! First to comment! Okay that was random. Anyway...
I like the last paragraph very much =D It applies to me as well!
Take care!
Posted by: Puva | March 17, 2008 at 07:17 PM
Oh Joanne, I love this post about your book...I am LOVING your book!! I find time every so often in the day to catch a little bit and I too love what you just said in your last paragraph,
"...For me, simplicity is primarily about having a simple focus. About pursuing the kingdom of God first--and letting everything else fall into place behind that."
I am trying SO hard to learn that!! Thank you for the book, I swear we were meant to meet - your words and thoughts could be my own...I just needed to get the motivation to get in gear from someone else I guess! Thanks a million!!! :)
Posted by: Amy | March 17, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Every day I am on the computer, I read :)
BTW, a funny for St. Patrick's Day--did you know that a pub in NYC said that for the month of March, no one could play "Danny Boy," because it's a depressing song and an Englishman wrote it anyway! :) Isn't that funny?
Posted by: Holly Smith | March 17, 2008 at 10:04 PM
Thanks for sharing your journey. Having read the book, I knew part of the answer, but thought it would be neat for you to share with others.
Love, love, LOVE the last paragraph. Amen & AMEN!
Posted by: Melissa | March 18, 2008 at 05:48 AM
This is a great challenge for my day. I have 2 girls 6 & 7 that I Homeschool. I like your Mom's comment about doing what's best for your family. There is so much pressure to push God out of our day.
Thanks for your ministry.
Posted by: Lois | March 18, 2008 at 07:20 AM
Just want you to know that even though I am a "real-life" friend, I am a faithful bloggy friend, too! I check every day to see if there is a new post. Your blog is a favorite!
Posted by: Janna | March 18, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I read daily too, just not so great at commenting. I love your blog. I am in So. Cal and understand all to well the "need for activities". People are CONSTANTLY amazed that my kids are not involved in anything- they did soccer in the fall but that was it. I LOVE our afternoons together- relaxed- after homework is done- we PLAY. Amazing concept? In this day, sadly so. I am very thankful for your blog!! I think I need to get your book too.
Posted by: Jenny | March 18, 2008 at 09:21 AM
I love it when you talk SIMPLE to me! :) Seriously, I love how refreshing you are.
Sometimes I have to catch up on your blog, but I don't miss a post.
Have a wonderful day!
Posted by: Marla Taviano | March 18, 2008 at 09:47 AM
I love your answer to Melissa's question about simplicity... and your mom has wonderful advice. We don't have the kids in any extra activities and I admit, I often feel the pressure because we aren't like most families. But the truth is, I don't want to be racing here, there, and everywhere and trying to get dinner, homework done, baths, and to bed on time.
Posted by: julie | March 18, 2008 at 10:51 AM
Speaking of blogs, what it's Toben's?
Posted by: Jen | March 18, 2008 at 01:29 PM