when i was younger
i wanted elaborate things
giant houses with endless rooms,
fast cars and bling
so i worked, worked, worked
chasing the American dream
from airport to airport
missing the first year
of my son's life, barely
dating my wife...
oh what a life...
sitting here, now
in the soothing shadow
of the grape arbor,
sipping black coffee out of
a brown barrel mug
(that cost a quarter
at a yard sale)
watching my boys
throw snow balls
at my wife...
a simpler life...
guess i better
put down this notebook and
go defend her honor.
Enchanted Oak is doing a Simple Things Challenge on Saturday. Post about simple things you cherish, link up and for each post or comment on her blog $2 will be donated to a medical clinic in Haiti. Perhaps it will help provide a few simple things.
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119 comments:
Beatiful sentiments and you are so right. Thanks for the information about Enchanted Oak, too.
Brian, isn't it lovely when we discover the simpler things bring the most gratification to life? I love this.
I think when one is young it might be good to have a certain amount of ambition, but too much to where you do not enjoy family and friends on a daily basis is detrimental to one's health. When they do studies on the happiest people in the world, it almost overwhelmingly is those people who have the least amount of "things" but are rich in family and friends.
We here are blessed that you have discovered this at a fairly young age and we benefit with the stories you write about your enjoyment and love for your wife and family. No amount of things will ever be able to replace the love that you are giving them during this time of their life.
Wouldn't it be wonderful if all children had the joy of having a father such as you. Keep on keeping with what you do.
How is your mom doing? Is she almost healed, it seems like the time is almost there. I will send more prayers her way.
And I am now off to visit Enchanted Oak, I want to do my share to help.
God bless.
Priorities sure do change over time. Good thing, eh?
Simple things are so easy...compared to the rush of staying up with the world.
The simple pleasures are best. Obviously, however, it is the people you are with who create the happiness. Great piece Brian.
I love your tale of salvation. Your love for your sons, your wife, your life shines through. Thank you for posting this. It brought a smile to me.
Look at you, sharing with us some simple things.
Have a glorious weekend.
♥
S
The best times I have had in my life were simple!!
I have been blessed with many things in my life but that is just what they are... things.....either a big home, a fancy car or wearing diamonds.....love, family and companionship are far better than any of it...:-) Hugs
Only after you've gone through the complicated things will you learn to enjoy the simple things in life. That is just how it is.
wise man and always a wonderful post-c
Love this, Brian. I remember exactly the moment when I thought to myself: What the heck am I doing on this corporate ladder. None of that stuff matters to me. What a grand revelation! I'm much happier.
Hope you successfully defended your lovely wife's honor!
You realised it pretty early i guess...In India, the realisation come by around 70 years of age (the age men normally have their "wisdom" teeth out)---
May be because Americans have the resources to realise their dreams ealry unlike Indians, especially the older generation who worked hard to make both ends meet!
The new gen Indians -- make it to US/UK...the parents suffer as the young realise ther dreams,
Anyway, finally most realise it's in simple things that the beauty of life lies,
Good poem Brian :)
wishes,
devika
A slower pace, adds happiness to our lives. This is a beautiful poem.
"sitting here, now
in the soothing shadow
of the grape arbor,
sipping black coffee out of
a brown barrel mug"
That sounds wonderful!
Gerardine
Simple is as simple does...my momma used to say. Hope you rescued your fair maiden from the young rapscallions (sp?).
I'm with everyone else. Simple concepts, beautiful sentiment and exquisitely told.
one of the biggest lessons i reckon. sounds as though you've got it down.
:o)
thanks for the link info., what a great idea.
lovely, how did you do defending her honor.
fabulous post - the simplest things in life are most definitely the most precious... Hope you kicked some snowballin' ass ;)
Somehow or other, I always end up being satisfied with less, too.
The simple things are the things that count.
Nuts in May
Yes! Hurry! She needs all your help! Lovely post! How much snow did you end up "eating"?
Hugs
SueAnn
So true.. well said Brian :))
Take care
What a lovely tribute to your family and the simple life.
The riches many people are looking for are right in their backyards! You are a rich man, Brian!
Great post!
yes we can get caught up on the me me me syndrome but u noticed and came back to reality, nice post..
Great work Brian :)I loved it really
Thanks for sharing
I think the older we get we begin to understand what really matters.
Brian, I liked this post. I also, appreciate the way you write about your wife. Please give her a hug from blogland!
such sweet sentiments. lovely post, simply lovely!
Glad to see you joining in. I bet it was fun.
Beautiful. As we get older we realize that the things that matter are simple pleasures.
Enjoy the snow.
xo
Zuzana
great post. it's the small simple things that usually matter most.
so who won the snowball fight?
think we have somewhere around 10 inches total snow for the weekend at this point. have defended though cole put up quite the fight in our snow battle yesterday. we retired for some chocolate snow cream...and most everyone was out at an early hour last night...
Have fun!
Simply sweet, but quite profound, in meaning and in reason. :)
The best times in our lives are so simple yet enriching.
I am so happy for you.
hugs
shakira
I share the same dream with U,
I am sure many do,
very personal life milestone,
Glad that we all are settled and feel secure after years of efforts, hard work, and ...
Your wife is cool, ;)
Cheer up, Snow shall never spoil your fun,
I am clear of snow today,
they are done like wind...
Me giggling,
U frowning,
Time for an exchange,
M worrying,
U smiling..
I truly respect how much you love your wife and your family. As a divorced woman it is so easy to be bitter and assume they are all asses. But, alas, all the good ones are married and in Austin, gay! Sigh.
I, too, have to be careful about remembering the simple things. I am a workaholic. Not for the money, but for chance to help students. But I cannot forget my first priority...my own children who need me.
Thanks for making me think and introspect. Hugs, Lisa
Like my NetFlix queue, this post I send directly to the top spot.
LOVE it. Love the way you think. Love how you reversed the sacrifices and are actively there in the center of your life. Where you want and deserve to be.
Love that you are the defender of your wife's honor, no matter what.
You are a neat guy.
I loved that one! Wonderful post! :)
Time to appreciate what really matters - the best gift of all and truly invaluable!
I will go visit Enchanted Oat tout suite!
This is another one that I ADORE.. this is WONDERFUL.
I love a simple lifestyle.
I got a beautiful crochet blanket in a church sale.. used but clean.. and lovely. I got some table clothes and a couple of more blanket this year too.. when they had another used sale.
A simple lifestyle is more relaxing..
Enjoy your family... :)
This has such meaning, Brian. Life certainly changes as we move along. Have a great weekend.
Oh, you've put a lot of wisdom into a few words. Enjoy defending your lovely wife's honor!
Wow. You are really talented. Nicely written.
BTW, I wouldn't want to live in a big house either. There is always the threat of ghosts and aliens...lol
Off to visit Enchanted Oak.
Have a great weekend...:)
Hi! Brian,
After I read your post only one word came to my mind...priorities...
...What is important and What is more important.
Thanks, for sharing!
DeeDee ;-D
It's true. The more people work the richer they are in money. But they poorer they are in love.
what fun!
lots of pondering on this one this morning.
Like usual, this is perfect. I love it.
(So, who won the snowball fight?)
DUDE BRIAN! Where did you get such a following?!? 52 COMMENTS?! Amazing! Ive been noticing this poetic/song side very nice! Hope you are well!
I'm amazed at the difference I've noticed in myself when looking for jobs.
Over a decade ago, I was hungry for the chase and willing to give up most everything to climb the corporate ladder, but now. Never. Peace of mind, quality of life so much better.
Yes, the best things in life are simple, uncomplicated and spontaneous!!
You seem to have figured out what matters most while you still had time to live it. God really has blessed you my friend.
Wow, what an amzing post!!! Chasing the american dream can be a pitfall...so happy for those who find it...however I don't know of anyone yet who has not had to pay a hefty price and then holding on to it was a whole other game!
New Follower,
Sassy Chica
I might be able to come up with something by tomorrow! We will see how creative that I am feeling.
Hey Brian, I also saw you promoting this worthy cause! Amen! Blessings to you dear one!
Brian, great description of really seeing what you decide is important in your life. Your wife and boys and your time together. Smart man.
congratulations : I have given YOU the SUNSHINE AWARD :) please come to my blog to collect it :)
I truly love this one, Brian!
sounds like you've got life all figured out. Of course when they get older and start spending your money faster you might rethink things a bit.
Oh, BTW, I have a little surprise for you on my blog today. Stop on by and see what it is. :) Hugs, Lisa
http://worldaccording2lisa.blogspot.com/2010/02/blowing-sunshine-rainbows-out-my-ass-so.html
awesome post. simpler is better.
Lovely lovely... simple pleasures really do enrich our lives. And hopefully, indirectly, make the lives of a few in Haiti better.
I've also done a list - up here: http://ladyfi.wordpress.com/2010/02/06/its-the-simple-things/
I love the picture of you sitting watching your chidren and wife playing snowball fights.
Yup, love don't cost a thang baby!
Wonderful feelings expressed in this, ones we should all share.
Beautifully expressed. I loved it..
As we get older, we figure out what's really important. Work to live...don't live to work.
Brian, I am truly honored that, with so many followers, you actually found time to stop by and comment on the blog of an ancient, 65-year-old!
I loved your "simple things" - it is sad that, when our children are young, we often miss so much of their growing up. I raised three sons, virtually alone - my last two, born when I was 38 & 40, I feel like I rarely saw. Their father took off after I had extensive back surgery and was disabled for a year and a half. Fortunately, I was able to find work as a forensic nurse doing child and adult sexual abuse cases but it necessitated my being on call 24/7 and there were times I was at the hospital 24 hours straight. Without any child support, though, that's how we survived.
I guess I did something right. My 39, 27 and 25-year-old sons are all a mother could want!
Brian this is lovely and true. You've learned earlier in life than many of us.
Ah the simple life . . it's the way to go. Although I've never been one for toys or status symbols a fashionista or collector of 'things'.
When you have the idyllic life, yes, jump in there and enjoy it! :)
You captured the essence of this idea..as always. You seem like a really nice guy, Brian.
LOVELY written Brain :-)
You are a great writter ...
Simple things are the best ;)
(@^.^@)
This screams of the beauty of cherishing life.
Wonderful. Sounds like a perfect life and put so poetically.
A Boy and His Toy
That's great Brian! I too wanted everything money could buy and I worked until my body gave up. Now I have more sense and see life for what it really is. I would be very happy with a little old shack in the woods! :) Defense! Defense!!!!
HA.I hope you have fun in the snow with your family Brian :)
Duck! I just threw a snowball at you..try hitting me back..I've got my lasanga back on now..lol
yay you... get off the plane and love your family.. that's where it's at Dude.
Very awesome Brian!
Love it! What a nice picture you can paint with words :)
I loved this - funny how our perspective changes - and how grateful I am to have the time given to gain a different one, too.
Thanks for visiting my blog today.
I guess one benefit of having children older is that I was already ready to slow down and enjoy the simpler things. I didn't have the luxury of being with them full-time, but I was at least able to work only part-time during their young years and really enjoy them.
Lovely.
You are lucky to discover this so young in life. Usually people are a LOT older and have many regrets for living their life differently. I'm glad you changed yours to a more "simpler" life and can enjoy life's simple pleasures - like a snowball fight with your family. smile.
I liked that very much. Very much. :)
Absolutely excellent. You have priorities in order and things in perspective.
Beautiful & wonderful post!
Simply put and beautifully said.
It was nice seeing you browsing around today as I toured the people who got on board with the Simple Things idea. I felt like I saw a friend in passing, just outside the window, and he was gone before I could shout out, "Brian! So great to see you!"
You must know by now that you have a gift which is rare in the writing world. There is a knack in your style that sends out ripples among your readers. What you say, and how you say it, gives your readers just enough information that their hearts lower walls and you are allowed in for a moment.
This fact, of being allowed into the consciousness of your reader, is a precious gift. Most writing just flies by the eyes, never engaging the deep heart of anyone. Your knack stops people in their tracks, and they suddenly hear you, and they let you in.
I don't know crap about a lot of stuff, but I know writing, and you often hit a mark with very words. A very nice present from your Creator, Brian... A talent that gets better with use, but one that can't really be learned. You're born with the gift like a man is born with good hands for playing the piano or lobbing a ball.
There. My sermon is finished. Cheers from Chris
Ah, the wonders of gaining perspective, coming to appreciate that the simple things in life really are priceless, like the snowballs :)
Brian ~ Your writing is filled with so much wisdom. Beautiful...
Today I had very similar thoughts and I realized that I am happy.
You certainly have a new fan here - (Hi!!) x)
Hi Brian,
I have joined the challenge and posted my list of simple things. I hope that everyone else joins in too. Thanks for letting us know about this.
God bless.
Defend her honor? Yes. Well done. Just won big brownie points with me.
100th, 100% perfect...
http://jingleyanqiu.wordpress.com/2010/02/07/sundays-forecast-sunny-100-sunshine/
an award 4 u, ;)
I very much go for the simplicity and directness of the poem. Also the unexpected ending. I shall return at a later date and read it again. Fine post.
I can think of several people to send this to..busy, busy, busy, too busy to live.
Well spoken Brian.
I totally agree with the message of this one, Brian. Thank goodness our priorities shifted. Well done. (As usual.)
We all need to take time to look around us and discover what makes us most happy.
It IS a conumdrum: one has to work to get ahead for our family and yet we miss so much. How to balance?
Brian you are a true gift I tell you. This is just so inspiring for the Simple Things. Your wife and your kids are so lucky to have you. You point out the simple things very well my friend. Excellent :) Have a great Sunday
I can feel this, Brian. So beautifully stated. The miracle of sudden sight.
I love the images and lesson of this poem. Cats in the Cradle with a much wiser ending.
I cannot read all of the many followers' comments, but I love this piece, now my 3 boys are teenagers, I have been told I need to spend just as much time communicating with them as I did physically caring for them the 1st 3 years. But I'm working more instead of less. This economy sucks.
I'd better get back to cooking a wholesome dinner and paying the bills....
Ha! have a great week. Thanks for visiting. Check out this link called "an ordinary day", and grab the tissues...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olSyCLJU3O0
Dianne
I am behind in reading blogposts because I was at the Mayo Clinic helping a friend to go through her radiation and chemotherapy sessions. I know you have already gotten 109 comments, and mine will just be one more, but I had to write one...because you are SO WISE in your decision to make family your priority and that you have discovered this while you are still young.
It took me a while to "get that"...
much older than you when I did.
No one at work will remember you humping away your life...
but your family will treasure every memory and every moment you took with them.
Thank you Brian for writing this and perhaps waking up others to this crucial wisdom.
Aah! well said Brian. Am sure life has more lustre when you want less...lucky you have it in yours.
The simplest it gets, the better ;-) I enjoyed reading your posts and I will be back :-) Have a beautiful day!
I absolutely LOVE this poem! Life after Bling is ever so much more fun!!!
Beautiful!
And thank you for taking the time to stop by my blog and comment as well.
Have a blessed day!
the end made me laugh :D
nicely simple :-)
Smiling,wonderful.You have a wa of describing scenes,it's like we are transported!
this was lovely. it really helps to put things into perspective. :)
So well put and how true indeed.
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