"Nowadays, People Are Jeezled Up"

"After all," Anne had said to Marilla once, "I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string."

Anne Of Avonlea

I was thinking about Tasha Tudor this morning and her Stillwater Sect, her imagined New England religious sect. I love what is said about this sect in the book "Simple Abundance A Daybook of Comfort and Joy" by Sarah Breathnach... she writes, The Stillwater religion, which combines the best beliefs of the Shakers, Quakers and Amish, is a state of mind, according to its creator.

"Stillwater connotes something very peaceful," Eldress Tudor explains, "Life without stress. Nowadays, people are jeezled up. If they took some chamomile tea and spent more time rocking on the porch in the evening....they might enjoy life more."

I wish there was more of this kind of thinking, people finding joy in the everyday simple things and taking life easy. Walking away from the madness of the "gutta haves" and the "must make lots of money" mentality.
I like the idea of this "Stillwater Sect". Having your religion be a state of mind more than a shout from the mountain top sort of thing. Have a belief system that when seen by others is proof enough that there is joy in life through the simple beauty of creation and love of the Creator. Having lists of "we don't do this" or "we don't do that" is not a happy way to live.

Rather share the joy found in the ordinary. Have lists of things you do that bring peace to your heart and joy to your family.

Find joy in the simple things and embrace that joy, then go rock on the porch this evening : )

The view from my porch one evening in June