I am currently in our mountain cabin in the Colorado Rockies. I have been experiencing the simple life of cabin living for over 4 weeks. I plan to be here for 2 more weeks. The weather is much better then Las Vegas this time of the year. I have spent much of the time with my son’s family who came up from hot, humid Northern Texas. I have enjoyed visiting with them and playing with my two grand kids. We have filled our days with catching pan size trout on the river, riding our ATVs, hiking the mountains, taking long leisurely walks, and tubing down the slow Platte River.
I have had a chance to visit a few relatives in Colorado Springs. We go into town for supplies a couple times a week to do laundry and make a few calls.
It is amazing we have had 4 to 6 people staying in this 1200 square foot cabin most of the time and it seems to be enough room. We do not have a dishwasher, washer or dryer, or TV or telephone service and we are fine without them. We do with so much less, however I feel more fulfilled. I believe that is one of the reasons I come up here when I can -everything is so relaxed and uncomplicated. The strange thing is -If I did without all these things back in Las Vegas – I would be complaining. Interesting! Actually a few people have built 3,000+ sq.ft. cabin-type homes here with everything in them- even a 3 car garage. I guess the simpler life is not what they come up here to experience. I believe they might be missing out on the real secret of cabin living.
It is amazing when I simplify, I find fun and creative things to fill my day. I have spent a lot of the time taking long walks and just enjoying nature. I received a new camera for Christmas and I have had a wonderful time just taking pictures of anything that moves or blooms. I down load them to my computer every day to see if I have taken any good ones. Yes, I brought my computer to journal, blog, write my newsletter, and view my photos of the day. I have even taking up cross stitching again. I spent this time connecting to me, my neighbors, my family, and nature. Each day I awake with the feeling of such peace. I am exactly where I want to be.
In the evenings, we tell our fishing or hiking stories, do jigsaw puzzles, crosswords, or read. The little ones take their baths and wash off the dust and suntan lotion which makes for some murky bath water. After baths and bedtime stories, they are off to bed and the adults are not far behind them.
Another interesting observation about cabin living, every one you meet around the cabin you say HI to or strike up a conversation about the weather or how the fishing has been on the river or ponds. Everyone is friendly up here in this cabin community. You wave at the trucks or ATVs as thy pass the cabin or when you are on the road. I guess the simply life brings out the best in people.
I am seriously considering changes a few things at my home when I get home. Clean out my attic and closets to get rid of those things that are not needed anymore- start to simplify. I am definitely going to watch less TV- I do not miss it at all. I hope to bring a lot of that simpler feeling back with me when I leave. I will count the days when I will be back up here next year to be “one” with that simple life of cabin living.
I have attached a few of my photos taken while up at the cabin. I hope you enjoy them. Love Vicki
Remember, there is no true success without joy.