Simple as Pie

In my most recent read, "Julie and Julia", the author makes one brief statement that has gotten me questioning every small (and large) decision I make.

The blog made book made movie is as you most likely know about a woman cooking through Julia Childs "Master the Art of French Cooking". I actually disliked the movie and have mixed feelings about the protagonist of the book, (do I love her, hate her or love to hate her?)...anyhow I digress.

Julia Childs refers to making Potage Parmentier (potato soup) as "simplicity itself". But Julie (the blogger) discovers that even though the soup is simple, it is not easy.

And that got me thinking.....

Making bread is simple. Reading a book is simple. Quitting your job to start over can be simple. 

But are they easy?

Merriam-Webster defines that words as follows:

Easy:

     causing or involving little difficulty or discomfort

      requiring or indicating little effort, thought, or reflection

Simple:

    free from elaboration

     
   of humble origin 

    free of secondary complications

In this time of excess, extravagance, arrogance and poverty, I think we could all take a dose of the simple life. I explore the thought to realize that simplicity can often be the antithesis of easy. It causes discomfort. It requires effort and thought. And that is the point.


So I reevaluate my decisions. I try to be more humble. Less elaborate.


I will ride my bike. Cook my food, and grow what I can. Try to be less arrogant. Create discomfort.