The "Simple" life - I am afraid eludes us , in a direct proportion to age. The longer we are alive, the more we consume - the more the "simple" life is lost. Covered up, lost and consumed with our increasing accumulation of STUFF. Ah - but there is hope, Alex --- Die, and the kids will call in Goodwill, or the Junk Man. OR become aware - enlightened - and start giving it to Friends. Who are of course younger - and sit back and enjoy watching them too - become entangled with all that Stuff.
