In Pursuit Of Maine: April 11, 2015 - The Dignity of Simplicity

Saturday, April 11, 2015

April 11, 2015 - The Dignity of Simplicity

I was reminded today of the dignity of simplicity. Simplicity, especially in its extreme, can be nothing other than dignified. Dignity is what makes one worthy of honor and respect. When we take away the “bells and whistles,” the colorful ribbons, the sequins and glitter and rhinestones, what do we have left but the raw and naked character of any object or person? I do not think there can be anything more dignified than that.

When there are no veils to hide behind, there is truth and honesty and simplicity. And this is dignity. Dignity is nobility and gentility of bearing, and this is found in its purest form in simplicity. Simplicity does not lie or put on airs. Indeed, it cannot do so for it would be found out immediately.

There is more dignity in a crust of bread eaten solemnly in appreciation and gratitude than in the richest of foods consumed in lavish and extravagant surroundings. There is an elevation of character and worthiness in all things that embrace simplicity. When applied to a person, it is sublime. It says, “This is who I am. I have nothing more to give you, but there is nothing to take away either. I am authentic.”

I have nothing more to give you, but nothing less either.

"The Plain Maine Cookbook" is my own collection of vintage Maine recipes that will immediately bring you back to a simpler time, a less confused time. These recipes are more than just comfort food. They're family food, traditional food, simple food, plain food. One bite and you'll say, "Ah, yes! I remember my grandmother used to make this. I had forgotten all about it!" Recipes for whoopie pies, funnel cakes, fried fiddleheads, haymaker's switchel, coffee can bread, glogg, and much more are in these pages. There is even a recipe on how to render lard. So open the door and go back to some simple, time-tested foods you can prepare easily. You'll find that you save money and waste less by "making do" with commodity cooking. What's in the pantry or in the garden is what's for dinner.

"So You Want to Move to Maine" is an invaluable little book in helping people to make a permanent move to Maine. It will save you a ton of time because all the initial footwork is done for you, including 100 links on how to find work and living quarters, getting your driver's license, pet requirements, programs for people with disabilities, programs for senior citizens, getting married in Maine, hidden taxes and expenses, hospitals, health insurance, handling a real winter like a pro, etc. Stop being "just a number" or another face in the crowd. Walk away from the rat race. Become boldly individualistic and make your mark in life. You can still do that in Maine, one of the last holdouts of ordinary, old-fashioned, kind, and decent American living.

I’ve chosen 37 unique fairy tales that will be loved by both adults and children as they can be read and interpreted on many levels. But if you are looking for only sweet tales that end in joy and fairness, you may want to pass this book by. Some fairy tales are simply “dark,” and that is because sometimes life is simply dark. Not always, of course, but often enough. Sometimes the hero lives; sometimes he dies. Check out my book, “Fairy Tales of Maine,” in the photo link below. If you are brave, you might just meet yourself in one of these tales.