Simple Things

Lately in America we've been fretting about our economy. It's scary when you're constantly looking at the big picture and that picture is blurry.

Sometimes I have to look at the smaller picture in order to focus. And in the smaller picture my friends and I can get still together on a warm, southern California afternoon and enjoy each others' company. A glass of bubbly, fancy cheese and fruit from local farms is all within reach.

I enjoyed the company of friends in this beautiful Altadena garden the other day. Our hostess provided the treats because she wanted to do so. But crackers and water would have been enough, and we were all keenly aware of that.

In frightening times its comforting to look around and see how much I have: my home, family, friends, enough to eat and a country where I can voice my opinions and vote. I remind myself that even now, even when things are frightening and it feels like we teeter on the brink of a terrifying abyss, that's only the hype of the hysterical who want us to buy or follow or fear. What's really true is that even when we live within our means we live like kings.