I have been contemplating the works of Thoreau, particularly the chapter titled Economy in Walden. He mentions this "vital heat" which is in everyone and man's need to keep it burning. Furthermore, he tells us how we overkill our own heat with excess materials such as clothing and tools. After reviewing his speculations, I came to ponder- How much in my life is not necessary? Can I still keep my own internal flame without the excess? I concluded I have connected items such as makeup with my confidence and trinkets with happiness; I have materialized every emotion,so to speak. In reality, life was once nothing more than dirt and caves and no one had a collection of teddy bears to make them happy. No one would have shoes made of rubbers and all different styles or a home with over 10 blankets too choose from for comfort. We have all become so blinded by ads and the influence of other people's own necessities or ideas that we have such perverse concepts on what is needed for life!! It makes me want to horde away all the extra stuff so I have a clean slat each day. Could my life become easier without seeing candles everywhere and extraneous decor? Perhaps.. biggrin