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Why Less Equals More.

We're in the process of going through our house - room by room, closet by closet, even drawer by drawer if it's a particularly challenging day - in order to reduce clutter.

After more than twenty-three years in this house, a move downtown is now a real possibility seeing as our little chicks have more or less flown from the nest. Our dream is to settle into a much smaller dwelling, probably a townhouse or apartment, so we can enjoy all those things the big city offers and give up the things we don't want like lawn care, snow shoveling and house repairs. Doug will be closer to his office, with luck within walking distance, and we will be able to visit museums and galleries and restaurants just outside the front door.

But first, the junk.

I have to wonder how one family could collect so much stuff? When I waver and rethink whether I should give something up, I watch this video to remind me why it's important to do so.

The point he made about camping is what struck home for me. Though I love being outdoors, the simplicity that comes with camping is what I truly loved about it. After careful planning, I brought the bare minimum we'd need to live happily for 2 weeks at a time - just the clothes we'd be wearing, the kitchen bits and bobs I'd cook with and the food we'd consume.

Minimalism, with loons and campfires.

No internet, cell phones, TV or other distractions. It's the most peaceful I've ever felt.

The more stuff I collect, the more frazzled and overwhelmed I feel, and I have a lot of stuff.

Time to purge, my friends.

The Hidden Power of Smiling

The span of your smile can predict the span of your life.

The act of smiling can make you healthier, and make you happier than eating chocolate or winning cash.

Well, I guess I knew all about the power of a smile. I married a dentist, who not only gives brilliant smiles to others, but goes through life with a broad smile himself. This is an awesome lecture, and not that long.

Sarah Kay If I should have a daughter

Sarah Kay is an American poet and founder of V.O.I.C.E. (Vocal Outreach Into Creative Expression) a "group dedicated to using spoken word as an inspirational tool." This TED lecture was part of a series called "Beauty, Imagination, Enchantment."

Lexicography and Ham Butts

For all my fellow word geeks. Erin McKean talks about redefining lexicography courtesy of TED lectures.

"The internet is actually made up of words and enthusiasm."