Barter, exchange and buy together

P. 183
Barter, exchange and buy together


When the stranger says, "What is the meaning of this city?" what will you answer? 'We all dwell together to make money from each other' or 'This is a community?'
-T.S. Eliot

Consider that you and your neighbors probably own household possessions that you might be able to share. Typical items are lawnmowers, garden tools, and power saws or drills. Start a tool exchange with a group of your neighbors or friends. If you need to buy an expensive tool, see if others are interested in sharing the expense and owning it communally.

Bartering is a great way to save money. Have a meeting with a group who are interested in bartering. Let everyone say what they are willing to share and what they would like to receive in return. Some suggestions for barter include hair-cutting skills, massages, sewing and garment repair, gardening, computer training, word processing, and baby-sitting.

I'm a thief

I seem to enjoy posting things on here that are not my own recently created wonderfulness. :) But I just stumbled across a book I've had for a while, and the title jumped out at me: 365 ways to live a simple and spiritual life. The word simple is what jumped; simplicity has been calling to me a lot lately. So I thought maybe every once in a while, I'll randomly flip to a page, and if I like it, share.

P. 159:
Practice exuberance

Exuberance is beauty.
-William Blake

Don't be cool and calculating. Don't withhold your enthusiasm for life. Instead, be like a baby and absolutely squeal for joy. Dance wildly around your living room, make a fool out of yourself and laugh until the tears run down your cheeks. Give someone you love a huge bunch of flowers, and kiss your mother for no reason. Don't stop there- roll down the car windows and sing your heart out.

Holding back your exuberance makes you old before your time. It may even make you sick as well. If you don't express your joy, you may forget how to be joyful. Express your joy full out at least once a day. Not only will you feel better, but you'll look better too!