About Me
I’m eccentric. I dance to street performers, name all inanimate objects, and do a lot of things I’m not “supposed” to. I’m spontaneous, klutzy, have a gypsy soul, and am generally unconventional. Until my 26th birthday, I fought against my kooky nature. I listened to everyone who said I needed to “pipe down”, “be normal”, and “get serious”.
I was living in Florida, a place I never fit in. I was miserable. I worked 6-days a week in a competitive environment. I drove two-hours each day to get to my dreaded job. To make up for a life that provided no joy, I lived in fancy stilettos, ate expensive dinners, entertained high-maintenance relationships, and bought lots of STUFF. I was constantly sick and worried about my sanity.
On the morning of my 26th birthday, I burst into tears. I’d done everything I’d been told to do, and paid the price. I had no energy, no peace, and felt like I was dying. With little forethought (really, the best decisions are made this way!), I sold everything that I owned. Out went furniture, books, dishes, linens…and those darn stilettos that pinched my toes. I threw only what I needed into the back of my car and raced to Colorado. I’d always wanted to see the mountains, so it seemed reasonable to run away to them.
So, I settled in Denver. I saw the Rockies for the first time – captivating! – and knew I’d found home. Shortly after I got here, I found a spot in the mountains, breathing the fresh air, and decided that I never again wanted complexity.
I’ve fallen in love with a new kind of life, which I write about here on Simplicity by Sunny. I hike every weekend, taking pictures and resting under the aspen trees. I linger over long dinners with genuine friends. I only work 4-days a week. I allow myself to be honest and open. My life overflows with authenticity. This new life of mine is why I’m a minimalist.
I own two pieces of furniture. My closets are empty and my cupboards are bare. I’ve traded my stilettos for dusty sneakers. I own only 74 things. There’s space everywhere. Time is everywhere, too. Time for hiking, long dinners, writing…and just being me. I’m a minimalist because I want to climb the mountains and spend time with my friends, not dust furniture or go shopping.
Releasing my physical clutter allowed me to release my mental clutter, too. Figure myself out. I’m a little bit crazy, and I no longer apologize for it. I know who I am and what I want. I bounce out of my front door each morning, pockets light – free from the burden of things - and am always ready for another adventure.
I want to be your friend. My entire life I have never been accepted for being one who didn’t want things. As my birthday approaches in ten days or so, , I know the gifts and cards will come.Despite the many, many conversations that I have had with friends and family that I don’t want anything. I always end up making a trip to good will or safespace the day after my birthday to drop off all the gifts. NO ONE LISTENS to me. I have struggled all my life, being miserable, because i was different. And no one around me understands me. No one gets me. People laugh at me and make fun of me. My family, who is supposed to support one, pokes fun of me for being a “freak.” I dream of living the life you live. I have much anxiety and some depreesion. And I think all these relate to the fact I feel all alone. I want to live mith my 38 things in peace and quiet. I want to live my life in solitude. Not complete solitutde but more than I have now. Empty drawers and closets and rooms bring me peace. But no one I know understands that. One or two have truly tried , and I respect them the most. I may be more than tempted to kick my sister in the head repeatedly if she continues to call me stupid, or retarded, or a freak one more time….despite that I have asked her repeatedly to stop. Talk about a toxic relationship.
I am excited to read someone of a kindered heart. I would like to corespond with you more. You make me feel normal…whatever that means. But my normal.
If nothing else i will continue to watch your blog.
Thank you for being you, and helping me realize I can one day truly be me! Love Bethanie
Bethanie
March 17, 2010 at 6:48 pm
Bethanie – I’ve learned, from those I admire most, to lead by example. All we can do is tell people who we are, then stick to our guns. We cannot control the actions of others, including the gifts they buy us or the names they call us. It sounds like you put too much emphasis on people not “getting you”, but what other people think is unimportant. People will always judge you – and me – for all sorts of reasons. The trick is letting go. Being yourself despite it all.
Congrats on your 38 things! You are quite the amazing minimalist already
.
SimplicityBySunny
March 18, 2010 at 8:08 am
Bethanie, I have an idea…why not bookmark all of the minimalist blogs out there, and send them to your family? Then, they will see that there are many of us minimalists and wannabe minimalists, who do not rely on being sucked into consumerism to make us happy.I too, love the feeling of space and room to breathe.I would rather have lunch with a few girlfriends and a great bottle of wine, then spend a day at the mall, buying things that will clutter my closet.As for them buying you gifts? Perhaps you could ask that they make a donation to a favorite charity in your name…I was always the brunt of jokes in my family;I always had a wild streak(I prefer to call it a free spirit)I have learned that people only treat you, the way that you let them…If you tell them that their comments hurt you,and you need a break from their company,perhaps they will get the message;and do surround yourself with like-minded people…There are a lot of us out there (and if you continue to feel depressed, perhaps you can talk to someone professionally,who will be non-judgemental.Sunny is right,”we can’t control the actions of others”;we can’t control the way people think…Standing up for myself was the best thing I ever did. I had a mother-from-hell and could never say or do anything right.I don’t let her speak to me that way anymore—-problem solved—Good luck,
Carolyn in New Hampshire
Carolyn
May 13, 2011 at 8:19 am
hi sunny – this is a great site – I’m really enjoying it. I’ve spent some time reading across the site and what really hooked me is your use of the phrase “the courage to live authentically”. That’s the essence of it for me. Minimalism started off with architecture for me, some 25 years ago – I’ve always been drawn to simple spaces but they were always, contrarily, so expensive. They still appeal but weaving in simplicity with minimalism just feels right. I’m 45 now and have 3 children though I’m separated now. I know I can learn from you and become a better father to my children by living an authentic life. I agree with those who say its not about obssessing about how few items you own, but at the same time, after years of buying and immediate guilt, I am loving letting go of pretty much everything. I now live in 500 sq ft and it feels spacious – I’ve more furniture than you but I look at it looking back at me and think, yep, some of you have to go! Keep up this blog – your view of crazy seems utterly sane to me. Mark
minimalmark
April 23, 2010 at 11:02 am
@ minimalmark – I’m glad you’re enjoying the site, thank you! For me, the entire process of minimzing/simplfying is for the pursuit of living authentically. I believe that living simply – authentically – will make us better people. Better mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters…human beings. I wish you the best in raising your children, and teaching them their own truth.
I’ve come to love minimalism in architecture and design, myself, and appreciate the concept of quality versus quantity. I also love pruning my things, though I’ve realized it’s not about the numbers. It’s about having only what you need for living the life you’re meant for.
Glad to hear I’m not completely crazy! Sane’s kinda boring, anyway
.
SimplicityBySunny
April 25, 2010 at 10:09 pm
Thanks for the wise words Sunny.
I don’t know if you know this architect, he lives in London but is from Milan. His work is so utterly beautiful and sensual – it is anything but “stark” or “empty”. See what you think (apologies if you know him already)
http://www.claudiosilvestrin.com
PS I have no links to him just a huge fan!
minimalmark
April 27, 2010 at 3:53 am
@ minimalmark – I finally had a chance to click on your link. I found a bathroom – completely empty except for a large wooden (yet super modern) tub – that I’m dreaming about right now. The shower was built-in, with the drain under wooden slats. Generally speaking, I appreciate his use of sunlight with the wide and unobstructed windows. Wow, this is minimalist beauty at its best. Thank you for sharing, Mark!
SimplicityBySunny
April 29, 2010 at 6:55 am
Hi Mark,”I’ve always been drawn to simple spaces but they were always, contrarily, so expensive.” Check out this girl (I also have no affiliation)
I am a huge fan of Roccio Romero…She designs affordable modular homes for minimalists.
Living in one of her homes, is on my “bucket list.” I enjoyed Claudio’s site,and found it interesting that a minimalist architect, had such a visually stimulating website…whoo…I was getting a little dizzy there, LOL
http://www.rocioromero.com/
I think it’s great that you are raising your kids not to fall into the consumerism trap by the way…
Carolyn
May 13, 2011 at 8:34 am
Hi, I just found your site and read through the whole thing! I can tell you are a writer by the way you tell stories. Be glad you started your blog and know that you have helped some people. I am now trying to get rid of my stuff and clear out the clutter. My website has a list of my “stuff” but it’s constant process getting rid of things. Especially clothes. After writing it down, I can see I have way too much stuff!
PutTogether
May 13, 2010 at 3:05 pm
@ Put Together – That’s a lot of reading! Thanks so much for taking the time to read my thoughts. If I’ve managed to help, I consider myself a success. I think we can all help one another by sharing our unique experiences. My list of “stuff” is a constant process, too, but all life is a process, no?
SimplicityBySunny
May 17, 2010 at 1:29 pm
hey Sunny-
I just wanted to let you know how honest and authentic I think your site is. I’ve read a lot of “minimalist blogs” and they all talk about the same things like “reducing clutter” and “simpifying” and stuff like that, but your blog actually SHOWS how YOU do these things in your own life. This site has helped me far more than any other of its kind because it is written so joyfully and honestly. I really appreciate what you are doin here and for gosh sakes KEEP IT UP!
babyTrex
May 18, 2010 at 8:49 am
@ babyTrex – Thank you! I’m so glad that I’ve helped you with my “down-home” view of minimalism. All I can write is what I know. I’ll most certainly keep it up!! How could I not, with such amazing encouragement?
SimplicityBySunny
May 18, 2010 at 10:48 am
I’m glad I have found this site and someone that has the same mindset as myself. Although my blog is new, I will be following yours after reading all you have written already.
My pruning of my possessions started about 7 months ago, but I am only just documenting everything.
A friend of mine in San Diego has just moved to Colorado and says its awesome. Unfortunately, I live in the UK. Maybe I’ll get to see it one day.
Terry
May 31, 2010 at 3:50 pm
@ Terry – Colorado is absolutely awesome! We have many CA transplants, so your friend will fit in well, I’m sure. It’s nice to know that there are other people out there with the same mindset, makes it easier to follow the crazy thoughts we have
. Best of luck to you with your blog, I’ll be following it.
SimplicityBySunny
June 9, 2010 at 8:31 am
Hi Sunny,
Great site. Thanks so much for chronicling your journey – especially the missteps. It wasn’t until I came here that I realized there wasn’t something wrong with me for preferring my walls to be bare.
I too left a toxic relationship and a dead-end career and fled to the mountains to start a new life. I was 34, and people thought I was crazy. But like Frost said, “…that has made all the difference.” I’ve spent this week off work. Each day I get a morning coffee and go sit on the shores of a different Rocky Mountain lake to sip it and read “Walden.” There is no possession in the world that can surpass the simple happiness of this life.
I look forward to following you continued journey. As a fellow photographer, can I press upon you to consider posting some of your work here?
Thank-you again,
Matt
Matt
July 14, 2010 at 9:46 am
@ Matt – Thank you for your thoughtful comment. I think there are more missteps to my journey than anything else, but that’s what makes the whole process fun
. I, too, am glad that I’m not alone in loving bare walls. I’d be more than happy to post some pictures, but must warn you that, although I adore taking photographs, they’re not of professional quality!
Rocky Mountain lakes – ah, how wonderful! It sounds like you have a fantastic – and utterly simple – morning routine. I wish I were so lucky. And what could be a better choice than Thoreau to keep you company? Whereabouts are you?
SimplicityBySunny
July 15, 2010 at 6:58 am
Sunny,
I am fortunate enough to be living in Banff, Alberta up in the Canadian Rockies. I moved out here about 2 years ago, and although I only intended to stay for a short time, a herd of wildebeests couldn’t drag me back to the city. For the first time in my life, things make sense, and developing simplicity increases that understanding.
I am not a pro at photography either, but for me the point is less to make ‘perfect’ pictures than it is to document my life and experiences. It’s the piece of yourself you put into the work that determines its value, not its technical prowess.
Hope you are enjoying a stress-free day.
M
Matt
July 15, 2010 at 9:52 am
@ Matt – I’ve always wanted to see the Canadian Rockies. You’re most fortunate to have such a beautiful landscape. Although I live in the city, I wouldn’t allow myself to be dragged away from the Rockies. I appreciate the hustle & bustle of the city – and the cultural offerings of museums, cafes, community centers, excellent libraries – but only appreciate it as much as I do because it’s balanced with easy access into the mountains.
Having life make sense is an excellent way to define a successful life. Simplicity certainly puts things into perspective and increases the understanding of what’s important…and what is not important.
My imperfect pictures coming soon!
SimplicityBySunny
July 22, 2010 at 9:34 am
like your blog a lot! we know it’s not the things in life that make us happy. it’s fond memories, real connections, small positive changes and ordinary miracles we create in our daily life…
i’m now on a quest for simple love…is it possible to still have the simple “high school, hand-holding” kind of love in a crazy city like new york?
jing @ http://www.dailyjing.com
jing
August 17, 2010 at 4:19 pm
@ jing – I think it’s possible to find anything, anywhere, if you follow your heart. Best of luck in finding that simple love in NYC!
SimplicityBySunny
August 25, 2010 at 10:44 am
[...] I’m especially grateful knowing I can daydream about getting rid of all my furniture (like Sunny) and never having to dust again — and I can talk about that, and you, gentle reader, [...]
Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Me « Simple Savvy
August 23, 2010 at 9:04 am
Sunny,
It’s been so long since I’ve fallen in love with you. Please post again.
Bradon Wesche
October 27, 2010 at 6:12 pm
@ Bradon – I’m blushing! Glad to feel the love, Bradon. Right back atcha!
SimplicityBySunny
December 9, 2010 at 7:56 am
Ahhh, Denver!!! Love it. Which mountain is in your blog photo? It is gorgeous picture.
Annabelle
November 10, 2010 at 12:30 am
@ Annabelle – The picture on the home page was taken in Twin Lakes. These particular mountains are called the Collegiate Peaks – and they’re ridiculously beautiful. Ridiculously!!
SimplicityBySunny
December 9, 2010 at 7:52 am
I really want to thank you for posting your insights about moving to Colorado and your journey towards going minimalist. I am on a very similar path and stumbled upon your blog somewhat serendipitously after googling “Colorado + minimalism.”
Your voice is beautiful and passionate, and I love reading your advice and experiences. In fact, I stayed in one night with a good bottle of wine and read your blog beginning to end.
Your blog also resonates very personally with me, because I am a former native of Colorado and itching to get back. I am stuck in the mire of the anxious-ridden East Coast and am slowly paring down my stuff so I can pack it up in my little hatchback and make the 1800 mile journey. I’ve been nervous to do so, but your writing has really inspired me to take the steps necessary to move back to my homeland and savor the Rockies in all their glory. Do you have any advice for taking the plunge? Besides keeping only the absolute essentials and having a ballsy personality?
Again, thank you for creating such an awesome, inspirational blog. I hope to follow in your footsteps. Please keep writing, I’m anxious to here more about your experiences! Perhaps we will cross paths sometime soon
Allison
November 28, 2010 at 8:44 pm
@ Allison – Thank you & you’re welcome! I’m glad that you’ve arrived, especially serendipitously (this is my favorite word and my favorite experience). I think we’re kindred spirits, as we both love wine and Colorado. I do have advice for taking the plunge, let me post more about my “plunging” experience, as a comment box simply won’t provide enough room. If you hadn’t already guessed, I’m long-winded
. I’ll also send you an email – I’m happy to help you escape from the East and come back home to the West – so you can contact me if there’s anything I can do to help.
You bet we’ll cross paths soon! I have many a wine bar to expose to you
.
SimplicityBySunny
December 9, 2010 at 7:37 am
Thanks for your response, I look forward to your “taking the plunge” post! Am hoping to get out to CO within a year; I will certainly be in touch (first wine bottle’s on me
).
Allison
January 7, 2011 at 2:22 pm
@ Allison – It’s good to be given topics to write about – much easier on my brain! I’ll be waiting for you – you order the first bottle, I’ll get the tapas
.
SimplicityBySunny
January 10, 2011 at 11:21 am
Hi Sunny, I’m a high school senior and I’m doing my senior thesis on minimalism. I’m creating a website that focuses on people’s experiences, hardships, and personal victories with minimalism. I’ve been reading your blog for a couple of months now, and I was wondering if I could interview you for a profile piece? I would really appreciate it if I could email you an elaboration on the project along with some questions! Thank you so much
Zoe Maddalena
January 5, 2011 at 8:08 pm
@ Zoe – Congrats on being so close to graduation! I believe minimalism is an extremely worthy thesis and would love to be a part of it. I’ve sent you an email – look forward to hearing from you soon.
SimplicityBySunny
January 6, 2011 at 10:18 am
Sunny,
Shoot me an email sometime. I appreciate the kind words.
Joshua
Joshua | The Minimalists
January 23, 2011 at 2:23 pm
@ Joshua – I’m really against violence, but, yes, I’ll shoot you
. Email on its way…
SimplicityBySunny
January 24, 2011 at 11:06 am
Hi Sunny. I’ve found your blog at a very interesting moment. In my 20′s after school, I decided to move to CA after getting tired of flat, boring OH. My folks moved to Ohio from CA while I was in high-school, so I stuck it out until I graduated college, saved my money and put a twin-sized mattress in my truck. I had a coleman camp-stove, climbing gear, and skis in a rocket-box. Maybe 3 boxes full of outdoor clothes, necessities, and a laptop. I had studied Environmental Science, so I worked at a lab for a while (still living in my truck). My co-workers thought I was crazy, but they were cool. I showered at the climbing gym and lived in the company parking lot with an access key to a restroom. I would drive up to tahoe or yosemite every chance I had and loved it! One morning, my dusty truck window had “dude, where’s my…?” written on it. Good stuff. I since had worked odd jobs traveling to climbing and ski-destinations that were on my ‘tick-list’, with a slight upgrade to a truck-mounted camper. I did this for 7 years and loved every bit of it!
I then realized I was missing something. I always ran into acquaintances and friends when at large climbing venues like Yosemite, but my time with them was ephemeral, as they were nomadic as well. Sometimes I had girlfriends that I would share my experiences with, and I still cherish them as friends. The kinda girl that you’d see with a guitar singing by a pristine lake, or by a fire on the beach. Maybe akin to the gal in “Into the Wild” living in Slab City. I recently watched the movie again and the final quote “happiness only real when shared” stuck a chord in me.
I decided to move to San Francisco and “settle-down”. In the midst of the recession, worked 4 pt jobs, seven days a week and had no time to climb or ski. Busted my ass and found a sales job that paid well. I got along with everyone, but it was a soul-sucking job that made me want to stay in bed all weekend. I had lost interest in my passions. Girls at work just wanted to buy shoes and furniture. I bought a bunch of stuff I didn’t need (bmw, etc.) and lived absurdly in terms of spending. My body atrophied along with my brain. I was depressed. It wasn’t my style. I didn’t make many friends because I cooped myself up, or was too busy.
It’s been a month since I got laid off, and had decided to move to Colorado right after my layoff with my severance check. I have many good friends that live there, as well as the beautiful Rockies (I’ll miss the ocean). I typed “moving simply” into google and found your page, as I was trying to decide if I should take my $3k super comfy bed with me (and bigass tv I only watch movies on). I’m going to sell everything and stuff my car with clothes and camping gear for the move. I’ll be in the Boulder/Denver area, so if you see an Asian dirtbag driving a black bmw with cali plates, feel free to throw a rock at it
. Maybe we’ll cross paths someday.
Cheers,
Keith.
Keith
October 16, 2011 at 12:37 am
@ Keith – First, I apologize in advance for any disparaging remark you may, or – ahem - may not, find somewhere on my blog regarding BMWs. Truthfully, I admire German engineering. I just didn’t admire the BMW driver
With that uncomfortable tidbit taken care of…
When first reading your comment, I was reminded of the Buddhist proverb, “When the student is ready, the master appears.” No, of COURSE I’m not a master! I do, however, think that we find people/things/experiences exactly when we need them. This is the beauty of blogs – the sharing of our experiences. I’m very glad that you found me, and I hope you stick around.
Many people dream of 5-star hotels. Others fantasize about expensive home decor. Me? I’d say that camping in the back of a truck, as a lifestyle no less, is in my “Top 10 Things I Think About”. Or close to Top 10, at any rate. You’ve experienced a more minimal existence than I will, and I’m envious of your experience. I, too, relate to that “missing something” feeling. Mine was during the midst of complication, rather than because of a nomad lifestyle. I yearned for human connection and a life that provided contentment. Although San Francisco lead you to depression, and a dead brain no less, I consider it a wonderful circumstance that it’s ultimately lead you to CO.
I mean this sincerely – If you need any tips/help with figuring out the ~Beautiful~Amazing~Fantastic~ state of Colorado, don’t hesitate to ask. (You’re going to fall immediately in love with Boulder’s Flatirons, if you aren’t already familiar with them.) My four years in Colorado have been the best four years of my life. It’s my wish that everyone experiences the same happiness that I’ve found by settling into a place that doesn’t just feel like home, it just is home.
I’d never throw a rock at your BMW! Maybe a water balloon….
Best of luck, Keith! Your adventure awaits…
SimplicityBySunny
October 17, 2011 at 9:07 am