Thank God I didn’t decide to train to be an architect. Not because I don’t like them, or what they do. In fact, building a house here in Kenya has given me a huge appreciation for the art of building. But because, from my limited experience of dealing with architects, I’ve learnt they have to … Continue reading The Tortoise Architect Vs The Entreprenhare
Simplicity In 10 Simplish Steps
If I followed all my advice, I would be disgustingly overearnest. If I never got drunk, the hazy moments skinny-dipping, or sliding in mud at festivals, or midnight boat trips or all the rest of the wonderful semi-memories I have, might never have happened. If I’d been wholly dedicated to one career, or my businesses … Continue reading Simplicity In 10 Simplish Steps
You Don’t Matter
Since the dawn of human consciousness and rational thought (something that has seemingly yet to occur for some 'Tea Party-goers' in the US), we have hunted for meaning or significance (or maybe just the significance of meaning). The questions are not new: What is the meaning of life? Why am I here? Is there a … Continue reading You Don’t Matter
Looking To The Future (Then Trying To Ignore It)
All good things must end. So with a month left on the clock here in Kenya, I am reminded that the ‘next stage’ of life looms. At the end of 2009 I took a break from the day-in day-out drive of running a business – partly because I was burnt out, and partly because the … Continue reading Looking To The Future (Then Trying To Ignore It)
Moguls, Success, Money and the Elephant Man
For years I wanted to be a business mogul. You know the type – a Thomas Crown mixed with a Richard Branson – overladen with opportunity, events, praise and, of course, generous dollops of money. I wanted my rich double-cream chocolate gateaux with cherries, and boy, was I going to eat it. I tried, at … Continue reading Moguls, Success, Money and the Elephant Man
A Random Paradisiacal Morning
Picture the scene: Simpletom wakes, slightly lacking in sleep, and heads off into town to buy all manner of random items for the new house, including termite protector, five hinges, a jerry can, some phone credit and a packet of soap (much needed). Simpletom, in his somewhat sleep-disadvantaged state, manages to lock his keys in … Continue reading A Random Paradisiacal Morning
Truth is God
Your closest friends, partners or family – do they know how you really feel? I feel that as a society, we tell people too often what they want to hear. ‘Oooh, what a nice dress’ or ‘yes I absolutely agree’, or ‘what a nice little dog’ are expressions that spring too rapidly to our lips, … Continue reading Truth is God
Building a Simple House… or Not
When I set off for this magical land, Kenya, 7 months ago to build a house many, my friends and family included, thought I was a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. The jury is still out. The house is going smashingly, but there are a few things I’ve learnt along the way about … Continue reading Building a Simple House… or Not
No News Is Good News
Apparently there’s a mad despot at large, causing difficulties for his nation and the world beyond. Sorry, I take that back... There’s always a mad despot at large. Probably always will be. The madder, the badder and the more shocking, the more newspapers (or now e-subscriptions) the media sell. One of the things I’ve tried … Continue reading No News Is Good News
The 10 Best Simplicity Books
When does a movement or decision strike with such force that it becomes instrumental in one's life? Is it a moment experienced personally, or one that another teaches? I've never been good at Damascene moments. Even clear indicators often have me going the wrong way (with the clarity of retrospect). I don't know when I … Continue reading The 10 Best Simplicity Books
Simpletom 