And was it less complicated to get information from the Library of Congress by purchasing a ticket to Washington, finding

a hotel, figuring out public transportation or calling a cab, checking in, seeing a librarian for directions to find the material,

then copying the desired data, and reversing the process to get home two days later?

Compared to double-clicking a browser, typing in the subject, and downloading the information? I don't think so.

Yet that "simplification," of course, requires some training, expensive electronics, enough hard drive and RAM, a

fast-enough modem, and the right software.

You get the idea. We swap one complexity for another in the name of simplicity.

My efforts to simplify will not likely go beyond basic de-cluttering. I began by skipping the seashell angel-making

craft session at the retreat.

Doo-dads do not fit a simplification plan.

I'll bag up excess books for the library sales and weed out kitchen utensils I don't use anymore. I'll give my

daughter stemware still packed for our last move -- 15 years ago.

But don't make me give up my beloved stuff, my pottery, my favorite CDs, my computer playthings. If that's what it takes

to simplify, I'll keep my complex life. That's where I "discover myself."

And don't ask me to discard the friends whose love elevates mere existence to life, albeit a complicated life.

But I might try to find more time to enjoy them, friends and stuff alike.

Ah, to simplify, simplify!

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