Juli Schuster Art and Sanctuary

  Simple,cozy spaces make me SO happy. A few people have asked me "Why the name Simply Schusters?" Well, the name really does say it all. We are simply Schusters. A family with highlights and shadows, ups and downs, laughter and tears, and lots of simple, in-between moments. We've been through a lot together and I think that's what has made us realize what is really important and what isn't. We try to just live a simple life, with no agenda or the need to compete or compare ourselves to anyone. We spend our lives doing what we love to do, not what will bring in the most money, the most recognition, the most acclaim. We recognize and appreciate what is really important- loving each other, supporting each other and lifting each other up and trying to do the same for others. I started this blog to share simple ways we've brought happiness and contentment into our own lives, hoping it will inspire you to seek out your own way to be content and happy with the life ...

I planned a no-buy month starting on January 1st. Well, I had good intentions to do so, as I was surprised by "accidentally" buying something online just about a week into the month. Yes, I accidentally, or rather absentmindedly, purchased a new cushion for our daybed. I immediately realized what I had done, actually just moments after I clicked on "complete your purchase". I could have considered this a failed attempt, but I tried to look at it as a win. The fact that I was immediately aware of buying something I didn't truly need, "clicking to buy"without really thinking about it, was a lesson in itself. After some thought and a scroll through my credit card and bank accounts, I realized how frequently I do this.  I couldn't start over at that point because the next one month time frame included my granddaughter's first birthday and I knew there would be buying involved. Although I was hyper aware of what I was and wasn't buying just afte...

 A few months ago, I experienced a wake up call. It wasn't anything extraordinary. I think it was happening slowly, for some time. But by mid October, early November, clarity arrived and I knew I was ready for a shift in my life. For the past eight years, I've been busy. Busyness helped me cope with a lot of things happening that were out of my control- mainly loss. Lots of it. Staying busy helped keep my mind focused on something other than the pain I was experiencing. And, so began, the healing period. Over the past 8 years, in addition to working full time, I have gone through 2 intense yoga training programs, countless continuing education workshops, 3 Reiki trainings, started a business teaching art and yoga and offering Reiki sessions. We moved from our 3 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, finished basement home to an RV. Then, from the RV into a barely 1,000 square foot home with an unfinished basement that we completely remodeled, including finishing the basement, to serve as my yoga...