“Finding the luxury in simple things” is my tagline. It has always been a part of my modus operandi. I just didn’t know it until someone described me as having “champagne taste.” The full expression is having “champagne taste on a beer budget.” I didn’t drink champagne or beer then, and I still don’t, but I have always lived for finding the luxury in simple things. Let me give you an example of when it impressed upon me pure as crystal.
My mother traveled often to visit her family in Japan. She always returned with stories of sightseeing and shopping. Most of the sightseeing was focused on visiting onsen (hot springs), lighting osenko (incense) at Buddhist temples and Shinto Shrines, and maybe going out for a light hike—simple things. Most of the shopping was spent on window shopping, strolling inside high level department stores, and setting aside time to luxuriate with a simple cup of tea or coffee paired with a small cake or fine pastry. Only a little stuff was brought home. This was interesting.
When I started to accompany my mother on her visits to Japan, at first I tried to consume it. There was no way possible for me to bring Japan back home with me. I could spend all my currency but I couldn’t take home the feeling with me. All my souvenirs and stuff were just stuff. I looked at them. They looked at me. I looked inward. When I began to clean my closet and clear my head what impressed upon me pure as crystal were the shiny memories of sitting in hotel restaurants or cozy cafes—my world a world away—and all my cares invested in my affordable cup and sweet set. I did bring Japan back home with me. I treasured most my experiences of luxuriating on an afternoon in Japan with simple refreshments. I had found the luxury in simple things.