Margaret Arnold • November 2, 2024
A Risk But Keeping it Light and Variable

Starting a blog feels like the opposite of simple. At any moment, I could talk myself out of it — it feels risky, so "not me." But each day, I find myself wanting to share thoughts, both old and new, about living a simple life. Rather than picking up the phone to share my ideas and new practices with friends and family who may have no interest in my thoughts and ideas, I’ve decided to take a risk and write them down in a new personal blog, The Silver Thread.


My inspiration comes, in part, from my mother and her daily practices I observed (and were no doubt passed down to her), my own learnings that have now become habits, and a deeper interest in simplicity by exploring literature and other content. One of those inspirations was the Ann Patchett's article and book and the charming book "The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter" by Margareta Magnusson.


The weather that day
was described as light
and variable


In May 2020, a few months into the pandemic, I sent a note to colleagues letting them know I was stepping away from my consulting work (only to return twice more 😊) to help and be a caregiver for family, downsize our family home and move into a smaller home, and see a few volunteer projects through. The weather that day was described as "light and variable" which inspired the start of creating a light and variable lifestyle. Like the weather, I could imagine "it" immediately, but I just needed to start — like this blog.

What I didn’t know was that practicing a simpler life could truly be light and variable. Light, meaning you recognize it when you "feel" it and are attracted to return to it often — less belongings, less waste, less cost, and more time for meaningful connections. Variable, defined as lightening your load to allow for flexibility, change, and growth. Light and variable also describe the calm and unpredictably of working towards, achieving and returning to a simpler lifestyle.


Five top facts to know about my light and variable lifestyle that I’ll highlight and write about in future issues of The Silver Thread:


  • Space is at the center of the lifestyle.
  • Preparation and routine ensures success.
  • Cleaning and the right tools are part of the process.
  • Family legacy, health and moments are a priority.
  • Nature and cool things can inspire.


I’ve found that a life that is more light and variable has brought unexpected fun and challenge. It’s a practice I continue to refine, and one you may want to explore, too.


Silverish Simplicity Links

You can find any books I suggest at your local library





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Past Blogs

A tote bag is sitting on a counter next to bottles of cleaning supplies.

A Happy Cleaner: Four Decades of Family Moves & Experiences

By Margaret Arnold • May 17, 2025
When my four children were in elementary and middle school, an annual Christmas card and letter that arrived each year gave me a glimpse of the life stage that awaited our family. I recall the usual family news but what struck me about this particular holiday update was the amount of moves her four children made in those college and post-college years and the loving assistance she provided. Little did she know she was modeling how I wanted to be, and have been, for my children these past 13 years and 18+ moves (counting three for my husband and me). From college dorm room to first apartments and now to first homes, I have had the joy of helping my kids settle into their spaces. What an exciting time it is for them! A key role I’ve played during these move-ins and occasional move-outs has been that of a cleaner. I like to clean – I mean I really like it. Not only do I enjoy the physical work I especially like the mental and organizational challenge and doing this domestic task better, deeper and, in the last three years, more sustainable. A KEY ROLE I'VE PLAYED DURING THESE MOVE-INS ... HAS BEEN THAT OF CLEANER.

An Earth Day Project to Last a Decade

By Margaret Arnold • April 26, 2025
Earth Day has significant meaning for me. Beyond falling during my wedding anniversary week (4.23), this global day has involved cleaning ditches with my children and outdoor spring projects. It's ideal for honoring Earth's wonders as nature awakens in Minnesota. For a third year, my gift to Earth is a forest management project first shared last year on LinkedIn . My husband and I have tackled buckthorn eradication , transforming our woods to reveal 300-year-old oaks, black cherry, cedar trees and the land's natural contour. While I attempt to embrace simplicity, this conservation project isn't simple! Eradicating this invasive shrub (and larger old trees) from our forest will take a decade or more. It demands physical work and resources, but the rewards extend beyond restoring native habitats in my corner of the world. my gift to the earth is a forest management project ...

Miles, Enduring Friendships and Loose Change

By Margaret Arnold • April 13, 2025
Last Sunday, three friends and I celebrated spring birthdays with a long walk and brunch. Though still brisk walkers as former "runner girls," we paused to appreciate the beautiful spring morning as we wound through streets, a wooded trail with frozen ground, and finally a shared-use path. Greeting passing runners reminded me of my younger self, but I've grown content with my natural walking habit. Four years ago, I retired from decades of running for a consistent walking routine. I no longer feel compelled to justify my walking routine against running and have fully embraced this new habit and discovered unexpected treasures beyond the well-known health benefits. EACH WALK OFFERS BRILLANT SUNRISES, UNIQUE CLOUD FORMATIONS, CHATTERING BIRDSONGS ...