Hello,
The house-frau in me has always looked forward to January...
and that post-Christmas lull, when the world is quiet, and we set our house to rights before the new year really gets underway.
Decluttering is the order of the day.
I have not read that popular book by the Japanese lady, but have read enough about it to know the mantra of giving away all that does not bring you joy.
The swan bring me joy, so it is safe.
However we have packed many items which were never loved or wanted, and taken them off to the St Vincent de Paul charity shop.
And it is very liberating.
Despite another heat wave, we have been gardening too, throwing away non-performers and adding a new plant or two.
Tomorrow the herb garden gets a makeover.
Can you believe the Easter buns are in the shops already?
Neither could I....
Ridiculous..
Thank you for your kind comments on my previous post -
several of you have been encouraging me to take a rest, after the busy few weeks we have had.
And I am - found this unfinished cross-stitch during the declutter and am happily stitching away, watching more TV than I have in ages.
Did you watch the Golden Globes?
No idea who these ladies are, but I thought this dress was stunning..
I think I like the blue dress with the pink roses, such a pretty colour.
But I am concerned she might catch cold...
And while we are in Hollywood, so sad about these two:
Loved Debbie since I was a girl, and loved Carrie/Princess Leia.
Sing and dance among the stars, you two special performers.
Keep warm or cool, wherever you are.
Forecast here for tomorrow is 37c.
We might go to the movies.
I think I like the blue dress with the pink roses, such a pretty colour.
But I am concerned she might catch cold...
And while we are in Hollywood, so sad about these two:
Loved Debbie since I was a girl, and loved Carrie/Princess Leia.
Sing and dance among the stars, you two special performers.
Keep warm or cool, wherever you are.
Forecast here for tomorrow is 37c.
We might go to the movies.
XXXXX
I would love to declutter - lots and lots, but H likes to hang on to things.
ReplyDeleteI like that first dress and could imagine it looking good on Frida Kahlo.
When the house has been full of people and they leave I always think that it going to take forever to clear it up, but once you get stuck into clearing up it soon all feels back to normal.
It must have been lovely having them all around you for such a long time.
Ah, G likes to keep things also - must be men :)
DeleteYes, that does look like a Frida dress, doesn't it. The slight Spanish influence would suit Los Angeles..
And so true, it felt last week like we'd never finish, but the house is definitely looking much more spic and span and we are forging ahead, despite the heat.
Great
ReplyDeleteThank you
DeleteI live for a good decluttering. :) I love January for the same reason, the whole house and even the yard get a good sweep and everything feels fresh and new again. I haven't read the Japanese book yet either, but I know about the joy thing and have been trying to use that guideline for the past few months. Turns out very little of my junk was giving me much joy and the real joy has been in getting rid of it! :)
ReplyDeleteYour place always looks so neat, I bet you are a good declutterer (is that a word?) It's lovely to feel all fresh and new, whether it is snowy or hot.
DeleteYes, you too have found the joy of getting rid - I should have done more of this in the past!
I've been doing that too...drawer by drawer and my clothes closet...so rewarding too.
ReplyDeleteI did read the Kondo book but I was disappointed...perhaps because I have my own ways of doing things and its hard to teach an old dog new tricks!!
It ice to know we are all into it at the same time. I don't plan to read the Kondo book, as the extracts I have seen had most unappealing ways of organising your house, which don't suit me either. But the joy of getting rid of the unloved has certainly resonated with us. Plans are afoot to put some larger items up for sale to make some pocket money.
DeleteI agree with the lightness that comes from divesting and passing on the unloved and unnecessary. We did some but lots more needs to go out the door. Enjoy your movie and stay cool x
ReplyDeleteWe are with you there Michelle - some done, more needs to go. A work in progress.
DeleteYou stay cool too, next three days are going to be a bit over the top! x
It's funny that you mention this, Patricia, because I was just watching an episode of Gilmore Girls and they mentioned a book which talks about giving something away if it does not bring you joy. It makes sense, doesn't it? I bet if feels good to give a few things away. When I moved, I had about 11 bags of stuff that I gave away. You know, these cross buns are so Yummy, and they remind me of my dear dad who loved them.
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm glad you kept the swan. She's a keeper for sure. :)
love, ~Sheri
Ah, sounds like the Gilmore Girls have been reading that book too. Yes, it makes sense - I am more about the letting go, but less about how the book suggests we should organise our closets etc. I'll do that my way!
DeleteHot cross buns were a favourite in our household too - but not until Easter. Love my swan :)
Lovely post, I think that Todd Fisher (son and brother to Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher) had that drawing on his Facebook page, so he must have loved it too.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful is it that someone can draw something that can give comfort without saying one word?
Oh, I'm glad Todd Fisher liked it too. Our local newspaper had a lovely one showing them arriving in heaven, also wearing their signature costumes.
DeleteI think we were all touched by the way these two departed together. Enjoyed Todd Fisher's movie which aired last weekend too.
Nothing like a good declutter, wish I had the time to do one myself. I'm sure you will soon have the new year in order. As for Hot Cross Buns, I refuse to buy them now. By the time Easter comes, they have lost specialness and significance.
ReplyDeleteIt has been absolutely ages since I had time for a declutter, which makes it all the more satisfying. Hope you have some time for yourself in 2017 Sarah Liz.
DeleteI refuse to buy them also, at least until the actual Easter weekend, when Mr C loves them. The grab for cash has indeed taken the special meaning away from the Hot Cross Buns.
I'm also trying to declutter my life. It seems a lot easier to collect than get rid, but I'm persevering. I couldn't believe the hot cross buns in the shop either, I've also noticed Cadbury's creme eggs!
ReplyDeleteOh no, not the chocolate eggs too! Is nothing sacred any more...
DeleteEaster buns in Jan? That is the height of stocking.
ReplyDeleteThat is Australia for you :)
DeleteFunny that decluttering is the topic, Trish. I just returned from an electronics and gadgets store called "Best Buy," where I dropped off an old telephone and answering machine. Both still work, but nowadays the technology more advanced, and all we need is a single unit. So Best Buy will recycle them. I have another phone/answering machine unit that I'll keep for a respectable amount of time, before taking them over for recycling. I suppose with cell phones, we no longer need to hold onto a spare in case our main phone blows out.
ReplyDeleteI love decluttering! Plus, figuring out how to create more space and living with fewer things. I feel like it's easier to get rid of things if you can find good homes for them. I usually start with friends, then move onto charities.
I love your swan vase too! You'll have to share your garden with us, Trish. I bet its as lovely as the flowers and birds you show up!
Best Buy sounds like a useful store. I don't know of anything like this in Brisbane. Recycling is always to be recommended. We are continuing poking into forgotten corners, and finding more things to pass on to another life. We won't know ourselves soon.
DeleteThe Garden of Neglect is good in parts, some of the time, but never all of it all the time. During the hot Summer it gets very ordinary, so not much to see at the moment. I will try to get some nice photos when things look good.
Decluttering? How does that work? If you looked in my cupboards and closets you would know that I have no understanding of the concept. And I read the book you mentioned and it make me feel all twitchy. Woe is me, LOL!
ReplyDeleteHa, I expect I will always have cluttery cupboards - but hopefully only with things that bring me joy :)
DeleteNot planning to read the book either: the extract I read about how to store socks brought me undone..
However, going with the riddance of stuff held for reasons of guilt, gratitude to giver, change in taste, etc.
Always enjoy your flower/plant photos...you have a green thumb!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
Linda :o)
Not as green as your thumb, Linda!
DeleteI see you lake has frozen - exciting...
Cheers, and Happy Sunday.
I have not read that book either, but I agree totally with you about the keeping things that bring you joy and getting rid of the other things! We have been and continue to work our way around the house clearing out things we don't want, like or need. I have to say that not only do the things themselves now bring me joy, the tidiness brings me joy too! Your garden is looking lovely, glad you are finding time to enjoy it. Have fun with your sewing too, it looks very pretty!
ReplyDeleteThe tidiness brings me joy too, Amy. The past year has been overwhelmingly hectic for me, and to have an oasis of calm to clean my house is quite wonderful. Another bag ready to go to the shop tomorrow. After a long break from cross-stitching I am enjoying it very much, and can't wait to see it finished. So addictive :)
DeleteI'm so thrilled to know you have a blog! I think I've been living under a rock, I should have noticed. I'm trying to get back into my domestics blog now, I've missed it. Like you I think January is for sorting and de-cluttering, it's the perfect time for it after the busy decorations of the holidays are put away. xx
ReplyDeleteOh, I am glad you found my blog Dani. I do enjoy yours very much, and love you domestics, especially as you live in Ontario as do my daughter and two of our grandsons. January is the month of choice for home-makers, it would seem. I always re-arrange the paintings and general decor each year after the Christmas pageant is put back under the stairs! Thank you for your kind comment and welcome to my blog. xx
DeleteDecluttering is very good for the soul! I am busy with it too, Patricial, as well as some repainting and refreshing. As always, I love the eclectic variety of your blog. What a lovely drawing of Debbie and Carrie. So sad for them both to go. Enjoy your heatwave! And I mean that :)
ReplyDeleteYes, very good for the soul, whether it is filing, or sorting our residence or clothes closets. Glad to know you are also on board our global January Declutter! Now, doing my best to enjoy this week's heatwave. It was separated from last week's by a cool Sunday, max only 30, heavenly :)
DeleteI'm with you Trish! Decluttering, slowing down, back to crafts...just an overall "reset" to things. ;) I loved watching the Golden Globes and seeing all of the dresses. ;) I'm still so sad over the loss of Debbie and Carrie too. As well as, I've been crying over the Obamas leaving. Such is the cycle of life (& politics I guess). ::sigh::
ReplyDeleteI love seeing posts about planting and thinking garden thoughts, but I'm not loving seeing Easter things already too. Time moves fast enough on its own, right?!? We don't need commercialism pushing it any faster! Lol
Blessings on the rest of your week Sweetie. xoxo