Before my house gets decked out for the holidays, I have work to do.
I don’t know if you ever get overwhelmed by the state of your home. Many of us look at our gardens and struggle with where to start or what to do next. That dilemma usually doesn’t intimidate me, but put me indoors, and the tide changes!
I function better with some clutter preferring to have my stuff close at hand and I can handle a bit of messiness. BUT, and this is a big but, come the end of the garden season, my house is in complete disarray. And where to start…I ponder!
The time has come to stop procrastinating and get at it. I haven’t had housekeeping help since the store closed. The last lady did an amazing job keeping me on track but resigned, saying my house was just too hard to clean. Yes, I have a lot of stuff (too much, really), and with four levels of hardwood and tile floors, it was too much for her. Throw in a dog or two, and you will get a clear picture!
The truth is I like to clean my own house, (if I have the time). It’s a time to reorganize and to get reacquainted…
I have this quotation (photo left) right by my computer. I couldn’t agree with it more.
My mission for November: no more stuff comes in until something goes out. Don’t bet on me to succeed!!
So, before the decorations come out, the wash bucket comes out!
xox Judy❤️
THE AFTERMATH
I wrote the above post earlier this week but in light of the results of the US election, it seems frivolous. The air has left the room. I’ve tried to keep this platform out of the political realm, but…
Today I’m thinking of all the brave women who came before us. The suffragettes in the early 1900s rallied tirelessly for women’s right to vote. I’m part of the women’s movement generation of the late 1960s when women’s rights were still suppressed, fighting for equal pay, reproductive rights…equality period. That was almost 60 years ago, and witnessing the slide backwards is heartbreaking. How is that possible? I’m counting on Gen Z to take care of the environment, gun violence and the oppression of those who have less than. Somewhere out there is a young Gloria Steinem who will bravely step forward to lead the next women’s movement.
“Sometimes it takes a while to win a fight, don’t give up.”… Kamala Harris speaking to young people.
I’m from Canada but under no delusion that dark clouds are not circling here too. Now more than ever it’s important to take care of our own little sanctuaries…our homes, our gardens…our safe places. xox
Your home always looks beautiful!
As for the aftermath, a little hope goes a long way.
Thank you Jill, and I will keep on hoping…xox Judy❤️
Hi Judy, I too am trying to declutter my house after choosing garden over housekeeping throughout the summer. The less clutter I have, the less stressed and overwhelmed I feel. Right after the election results started coming in I felt more stressed and overwhelmed than I’ve been since the last time Trump was in office. I feel the same way you do! I’m so disheartened and disgusted that people have voted in favour of being propelled back into the Dark Ages😰😡by a narcissistic, misogynistic, racist, egomaniac felon who incites violence and hatred to get what he wants. Decluttering my kitchen island today is my first step in creating a bit more calmness in my little sanctuary. I’m on a mission to declutter the rest of my house before I start decorating for Christmas and, hopefully, create a calm, therapeutic escape from the stress of the outside world. Good luck with your decluttering and thank you so much for your words of wisdom. It’s truly comforting 🥰and also a reassuring reminder that there are other like-minded people who care about the same issues. Hugs, Karen xo❤️
Hi Karen, Since the election I’ve had to talk myself into calming down and with he help of Aretha Franklin filling every room in the house full blast, I’ve managed to take my stress out on the dusty, dirty corners of my house! May we both find comfort in our sparkly surroundings! xox Judy❤️
I’m with you Judy (love Aretha!)….I’ve also got my Christmas tunes ready to play on repeat and I may start to put my Christmas decorations up a but sooner his year to help take my mind off of things. I’ve declutterred my kitchen (what a triumph!)….next is the laundry room😖. Hugs, Karen xo❤️
HI Karen, I’m moving along from room to room too, however, I’m not sure I can face the laundry room, especially the ironing basket! xox Judy❤️