Well, that barn-cleaning exercise turned into a full blown yard sale. Maybe it's the time of year, but I went a little crazy cleaning out cabinets and nooks and crannies. Something about fall makes me want to do that.
I'm a busy-body, in that my body is always busy. So when I take an honest look at what I'm mostly busy with, it seems I'm spending a chunk of time maintaining and cleaning all this stuff we've accumulated over the years. Who needs that? Does one family really need three of those weed-killer-dispenser things? I think not. I'm sure there are books written about this, but why are we killing ourselves trying to keep up with all this material fluff that we don't need and sometimes don't even really want?
So getting rid, cleaning out and purging my home of some (still a ways to go) of our fluff has created a whole new me. My home actually feels more meaningful now--strange to say, but true. The items around me are special and bring me joy. Those that aren't or don't, I'm releasing myself from.
Autumn blessings, everyone!
Nothing like cleaning out. Love it. When I do, I look at the stuff in the pile and ask myself..."What in the world was I saving THAT for??"
I know there is more stuff I can get rid of..hmmm...let me see...
Happy Autumn to you as well, Rebecca...
Posted by: Dawn | 02 October 2006 at 12:18
It always feels so good to do "spring cleaning" even if it is fall! I'm actually doing the same thing right now...cleaning, re-arranging my house, and re-organizing. It feels great! You helped me think of my cleaning in a new way...'make it meaningful.'
Happy autumn!
Posted by: kim | 02 October 2006 at 13:36
If you ever want to "release yourself" of scrapbooking "stuff" all the way to New Zealand..... then I'm your girl!
Posted by: sarah green | 02 October 2006 at 14:58
Ugh! I am clearing my home at the moment ready for a move overseas [we aren't taking much with us!]..but it is exciting to think of starting over and only buying "necessary" items this next time....and YES...scrapbook and art supplies are considered "necessary"!
Posted by: Bec | 02 October 2006 at 18:25
I agree, a home feels more meaningful when you have it de-cluttered...the things you choose to keep are the ones that have more meaning...
I was discussing this very thing with DH the other day, why people feel the need to *upsize* at every opportunity, when what we should be doing is simplifying...
:)
Posted by: glo-girl | 03 October 2006 at 05:31
I've been a fan of yours for so many years. You were the first one who helped break me of the CM type of scrapbooking. I'm happy to see you have a blog now and I can keep in touch from a tiny island off the coast of Japan.
Lori
Posted by: Lori | 03 October 2006 at 17:51
I just want to tell you how happy I am that you are back in the spotlight - you have truly been missed, and I admire you more for being honest with yourself and your family and taking the needed time off! Also, I appreciate your blog - you speak the truth about your faith and I admire you even more for that!! Welcome back!! :)
Posted by: Amber | 03 October 2006 at 18:41
I have been doing the same thing - trying to get rid of all the 'stuff' we don't need! It seems to be a never-ending project though, as I'm sure it always will be. :)
Posted by: Petra | 03 October 2006 at 23:40
I completely agree with you and am in the process of doing it myself. We have friends who are missionaries and they are able to fit everything they OWN in a storage unit while they are overseas. That really made me think twice about what we don't need. :)
Blessings,
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Stewart | 04 October 2006 at 20:05
Fluff! What a great name for all the stuff we don't need. Now, if only I could persuade my family that most of what we have is fluff we could be on a roll.
Posted by: Julie Ratcliffe | 10 October 2006 at 10:27
Amen!
Posted by: Lessie | 16 November 2006 at 10:37