First, the simple:
This book, Living Simply with Children by Marie Sherlock found it’s way home with me from the library. I’ve only paged through it so far but I’m excited by what she has to share. The first part of the book is all about the “whys” and the second about the “hows.” I’m especially looking forward to the “hows” since that is the hardest part. I’ll share more once I’ve read it cover to cover.
The not so simple is the fact that we are now back in our house (yay!) after two weeks of living in a hotel while the plasterers/painters did their jobs. The house looks wonderful, but now I’ve got to unpack everything. It’s actually great timing to do this since it fits right in with our plans to simplify in regards to our stuff. I’m planning on being very mindful about what I unpack to keep and what I unpack to get rid of.
I’ve focused so much of the boys stuff and I feel for now we have a pretty decent handle on it. Time to take a break and get a handle on my stuff. That’s the not so simple part.
Although my studio is now that beautiful shade of aqua I’ve been pining for….
I have boxes upon boxes of fabric, books, magazines, and fiber.
And guess where I shoved everything that didn’t fit in a box?
Scary, I know. And remember, there is also a wall of yarn behind all that stuff. Yikes. So the question is, it’s easy for me to let go of my kids junk, or the Skeptic’s t-shirts (enter the contest yet?). But my stuff? I love it all yet it’s stifling at the same time. I need the room to work and this summer I’ve really felt my creativity being stifled. There is a lot of sorting, planning, a lot of mapping out but very little follow through and not much doing. I used to think I could never have too much yarn, fiber and fabric but it seems as if it’s time to whittle it down. Might be time for a stash sale and time to be a bit more realistic on what I want and what I need.
Knittymama 
Good luck dealing with the Stuff. I know how difficult this process can be–I’m in the middle of it myself. Hang in there!
For me, it was books that I thought that I could never have too many of. I finally gave away most when I moved and haven’t regretted it. Good luck!
So awful, knowing you have to face the STUFF.
I’ve been avoiding the STUFF for ages myself…
Love the color. So refreshing.
It looks like you are going thru a massive overhaul…did you have a tornado again this year? I remember last years damage.
Good luck with your renno…so far it looks fabby!
I was so inspired by your last post I have that book on hold at the library…can never get enough fresh ideas and support when it comes to parenting. Thank you for the tip.
Don’t worry about the Stuff. It just takes a while – after all, isn’t life a journey? Do you really want it to end quite so soon?
And I like a woman who is using her ironing board for storage (as do I!) as well as its original purpose.
Your next contest should be a before and after photo contest – the scary closet or under the bed or “spare” bedroom. We’ve all got em.
Gorgeous colour!
I need to face the stuff in my child’s toy box. Hard when so much of her stuff was gifts. We did a filter a few months ago and stored some things which was great. Need to do it again.
As for my craft stuff, well it’s the fabric that is really oppressing me.
Thanks for the reminder that it’s time for another clean out.
Ah yes – the STUFF! I think I know that feeling!