Clutter Be Gone!

While I have had good intentions 

every single year of decluttering and getting rid

of STUFF,

 I admit I have failed at the 

follow-through. 

The stuff piled up here and 

there in my house alternates between

 taunting and haunting me!

This year, I'm really going to try and

make an effort to declutter the house!

The effort is good enough.

I don't have to and don't want to beat myself

up for not having a picture-perfect

house or closet.

Source:  Facebook

Mr. Tennis bought me the Marie Kondo book

a few years ago and I started it, but stuck it 

somewhere to read later.  

Hmmm - how appropriate - it's now lost in the clutter somewhere!

But, I watched some of the Netflix series,

Tidying Up with Marie Kondo!

I thought it would be another one of those

shows where hoarders are shamed into getting rid of

just about everything they own

and given dirty looks by the organizer.

But it's not.

Marie is so sweet and non-judgmental and

provides tips and advice

on how to tidy up, fold things and

generally live happier without so much stuff!

Last weekend, I tackled my closet

and ended up with 6 large bags to donate and 

a couple bags of trash.

Plus a few hundred hangers (it seemed like that many) -

no need to buy hangers anymore!

I can now get into my closet better and

see what I have.

I didn't force myself to get rid of anything that I haven't worn

in a while, but still sparks joy anyway, such as this
fabulous faux fur vest that I wore 7 or 8 years ago.
It was in the very last spot in the closet way in back.
I love that vest -- I may never wear it again
but it sparks joy . . . so it stays!

This will, no doubt, be a long process 

but it's good to get started!

Go Read a Book!

It's National Read A Book Day!

Do you love to read?

Me too!  Sadly, I haven't read as many books

lately as I would like to be reading.

Maddy loved those Junie B. Jones books -

she and I read those like crazy!  We have

a full library.
Junie B was so hilarious!

Now Maddy's favorite books are dog books -- dog training,
dog breeds from A to Z, dogs, dogs, dogs! :)

First grader -- 2008!

The last book I started was that uber-popular --

"The Japanese Art of Decluttering" or

some such title.

You know what -- it both overwhelmed and

depressed me.

While I know in my head that all the stuff sitting

around could be decluttered and sent to trash, save or give-away,

isn't there a teensy bit of benefit to keeping

some old things?

When we cleaned out my Mom and Dad's house,

my sisters and I loved seeing the things they kept -

old report cards (yes, I was an A-student!!), First Communion

photos, handwritten recipes, cards and notes.
It made me feel so loved.

Is that silly?
Someday when I don't have a lot on my list to
accomplish, I promise to declutter . . .
but just a little!