Time and Clutter

My topic for today is 'Clutter' and the idea began Friday morning when I started searching my house for my i-pod Shuffle. When it wasn't to be found in all the spots I thought I might have seen it last, the intense search began.  I looked in every drawer, closet, cupboard, shelf, basket, purse, jacket pocket etc. etc. and the more I looked the more intent I became on finding it.


While I was searching in my bedroom, I cleared out clothes from my dresser drawers and closet that I didn't like anymore.  In my art room I compiled  a box of art supplies, papers and canvases that I no longer needed. In the storage closet in the lower level I gathered two huge bags of clothes, shoes and purses as well as two 'mother of the groom' outfits from weddings 4 and 5 years ago.

Then I took a lunch break and while standing at the sink mixing my cottage cheese and apple I suddenly remembered where my Shuffle was!  There is a treadmill in the corner downstairs, facing the TV, with shoes and Shuffle at the ready just in case I actually want to use the machine.  Problem solved!

I took a drive  to town and delivered all the 'clutter' I had gathered to the Goodwill shop.  What a wonderful, euphoric feeling!

The subject of 'Time' came to mind - the fact that everyone always wants or thinks they 'need' more and the fact that we all have all the time that there is.

My project is now to continue clearing out unnecessary objects from my home; simplify my ideas as to what I want to accomplish with my art and also to pare down commitments to this and that, keeping only the ones that are important to me.

With less clutter crowding me I know I will be able to focus and concentrate on anything and everything much better and enjoy myself along the way.

“Yesterday is but today's memory and tomorrow is today's dream.”
― Khalil Gibran

Birthday Post

Today is the day I count my blessings.  I am grateful for my wonderful husband, my family and friends, my special buddy MacDuffy,  my health, my gift of being a creative person,  the magnificent view outside my window, the great and beautiful country I get to call home and the fantastic world and universe out there.

Each day is a gift and my birthday wish for this year is to not waste a single day!

It's OK to Re-Think

Something was bothering me about this painting for a long time.  It is called 'Courage' and I found the section around the Chinese symbol  upsetting to me.  I finally decided to give it a good look and try a few options.  Blue and a calmer area called out to me.  I have a tendency to forget about leaving some quiet spaces in my paintings.  I am very happy with this one now - courage does need a calm attitude and the blue space does seem to be resonating outward amidst the chaos.

Another thing I am working on is more blog posts and making them short and sweet.  I will try and have something to say again tomorrow!