I’m coming up for light and air for a few seconds. It’s been kinda wet here, which is good, which makes me want to be under layers of blankets eating trays of truffles reading heaps of trashy novels. But the truth is I have been busy doing nothing. Putting out fires. When we bought this house we did not know it has a self-renewing-clutter function. Clutter keeps popping up. They multiply overnight as I sleep, a smug smile on my face thinking about the big bag of stuff I am going to haul to Goodwill soon. I’ve had enough. I’ve resolved to reduce like crazy this year. Simplify and all that. And it’s hard work. We’ve got stuff, lots and all kinds. Including invisible ones that needs to be sloughed away.
I also have a confession. I said I will not buy anything but I bought this:
Before you start wagging your fingers at me, let me tell you its virtues: it requires hardly any detergent, it dries fast (so no yucky mold or anything of that sort), its bright colors make washing dishes a fun job. It’s made from recycled corn cobs and peach pits, so eco-savvy. Oh, did I forget to mention you don’t eat it even though it’s name is Spa.ghetti? You scrub your pans and dishes with it. You can buy it here, if you wish. May your dish-washing be more fun and guilt-free in 2010. (But don’t send me death threats if you find you do not like them!)
The other thing is, the girls’ notebook had been acting up and would not connect to the internet so they have been using this same one that I am banging on right now, which means vastly reduced internet time (on top of putting out fires). I’m afraid to post something because I have not been to my Google Reader in ages. It used to be what I do before I even go to the news. I’m afraid I may be missing some big news in blogland and inadvertantly writing something stupid here because of missing out on the news. My mind is not often far from this circle of women, but the mouse and keyboard had not been mine much.
In any case someone sent me this link a few days back and I had been choking on it. It is very moving indeed and made me wish I have a lot of ordinary days, many many of them stretched out ahead, almost endless. Ordinary but peaceful, joyful and filled with chocolates, bubbles, glitter, grass, clouds, sand and sea. Ordinary is a gift. I wish we all have such ordinary days. I was thinking of all of us mightily when I watched and as I listened and tried not to bawl. We all deserve ordinary days like these. After a storm, ordinary days are priceless.
Some of you, I’m not naming names, are making me feel EXTREMELY GUILTY about the state of my closet, my attic, and my basement. Yeesh. Time to find the shovel.
It’s always lovely to hear from you, Janis. May you find time for a bon bon, a blanket, and a few chapters.
I am also in de-cluttering mode. I think your house and my house must have been built by the same people, because mine ALSO has a self-renewing-clutter-function, dammit!
Sending love xx
That is so cool, the Spaghetti thing, but I am absolutely certain my husband would disgustingly throw it away thinking I had gone mad with my recycling phase. (“Now she is using ACTUAL noodles to wash!”) I listened to that ordinary days piece. It is so wise, and heartbreaking. I think because what I sort of ache for most with Lucy is not having an ordinary day. I could care less about her graduation or wedding, I just want a day where it is totally normal to have her in my life. xo.
yes, Angie, that was my sentiment too. ((hug))
cleaning and decluttering mode! yes! I have been decluttering since a few days before New Year’s. although I hit a rough spot last week and have not gotten over that hump yet. Now I proclaim, rest and mental preparation phase for the next burst of de cluttering energy. ; )
Oh you inspire me with the decluttering. Seriously.
If anyone can do it, you can mama!!!
Ah, to be ordinary. 🙂
xoxo
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