For those of you wondering when I am ever going to update you on my January purge and organization process, the answer is I feel like maybe never. Ever.
For those of you wondering when I'm going to bring back puzzles, the answer is now. This particular shot of Philip the standard poodle, I took as I sat across from him, in a matching chair, some time at the beginning of January.
Several nights I sat in front of the fire with the television on and Philip sitting across from me as I went through drawers, getting rid of most of the stuff that seemed so necessary to keep for the past 20 years.
The trick to getting rid of stuff quickly is to first keep it for 20 years.
Did you know I have an dresser drawer filled with greeting cards? Because I do. That sounds like a lot of cards, but prior to going through them I had 3 drawers filled with greeting cards.
No matter how you do the math, I'm the gal who has less greeting cards than she did before. But I'm still in a mess, my dining room is still full of things to sell, and my basement is not yet ready for seed starting even though I AM READY FOR SEED STARTING.
Hopefully you, are ready for a puzzle.
The Puzzle
Have a good weekend, eat your vegetables, walk your dog, read a book.
More photos and posts about Lip please! <3
I always feel like I post too many photos of him!😆 ~ karen!
Decluttering is definitely a whole process. My plan this year is to work through two rooms each month. We will see if I can keep that up! Some of the rooms are easier than others, and I'm being fairly ruthless because last year I had to clear out my mom's house after she died unexpectedly and it was an experience I never want to pass on to my kid. I'm still recovering from the trauma of having to decide what to do with all the things in a short period of time since she lived across the country from me and I had something like a week to get it all done. There was a dumpster. And wine. And my best friend spent her spring break helping me, or I never would have survived.
Hi Kathy. I'm very sorry for your loss. And that is a *good* best friend. I'll be doing this organizing for much longer than I thought. 1 month full time wasn't nearly enough. This weekend will be dedicated to hopefully finishing up the basement. ~ karen!
She was and IS the best of friends. Good luck with the basement!
Thank you for the puzzle, your humor, perspective, and stuff.
i have been purging and organizing since I bought my house 35 years ago! Before that I moved every two years so things were purged of necessity. The task took a leap forward when I was married and he came with STUFF! but STUFF also seems to have leapt forward exponentially! However, I think I can claim a genetic predisposition as when we cleaned out my mum's house after her death, we found every card she had been given over her long years of life!(well, maybe not quite all but going back several decades)
I don't know what it is about keeping greeting cards but I think it is a female gene. I can't seem to help myself. And, the very old ones are sometimes the most important. Oh, well.........
Wow, took me 10:46 for that one! I do like the 20 year rule and I could extend it to about 30 since that's when we moved into this house and I know there are some original boxes still waiting and waiting..... maybe this year!
Let me tell you - it feels good! ~ karen
Good puzzle. Philip looking his usual dapper self and obviously keeping an eye on you. Cheers...
He's usually worried that I'm going to smush him. ~ karen!
"Eat your vegetables, walk your dog and read a book" is EXACTLY the plan for the weekend. :)
I still read a book to check off the list today. ~ karen!
It's not creepy but comforting, the way your dog keeps it's eyes on you - they don't understand talking but do KNOW your every move and what it means. Amazing they know so much about you - without any words. That one eyeball is wise beyond words and you captured that moment that all dog lovers know so well!
He's giving you the side eye! LOL
Seriously! ~ karen
Hi Karen, do you have another eschelon of readership? I remember you did make some income from another group. Please note it on your site, because if I miss your posting, then others must also. Thank you
Hi Elizabeth! I often do special short term paid things like The Art of Fun Stuff, The Christmas Pledge, or the Christmas Advent Calendar. But I always do them in addition to my blogging, not instead of. I did take the first 2 weeks of January off of posting to reorganize and purge my house. ~ karen!
Thank you, Karen—I will look for those!—Elizabeth
Lovely puzzle and handsome pup. I took me 6:50 to complete. It would have been quicker had our miniature schnauzer not tried to “help” me.
I’m still in the purging and organizing stuff phase. 30 years worth of stuff. It would be a lot easier if I had places to donate good, usable items. Anyone want a 27” Sony Trinatron TV? Free if you pick it up.
Not sure where you live, but maybe look for a place that takes furniture and kitchen items for people that are restarting or moving. We have a couple places out here that take furniture for donation to Habitat for Humanities, among other charities, and another that helps victims of domestic violence, etc that are starting over on their own. I find this better than just bringing things into a thrift store that who knows how long they keep it before dumping it.
Thanks! My area doesn’t have much in the way of donation places but I can check with my church.
Good morning, Karen and Mr Elegance, Philip. I’m happy you’re in the “furniture belongs to all who live here” club. I too am ready for seeds. Just dug out the onion and pepper seeds and those requiring stratification. Now to get on with it. Hope you get one tray started today. Such satisfaction. Regards, Terry
Thanks for 11:17 of puzzle-riffic fun. The pup doesn't look 'too' comfy does he? lol Not that I practice what I preach but "If you can't eat it, you don't need it.: And the ever popular -"When in doubt, throw it out."