Day 3: The wall is before me

That’s right, I’m at the wall of down sizing.

 I sat there this morning sorting a basket of junk drawer stuff thinking. Why? How many ballpoint pens does it take for me to face the fact that store sell pens, not refills?

Evidently, that number is 3 dozen give or take, not counting the pens thrown away already. On the good side, I tossed a handful of things saved for a reason I don’t remember. 

A bonus of down sizing and organizing stuff is the mind set. Going along my way, everything I do, make coffee, cook, look for gloves, put away clothes, I reorganize, adjust or add something to the donate pile. A little voice like a Greek chorus sings, When’s the last time you used that?  Give it away, give it away. 🎶

There is rolled up artwork from 2001 that will probably never be framed. I move it from one place to another. One year it was in an old store display I picked up on the side of the road.  I am sure that the pastels I will continue to keep. The quick charcoal drawings will go. Other charcoal drawings I’m keeping. Two pastels are in the pile.

Tomorrow, (today if I push it), the project will be finished. Thursday is a thrift store donation day.  That is my end goal for the touch down.

Corner clutter in waiting

When projects last longer than planned

Just keep going

I’ve seen stuff I haven’t seen in years. What was planned to be finished yesterday, (I estimate now from a better view), will continue well into tomorrow. 

The donation bags will be fuller. The shredding bag is heavier. Once that shredding is finished, old papers will be cleared out. My sewing supplies will be in one accessible place. My artwork materials are also going to be together. 

Have a Wonderful & Productive Day

or two!

Old craft project circa 2004
uncovered during craft stash sorting

Stashing for Crafting

 Well, hello February!

Before 8 AM today, half of a major chore is finished. After breakfast, I’ll take care of the rest until I break for lunch. Done with a tuna sandwich and hot chocolate, the second decoupage layer goes on the first metal cabinet and the base application goes on the second cabinet to round out the afternoon. 

A happy surprise, the second container I open clearing out stuff earlier, is the very box of old book pages and illustrations I need for the metal cabinets. 

Stashing things, found objects, fabric, paper, wire and such is put to better use when only the best is kept, and kept well organized. Otherwise, it takes on a junky look that lacks inspiration.

 A craft material stash is never junk. It is as good as any brand new art material. 

Reflection Monday February 2026

Where are you going?

Today, tomorrow, next week,

it is always some place 

you will be.

Thinking back about the importance of blogging…

The Internet has replaced a big percentage of personal interaction.

Blogging can create a community that will have a similar vibe to a physical neighborhood. People that don’t blog and/or read blogs regularly, won’t be able to fully understand how that feels. If you are in a blogging community, built by your own efforts over the years, then you are a fortunate person. 👍👏

Birdseed Bags & Package Materials

Birdseed, the Ace Aubuchon’s Hardware Store brand bags of wild birdseed are thick plastic, and some have a handle. I figure using the handles on a canvas tote will be nice. The holes where the closure thread was is a bonus. I plan to weave the plastic bag material into a ground and seat mat that’s easy to clean. 

A recent package is a thick brown paper from Amazon. I don’t have a use in mind, but I know there will be one. First off, thinking its a cool paper for a pinecone bunting. 

Saving package materials happens in waves. Most ends up in the recycle bin. More than once I’ve used a saved weird piece of styrofoam. Ya never know what might come in handy.  

Do you save package materials to repurpose?