relentless winnowing

Relentless winnowing.  It's a term one of my oldest blog friends used recently and it put words to the state that I've been in over the last several years.  I've moved my mother-in-law to our house (severe winnowing), moved my mom to her new house (more winnowing), and am now clearing out my mom's house (still winnowing).  All of this has made me even more vigilant about my own house.  If I use it, it's staying.  If I love it, it's staying.  If it brings me some sort of happiness; it's staying.  All the rest (the someday piles, the "but it was only $6" items, the furniture that just can't seem to find its place) are quickly making their way to new homes.  

To her credit, I got up my nerve from this post from tiff at dottie angel.  It's really hard to let go of things I've made, things my mom made.  But letting go makes space for new ideas and new creative adventures.  And moving what remained of my crafty piles out of their squirreled-away places and into my soon-to-be creative space has opened up all kinds of space around my home.  Deep sigh of happiness.  

To her credit again, I am getting up my nerve to let go of my blog from this post.  Not today.  Not tomorrow. But sometime soon.  Sometime before my blog starts its 10th year.  More relentless winnowing.

The paintbrushes?  Those are from my mom and dad.  Beautiful and well-cared for.  I love them and they make me happy.  

 

 

Comments

[melissa]

I know what you're talking about. I had started the process of simplifying at my house and making good headway a few years ago when my mom's health suddenly declined and then she died leaving her house that my parents bought over 40 years prior. It was quite the undertaking emptying it out and too much came to my house. It was more of throwing some of the stuff into boxes and bringing it to my house to sort through later. Later. Unfortunately, the process of emptying the house and then what turned into a major fixing up project has extended now over two years. Much more major than I wanted but I have brothers involved. The good news is the light is at the end of the tunnel and if all goes as planned it will be on the market and sold very soon. A very heavy weight will be off my shoulders. Then it will be time to take a deep breath, clear my head and tackle my own house.

[julie thompson]

I totally understand the "sort through later"...am finally getting out from under that pile. My sisters and I are lucky that we already have a buyer for my mom's house; seeing that light at the end of the tunnel.

[Kim]

I have enjoyed your blog for so many years and would hate to see it end!!! I am so sorry for the loss of your mom.

[Jen@thecottagenest]

I believe winnowing is good for your soul. Have at it lady.

[Mary]

Oh, Julie. I will never forget finding your blog. I was late to the party when it came to computers. I googled something one day and happened upon a blog which led to another blog--Daisy Cottage--which then brought me here. Yes, I remember finding the blogs because I couldn't get over the fact that I had found such kindred spirits. I have felt a real connection here and I hate to see you go but I do understand. Aprons, thrifting, aqua easy bake oven ornaments, growing up Catholic, sewing patterns, Mary Engelbreit, Villager leather monogram purses from the 1960's and 70's. Kindred. xo, Mary