After Gary kindly helped me this morning dispose of the deceased microwave, and offered to pick up a new one wherever I ordered it from, I got off on my walk before it got too hot.
The wild daylilies are out near the pond
Home again and there's an apprentice mechanic next door, showing a keen interest in what's under the hood.
When they were leaving she ran to the driver's side and had to be redirected to the passenger seat. Quite ambitious.
I'm decluttering the kitchen of things that belong outside, such as clay pots and saucers, and in the recycle, such as old tin cans, unusable metal baking dishes, an oven thermometer which is impossible to read, terrible design, plastic algae ridden containers. To name a few.
It's looking better, still a lot of stuff, but I use everything that's now on the shelves, the best criterion.
I recently noted a YouTuber I like very much, a simple-living non dogmatic, good natured Dutch woman, pointing out that there can be an addictive element to winnowing.
Now that's an interesting thought, and may well be true and worth a moment. When it gets to be an activity for its own sake, rather than a useful improvement, hm, that's a thought.
I like to do it with care, and I have little respect for attaching numerical goals, so many items per day, over so many days. That seems more of an invented fad than a useful way of working.
It might also be useful for a person who agonizes and can't get organized. Not judging here, just thinking.
And while I'm thinking, here's another think*
bundled car and home policies for a better deal.
* I lost wifi in the middle of a thought so I made a screenshot to avoid having to rewrite, hence the different appearance of part of this paragraph. Back to the narrative:
And after we finished talking I felt a whole lot better. I think it wasn't loneliness after all, it was feeling untethered. Being asked for information drew me right back in as an active neighbor. Ah. Claro.
Happy day everyone, what's your take on any or all of these random bits of trivia?
Maybe winnowing can become addictive - I started two years out from an international move and really did feel I cheated myself if the 'leave piles in the closet hadn't grown that week. (When there was a substantial collection it would go to a charity shop).
ReplyDeleteI think you put your finger on it. You did a lot of winnowing.
DeleteFeeling useful is to feel connected or vice versa.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's it.
DeleteI sure never considered de-cluttering as an activity for its own sake. But however, there is the certain joy of going into a pristine area where you know it will be so much fun to use it...thinking of the kitchen mainly! I continue to lighten up my possessions, and so far haven't become too overjoyed by doing so. But it does look better to see a few empty places around.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good feeling that you don't have to spend energy on items that aren't serving you any more. Even seeing them takes energy
DeleteThe child looking on…great photo!
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely sight my neighbor encouraging a little girl to be interested in an engine.
DeleteI grew up somewhat poor, so winnowing doesn't come easy for me. There's always that thought you'll need that item someday.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a house with no food left on payday. Emigrated with two suitcases. So I can't believe how much stuff there is! And I've managed with much less before, and could again. My late husband, similar background, felt more like way you do. Don't let that go, in case we might need it in future.
DeleteI de clutter every year for my yard sale. Mr. M. did some too. I figure if I haven't seen it, touched it, or used it in 2 years then it goes.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good judgment call. How much use does it get?
DeleteI like decluttering and get into it every once in a while. Of course most of the de-clutter needs to be of old tractors, machinery parts, piles of metal that could be welded into something useful ... among other things. My kitchen is already sparce much to the dismay of the Respite Gal who likes to bake. Now she brings her own mixer to do baking.
ReplyDeleteShe is a marvelous organizer and declutter person too.
Your decluttering is a different order of magnitude!
DeleteA bit confusing.
ReplyDeleteWhich bit?
DeleteI love the cute kid...I could get rid of most things and still manage, Thanks for your kind remarks in my post today. I am glad Gary can help re: the micro.
ReplyDeleteA little-known fact about me is that I read organizational/decluttering books for fun. I know - I need to get a life! However, as a further note re that part of your post, I can very highly recommend a book by Dana K. White entitled "Decluttering At The Speed of Life'. Her approach is the best I've come across and now I've reminded myself that I need to get that book out of the library again and use it as a refresher.
ReplyDeleteDecluttering can become an obsession, I'm sure. Not one I'm likely to develop, however.
ReplyDeleteFor me, winnowing is definitely addictive. It started in the States in preparation for our move here and was difficult at first but quickly became surprisingly satisfying. I now do it regularly. It certainly makes me feel more in control, and that’s especially helpful these days.
ReplyDelete