Passion for Dreaming

Well jiggle my wiggle, and rattle my bones.  Or at least I feel rattled and jiggled to the core.  In a good way.  Why?  My Professional Organizer Ms Passion came yesterday and emotionally (not physically) grabbed me by the shoulders and shook me up.  In the process she awakened some powerful dreams.  POWERFUL – I tell you.

The first room on her hit list.  The family room. 

I mean the Family Room/Music Room/Library…etc., etc., etc.

Here’s hoping no one ever yells fire.

Banana peels on stairs?  It’s like asking for Murphy and his silly Law to move in.

I tried to prep for Ms. Passion’s coming by letting go of a lot of the easy stuff.  Lot’s of junk, broken items, McDonald toys – blah, etc.

Reduced the whole drawer of toys to two small baskets.

Nearly 5 bags worth of trash.  Believe it or not, I thrifted nearly 10 office size boxes of books.  I was super proud of myself.  Then Ms. Passion came over.  And GUTTED THE WHOLE ROOM!

What?

Except for this monstrosity and the couches.

I’m hating on brown right now.  It’s so not me.  I’ve discovered my whole house is Blah Brown.  And the entertainment center we bought only because it matched the colors of our Blah Brown bookshelves, which we bought because the store didn’t have enough of them in the first color we wanted.  The only touch of me in the entire room that I love is…

My farm-girl scene toile curtains.

In the past I’ve purchased household furniture because it’s ‘in’ or because I think other people would like to see it.  Matching furniture to the styles of my friends, not necessarily mine.  I’m a huge people pleaser. 

In gutting the room it freed me up to dream and DREAM BIG.  My only limitation – No Money!  Oh SNORK!  I’m going to have to get creative to actually buy or refinish the furniture pieces I love.  Yet, now I finally have a vision.  Something to really wish, dream and plan for.  And Ms. Passion is going to help me make Blah Brown more attractive until I can afford the real dream.

Who would have thought that purging one’s self from unloved clutter also freed up the imagination to dream?  WOW!  It really does.

Where did the room go.  Since I’d already purged it – or so I thought.  We moved part of it into the front room and other parts into the rooms they will go in during our future organization rounds. 

I needed something to remind me of one of my favorite seasons so I pulled out some Halloween decoration.

Including potions from my Fairy Godmother Cabinet.

I rode so many different emotional waves yesterday.  Sorrow, confusion, elation, the biggest wave of all, being hope.  And Ms. Passion paid me the highest compliment possible.

She said that of all the Hoarders she’s worked with I’m the most ready and willing for the process of recovery to begin.  Yeah Me!

I asked why I didn’t hate her yet.  She promised that I would by the time we hit room number two – the Master bedroom/Craft room.  Ugh, so dreading that room.   

Can’t wait to show you the finished rooms.  It will take awhile.  Maybe months.  But, I’m so excited for the transformation to begin.  ‘Clean House’ eat your heart out.

Finding Someday – Today!

My mom told me that she was once helped clean out the home of a lady who had died.  In the inventory of her house was untouched treasures that the woman had never really gotten to enjoy.  Not gold or money, but treasured items of linen, tableware, etc., and other such items that the person was saving for her future dream home.  Her ‘Someday’ home.  Her ‘Someday’ never came.

I’ve found myself often in that position.  Saving items for display until after I’m convinced the children have outgrown their accidents.  How thick of a thought is that?  My kids outgrowing accidents?  ‘Snort.’  Not going to happen.

Then I woke up. 

I want my Someday House – Today. 

I may never have that specific dream home with a wrap around porch.  But, I can make my home today every bit as much of a dream to live in.  Enjoy every room, and create memories of love with my family.   

As I’m now sifting through my piles and piles of crap.  I’m trying to find and enjoy object for my ‘Someday’ house - Today.  Trying desperately to save ONLY the things I need and love.  I’m craving simplicity.

Here’s a small accomplishment.  A typical view of my dining room hutch.  It’s been cleaned off before.  Hopefully the new tools my counselor and organizer give me will help me keep it clean.

You know it took me an entire day to clear this hummer.  One whole day of nothing else getting done.  But when I finished, there was a box of thrift items, two garbage bags, overflowing recycling, and two bags of shredded paper.

Even Hope was enthusiastic about helping me with the shredding process. 

And when I was done not only were the surfaces cleared and simply decorated.  But every drawer and cupboard was as well.

Including treasured linens that I intend to use now and not wait until I have that ‘Someday’ house.  And if my kids have an accident?  I’ll deal with it.  It’s only stuff right?

 

I tried not to think too hard and follow my gut instincts.  My first thought was to toss the magazines.  When I sat down to really look at them I was flooded with the projects I wanted to keep them for, or the crafts my kids could do while cutting up their pages.  But in the end I followed my first thoughts, and they became part of my thrift pile.

There’s many more boxes of them upstairs,  I hope I can let go of them as readily.

And here’s my dining room hutch today.  Notice how I tried to crop the clutter of the rest of the room out.  It’s still not done.  But, we had dinner on the dining room table last night, if that helps.     

I didn’t want to stop with just shifting the stuff to other areas.  I wanted it all to be free and clear. 

I’ve four piles now.  This thrift pile was picked up this morning by the donation truck.  There is another in my front room that I’ve taken pictures of because my husband wants to EBay the items.

Then there is the dreaded, ‘I want this but don’t know where to store it.’  I’m saving that for the professionals to help me deal with. 

Finally there is the last pile – Pure Garbage.  Instead of showing you photos of trash bags every time I blog, I thought I’d keep a running total of them on my sidebar.  I don’t want my blog to become specific to my addiction to Hoarding.  I've six kids and a peculiar Prince of a Man, who’s my husband.  They are my real treasures.  And in treating my problems I’m freeing up more time, money, and will be a better wife and mother with hopefully less emotional strain.  But it’s hard.  Already I’m running out of the easy things to let go of. 

Today, I opened a cabinet of empty photo albums.  They’ve been there for almost 13 years.  Untouched.  I closed the cabinet.  I’m going to let go of them but it’s painful.  Instead, my husband and I have decided to start the slow process of scanning and saving the Master Bedroom closet full of huge boxes of memorabilia and photos  - Save it onto the computer.  Saving only the most precious.  What’s crazy is that I used to be a Creative Memories Consultant preaching about saving those photos.  But the creative process of decorating each and every page burnt me out and I haven’t touched a photo album for 13 years.  Can’t do it.  Need simple.  Need something that won’t overwhelm me again.  Scanning and organizing those photos, I can do.

I’m trying to live today as if it was the ‘Someday’ I’ve always dreamed about.  Enjoy the treasures now, and not wait.  And if I can’t enjoy them now, why hang onto them?  Right?  Or at least that’s what I’m trying to tell myself.

Learning to Love Myself

I’ve spent a great deal of time this month in deep reflection.  I mean DEEP, DEEP, Soul-Searching Reflection, where you hold a gi-normous magnifying glass to your soul and life (Past, Present & Future).  I think the one year UnBloggable Anniversary had something to do with it.   Nothing like an ongoing UnBloggable to turn you upside down and force you to refocus your priorities.   There are many other reasons why.  This POST by Daring Young Mom knocked me off my feet earlier this summer as well.  It’s a must read!!!

Like many I’ve struggled with self-esteem my entire life.  And I’m now seeing how the negative comments I make about my body, intellect, etc, are effecting the way my children view themselves.  How stupid is it that a 4 and 8 year old make remarks about themselves being stupid or fat?  Of course, I immediately sit them down, tell them how precious they are, remind them not to compare themselves to others, yada, yada, yada.  But, the only way for them to really believe me is if I stop the Self-Hate Myself.

I’m working on it.  Really Hard.  Don’t really want to be that kind of hypocrite mom.

And it’s working.

Slowly, but it’s working.

My long time readers know I rarely post pictures of myself.  You know the typical ‘You’ll break the camera, cause I’m ugly thought & excuse.’  But I decided to take off my mask.  Got a little courage from SHAKTI MAMA’s Project located HERE.  I hid way too long behind what I thought others thought of me.  Bought clothes, furniture, and STUFF because I thought other’s would think it was nice and not necessarily because I loved it. 

Well this year I turned the scary Big 40.  You know Mid-Life Crisis Warning time.  Of course I didn’t go out and jump out of an airplane, or buy a Motorcycle (even thought I thought about it).  Wanted a little red one that I could call Bella.  Silly right!  UGH!

The best thing about turning 40 – Reflection. 

Now, I’m finally taking steps to embrace me, my thoughts, dreams, goals, likes, etc,   And the most amazing thing is happening --- I’m starting to like me.  No, it’s even stronger than that.

I actually Love me, myself, and I.  Shucks, it only took 40 years, but I’m viewing myself through more mature, enlightened eyes.

Shakti’s first project was a making a mask, but seeing as I’ve been behind one way too long I thought I’d show you the real thing.  No make-up, no photo editing, and no broken camera.

Introducing me.

Freckles, sun-spots, moles and all.  And it’s not that bad, if I do say so myself. 

Yes, I know I won’t grace the cover of any magazine but I am a masterpiece in progress.  Want to see something I really like about myself.

I’ve got a head full of super thick, slightly wavy (when still damp like above) wonderful long hair.  I mostly keep it in a pony tail or braid because I don’t like it in my face.  But I think it’s pretty cool, even now that it has a sprinkling of gray in there.  Gray = Life Experience.  Let’s just say I’ve gotten more life experience over the past year than I have the previous 39 put together. 

And here’s something I wear to help me to remember to keep my dreams alive.

It’s actually a combination of three of my favorite necklaces.  My dream necklace that my in-laws gave me for last Christmas along with a little fairy for imagination and a flower bell that really tinkles a charming note reminding me that to find happiness I’ve got to seek it out.  It sure won’t come and find me if I’m wallowing in self-pity. 

You know, my girls, they are going to make it too.  We all are.

How do we break the self-hate cycle once and for all?  It’s probably different for all of us.  Would love your suggestions because I know for a fact it’s a process that won’t happen overnight.  But it will be so worth it in the end.

Dreaming of Magic

There is hope in dreams, imagination, and in the courage of those who wish to make those dreams a reality. ~Jonas Salk

Well the Magical Day has arrived.  And I wanted to share with you something I’ve been dreaming about doing for over a year now.  Special Thanks to Kelly for giving me the excuse – and a Kick-In-The-Pants Deadline to actually do something about following dreams.  Be sure to stop by and see all the wonderful dreams realized by visiting the participants of this party.  Just click on the picture for more magic.

So what was one of my dreams?  To make some magic with my little girls this summer.  We succeeded in creating this little Fairy Tree House. 

The enchanting part was we didn’t spend a penny to make it.  I didn’t want to bore you with every step in making our project but if your interested you can click on my other blog for a step-by-step process.  Click HERE.

Instead I want to show you the magic in following your dreams. 

I put this dream off for a couple of years because I wanted to visit the beach and find the perfect driftwood from which to make our tree house.  Then I thought, why not look locally.  And I found it.

As inspiration we covered our wee fairy house in our favorite fairy quote’s,

And as the seasons come and go, here's something you might like to know.  There are fairies everywhere:  under bushes, in the air, playing games just like you play, singing through their busy day.  So listen, touch, and look around - in the air and on the ground.  And if you watch all nature's things, you might just see a fairy's wing.  ~Author Unknown

One thing I’ve discovered along the way is that when you are in pursuit of your dreams, doors will open making them possible.  Sometimes those doors don’t open until the last second, but yet they still open and give you enough hope to keep you on your course.

"I learned this, at least, by my experiment; that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours."

~Henry David Thoreau

Yes, I helped my daughters build our Fairy dwelling complete with…

Swings…

A Crocheted Hammock, perfect for any fairy who wishes to rest her wings.

 

A Feathered Friends Nest just had to be made as well.

I know many a fairy that will grace our wee home. 

‘There is nothing like a dream to create the future.’    ~Victor Hugo

I for one, hope my future is full of dreams.  There are many more that I have that came closer to being fulfilled this week.

One dream I talked about a couple of years ago.  A dream of owning my very own Redneck Dryer.  I think if dreams are really meant to be they have a way of finding you, even if you’ve buried them deep.  This dream just wouldn’t die.

The day after my birthday someone anonymously left a magical gift on my porch.  A pair of honest-to-goodness sturdy metal clothesline poles.   

It took a while to convince my Honey that adding these to our backyard wouldn’t lead the neighbors to label us backwards hicks (they already know we are), but it would do so much towards helping me achieve a dream.   Look what my kids helped me do today.  I know it doesn’t look like much of a dream, but it So IS.

   

We cemented bases in for my poles.  That way we can take them with us if we ever move.  

Fresh smelling sheets, no more running the dryer on melting hot days… I’m giddy just thinking about it.

Oh, and I’ll be able to then do THIS with my kids.

Some dreams take time.  Most worthwhile dreams do.  I saved for three months to bring this sweet fairy home.

  

She graces the entrance to yet another dream, but one I’m not ready to share just yet.  But soon, maybe by next month.  That’s the wonderful things about dreams.  Finishing one, gives you the desire and energy to dream another, and another, and another. 

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt

So make the future happen today.

Thank you so much for taking a peek at some of my wee dreams.  Hope you have as much fun following yours as I do mine.

Summer Days

As a child I remember dreadfully long, hot summer days.  The kind of days that lingered and never seemed to end, no matter how many otter-pops you ate or how sopping wet you were after running through the sprinklers.  I especially remember the days spent on my childhood farm.  The quiet of the country mixed with the chirping of birds, and the occasional meow or bark.

Now, that I’m grown I yearn for those never-ending days.   I can see the time stretch in my children’s eyes as they mention they are tired of certain summer projects or activities, but yet time doesn’t linger for me anymore.

I’ve been trying to make the most of these speedy days and this week especially, we are working on completing a couple of dream projects.  Can’t wait to tell you about them.  Here’s some hints.

Meaningless photos that carry so much summer magic for my kids and me. 

Wonder if you can guess what we’re up too?

Bet the neighbor’s are hoping that we are finally getting around to tackling all those weeds. 

Uhhhhhm, soon I promise.

I’m not the only one dreaming.  A wonderful friend took Prince Erik fishing over the weekend.  Now my Prince can’t catch squat.  Or at least I know he’s spent oodles over the years on bait and poles and it’s resulted in Nada.  So going with someone who really knows how to catch something is, well like, WOW!  Dream Come True.

 

So Prince Erik and T-rev went out on the Puget Sound and discovered Crabbing - (Crab Pot Style).

They also discovered the art of catching one of the ugliest fish on the planet.   Both it’s eyes are on one side .  I’m nearly nauseous just looking at the picture.  Here’s Prince Erik holding 1, might I add over-whelmingly Huge (snort), of the 22 Flounder that they caught.  You would think with a grin that big he’d caught a 40 pounder.

 

He then brought his smelly haul home.  I’m the WORST fish person you will ever meet.  But I love the guy so much I’m letting him clean, cook and eat his catch as long as he cleans up the smell, and triple bags the fish food when he’s done.  I usually have to go to the other end of the house while it’s cooking, or I find excuses to run errands at just the right time. 

The only downside is the fact that once he cleaned the fish and cooked the crabs, well all the remains got dumped into the garbage bin.  Let’s just say warm weather, mixed with rotting seafood is enough to send out a sure Nausea-inducing odor that has completely taken over our garbage bin area (Which WAS located directly underneath our bedroom window.)  No longer.

I thought someone had left a dead animal under our house and I nearly lost lunch after getting a faint whiff of the fumes when I took out the garbage the next day.  Let’s just say garbage day can’t come soon enough this week.  Meanwhile Prince Erik is on garbage duty.

Sorry I got side-tracked.  No more fish stories.  I promise.

Yep, it’s summer, and I’m loving every second of it that I can.  Especially love moments like these.  A special package arrived this week.  See, I won one of the Mad Hatter Tea Party give-aways hosted by Theresa or the Enchanted ‘Faerie Moon Creations’.

The goody bag was simply magical.

And my girls are practically fighting me for the necklace. 

But it’s mine, it’s mine I say.  I did share the gumdrops with them.

 

Thanks Theresa, your gift was perfect.

Finishing Dreams – Kick in the Pants Style

So Kelly of A Stuffed Life is having a secret Dream Party where participants latch onto one of their dreams and finally go for it. 

Well, I’ve been feeling full of dreams the past couple of weeks.  Something about being surrounded by my kids and summer brings my dreams back to the forefront.   And it’s about time.  So, after talking it over with myself.  I decided that even though I’m jumping on board at the last minute, (being the procrastinator that I am) this was just the kick in the pants I needed to go for yet another dream. 

Can’t wait.

When Imagination Touches Reality.

It was one of those days where imagination touches reality and something magical takes place. Today was Fairy Day.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. For while knowledge defines all we currently know and understand, imagination points to all we might yet discover and create.

He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe is as good as dead; his eyes are closed. ~Albert Einstein

We embraced Fairy Day with all the imagination we could muster and invited our friends to do the same.

Of course we dressed in our finest fairy attire.

And added a sprinkle of glitter pixie dust for good measure.

Then we tried to lure the fairies with Yummy treats…

and goodies to sweeten the celebration.

What with some yummy Fairy Berry Punch we knew they would come.

And they did. It worked.

Soon the garden was full of wee ones playing…

And exploring and dreaming…

And crafting fairy treasures to take home.

But the best part was spending time with our fairy loving friends.

Even the Fairy Queen SassyPants made a grand appearance. And the little ones fell all over her in admiration. Calling her ‘Royal Highness’ and begging to bring her goodies and favors.

Hope couldn’t resist flying. Her Happy Thoughts were in such abundance.

And even the Fairy Queen graced her with a special Fairy Dance.

And before we knew it the celebration was drawing to a close. And one by one and two by two our guests wished us well.

Then our wonderful friends bid us farewell and left with twinkles in their eyes.

And after they left and the sun settled below the horizon, the garden came alive with even more enchantment. The celebration had been cleaned up and goodies put away. But magic hung so thick in the air that I had to set alone, in the peace and quite and soak it in.

And dream of next year’s Fairy Day Celebration.

And wonder if it was just my imagination or were the houses in the fairy village glowing brighter after such a magical evening.

And that did it. I will always celebrate Fairy Day, even when my kids are grown and moved away. I never want to lose my youthful heart.

Hope you all had a Magical Day.