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The
Begining Day - June 5, 2004
Planted some ferns from a friend,
and some tomato plants as well, three from another friend.
Made the decision to create this
webjournal, because I was working in the yard and thinking about
all the exciting things that are happening in my life right now.
Yard work is a wonderful time to think, to get your ideas in
a row like little veggie plants. I'd like to think that I had
everything all planned out, an outline of the site, some cool
links, witty verbage, but really, I don't. Just the thought that
I felt like writing, and even though I do like writing with the
pen on the nice surface of a clean white page... I'm very comfortable
with webpages and typing and I can usually get my thoughts out
so much faster. And it's much easier to share.
It's impossible to retell my own
whole life story, so I won't even try. You'll learn bits and
pieces as I ramble along. Suffice to say, I'm a woman, 40 years
old this past year, newly divorced, really not bitter, a bit
sad at times, but generally coping. I'm a graphic artist by trade,
a lover of the written word and delighted by typography! You
can't imagine how long it took me to pick out just the right
type faces for this site.
But, pick I did and found a little
art to get me started. I intend to photo journal this adventure
as well. And even include links to information that I find, and
probably even drawings and sketches of my ideas as they solidify.
And of course, my philosophy of my own existence will surely
come to light as to be honest, I've never really thought much
about it.
However, now, at this a crossroads
of my life in so many ways, I am seeking the truth that I need
to rest easy. My priorities have all changed. Nothing seems as
important as it did before. My children, they are my life, my
main priority. I want to see them through to adulthood with as
little scars and heartache as possible. I want their lives to
be rich and full, jam packed with memories and experiences. Not
just big time adventures at some park or paid admission place,
but rich and full, deliberate and redemptive.
I live in a lovely huge house in
the suburbs. Way too big for me and my two daughters. Nearly
3,000 square feet. It's in a lovely town, surrounded by lovely
homes. Everything is quite lovely. Save the mortgage and fixed
expenses in this lovely home. He didn't want the responsibility
of the house, and I didn't have anywhere to go so, I was the
winner (or perhaps looser) of the house. Actually, it's more
like a mortgage, as we don't have much equity in it yet. As much
as I would love to stay put, it's folly to think that I can keep
up with such a place. My income is rather limited at the moment,
alimony and child support and my other ventures in the world
of being an graphic artist for hire and a partner in a publishing
company. Reducing my monthly costs would be a blessing and it's
where I started this adventure...
The
Plan....
Many years past I began to read
about simple living. Homesteading, making less impact on the
earth, focusing and decluttering my life. I devoured anything
I could get my hands on. Bought some books, did a lot of internet
searching and just paid attention when HGTV was on or when someone
mentioned simplifying.
I was not a simple gal. I loved
'things' and there was no lack of stuff in my house. Then I found
eBay. And began to 'recycle' all those years of accumulation
and turned it into a business and a good source of supplimental
income. My kids tease me about it... worrying if they can't find
something and immediately accusing me of grand theft to feed
my eBay habit!
My mom is a pack rat and her mother
before her. We delighted in accumulating stuff. All sorts of
stuff. It's almost a sickness... one that I was determined to
find a cure for. So, I began to reduce the clutter and life got
easier. Amazing. Less stuff to ride herd over, less to take care
of. I love it. There are still piles to go through and boxes
hidden away, but I know that a good 60-70% of the excess clutter
in my life is gone.
And more will be leaving on Friday
as I'm having a garage sale.
Right now, I'm thinking that I
need to begin to educate myself again on the ideas and tools
available to make this change. I need to think and plot and plan.
I need to work deligently in preparing this house for sale, and
start to live as simply as I can, even in this lovely home in
the suberbs. I can't imagine that I can run out and get some
chickens, but I'm sure that I can begin to improve the yards,
work towards a day that I will be living much more deliberately.
I will begin to liquidate my assets, pay off my bills, and get
in a good position to make this all happen. When? I don't know.
I just know that it has to happen. For my soul's sake. I need
this change. The stress of trying to make ends meet and keep
up on this house and life that is hanging here, just waiting...
it's too much. It's not necessary.
We'll see how the days come along....
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