Shake It Up

THIS

USED TO BE 

THIS

Now before you think she's crazy, why 

would she do this?

 I'll tell you.

Because it is all too much:

too much to care for

too much for a house showing

too much for down sizing

too much for me to leave behind

for kids to deal with.

Those of you who have followed along

know the process has been ongoing.

Well, now we are in the final stretch.

See where those ( now clean) baskets were on top?

Constantly dusty, and the dishes

in the hutch with glass shelves?

A constant annoying issue.

A bonus:

When entertaining I now have a serving board.

More importantly for me

I now have a place of honor 

for my beloved painting by Nat Fast.

I loved him and miss him.

Nathaniel painted many subjects

but my favorites were always the pickers in the 

near by Santa Maria fields where he lived.

I requested one and he did this for me.

 I have kept it upstairs all these years

where most folks never saw it.

Now they can enjoy it as much as I love it.

Stay Tuned 

There is more

Z

Basket Washing Day

Anyone else give their baskets a good bath now and then?

I don't soak, I quickly, thoroughly spray, then wipe,

and set to dry where they will dry 

completely and quickly without heat.

I took a basket weaving class early 90's

from a wonderful instructor 

and like most things I take on,

I quickly became obsessed and the baskets

were rapidly breeding. 

Several moms from the same elementary school

my kids attended also took the classes

and we then went on to meet and weave once a week. 

I've kept a few I made like these, and 

another apple harvest one that I painted white

and several smaller ones. 

I also have two very old ones made a very long 

time ago by talented craftsmen that I treasure.

So why today did I begin washing baskets?

Because furniture is on the move 

around oldgreymare.

Yep, it is time for several minor, 

and a few major shakeups.

Stay tuned

Z

It's Happening

Found this on pinterest

(no credit was given)

I fall into bed every morning, yep, morning

between 2-5am

exhausted, but then after strapping on

c-pap I cannot get to sleep.

But then I sleep in so it averages out.

So yes, I finally did get a c-pap.

The longest time used so far is 7 hours,

but that is deceiving as I am awakened

 multiple times during those hours.

But hey, I'm trying. 

I now have preliminary diagnosis

with both lung and heart issues.

The next round of Dr visits begins today

and will determine the next move.

Therefore the purge has reached epic proportions. 

Kids are coming in to help with large sale

the first weekend in OCT.

I have gone through the entire home,

 multiple times as I garner the will power

 to be ruthless during purging. 

Not knowing how much space I will

have to live in, or even what state NV or CA,

creates issues while trying to make decisions.

The area where I have struggled

is with studio supplies.

Will I ever use roving again?

How much fabric to keep?

I coveted those many army blankets I snagged

years ago but they take up so much space.

That is where many of you met me.

After the Where Women Create article 

and white wednesday studio tours.

https://oldgreymareprimitives.blogspot.com/2010/06/where-bloggers-create-ii.html

I find myself growling often.

GRRRRRRR

My pal Sue was over Saturday and sat in the 

heat in the garage with me and priced

 while I sorted and stacked.

AND

she brought cookies

This was so easy peasy for me to do with clients;

 I couldn't figure out why I was moving

slowly and with more difficulty.

Then it was pointed out to me duh..

you're sick and you have no idea if you 

will have a 1 or 2 bedroom 

a garage, a yard, a patio....

Your clients knew where they would be.

DUH

so I have to prep in five stages

1. Everything I'm sure I don't need 

goes to charity now or sale.

2. Assume/pray I will have a second space for studio,

via addtl bedroom or garage and select

 only those studio items and furniture

 for said space to fit into 10x10 area.

3. Once new space and financials are determined

jettison any remaining furniture via social media.

Stop worrying where kids will sleep if they visit me here.

They aren't worried- "whatever Mom"

(that's a tough one for me)

4. List home after 26 years for sale in early spring.

That's a toughie- love this house

5. Be thankful I have any kind of home and 

belongings as so many do not.

It's happening

Health issues

Financial finagling

Downsizing big time

Moving

I'm rolling down hill, picking up speed

It's happening. 

A New Year 2019

Getting back to the usual day to day.

As I removed all the holiday fare,

and got down to the simple look I now prefer,

 I knew a lot of the holiday

 had to go, as "the purge" continues.

Howie photo bombing 

See my new porch light?

After several years of a black and white 

tree for our main tree, I decided it 

could move on to another home.

I will return to my mercury glass and shiny brites,

and/or my House of Hatten.

After years of avoiding traditional reds,

I'm finding I like them again.

So the un-decorating continued,

and the piles for sale began to accrue.

I sent a photo last night to a pal 

showing her what I was up to;

she then bought all the ornaments.

Well, that was easy.

Now to find a home for all the buffalo check.

Those of you who have been around 

this oldgreymare awhile

 know that I practice what I preach.

In these very uncertain times,

we all need to pause and assess

what we are choosing to do with our lives.

How do we wish to live out our days,

and how are we affecting our planet?

What are the issues we need to address,

 and what appropriate actions will we take.

Who are we able to help?

This is the time of year when I select

my charitable contributions in five categories. 

I'm hoping to still manage my 10% of income,

but medical bills may take a bite, we'll see.

Children's Medical

Wildlife/Animal Rescue

Environmental

Medical Research

Local women/children's Facility

It's time to work my friends.

Need some Ideas? 
(link)

Ben and I will be finishing up my new website

very soon. I'm excited and nervous, 

but he assures me it is as easy as blogger. 

I'm not sure how many items 

I can have in the shop by then, but I'll 

be up in the studio giving it a go.

Stay tuned and I hope you'll follow me over.

Z

News FLASH 

Ben and Helene just called me today - Saturday:
They're engaged!
This mama is thrilled

From my phone as they told me..

More CHCHCHCHanges

Have nothing in your house that you do not know 

to be useful or believe to be beautiful * William Morris

It is easy to do for me, but so many of you struggle

and I get it, I do. Simplifying is more 

of a psychological challenge than time or physical,

though time and physical sure chime in at these moments.

I sold off several more pieces of furniture and have 

at least two more waiting for a buyer.

The dominoes fall and 

swapping and switching occurs.

For example the white chest by the sofa with 

heart dangling from it, was in the family room

for many years. It held candles and dvds and cds.

None of which should be exposed to heat and cold,

which happens on this porch.

So they all had to be relocated somewhere inside

and things inside then came out to porch.

I filled up 2 more boxes for goodwill

in this process alone. I also ended up with more

empty drawers.

The sisal carpet that was on porch for years had

some damage so I swapped for one 

I used in the studio in garage.

It was smaller which meant I had to really 

scrub around exposed areas that had discolored from

under the larger rug. 

All of this took far longer than normal

as I can only work "heavy" in short

bursts and lots of resting.

Two days later VIOLA!

I need to change out that outdoor light

that hasn't worked in years and then 

that lamp I never liked will go also.

Electricity scares me or I would do it myself.

I used to do wiring with my dad 

but it scared me then too.

Lots of folks will be here for Christmas and

this new arrangement will make dining 

much easier. 

You just gotta dive in,

time is flying by, no more some day 

or laters, we owe it to ourselves

we owe it to our families.

Most of what is happening 

around us is insane and frightening.

All the more reason to make a safe refuge

from the storm.

Z

A couple shots of the porch quite a few years ago.

It looked like a store!

P Is For

Pooch

My newest Granddog

Tubs

He belongs to Helene and Ben.

I get to meet him next month.

Kids are coming in to help me with 

large sale.

Progress

Very slow, it's

almost at a standstill.

so, I'm frustrated and also pissed off.

Piles

This grouping goes all the way

 back to garage door.

It is one of four piles.

This gal's seriously purging my friends.

Party

For this beautiful woman,

Helene

on her milestone B-day.

We finally meet next month.

Patience

I've always struggled

with this at times, but never more

than now. I've lost 6 months of normal. 

Still no answers

Stay tuned

Prayers

Please

Z

Howie

My constant companion

I might have gone mad without him

 these past 8 weeks.

He does snuggle very close at times,

and often brings a friend, this time Mr Chipmunk.

He disapproves of my reading when I could be petting.

That weird plastic cord you see is my 25 foot

tether to the oxygen concentrator.

Yep, I'm still on O/2 and still at a loss

as to what is the answer. 

Now they're going to start looking at my heart.

Fingers crossed they're wrong about that!

To think this all started with my sewing too much.

One medication begat another and another and another,

and as one ER Dr remarked, "you're on a merry go round 

that won't slow down for you to get off.

I'm weary of it all my friends

and the bills keep coming.

I took my tree down today.

I cannot believe it. 

In all my years the latest was always New Years Day.

We do what we can do, and can't

beat ourselves up with what we cannot do. 

At least not right now.

Lessons are being learned around here 

believe me, reinforcing my need to purge 

on an even grander scale.

That picture equates to 16 boxes of holiday I purged.

I'm telling you. I'm on a mission.

Z

The One Where She Falls Out Of A Tree

The One Where She Falls Out Of A Tree

Yep

that would be me

Suffice to say I was an idiot,

 and did something really stupid

and got banged up,
bruised and battered.
Couldn't even admit my stupidity to 
DD and when I finally did,
boy was she mad at mama, 
and then she tattled to big brother.
(and when Annie reads this I'm gonna catch hell)

I'm OK now,

for the most part.

SO what the heck have I been doing

and where have I been?

Reading
I check out about 20-25 books a week.
(I watch very little tv 
and I am a fast reader)
Currently re-reading 
A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY
an old favorite.

Purging
 (can you believe it - still?)

Girl pals are having a sale here today, so

I've been doing preview sales
 to closest buds, and

treasures are flying out the door.

Spring Cleaning

Since I'm selling off pieces that means 

rearranging and discovering where all the 

dust bunnies have been hiding.

Sewing

Pillows for a friend and

pillows for me to change things up a bit.

Dug out an unfinished quilt that I was dying to make

and decided I should finish it before I actually do.

I have lots of stuff I've been thinking about,
and percolating upon, and I will
probably share a few rants and 
musings soon.

Thank you for all the kind comments 
and emails about our sweet Justice.

Howie is never more than 6 feet away from me
these days. He was always a sweetheart,
but this new mellow, clinging-hugging pooch has 
pulled my heartstrings into
a knot that will never untie.
He likes to be close
REALLY close

I'll be back soon

Z

BYE BYE Books

I decided some thinning out was due

 with regards to the books that have been breeding

unfettered in the office.

I have had a life long love affair with books.

Although DD gave me a "Nook" that I use when I travel,

I love the feel of a book in my hand, while

curled up in the chair you can see a smidgen of here.

You've seen it before.

If one of you decides to zoom in

 you will see the complete collection

of Robert B Parker, a dear favorite of mine,

and DD's beloved Potter's from childhood.

Even though I check out several

 dozen books most months,

I still managed to accumulate a "couple."

The Utilitarian ones are kept under here.

DIY's, Grammar,  Classic Childrens' collected more for

their illustrations than stories at times, and classics from

school days many moons ago.

I ended up with four bags to be donated,

one is out of view, don't be snarky...hehe

I had grander intentions but DD called 

in the midst of the culling, and quickly said

"Don't be ruthless, I may want some."

sigh

If I must fail at a purge, it should be

a failure concerning books don't you think?

I believe I welcomed the 

request as an excuse to hold on a little longer

to a just a few more volumes.

A Happy Week To You Guys!

Z 

Evolution Of A Wiser and Happier Broad

Took a mini road trip to St George, Utah

yesterday with two gal pals.

Gone are the days of long or even several day long

 road trips and a frenzy of buying.

 I happily returned home with this meager selection,

and with memories of 

a delicious lunch and happy conversations
on the road...

As I continue to evolve into the 

woman I wish to be,

I know I need to be wise with whom
 and what I include in my world, 

if I hope to stay true to my goals.

Those of you who have kindly hung around here over

the years know that I have been "internally" downsizing,

even though right now 
I am unable to "externally" downsize

(actually move out of this too large abode)

This means I now have more empty drawers, 

empty closets and my under the bed spaces

are no longer crammed with stuff

and the garage has empty boxes and bins.

All of this makes me soooo happy.

I still have stuff,

don't misunderstand...
I still buy a few selected things,
after much, much, nauseatingly much consideration, 
with apologies to anyone who has to witness me
 giving items "a ride in my cart".

Accumulation however is not desired,

and I am committed to always have FAR

more going out than coming in, until
I only possess what I need, use and adore.

I am not there yet, primarily because to do 
that now would leave me in a house with
many totally empty rooms.
Unless I purchase gym equipment for an entire room,
 roller skates for another, do wall to wall yoga mats
for a third and maybe a hot dog stand for the fourth,
that seems kinda silly.
So I do what I can as I can..
Evolve 

About 12 large boxes and 3 huge bins

of holiday decor left

this house since summertime,

so 1 small box of a perfect hue of wee

reproduction Shiny Brite ornaments came in.
The rest of my road trip stash
 will go into the studio,
to be used in projects, for myself,
 my friends, and the booth.

If I can keep this kind of balance going,

a much wiser and happier gal I'll be.

****
local friends

Ronda and I worked in the booth
 a couple hours today.
We have loads more going up each week,
with the goal being to have 
completed stocking for Christmas by 
"Doodlebug" on December 6th. 

Ronda has the loveliest stocking shaped
wine holders for hostess gifts,
 and gorgeous Holiday themed table runners,
in a variety of fabrics.
 Her last series sold out quickly, so
don't wait too long.
And for your Vintage Loving friends,
her "Vintage" embroidered
caps and tees are best sellers 
and she has them in my favorite color
grey.

Have a great week chickadees

Oh Happy Day!

The world is being kind to me today.

The first season of The Newsroom is on today,

great background for more purging and cleaning.

The second season begins tonight.

WoOt!

Being driven mad by promos for tonight's

 True Blood and The Newsroom!

I watch very little TV.

What I do watch is addicting.

It is five days until 

Dearest Son and his Sweetie arrive.

WoOt wOoT!

I am beyond excited.

I will turn 60 this weekend and Ben is 

driving up to fix me dinner!

How lovely is that?

My brother Scott turns 61 the day before.

Happy Birthday Bro!

Not that he ever reads my blog....

I have a new chair to use to plant my butt 

for watching the shows tonight.

I sold my floral sofa and chair to a good pal

and they are happily ensconced in her new pad.

The cute little ottoman was on clearance (34.00) at

Target.. It opens up to store this week's

 stack of library books.

The chair came via Home Goods.

 It was already a great deal and it 

was already dirty. I hate how most furniture

is dirty there thanks to unruly kids

 NOT being watched by indifferent parents.

(topic for another day)

Anyhoot I brought the dirt up

to a manager and got another deep discount.

Don't want to tell you how little I paid.

I'm known for getting kick ass deals

that make my friends go

Aw damn!

Yes, the dirt came out. 

I love it.  

The sides are some kind of paisley "pleather".

Because it is half the size of previous chair and ottoman, 

it makes the room feel larger.

Son and Sweetie are coming in five days.

Her first time here,

wonder what she'll think of Ben's homestead?

Your home does reveal a lot about you;

what does mine say... hmmm? 

His old room is now the guest room,

so very little of his youth to discover there.

I do have his Magic and Pokemon cards still

under the bed though... 

We are more likely to drink wine and 

nibble cheese than play card games I'll bet.

So purging and cleaning all day - Love It!

Great TV all day - Love It!

Great TV tonight - Love it

New Chair - Love It!

Son and sweetie will be here soon - ADORE It!

Told you it was a Happy Day!