I've struggled all my life with this issue. The throw myself "into everything" or "nothing at all" modes. I swear I'm not bipolar, but if you looked at times of my life & levels of accomplishments, you might think otherwise. Granted as a perfectionist by nature & once semi-formed as the result of an Army brat childhood, I'm sure... this isn't a huge surprise to many and not even myself. The older I get, I see the need for moderation & routine more profoundly than ever. I'm learning and relearning things I once knew to be true and then conveniently forgot again. (Someone please tell me how that happens... how it's even remotely possible?) Sometimes I think I temporarily slipped into an alternate reality of denial, but really, does that even make a modicum of sense to anyone else?

As I'm reacquainting myself with healthier ways of living & being in this world, I'm realizing this is probably the biggest issue I have to date and the one I need to gain the most control over. For myself as well as for my family... everyone benefits...EVERY SINGLE ONE!

So one perpetually tiny baby step at a time, I'll get there and we'll all be the better for it. Yes, perpetually...it's that inertia momentum that comes into play, after the first step in the right direction is laid. Gradually taking on a life of it's own... god bless it. I'm so thankful for that part of physics. Even if I never studied it in school, I know it exists and I know it's true! Thank you Lord for helping me out even in the tiniest of ways to bring more doing & getting done to my days!

To wall paper or to paint... how little or how much of each? What colors or non-colors (neutrals)? How much texture? How much personality, pattern, color to add? How much more creative juice do I need to get to the finish line? Finishing a home or staging it to sell, certainly isn't the easiest task. But I'm enjoying it more than I thought I might & the overwhelming feeling is starting to subside. Of course, I'm sure some that is because I finally let go of a defined deadline & told myself "as long as I/we keep making progress in the right direction, we'll get there". That part is reassuring, not knowing when or how isn't so much.

What I can say, is that things seem to be gradually coming together & falling into place. I'm also getting closer to the space of letting go. Letting go in terms of: things, spaces, preconceived notions, needing to know and having detailed plans for the future, teen DD and the drama that those years bring. I'm starting to get comfortable with wider strokes in life & living. My perspective seems to be shifting the older I get and the further along the parenting trail I travel. I'm more kind to myself and realize I could literally "what if" forever. However, it would probably do me and my family very little good and be a huge waste of valuable time and energy in the long run. There's a certain level of freedom & reassurance in all of that. Real moments... life is full of them when you open up to it all.

This entry, is mostly so I don't forget something I want to remember. A mini revelation of sorts, hopefully for the future and a biz venture of my very own. "House Calls" Not sure what exactly yet; but I know fodder for more good thinking when the time presents itself and this is it!

...to support our local (Summity County) Jr. Fairboard. Great night! We always have fun at these silent auction events. We arrived a bit on the early side since we had a few last minute donations to add to the mix and hopefully drum up a few more $'s. I honestly had quite a bit of fun putting together the baskets (laundry, kitchen prep, digi cam... course we regifted the life size dog that was way too big for our small space, plus there was a gps system we were able to get donated). The competitive nature and mystery of "what will I/we win" is always loads of fun. This time the "we" attending was (mom, C, J and lil J). N had his first baseball game of the season, so he & dad were understandably MIA. The kids & I always enjoy getting another chance to see extended family and friends we haven't caught up with in a while and this night was no exception. This time Lil J was having the time of her life chasing & playing with Theresa's nieces LO's. So sweet she is, she was kissing & hugging all over the other "babies". Big brother J took her out to pick some flowers at one point and she later shared them with mommy and Dan. So wish I'd thought to snag a couple cell pics, but that simply eluded me in the moment. (I was focused on a winning a few bid items! Night out with the hubs, awesome Tupperware nesting bowls & a giftcard dinner to one of our family's fav restuarants.) So were C & J, she was bidding on a horseback riding lesson and giftcards to a local coffee house, he was bidding on a giant craft basket & sporty running jacket. We won those, bid on a few more...but alas not meant to be for those items. I'm sure hubs is thanking the heavens for that!

To our little man HJ, also referred to as J on this blog space. Named after his dad's dad in the family tradition of alternating Hxxxxx and Cxxxxxx each generation. His middle name came from his dad's maternal grandfather. To top it all off, he was born bright and early on his maternal grandfather's birthday. We refer to him as our steeped in tradition child.

inspiring food for thought...

open cabinets/shelving:

stove side:



pantry/meal planning:



small lamp and glass storage:



upgrade ideas:



color inspirations: