Been Busy Doing What???

I feel compelled to explain my absence over the last couple of days.

For those of you that have been reading my blog for sometime you know that I have had some really difficult issues going on over the past two years and as a result some tough decisions to make.

We will be putting our house on the market as quickly as we can to see if we can sell and perhaps even break even.  We are tired of fighting the fight and have painfully decided that it is time to move on.  Obviously, we will also have to look for another place to live...

Although we made this decision almost 3 weeks ago I think I spent the 1st week in denial, the 2nd week planning in my head and now this 3rd week is heavy duty work.  I am deep cleaning every nook and cranny of my home and decluttering and destashing as I go - and that is the torturous part.

As a jewelry designer, my craft has totally taken over my home.  There are not many places within my 3 levels that I do not have beads, findings, wire and finished pieces.  For my sanity I will be taking a breather from creating any new pieces but will continue to sell my huge inventory.  I'm already amazed as I am going through boxes how much I have that I had totally forgotten.

So, I will undoubtedly be posting on my blog less - cause it is a bit of a guilty pleasure for me.  I will also have to drop fewer Entrecards as I cannot possibly do my 200-300 per day right now.  I need to get on top of my "chores" before I can allow myself to catch up on all of the blogs I read daily.  Thank goodness that I can  keep current with all of you in Google reader and Feedburner.

I would love suggestions from any of you that have already completed what I am going through.  I have a large tri-level split home that is full from top to bottom!  I have already had our local Big Brother Bis Sister non-profit come by for a couple medium size loads...so much more to go!

OH YEAH!  Almost forgot...

My daughter Annie saw Layla today!!!!!!!!  She's no spring chicken and I am just glad to know that she is on the flip side of another winter.


I hate being a deadbeat and feel better just having let all of you know what's going on!

Overdue Declutter Over Heahhhhhh...

We moved into a tri-level split from a small single family home that we were bursting out of about eight years ago. With 2 of our 6 children and my mother-in-law, it was a necessary move and we just about doubled our living space.

I've never been a collector - and though I do have beautiful antiques passed down from my family - my home had been pretty clutter free for many years.

Well, that was then...and this was now.

Everywhere I look in my house now has clutter!

Why you ask?

Well - it's a long story.

And I want to keep it kinda short, so I'm just going to fast forward all of the gory details.  Those of you with families can read between the lines, I'm sure.

OH, one important detail that points directly at me - and I don't want to call anyone else in my dear family out - is that I make jewelry...and I sell miscellaneous items on eBay.....hmmmm.... starting to make sense? 

Well, at the end of last week, I was reading one of my fav blogs Spicybugz World ...she has a kinda crazy life like I do and another of my fav bloggers, Ruth, from Ruth's Creations had recommended quite gently that clutter issues can be dealt with with the help of Flylady.

WOW - I hit the link...browsed a few minutes...joined and have been shaming myself for 3 days now.

I cannot emphasize enough that this is a website that has something for every brand of clutterer and clutter in your home.  So, if you are a juvenile offender, a repeat offender or a bonafide hoarder there is help for you.

I guess this was the kick in the butt I needed.  There are so many great causes right now that can use your excess goods.  My local state police barracks is collecting clothing and useable goods for the victims of the Haiti earthquake.  Our local Big Brother Big Sister also collects household items and clothing for local families less fortunate. 

So, for the last three days, I've been decluttering.  I will part with extra sheets, towels, curtains, bed ensembles, blankets, dishes, winter clothing, and general clothing for elders, children, teens and adults.  I have walkers, canes, baby booster seats, televisions, stereos, tables & chairs, couches and on and on.

I know how to do this...I've just been putting it off.

But no more...

This is it!

Thank you Ruth...and FlyLady - though I will really explore her website when I feel like less of a victim and more victorious!