My life is to make everything around me beautiful.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

Doing Some Cleaning

I invite you all to watch the two minute video; it's up to you of course. It is part of a speech given by a member of The First Presidency of our Church. It inspired me as no other video could ever do on creating. It will touch your heart. It will give you hope. I published it several months ago but thought it might inspire someone again.

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The weather has turned cooler and I'm trying to be productive. It isn't easy being productive.

Today I attacked some drawers in my dresser. Five drawers to be exact. So far I've rounded up and given to thrift stores: 11 shirts, 4 pairs of shoes, 4 of hubby's sport coats that are just too small but in great shape, 2 bathing suits, 4 hats, 3 t-shirts and 54 pairs of socks in good shape, but don't wear knee-highs anymore. That leaves me with 5 empty drawers. I'll not be refilling them with new stuff as I just don't need any more stuff. I'm trying to lighten our load and get rid of stuff. I cannot even recall what else we've taken to the thrift stores prior to today.

Why do we accumulate things? For me, it was partly because I wanted to make sure I had enough. Yeah, you heard me. I didn't just have enough; I had more than any one person needed. Then when I saw a rose plate or anything with roses on it, it was mine. I'd buy it. I am truly sad to have bought all that stuff long ago and now getting rid of it. Not the getting rid of part, but the money I wasted on accumulating stuff because I thought I needed it and certainly thought I wanted it. I see bloggers all the time accumulating more things—vintage, rustic, whatever—because they love it or want to have it. I've come to the realization that I don't need that stuff to make me happy. This is absolutely true. I didn't figure it out until a few years ago. All the thousands, yes, many thousands, of dollars I spent on clothes, plates, anything I wanted. What a waste. I see homes on blogs that have so much and the women keep on adding to it. Now, I'm subtracting from it. Funny how that works out but it is so free-ing to be able to get rid of it.

A friend on an eBay discussion group I had for many years told me that she and her hubby were just taking anything they could to the thrift stores or throwing it out. She said it felt good. I took a lesson from her and am doing the same thing and getting the same feeling. It truly does feel good. :-) And besides, my kids don't want anything we've got. I've already given them keepsakes from their great grandmothers and jewelry I no longer wear. My daughter told me if I didn't get rid of most stuff, she would put it on eBay for 99¢ with free shipping and I think she just might do it!
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Another gorgeous living room, shabby chic romantic kind.


A darling vignette of teacups.


Isn't this little hanging element adorable?


A cozy patio bench with beautiful pink pillows.


This would be a darling setting for a pink lover's party—stripes and polka dots.


Just a feminine setting with ruffles, lace, roses and a french chair.


A chocolate pot with gorgeous roses and green color.


Wow!!! What a stunner of a bathroom! Woooohoooo.


More roses for ya, but with feathers this time, sweets. ;-)


Got enough roses yet? Hmmmm?


Or pink???


Box of beautiful laces waiting for someone to do something with them.


Pretty pink, blue and white kitchen dining area.


Now, this one I adore. It could very well be the "perfect" kitchen in my eyes. Gorgeous!


Just like these vivid colors. Anyone who has been to Mexico probably has one of these. We've picked up a few on our travels down there.
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Everyone has a talent; I think mine is nagging.
~*~

6 comments:

  1. You can never have too many roses or pink!

    Okay, so I really need to clean out my kitchen because I have many things that I don't use, and I need to donate them, too.

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  2. Connie,
    Thanks so much for sharing that video...I think I need to listen to it every day...giving myself permission....don't let the critics stop me....even if it is ME who is the critic.
    You find such beautiful images, and that box of lace takes my breath away....then I remember that the "critic" has one of those boxes in her sewing room....well, at least one of those boxes....that would be MY sewing room....and it's waiting for me to create something!
    Thanks for your encouragement....
    Sister Empey

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  3. I think you should not feel guilty for having bought the things you bought so many years ago. When you purchased them, you purchased them for the person you were back then and they made you happy. Now you've older and you're a different person with different tastes and needs. I know because I am also in my seventies and my needs and likes are different. I also often get rid of things but I don't regret having purchased them when I did because at the time of purchase, they filled a need in me. I love that box of laces and that kitchen you favour, I love it. It looks so clean.

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  4. Hi Connie, Your post sure got to me today. The video and the thoughts you have about so much stuff. I couldn't agree with you more. I have come to the realization that it is very important to me to clear out so much 'stuff' and give it to someone who might get some good out it. Starting with the thrift stores. My family and friends mean so more to me then anything I want to buy or own. I will be on a tear to clear out so many things that I don't even have room for anymore.
    Thank you for the inspiration to 'clean house'!!!

    Your inspiration photos are all so pretty. My new mode is to look and not even think of buying. My budget will be much better. HA! I will fill you in on the Ryan/Biden debate Connie.

    Take care and don't work too hard.
    xo, Jeanne

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  5. Hi Connie! I came back to watch the video. You were right. It is very inspiring. Unfortunately, time is always of the essence. I need to stop dusting and do more on my dollhouse. That is a cute baby and I must say, a very distinguished looking gentleman!

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  6. Hi Connie- the video was so true and well put. When we are one with the Lord, I can do anything. I have always found that if I am crazy busy (not hardly, anymore) if I set my sights right, I can do anything. To me, at this stage in my life, time isn't of the essence. God is. Have a great weekend. Blessings Paula (if you don't want to post this, I understand. The woman above and I don't agree about time. :)

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Comments are so nice and I thank all of you that leave one for me.