Clearing the Clutter

 I leave my cozy bed and pad over to the kitchen window this December morning. The thermometer reads -22 degrees C (7 degrees F). Too cold! I look out the window and note that the bird feeder is almost empty. There's a skiff of new snow on the car, and crusted snow drifts blanket the yard. Beyond that, the river looks half frozen, some small floes drifting towards town. Yesterday I spent a grand total of fifteen minutes outside. Today, it probably won't happen, as much as I need it and know it's good for me. 

I sit at my counter height kitchen table and look over into the living room. It looks cluttered. It's time to tidy things up. My brain feels it. 

Out come the storage boxes. I remove all the extraneous Christmas decor, leaving some wintery items to keep the cold season vibe going. I carefully remove the tree ornaments and pack them away in their boxes. Those are then stored in one of two large Christmas totes I pull from the storage room.  I remove a wreath from the wall, a small shelf top Christmas tree with lights from the bookcase, the small nativity set from another shelf, and a foot high hand painted wooden St. Nick from the floor near the cabinet. I find myself dusting shelves, rearranging and watering plants, putting away Christmas table cloths and runners, and vacuuming. Hours pass as I putter around, take a little break to visit with my son and grandson, and enjoy a video chat with my sisters. By late afternoon,  I scan our living space to check whether I've missed anything. There are our grandchildren's books stuffed onto the bottom shelf of our bookcase that will never stay organized, but that's a mess I don't mind! Done for now. I feel peaceful. 

The tree, all ornaments removed, still stands. This year, due to moving to a smaller home (900 square feet), I purchased a 'pencil' Christmas tree. It stands seven feet high but is only a foot and a half in diameter--perfect for this space.  The tree, now with only simple white lights adorning it, brings a sense of winter calm into our home. I'll be leaving it up at least until New Year's Day. I've been doing this the past couple of years, and really love this tradition. I'm trying to be mindful that the Christmas celebration doesn't end on Christmas Day.

Today, I've been listening to a few podcasts on questions to ask myself as the year draws to a close. Now that my physical space is in order, I'm more ready to hunker down for some reflection and discernment exercises. I may even come up with a word for the year. I don't do this every year, but we'll see if anything rises to the surface while I answer the questions.

That sounds like a plan for tomorrow. 

Living Twice

Is it too late to wish you all a Merry Christmas? I think not. After all, the 12 Days of Christmas started yesterday and ends on January 6th! So, with that thought, I do hope you all have experienced some moments of joy and gratefulness in this Christmas season thus far. I plan to leave our tree up at least until the new year. How about you? 

With the end of the year approaching so quickly, it always brings with it questions: 

Should I quit blogging? 

Should I restart blogging? 

Should I change my blog name? 

Should I change my theme? 

Should I change my header? my font? my colors? .. and on, and on....

Truthfully, I ask myself these questions several times throughout the year. In response to those questions, the answers are as follows: 

no

yes

yes

not really

yes and no... some changes... I do like change! I used to rearrange my living room furniture all the time, but since we purchased a corner sectional several years ago, I've been quite limited. I can still rearrange my blog as often as I wish, though. I realize it's really a way of procrastinating, but we'll deal with that issue later. ;) 

I've thought often of changing my blog name The View From Here. I've tired of it and hunted more meaningful titles. But I simply could not decide. Until today.  I believe I may have found it. 

The idea of A Life Lived Twice comes from Natalie Goldberg's book Writing Down the Bones. 

Writers live twice. They go along with their regular life, are as fast as anyone in the grocery store, crossing the street, getting dressed for work in the morning. But there's another part of them that they have been training. The one that lives everything a second time. That sits down and sees their life again and goes over it. 

                                                                                   Natalie Goldberg 

I think that's why I can't help but think oh, I could write about that when I'm going about my business. I'm so addicted to that thought, that even though I may not blog for months at a time, I still THINK about it. Maybe it's just me. 

So, that's my plan for 2022-- continue to blog (often haphazardly). I think writing is a healthy pastime, whether it's journaling, blogging, or personal essays.  As well, I'm hoping that my writings may at times inspire, entertain, provoke, or simply make you feel that you are not alone. I so enjoy others' blogs for those reasons! 

Here's to continued writing, friends! 

Photo by Florian Klauer on Unsplash

 

Life goes on...

Sometimes life seems a bit.... grey.

Lately, the days here seem to be more cool and grey than the hot and sunny we usually enjoy in these parts. It does not feel like summer is a week away!

In addition to that, I'm spending a lot of time on the computer, working to finish up the year. That's not always too much fun, especially when I feel I have better things to do!

And then,  sometimes I just get in my head too much and that can be a downer. So,  I decided it's time for a little work break, to focus on happy things for a bit. And why not blog about it?

It's the little things! And sometimes those are BIG things, too!

• This one deserves a drum roll... I'm a GRANDMA! Well, specifically I'm an "Oma", in keeping with my Dutch roots and coming from a long, long line of Omas :) 

Meet Clark Nicholas, born May 12th. Is he not PRECIOUS!!!??? He's a month old already. Wow, babies change fast! I don't know how many times I've been told, "Just wait till you have grandkids! ". I don't have to wait anymore! :) And yes, it's as wonderful as I was told..over and over and over again ;) He brings such joy to my heart. Love. love. love.

 Anything I write after this pales in comparison, you do understand. Grandchildren and coffee  somehow don't really belong on the same list.  They are in separate leagues.

•   I enjoyed a misto this aft.. that is,  hot brewed coffee with steamed, frothy milk added... homemade, of course. I don't know why but lattes and mistos are comforting, especially on cool days. No sweetener needed.

• Spotify - whatever the mood, there's something old or new to listen to! I'm enjoying Discover Weekly, listening to music I haven't heard before. Joy. I've enjoyed happy music that causes me to bop around in my office chair, and scare the dog! Then I listen to instrumental music to help me focus. Then back to something that will keep me alert!

• Enzo. Little E.  Prince.  Unseated from his throne since May 12th. But he has given up his status willingly. Such a good little dog. 

• Pickleball. Yes, Pickleball is a sport, apparently popular with 'older' people. I don't know why it has that distinction because it's just plain FUN! For any age, really. If you enjoy badminton or tennis, you'll enjoy pickleball. My girlfriend and I are taking lessons. I never really want to head out at the end of the day, but each time I go, I'm glad I did. It's a pretty good workout. You may want to try it.  I'm not sure why it's called PickleBall. It uses a Wiffleball. I think someone hard of hearing was confused about the name. 

Hey, June, want to play Wiffle Ball?

What's that? What's Pickleball?

No, Wiffle ball! 

Sure, I'll play PickleBall! I'll let the whole gang know about it! 

It's WIFFLE BALL! 

Hey, guys! Come play Pickleball!

Pickleball? Sounds interesting! Yes, let's play!    

       

Yay for the little things! 

         

2016 -- a year of plans and surprises

I'm just squeaking in under the wire with my year end post.

Mostly I just wanted to say Happy New Year to all of my fellow bloggers who have checked in on this little blog now and then. I know, I haven't been very consistent. So, thanks for following me by email or in your favorite reader this year, so as not to miss these important life-changing posts ;)  Seriously, I do appreciate you reading and commenting. Thanks! You are awesome!

I've read some very inspiring, encouraging thoughts approaching 2016.  So  many good words on so many blogs and in books.

The truth is, we might have many plans and goals for the New Year, but we don't really know what's going to happen. As Solomon said in Proverbs 19:21: We humans keep brainstorming options and plans, but God's purpose prevails. (from The Message)
I don't see this as a warning. I see it as encouragement. God knows what He is doing. God sees from a different vantage point than we do. God is good and He is loving. So, we can enter a new year with hope and comfort, no matter what happens.

Expecting A Surprise

Each day holds a surprise. But only if we expect it can we see, hear, or feel it when it comes to us. Let's not be afraid to feel each day's surprise, whether it comes to us as sorrow or joy. It will open a new place in our hearts, a place where we can welcome new friends and celebrate more fully our shared humanity. 

from Bread For The Journey by Henri Nouwen (Jan. 1)

 I do think making plans is a good thing. I can't help myself.. I keep thinking of what I want to challenge myself with this year. So, there's the balance.. making plans but holding them loosely.

Do you have big plans and dreams for this next year?

Happy New Year, everyone!