Then there's all that other stuff. The stuff we keep because someone or we've convinced ourselves these objects have meaning. These objects are all that is left of a person, place, time. I know it. My dishes are for the most part the dishes my parents had when they were married. They are the same dishes my dad held onto for 30 years after they divorced. They are the same dishes I rescued from the stuff my dad was carting off to the local Sally Ann. They are the same dishes I had in my appartment. These are the dishes we eat from. Not all of them. Oh no. I actually 'topped up' these dishes with ones from the same series from eBay.

I have things in my home because my father gave them to me. I don't like them. They're not me. Yet, somehow I can't get rid of these things. These things that mean so much because when he was alive I got so little of him. So little of his time: my aunt and uncle raised me. So little of his love: he was always angry and resentful of my mere existence, I later learned. Yet, I hang on to his crap. Both literally and figuratively.

As I sit here, contemplating how I'm even going to begin telling my tale of transformation, I can't help but wonder whether there are unseen forces orchestrating it all. Perhaps those of you adept in astrology can shed some light onto what has happened to me. I'm feeling a strong drive to downsize and simplify. This drive to simplify has permeated every aspect of my life.

All the stuff I never or seldom use. All the clothing, shoes, accessories, I never wear. All the books, cds, dvds I don't love. I want to strip all my kitchen tools, cookware, dinnerware, down to bare essentials. I want to read mainly books from the library and purchase only the rare, hard to find ones I have to have.

I've already drastically reduced my makeup and perfume collection. Sold what I could, gave some away. Will give the rest away as soon as I pack it up.

I was going to color my hair and embark on the ordeal of growing it out again, but my children asked me "Why?". They love their new pixie cuts and can't imagine going back to longer, perpetually tangled, high-maintenance hair. They've suggested I cut mine like theirs and keep it natural.... We all have a hair appointment Saturday morning and I'm genuinely excited!

Taking a nap after work when I need to. Even if it means we end up having eggs and toast for supper.
If we're craving something, buy just enough to satisfy the craving.
I've made adjustments to our groceries.
We are currently using up what is in our freezers and pantry and I am only replacing what we love.

Excuse me while I give my home a quick 15 minute pick-up and get started on a 30 minute meal for dinner.

TTYS!
~R

I moved to the interior of B.C. for the desert-like climate. The last few days have been humid hell. It's probably no where near the sweltering Toronto muggy but I can't stand it. I'll be back when the weather breaks. Bacioni! ~ R