Many of us are in the process of going through our things and sorting out and keeping the items we treasure, and giving away stuff we no longer want or need. I did this a few years ago when I moved, and I'm still going through things little by little. We start out when we are young wanting more and accumulating much, and then spend the later years wanting less and keeping only the items we need or truly love. This is a difficult process for some, but I have to say that it hasn't been that hard for me, as I am an 'organizer by nature,' and don't like clutter. When my mom passed, I thought it would be a time-consuming job going through all her things, but she was a tidy person as well, and that made it easy on me and my sister and brother when the time came to go through her belongings. I remember wanting a few of her things, and to this day, I still cherish them. But she didn't have an excessive amount of stuff, and that made the process more smoothly, and I thank her for that. Everything had its place, and she labeled everything, dates and all, which I appreciate the most. So, I may take after her and inherited some of her organizational skills, and that's helped me with my own downsizing process. She did keep a lot of papers, which I don't. And I remember going through her papers and cards and such, and that took the longest time. So, recently I went through some of my boxes, and started piling up things that I thought belonged to the girls now - an album of their school awards, video tapes of their cheerleading and homecoming days, and a picture of their grandma when she was young that I had extras of. In a big yellow tote bag, I gave these things to them, and as hard as it was to part with some, it was time. The only papers I won't give up are those special sacred certificates; they belong to me. I'm giving these things to my children little by little, so they won't have a crazy time when they have to go through my stuff one day (and because my house is small, and I don't have a lot of extra storage space). ; ) So, these days, I'm very careful what I bring home from the shops now. I have to really love it.... and when I saw this painting, I knew it had to come home with me. I love cottage style decor, and I thought this resembled that, and it spoke to me right away.
I opened my kitchen blinds, and saw this! They are starting to come around more often now. The pics are not that clear; they were taken through the window. But you can get an idea of what a surprise it was to see this special creature.
I watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3. It was lively and wonderful, and it takes you along on the family's trip, and shows some beautiful scenes of Greece. Do you know many of the characters are really Greek heritage?
I have been greatly looking forward to watching The Chosen Season 5. Last night I watched Season 5, episode 1 Livestream. It was an outstanding episode of importance and meaning.
Well, this will be a shorter post today. My Jess will be here soon, and I have lots to do. I made a little fairy table for the kids to play with. Here are a few miniature things that I've collected here and there.
I washed down the front porch, cleaned the chairs, raked the flower bed, and found this cute little chair that's just about Charlotte's size. The first pink rose blossomed too.
So, if you are one of those who is going through the de-cluttering process, I wish you well. Slowly, but surely, we'll get it done.
~Sheri
25 comments:
Oh Sheri I loved this post! I’m in the process of purging things. It’s been slow because the outside calls to me. Wow I love how close the deer come into your yard. I have a friend who moved to Alaska and I remember a few up-close-and-personal photos of a moose or two right out her window.
Oh that plaque is charming and the fairy table to the girls, I’m sure will be well received. Okay I didn’t know episode 1 of Chosen was ready. Thanks for the heads up!
Well, have fun with your girls - it’s been hot down here - 104 yesterday so our hot summer is here. Enjoy and stay hydrated!
Have a beautiful week.
What a treasure to see those deer outside your window! And I love your rose painting. I have a hard time downsizing. And I have four years to do it so it shouldn't be that hard. But it is. I wish you well but I have a feeling you won't need those wishes! Have fun with Jess and company!
You know I did that a few months ago. It is a good feeling not to have so much, but still have things you love. I do love your fairy table and new picture and seeing the deer outside your window. Have a wonderful visit with family.
Oh Sheri, I just loved this post. We are currently getting ready to put our home up for sale. And we plan to move to the country. It has been a dream of ours for a long time. I will keep you updated as we prepare to put our home on the market.
I too have been downsizing. It feels good to go through clutter. I appreciated your post.
I loved the quote.
Enjoy your family time.
Love, Carla
Oh for sure that is a treasure! You have a good eye for cottage chic.
Have a wonderful visit with your love ones.
Hugs
May
So meaningful. We moved to a retirement community after 30 years in our old house. We culled like crazy. I thought we had done well, but now I look at the stuff I brought that should have moved to GoodWill.
Coleccionamos tantas cosas de niños y que son guardadas ya que en ellasdepositamos nuestro cariño.
Feliz semana.
Oh Sheri. I LOVE that painting. It's really a gorgeous piece. I love your header, too! I am so happy Jess and the girls are coming. The little ones will LOVE the fairy table. Oh, you are such a sweet and kind Grammie. Here's to a truly wonderful week! Hugs. Susan
It's so interesting to hear about your decluttering journey and how your mom's tidiness influenced you. It sounds like you've got a really healthy and practical approach to downsizing, and it's thoughtful of you to start passing things on to your daughters now.
What a lovely surprise to see that special creature outside your window – even through the glass, it's clear it was a cool moment! And it sounds like you had a wonderful time with "My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3" and the latest episode of "The Chosen." Enjoy your time with Jess and all your preparations!
Oh I can see why that treasure of a painting had to come home with you. Yes I for sure am a cottage type gal also. There is something good about getting rid of things that have lost their purpose and keeping only those that are precious. Since we don't have children there is not much reason to keep mementos that take up space. I started to watch the "The Chosen"...just have not stuck with it. Not sure why! Glad you enjoyed it. Hugs!
I am very organized, but also kind of a hoarder. Fortunately, we have a finished basement. I did get a painting at Dollar General! A large one for the fall. I had seen yours there, but was not fond of the frame. But somehow on your blog, it looks way better! Can you show me a photo of where you put it? I may have to go back and buy it!
I too, like the others, just loved this beautiful and elegant post. It's like reading and going into an enchanted story. You ought to write for the Chicken Soups For The Soul! You summed up what I have been dealing with - with my friends lately. Downsizing and changing places. It's hard. I have never been much of a saver - but I had a big house four years ago and because of my husband's heart we sold it and moved to a 3-bedroom apartment. I got rid of truckloads of things.
Then a year later we moved into a town home - and got rid of more stuff. I still have some stuff, but if we move again, I am getting rid of the last few things. I do have some items for the kids to go through - in a storage unit. I feel if I get rid of everything about me - I won't have existed. lol
Gee I am writing a dissertation.
Love the deer out your window.
Loved the Greek Wedding trios.
I know the girls are visiting and they will love the table and have fun with them.
And last but not least, I love your meme. I have never been interested in a large house either. Family much more important.
That painting is lovely.
My mother was always giving things away which is why we have almost nothing from our childhoods and I am almost the same.. while I have kept a few keepsakes mostly I am always in the process of giving things away.
I love the quote you shared, my friend. What a lovely post that resonates with so many. I was just shopping today, for rugs. Steve couldn't believe I didn't purchase anything else at the store, and I told him I am no longer buying anything unless I need it! Have a cozy week, my friend!
Enjoy the visit
The picture with the roses in wonderful pastel colors is beautiful. Enjoy it every day.
The view from your window is enchanting.
I've already completed the process of reducing and sorting through my belongings. It was liberating.
Hi Sheri, I love this post as I am doing a massive clean out of my home right now. It is true we accumulate things over time, and I have tried to de-clutter on a regular basis. However, it has gotten away from us in recent years, and we are tackling it now. Your new painting is so pretty, and one I would like in my house too. I also love the photos of the deer. They are so graceful and I am always drawn to them. I bet the little ones really loved the fairy table, and my little granddaughter would have loved it too. She is such a girly girl :)
Good morning Sheri...I'm late commenting but I did read your post yesterday. I think we all hit that stage in life when we realize there is a need to downsize and clean out. We are currently in the process of cleaning out Sam's parents home and going through SO MANY drawers filled with SO MANY things. The hardest part for us has been the photos. She had big 16x20 photos of the four granddaughters and now....what to do with them? The girls are not interested and they are so big to have to store. Not sure what the plans are for these. I really like your new painting that you came across. I can see where this painting can sure bring a lot of happiness in any room. Great big hugs are coming your way..
Sheri, I really appreciate how thoughtfully you approach keeping what truly matters. Passing those treasures along little by little is such a kind way to lighten the load for the future. And that painting it’s lovely how it spoke to you right away. Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your peaceful, careful process.
I love your painting that is one of the things you really love. I think about it often of what to get rid of so my kids son't have a hard time. Truthfully, they want very little of why things, I started getting rid of a lot and then realized I still have to live in the house and don't want it empty. ha ha ...
I lost your e-mail address!
I would love a small country cottage. I find I don’t need much in life, as long as I have my family around me. Downsizing here too, it’s challenging but it’s time. I enjoyed reading about yours and the memories of your mother. Your painting is absolutely gorgeous! Loved the deer through your window. Enjoy your sweet family.
Sorting through belongings can be such an emotional journey, especially when deciding what to keep and what to let go.
I love how you’re passing special things down little by little—it’s such a thoughtful way to make memories last.
Your painting is beautiful, Sheri 🌹
Hi Sheri, the deer are adorable. I love to clean and organize and cannot stand clutter. I am a minimalist and am happy to part with things I don't need. I am fortunate to not get emotionally attached to things. I love the painting.
It is nice that you kept what you loved. That's wonderful. Though I will say, organized doesn't always mean no clutter. I've talked about this many times on the blog. Organized clutter, is still clutter. Not saying yours is. Though I do know someone close to me that has lots and lots of organized clutter.
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