Minimalism #2

Ok, good thing I met my weekly goal on Sunday. After attending a (fabulous) party for a (sweet!) 2-yr-old named Micah, I promptly went & sold/donated a ton of clothes. So there's that.

And here it is Monday night & I am feeling the pressure up to my neck with all the things I got going on. Mind you, I know I create these conundrums, but everything is with purpose. Either to pay the bills, finish my schooling, or just cherishing a friend...I only say YES when it is a priority.

But today, after testing a client & picking up my boy (who had puked at school), and then coming home to messes...I felt stressed. Testing a client involves much more than just the actual administration of tests. (That is actually the easier part). My sweet husband is building me a website & needs my input on the content. My friend & I have a wedding booked and we need to get things worked out with the bride. Gotta follow up on some other music-related things. Gonna record a childrens' album this spring. Followed up with a 'library tour' for a show we have yet to write. Ahhh, sweet stress!

Went to the gym to just stretch, think, absorb. Then back home to hit the grindstone. And take 10 minutes to write the blog that I MUST use for accountability if this minimalism thing is gonna stick.

But then I peeked at sweet little boy. He's not sick, BTW. Just a combination of prunes from yesterday & some tummy-jostling led them to think so at first. :)

When he is sleeping curled up with his lovey & looking so peaceful, the love that overflows from my heart reminds me that I do it all for him. For our family. And if I ever become the so-called "super-mom" that tries to do it all, so help me.

Taking time to play with him, four on the floor, no phone in sight, is the BEST. I must make that the priority over all.

Minimalism #1

So, here is my attempt at accountability for my year-long project. Even if it is only to view myself, I will complete one weekly task--however small--to free myself of 'stuff.'

Granted, I am starting to see firsthand how wonderful it is for little boy's development and curiosity to have many toys strewn about. While right now actually purchasing many toys is out of the question for us, my dear friend Nova just passed along many toys her 2-yr-old boy outgrew...so, yes, I've acquired new things. We only kept what he truly is interested in. I can handle that!

BUT my first 'good-riddance' this week was selling 2 baby items that have become obsolete for us.

Prior to 2012 beginning, I expunged several clothing items.

Next week: perhaps another purge of clothes. We shall see!

Music is Good for the Soul

It comes in waves. I'll sit down and commit to charting/learning a song I've always meant to. This is rare. So I went with the energy when I decided I was going to learn, "Making Pies" by Patty Griffin. I truly think it may be the most heartwrenching, beautiful folk song I know. You may need to check it out RIGHT now:



If this is your first Patty Griffin experience, I now welcome your ears to the most prolific, gifted living songwriter (IMHO). I know I am not alone in that sentiment.

I'm gonna perform "Making Pies" at my gig tonight....Picasso's at 8pm....Yea, I am NOT a Picasso fan but I'm giving it another go (read my old blog about their past musical sins) mainly because my bud Casey is doing Acoustic Oklahoma there.

And here's some more Patty because this one always gets me, too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6hpwl9rTL0

I was thinking about the lyrics while in the shower. Yes, that is a mother's best thinking place. ;)

Forty years go by with someone laying in your bed
Forty years of things you say you wish you'd never said
How hard would it have been to say some kinder words instead
I wonder as I stare up at the sky turning red.

I love these lines & will take it as a good reminder to be good to my spouse as we venture into 2012 together. One year at a time. ;)