It’s been almost a month since I even attempted to record slices of my life. So much has happened since my last post. We finished saying goodbye and flew from Bahrain on 31 December. We began the new year in California.
I thought a lot about clutter while I cleaned and packed my old house and got ready to move into my new (to us) 1000-square-foot home. I chose a word for 2022 thanks to some great comments on this November post. My one word for 2022 will be Simplify, with some monthly “helper” words like Erika did last year.
So my helper word for January is “purge.” That’s what had to happen with this house, which over the past six years has been at various times empty, occupied, and used as storage. We are so happy to claim it again as our own.
We have been purging. The house was full to overflowing with furniture and supplies. It probably could have outfitted three homes with all the multiples of appliances, blankets, space heaters, furniture and more furniture. We have had lots to choose from, which we are thankful for and we are keeping, but so much extra is going out into the front yard for giveaways and dumping.
We have been here a week and a half now, and we haven’t only been cleaning. We’ve…
And one of the highlights of the season has been the news that my eldest daughter is going to have a baby in June.
So, here we go on another adventure. I’m hoping to simplify as I enjoy each new day I’m given.
Welcome back to the States, Denise!! And CONGRATULATIONS!! How exciting that you are going to be a grandmother! Woohoo! It is the best journey there is, the very best.
Thank you, Maureen! It is an exciting time!
Denise! Welcome home! I’m so glad you are back. And you’re going to be a grandma???? Oh, the joy coming your way. Those mugs are next to perfect held up to the smiles that truly are. I LOVE the newly decorated bedroom – it’s amazing how a coat of paint brightens things; your daughter and son in law have a true gift, and what a labor of love. That word – – simplify – – on the dot canvas is inspiring. I love how you keep it front and center!
Thanks, Kim. You remembered Nawaf’s Dot Day painting. It continues to inspire me to reuse, use up, do without, and make do! Thank you for the good wishes.
Welcome back, Denise! I love your word, Simplify. My husband and I are also purging and simplifying as we plan to move out of our large home (now an empty nest) to our cabin sometime this spring or early summer. Our cabin is about half the size of our primary residence and we have a lot to purge. We’ve already started with trips to the resale store, goodwill, and local reuse it stores. I’m giving books to friends who want them. I’m finding it both hard and rejuvenating to purge. Have you had difficulty with it? Good luck with your continued simplification and getting settled in. I’ve missed reading your posts.
Thanks so much, Carol. Wow, all the best to you and your husband as you simplify and purge, getting into your smaller place. It sounds perfect!
Denise, it is so great to catch up with you again. Your home has such a lovely, renovated bedroom. Best of luck with the new move and welcome back to the states. Also, I send you a huge congratulations on being a Grandma, one of the best feelings ever! Simplify is a great word for you as you enter a new chapter in your life. I like the idea of a companion word-enjoy purging away.
Thanks, Carol. Yes, you have shown how special that grandchildren feeling is. Blessings!
Oh, Denise – I’m so glad you’re able to write this update! Moving again has got to be tons of work – but you know how to do it well! Kudos on simplifying and purging and enjoying the results. And what fun to get your first mail at this new address from your daughter!! I’d say, “Enjoy the journey,” but I know you will. Hugs!