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 Restoring
Order to Your Home
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Today, I sat on a
hillside in the dwindling fall sun and soaked up
the rays. Before me, the straw-colored hillside
poured down into hazelnut orchards, which stepped
down into the valley floor. While the green
foliage is still abundant, the buttery yellow sun
and tint of fall color announces the season.
Just this morning,
my husband and I went for a walk in crisp morning
fog, bundled in our fleece, and yet this afternoon
I got a sunburn on the hill! Northwest autumns
seem to have a paradoxical effect on me…I want to
absorb the last ray of sunshine, as if lingering
behind, but I also welcome the familiar fog of
fall, looking forward to the season ahead.
Fall marks
back-to-school time. After we get through that mad
dash, we begin to turn homeward. It’s the season
before the hectic holiday—the calm before the
craze—when we want to nest and clear out the
clutter. If you’re like me, you want to burn
scented candles, arrange pumpkins and gourds, and
enjoy a crackling fire in the fireplace on a rainy
night. You begin thinking of re-doing rooms,
getting rid of the excess, and settling in. Fall
is a time to spruce up your home and refill your
fuel tank after a busy summer.
As you feather
your nest, here are some ideas to simplify,
beautify, and re-connect:
Clear Out
Cast-offs
In your clearing process, you can look online or
check out our Donation Connection on our website
to find out where you can donate, re-sell, or
recycle your old belongings.
I’ve found that
many folks who want to pare down are not quite
ready to part with things they feel are “still
good.” They keep a stash/pile/closet full of items
that they someday plan to sell on eBay™ or at a
consignment shop or at a garage sale. It’s time to
get real because this stuff just hangs around in a
holding pattern until someone does something with
it. (This wishful stash seems not quite good
enough to stay but too good to move on!) If this
applies to you, and if you want to get some cash
out of your cast-offs, check out online resources
that will sell your household goods for you (like
iSoldIt) but be prepared to pay a commission.
Redecorate
Paring down clears the way for you to
enjoy your home to its fullest. After you’ve
organized, you may want to reward yourself with
some home decorating. Some cost-free, simple
strategies to freshen up your space are:
re-arranging to create easier traffic patterns,
eliminating excessive knick-knacks, and
re-purposing items you already have in new ways.
Lighting,
slipcovers, and paint are inexpensive pick-me-ups
for rooms that need a lift. Another great way to
maximize the season is with fresh flowers: bring
in those remaining roses or hydrangeas or anything
that lingers in your yard (even colorful leaves)
for a lovely fall bouquet.
Reclaim
Your® Hobbies
Are your developed photos awaiting inclusion in
photo albums? Are your digital images just hanging
out on your camera’s memory cards or stuck on your
hard drive? Fall is a great time to work on this
practical project to preserve your family’s
memories.
This autumn, get
your favorite activities and people back on your
calendar. I encourage you to reconnect with
friends and create some new memories this season.
Above all, feather your nest with your most
important priorities!
Remember
Those with No Nest
We can be thankful for the basic things we so
often take for granted: a warm meal, a bed to
sleep in, and a roof over our heads. As you nest
this fall, take the time to remember those who
have no home to call their own. Your local
homeless shelter would likely be blessed by your
blankets, winter clothing, and unused toiletries.
As we settle in
and enjoy the fall, let’s reach out in hospitality
and love. In my view, ordering your life is all
about releasing your full potential and ability to
serve. Join our discussion to share your insights
and ideas!
Wishing you a cozy
nest,
Vicki Norris |
