Spark Joy

Shooting star tree (Clerodendrum quadriloculare)

Every new year I begin with an announcement: This year, I am going to get organized! Usually, I will read a book or two to get me motivated, and start cleaning the kitchen. Last year I laid out a plan and shared it with you here on Daily Divertissements. In case you missed them, my previous posts on organization can be found HERE, or by clicking on the "organization" label on the right. These include my experiment with the ten item wardrobe, as well as my series from last January. Hint: if you start at the bottom of the page and work your way up, you will see them in chronological order.

The plan I put together is a good one. When implemented, it really works. The trouble is, usually after awhile, life happens, and the whole routine is forgotten. Papers start to pile up, clutter starts to accumulate, and before I know it, I'm right back where I started. So I thought it might be a good time to revisit the ideas I wrote about, evaluate the process, and get back on track.

Meanwhile, I am reading two books to get me going: David Allen's best seller Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, and Marie Kondo's book Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up. I have read David Allen's book before; I am going through it now as a refresher course in his method, which I have applied, to some extent, in my own strategy for organizing my life. The other book is the second one written by the Japanese decluttering guru -- a continuation, if you will, of The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo. While some of her ideas are a little unusual, the main concept she promotes is intriguing. Marie teaches that we should only keep those things which "spark joy" in our lives. And that goes for everything -- clothes, books, papers, miscellaneous stuff, and sentimental items. Why keep them, if they don't bring us joy?

So with that in mind, I will set to work. I will look at my things with new eyes. As I work my way through my belongings, I am going to keep only that which I truly love. In other words, I will only keep those things that spark joy!

Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful, 

or believe to be beautiful. 

William Morris

A Dream and an Inspiration

I had a dream a few weeks ago in which the book The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady came to mind. Many years ago, I had seen this book and admired its beautifully illustrated pages. Edith Holden started her diary in 1906, and filled it with poetry, quotes, and observations of her surroundings. She painted the birds, butterflies, and flowers in her little village with detail and delicacy, her love of nature obvious with each stroke. Edith's lovely book was her own personal treasure until it was published in 1977, many years after her death.

I searched the online catalog of the public library to see if the book was still available. To my delight, there was one copy of it, and I promptly made a trip to the appropriate branch to check it out. Edith's book is still just as enchanting as I remembered, and it has inspired me to try something similar. I purchased a new planner to use for my art journal this year, and I like the idea of focusing on a theme. While I will probably include other items in my book, the wildlife in my own backyard is always there to be observed, written about, and illustrated.

I recently discovered another book, The Laws Guide to Nature Drawing and Journaling by John Muir Laws. Here is a book packed with information, illustrations, and inspiration. It takes the idea of a "country diary" and guides the reader through the process of awareness, observation, and inquiry, while teaching techniques for drawing the wonders of nature. This book brings together perfectly the disciplines of science and art.

This year I hope to keep a record of God's creation by observing the flora and fauna in my garden. Although South Florida lacks the drastic change in seasons that exist in other places, there are subtle differences that occur with the passing of the months. Each day brings something new to discover, if we take the time to notice. Unlike Edith's diary, my little book will probably never be published for all the world to see. It will be my own personal treasure to enjoy. I am looking forward to the journey.

Happy New Year!

ruby-throated hummingbird perched on firespike

The ribbons and tinsel in the stores have given way to storage boxes and exercise wear, and here we are at the beginning of a new year. Although some stayed home New Year's Day, recovering from late night parties, many of us got up and went to church. An abundance of fireworks into the wee hours of the morning, coupled with an early morning drive to the airport had resulted in a  restless night, and I struggled to stay awake, having had just three hours of sleep. I noticed more than one person in the congregation with head bowed and eyes closed. In spite of  their prayerful appearance, however, they were actually dozing off, as evidenced by the sudden lifting of heads, furtive glances, and embarrassed smiles. 

We spent the day after New Year's taking down the tree and packing up the decorations. Of course, before we could take the boxes out to the garage for storage we had to rearrange everything. And, of course, that meant cleaning the garage and throwing out some of the junk that had accumulated there, washing throw rugs and sweeping the floor. It was an exhausting day, but what a feeling of accomplishment I had when it was all done! Suddenly the living room seems so much bigger, and I'm ready for a fresh start.

Now that our Christmas break is over, I will spend this week getting back into a routine, examining my life, setting goals, and making plans. I already have some ideas and can't wait to get started! Be sure to join me as I share the blessings of life with thoughts, ideas, and encouragement! Happy New Year!