I think a lot about enough + less, because I am continually reminded that that is what allows my mind to be most at peace. My mind now has practiced pathways that make an effort to prevent me from making impulse purchases. And yet, when I'm thinking through making a few little improvements around the house, I often find myself looking outward...to add something.
A few weeks ago, a hanging plant that we've had for over a decade started to bloom again. It's blooms are tiny, but hundreds of them come all at once + they have a scent that my allergies don't like. Since we made some changes in our kitchen, the place we most like to sit is right under that plant. I finally decided that I do not need to endure the itchy eyes + stuffy nose that plant brings. Jo brought it to her place, and I was left with an empty plant hook that I was in no real hurry to fill. A couple weeks later, I was at the plant store for a different reason + decided to take a look at the hanging plants. One of the hanging plants they had was a rhipsalis.
I have a scraggly rhipsalis, but had never thought of hanging it. I had a lighter pot for hanging + some soil too. A few days later, I repotted the plant + realized that I didn't have a hanger. My other hangers were made out of rope that I bought from the hardware store. I didn't want to leave the house, so I thought about what else I could possibly use...twine? A few minutes later, I hung the pot + I love it so much!
A few weeks ago, a hanging plant that we've had for over a decade started to bloom again. It's blooms are tiny, but hundreds of them come all at once + they have a scent that my allergies don't like. Since we made some changes in our kitchen, the place we most like to sit is right under that plant. I finally decided that I do not need to endure the itchy eyes + stuffy nose that plant brings. Jo brought it to her place, and I was left with an empty plant hook that I was in no real hurry to fill. A couple weeks later, I was at the plant store for a different reason + decided to take a look at the hanging plants. One of the hanging plants they had was a rhipsalis.
I have a scraggly rhipsalis, but had never thought of hanging it. I had a lighter pot for hanging + some soil too. A few days later, I repotted the plant + realized that I didn't have a hanger. My other hangers were made out of rope that I bought from the hardware store. I didn't want to leave the house, so I thought about what else I could possibly use...twine? A few minutes later, I hung the pot + I love it so much!
It's been a year since we changed things in our kitchen. The contractor + electrician agreed to put our overhead lighting on a dimmer...and yet, they did not. I decided that was one battle too many in the midst of all the others. None of us likes the garish light when it's dark outside, so I've been looking for a lamp...for a year. As darkness comes earlier + stays later (again), I'm feeling very motivated to find a solution. Today, I was watching this Noguchi video + thinking of my (not Noguchi) paper lamps.
We have two paper hanging lamps downstairs that don't get used often. I've thought of them before, but I don't want to hang a light from the ceiling in the kitchen. Then it occurred to me that maybe I could use one like a lamp on the top of the fridge! Ten minutes, a piece of tape + a clothespin later...and we have the most lovely, warm, glow in our kitchen! It's not taking up space on the shelf. The cord is hidden by the fridge. It didn't cost anything. And...it ties in with the paper lampshade across the room too.
Adding more to our space always makes me nervous. I don't want more. I want less...less to clean...less to take care of...less to purchase...less visual clutter. When I can use what I already have in new ways, it makes me so, so happy!
Love,
Jane
We have two paper hanging lamps downstairs that don't get used often. I've thought of them before, but I don't want to hang a light from the ceiling in the kitchen. Then it occurred to me that maybe I could use one like a lamp on the top of the fridge! Ten minutes, a piece of tape + a clothespin later...and we have the most lovely, warm, glow in our kitchen! It's not taking up space on the shelf. The cord is hidden by the fridge. It didn't cost anything. And...it ties in with the paper lampshade across the room too.
Adding more to our space always makes me nervous. I don't want more. I want less...less to clean...less to take care of...less to purchase...less visual clutter. When I can use what I already have in new ways, it makes me so, so happy!
Love,
Jane
