I have been cleaning

Really!! Don't laugh. I really have. What I have done is not enough. No matter what I do, cleaning wise, it is never enough. Dirt and clutter just seem to reappear as soon as I turn my back. I feel like Pigpen. Nonetheless, I have spent the rainy part of the weekend purging.

Purging feels good. I don't want to stop. I want pristine counters, shelves, and desktop. I want a calm place for my eyes to rest. I want simplicity.

Unfortunately, I still want stuff - books, dishes, fabrics, pots, pans, and shoes. There is a separate part of me who wants stark simplicity. Duplicity in the home makes for confusion, disorganization, and a crazed woman. Yet, I can't seem to choose a path. I can't seem to purge deep enough to make a difference.

Yet, things are better than they were.

I have a new curtain for my office

But it is driving me crazy, already. The curtain was put in place because I was adamant about keeping all the old windows that were usable. The usable windows are not particularly airtight so last winter I experienced a bit of a draft while working. I thought I would solve that problem before it got too cold. I made the lined shade this weekend. The shade does eliminate heat loss, but it will probably have a short life.

First of all, I cannot see outside. Admittedly, I frequently get distracted by what is happening out there so having a curtain should make me more productive, but not seeing anything could be considered torture. Secondly, I didn't consider the negative impact of eliminating the sunlight in this small room with dark natural wood walls. I will have to purchase better lighting if I keep the curtain. I work a lot at night and the lack of light has never bothered me, but to need extra light during the day seems silly. Lastly, the fabric I chose is so bright I can barely focus on the computer and my projects. It is happy and matches my bright orange, blue, and green chairs but goodness gracious it is loud!!!!

What do you think?

It's been like Christmas around here!

Yesterday, a friend called and said, "I know you are purging, but I thought you might like some art books for your homeschool." I knew they would be good because she was an art major in college. I, of course, said I was interested because I never met a book I didn't like. A picture would be great, but unfortunately I have not been able to post a picture in days - you know one of those beta blogger oops. What was I thinking when I clicked migrate? Where was I? There are books on Van Gogh, Cassatt, Balthus, and Romare Bearden. There is a book called The Artist in His Studio and one called That's the Way I See It. Videos of the Sister Wendy Beckett series The Story of Painting are also included. I think there are twelve nice art books, hardcover with lots of pictures.

The best thing about the gift is that gifts from this friend don't come with a lot of strings. I can accept the gift, then regift them any time - including tomorrow. She won't come snooping to see if we are using the books every day for six years.