Last summer we moved from Dallas to Austin. Not a far move physically, but a big move emotionally. I had been in Dallas for 26 years prior to our move. I’d grown from being a baby adult, a college graduate with a few friends and little possessions, into a fully formed adult with a whole life, wide circle of friends and family and SO MUCH STUFF.
Luckily, I love a move. Any chance to go through things, to de-clutter, to simplify, reimagine, and redecorate - I’m in, happily. Going through each item of clothing, each kitchen utensil, photos, books and art supplies offered both my daughter and I a chance to get really curious and intentional about all the things we own.
As an artist and a Taurus, I have a deep connection to things. Things that spark joy or nostalgia. Rocks and shells from a recent beach trip, postcards or matchbooks from a favorite spot, a cross from my grandmother’s home, books in various stages of being read, every art supply known to woman.
My house and my brain are full of things that I choose to keep. But in all of this keeping - it can get cluttered and overwhelming fast.
For me, this move and our settling into our new home sparked me to simplify. To curate and edit, finding a spot in our new home for only the most beautiful and useful.
What stays?
What goes?
How much of a minimalist do I really want to be? (Turns out, not much.)
How to hold the feelings and memories attached to the thing - while letting the thing go.
The things we keep are often not about the thing - but truly about a story, a memory, a time. A harkening back to cherished experiences, places, people. In our move, I realized I was holding too many things. Creating clutter - both physically and mentally. Holding connection and memories to past experiences is healthy and good, but holding onto too many things holds me back from building a new life, new memories, new routines.
As I journey toward simplification, and come to realize I will never ever be a minimalist, I’ve started to ask some questions about what stays and what goes - and what comes in at all. Does this shell bring me joy? Is it serving a purpose in my life right now?
Can I hold the memory, while letting go of the actual thing? Turns out, I can.
Things inspiring me lately :
I discovered Lindsey Meyer’s cowboy paintings on a recent visit to Round Top. I’m obsessed with her brilliant use of color and simplified yet expressive shapes and can’t wait to add one to our home.
As a counter to my ever-nagging anxiety, I’m considering taking up needlepoint. A way to keep my hands busy, and focus my thoughts on something creative when I’m outside of the studio. Wool and the Gang have some beautiful kits…
This dish has been on heavy rotation lately, with some air-fried tofu for extra protein. I promise - even the tofu haters in your life will be hooked.
A little feel-good round-up we shared on Instagram.
This pillow bringing a bit of happy color to our neutral sofa.