Though I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas, I do not always love love love rearranging my entire apartment. Since I've spent the past two months reorganizing and decorating so I am not willing to rearrange yet again.
This year I isolated Christmas to the art corner of my apartment. This saves space and guarantees that I won't have any leftover items at the end of the season that I forgot to pack.
I hung my stocking, added a festive bag filled with last year's Xmas cards, photos of my Christmas pasts, and the box of brand new cards that I will mail....maybe. Finally, I added the cocunut nativity scene that my grandmother really loved and the string metal stockings I bought last year.
(I want the outlets available for my new MAC laptop, so I didn't even bother with my tree.)
Now I can enjoy the holiday without feeling like a total Scroog-ette.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Moving to be Moving
The other day I decided that instead of hacking away at my book, it would be better for me to move the bookshelf from one wall to the other. I live in such a teeny tiny cabin that means if one thing moves - everything moves!
Now my bookcase is my entertainment center, my linen closet shelf my bookcase, I have room for both guitars to be out and ready to rock PLUS I have a new table and chairs area in the living room.
Not only did I benefit from the exercise, but I reorganized my head. Miraculously the projects that I have been procrastinating have taken giant steps forward and there was a value added bonus:
I created a basket full of books and magazines that I bought, but hadn't read. Now when I want to read something new - I go browsing in my own living room!
Now my bookcase is my entertainment center, my linen closet shelf my bookcase, I have room for both guitars to be out and ready to rock PLUS I have a new table and chairs area in the living room.
Not only did I benefit from the exercise, but I reorganized my head. Miraculously the projects that I have been procrastinating have taken giant steps forward and there was a value added bonus:
I created a basket full of books and magazines that I bought, but hadn't read. Now when I want to read something new - I go browsing in my own living room!
Saturday, September 25, 2010
Getting Your Groove Back
I completed a musical two months ago. I wanted to continue with my book/CD but needed breathing space. I felt anxious about not writing, but knew better than to force the project. Instead, I used the anxious feeling to update and reorganize my workspace.
Turns out I re-energized when I organized.
Actually, organizing was an accident. It didn't happen until I emptied the filing cabinet in order to put a carpet in my office. After the carpet, I changed curtains and bought new office containers for my desk. I moved photos. I placed bright yellow flowers in a lemonade jar and set it on my desk.
I had forgotten about flowers.
That was two weeks ago. Since then, I have been writing. I completed a short story and realized my book needed to be divided into 3 downloadable booklets. My writing files have been purged. Some ideas trimmed, others blessed and released.
Organizing is a visceral, grounded process that allows ideas to flow freely. If you are feeling stuck – purge. Trim. Sort. Play music while you rearrange, and treat your Self to flowers. You’ll get your oomph back so you can move to the next step.
May you and your files dance into fall,
Aunt Dot
Turns out I re-energized when I organized.
Actually, organizing was an accident. It didn't happen until I emptied the filing cabinet in order to put a carpet in my office. After the carpet, I changed curtains and bought new office containers for my desk. I moved photos. I placed bright yellow flowers in a lemonade jar and set it on my desk.
I had forgotten about flowers.
That was two weeks ago. Since then, I have been writing. I completed a short story and realized my book needed to be divided into 3 downloadable booklets. My writing files have been purged. Some ideas trimmed, others blessed and released.
Organizing is a visceral, grounded process that allows ideas to flow freely. If you are feeling stuck – purge. Trim. Sort. Play music while you rearrange, and treat your Self to flowers. You’ll get your oomph back so you can move to the next step.
May you and your files dance into fall,
Aunt Dot
Friday, April 16, 2010
Lara’s Big Five
I have this groovy gal pal who I admire: Lara Rapcinski. She owns and operates Harbor Floral, a lovely shop that offers wedding flowers and services in Morro Bay. I’ve known her via the former Sandpiper coffee shop on the Embarcadero, but didn’t get a chance to hang out with her until I had moved to Santa Barbara County. She showed up for a housewarming, two concerts and a surfing excursion. (Her excursion, I just provided the sleeping mat on the floor.)
But now that I’m back in town, I’m blessed to know my friend on a whole different level – as an entrepreneur. Lara shared with me her key to organizing her business and annual goals which I now use to keep my projects organized.
Select a three ring binder and Table of Contents tabbed dividers: as you have projects. Lara has 5 categories, I chose to organize 10. Behind each divider put several sheets of notebook paper. Also, you can buy manila pocket folders to hold smaller papers, notes or brochures that you may need for some of the categories.
My categories include various writing projects, website, coaching business, songwriting, and finances. All of these projects have folders in my file cabinet. However, it is extremely helpful to have my immediate goals and tasks listed together in one place. It makes organizing and staying on task easy. Of course, you do have to open the notebook and update on a regular basis!
What you write, or how much is written is not important. One tab for a creative dream has only one task this year: renew the domain. That’s it. I even have the Table of Contents written in pencil so I can change my mind! The point is that because my idea is holding a tangible spot in an easily located place – I am free to focus on my immediate goals.
May you and your projects always be organized!
Aunt Dot
But now that I’m back in town, I’m blessed to know my friend on a whole different level – as an entrepreneur. Lara shared with me her key to organizing her business and annual goals which I now use to keep my projects organized.
Select a three ring binder and Table of Contents tabbed dividers: as you have projects. Lara has 5 categories, I chose to organize 10. Behind each divider put several sheets of notebook paper. Also, you can buy manila pocket folders to hold smaller papers, notes or brochures that you may need for some of the categories.
My categories include various writing projects, website, coaching business, songwriting, and finances. All of these projects have folders in my file cabinet. However, it is extremely helpful to have my immediate goals and tasks listed together in one place. It makes organizing and staying on task easy. Of course, you do have to open the notebook and update on a regular basis!
What you write, or how much is written is not important. One tab for a creative dream has only one task this year: renew the domain. That’s it. I even have the Table of Contents written in pencil so I can change my mind! The point is that because my idea is holding a tangible spot in an easily located place – I am free to focus on my immediate goals.
May you and your projects always be organized!
Aunt Dot
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Organizing by the numbers....
Organizing is process of being grounded in fun! One way to make this happen is to organize by the numbers. That is, I play a game. The game is called numerology - and while there are many complicated ways to use this system - I like the Louis Hay method. It's basic and easy. I've been using it to order my day for many years now. The book is called: Colors and Numbers and it is available through Amazon. Because I have so many creative projects happening at once - I find this a good way to get a lot of things done.
I use numerology the same way I view my horoscope. If it's good I believe it, if it's not good - I don't believe it! Below is a basic framework that I use to organize my work.
Also, my workweek starts on Sunday and I almost always take Saturday as the Sabbath. This way, I start the week working on my creative projects - and that makes me really happy!
Using my birthday - 5/23 - here is how to figure out your number for any given day. All numbers reduce to a single digit. Using today's date 11/5/2009 - the calculation is below.
Find your year number: 5 + 2+ 3 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 9 = 3 is my year number.
Find your month number by adding your year number plus today's month
(November) 3 + 11 = 14 = 1 +4 = 5.
Find the day by adding your month number to the day: 5 + 5 = 1.
So for ME, November 5 is a 1 - so I'm starting new projects.
Below is a very brief explanation of what the energy of each number symbolizes.
1. Start new projects: (I also use this to mean the start the next phase of a project.)
2. Gather what you need: this goes from the curtain rod you've had on your list for 2 weeks - to getting the sales numbers to complete your budget.
3. Party time! It's a good day to shop, be outgoing and enjoy your self in a group.
4. Errands are good to do on this day. The number stands for stability.
5. Five is the number of change! Do something different - drive to work a different way, walk in the evening instead of the morning, etc. It's an excellent day to promote yourself or your products. Have a garage sale! Give something away.
6. Stay home, gather your friends and fill your day with music!
(it's also the day to pay who you owe ...)
7. Drop the business world. Work with your plants, take long walks or drive in the country. Be alone for part of the day - if not the whole day.
8. Take care of business! Balance your checkbook, read those contracts, make appointments.
9. Finish things up! Volunteer - do something for others (no shopping unless it's a gift).
Yes, I've added the days wrong. Yes, I've done my banking on a number 7 day. The above is just a game - you can play it or not play it. The point is to have an easy framework for taking care of business...
Enjoy!
Aunt Dot
I use numerology the same way I view my horoscope. If it's good I believe it, if it's not good - I don't believe it! Below is a basic framework that I use to organize my work.
Also, my workweek starts on Sunday and I almost always take Saturday as the Sabbath. This way, I start the week working on my creative projects - and that makes me really happy!
Using my birthday - 5/23 - here is how to figure out your number for any given day. All numbers reduce to a single digit. Using today's date 11/5/2009 - the calculation is below.
Find your year number: 5 + 2+ 3 + 2 + 0 + 0 + 9 = 3 is my year number.
Find your month number by adding your year number plus today's month
(November) 3 + 11 = 14 = 1 +4 = 5.
Find the day by adding your month number to the day: 5 + 5 = 1.
So for ME, November 5 is a 1 - so I'm starting new projects.
Below is a very brief explanation of what the energy of each number symbolizes.
1. Start new projects: (I also use this to mean the start the next phase of a project.)
2. Gather what you need: this goes from the curtain rod you've had on your list for 2 weeks - to getting the sales numbers to complete your budget.
3. Party time! It's a good day to shop, be outgoing and enjoy your self in a group.
4. Errands are good to do on this day. The number stands for stability.
5. Five is the number of change! Do something different - drive to work a different way, walk in the evening instead of the morning, etc. It's an excellent day to promote yourself or your products. Have a garage sale! Give something away.
6. Stay home, gather your friends and fill your day with music!
(it's also the day to pay who you owe ...)
7. Drop the business world. Work with your plants, take long walks or drive in the country. Be alone for part of the day - if not the whole day.
8. Take care of business! Balance your checkbook, read those contracts, make appointments.
9. Finish things up! Volunteer - do something for others (no shopping unless it's a gift).
Yes, I've added the days wrong. Yes, I've done my banking on a number 7 day. The above is just a game - you can play it or not play it. The point is to have an easy framework for taking care of business...
Enjoy!
Aunt Dot
Saturday, August 8, 2009
On The Road Again
Most of my belongings are now happily stored in their 'room with a view' in Pacific Grove and I'm traveling lighter for the month of August and most likely longer. Though it feels great to hit the highway with only the essentials - it is more imperative that I stay organized. I need to keep up the book, blogging, and songwriting as well as be ready for interviews for my next straight job.
Here's how I pack my bags to stay organized on working road trips.
WHAT STAYS IN THE CAR:
Suitcases:
I have two suitcases and use a canvas bag to tote a few days/nights worth of clothing at a time. For toiletries, I have a small nylon tote that holds daily essentials - but keep a larger plastic tote in the trunk.
Work Box:
I have a terrific collaged box created by my friend Marguerite as I was leaving my Santa Barbara place last year. In it I stocked copy paper (I'm writing a small workbook), workshop materials for Visioning or Creative Journaling, my songbook, books, several books on tapes and batteries, etc. for my electronics.
Shoe Bag:
I have a lovely yellow airline bag that my blogging pal Anne Allen gave me years ago. In this, I stow several pairs of shoes in clear plastic bags to keep them from getting scraped up - plus a couple of hats...and of course - 2 purses.
PORTABLE TOTES:
Essentials:
My first stopover was camp Segovia in Anaheim. In order to navigate campout in the living room I keep a bag with my essentials: writing pen, books, nightlight, journal (which is a clipboard with blank 81/2 by 11 paper), reading glasses and my all important earplugs and sleep mask. No matter how loud the fun familial din - I create my own space by grabbing my canvas Morro Bay library bag and heading for a spot on the back yard swing, front yard sitting area or even a corner in the kitchen.
Office Tote:
I create a portable office with a large canvas bag that my late brother Steev used as his sample bag in his interior design work. Inside I keep a small tote of office accessories, my box of homemade greeting cards and envelopes, address book and my file divider (looks like a purse except for files!).
Sleeping:
Some of the most important things on my road trip are my sleeping bag, pad and two pillows. I even brought one big blanket that I use to cover the stack on the back seat - but this makes life easier if I'm doing quick overnights. It's also nice to 'wake up in my own bed' while I'm traveling.
This is how I keep sane on my trips - please leave me your favorite trip tip in the comments section.
See you on the road!
Aunt Dot
Here's how I pack my bags to stay organized on working road trips.
WHAT STAYS IN THE CAR:
Suitcases:
I have two suitcases and use a canvas bag to tote a few days/nights worth of clothing at a time. For toiletries, I have a small nylon tote that holds daily essentials - but keep a larger plastic tote in the trunk.
Work Box:
I have a terrific collaged box created by my friend Marguerite as I was leaving my Santa Barbara place last year. In it I stocked copy paper (I'm writing a small workbook), workshop materials for Visioning or Creative Journaling, my songbook, books, several books on tapes and batteries, etc. for my electronics.
Shoe Bag:
I have a lovely yellow airline bag that my blogging pal Anne Allen gave me years ago. In this, I stow several pairs of shoes in clear plastic bags to keep them from getting scraped up - plus a couple of hats...and of course - 2 purses.
PORTABLE TOTES:
Essentials:
My first stopover was camp Segovia in Anaheim. In order to navigate campout in the living room I keep a bag with my essentials: writing pen, books, nightlight, journal (which is a clipboard with blank 81/2 by 11 paper), reading glasses and my all important earplugs and sleep mask. No matter how loud the fun familial din - I create my own space by grabbing my canvas Morro Bay library bag and heading for a spot on the back yard swing, front yard sitting area or even a corner in the kitchen.
Office Tote:
I create a portable office with a large canvas bag that my late brother Steev used as his sample bag in his interior design work. Inside I keep a small tote of office accessories, my box of homemade greeting cards and envelopes, address book and my file divider (looks like a purse except for files!).
Sleeping:
Some of the most important things on my road trip are my sleeping bag, pad and two pillows. I even brought one big blanket that I use to cover the stack on the back seat - but this makes life easier if I'm doing quick overnights. It's also nice to 'wake up in my own bed' while I'm traveling.
This is how I keep sane on my trips - please leave me your favorite trip tip in the comments section.
See you on the road!
Aunt Dot
Thursday, July 9, 2009
The Metaphor of Filing
Because I moved around a lot since 2003 - I have had to create a filing system that works for me. This has changed over time. When jumping from place to place I used cardboard file boxes and sorted by project. Once I landed somewhere for two years - I invested in a terrific HON 4 drawer cabinet and began the process of integrating my old file system into the other. I have just completed the integration process - but it has felt daunting. (Especially since I'm moving again!)
Daunting. Overwhelming. These words mean that we are projecting resistance. They mean that we are not in the present moment.
One way around this is to change the metaphor of filing. That is you can assign an intention around the project. Filing can even be a meditation practice. Decide to be aware of each breath as you file. You can even set an intention to breathe in everything you need and release everything you don't need. As you file and your thoughts are running amok - gently bring your awareness back to your breath and your intention.
Organizing is be very grounding. It can be a way to do something very simple - take one paper and place it here. Take the next paper and file it there. Sometimes listen to music. Sometimes don't. Take your pile to sort outside. One benefit to this process is that when our thoughts take a back seat to our breath, we often receive insights to problems we have been mentally focused on.
Filing is a way for me to still my mind. Most important, the action of filing is another way I bring my life into balance.
Be aware! If you absolutely resist or loathe filing, then hire a student to file for you and move on! You'll get your filing done and support a local student. Once the pile is set - then you can decide to keep up on the filing yourself - or not.
The point is to make sure your filing works for you not against you.
Whatever filing path you choose, take a deep breath and allow your file piles lead you to where you need you,
Aunt Dot
Daunting. Overwhelming. These words mean that we are projecting resistance. They mean that we are not in the present moment.
One way around this is to change the metaphor of filing. That is you can assign an intention around the project. Filing can even be a meditation practice. Decide to be aware of each breath as you file. You can even set an intention to breathe in everything you need and release everything you don't need. As you file and your thoughts are running amok - gently bring your awareness back to your breath and your intention.
Organizing is be very grounding. It can be a way to do something very simple - take one paper and place it here. Take the next paper and file it there. Sometimes listen to music. Sometimes don't. Take your pile to sort outside. One benefit to this process is that when our thoughts take a back seat to our breath, we often receive insights to problems we have been mentally focused on.
Filing is a way for me to still my mind. Most important, the action of filing is another way I bring my life into balance.
Be aware! If you absolutely resist or loathe filing, then hire a student to file for you and move on! You'll get your filing done and support a local student. Once the pile is set - then you can decide to keep up on the filing yourself - or not.
The point is to make sure your filing works for you not against you.
Whatever filing path you choose, take a deep breath and allow your file piles lead you to where you need you,
Aunt Dot
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