Since I went to the Lighted Boat Parade in Morro Bay, I was able to rally for Christmas decorating. I had intended on being a decorating Scrooge since I spent the past two months reorganizing. Though I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Christmas, I do not always love, love, love rearranging my entire apartment.
As I pulled out the box of decorations from my storage loft, I decided to take the time to reorganize. Usually, I do this after Christmas. Boxing Day in Canada, December 26, is set aside to honor this time of out with the old, in with the new. But I needed to lift my spirit so I could celebrate the season with creation, not obligation.
Here are a few tips that I used to keep the task light and fun.
1. I organized in my p.j’s.
2. I had a yummy cup of tea for mini-breaks and listened to a
Christmas cassette mix that I created in 1999.
3. I only selected boxes that I could sort and repack in a couple of hours.
I left a box filled with old letters and cards for later…like next lifetime. Maybe.
(This is supposed to be fun, not traumatic.)
4. Clear plastic bags, baggies and twist-ties are an organizer’s best friend.
5. Set aside a bag for items you are going to donate.
I keep a basket on a table in my closet for small give-aways like books.
This makes it easy to keep the stuff energy moving as I do weekly errands.
This year I only decorated two specific areas in my cabin. This saved space and guarantees that everything Christmas will be put back in the decoration box. My favorite “new” decoration is a festive bag filled with last year's Xmas cards, photos of my Christmas past, and a box of brand new cards that I will mail....maybe.
Taking time to move my energy gives me the external and internal space to move through the season.
May your holiday be filled with light, love and plenty of cheer!
Friday, December 10, 2010
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Xmas in the Corner
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.
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.
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
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