“You’re not getting a housecleaner,” I tell myself as the toothbrush-like nightstick in hand gets one last plunge into the too-far-gone toilet. But it would sure be nice, wouldn’t it?
Often I strive to entertain and leave the reader better for reading. Full disclosure: today might not be that day. The thought of taxes came to mind and I immediately shut down. So to get my mind off of the stupid government taking my money, I’m scrolling a post on the Georgia Backyard Gardening Facebook group. So far, I’ve written down creeping phlox, a forest pansy redbud tree, a snowball viburnum, and rabbit-eye blueberries.
Something in me wants to hurry this thought process, like an usher with their flashlight trying to show a couple in a bickerment their seat. “Please, just this way.”
But I want to talk about the countless low-flowering purple phlox groundcover and how I want it everywhere along our yard. Maybe it’s just for me, but maybe, as kids shuffle back and forth to school, it will give them a little burst of something beautiful too.
I’m annoyed with what I’m writing. I’m like, of all the things to talk about, you chose that?! I have this mean twin within me that looks me up and down, no matter what I do, and she’s got something to say about it.
No, I don’t have anything interesting to talk about. So sorry.
Except—the birds aren’t coming to my feeder, even after I fixed it. My closet is going on day three of being sparkling clean, with every item having its place. Tweaking just a few things—putting items in bins—helped clear the chaos, and now I’m motivated to work with my closet system instead of against it.
Also in the closet, behind things I couldn’t see, are potential pieces to hang on walls. Like a little watercolor print of a plaza in Córdoba, Spain, that I visited as a senior in high school. For 25 years, that bad boy has been filed away without a frame, but that’s about to change. Also without a frame is a nostalgic Shell gas station in Issaquah, Washington. A good friend’s brother is the artist, so it’s yet another meaningful piece I look forward to adoring and admiring.
Lastly, I have a cross-stitched image of a hippie van, with flowers, a guitar, and a portable shower under a tree with bright pinks and purples and blues. It’s freaking adorable, and yet I haven’t a clue how to mount it for display. All these things are now front and center on the nightstand, keeping them as top-of-mind reminders. These pieces have been tucked away for years, but now, as I slowly shape my space into something that reflects what I love, they get their moment.
Speaking of adding little touches to a space, I had an idea for the guest room: a cribbage board and a deck of cards. Even if there isn’t a couple staying there, a solo guest could have something to do. I know I would have used cards if they’d been in a guest room I was staying in.
Lastly, and also related to wall decor, I finally went onto Etsy and bought the 11”x14” half-naked woman amongst all the plants. It’s my birthday present from months ago that I didn’t get to. But anyway, I think her comfort and ease with her body amongst the plants is beautiful, and I want to look at it always.
Well, I did it. And you did too. That wasn’t so bad, after all. See you here tomorrow!
Love,
Jaclynn
Going On 40 