Today I vowed to do no reading, no blogging, no sewing until one room of my house was clean and straightened. It took most of the day, but now I have one room, the living room, that I would not be ashamed for people to see. However, I don't want anybody in there because I don't want it messed up again.
Like all the other rooms in my house (some even worse than the living room), clutter ruled. I have not done any serious housekeeping since Vann's health began to quickly deteriorate this summer. Then after having house guests for over a month, conditions were completely out of control. But after getting my living room livable, I now have confidence that I can conquer the whole mess. TOMORROW, THE DINING ROOM!
But today, I'm exhausted. I feel like I've put in a day in the coal mines. I remember not too long ago, I could clean the whole house and still have enough stamina left to make a big dinner. No more. Tonight's dinner will be whatever I can find in the fridge. I think I have still some white chicken chili.
I'm figuring five more days to get the entire house cleaned (not counting the sewing room which is a world unto itself). Then I think I'll start on some Christmas presents.
In a couple months or so, probably after the holidays, I'm going to start painting, something that's been needed around here for a while. And maybe get a new sofa. I'm thinking a very light sage green for the living room, dining room, and maybe the kitchen. What do you think? And a dark grape colored sofa or even magenta or rust. It's fun to plan, isn't it. Less fun to do the work.
I haven't decided what color I'll paint or how I'm going to redecorate my office. It's hard to visualize when everything is in such a mess. But I am collecting photos, and I'm sure ideas will present themselves when all the clutter is put away (or thrown away).
Thank you all for your caring comments on yesterday's post. That was just something I had to get off my mind. And writing, for me, is the best way to get things off my mind.
I'd like to end this post with something I found, written in Vann's own hand, in one of his notebooks in the basement (one of the few that survived the past few weeks of actions by people who thought they knew what Vann would want). I don't know if these are Vann's own words or if he read or heard this somewhere, but it is so very apropos to what's been going on here lately. How can I doubt that this is a message to me from Vann?
"Be mindful that happiness is not based on possessions, power, and prestige, but on relationships with people you love and respect."
Thank you, Boo, for continuing to watch over us here at The Yellow House. Although I miss your physical presence dreadfully, I don't feel alone. I know you're right here beside me and Sophie every minute of the day.
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On 09/29/2009, Kai said ...
Susan, I truly WISH I lived near enough to go help you clean! It would be my PLEASURE! I'm not too good at lots of stuff (like sewing - LOL) but I can 'Hazel' with the best of them! Don't have ANY problem sticking my hands in a bucket of suds & scrubbing away! Love the words from Vann's notebook! VERY appropriately timed! I agree - straight from him to you! The sage green for the walls sounds pretty! (I know - I'm jumping from one topic to another. Sorry) And I visualized a magenta couch against that color - WOW! I think that would be BEAUTIFUL! Now, go eat chili and REST. You definitely EARNED it! I love you!
On 09/29/2009, Ruth Landon said ...
What a lovely quilt on your living room wall.
The cleaning today may have been hard physically, but it probably did wonders for your mental health.
The quote from Vann's notebook is so apropo, you were meant to find it at this time. Its something for us all to remember.
Ruth
On 09/29/2009, kayellen said ...
Good for you!!
Cleaning is not my favorite thing...
What a pretty quilt too!
Have a great week:)
Hugs,
kayellen
On 09/29/2009, valerie said ...
You are so smart doing one room at a time. That is the way I do everything now at this time in my life. One minute, one hour, one day at a time. I am glad you found the message from Vann. There is no doubt he sent this just for you. I can't wait to see your sewing room when you get it finished. That is something I am starting on next week I hope.
On 09/29/2009, Lavender Dreams said ...
What a beautiful message. I always feel good when I clean. There's something very therapeutic about cleaning. I hope you have a good night tonight and get well deserved rest.
On 09/29/2009, Debra Spincic said ...
I think a tub of warm bubbly water is in store for you!
On 09/29/2009, Teresa/MarieSews said ...
Boy, is that quote ever right on the money. Although one would not realize it from the world we live in, possessions do not bring happiness. That comes from within, not without. Some possessions do retain and carry memories with them and that is what is of value. It has taken me a long time to learn that and I have to keep relearning it. Thank you for the reminder. Stay well and keep Vann in your heart.
On 09/29/2009, Lori Jenkins said ...
Don't eat all the chili...at least not all in one sitting. I made lasagne tonight, wanna make a swap? And I've been to your house lots of times and it's never messy, always comfortable. Always loving. (yes, even the sewing room) Let's do lunch, my friend. I miss you ;-)
On 09/29/2009, Alison Gibbs said ...
Whether those were Vann's words or someone elses - they are so right for you now.
Take time and enjoy cleaning the house and seeing what a great job you have done.
Alison
On 09/29/2009, Kelee Katillac said ...
Hi Susan!
Wonderful about the notebook....no accident, my friend!
Looking forward to seeing your Pet Parade post...the party is now ON! Come see the video......
We love and appreciate you!
kelee & oliver
On 09/30/2009, Deb said ...
Oh Susan , how about getting on the next plane to New Zealand and spending a few days cleaning my house......lol.
I adore that quilt on your back wall in your lounge, its stunning.
Beautiful words you found and so true.....
On 09/30/2009, Julia Wood said ...
I wrote a novel once (betcha didn't know that!) - it never got published though I did snag an agent in NY. Anyway.... the book was about a woman who's husband had died and she kept receiving messages from him - just like the message you found from Vann in the notebook! I truly believe he was reaching out to you!
On 09/30/2009, CarlaH said ...
Hi Susan, yes, you were meant to find that note when you did. As others have said take it one day at a time and don't overdo - one thing I've learned is that the mess does not go away - it waits patiently until you get around to it and to make you feel really needed sometimes it even gets worse.
On 09/30/2009, alexandrine said ...
I don't really like cleaning...but sometimes we are obliged ;-DDD monday my no workday, I clean my kitchen.. I decided one room each monday !!!!!!!!!!!
On 09/30/2009, Barbara Anne said ...
Oh, your living room looks beautiful! Love the quilts, too!!!! Applause, applause for your accomplishment and determination!
The quote is so perfect. Hug the words Van wrote down for you and his everlasting love to yourself and feel them in your heart.
I hope you enjoy the process of choosing colors and items to make the yellow house sing for you. If you like deep colors, I recommend for your consideration the Sherwin-Williams Craftsman Interior paint colors. Several years ago we painted our sunny Florida room walls the Studio Blue-Green and the color is so easy to live with. The color is lovely and the walls seem to retreat, day or night. Perhaps this is way these paint colors have endured for most of a century.
Hugs!
On 09/30/2009, Jan said ...
The living room looks wonderful! I'm a great big humongous fan of "sage green," so thumbs on that idea :) I think it will look lovely; and getting the house back to the way you like it will be good for your soul, so onward to the Dining Room :) Lovely sentiment Vann left for you and ohhhhhhhhh so true! He was a wise man :)
On 09/30/2009, AuntPittyPat said ...
Yes sweetie it is very hard to loose those we love. I am so sorry you have had such a hard time of it to this year with the loss of your best friend. I will keep you in my thoughts and send you my sweet wishes for a fantastic day :)
M
On 09/30/2009, Valerie said ...
don't be so hard on yourself ! you've accomplished so much, and yet have been through so much...
room by room, a little at a time...
a dark grape sofa would be so "chic" and the perfect match to the beautiful quilt in the background...
I was thinking = how about some French quilt or home magazines for you to browse as a surprise in your mailbox ?
On 09/30/2009, Beverly said ...
Kudos to you. I know how good it must feel to have completed the living room. You sound kind of like me about needing at least one space that can be my calm. Even when we've done remodeling, I have one place that has to be in order. It helps me keep my sanity.
I am so touched that Vann is sending you these special message. And, I am a firm believer in these types of occurrences.
On 09/30/2009, Teresa said ...
There is just something about a newly cleaned room. I just have to keep coming back and peeking at it to make sure it is still nice and neat and smells so fresh. Now to have a whole house like that would be heaven!
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