TIME

Time. We all have 24 hours a day. And how I am able to spend that time has a lot to do with how I feel about myself, and life in general. Having a chronic illness makes functioning and achieving and setting goals a frustrating and disheartening experience. Enter Allyson, of Revive Organize. This afternoon she came over and helped me work on time management. Starting with answering questions about what is important to me in my life, in an hour and a half, she came up with a time schedule that will help me accomplish the things I want to do, with lots of needed downtime. Now instead of feeling frustrated and powerless to get on with life in spite of my daily struggles, I am feeling empowered that there are things I can accomplish and enjoy. Thanks Allyson!!!!!!!!!

Lots more progress in the studio!

I have been nibbling away, a box at a time, a drawer at a time, and now the studio is 75% finished. The furniture is all in place, and there are some more boxes to go through. And an entire closet of boxes to go through. This room now calls to me every time I walk by, and I have started my creative endeavors again. The change in the feel of the space makes me feel so peaceful and free...

Happy New Year Week!

Oh, I am so behind on my blogging :( However, I am making great progress on my studio, as I tackle it bit by bit. Babysteps is too big a jump for me, I am tackling things in little tiny nibbles. Going through each and every box of items before they are put away. There are a lot of boxes. This will take a long time. And the motivation I use to keep me going is that I will not allow myself to create until all the boxes are sorted and the room is finished. Needless to say, there is a huge creative pressure cooker building... Here is my desk, purposely covered with stuff so that I keep on sorting:

And here's the progress so far! The desk where the computer was and the book case behind the door have been moved:

The storage wall unit has been moved where the desk was.

The storage unit partially sorted :

All things considered, I have made tremendous progress, and the Salvation Army will be getting some very nice craft items :)

I have been absent for a long time due to illness - enough said. I am getting stronger, and getting into the holiday spirit. Look at the cute little Incense smoker I received from my friend Izzy! I am not working on reorganizing until after the holidays, it's time to enjoy the spirit of the season.

Space and Light

Such a simple solution, and one that never occurred to me - thanks Allyson! I am now at the stage where all the boxes on the floor have been cleared, and I am ready to start tackling the computer desk, which is going to be removed from this room. I am surprised by how wonderful I feel in this space with just small changes, and I have learned that my mantra needs to be "PUT IT AWAY"

Woo Hoo! Space to work!

Wow, I didn't think this was possible! I have enough space to work on 10 cards with all my supplies out. Lots of changes yet to come, and interestingly enough, I find that going through this process has made me more organized as far as time management goes as well!

The plan for the Studio

Woo Hoo!!!!!

Allyson's plan has arrived - all 7 pages of it!

A clear and concise report on what needs to be done, steps to be taken, tools required, AND a procedure that is easy for me to follow. Am I STOKED???

So here is the "before" photo of my work desk space:

Here is a photo of the same space - it was taken after my first 30 minutes of attack. The results make me want to keep going.

I will take a bite out of this room, in 15 minute increments for two reasons.
Firstly, because of physical limitations.
Secondly, because I see such immediate results, I feel very motivated to keep going.

Revive

Okay, so today is October 13th, and Allyson has come to look at the room of shame and take measurements. (And if you thought I didn't show you enough junk, just take a look at the book case behind the door! I can't remember the last time I wore the kimono!)
Allyson asked me a lot of thought provoking questions. Many of the questions made me rethink the space. I realized that I am really ready for a big change. Her visit left me excited and inspired.

After our initial consultation, I agreed to go ahead with the process. Allyson will make a plan, based on my budget and will send it to me.

A new beginning

I was not born organized.

Anyone who knows me would not use my name and the word "organized" in the same sentence.

I have decided to change that. I have enlisted the help of my friend Allyson who has started a new business. Click here to visit her page and get information about her services.

Today is the first day of change.

Allyson will be phoning me in a few minutes, and I will have my first consultation.

Using my camera to record the process of changing my creative space, I share photos of my current room of shame.

Join me, as I learn to make this space the creative sanctuary that I have always intended it to be.