As I've stated before, my ultimate life-goal is to be alone in the woods, painting - birds chirping with an occasional visit from a sweet cleaning lady - so to put a 'visual' to that 'dream' here is my inspiration... an original painting by my wonderfully talented art instructor, Didier Nolet.
After my favorite part of my day -- sleeping -- I carefully open one eye before hitting the whirling mess and noise (in my real life) and gaze at this painting. You might like to take a break too! :)
So now on to the title of this post! Since the Halloween-of-my-life- began - the new 'normal' - I have 'trick's' that have become 'treats' for me....and the fact that I think these are great ideas, just speaks to how low I am in this abyss of Parenting.
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| Yes, I am aware that this is not a 'box' but a deco basket ! |
The first brilliant suggestion is one that I can't take credit for. It's from a dear friend who is also an older Mom in 'survival mode' who was not only blessed with one child - but then twins! She personally developed what we call the 'SOCK BOX'. It was something my family easily transitioned to ... and it was especially liberating for me. I was tired of looking at a large bag of 'sock orphans' and my friend happily suggested the 'SOCK BOX SYSTEM' that has worked for her for years. All I can say is.... it was invigorating for me ! As I age, I tend to care a WHOLE lot less about things like matching socks. I wasn't always like this and was actually horrified one day when I saw Darling Son running in a soccer game in one bright green sock and one maroon-colored sock (when his team was 'blue') but later concluded it was a benefit for me as my eyes were failing and it was easier to 'spot' him! Yet another defining moment for me! :)
Another 'system' that has also evolved around here stems from having neat beautiful laundry baskets for each child that quickly and conveniently for them, morphed into portable 'drawers' to never be seen again. We now have a fitting place for newly washed clothes... (Brace yourself, Grammie ) an oversized chair in the middle of the living room! it works for us - we are now like a family of crows picking through the pile as we breeze by. If we have guests, this 'pile' then goes into a laundry basket to temporarily 'hold' - for the next dump (so we are still using them!)
I know these are not ideas for Real Simple Magazine. The editors would puke to see such a sight. I 'get it' and like my life, things are still completely and utterly disorganized but you can't say their clothes aren't clean... ok, I know they're stained.
Someday... as I day dream about my house in the woods I'll have clothes too, that aren't dull, stained, wrinkled and all mixed together. It will be nice.
xo
The International Laundress
Another 'system' that has also evolved around here stems from having neat beautiful laundry baskets for each child that quickly and conveniently for them, morphed into portable 'drawers' to never be seen again. We now have a fitting place for newly washed clothes... (Brace yourself, Grammie ) an oversized chair in the middle of the living room! it works for us - we are now like a family of crows picking through the pile as we breeze by. If we have guests, this 'pile' then goes into a laundry basket to temporarily 'hold' - for the next dump (so we are still using them!)
Ok, I'm coming out of the closet... (er, I mean drawer).... for the past 70+ posts I have created funny words that link a wild life to the important connection to SLEEP. (in case any of you have paid attention to that). The connection is still there, but I am going to take it to a new level (are you still with me here?).... it's new sleepwear that I personally discovered (then joined the company) that really helps me sleep better. The brand is called Goodnighties Recovery Sleepwear and I am also thrilled to say that it is 100% Made in the USA .... hmm, maybe that's the answer to our problems? Think clearly about that for a second and think about how your life might change by consciously buying 100%American Made Goods... hmm? create demand here (in the U.S.) it's a refreshing new concept! --- this creates jobs... jobs create security and freedom from a wild ADHD life... It's what I would call a 'simple solution' so we can help ourselves through tough economic times. So 'jammie testers' you know who you are... start promoting! Even someone with an attention span of a fruit gnat can get that one! (I think)
things in her lap - found in her friend's neighborhood and after her own interrogation of people near by, determined that it was 'homeless' and brought this cat now named 'Emily' into our stable of other animals. My budding Veterinarian (darling daughter) had already determined that this feline was extremely dehydrated ('practically starving') and after checking her teeth -- knew the CAT to be about 4 years old! 
