The Big Purge
Three weeks ago, I decided to make room in my life for new energy to flow. I’ve accumulated so much stuff over the years, from books to newspapers to magazines to tens of thousands of pages of notes, journals, and miscellaneous scribblings, to all sorts of decorating items and knick-knacks, that I feel trapped, buried, gasping for air. It’s now time to take one last look at all of this, read through it one more time, and say “Adieu, Goodbye, Adios old friends!” When I’m done exploring my past, I want to be left with only a trunk full of souvenirs…that’s it, that’s all.
Here’s what my home looked like on February 17. It doesn’t look much better at the moment, because on that day, I sprained my back moving furniture around. My back still hurts, but I’m determined to go ahead with my plan.
Feng Shui, Baby!
This is my kitchen…which I’ve been using as a studio for over ten years, mainly because of the great light coming through the patio doors. But I’m sick of feeling cramped…I want my kitchen back!
So it’s out with the drawing table and all the pens, inks, pencils, paints, brushes, yada yada yada…and in with the wonderful empty space. 
Of course, I needed to get rid of the huge nine-drawer commode that I bought from a used furniture store. It looked like an Italian coffin when I got it, but I quickly turned it into what you see now…blending perfectly with walls and trims. 
Out on the sidewalk it went, on garbage night. Less than 30 minutes later, it was picked up by a very happy fellow who took it home. Cool!
Rockin’ it in The Office
So here I’ve cleared a space for the drawing table. This means the office will be a war zone for the next few months, while I go through boxes and shelves piled with the thousands of pieces that make up my life. Puzzle time, people…woo hoo!
Do Not Despair…This Too Shall Pass
Part of my living room / dining room is still waiting to be liberated from “The Old Me.” It’s not as bad as you see here, but I’m working on liberating this space before attacking the office…for obvious reasons.
And I also have three closets full of stuff to sort through, so you know where to find me from now on…and on…and on.
Baby Steps
Today, I took four boxed collections of old vinyl records (a total of 45 records in mint condition) to Fripe-Prix Renaissance, a non-profit organization offering persons from 18 to 60 years of age, who are having difficulty gaining access to the labour market, a training program combined with paid work experience. Thanks to our purchase of items in the Fripe-Prix stores and to our donations of clothing and other small articles, Renaissance is able to pursue its mission. They are going to see a lot of me in weeks to come, oh yeah!
Note
I haven’t forgotten the Treasure Map and the Wallet Process. Will be getting back to that soon.
So…how are you all doing?
Ed (NextInstinct) says:
I will need a truck do as you have!
But it will be cathartic.
And Spring insists that I join her, lightened…
March 11, 2008 at 6:55 pm
Sheryl McCoy says:
I saw your link in our Jaiku group, and I was curious…. Purge could go so many ways;D
Very admirable; I am working on this also. I need a industrial paper shredder! Enjoyed your story and pics!
March 11, 2008 at 7:46 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Bonjour Ed!
I cleared out a few truck loads myself over the years, but what’s left is stuff I’ve been clinging to for far too long — mostly documents relating to the past. Reading through all this will be such a relief, especially the shredding that will follow. Yesssss!
Always a pleasure to chat with you, mon ami. Don’t be a stranger.
Big hugs and lots of love,
Mudd
xoxo
March 12, 2008 at 11:17 am
MuddLavoie says:
Hey Sheryl!
Thanks for the visit…glad you enjoyed the post.
I’m very excited about clearing the way for new energy, I’ve been thinking about it for soooo long. But the time has come, and I can’t wait to see what happens next. Life is such a thrill!
Big hugs and lots of love, dear Jaiku friend,
Mudd
xoxo
March 12, 2008 at 11:22 am
Marilyn says:
OOooohh! I love it! Good to see I am not the only who carries “stuff” for far toooo long. I have been doing the same process as I have moved from one location to another, but it still piles up as my ‘self’ tries to catch up with my goals.
You go girl! Be ruthless!
March 24, 2008 at 10:09 pm
MuddLavoie says:
Hey Marilyn!
Sheesh…good thing I checked my *spam* box, because there you were…all locked up, alone, miserable. Will have to remember to go there from now on. Can’t understand why your message was considered spam. Weird…
I still have a few piles left on my office floor, but the kitchen and living room / dining room are cleared. I had taken everything out of the drawers and cabinets to be sure I’d HAVE to go through it and decide what was IN and what was OUT. Will be coming back soon with details of the whole clearing experience.
Having FUN…and yeah, being RUTHLESS — like you, my dear friend. Don’t let it pile up again…I’ve decided: NEVER MORE!
Hugs and love xoxo
March 27, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Ange Recchia says:
Bon Jour Oza! This reminds me of my place. Always holding on to things but I am not alone in the house. My kids and partner like hoarding too… I’m thinking we should have like a ceremonial day to get rid of the clutter… but how to keep it from cluttering again is my question! Great post
April 6, 2008 at 9:58 am
MuddLavoie says:
Bonjour Ange!
Sorry it took me so long to reply…just got out of my bubble. About time!
Continued decluttering though, so life has gotten even better. Will be posting about that…eventually.
About keeping the clutter out of one’s life: monthly Ceremonial Days could be an answer, or making a point to not buy too much or when you do buy an article, you have to get rid of one. Sounds good to me!
Hugs and love xoxo
June 1, 2008 at 5:02 am