10 things a day

Carla Sonheim suggested a clear out for the new year. Which I thought was a great idea. Couldn't wait. Then the overthinking nonsense started. I wasn't getting back home until early on the 4th. In the taxi from the airport I started overthinking things, "hey, if I get rid of 20 things today, tomorrow and Sunday then I'll be all caught up". No pressure though, right? So when I got home I conked out and slept for hours, then more or less got up and went to bed again. So then I woke up on Saturday and thought, "okay, I can still do it if I find 30 things today and tomorrow". That freaked me out a little, so I didn't really try. What is wrong with just jumping in where you are? Nothing, of course and I am trying to learn that. So I've started...
My first ten things are here, with a bit of explanation.

Join us if you would like to, just comment here if you want, or even better, join Carla's 10-things flickr group.

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Buy Handmade Update

If I am buying YOU a present, do not follow the links (if you do, you are baaaaad and I will keep your present!).

For the rest of you, I wanted to share some of the good luck I have had with the 'buy handmade' pledge. I have ended up with handmade gifts both bought and made, edibles & drinkables, and art supplies.

Pretty things from here;

this from this cooperative;

this, that I painted;

and two secret things - I've finished one and one is still in progress;

I made Z a sketchbook that she might kindly photograph for us if she reads this!

This coolness here;

these to send (although it will be next year now);

this prettiness for our house;

this (for me!) with my Christmas money from my in-laws as well as the Golden fluid acrylics I was raving about before;

and both of these too.

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A timely reminder

Thank you to my cousin who sent this link along today. A timely reminder and one I thought was worth sharing.

If you like what she is saying, follow it up on youtube where there are more chapters, or find out more at Story of Stuff. I don't mean to be preachy, I am surrounded by stuff as I type (that reminds me, I was tidying when I got distracted by the internet - ooops!), but when I see something that makes sense to me and makes me think, I like to share it with you!

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