Rose Cottage

  16 years ago when my old Brown Beauty broom was wearing out, I needed to find a new one, (which I still love dearly!) I'm not a naturally tidy person, and my home goes through phases and stages of order and disarray! But - I enjoy sweeping with a good broom, (and like my mom, washing dishes by hand - many handmade - in a dish pan!) 2019 Brown Beauty and magical Broom After some research, I ordered from Backwoods Broom company (Eugene), which supplied brooms used for the Harry Potter series! And though it's 15 years old, mine is still going strong!  In addition to its daily tasks, it's joined me for our local Hexendance !  McMinnville blocks off main street on the 31st, and merchants pass out treats. Our informal group meets for several practice sessions, then dances in one of the intersections - near a shop that now carries these brooms and besoms! Brooms have long been used a an aid to energetically clear one's space.  Here's a little sweeping prayer I someti...

 Rose cottage is finished (mostly!) And Percy and I are moved in! It's a process! The storage unit is still full, and I'm working on bringing over the bits and bobs I had at my daughter's the last 6 months! Kitchen corner We plan on replacing the stove (too large for the space!) with a cooktop and air fryer.  We already ordered an electric teakettle - loving this cheery teal!  Electric teakettle and Red Hat 🍵  The Concrete countertops are so attractive and easy to clean! Jorge wanted to add these to his crew skill set, and we were happy to give them a try!  My Feng Shui consultant Gwynne recommended bringing in warmer colors - orange and yellow towels and fruit to help offset the grey. I found some peach and yellow pots for plants on the windowsill,  and took Amanda Gibby Peters' suggestion of frequent bringing in of fresh flowers - i added daffodils to this bouquet from Incahoots .  The Oxford all wood bed is all set up - with linen sheets and comfor...

 As our month of Resetting winds to a close, the other facilitators and I are Reflecting on the journey.  Rose Cottage is also getting closer to completion, and I'm dreaming into my new space!! Rose cottage and garage We hope this month has given our participants an opportunity to rethink and feel into their own Living spaces, and enjoy them a bit more! As my co-facilitator Katy commented, it's not about keeping a picture-perfect or super tidy space.  It's not about decluttering and having a minimalist lifestyle - (unless that's what suits you!) It's - finding the balance that works for you, and making slight shifts Identifying your MIA - M ost I mportant A reas - and planning how to best tend them  Set up a routine - chore chart, lists, some daily tasks to tend your space Look at your home with new eyes - what appeals? What needs attention? Craft a cozy and welcoming space Perhaps you've discovered some new routines, or 'cozied-up' a nook? Some tip...

 One of the simplest things you can do to welcome good fortune is spending a few minutes on your entrance and front door periodically!  My Purple Door Stand on your front walk, and look at your wall, porch and entrance Is the path clear and safe? (Opportunities flow) Is your address visible? (Can fortune find you?)  Greenery - are trees, shrubs and potted plants overgrown or in poor shape?  (Overgrown: too 'full' to receive more - dead branches or plants feel un-cared for) Is there clutter or trash? Is the porchlight in good working order? Doorbell? Does your door need a wash, or fresh coat of paint? If there's a mat, is it in good shape? Note anything that needs repaired, trimmed cleared or replaced.  When you're out and about, notice entrances and doors that appeal! Check out doors on Pinterest ( this board of Gwynne's has some lovely ones) When weather permits, go out for a 15-20 minute tidy! As I was preparing to sell my Galloway House, I did this frequentl...

 The front door welcomes guests and opportunities, while our other entrances favor less direct opportunities - all need to be in good working order, clean and able to open fully.  Is there clutter on the other side? Are the path and steps clear and safe? Is the address clearly visible? If you use another door most of the time (garage), do you use the front door daily?  Buddha's Play House - cobb construction  Photo - John Holley In Feng Shui, the front door and the kitchen are two of the most important centers - the Mouth of Chi, and the heart of the home. In the mid 90s, I lived in a shared home at a mountain retreat center, and love the way our home welcomed all who came! Our front entrance faced the path through the staff cabins, but we generally entered through a little mud room on the side. This was especially important during the wet and snowy months! There's a row of coat hooks, and a built in bench with cubbies under for shoes, and a quick tidy was on our wee...

 At the beginning of the year, we often ask ourselves, " what are my wishes for my health & well being? " Rather than making resolutions, many of us work with intentions, and ways to meet those.  My first thoughts are more movement, healthy food, clearer home & serenity!  I am so fortunate to live in zone 8, with year round access to fresh local produce.  I shop at the weekly farmers market, and am planning this year's garden.  My grandson is nearly 12, and my garden buddy.  I've eaten mostly local OG veggies & fruit, & try to keep the rest of my food as close to home as possible, for most of my life! My parents grew up on farms; we always had a garden, and got milk from the dairy next door.   Our little family (daughter, her family & myself) have eaten  Gluten Free  for 12 years, & several are dairy free. Sugar and treats can tempt me (yes - plenty of GF versions are available!) - so my intention is to choose who...