Monday, April 22, 2013

Spring Clean-up

When I was really young, winter was my favourite time of the year, summed up in two words: Christmas and Birthday.  Now, I love winter until about January 15th (coincidentally, the day after my birthday!), then I am ready for Spring!



As I got older, summer became my favourite time of the year.  Summer meant no school, swimming and biking every day, reading to my heart's content, vacations to see relatives on my Dad's side.


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As a young adult, I was all about Fall.  Fall clothing, new subjects at school, the leaves changing to glorious shades of crimson, amber and vibrant flame (in J Crew-ese!). 

 
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 But in the last few years, it has been Spring that has held my fancy.  There is something about Spring: the days are getting longer every single day, there is an air of optimism about it, an air of complete possibility.  In Spring, you feel reborn and revitalized; you begin planning your garden, your vacation, your future.  You take off the heavy clothing and boots of winter and replace them with light shoes or sandals, sweaters or windbreakers.  There is a feeling of shedding in Spring that cannot be denied.

Having been holed up in my house since Christmas, getting my strength back and making some decisions designed to create a lighter and happier professional and personal life, I feel a bit like the birds that are gathering every day under my bird feeder: enthusiastic and hopping this way and that!  I feel like Dorothy, stepping out of a black and white house into a kodachrome world. 

As Spring progresses, I am in full-on spring clean-up mode.  This is manifesting itself in various ways:

  • Career transition.  I am still extricating myself from my old job.  Who knew how much work it is to retire from a position?  After much administrative to-ing and fro-ing, my official retirement date is May 30th.  Between now and then there are various "dos" being held in celebration of the blessed event; while this is nice, it is also a bit disconcerting and may be a bit emotional.  Ah well, we get through it all, don't we?  In the interim, I am writing like mad; I have not only started one book, I have dug out a book I wrote 25 years ago and am revising it.  This is hard, but rewarding, work and I am enjoying it and consoling myself that Julia Child did not "make it" until her fifties!  Interestingly, I have already had two or three individuals approach me as to my interest in work.  Right now, I have decided to make no commitments except to the process of transition though I believe by late Summer I will be itching to do some things!

  • Garden transition.  Yesterday, I spent 5 hours in my yard.  You can hardly tell!  However, remember my poor old Potager last week?  Things are looking much better now!



Here it is this morning, all cleaned up!



My little table and chairs are waiting for warmer temperatures and pinot grigio
 And my grape arbour has been pruned into happy submission...



And we started putting out some of our outdoor furniture.  There are two Adirondack chairs waiting for a couple of you to drop by!


Since I have more time this Spring, I am really going to dig in, move things around, make it even lovelier.  I expected to be sore this morning after all of the raking and pruning, but no, a nice cup of tea and a hot bath with epsom salts cures all evils!  I am mindful that next Spring I will likely be busier than I am now, since I do expect to work again.  So this Spring is especially sweet and enjoyable to me!

  • House transition.  You know we are doing some renos.  But we also continue to clear things out.  One of the things on our to-do list is to clear out our crawl space, the repository of everything  that has no place.  You thought the Sea Monkeys were scary?  Let me take you into the crawl space!  Well a LOT of it is coming out and will be sold in a yard sale in later May.  Barry hates having a yard sale.  I kind of love it in a twisted way.  All those strangers pawing through your old stuff and bargaining with you.  I find it fun, so long as I am drinking a nice big cup of coffee!  Do not worry, when we do it, you will be part of it!  Lots of pictures there!  We continue to do deep spring cleaning.  In the next two weeks, every window will be cleaned.  The Gazebo outside is going to get a nice cedar single roof.  Things need to be painted - benches, fences, the gazebo.  My daughter had three weeks off before her summer job starts.  I envision her holding a paintbrush...

  • Wardrobe transition.  I am still working on this one.  The two dresses I purchased recently should be back from the tailors this week and I will definitely model them for you!  I have passed on some of my dressy suits that don't fit well; the others will be left in a back closet.  I will always need some version of these staples, but I will not need so many.  In the interim, I continue to slowly build my casual wardrobe.  I find it useful to have a model for this new wardrobe so I don't make mistakes.  I hate to be so stereotypical but I have been using some pictures by Ines de la Fressange as inspiration:
Ines de la Fressange 

What I like about these looks is that they are casual, but also very chic; if you ran in to someone with whom you might want to do some business, you would not be embarassed at all, nor would you look like a Schlep Rock.    And I have decided that you will almost NEVER see me in heels this summer.  Unless there is an event or a fancy dinner.  Nope, I want flats and flat boots in the fall. 

And for a slighty dressier variation, Shopping with M's polyvore (I know, I know, I am gushing over this, but it really is perfection!)

Pinned Image 

And speaking of skirts, I am pretty sure I am going to order this one from Talbots, which is only sale this week for $55 CDN!


This good sale is on till May 6th, so I will likely hold off on the ordering until I see what J Crew and Madewell come up with in their new releases this week.

I kept none of the clothes that I shared with you yesterday.  Because, except for maybe the shoes, they are not the look I am going for.  And after wearing the shoes for half and hour in the house, I realized that they are uncomfortable.  I am glad I brought them home to try in order to be sure and as always, I appreciate your feedback.  I am quite keen on these sandals from Jack Rogers, but they are crazy-expensive to ship here to Canada, so am unsure.  Plus, I need to bring out all my summer shoes this week to see what my gaps really are.

  • Well-being transition.  I am working very hard at getting my health back on track.  I have now lost 7 pounds, and am not dieting.  I am just being mindful of what I eat and those things that I love but which are less healthy are eaten, but in small portions.  I am only drinking wine on Friday and Saturday evening.  I am eating a lot vegetables these days and lunch every day is a smoothie of my own design: 1 cup spinach, blueberries, strawberries, a banana, 2 tablespoons vanilla yogurt and a tablespoon of OJ.  Mix it up and drink.  My daughter thinks it looks disgusting, but I like the specks of spinach.  I am walking every day and doing yoga 3 to 4 times a week and still meditating daily.  And now of course, there is all the garden work, which at this point in the season, really makes my heart pound!!!  It took me 3 years to get gain 20 pounds and to not keep up with my healthy habits, so I don't expect that I will get there for a few months yet, but I do feel that I am on the way.  Here is my only secret about this: Kindness.  I am being really kind to myself about everything I am doing and not berating myself in any way.  Stuff has happened.  That is life.  Good stuff is happening now and will continue to happen.  I am trying to look at my body differently and not beat myself up when things are tight.  They are simply packed away for another day.  If it doesn't fit perfectly, it is not in my closet right now. 

So as you can see, I am doing quite a lot of spring cleaning!  Thanks for continuing to go on this journey with me!  It is more fun doing it with friends!

Have a happy Monday and stay safe out there!




49 comments:

  1. I have those Jack Rogers sandals! I think I got them as Amazon's deal of the day at about this time last year. Keep an eye out! They are very comfy and go with just about everything.

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    1. Thanks Danielle! I am watching for a good sale, since I have to pay shipping and duty on them! Good to know they are comfy!

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  2. Wendy, this is such an inspirational post! I am so happy that you are being kind to yourself and going through all these amazing transitions. Truly inspirational! I'm so thrilled to have found the world of blogs... Who would have thought that an injury and surgery would have given me the space from my day to day life to find blogs like yours and the others I now follow.
    Life is just amazing. Your life-change is wonderful!
    I think I must stop gushing now and go to bed!

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    1. O thanks so much Ruth - that is really kind! It is funny how we find the things we need when we need them! I have met so many wonderful people through the blogs I follow and through this one and am always so honoured when people drop in! Hope you slept well!

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  3. I agree with ruth,that this is a very inspirational post!

    You have so much potential in you,i think we are only seeing a little bit of it so far:)

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    1. Ina - thanks - I sure hope so!! Surely there is a space in this world for a sea-monkey-loving-meditating-fashion-loving-part-time-gardener-writer/researcher?

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  4. Wendy that's the best spring cleaning post I have ever read!
    You make such a good point about kindness to ourselves, we always tend to beat ourselves up and it just makes everything harder, doesn't it?
    I'm going to get out in my garden today, it's a mess! It is still cold here but the snow has stopped, it's time to get outdoors.

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    1. It is cold this morning, so I am writing and running errands and then will go back at it this afteroon. There is still a lot of raking to be done and a lot of cleaning out of the beds. Thank goodness the mint is coming - NOT! Ah well, lots of mint tea and mojitos n the future!

      Every time I start to say something mean or hard on myself (and shockingly I have noticed it was a lot) I talk to myself like I would talk to you or any of my friends. We would never talk to a friend like that and if our bodies aren't our friends, then really, who is! I just keep telling myself I am a beautiful woman who is smoothing away the edges to find the size 6 again! and this is without a cocktail! Now you know why I am only drinking on friday and saturday evenings, though once the garden is in bloom, I may have to add in a wednesday!

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  5. What an awesome transitions you are having! You are absolutely right that "dieting" as a mind set is counterproductive; if you are over 50 and still eating like an average American, average American things are going to happen to you ( this is you-know-who talking). You have to align your desires and behavior in such a way that,now, this is how you live.

    Do you get grapes or do the squirrels get them?

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    1. Hey Lane! I do get grapes! The squirrels leave them alone! The grapes are more for effect, but have a great friend is who is Italian who told me how to rune and he swears I will get more than enough grapes to make wine if I like! They are not in the optimum spot - they really need more sun, but they do quite well, all things considering, but had been off for the last couple of years as they needed to be pruned.

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    2. Wow, grapes, that is SO impressive to me, the condo critter. I would much rather keep vines than Sea Monkeys. (Hubs fishes with brine shrimp, so no telly for them.)

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    3. ooooh - won't tell the sea monkeys about the bad Welshman from T.O. - henceforth, he will be the boogey man!

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  6. Hats off to you, you have made so much progress in many aspects of your life. Lots of energy and good thoughts from you that's why I love reading your blog. I have also started spring cleaning, storing clothes, putting up lighter curtains, catching up on chores. I tell you, I think I have the largest pile of laundry in NY state. It doesn't seem to end. Love Ines, her look is so timeless. That skirt looks like a winner, hope it fits perfectly.

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    1. Thanks Marie! - I think I am with you! Am laundering the winter stuff to put away, the summer stuff I am getting out and then moving on to the coats! Neverending I tell you! I am crossing my fingers re: fit, which is why I am waiting to be sure. I find Talbots can either be fantastic or matronly!

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  7. CLEAN SWEEP WMM, joining Ruth, DBP and Ina in chorus - his post is such a smartie cheer-up. I am hoping JC Factory might do a skirt for you too. I have one I picked up in NY last year, it is 100% cotton lawn in a taupe-y colour, knee-length and I wear it tons.

    Huge fan of Ines, and ageing gracefully (regardless of age.) However, her frame makes well cut jeans, tees and flat sandals look chic, while I am afraid best I can manage is boyish cute - height and attitude.

    “Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind.”
    ― Henry James

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    1. THIS post, although mebbe George inspired you. He seems kind and together, although he must HAVE a gardener or few for Como?

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    2. GF - you made me laugh out loud as I took an OOTD picture in an "Ines" outfit and said - "well you look great, but I think 6 more inches of leg would really make a difference!" Wait till you see tomorrow!!! Love that quote!! I am willing to be George's gardener!!!!

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    3. Look forward to the OOTD. (A lot of my nearby gal pals want different hair/ features but I crave height, have an inner sylph or amazon depending on day - slightly awkward sprite is okay, but hard to combine with elegant. And oh the hemming I would save.)

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    4. Sometimes I think I am taller than I am - isn't that weird?

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  8. WMM, so much to love in this post. I give two thumbs up to the Talbots skirt. You may want to size down though. I got a 4 and I am not able to stuff myself into any 4s at J.Crew right now :) I got the red and turq printed one, and it is so comfortable and chic... cannot wait to wear. Were you considering getting a petite? It is very long.. just below the knee on my at 5'10" in the regular size. I know you'll let us know how it works, if you do decide to get it!

    Excited to watch your garden transition. We planted a blueberry bush and some other things this weekend... it is a great feeling to watch everything blossom and grow.

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    1. Oh I would love a blueberry bush!!! Good to know about the sizing and i was definitely looking at petite for that reason! It they are too long I look SOOOO dowdy!

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  9. Such a great post - you are a true inspiration. You also get more done in your "down time" than anyone else I know.

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    1. I think that's cause i have so much downtime right now! :-)

      Oh and honestly, I need some goals to keep me on track as otherwise, I would wallow in laying around and start watching General Hospital, just like I did in 1982!!!

      Was thinking of you last night as Barry and I are contemplating a life transition trip and one of the possibilities (it must be a place that a) we can afford b) we have never been and c) we can afford) is LA/Santa Barbara/Carmel.

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    2. I was a General Hospital addict in college - arranged my classes around the program. You mean "life transition" as in moving, or just a visit? The drive from LA to Carmel is stunning.

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    3. Oh no - just a ten day visit - we have never been to California. Yes - the old Luke and Laura days!

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  10. Great post and good advice to be kind to ourselves and talk to ourselves like we would talk to others. I would never tell someone they are too fat to fit into their clothes, for example, but I tell myself this a lot. That's not good (even if it is true lol!)! I would not tell someone they are a horrible housekeeper or they have horrible hair.

    I think it's cool you are growing grapes. I don't grow anything these days, but I used to grow vegetables from seeds with the kids and we had a nice sized pumpkin patch most years but we've quit that. That's about all I've grown successfully!

    You seem to be really drawn to neutrals (wardrobe), which I think is interesting because you look so good in bright colors. But I think sometimes we just want something quiet to wear, don't you think?

    Great news on your writing, it seems to be coming along nicely!!

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    1. Hi Cate! I think I am drawn to neutrals this year because i bought SO much colourful clothing last and I need a neutral pallette to pair them with! But no worries, the colour always creeps back and if I took a picture of my closet right now all you would see is colour!!!

      I laughed about your comment on housekeeping and size! It is so true - we are our worst critics!

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  11. Spring is such a glorious season. It always seems to come just in time. I agree..we are too hard on ourselves.
    I always loved this proverb:
    Whoever gets sense loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding will discover good.

    My little body hurts from pressure washing everything outside yesterday. I can barely lift my arms.

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    1. Pressure washing is hard work indeed!! I love that proverb and had never heard it! I get inspired by you - you are never afraid to let it all hang out on your blog (and I mean that figuratively, NOT literally!!) - being brave is a good thing!

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  12. Hi WMM, chiming in to agree with everyone else - a very inspirational post. Our son came home from university yesterday and brought - as you can imagine - a TON of laundry. Glad to have him home, so I don't mind doing it. His job now is finding a summer job!
    I have ordered the Coldwater Creek linen skirt that Get Fresh linked to - have never ordered from them before, so we'll see how that goes. Happy Monday to you too!

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    1. Oh let me know! I am waiting to place my order later this week so will be curious about your luck there! Good to have the boy home, laundry and all! Good luck to him finding work - my daughter has a job lined up, but son has no prospects and seems quite content to have none (he may need a nudge!)

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    2. Patricia, I bought a gift from them, shipping was prompt and the recipient liked the item very much (something she had her eye on.) Like Talbot's sizing can be generous/ mumsy, and quite a lot of poly, but they do definitely have some nice items. My fingers crossed for you!

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  13. Great work on the garden! I agree with the ban on high heels, unless it is a special event. Life is too short to be uncomfortable and there are such great flat shoes around...and you've found some!

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    1. The garden is a definite work in progress, just like the gardener - am having lunch and then heading back out! And yes, I am getting rid of any shoes that I don't need or that even pinch! The shoes from winners started to feel funny and back they went!

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  14. You've really eked out a great plan for yourself, you really do seem rejuvenated, well done toots!

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    1. Thanks! See my note above to Kathy! I always think of you when thinking of California! You would move there in a heartbeat! I may do so too if I ever visit!!!

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  15. What a wonderful spring post. I love what you said about kindness.

    How is your meditation going? I'm on day 13 and am feeling not very in the moment while I'm doing it. I noticed this the last time that I did a streak, that after about a week of revelations, my concentration petered. I'm sticking it out this time. Maybe it's like the first ten lengths of swimming (or the first whatever miles for those who run, pick your analogy) - first it's fun, then it's brutal, and then you find your groove.

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    1. Abby it is so funny -some days are better than others. What I understand is that the random thoughts are okay, and not to stress. I do feel calmer but i am not good at it yet at all!

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  16. I like all of the forward progress you've been making and committing yourself to. It it quite inspiring. I've been staying on plan as well and have dropped about 7 pounds and at least an inch around my waist-some jackets are too loose now. Lots of walking Beau and only one weekly indulgence meal-usually with friends.
    Great job at all of your yard work-I was run down and got nothing done last weekend, but there is always next weekend, right?

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    1. oh julie - good for you! I don't feel a thing in my clothes yet! I always love that slightly loose feeling!! There is always next weekend for sure! I have neglected my garden woefully for the past two years, and it still survived!

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  17. Well, I think a trip to California is in order. :) Outside of airfare, it can definitely be done fairly inexpensively. Let me know if you need any help with research/planning!

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  18. You and I are so alike, I feel the same about winter (Christmas and my birthday, mine's a week before yours) and it can be done. Spring is my favorite time of year, I'm so desperate for it this year. I just love when there's that "break" in the cold weather and you know spring's coming.

    Great job with the potager!

    I think a trip to California is in order too. Hubs wants to go in January for his birthday. I would definitely rent a car if you decide to go, you kinda need one to get around and there's so much to see and do within a 2 hour radius.

    And finally, good for you with your writing/editing! Keep it up!

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    1. I think it is the Capricorn in us! I am not sure what is the best month? Barry would like October, I was thinking APril or May? I want to run on the beach a la Baywatch with David Hasselhoff while i am there... (really - just kidding...Parker Stevenson - yes!)

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    2. We went at the end of April/early May and the weather was lovely in all three places - San Diego, Palm Desert and LA. Very sunny, I think we only had one or two days of rain but very sparingly.

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  19. WMM, when you see the GARDENS in Carmel you will want to move, stat. LMK if can help with hotel picks (sadly my last close mate just got transferred so no more Firends & Family rates in CA.)

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    1. That's what I am afraid of! And then Tabs will come and we will all starve together until George takes pity on us!!

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  20. Random thoughts: Love the garden. Can't wait to see it fill in with green I wish I had a month or two off to get caught up on laundry and general clutter. I need an intervention or soon I will be featured on the horders program I always feel so much better about myself and the messy pile of stuff in the corner of the room after I watch that show. Too bad the winners espadrilles didn't work out. They were very cute and it's hard to find one that isn't high heeled. I also am hard on myself until I look around at others and think I don't look so bad in comparison.

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Kindness is a virtue...