The Last Word

I really, really dislike the word 'busy'.

It's a word I used to hide behind a lot.

It's the new 'I'm fine'.

How are you?

Busy!

If we aren't careful - we find our worth in that four letter word.

With that being said....

This might be it for a bit.

The train is about to leave the station.

I'm not sure how much time I'll have for blogging for the next few months, but if I know myself at all - I'm sure I'll be here more than I think I will - it's a place of solace for me.

Recently, I've had thoughts about 'the last word'.

I live with an 18 year old boy that really likes having it.

: -)

And he happens to live with a 52 year old woman that has grown quite fond of having it.

I realize now that the one that is silent is truly the one that has the last word.

Think about it.

The bees arrive tomorrow.  I can't believe it - the weather isn't optimal at all.

I have 100 heirloom tomatoes plants growing in my basement.

The spring rains have begun and the basement is, shall we say 'compromised'.

Glenda, Me, Cindy (Aaron's mom)

I'm moving my sister (not Aaron's mom) and her husband from an apartment in 

Chicago to an apartment here in 

Crown Point, IN.

They are walking out with the clothes on their backs.

I hesitated to tell you why - but I'll just say it - 

bed bugs.

They've been in what I call a 'Ralph Cramden' apartment for years.

My brother in law is disabled, and neither of them drive - so they have stayed in a very poor area of Chicago far too long.  They've been fighting bed bugs for 8 mos, and it's not getting better

The apartment building is infested.

I've been busy as a one armed wallpaper hanger accumulating everything you could possibly need to live.

Soup to nuts.  Oh if I'd only known this would be happening when I started decluttering!

My beloved enclosed front porch is a storage pod at the moment. 

 Mattresses, dishes, you name it, it's out there.

I found them a nice place here in Crown Point where she can be pretty self sufficient - walking a block or two to whatever it is she'll need.

She has no idea I'm planning of working her like a rented mule in the garden this summer.

Because my sister has been in a bad, sad situation for so long, my goal is to set her entire apartment up for her, have chili simmerin' on the stove, cornbread baking in the oven - and she comes 'home'. 

You don't need a thing - here it is - you are home.

I want the apartment completely cleaned, set up and decorated.

If I'm honest - I have to tell you - I'm having an absolute ball doing it!

My friends have been so generous to me, I can't get over how quickly it's all coming together.

I'll be honest in saying that I'm flat freaked out even to go into her apartment to collect her. 

I actually bought a disposable painter's outfit.

We have to empty her old apartment to the dumpster.

Help me.

The chickens are laying eggs like nobody's business.

I've begun selling them, and I'm proud to say that I've made a whopping $4.00 profit this month.

:-)

My last chicken drawing...it seemed funnier in my head.  

I've begun decluttering and cleaning for people - truly a passion of mine - and now - I'm working four days a week, and turning people down.  Interesting.  

As soon as I let the whole idea of working go - this rather blossomed.

But for now - it's a good thing, and it feels like what I'm supposed to do.

I'm saving one day of the week for me like my life depended on it - cause it rather does!

Friday is soul day.  A day for me.  Hiking, thrifting, napping, reading, whatever my big heart desires.

So I feel a bit busy.

That - and I'm really struggling with the Whole30.

I really can't even talk about that subject at the moment.

I also need to get myself to Missouri to visit my sister - she is ill.

Say a little prayer for Viv.

The lovely thing is that these are all wonderful things to be busy about - passions of my heart - things that make a difference in people's lives.

Ain't get no better.

When a women I'm helping unclutter her home cries and hugs me?

That feels pretty good my friend.

The very bestest news is that even in the flurry I'm keeping my peace, finding my center, breathing and taking time for me.

Aaron is highlighting my hair as I type, and I've got a hot date with Glenco and Kevin Spacey on the couch at 8pm tonight.

Amen.