love.life.eat
a relentless pursuit of the perfect home + dish
a home of one’s own + a life worth coveting: small steps
If this be a home, let it be filled with things baking. Hot loaves in ovens and the windows flung open to let the wind in. Let there be stacks of books, floor to ceiling, so they tower and tumble and sometimes fall to the floor. But that’s okay. It always is. At the end of the day all I need is a good book and a sugary bun. Life suddenly becomes that simple.
Funny how that happens.
After I announced that I was leaving my very high-profile, albeit stressful, job, something else happened. I came home and felt smothered by all the clutter, all the things I had accumulated over the past three years. Clothes pored out of closets, bags left askance, unread books spilled out of shelves — part of me wanted to get a trash bag and throw the lot of it out the window. Be done with it all. And this feeling grew with intensity when I attended a very auspicious gathering this past Sunday in a loft space that was austere, sparse, illuminated by candles and soft light. Much like how I’ve been surgical with my friends now comes the desire, or necessity, to be as ruthless with my possessions. A burning of sage, if you will.
Since November I stopped acquiring. Ceased the senseless stockpiling of shiny trinkets and plush tops, covetable handbags and painful shoes. Instead I returned to books, a reunion of sorts with an old lover once left asunder. I discovered Israeli food and made pita salad with sumac. I purchased magnolia candles and jasmine tea, which served to calm a stressful friend one Sunday. It occurred to me that I now only consumed goods in the context of experiences they had the potential to create. A morning in the kitchen dovetailed into a meal shared with an old friend. A story collection delivered sustenance, rejuvenation, and had me thinking in ways I hadn’t before. Fresh napkins lent a luxe air to a picnic on my living room floor.
I’m starting to realize that I’m happiest owning less and sharing, experiencing more.
Come this weekend I’m cleaning. Packing expensive shoes in their boxes and selling them (size 8/8.5, anyone?). Folding pretty dresses that no longer fit and donating them to charity. Letting the “status books” go and giving them to people who crave a good read. Tossing a bookcase that only creates more clutter in my home.
And then I’m stocking the fridge. Buying the candles, savoring the books. Falling in love with my home and my life all over again. This is a start, I guess.
thoughts welcome, always.
What a post, Felicia. So enjoyed your next adventure. This post made me remind myself to that it’s not about what we have, but what we’ve felt.
Thanks, lady! xo
Recently found your blog and have been living vicariously thru your recent life changes. You are very brave. I’m working on it…
Melissa- First of all, thank you for stopping by. Every day I’m at turns floored and humbled by all the folks who stop by and read the strange thoughts that are in my head and find their way online.
If I can offer you some heart I would say NOT to live through me. Live your own journey, which is personal, wonderful and defined just for you. Let others inspire you but not take the place of all the wonder that is you.
Warmly, f.
I literally wrote this in my journal Tuesday morning: “I feel so cluttered right now – mentally, physically…mentally manifesting itself physically…physically manifesting itself mentally…” Which is to say I have way too much of what I don’t need – from belongings to thoughts – and not enough of what I really need, namely space where I can think freely, a vision, peace. I will carry your post into my weekend where I too shall attempt to rid myself of the clutter, at least the physical part. Hopefully this will free me up mentally as well : ) By the way best of luck on the next big step you’re taking in your life + career!
RIGHT?! I’m so excited to rid myself of all the clutter. You’ll be in my thoughts this weekend. Warmly, f.
Beautifully written. I just found your blog through a friend and love it. I’ve been reading through your previous posts and toast you following your passion!
Karina — I just visited your blog and it’s making me DELIRIOUSLY HAPPY. I am bookmarking it and I can’t wait to get to know you! Warmly, f.
This is perfect, and it is where I am at too. Simplifying…. xx
Thanks, Leah! I made a big purge this weekend and I feel GOOD.