DM and I decided we needed to get our stuff in order because we have this big house and even though there are only two of us occupying it, we can’t move around it for junk. So, we’ve been trying to discipline ourselves to spend a bit of time every few days just chucking stuff out.

I have been through my wardrobes and sorted out all the stuff I either hate or can’t wear anymore and taken it to the charity shop. Hurrah – now I can get my clothes in there without a struggle. DM has been sorting out the garage and getting his Beetle back into shape. He’s aiming to have it ready for a show in August. Today I’ve spent a couple of hours stuffing old personal papers into my shredder, bought for me as a gift from my folks a couple of years ago. Don’t you just hate the fact that you can’t just put this stuff in the bin any more – too many identity thieves about.

These things are not really intended to be on the go constantly so I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised when this one stopped half way through a pile of old credit card bills. I’m not sure if it is terminally dead or if it is just a bit over heated from its exertions….hopefully the latter because there is loads more to go. The beauty of shredding all of this stuff is that it can be used for nesting hens, wabbit bedding and even as compost aerator so it’s a really good resource once shredded.

I’m something of a magpie and hoard stuff that I think may come in useful. I also don’t ever throw away anything because I’m too worried that if I do, I’ll need it again! This time I’ve decided to be ruthless and just get rid of everything that’s not directly relevant to my life now.

While I’ve been doing this, I’ve been pondering on the principles of the ‘Life Laundry’ show on TV. I’ve only seen it once or twice and I do think it’s a bit too brutal in some senses but I can definitely see the good in de-cluttering your life so that’s what we are up to. After the papers, I’m going to get going on clearing out the cupboards from all the clutter too. I can think of a number of things that the charity shop will be pleased to have.

When this process is finished, I expect 90% of my ‘possessions’ will be my books (I NEVER give away a book), my records (likewise) and my photos….. Everything else I care about is living and breathing, flesh and blood. I can’t wait for this point – however short-lived before it all builds up again.


I've just looked at my photo from two years ago and my heart sang. It's two of my precious flesh and blood people looking rather gorgeous and very good.....hmmm shame they're not as angelic as that all the time. By this time last year, I was settling in to doing self-portraits, something that didn't feature in my first year of posting at all. I must say, it's rather a striking one......boom boom!!!