NO ONE WARNED ME

 

I have a one-bedroom apartment that has begun to resemble the beginnings of a Hoarder episode so I am sorting and tossing a lot. It was packed but well organized...then I took up art. Now my art supplies are more important to me than anything else, but I could use a barn with shelves up and down the walls. Sigh. The added problem with developing an interest in creating art is the physical supplies I use do not go away. The paint goes on the paper or canvas and then there is a work of art to store! Oh! My! I should have taken up cooking. At least those ingredients disappear in time. If I wasn't creative in other areas, there would be enough room...but my sewing supplies need a room of their own. Sigh.

This is supposed to be my old age. I had planned on kicking back and reading a lot. I've gathered a library full of books to meet that purpose. That would be fine if that's all I did! The thought of parting with my books is as painful as parting with my art and sewing supplies.

Then there are my handwritten journals and sketchbooks.

I think I am going to have to accept anew that, while I can sort and straighten regularly, I am not going to have a typical home. My bedroom became the sewing/craft room immediately when I moved here. Now my living room/dining area has become my art studio. I need to surrender and give up the thought of having a normal home, or find a much larger place to live. A barn would be nice.

As I do this major Spring sorting, I can see that my plants will have to go. I need the space. I gave away my aquariums yesterday. I may have to part with my collection of materials, sewing machine, and the rest of my sewing supplies. Something has to give. I have books I want to read, books I need to write, and ART I want to create. There are fewer years ahead of me than behind me. This apartment has become a tiny creative factory. I eat and sleep at work!