Spring, Bird Song, and Junco

Junco
original encaustic on birch 6x8

Spring is my most favorite time of the year.  Its a time of awakening and growth and it is in crazy full force around here.  With spring comes open doors and open windows.  I've been awakened every morning lately by the neighborhood bird song.  Its the nicest way to be brought from slumber into the day.  Not better than a steaming cup of coffee mind you - but better than an alarm clock for sure.  The little Juncos are some of my favorite spring time characters.   
Also with spring comes the annual de-clutter, clean up and filling the yard waste bin to overflowing a few times over.  It feels so good to be outside and taking in the fresh smells and sounds.  To kick of spring, I've been doing a weekly inspiration series on Tuesdays - you can catch up on the latest one here. 
In keeping with the idea of new growth in spring, I have signed up to take an online art class taught by Diane Culhane - "Doings of a Do-o-dle".  No one doodles like Diane, so I am really looking forward to it.  You can get more info and sign up here.
Happy Friday - Happy Spring. 

Spring Cleaning

Today was the day.  Time to rid the closets of stuff that just frankly doesn't make the cut anymore.

I took two huge bags of gently used clothes to the Goodwill today.  Did I say HUGE?  Amazing really to think that I took that much out, but it still feels like there is a lot left.  Well anyway, the first pass is complete and gone.

 

I have to admit that it feels so much better when I walk into my closet now.  I kept some things that I shouldn't have kept.  I threw out the old over-used stuff that should have gone a long time ago.  I still have that old pair of jeans with the holes in the knees, that old ratty comfy sweater and that favorite red Dave Mathews tee shirt.  These are things I can't part with right now, but maybe later.

I did it.  I got rid of that sweater that I really don't like.  You know the one... the one I bought for whatever reason (brand, color, it was "in").  It's the one that was my fashion mistake.  The one that really didn't fit my style but I bought it anyway.  The one that I felt guilty about because it was expensive.  I tried to wear it, but it was never right.  Just not me.  It was beautiful, but not me.  It went, today it moved on to find a home with the right person.  And you know what? It feels really good to not have it there hanging in the closet. 

I hope this inspires you to do a little spring cleaning too.