A place for everything...

And everything in its place.

It's been nearly two weeks since I touched down in Sydney once again. At that time I had a suitcase explosion in my bedroom. Bang! Shirts, pants, skirts, shoes, dresses, scarves, towels, jewelry, papers, gifts... all over the floor, chair, tables and bed. Finally, I cleaned up.

In December I did a massive purge of all the things which were stained, holey, or that I simply did not love anymore. That made my job so much easier today. In fact, it was almost enjoyable. I listened to Cheryl Richardson on Hay House Radio while I worked. It was a quiet, reflective time as I filed everything away. Folding up my sweaters led me to reflect on my time spent in America. Piling up my fabrics helped my mind wander to all the things I could create in the future. And yet, I was very much in the moment as I grasped each item in my hands. Once I pulled the closet door shut and glanced around at all the empty space, I felt peaceful and centered. I think I'm going to sleep well tonight.

So, my first suggestion of 2008 is this:

1. Clean out those things in life which no longer serve you.
2. Take time to reflect on your past and future, but take in the present as well.
3. Get yourself and your surroundings in order. Trust me on this one.

Be happy. Be healthy. Be whole.

Womankind

Mama's got a new office!

After over four months of thick, woolly socks and a chill no duvet could match, spring has finally arrived in Sydney! I stepped outside this morning to water our recently planted herb garden only to discover I was seriously overdressed. Hallelujah! I raced inside to my closet and thumbed through all my skirts before settling on a floaty, floor length beauty. Perfect!

Now for the best part, setting up my new outdoor office!

Last year my partner and I were living in a shoe box in the inner east of Sydney. As a Kansas girl who was used to the open sky, I needed more space and easy access outdoors. As the new year rolled around, I declared 2007 the year of the balcony. All I wanted was an urban refuge and gosh darn it, I wasn't going to settle until I found my oasis. We looked for two months before striking gold in the inner west suburb of Newtown - a spacious living plan with a massive balcony facing west. Could it get any better?

The weather turned cold two weeks after we moved in. All winter I longed for the day I could venture out, barefoot with a cup of mint tea in my hand, to watch the sun sink below the horizon. Finally, that day has come. I'm glad I get to share this moment with you.

My new workspace

Barefoot and fancy free

Be happy. Be Healthy. Be Whole.

Womankind.