glean 1. To go over a harvested field and gather by hand any usable parts of the crop that remain   2. To collect information in small amounts over a period of time

gleanings 1. Usable parts of a crop that are left behind in a harvested field and can be gathered in by hand   2. Objects or ideas that have been gathered or amassed over a period of time, especially when they form a collection or comprehensive whole

Ever throw out a tattered dress or shirt with the buttons still on? Or a pair of pants with a “perfectly good” zipper? (Brief audio flashback to my grandmother’s voice.)

Gleanings. There was a time, not so long ago in our history, when those buttons would have been cut off that dress or shirt and any fabric that could be restored to favor got salvaged into great grandma’s next quilt. And lets not forget the rest of the scraps that found favor as rags for household chores.

Leave it to an ephemera junkie to think about gleaning as she sorts through bags of 100 year old buttons and snaps and hooks and eyes  oh my! on a Sunday afternoon.

Gleanings. Clipped off tattered clothing and passed from Ray’s grandmother’s hands to his mother’s to mine.

“What’s the difference between gleaning and hoarding?” I wonder out loud, as I separate buttons into glass jars.

“Purpose.” Responds my right-brained husband, as he prepares a gleaned canvas for his next painting.

Sigh of relief. Well, then that makes us gleaners.

Gleaners. Wait! There’s no such word in either of our dictionaries. Even endangered species get a mention in Webster’s.

Perhaps “gleaners” are part of an invisible culture – a secret, shameful culture spoken of in hushed tones – and gleaning an invisible tradition. I mean, where there is gleaning there is evidence of waste first – and needful purpose second. I remember hearing once that gleaning was outlawed. Was that somewhere in Europe? And, today, many farmers are no longer allowed to gather and save their seeds unless they wish to be sued. (Patents, you know. Kind of makes you want to hoard doesn’t it?)

Oh, and by the way, where gleaning is purpose-generated, hoarding is fear-generated. It is a fine line one crosses over between the two but that is for another post when I am wearing my professional clutter clearing helmet. Right now, I am wearing my artist’s beret.

Then there is gleaning as it relates to definition two and the gathering of information and ideas and beliefs and experience and wisdom …

As I look at this shot of Ray at the canvas, through his grandmother’s gleanings, I can’t help but think about how proud she would be of him and what he has gleaned from all of his life experience and how he forms that into a purposeful, “comprehensive whole.”

And I can’t help but wonder if she will forgive me my impracticality, as my purpose for these buttons is an artistic one. Providing closure of a re-fashioned kind. Artists make great gleaners, by the way. “They drag some of the strangest things home.” says she, in a hushed tone.

Pssst. Any gleaners out there with stories to share? This is the place where your talent and vision for utilizing the un-utilized will be applauded and appreciated!

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Do you get lost in a blur of expectations? Life does not stop for the Kodak moments of the past to catch up with the present.

One of the stressful aspects of holidays is when traditions collide with life circumstances. Add to that the expectations exalted by the media for a ho-ho-holiday and you have the recipe for stress and the ho-hum-holiday blues.

If your life looks anything like mine, you find the picture shifts – not so predictably – from one year to the next. All sorts of transitions can occur in a year’s time. Re-locations. Job changes. Children leaving home. Children moving back in. (Yipes!) Aging parents. You name it. Life does not stop for the Kodak moments of the past to catch up with the present.

With all that in mind, I want to share a little secret that has maneuvered me through many holidays with low to no stress.

Ritual-making. The kind of ritual-making that supports tradition but does not need tradition for its power. Add a dash of creativity to the mix and you will uncover alternatives that answer to who you are and where you are.

What do I mean?

A creative ritual is chosen and executed with mindful intention. And a creative ritual allows you to be the greater part of the equation, empowering your life and relationships in the best of ways.

Need an example?

Here’s a personal favorite: In particularly hectic years, Ray and I don’t exchange Christmas gifts with each other. We go on a special artist’s date instead. After the seasonal dust settles, we plot our course based on what spikes our creative juices in that year. We start with a brunch, browse and meander from destination point to point gathering our treasures, and usually round out the date with music, art, books and a stout cup of French Roast somewhere. Our day is complete with breakfast at IHOP in the wee hours of the morning. This ritual focuses us and sets the tone for how we wish to see ourselves in the coming year.

Have some great rituals that empower you and keep down the stress? Share them!

Some creative holiday ideas that are gentle on the environment as well as the spirit.

LOW-STRESS GIFTS

Gift a service. Housecleaning, clutter clearing, yard work, car detailing. Pamper with a massage, facial or pedicure.

Gift lessons. Art lessons, music lessons, dance lessons or a pottery class.

Gift an introductory coaching session in an area of interest. A writing coach for a blossoming novelist. A nutritional coach for someone wishing to change their eating habits. A creativity coach for someone who needs a jump-start back into their art.

Gift your time. After the holidays, help with a project or take someone out for a play date.

LOW-IMPACT GIFT WRAPS

Remember how Grandma used to press and save wrapping paper? Start your own tradition of “re-use.” Silk drawstring bags with beaded tassels can hold all kinds of goodies and be used by the recipient the next season for their gift wrapping. The year’s recipient can toss in a “fortune cookie” wish as they pass it on. What fun you will have watching those fortunes grow within your circle of family and friends!

Take stocking-stuffing beyond the fireplace mantel. Come up with gift/wrapping pairs. In other words wrap a gift with a gift. Put kitchenware in a bread basket, a gift card in a picture frame. Let a necklace and earrings adorn a plush teddy bear.

Wrap presents in last year’s calendar, old posters, maps, coloring book pages, sheet music, blueprints, pieces of old quilts or embroidered linens.

Use strips of fabric and yarn as ties. Old costume jewelry, Christmas ornaments, fresh flowers, pine cones, and netting for bows. Make gift tags from last year’s Christmas cards.

POST-HOLIDAY IDEAS

TreeCycling: If you do not live in an area that offers post-holiday treecycling consider using your tree as a habitat for wildlife and birds by laying it out where the branches can offer shelter from the winter weather. Adorn the branches with seed cakes, fruit slices, or pine cones packed with a mixture of peanut butter and seeds.

Be green with your old things: Don’t let them clog up your closets as you head into the new year! Donate them. Re-purpose them. Re-gift them.

Look for municipalities that offer post-holiday electronics collection events for all your old electronics.

There is 25% more waste produced during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. That converts to one million extra tons of trash per week. We encourage you to consider ideas that not only save our landfills from the extra burden of this season but also save us from the extra stress that comes with juggling time, energy, and money in the holiday dash.

Have some great ideas of your own? I’d love to have you share them!

“Can You Say No To Too Many Choices?” Great question posed in this article written by Barry Schwartz who eases us into the idea that more choices do not necessarily give us a greater sense of freedom with his visit to a local market where he encounters

“… 285 varieties and brands of cookies, 75 iced tea drinks, 40 toothpastes, 230 soups, 175 salad dressings, and 275 cereals.”

What’s the big deal, you say? Studies are showing that more choices have not made us more happy. More stressed? Yes. More depressed? Yes. More anxious? Yes.

Humbling? Yes. This is not where we thought we were heading a generation ago.

Fine. Lets go back to food choices then. They’re easy. Right? That is, until your partner asks you where you want to eat on a Friday night after a long hectic week. Ever find yourself replying, “I don’t care. You decide.” Ever wonder, if you don’t care, why you greet their decision with a less than enthusiastic response more times than not? (There’s a great movie scene between Sean Penn and Christen Scott Penn in Hurley Burley that ends with them jumping out of the car and screaming at each other over just this.)

Food choices are easy – except for Sean and Christen – compared to phone service bundles, retirement plans, health-care plans, medical or pharmaceutical treatment options, stereo systems, computers, where to live, who to date. (Now, we even have speed dating. More choices to find that perfect mate faster?)

The article reflects on “how much better choice appears in theory than it feels in actuality.”

Many clients that I clutter coach will offer an ‘AMEN’ to that! In their struggle with too much stuff, the fear of saying no, of not considering or preparing for all the options, often paralyzes them. A phase that I maneuver them through with caution, compassion – and a lot of coaxing.

Here’s a tip if you are having trouble making decisions:

Let go of the need to research every possible choice. Research gives you more information – but more information is not always synonymous with more peace of mind. When you start considering your options, remember to set your goal. Choose peace of mind first and you will be led. The rest will fall into place.

Want to feel good and enjoy your life?

THEN – Live It Up and Limit Yourself!

YEP!  Narrow your choices down. Choose from less. And you’ll gain more of what really sustains you!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on when enough is enough for you …

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1. Environmental Affirmations

2. Original Art Carries Potent Chi

3. Match Art to Room Function and Bagua

1. Environmental Affirmations

Art reflects aspects of yourself that can lift you up or drag you down. Art that engages with positive feelings through subject matter, color, or texture creates a wonderful environmental affirmation within your home. Whether you take the time to consciously enjoy it as you sip your morning coffee or unconsciously lose it in your rush out the door, art is always speaking on your behalf with its subliminal message. Advertisers drive their multi-million dollar industry on “fuel” provided by the power of inferred and subliminal messages everyday.

• Take a moment to look at the art you have around you. What part of you is it affirming? Do you like what you see?

2. Original Art Carries Potent Chi

Art directly from the artist’s hand – whether a specially commissioned piece, a purchase from a local gallery, a gift or from your Aunt Martha, carries an increased amount of Chi.

Why?

First, you have the artist’s love for their medium. Second, you have their fascination with the subject matter. And third, you have the artist’s “hand” in the creation process. Triple-powered Chi! When you feel good about any art made by you, a family member, friend or a favorite artist, you have a powerful Chi mover!

• Collect original art that speaks to that special place within your heart and aligns with your vision of positive energy. Support the arts within your community. Chi will grow exponentially.

• Can’t afford an original? Does the artist you like sells limited edition prints? An edition print may not have as much Chi as the original but it definitely has more than a mass produced piece because the artist selects the art to reproduce and checks each print before it is signed and numbered. A limited edition represents the body of an artist’s work and that is taken very seriously. (I have seen Ray hold a piece of art from reproduction because he didn’t feel good about the way it interpreted to print.)

3. Match your art to the function of a room and the Feng Shui Bagua

When you do, you have created a dynamic Chi enhancement. This kind of “double layering” targets specific aspects of your life with focused Chi. For instance, spiritual art is especially potent in the way that it attracts and uplifts Chi when placed in the Wisdom or Helpful People area of your Bagua. Spiritual art could include images of angels and saints, great teachers and mystics, or gods and goddesses acting on your behalf to remind you of a higher purpose and a Higher Presence.

Definition: Bagua (bog-wa): The Bagua maps out nine areas of life that contribute to – or deplete from – wellness and joy. (Like career, health, love, creativity, etc.) Think of it as a blueprint for your home. But instead of showing you the location of a bedroom or closet, it reveals the area concerned with family, health, love, etc. In Feng Shui you adjust areas of the Bagua when you wish to encourage support of a specific intention or desire.

So? What kind of Chi is hanging out on your walls?

Where on Earth?

Guest Musings by: Shellie Enteen of Astralessence

While many know that the positions of the Sun and planets on the birthday can tell about a person’s nature and even predict life events, not as many realize that the same birth chart holds important information about which locations on earth are the most favorable places for that individual to live.

A Total View

When considering relocation charts, the astrologer keeps the person’s strengths and weaknesses in mind and also their goals and desires. Planetary line charts are consulted first to see areas to be pursued and areas to be avoided (some planets bring more challenges and are best in the background where they can’t make too much mischief). Certain reasonable places in desirable areas are noted and then the birth chart itself is relocated for the location and examined for the total planetary picture. The choices begin to narrow down and several are described in detail, listing their strengths and weaknesses so the client can make their own choice. Nowadays, it is also wise to consider potential geological influences to avoid zones that have the potential for major events.

So, How Does It Work? Look Up!

As if it were a telescope that could view the entire sky all around the globe, the planets, Sun and Moon can be seen to shed influence over parts of the astrological chart. That circular map represents their geophysical space at the time of birth, too. If you spin the chart around for the different time zones, the planets appear in different locations.

• A very basic example would be for someone born at sunrise. For this individual, the Sun is a prominent energy along the latitude line of the place of birth. We call a planet rising in the eastern sky, Ascending. But elsewhere at the same moment in other countries on the globe, that same Sun is found to be at the noon or Midheaven position, or in the western sky, setting at the descendant position or it is midnight, with the Sun directly below at the immum coeli at the bottom of the chart.  As an ascending position, it brings the strong solar influence to the appearance, health and the impression the person makes on others, in the Midheaven position it influences the career and public life/reputation, at the descendant it influences important partnerships, legal matters and marriage and at the IC, it influences the home itself and the family life.  So, if the individual were relocating with a desire to bring the strong light energy of solar self expression to the Career then they would want to choose a location that is located along the longitudinal planetary line of the Sun on the Midheaven.

While there are big moves, sometimes just a few degrees of longitude can make a difference, too. Moving slightly to the east or west can shift planets from one house to another in the birth chart.

• For another simple example, if a person was born when expansive Jupiter was in the sector of the home and family they would already experience having a large, nice place to live and benefits for and from family. If they relocated just far enough west to move Jupiter into the astrological ‘house next door’ of creative self expression and romance, they would keep their luck with home and family, but also increase their experience and expression of creative talents and possibly find a good romantic partner or at least have some fun times!

Ask the Stars!

If you are contemplating a move and wondering where to go or if the place you have chosen to relocate to is the right decision, having a Locational chart drawn before you commit to the move is a great idea.

Shellie Enteen: Astrologer & Aromatherapist

Shellie Enteen, RA, BA, LMT has been a practicing astrologer for over 30 years and an Aromatherapist since 1987. She is the author of several articles for trade publications such as The Mountain Astrologer, The Aromatherapy Journal and Massage Today magazine (which can be viewed online). She teaches nationally approved continuing education classes for Massage Therapists and a Professional Level Aromatherapy course. Shellie has lectured for the South Florida Astrological Association and teaches healthy lifestyle classes in several holistic modalities in her current hometown of Greenville, South Carolina.  View her monthly astrology forecast on her website.

Click Here to Find Shellie’s Spot at Astralessence or to Sign Up for Her Newsletter!

©2010 Enlightened Ink – If you wish to share or quote from this article please share The Messy Room with it. If this is a guest post, permission is needed from the writer as well. Together we grow!

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Feng Shui Eyes Focus on Art: Magic or Just Good Design?

You decide! Join us as we explore the world of art as seen through the eyes of Feng Shui. Whether you are an art lover, an artist, an interior decorator or simply someone who wants to feel good about what your walls are saying – you will walk away with a new view and an appreciation of the power art offers to your personal space!

Don’t Miss this Complimentary Event. 

Presented by Bernadette Rose Smith of Enlightened Interiors and hosted by The Hampton Fine Art Gallery.

Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010
Time: 4:30 – 6:00 PM
Place: Hampton Fine Art Gallery, Greensboro, GA

For Directions: Click Here.

The dramatic “Lady in Red” featured in the gallery photo above is a Handpainted Silk on Canvas by Lynn Meek.

You can see more of Lynn’s work, like this gorgeous Geisha Silk Wrap to the left, at Silk Siren.

In the hush found under a blanket of white,
the rush of life is left behind.

Okay. I know this photo has nothing to do with speed bumps. I just like its implication for things we miss when moving too fast.

You have a dream – to start a business, save a relationship, get healthy. You’ve set the goal and mapped it out. You’ve put in the effort. The time. The money.  Cruising down the road, you can see your dream destination up ahead so you push down on the accelerator and pick up speed. Windows rolled down. Radio turned up. Wind is blowing through your hair and you’re singing to your favorite, “gonna make it happen now” song when all of a sudden – BAM! Speed bump. Your head hits the roof and the only stars you’re seeing are within a nine-inch radius of your forehead.

Damn. Where did that come from? You gather yourself – and the map that slid off the seat – double check your directions and continue down the road. (Vision a little less clear for the stars.) Hmmm. Are those storm clouds up ahead and a wall of rain heading your way? You roll the window up tight, turn down a side street hoping to find a route around the threatening weather, and lean into the steering wheel with determination as raindrops hit the windshield. You start humming your, “gonna make it happen NOW I can beat this” song when SLIP-SPIN-BAM! Another speed bump? You can’t believe you hit another speed bump. Where the heck are you?

On the road – and in pursuit of dreams – speed bumps do serve a purpose. Pause to consider when you find one – or two or three or four or more – on the way to your dream that they are placed where they are so you WILL slow down. (I have a lot of experience with speed bumps, that’s how I know.)

So, slow down and look around. Take in the sites of the neighborhood. It’s YOUR neighborhood. What do you need to see that you would miss at higher speeds? Maybe it’s a timing thing. A muscle-building thing. A do this in a balanced way so you can enjoy it when you get there thing. A someone needs to meet you first thing. Whatever thing it is, spinning your wheels on a speed bump is not going to get you there any faster.

No need to panic when you come to a speed bump. It’s not a roadblock.  Just approach slowly, breathe and bounce. Breathe and bounce – and open to the view. You never know what you might discover!

©2010 Enlightened Ink – If you are inspired to share or quote from this article please share us with it. Together we grow.

Recycled-fashion designers are popping up everywhere and creating amazing garb with ‘cast-offs’ from our closets, thrift stores, attics, and salvage stores. (You name the place, they’ve likely scavenged it.)

In their passion to refashion, nothing is tossed out. From upscale couture to whimsical funky, even the smallest scrap of fabric serves a ‘higher purpose’ when seen through their eyes. Sweater sleeves cuff a soft linen blouse. A vintage tablecloth merges with a sweatshirt to make a dress. Grandma’s lace doilies and Grandpa’s argyle socks create focal points on a gently worn cashmere sweater turned into a vest. Antique door hinges and old game pieces rebirth as jewelry.

A Few Names to Get you Started

“Repurposed clothing is not only gentler on the environment, it also inspires uniquely beautiful garments that have stories woven into them.”   Kat O’Sullivan, Yoga Journal, May 2008

• See more of Kat’s creativity expressed at katwise.com or go to her shop at etsy.

Kat O'Sullivan's Whimsical Green Dragon Hoodie

• Yoga teachers – and sisters – Zoe Foat-Naselaris and Kaja Foat find creative inspiration in racks of discarded clothes that are not yet ready to retire. See foatdesign.com to see what their muse has them creating.

A fun way to keep warm from Foat Design

• Creating high-end, one-of-a-kind pieces, Deborah Lindquist’s candy in a candy shop is cast off cashmere from wholesale rag houses. Check out her creations at deborahlindquist.com.

• Urban Outfitters has an Urban Renewal Collection where plaid skirts transform into patchwork totes and vintage sheets turn into ruffled dresses. Link to see their youthful collection.

Here’s a few more links if you are interested in reincarnating some of your own clothes and scraps. Why not? It’s fun. Good for the environment. Good for your creativity. Good for your wallet. And maybe even the start of a new business!

• Subversive Seamster: transform thrift store threads into street couture. Voted “Top Book Pick of 2008″ by the American Library Association!

• Find your muse in this magazine. Subscribe at Altered Couture

• Or order this magazine at Belle Armoire

• Shop for or sell your stuff at etsy.com – an online craft emporium.

Not Crazy. Just Ahead of My Time!

I was a rummaging and ‘repurposing’ teenager. Treasure-troves of possibilities were found in family trunks. Vintage crocheted aprons became ‘halter-vests’ for turtlenecks. Silk scarves became no-sew halter tops. Mom’s 1950′s linen jackets were decorated and worn with my 1970′s  hip huggers. (Yes, I just dated myself.) Grandma’s torn velvet Garbo-esque dress was ‘re-sleeved’ and ruffled with satin and worn to parties.

Maybe it started with my great grandmother’s handstitched quilts made from scraps of  fabric. Fabric leftover from dresses that were sewn by my grandmother. Dresses that whispered stories about first days at school and childhood  birthday parties. A snuggle under one of GG’s quilts gave me a sense of comfort, history and belonging that these words can never match.

As I tap into the creative energy deposits made by the recycling and redesigning divas of the world, I realize that my ‘repurposing’ days are very much alive. With Enlightened Interiors, it is now homes – not clothes –that charge my passion to repurpose.

Which Brings Me to a Question for You …

What, in your life, would you like to find the passion to repurpose, refashion, reincarnate, recycle, and rework in a remarkable way?

What are you waiting for? Recommit!