Part of enjoying a clear space involves being mindful of what’s in it. In this month’s ACP Enews I feature a few of my favorite ways to shift into enjoying life right where you are – starting with what I call ‘piece’ practice. This is a wonderful exercise in gratitude and appreciation for what you have. (And a wake up call for what isn’t working for you.)
Read the simple ‘how to’ steps.
Wherever you are, I wish you a clear and a joyful Spring!
Appraising fine art is not for amateurs. Whether you are considering donating, consigning or bequeathing that Koenig, knowing its value is the first step to take. Unless you live in Europe or on the East Coast, qualified art appraisers are a rare breed these days. That’s why I am especially delighted to introduce Chelsea Dacres-Andrews, Certified Fine Arts Appraiser and owner of Signature Appraisal Services. Not only does Chelsea have a list of credentials a mile long but she is super nice and approachable. A breath of fresh air in what can be a stuffy arena. Depending on the need, clients can request either the full 25-page appraisal or the 5-page POV (Professional Opinion of Value). 90% of appraisals can be handled remotely so distance is not an obstacle. Other services offered include expert witness for litigations, public lectures and auction advisory. Learn more and contact Chelsea at her website.
“No blame, no shame” guidance for whatever is ailing your space.
Clutter issues? Sharing space?
Downsizing? Stuffed rooms?
Out of ideas?
House Call to the rescue! Perfect for figuring out where to start and for getting a fresh perspective on your space. No nonsense, practical steps. The perfect gift for you or anyone on your list. Options include onsite or online consultations. Contact me or view packages and purchase at the ACP Etsy shop. Make it a happy green holiday!
ACP Deck the halls! I’m celebrating the season with FREE earth friendly gift wrap for all holiday orders. So just what makes these ACP Wisdom Cards so special? Click here to find out why these decks are the perfect way to gift green!
If you haven’t yet read Paul Taylor’s, The Next America, put it on your must list. Click here to find out why it’s a book not to be missed. And what you can do to be a part of the solution.
The time is ripe for clearing, sharing and creative lifestyle choices.
Ready to start the ball rolling? Get “no blame, no shame” help. Remote or hands on options available. Click here to get the Green light!
Introducing House Call options from A CLEAR PLACE! No blame, no shame one-on-one private consultation by Jane Green, author, teacher and creator of A CLEAR PLACE and STUFFication© workshops. Expert advice in using what you have in a better way and letting go of what isn’t working for you. Lighthearted, tough love for you and your space. The doctor is in!
Choose from 60 minute or 30 minute phone consultation OR email photos of your challenge for a focused quick fix. You can also combine the options.
I designed the House Call to give people a fresh pair of eyes and expert insight while maintaining their privacy. This can eliminate the guilt trip, the excuses and putting off what needs to get done. It’s surprising how much comfort and reassurance can be shared with just one phone call. Wheels start turning, challenges dissolve and rooms come into focus once the “Green” light is on.
House Calls make great gifts, too. Ideal for weddings, holidays, birthdays or new home. View consultation options and purchase on Etsy.
I’m fond of saying that the size of the space really doesn’t matter. It’s how you utilize your space that counts. But can you really create comfortable living in a 130 sq. ft. room? Yes! This micro apartment is a perfect example of what can be done with intentional design and mindful planning. Natural light helps enhance the open feeling to this room as does the sleek, trim modular pieces. As always, built-ins that do double duty like the storage stairs and slide out bed/sofa work are smart choices. Add a fresh flower, a yellow throw pillow and you’ve got a cozy place to call home. Of course, living large in a small area requires downsizing effort and letting go. But isn’t that what getting clear is all about? Bottom line: if you think you are stuck for space … think again!
View more photos of this Parisian conversion. (Article source courtesy of treehugger.com.)
How’d you like to be around scrumptious food like this and help a great cause at the same time? If you live in the Portland metro area, here’s an opportunity. Albertina Kerr needs volunteers, especially servers for their restaurant in NE PDX. Albertina’s Restaurant features Northwest-inspired cuisine in a garden setting serving lunch/brunch Mon thru Sat. Also on site is the Kerr’s Economy Jar (antiques consignment), Albertina’s Jewel Box (gift shop for jewelry/accessories), and the Kerr Thrift Shop (clothing for men & women/household items) – all run by volunteers! All proceeds and tips help support the work of Albertina Kerr, which strengthens Oregon families and communities by helping children and adults with developmental disabilities and mental health challenges – empowering them to live richer lives. Click here for information about volunteer opportunities. Click here to read a recent Oregonian article featuring the restaurant, it’s new chef and the history behind the famous Kerr name.
Anyone who has cared for the elderly knows the challenges inherent in the process. Especially when it comes to meal time. I can remember fighting back the tears when, night after night, I would prepare delicious dinners for my Mom only to have her push the plate aside and retreat to her room and eat her “hidden” Hershey Almond Bars. This went on for months. When she had recovered from her cancer surgery and was well enough to live on her own again, she would eat the occasional meal out but at the end of her life, her diet consisted of coffee, cans of Ensure and her beloved chocolate bars. My Grandmother was bedridden during her last year of cancer and refused most of what we prepared except for rice pudding and chocolate chip cookies. That stubborn German streak came out in full force whenever we tried to make her eat something “good for you.”
Years later, my work in hospice taught me much regarding the eating habits of the aged. As “care” givers, the last thing we give up is the urge to feed our loved ones. Like that mama bird with a worm for her little ones. We want to nurture. It’s VERY hard to let that instinct go. At the same time, the body of our loved one shuts down to prepare for its transition, it stops wanting food. Sweets are typically the last item on the list. I’ve cleared numerous homes for folks who have lost a loved one and am always amazed at the number of candy wrappers found in the bedroom. The 92-yr old tennis player and mother of four that lives above me is not suffering from any illness but she, too, has started her journey home and only desires ice cream and orange Cuties. My approach to all of this is softer and wiser now. I’ve decided that there is a reason and a season … even for sugar. And as a recent article in The Oregonian reminds us, it’s okay to let Grandma eat custard. Read the article now. Are you in the process of relocating an elderly person? Click here to read my special Handle With Care tips.
You don’t have to watch the reality show to experience the horror of hoarding. It is alive and growing right here in PDX. And cases aren’t limited to low income, uneducated welfare recipients. Most people are shocked to learn that their sweet neighbor, elderly aunt or retired college professor lived in floor to ceiling filth – sad but true. It happens much more than you realize. I completed a project last month that required two 2.5 ton dumpsters of garbage, eight loads of scrap metal and five trips to the recycle center. This woman had been a scientist, artist and world traveler. After a fall prompted her move to assisted living, the family called for HELP!
It seems ironic that hoarders are often articulate, well educated people who offer sophisticated reasons for saving and acquiring. Recent studies on the brain activity of hoarders show an inability to deal with focus, attention and decision making. The pattern of behavior generally increases with age. Hoarding is a disorder and it’s important to understand its symptoms and warning signs. There is no medical cure at this time. Originally thought to be treatable with drugs used for OCD, medical science has found patients do not respond to the same therapy and/or medication. This calls for compassion and understanding.
Common symptoms of hoarding:
assigning value to worthless items such as: food cartons, scraps of paper, junk mail, soiled clothing
rooms filled with clutter, boxes, etc. with only a trail to walk through
defensive or “keep out” behavior
Dealing with a friend or family member who has a hoarding issue can feel like a frustrating battle. It is. The best thing to do is remember that you cannot reason or argue your case. The person will only become hostile. If possible, get outside help to intervene on your behalf. Someone detached from the emotional setting will be more effective in attending to the safety and health of the individual which should always come first. For more information on hoarding visit the OCD Foundation.
A Clear Place 