SHUFFLING

Our Christmas tree came down on the second of January.  More than two weeks later, I am finally getting the end of the holiday decor boxed up and moved to the basement.

I usually do one big sweep and get it all down there.  This year, it has been going down one armload at a time over the course of the past few weeks.  I have rather enjoyed this more relaxed version of getting things changed around and now, as always, I am enjoying the perks of seeing my rest-of-the-year decorations again. 

Pulling things out, after having them tucked away for a month and a half, makes me feel like they are new all over again.  It really helps me to see which things I (still) love and which things I am ready to let go. 

To spice things up a bit, I have been pushing myself to look for new homes for those items that are staying. 

Our little chalkboard guy has lived on the breakfast bar ledge for two and a half years.  After that much time, I almost don't even notice him anymore.  I moved him to the dresser, in the entryway, yesterday.  Since then, he has caught my attention and made me smile each time I've walked past.

Similarly, my wooden hunk-of-love was shuffled from the entryway dresser to my dresser, in our bedroom.  It seemed fitting.  :)  And, I think he looks nice next to my orange IKEA tree that has long held his place on the dresser.  I tried moving the tree around and, indeed, liked him in some other spots around the house.  My dresser was lonely without him, though.  I think it's something about the blue and orange combination.  It makes me happy.