H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth were friends who never met, and they were also literary contemporaries. 

X reads Lovecraft, who wrote of horrors from the abyss, while at Derleth Park, where Derleth himself trekked the banks and wrote of the river.  And, of horrors from the abyss. 

An aside:  August Derleth is often referred to as the person who wrote about the Wisconsin River more than any other writer in history ... a feat I have been determined to top.

It's true.  My thoughts on blogging change on a daily basis as well as the directions that I plan to go, or don't really plan ... as the case may be, AND, in addition, the topics that I want to address don't get addressed, but only put on a bulleted, mental list and then I don't remember where I was going with any of this.  Or, that. 

And, no, that isn't supposed to make any sense.  If you're confused, you're not alone. 

Another confusing thing?  Finding and driving my new car. 

Last month, I made the VERY PAINFUL decision to trade in the Saab (LOVE.) for something that the dog could actually ride in without me freaking out every time she gets in the back seat. 

So, good-bye Saab-9-3-fast-low-fast-road-hugging-fast-sweet-fast-loveofmylife-fast car.  

=

Hello, Subaru Outback.  

I'm sorry that I squeal your tires all the time, but I'm just not quite used to your mom-like sensibilities.  

Also, Subaru Outback, X is sorry that she can't remember what you look like and automatically gravitates toward the nearest, dark-colored Saab/BMW/Audi in the parking lot. 

Old habits die hard.  Or, not at all. 

=

Still throwing out old paperwork, filling boxes with things for charity, vacuuming dusty corners.  Actually, I'm not really onto that third item yet. 

I'll get there. 

This is a corner in my office/studio, which is a room that really doesn't get used like it once did, which would be before I received my own laptop.  I have both a bulletin board and an (empty) inspiration wire in there.  I bought a bunch of IKEA drawers and shelves earlier this year, like in the winter, and still haven't filled them up with any of my collections. 

I'm working towards that.   

(To see the photo with NOTES!, click HERE.)

Yesterday, I began the (two-day? three day?) process of clearing out garbage and packing up items for charity.  Needing to get out of the house for a bit, I wandered about the yard and looked at the hollyhocks.  I will soon be drying the seed pods (from the rain!) and packaging the seeds for next year and to send to those of you who requested some. 

I should have plenty if anyone wants to add their name to the list. 

Today, I'm working around the house, cleaning and redecorating.  The iPod dock is booming with the sounds of CocoRosie, Portishead, and The Knife.  The rain is falling outside. 

For the last few years, I've been saving links and photos that inspire me.  I went through all of them today, and was surprised by how many no longer appeal to me.  That said, here are a few links that still inspire me ...

• Modular gardens at Desire To Inspire
• Vintage-style doors at Apartment Therapy Chicago
• Blake Dollahite's house construction and reconstruction HERE and HERE and HERE.  Please also check out Blake's website, Rural Theory.
• A past post of mine with some great links HERE.

Side note:  I hate it when people rip photos from the internet, and then post them without copyright info.  THAT STATED, I do not know where I lifted these photos from last year.  If you recognize one and can tell me who to credit, please do.  If the photo is yours and you'd like it removed, just let me know, please.  And, thank you. 

I was surprised by the interest in my deep cleaning ambitions, yet I shouldn't be as I do truly enjoy reading about the mundane exploits of others as well ... menus, routine, balancing lives, gardening, keeping house, joy and beauty in everyday things. 

I started out as a very ambitious and successful housekeeper.  Right from the beginning, people commented that my house was immaculate.  For instance, when X was a toddler, she played with the old-school Polly Pockets, which are quite a bit smaller than today's version.  Never, ever was a piece misplaced or lost until years later when my control over material things slacked.  Nothing lost.  Nothing askew.  Every toy in its place, even with a toddler.  I was proud of that. 

(Side note:  She still has all of her Polly Pockets, and once in a while when thrifting, we come across a house or other item that she doesn't have and purchase it for her collection.  She hasn't played with them in ten years, but is as nostalgic as I when it comes to certain things.  Another side note: She never played with baby dolls or Barbie dolls at all.  I'm sure none of you are surprised.)

Since health issues (and associated pain/stiffness/fatigue) flooded my life, keeping a home has been a lot more difficult.  So is shopping, sending birthday cards, remembering things that I need to do, planning/executing meals, and focusing on how much I truly enjoy most things domestic. 

I say most things because I will always choose walking on hot coals over ironing or cleaning the toilet. 

You know, if given the choice. 

There is no point to this rambling, except that I am nostalgic for the way my home used to be and since I've been feeling a little better lately, there is hope of getting my house in order again one day. 

One day soon. 

Per usual, to help with the transition of not having the husband/father around, we have been going to therapy. 

SHOPPING THERAPY. 

For me:  Boston Store and Sephora and Whole Foods and iTunes and Best Buy and thrift stores.  For X: Thrift stores and iTunes and Sephora and Best Buy and Boston Store and converse.com. 

Actually, she doesn't know about the last one.  I finally ordered THESE for her.

Dear Sephora: 

I love you.  I have enjoyed buying products from your online shop for years. 

That said, now that you've opened a store in my part of the city, my life has been cut short.  I am certain to die. 

One hundred twenty-seven dollars and sixty-six cents at a time.

xoxo.
: j

P.S.  Your JONATHAN 1B Anti-Aging Restorative Hair Conditioner may save me.  LOVE!

And, so begins a stretch with the husband working in Oregon. 

I expect September to be a great month, if the first week is any indicator.  Plus, it holds so many things that I love ... the end of summer, the equinox, the beginning of autumn, and ... oh, wait.  THOSE ARE ALL THE SAME THING.  Ha ha. 

Since I seem to have had a theme the past several months (July, the cleanse; August, home comforts), and since they've had a positive effect on my life that has lasted beyond the exercise, I've decided to continue with having a focus each month. 

I am going to go with deep house cleaning for September, especially since I, *ahem*, never finished my spring cleaning earlier this year. 

I will try to keep you posted. 

(photo by theother23)