Robin, dear, keep your chin up. It's been a horrible few years for a lot of us...I understand completely about not having the stomach for all the lovely things one can't afford (either in time, money, or heart) to follow up. I am there myself.

I find that when things feel this way, the most helpful thing I can do for myself is to focus entirely on the things I CAN control...it's very hard, when you are feeling down, to drag yourself into the bath or the kitchen or the broom closet or the walking shoes, but keeping yourself fit and clean and pressed and simply and healthily fed is something you can do, even in a tough time. Play music that you really like, have a cup of coffee, and clean something. Very therapeutic.

And check back in anyway. We all come to care for each other here, don't we?

Robin I'm sorry I don't remember the specifics of your home or pending sale but wanted to point out the importance in something you said - ".....when I get settled where I land....." Wherever that is, whether it's sooner or later, make it a point to 'bloom where you're planted'. I've always attributed that quote to Mary Engelbreit and I'm not sure if that's accurate, but the words are true and profound no matter where they came from.

bronwynsmom your words really touched me - what a loving and gracious acknowledgement of the difficulties of life at this moment for so many of us.

Rob, know that your not alone, if that helps. It probably doesn't, but if I can do anything to help, please email me.

I'm like the lady above I don't know your situation but I think I get the jest of it.

....Jane

I will land on my feet and then bloom my little ol' heart out. I'll be fine. In a couple of years, I'll be great! Just tying up loose ends, as I know many of us wonder "whatever happened to old so-and-so?", and I am updating. I'll be back with updates later and be brave enough to check in more often. I love seeing what is getting transformed; a lot of talent here.

Unfortunately, there too many people like I am. Just a bit longer and we'll get there!

Robin,

Remember that it is all just stuff. Maybe it is pretty stuff but it is all just stuff. Sometimes when I visit here, the envy monster shows up. But then I think that I have lived perfectly fine without the.......chandelier in the BR, the big screen TV, the soaking tub, etc, etc, etc.....that I saw such a nice picture of.

Actually I think Bronwynsmom made a very astute suggestion. I have discovered that getting something clean and uncluttered is the best home decorating of all. And if I have a little bit of cash to spend, a pretty blooming plant makes the best accessory. I can and do talk to it too.

Keep in touch and take care of yourself.

Yes...have to agree with the other posters that it is helpful to make the best of what we do have. It is just that "stuff" and if we don't have our stuff tomorrow, we will still survive. Some of the most important things in life are love, health and freedom and we often times need to get realigned to get back to the core of our lives. Hang in there and make some new goals for yourself that you will be able to achieve. Be proud of yourself and accomplishments. ;~)

yep you are so not alone with that! sorry to hear though. I try to keep in mind that it is just stuff and we don't need stuff.

One of the things that someone keeps posting in regards to decorating on the cheap is polishing, cleaning and de-cluttering. Such good (and feel good) advice.

Keep checking in even if it's on the conversation side.

Take care of yourself - feed your soul!

I think that when we're through these hard growing pains we'll find ourselves on the other side in a much better place. Hang in there 'til you get there. Certainly, I come here for inspiration though nothing is actually done done and my house remains aclutter.