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Sunday, June 21, 2009

De-cluttering: Day One=Procrastination

As promised, here are some photos and a few words about my progress on the big De-Cluttering project that should have started yesterday...note, I said "should have started."

It looks harmless enough, right? But this is just one piece of a mess that is much more daunting in real life than I could ever capture in pictures. This is why Day One of my De-Cluttering project was spent visiting my father in Kentucky instead of cleaning up and putting things away. I'll get to it, eventually.


It's not as though I haven't attempted to put everything in its place. I've spent lots of time over the years trying to develop a system that would keep all of my papers safely put away and all of my other writing paraphenalia out of everyone else's way when I wasn't using it all. Hence, the bins.

What I have never been able to get a handle on is the clutter that comes from everyday life. My daughter's bag for school, my bags (which are another project in and of themselves), mail, trash, all of the stuff piles up day after day unless you have a system for dealing with it. Granted, my daughter is no longer in pre-school and she won't need to have a bag lying about. I think I can probably tackle that issue without much trouble.

The biggest part of what I'm dealing with is a lack of space. Our house is only about 800 square feet and for three people and a huge amount of crap, that's just not enough. I think we do a fair job with what we have, but the object of this project is to be able to get through the day without feeling like I constantly have to pick something up and put it away. Right now, I'm simply putting off the inevitable until I can get motivated enough to really get into the project. I've got a couple of books that I need to read before I jump in and really start to "de-clutter." I'll be posting more as time permits (hopefully each day, but likely to be a few times during the week).

De-Cluttering/Organization/Goal-Setting Resources

When Organizing Isn't Enough by Julie Morgenstern-Using a program she calls, SHED Your Stuff, Change Your Life. I'm currently reading this one and trying to pick out the pieces that will work for me. I'll share more on this later.

The Power of Less by Leo Babauta-A good book to start with if you're looking down the barrel of a project that seems too big to undertake. This book claims to help with breaking down goals into manageable tasks, creating new and productive habits, and focusing on only a few tasks at a time. I'm in desperate need of some guidance here and hoping that reading this book will help me figure out the best way to tackle some of the problem areas in the house and in my life.

Hang in there with me as I attempt to rid my life of chaos and clutter...this should be interesting.

Until next time...

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A Little Bit of Mystery: Short Mysteries to Confuse and Amuse

Where I've Been...

Listen to my interview on the Jeffery S. Miller show.

Listen to my interview on Calling All Authors.

Listen to my interview on the Let's Just Talk w/Kathryn Raaker.

Listen to my interview on Radio Free Baxter.

Where I'll Be...

After a short break in the summer, I'll be at the following locations:

8/11/09 Allen Park Public Library, Allen Park, MI 6:30 p.m.

Looking for something entertaining for your library or bookstore patrons? Looking for a fun way to spend a couple of hours? Do you love mysteries? Then you need to schedule a Tea & Mystery event for your library or bookstore! The fee is minimal and the presentation is fun and informative! Attendees will be given the chance to win great prizes and share their thoughts about the mystery genre and their favorite mystery writers!

E-mail me today at lonestoryteller@yahoo.com for details on how to set up your Tea & Mystery event!

Books by Rebecca Benston

Reviews for Rebecca Benston

“You'll find yourself looking forward to more stories from the files of Rona Shively.”

Michelle Shealy, Reviewer for MyShelf.com

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“Rebecca Benston has written a detective with plenty of suspense…I hope there will be a sequel…”

Annick, Reviewer for Euro-Reviews

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“The story is good, the plotting great. Rebecca Benston draws you into the story from the first page. Read the book.”

Lucille P. Robinson, An Alternative Read

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“Rebecca Benston’s twists, turns, and descriptions are utterly engaging.”

Tracy, Fallen Angel Reviews

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“In The Wash is like a 1930’s film noir detective story that had a modern, edgy twist and a female lead.”

Janet Davies, Once Upon a Romance Reviews

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“Under Lock and Key is an enjoyable, fun book! Rona Shively is a delightful character. I loved her off-beat, quirky personality and her outstanding sense of humor.”

Connie Harris, MyShelf.com

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“Talented author Rebecca Benston shows the reader just how complicated life can get suddenly and how people you thought you knew, aren't who you thought they were.”

Anne K. Edwards, Mysteryfiction.net