Spring Cleaning Gone Wild

©R.L. Delight, Wintery Perch

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago. It sure looks like winter. I don't think that structure is still standing. The tides take them down pretty fast and the tides were pretty fierce that day.

I am just itching to get out and paint. I feel like I have been cooped up too long. 

Sometimes one has to stop and take care of a few important things though and that is what I have had to attend to this past week. 

We innocently started a couple of spring cleaning projects this weekend and they got out of hand. I am finally just getting all the pieces put together after cleaning out the pantry. OK, that might not seem like a huge project or priority so I will explain as it is a good example of what has been detaining me.
For my health I gave up gluten of all kinds over a year ago. It hasn't been easy as I love all things bread. Our pantry hasn't been cleaned out in two years and was very disorderly and contained items I no longer eat. It was getting really hard to cook efficiently so I cleaned it out and reorganized it. My mate made a few improvements and we now have a well organized pantry. For a while!

One of the many lessons I learned about the 30 in 30 challenge was that it is very difficult to paint all day when things are falling apart around you and being organized is essential to being a happy painter. Well, I guess I can really only speak for myself, so it is essential to this painter. 

The 30 in 30 challenge brought out all those "items" stuck in the dark closet like the disorganized pantry which led to disorganized meals, and the sudden realization that my wardrobe is inadequate for my needs.
I need to note here that for the past 4 years our life has been in flux and a bit of upheaval so those things sort of slipped by. 
I am also spring cleaning my body. I have had a few very minor health issues, nothing worth mentioning but they have made me stop to regroup and get things taken care of and in place before continuing. Meditation and exercise have somehow fallen to the wayside and I need them both to bring everything to the table to paint.
Thankfully, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It won't all be smooth sailing but I know what needs to be done as I refocus this part of my journey. I am planning to be back to painting regularly by the end of the week with a clean, organized, and re-stocked pantry, healthful, easily prepared meals planned out, and the journey back to excellent health begun. The wardrobe needs are being attended to (see my new blog The Artful Stitch) and the niggling health issues too.
Now, I must get off the computer and to bed for enough sleep. Alas, another requirement that is challenging for me. I am so fascinated with this beautiful world we live in. I need to live several human lifetimes to explore it properly!