Monthly Archives: May 2009

Baby steps…

I’ve had this antique ceiling fixture in my garage for 15 years, waiting to find the someone who wanted it enough to pay for it. It’s survived a couple of yard sales and a stay at a consignment shop without a … Continue reading

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Filed under Art & antiques, Baby steps, Downsizing, Selling stuff, Uncategorized

Cute little house: Found. But now what?

This afternoon my realtor friend Lee took me to see a cute little 1920s house in the neighborhood I want (I think). Unlike the cute little dump I saw a couple of weeks ago, this place has had most of … Continue reading

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Filed under Downsizing, Rent or buy?, Selling stuff

Craigslist and Goodwill: friends of the downsizer

When my son vacated his room as he headed out for parts unknown, he left me with a big bag of stuff to give away. Inspired by his pile, I added some of my own stuff from the garage (including … Continue reading

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Filed under Baby steps, Downsizing, Selling stuff

Boomerang kid reverses direction

Another downsizing step taken today, and I’m feeling pretty weepy about it. My youngest child left home this afternoon. It shouldn’t be a big deal; he’s 25 for godssake. It’s not even the first time – he went off to … Continue reading

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Filed under Attachment - Vairagya, Baby steps, Emotional issues, Family issues

Custom header picture by Splodge

My blogfriend, Splodge, over in England, offered to illustrate my downsizing journey by drawing a custom header image for this WordPress theme. Although we know each other only on line, she’s managed to capture – in 770 by 200 pixels … Continue reading

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Filed under Baby steps, Downsizing, Furniture, Selling stuff

Rule out the fixer-upper…

They say the secret in buying property is location, location, location. “They” also say to buy the worst house in the neighborhood and fix it up if you want to get the best bang for your real estate buck. A … Continue reading

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Filed under Baby steps, Downsizing, Envisioning a simpler life, Rent or buy?

It’s MY house…

Or is it? We speak so possessively of our homes and our things. “This is my house.” “This is my couch.” “Molly is my dog.”  As if the house, couch or dog were really ours to own. Even if you … Continue reading

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Filed under Attachment - Vairagya, Downsizing, Emotional issues, Inspiration & encouragement

One way to go about downsizing

Over at DailyKos today, blogger Timroff describes what he and his wife are doing this weekend, as they prepare to move from a 4 bedroom home with full basement to a 2 bedroom apartment with little storage: So how does … Continue reading

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Filed under Attachment - Vairagya, Baby steps, Downsizing, Paper and books, Selling stuff

Ruling out a condo…

When you have to make a decision, it can be easier if you first eliminate some of the options. My current options: 1. Remain in my 3000 sq ft home gradually spend all my money to keep the place up … Continue reading

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Filed under Baby steps, Downsizing, Emotional issues, Rent or buy?

Baby steps on eBay

Last week I listed four items on eBay: a collection of vintage “Reprints from SingOut!” which are probably worth about $25 (sold for $3  – oh well); a set of 6 CDs on ear training for improvising musicians (sold for … Continue reading

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Filed under Baby steps, Downsizing, Paper and books, Selling stuff