Do you ‘Feel’ Organized?

March 8, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Organize, Tips & Resources, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

The other evening I was at a community event and someone came up to me and we began chatting. The conversation started discussing a common interest then turned and she was asked what I do. I said I’m a Professional Organizer and Artist and she asked…

“What do you organize? Do you work with people who are already organized or people who are not so organized“?

I loved the way she asked this and my answer surprised me because it was so simple and applies to all my clients.

I help people who have been more organized at another time in their life and want to feel organized again. This perfectly sum’s up almost all of my clients (and will become my new 10 second ‘elevator pitch’)! Some of them were organized before the got married, started a job, a family, moved, downsized into a smaller place, got divorced etc. What each of them have in common is that they KNOW what it feels like to be more organized but at this point in their life they just can’t keep up with the process, strategies they have tried or may not have the time or physical energy to do it themselves. I don’t just serve my clients in their state of dis-order or how they have felt in the past. I serve my clients by looking at who they are becoming!

NO shame in that right? I am really interested in airing out the shame side of this process…and am so tired of people making others who work with an organizer feel ashamed. It’s not fair or right and the people who are making you feel ashamed? I bet they might just be a little bit jealous:)

Feeling organized is relative from person to person but it’s a feeling we can each measure internally. Do we feel better or worse about our “State of Organization” now then we did at another point in our life? Using our own life as a gauge rather than others is the best way to determine if we feel good about where we are. Once we know how we feel we can choose to take action and change it, either on our own or with a little help.

In the Studio with Joanne Davis-Woods-Part I

February 18, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Art, Art & Design, In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Photography

Today’s feature interview is the first half of Art Studio Organizing with Joanne Davis-Woods who I met through mutual artist friends in Asheville. I visited her studio (which she recently moved into in the midst of a metal fabrication studio) and interviewed her while in Asheville last month. I’m thrilled to share this sneak peek into Joanne’s studio and her process and creative space in this interview. These photo’s are not styled in any way, in fact she was not totally settled into her new studio so this is typical of what her working studio looks like on an average day.

Art Studio Organizing with Joanne Davis-Woods Part I

HKPS::When did you suspect or know you were an artist?

JWD:: I realized in my early 30’s that I had been one my whole life.

HKPS:: What materials do you work with? Do you find it challenging to locate certain things when you’re ready use them and do you store things frequently used in highly visible locations?

JWD::Mainly I work with silver, copper, in both wire and sheet, and semi-precious stones–since my work space is contained within a larger business space; materials need to be locked up at end of day. For the last several years my challenge was the need to store in 2 different location–I never had all that I needed in one place! Now, in this new spot I have higher hopes for efficiency. While I like the materials I use to be handy, they do not need to be visible. What I do want to see conveniently arrayed are my tools.

HKPS:: Where do you make your art, how big is your studio and how long have you been in this space?

JWD::I have recently moved into a new space within a fabrication business. They have all the permits needed for using fuels. I have about 300 sq ft on a platform above the main floor—rather quirky but it works.

Looking into the foundry from Joanne’s studio platform

Joanne’s Studio ‘platform’

HKPS::How many projects are you usually working on at once? Is this due to space constraints, creative process, organizing systems or other influences?

Projects in process and stones

JWD:: 2-3 at a time…I read more than one book at a time also! If I am worked on a new prototype I find more satisfactory results if I give myself time to ponder between steps. So I like to punctuate with another project. Also there is cooling and other procedures which go on without my active participation.

It can be a dance.

Joanne in her Studio

HKPS::Is making art your primary “job” or source of income? How much time do you spend in your studio weekly/daily?

JWD::I would be in studio most days if I could…since I still have a part time job; I am limited to 2 – 3 days per week. Fortunately my day job lets me work with metal.

HKPS::When you began working in this space did you plan any systems for the overall set up or did you let things evolve organically? How did past studio spaces or systems influence this space?

JWD::I had an opportunity to buy equipment and work benches from the previous communal space where I rented. The choice of those pieces dictate the style of working here. The previous space was set up by others and provided for separate stations for separate processes. While I know that some like everything at arms’ reach-i prefer to move around more. It keeps me more organized also—metal smiths use an awful lot of tools!

Watchmakers Bench

Thank you Joanne for for sharing how you use your studio space and store your materials! In Part II you’ll find more from her about creative process and any tips and advice she has to share. In the meantime if you want to see more of Joanne’s work go see her Facebook Page.

*The idea for the Inside the Artist Studio series began while attending an art retreat where I curiously observed the differences in the creative cycle of order and chaos and what that looks like for different individuals. I’m very interested in sharing how organizing affects the artist’s creative process. Some systems and order are vital to our creative PLAY and learning to find a balance that works to enhance your creativity is what I hope to share with you through these interviews.

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Is there a particular artist whose ‘Tool kit’ you would like to see featured? Leave a comment below and let me know!

When organizing gets personal

January 19, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques Leave a Comment

Help with personal organizing for families.

I try to keep a balance in the decision making process between sentiment and objectivity, which is not always easily when it comes to family sentiment. This past week though I wore both personal organizing and “client” hats. My grandparents have been in an assisted living facility for almost 20 years , great planning on their part! But the time finally came for them to be moved into more skilled nursing and personalized assistance. I joined my family in helping make this transition more comfortable for them by lending my organizing expertise. My mother is an interior designer and my two aunts are nurses so together we were quite a team!

I took my basic personal organizing kit along, which includes a tape measure, label maker, inventory sheets (or tablet for creating one digitally), camera, post it notes, permanent marker etc. We went through contents of their apartment determining what they would need in their room and what could go to storage. The nurses in the family knew what practical requirements were needed and my mother lent her design expertise. I learned a few things beyond the basic organizing skills I already posses to add to my knowledge base.

Tips to help organize a loved one in a senior living facility.

Many of these tips could be used in a home healthcare setting as well.

Included your loved one’s in this process (if possible). Ask them to select personal items they wanted to have surrounding them, such as artwork, accessories and other items.
Take photo’s or make copies of valuables, financial documents, vital documents and medical information (including ID’s, credit cards etc).
Create a detailed inventory of all contents of the living space. State regulations will differ but most facilities require a copy to be kept with the facility (for liability purposes).
Take photo’s of all inventory items.

Create a binder or folder with all the inventory lists and photo’s and give access to necessary family.
Be sure that vital documents are in place and up to date -such as Will’s, Trust, Living Will, DNR and other medical, legal and financial documents (copies where needed-accessible but safe).
Keep valuables locked and out of plain sight but accessible to family members (things like ID’s, will’s medical info, credit cards etc-see storage below), alternately use a lock box or safety deposit box.

Think about accessibility and ease of use for certain items. Store in open, flat bins, baskets or boxes to make items easy to use (like makeup and hair care).

Keep it familiar, if certain habits or systems have always worked, don’t change them (modify slightly if needed).
Label items-keep it simple but specific (ex. Long Sleeve, Short Sleeve, Pants, Personal Care etc). Often clothing must be labeled too (use fabric markers and iron on labels). If more than one person is living in the space, label or designate shelves, closets or drawers by person.
Consider nursing needs and housekeeping, speak to staff to be sure they can understand and maintain the system you set up.

Keep everything off floors, no rugs, UN-necessary small objects or furniture for safety and maneuverability of wheelchairs, walkers, canes etc.
Create an inventory of items going to storage, number boxes, list contents and make notes of family members who may be willed certain items (keep with binder of items in use).

Check insurance policy to be sure everything is properly insured (both on site and in storage).
Consider creating a “Caring Bridge” or other private forum to communicate with family and friends any updates on medical status.

Create personal organizing and creative touches by hanging favorite art, photographs and a few accessories. Your goal in organizing the contents is to make it easier for staff or family to care for your loved one, while keeping the space neat, uncluttered, calm, safe and comforting. By the time we completed setting up their room the nurses and staff were ecstatic about how thorough and clearly everything was laid out. Hopefully this translates to more time and attention being spent on your loved ones!

18 Artists Share Studio Tips

January 7, 2016 by Heather Filed Under: In the Studio, Inspiration & Education, Organize, Systems & Techniques, Tips & Resources 1 Comment

Going back through the past year’s 18 featured Artists I realized there are some amazing artist studio tips on organizing and productivity to be learned from these creative’s! If you missed one or more, here are the highlights. I am so grateful to get to meet these artists and be invited into their creative sanctuaries and I’m especially happy to be able to share them with you! From Maine to Charleston, New Zealand, to Switzerland it’s been an inspirational year interviewing these artists!

Cobalt Sky:: I am always out of empty (yogurt) paint cups!! I just got wise and switched to cupcake liners! My pillows hang to dry, so my space is very product specific. I have exposed beams in the studio, without them I am not sure how I could manage. Last winter when we renovated the space- everything went OUT and only pillow business stuff came back. Now I feel organized! Doing this for my work space greatly improved the whole business.

Everything gets put away and the work table is clear after every work shift. In Maine we call that “ship shape”.

Karl B::Most of my sewing supplies are attached to my work table or in the closets behind me. I keep my trusty shears in a holster on my belt. I learned which tools I needed to purchase or make and hung them from hooks on my worktable, the wall or made shelf space. For safety’s sake I always try to keep the the floor clean and first aid easily accessible.

Ruth D::For the number of quilts that get ‘churned out’ each year, my stash of fabric is actually reasonable small, and easy to access and sort through. It’s all located in the black crates which we use all through our house. They are large, sturdy, and stack on top of each other if we need to. I thrive on systems, and am always reviewing to help me work more effectively. I keep a calendar on my iPad, always have several projects scheduled in there, broken down into manageable tasks.

On her “stash”…I actually enjoy the challenge of working with a limited range of techniques and materials.

On planning her studio…Desks and storage around the perimeter of the room, under the sloping ceilings made complete sense.

Selinde L::I have always been one to finish things that I start before launching something new, preferring to work linearly. We do so much multitasking in our everyday lives now that I actually find this singular concentration therapeutic and even luxurious. That said, I usually have at least two journals and a sketchbook going at one time, places to store the myriad of ideas that pop into my head so that I can access them easily whenever I need to.

Jennythreads::Growing up, I was naturally messy, and my dad remembers nicknaming me “Tornado Jenny” because my room was always such a mess. When I was in graduate school iI worked for an antique repair shop. This place was absolute chaos inside, my boss would take tools from my work area or leave his messes on my table and it started to drive me crazy. Fed up, I covered my table with white butcher paper and told him it was off-limits. From him, I finally learned how inefficient and exasperating it is to spend more time looking for tools or supplies than actually working, and that’s when I started making an effort to be more organized.I LOVE to purge things regularly. I keep a constant Goodwill bag in the garage as things get edited out of the house. At the studio, I tend to keep more things around because they are useful. I keep some stashes, but I keep them under control.

Finkelsteins::I consider myself an organized person even if my techniques for organization only make sense to me. My habits happen organically through necessity. Systems occur due either to space availability or the need to contain a certain type of material. I try keep like items together so I’m not running around in the middle of a creative process tracking down ribbon or thread. My productivity really drops if I’m pulled away to locate materials. A tip that works for me, I try to stick to buying only supplies that I absolutely need. I use to buy materials because it was fun to raid the craft store. As my space started to fill I stopped myself from doing that. I have slowly purged my storage bins of things that just take up space.

The Pixeladies::Deb doesn’t like to throw anything away. “We might need it.” Kris was born to purge. Since we work together every day we learn from each other. Both of our fathers were career Army/Air Force officers. That kind of discipline obviously rubbed off on us. We both remember having to “put things back where you found them.”

Marlis E::No one ever taught me to de-clutter, it came naturally to me, probably because I’ve always lived in small apartments. I like to live in a minimalistic zen-like space where everything has its place and where there is a lot of space to breathe. Most of us creative people have hoarding tendencies. We are so afraid we might need something “later” that we pile stuff around ourselves “just in case”. For example, if you love to work with paper, but don’t enjoy working with glue, why do you keep 10 different brands and qualities of glue? Keep only what you love and what you enjoy working with.

Whitney K::I have always been a list-maker and have folders and books with everything written out. I have to have all my busy work finished in the morning- dealing with clients, commission emails, working with galleries, etc.- and then have a large block of consistent time to only concentrate on the actual painting. I do a big purge a few times a year. And I wouldn’t be able to live without a big old school calendar to see the month mapped out.

Hirona M & Alan J:: On storage…Alan-Organizing large drawings with flat files and storing materials came from my experience in architecture school and architectural offices. I’ve learned other habits through trial and error and looking for products that solve specific storage problems. I’ve also had furniture built to help with storage challenges. Hirona-I am very compartment oriented, if not organized in a traditional sense. I try to mark things, but sometimes materials are hard to categorize. Things that reflect light could also be things that magnify or are metallic. I’d say that I learned these methods from my parents. Both have very specific ways of fitting and organizing things that make sense mostly to them.

On schedules and systems…Alan-I have a Monthly Planner where I keep track of all appointments, deadlines and other significant dates. This is invaluable for keeping me on track and aware of what’s coming up. I also have a daily journal where I keep my daily To-Do lists and where I write down events of the day. Hirona-I don’t set a schedule for myself, I let the pressure of deadlines or genuine inspiration motivate me. By rotating my focus from piece to piece and seeing everything together I can keep tabs on my progress and regulate the pace I’m working at.

Morgan S::I like heavy items on wheels. My studio needs to be able to easily convert into a makeshift woodshop, a photo studio, a show space, a painting studio, and an office at any given time. If space is limited take advantage of vertical space and build the necessary storage accordingly. Building a large table on wheels, one that is specific to the studio space and my painting needs was important.

Heather AH::I like to know where to find things so I have developed my own systems for organization. For 7 years I had a studio that had a mandatory sprinkler system that propelled me down a path of using clear plastic boxes to organize and store materials etc. It allows me to see where things are and allows me to easily carry things to another studio and they are already packed for moving! Everyone is different and so it is best to be aware of how you work and support your innate logic and way of working. Whenever I see a “system” at another artist studio or home, I use it for inspiration and modify it to fit me. My studios are constantly evolving to suit my needs.


Beth MS::All of my surfaces re recycled. We collect them from our daily travels. My husband brings many things home from his treks to rural places. We don’t have much of an organizational system but we won’t give up trying

On her legacy…I feel like what I’m leaving behind is more than a piece of art work…..it’s the idea of making use of objects that others might discard.

Jamie B-IBU::On inspiration…I’m surrounded by inspiration! We have a huge inspiration board that has great magazine photographs and clippings.

On knowing her limitations…usually work on up to three items at once. Any more and I might get un-organized in my thoughts and processes and be more prone to make a mistake.

Craig C::On his art…Things change. Very simply I would say I make systems and these systems are constantly being updated. A few years ago I had a very romantic vision of being a full time artist; I would sip tea and think in a bright colored robe. In reality I’ve never done that. I don’t even have a robe. I spend most of my time promoting what I’m doing and\or chasing new opportunities. Which is certainly not a bad life. I have always thought art could expand beyond the work.

When I was younger I had a great memory. I could remember whole tour itineraries not anymore. I save everything I can now mostly so I can show my daughter someday. But I’m also leaving myself a breadcrumb trail. I meet so many amazing people in my travels I hope to document them all.

On Sound + Light…I’m coming at this from a touring musician’s start, I deliver and install everything myself. I have created a life that allows me to pack the van and hit the road. I am very proud of the pack. I like the idea of space and how we can manipulate it.

Rob M::My paints are all in a central location, stored in my taboret. I don’t line my colors up in a row or organize my brushes but they’re all right there ready to go when I want them. I must admit I keep a lot of material that were passed down from my father, which I never use. I keep them around because they inspire me.

On staying motivated…the constraints in my mind sometimes say “why bother?” It’s then I remind myself, I’m painting for the ages and not just a quick sale in a gallery.

Karin O::Pencils, scissors, paint brushes are bouquets of art supplies in flower pots. I use my cool Lobo easel that can fold down to a table top for the fabric layer process. I have an L-shaped desk made of luan blank doors, sandwiched with a space that works as a flat file for paper, unfinished art, a wet palette, or anything to keep clear of my toddlers’ adorable fingerprints.

On time management…When I have a show or project coming up, I work 40 hours a week – 10 of which is in front of a computer, doing marketing, inventory, emails, and website stuff.

On planning…

I buy the frames for a show before I make the art.
I know my car measurements and space limitations.
I create a worksheet of blank canvas inventory and fill it in as I go.

Duke H::I am disciplined. The Creative process is work, nothing comes easily. I sit down and just do this (doodle and sketch). Never wait for inspiration to come to you. Just sit down and do it (that does take discipline!). I treat my art as a business, I keep files of expenses etc just to keep things efficient.

When it comes to archiving…A fellow painter died several years ago without archiving, it was a real mess. I have been serious about this for the past three years.

What have you learned or loved from the Inside the Artist Studio feature? Is there anything you would like me to ask or share from artists I interview in the future? Any artists you would like to see featured? Leave me a comment or shoot me an email, I’d love to hear your ideas!

Embracing Harmonious Beginnings

December 30, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

This will be my 6th year choosing a word as a beacon for the year. The word I choose will shine a light on where I’m headed, supporting my intentions, goals, desires and giving me a sense of purpose without feeling the pressure of success or failure (such as in the practice of resolutions). Over the past 5 years I’ve selected Clarity (2011), Soar (2012), Radiant (2013), Play (2014) and Choice (2015).

Since I’ve been practicing this for awhile I find that a little stillness and guidance is really all I need to let my word discover me. I begin with a list, start thinking about how I want to feel and become anchored in those feelings. Those feelings are usually tethered to a word that somehow sum’s it all up. This has become a bit of a ritual and practice. It gives me an reason to take some time out, reflect upon the year and how the word I choose has guided and taught me. I always discover a deeper richer understanding of the word I select at the end of the year than what I may have anticipated at the beginning of the journey. This year these are the the words that began floating around in my head as I plant the seeds for my 2016 intentions. Together they led me to discover the word Harmony for 2016.

harmony: a pleasing combination or arrangement of different things

pleasing or congruent arrangement of parts
internal calm :tranquility
an interweaving of different accounts into a single narrative

The word goes so much deeper for me than the simple definition above. Being in harmony begins with observing yourself in relationship to the world around you and then radiates out to others. Finding a harmonious relationship (connections) requires insight, stability, balance, surrender (to the flow) and nurturing. To be in harmony is to be a part of the great collaboration of the universe. One melody may be sweet but many notes together create a harmony that can not be created by oneself. Sometimes being in harmony means being grounded, other times it means being in flow, sometimes there is harmony in collaboration and yet others may find harmony through alignment and or stillness. It is this combination and knowing awareness of what is needed to create a harmony that I seek to better facilitate and deeply understand for myself over the coming year.

Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony.

–Mohandas Gandhi

Are you planning to choose a Word of the Year (or One Little Word)? If so below some of my favorite helpful tools. I’ve used a combination of these over the years!

Danielle LaPorte-Core Desired Feelings, need more than one word? Pick how you want to feel!
Susannah Conway-Find your word and Unraveling the Year Ahead
Christine Kane-writing exercise
Kim Klassen-an exercise in discovering
Thinkmap-a visual thesaurus to help you visualize your word
Huffington Post-a broader exploration of this idea within media
Ali Edwards-word ideas) & a yearlong workshop

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Makeover Monday::Playful Organizing

December 28, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Art & Design, Home, Organize, Organizing Projects, Systems & Techniques 1 Comment

This year I had the pleasure of working with a family household (parents, 2 kids under 5 and a dog:) who wanted more general order all around. They were not in a horrible situation, just looking to improve upon organizing systems and create some where none existed. With busy families I often find that things fall apart because there are only partial systems in place or none.

This house has a great family room, open to the kitchen which allowed for family time and meal prep to all be in one space. With two little boys though, the play area got messy quickly and mom and dad’s kitchen space was often overtaken by toys and their own daily “landing pad” stuff (mail, purse, laptop, kids art etc). We decided upon our first session the kids play area would be priority number one with the kitchen to follow. Following the SPACE system (created by Organizer and Author Julie Morgenstern) we Sorted, Purged, Assigned, Containerized and Equalized the kids play area.

Kids Play Area-Before

No Slide Found In Slider.

The kids play area off the kitchen had ample storage for a reasonable amount of toys in this space but it was awkward, narrow, hard to reach, overflowing and partially unusable. Our first step was to modify the cabinets (done by a professional) by changing the configuration and height of shelves, installing additional shelves and removing the door from the area under the stairs to create a “garage” for the boys cars and trucks. With the toys purged and sorted and the cabinet modifications in place we measured and ordered specific containers based on the types of toys needing to be stored in the space. These included clear “shoe boxes” for smaller toys, an alligator bin for larger toys under the stairs, translucent totes for inside cabinet shelves and oval ‘chalkboard’ labels for everything. Books and musical instruments were moved to additional cabinets nearby but separate from the rest of the toys.

Kids Play Area-After

No Slide Found In Slider.

This whole project could have been done with existing storage containers but because this area is so widely used by both the family and for entertaining, it made sense to invest in specific storage containers and create a system that was easy to use, clean up and maintain. The finished space is beautiful, functional and FUN! In the new year, during GO-Month (Get Organized-January!) I’ll be sharing the kitchen makeover from this home.

Christmas Magic & Wishes

December 24, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education Leave a Comment

Wishing you the warmest (because it’s almost 80 here in SC!) of Christmas wishes! I hope your season is filled with the magic of good company, laughter, memories, peace and fulfillment!

Brookgreen Gardens-Night of A Thousand Candles

Celebrations of the Year

December 23, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Reflecting on the last year I am proud of building my business into one that is growing at a sustainable pace and in the direction that I have decided, not one that’s been dictated by the market or trends. I work with many clients that I call my friends and I can often be found by their side as they celebrate their successes-nothing makes me more joyful!

Highlights of this year in Biz…

I don’t share this to brag, but to show that I’m invested in both my success and my clients!

Helped two talented artists re-launch their art careers in Charleston with solo shows (I love doing this work and can’t wait to help other artists!).
Featured 18 “Inside the Artist Studio” interviews on my blog,
Completed a 4 week Business Coaching program called “Uplevel Your Business” and attended two 3 day business strategy conferences that will help me build my business and find the support needed for future growth.
Became President of the NAPO Charleston organization for Professional Organizers. We are in our third year of planning an awesome Symposium for “Go Month”-January 2016 (more details to come here).
Helped clients create home inventory for their personal belongings. In the wake of local natural disasters this is a topic I feel more people need to address. My presentation at the symposium will be “Home Inventory without the Heartache”…I’ll be sharing more about this topic, including an online 2 week course coming soon!
Facilitated a reading group for “The Artist Way” in Charleston and will be doing this for “Walking in the World” in early 2016.
An organizing project of mine featured in a ‪houzz.com‬ roundup, how very cool!
The tables were turned and I was interviewed by an artist…and it was a lot of fun! If you missed it, it’s here.

Interested in finding out more about the upcoming symposium, my online Home Inventory class or reading group? Email me for more details.

Just a couple personal highlights…

I began showing my own art work as part of two local shows and plan to integrate more of my own art and craft making into my professional life. As I work with artists to show their work I know it’s important to walk the talk.
Became a beekeeper! This is something my grandfather did and I’ve always wanted to do this. Bucket list: Check!

Continue to volunteer for local community organizations including the Tri-County Master Gardeners, Horticulture Society, Byrnes Downs Neighborhood Association and Enough Pie.

This year has been pretty intense but beautiful, thank you for sharing it with me!

Friday Favorites::Book Roundup of 2015

December 11, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Books, Inspiration & Education Leave a Comment

In no particular order here’s the list of books I read this past year (and counting since I’m still finishing up a couple!). I’ve made a couple notes below each about favorite quotes and thoughts on the book overall. It was a diverse year of reading and I dove into some very new topic’s of exploration!

13 Original Clan Mothers: Your Sacred Path to Discovering the Gifts, Talents and Abilities of the Feminine Through the Ancient Teachings of the Sisterhood by Jamie Sams ***

I had a hard time getting started with this book but once I got focused I found it delightfully helpful as a means to share archetypal stories and teachings of life.

The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders by Sandra F. Rief, Ariel Rief ***

Reference-this book was read (jumped around a bit) as a means to help clients

Olive Kitterage by Elizabeth Stout **

Not a favorite, kind of downtrodden and depressing story. I abandoned it a little over half way through (but at some point will watch the TV series)

Little Bee by Chris Cleave ****

I loved this charming story, picked it up because of the name (my kitty’s name too) and was pleasantly delighted with it.

Lillian Too’s 168 Feng Shui Ways to Declutter Your Home by Lillian Too ****

Not your light hearted Feng Shui book of Decluttering, a bit more in dept but I really enjoyed the deeper dive into this practice that I often find helpful for myself and client work.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin ****

I’ve been getting wonderful daily quotes from Gretchen for years and I finally got this book checked off my list. It was helpful to hear how she put Happiness into practice as a conscious Choice (my word of the year for 2015)

The Little Friend by Donna Tartt ***
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes *****

Started this thick read in the last months of 2014 and finished in the first part of 2015. It’s a big read and I couldn’t put it down at times. I’d long wanted to read this book, it almost felt like a right of passage. I was delighted to find out that my 95 year old grandmother had read it. I think it’s a book all women should read (and it was a great segue into 13 Original Clan Mothers).

Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert *****

I was skeptical, what more can be said about creativity than already has (especially for someone who’s read a lot of self help/creativity books) but EG had a really fresh take on what makes creative magic happen in our daily lives.

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry ***

Off to a slow start, was intrigued by the theme and topic of the book and gradually was guided in deeper as the story unfolds to a little mystery, romance, history (non biographical) and magic.

The Exquisite Risk: Daring to Live an Authentic Life by Mark Nepo ****

This book has traveled with me through a good part of the year. I read a chapter or two at a time and let the messages, poems and story’s sink in deep. I got this book after meeting Mark and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

Hildegard of Bingen by Matthew Fox ****

The divine feminine has been a big reading subject for me this year (can you tell!?). I was drawn to this book after meeting Matthew and hearing him speak earlier in the year.

The Artist Way by Julia Cameron ****

This is the 3rd time around reading this book. I facilitated a reading group for 5 artists/writers over 12 weeks and watched as all our lives were transformed and catalyzed by the practice of implementing simple process such as the Artist Date and journaling.

Organizing Plain and Simple by Donna Smallin****

Reference-One of the newer organizing books out this year. Donna breaks down what can sometimes seem daunting into a really simple process. As an organizer I was familiar with almost all the process and suggestions in this book but would certainly recommend it to anyone going through the process of organizing on their own (doesn’t cover challenges such as organizing for ADHD and Chronic Dis-organization)

Clear the Clutter, Find Happiness by Donna Smallin****

This little “quick reference book” is really fun and an easy, quick read. Well broken up by subject/theme of organization.

The Two Choices by Carrie Jole Dale ****

This book was written by my friend Carrie and I had to read it because Choice has been my WOTY (word of the year). She simplifies our ongoing quest for finding happiness and self fulfillment by sharing her thoughts on what it really boils down to. (Hint: “You are your own Guru!”-CJD)

Animal Speak by Ted Andrews *****

I found myself drawn to animals and the messages that they share with us, often looking up references online until I finally got this book for myself. I use it often as a reference but also am fascinated by some of the rituals and practices we can engage in to connect us more deeply to the animals that surround us daily.

Numerology with Tantra, Ayurveda and Astrology by Harish Johari ****

This is not your typical numerology book. It’s more complex but also leads to a much more personal and specific analysis of how numbers and patterns show up in your life and help you learn and find connections to those around you. I label this one as reference as well.

It’s kind of interesting to look back on my year in books, some interesting themes emerge. I’ve got several books on my holiday wish list and many of them are creative. I also have a few books “left over” form this year that I plan to read in 2016. What books did you read this year and what were your favorites?

Gratitude, Creations and Celebrations

November 26, 2015 by Heather Filed Under: Inspiration & Education, Wellness & Mindset Leave a Comment

Thanksgiving is yet another day to Practice Gratitude-One of 364 other days of the year-Everyday can be Thanksgiving! As I enjoy the day off to spend time with family, reflecting and celebrating all I have to be grateful for I am reminded that several years ago I began to write what I was most grateful for in my daily journal. This was a time in my life that I felt down and out, everyday seemed like a challenge and struggle. By beginning with what I am most grateful for each day I choose to focus on my Gratitude, Creations and Celebrations.

Some day’s I reflect upon the little things like meeting someone new, a kind friend’s gesture, the song bird out my window, the sunshine or full moon or shark’s teeth I found on my walk. Other day’s I practice my gratitude for things I’ve created, connection’s I made, the community I live in, help I gave or that someone gave me . Why not choose to celebrate the joyful things, small and grand, not just today but every day.

Happy Thanksgiving, with Gratitude-It’s a Choice!