Monday, April 9, 2012

My Cleaning Motto

By Elaine Charton

Both my husband and I are writers. He works a rent paying job; I had to leave mine due to health issues.

When I had to stop working I was so happy. I would have time; something I always complained there was never enough of in my life. I would write. I would have a clean house, and finally I could be organized.

All of my friends can stop laughing now.

Almost two years later, I am organized, kinda sorta.:) It's what my husband calls "pooh" Organization. That's his nickname for me. And what great organizational wizardry might that be you ask? I call it everything in a pile and every pile in its own place. When it gets too much I do a massive weeding.


Years ago, my mother had a sign that stated "My house is clean enough to be healthy and Dirty enough to be happy."

That's my motto as far as housekeeping is concerned.

I've learned over the years that I may not be organized, my house may never be listed in House Beautiful, however what I can do, I do well. And that is telling stories. I like to think it's the Celtic blood and my mother's maiden name of Joyce has to count for something.

So my house may not be organized, or the cleanest in the world. Emails I receive from fans tell me I'm on to something. I'll take that over organization any day.

However, if someone sees the cleaning fairies can you please send them my way?


8 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

Love your motto, Elaine. And, I have first dibs on the cleaning fairies! I've asked them to come for decades - still waiting but hopeful.

Paty Jager said...

Elaine, Piles are good as long as they never touch the ceiling! LOL
Thanks for a fun post.

Sarah Raplee said...

When it comes to organization, Elaine, we use the same exact system!

Our cleaning mottoes are similar, too. Mine is: "An immaculate house is the sign of a misspent life." Years ago, I bought the sign at a Renaissance fair.

I'm behind Judith in line for the cleaning fairies!

ElaineCharton said...

Judith Paty and Sarah
If the fairies are ever found we will certainly keep them busy.
Sarah-
I love that sign, I had something similar on my desk when I worked outside. It said
A clean desk is the sign of a sick person.

Anonymous said...

Alternatively, "A cluttered desk is the sign of a creative mind."

That's my excuse and I'm sticking to it! :-)

Mare said...

It makes perfect sense to me. LOL

maepen said...

I think this is a sign of the creative. I've yet to meet a creative person who didn't have some sort of piling in their homes. I try to keep mine behind closed doors. :)

Diana McCollum said...

I like having a clean area, desk and computer stand. Give me clean and clutter free, and I am ready to write!!

Clutter weights me down. Different strokes for different folks, as the saying goes. :))

Although, I wouldn't object to some Fairies to help clean!