So much joy
I recently visited a sweet, cozy, light-filled studio in Kingston. I’d been following the “chasing lightning bugs” Facebook page since the fall. My friend Bonnie suggested the page. Her friend Annette is an artist and Bonnie thought I’d enjoy the page. She was right! I love reading Annette’s posts and seeing her gorgeous quilts. I knew that the next time I visited Kingston, a visit to the studio was in order. Annette set up her studio in a century-old home, conveniently located next to her home. Walking in, I was greeted with sunlight pouring in through various windows. There was an abundance of fabric in every shade imaginable, some artistically arranged as a window cover. There were also jars of beach glass, antique bottles, sewing notions, and a myriad of other quilting supplies. I was instantly captivated.
At first, something felt different. What? I call it the Marie Kondo effect.
Does it spark joy?
Many people are familiar with Marie Kondo, the Japanse organizing consultant. The decluttering maven has a simple, two-pronged approach to decluttering our ever-growing piles of stuff. The KonMari method involves separating your items into categories, (clothes, books, mementos, etc) picking up each and every single item and asking yourself “does this spark joy?” If it does, then keep the item. If it doesn’t, thank the item for serving your needs, and get rid of it.
She’s ruthless in her approach. She’s also oddly captivating and sweet. I love watching her Netflix show. I actually find it shocking to see much stuff people have. But, the show has inspired me to tackle bits and parts of my cluttered life. I haven’t yet committed to doing a full Marie Kondo on all my stuff, but that day is coming. One thing is certain. I find it very soothing to have an uncluttered workspace. I find that my thoughts flow better.
Joyful clutter!
Yet, it felt so good to spend time in Annette’s studio. The studio was warm, colourful and cozy. It felt like being wrapped in a warm blanket. There is nothing minimalist about the studio. Isn’t minimalism supposed to be zen? How can this be? I wonder if it’s because the space does spark joy, even to a visitor? Every bit of fabric, beach glass, book, and art supply has a purpose. Annette is a talented artist and she collects supplies to use in her work. And maybe that’s the secret to sparking joy. It’s not necessarily emptying out all the extra things. Maybe it’s also about re-purposing things to create something new.
Thank you Annette for showing me your beautiful and inspiring space.
Chasing lightning bugs Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/chasing-lightning-bugs-studio
Marie Kondo links:
https://www.onekingslane.com/live-love-home/marie-kondo-book-declutter/
Good observations Sonia! I have spent a fair bit of time over the past couple of years practicing the art of surrounding myself with only that which sparks joy. Not completely there yet, but making good progress and I love the feeling in my home and my closet as a result! I so get the ‘being orderly and uncluttered in my workspace helps me think better’ – me too! Maybe that’s partly why I struggle at expressing my artistic and creative urges – maybe I need to loosen up when I’m creating! You think? Can I compartmentalize like that?!
Holy moly, I clicked on your link without expecting this. Tears are all welled up. I’m so pleased you felt it all even in it’s very real state. You can by times find things folded and swept and more ordered….but you got the full working version. And I love that you got the energy and joy 😍
Annette, your studio made quite the impression. It was so colourful, cozy and inspiring. So much positive energy. 🙂