A Cure For Curve Balls

One set of my white bowls is in the dishwasher, but even three stacks out of four are enough to make my heart sing.

One set of my white bowls is in the dishwasher, but even three stacks out of four are enough to make my heart sing.


We all have days and weeks like this. Sometimes, months or even years. 

When life throws curve balls on every pitch. 

When complications mount up to overwhelm the day‘s plans. When the ebbs and flows of daily life just don‘t go our way. 

I’ve been a bit of a roll this week. 

My mom‘s in the hospital. 
My car needs new brakes. 
My third-born required some emergency help from me with finances. 
Several of my students are struggling with their lessons. 
I‘m still dealing with doctors‘ appointments. 
And even my dog, Ranger, is having medical drama. More tumors on his little red rump.

Only the essentials are allowed to sit out on the counter these days: salt, pepper, olive oil, and art.
I‘m not too worried about any of this. These seasons of chaos have blown throw my world before, and I know that, in time, all will sort itself out and life will eventually calm down. 

I have no doubt. 

In the meantime, I will admit that I am: 

keyed up and jumpy. 
stretched way too thin 
and just plain stressed out. 

However, all is not lost. I know exactly how to deal with these edgy and exhausting emotions. 

I clean my kitchen.

I‘ve been obsessed with keeping the top of my salt shaker 
free of any stray grains. 
 I know. Super neurotic. But it beats biting my nails. 

Keeping up with the dishes. 
Wiping down counters. 
Maintaining my winter minimalist mode. 

These simple steps soothe my stressful soul and calm my jangled nerves. 

And let‘s be honest. A tidy kitchen makes every day better. 

Even the crazy, complicated, curve ball days.


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12 Comments

  1. 1

    I have some major curve balls going on right now. I feel completely flat, beyond stressed out! But like you I feel like it will all work out. I’m not 100% myself, so my home love is lacking, but something about cleaning my house that at least helps me feel good.

    • 2

      Yes. So true. When life is complicated, feel like it helps me to strip away some of the extra layers of decor and just focus on the very basics. Hope your curve balls straighten out soon!

  2. 3

    Yes. So true. When life is complicated, feel like it helps me to strip away some of the extra layers of decor and just focus on the very basics. Hope your curve balls straighten out soon!

  3. 4

    Isn’t it funny how cleaning helps you work through stuff? everyone knows that if I start on a major cleaning bender, it’s best to let me me have at it and stay out of my way ;_)
    Good luck – hope everything comes right x

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    • 9

      When life feels out of control, it’s so nice to have at least a little area where I can still conquer disaster and put things to rights, even if it is just a counter that needs wiping. 🙂

  6. 10
  7. 11

    Also? — Curve balls keep us actively involved in the game! If everything was a slow lob, (is that a word? lol), we’d settle for less than we are.

    And on a decorating note ~Is your counter cement? I like the art, and it’s frame. Lovely. Everything’s looking serene on this front! Curve balls or no curve balls in the other room!!

  8. 12

    Thanks for such an honest and beautiful post. We all feel a little out of control sometimes. Cleaning and less visual clutter helps me feel pulled together too. Love your counters! Are they Ardex by any chance? I’m getting ready to give that a try. Any tips? Sending some fresh positive energy your way!

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