Downsizing...

Last night I wound up watching Selling Spelling Manor on HGTV.  This was a re-run and something I chose not to watch the first time it was aired.  I just didn't see the point.  Well, I'm still not sure I see the point, but I was a little in awe at her downsizing skills, even though I can't really comprehend her downsize.  She went from 56,500 sq. ft. (no kidding) to 16,000 sq. ft. The new digs are the top two floors of a high rise condo.  Something that in CA would quite frankly give me pause.  Then again, I'm a little freaked out at times by heights, let alone being high up during an earthquake, but I'm sure they've figured out how to earthquake proof it.  Nor can I comprehend a downsize to 16,000 sq. ft., but we're all different.

What sorta resonated with me was that I'm also in the process of downsizing, though mine is on a different scale.  I'm only in 890 sq. ft. as it is and that is coming from a mere 1,700 sq. ft.  So, you see, nothing compared to hers.  But, I know I've got stuff I don't need and since I plan on staying in a smaller space even should I again purchase a home or condo, then I need to start getting rid of stuff.

Mrs. Spelling was totally pragmatic.  What she wouldn't have room for, she was either auctioning, donating, or selling online.  I'll donate most of my stuff as the majority is clothes and other odds and ends and I just feel better going with donation.  Some pieces of furniture, I may sell.  The hard part is letting go of some pieces.  I know that I really tend to attach sentimental value to just about anything, but now is the time to start culling it down.  Especially as I have a small storage unit (it will never get bigger) since I no longer have a garage.  In fact, I should have done this when I moved from my first house in 2004.  But, I thought one day I'd have a house again and then it would be the same.  Nothing is ever really the same and what I've learned is some times it's better to just start over.

Mrs. Spelling just stepped up to the plate and did it.  I have a friend who's done something similar.  Now I can only hope that I can buckle down and do the same thing.

Book Review - The Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini by Sue Ann Jaffarian

Ghost in the Polka Dot Bikini by Sue Ann Jaffarian
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Loved this book! It’s really just a fun read. This is the second book in the series and slightly better than the first. The characters are still here. I enjoyed the relationship between Emma and Phil. I especially liked Phil’s belief in Emma and his talking to Granny Apples when she pops in at less than opportune times. Granny was still there as were Milo, the psychic who is somewhat of a teacher to Emma, and Tracy, Emma’s best friend, with the addition of Emma’s assistant from her TV show, Jackie, who is quite the spitfire. I wish there had been more to Milo and Tracy now that they are a couple, but they were somewhat secondary in this story.

The story revolves around trying to figure out who killed Tessa, the ghost in the polka dot bikini; a ghost who doesn’t really realize she’s dead and is waiting for Curtis to come back to her. Till then, she frolics in the waves at Catalina and waits. Helped by the ghost of Sandy, who herself could see ghosts in life, the story hits close to home for Emma as she discovers that her ex father-in-law and several men she knows through him knew Tessa. While the previous book gave you a feel for the town of Julian, CA, this book gave me a feel for the Hollywood of the 60’s. I should have seen the ending, but I didn’t; not really. I knew who had to be involved, but didn’t quite get there.

Highly recommended if you enjoy light mysteries with a ghost or two.


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