In a natural response to the magical transformation and renewal of life that this season of spring brings about everywhere in our outdoor surroundings, comes the urge to refresh and renew our indoor living space, as well. “Spring cleaning” by clearing out the clutter in closets, junk drawers, wiping away all the hidden dust and cobwebs, and organizing the chaos, immediately creates a happier, more serene and prosperous environment. It sounds good in theory, but the reality of actually implementing it, can be overwhelming for many of us, especially if we can’t afford a housekeeper and simply don’t have the time. Sometimes, the simple solutions can be the most elusive and, truthfully, I’ve hit on it only in recent years. It does not have to be done all at once!Since the beginning of May, I’ve committed to overhauling just one thing in my home every day. I started under the sinks, then moved on to closets, then junk drawers (of which I have too many!), and I am presently working on all of my kitchen cupboards. Morning times work best for me, before I go to the office or get started with the day. I never spend more than an hour, and usually just about 20 minutes is all it takes to restore order to one area of my home.
Throughout the week, I make a pile of giveaways (anything that is no longer useful to me, but might be to someone else), and on Fridays, send my son to the home exchange spot at the dump. The first time I sent him and his friend, they returned grinning, saying they were welcomed in there like super heroes by the excited folks hanging around to see what treasures might be dropped off.
Until you begin to purge yourself of stuff that no longer serves you, you don’t realize how all of this clutter is actually weighing you down. I feel a thousand times lighter, and happy in the knowledge that I’ve given back to a benevolent universe that has always given to me.
This weekend’s art exhibition at Ashawagh Hall, “The Hampton Project,” features five local and talented artists whose work is “inspired by the beauty, light, life and local landscapes” of the Hamptons, according to a flier I saw posted outside the hall. The artists are Richard Mothes, Jane Cerami, Christina Joy Friscia, Jennifer Satinsky, and Brian Monahan. The reception will be this Saturday from 4 to 7 p.m. Gallery hours for the show are Saturday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sounds like a beautiful show, so I hope you will go see it while it’s up!
Word is that the Springs School graduating class of 2015 has a group of top achievers whose grade point averages are so close that the decision was made to have four salutatorians! Congratulations to Tori Schmitt, Sydney Salami, Anna Rafferty, and Claire Hopkins, fellow salutatorians. Congratulations to the valedictorian, Annelise Mendelman, as well. Great job!
As mentioned last week, the Pollock-Krasner Home and Study Center, located at 830 Springs Fireplace Road, is now open by appointment only on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. for one-hour guided tours. This year’s opening exhibit is “Neil Noland: Sculpture of the 1980s.” The cost is $10 per adult, $5 for children (under 12), and members are admitted free. It’s a beautiful spot to visit, especially this time of year. For more information, please visit www.pkhouse.org.
Good cooks everywhere, especially those of Springs, please send in your favorite recipe, plus a blurb, and if possible, a photograph of the dish to ethelhenn@yahoo.com or drop it off to Springs Library located at 1 Parsons Place. A special “Springs Library Cookbook” is in the works with the hope of having it ready in time to sell at this year’s Fisherman’s Fair in August.
To help restore and beautify the grounds of St. Peter’s Chapel at 463 Old Stone Hwy, an “Old Stone Stroll” fundraiser will take place on May 16 from 3 to 6 p.m. Participants will get to tour six gardens belonging to historically and/or artistically significant properties along this most picturesque Springs road which are: the magnificent gardens of the Leiber Museum, the Nivola family compound, the Landing, and the properties now owned by Laurie Anderson (once the home of Saul Steinberg’s studio), Marcia Previti, Charlie Savage, and Peter Bickford and Greg McCarthy. Admission prices start at $50, which includes refreshments at St. Peter’s, and can be purchased in advance at the chapel’s office from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. or the day of the event at 2 p.m. Sounds like a delightful way to spend an afternoon!
Until next time, happy week all!
Staff Writer on May 11, 2015