Restructuring

I should have taken a "before picture" but I didn't. This little counter was covered with plants in several states of decline, all brought from my parent's house and therefore difficult to get rid of easily. I unloaded all but my mother's shamrock, and gave it new soil. I hope it doesn't die of the unaccustomed attention. The plants were surrounded by bowls and dishes of rocks, agates, fossils, and crystals heavily encrusted with plant parts and dust. Encrusted sounds so icky, but they were, being hidden under the plants. I am just one in generations of rock collectors, my youngest son got his degree in geology. Many of these agates I collected with my father from sand spits in the Willamette River. Then there were art supplies which couldn't be used or seen because of the crowding; paints, brushes (which remain), paper, glue, beads, pots for water, papers of assorted kinds. Absolutely no space to do anything with it. A nice table was shoved under the counter that the grandgirls and I used for painting. All but the table are now in the spare bedroom awaiting for another time of organization. The table is now fulfilling the purpose I bought it for, in the dining room with four ladder back chairs.

I ate breakfast here at this little counter this morning, sitting on one of the two wood stools I just bought for this and watching the rain pour down into my small back yard. Yellow leaves are falling off the backyard tree. I realized there had been no where to eat and just look outside. I don't think I will be reading through breakfast anymore. Probably better for the digestion. I suppose that means I'll be planting flowers again. Something to watch it the spring. I have a small table top easel which fits nicely on the counter when I'm inspired to. I tend to work small. It has made the kitchen a welcoming place.