I may be moving. My home is up for sale right now, and if we move, it will be close by.... 

I have to say that getting my home ready for sale has been a treat. Now, that may sound disgusting to those of you who live in FEAR of ever having to move...with all the organization and staging you'd have to do...you'd rather jump out the window. But, read on and learn WHY I am going to try to live in this state of transition for the rest of my life!

Here are some of the benefits I've received from having my home on the market:

I'm living in my home the way I've always wanted to...

• I'm cutting fresh roses and bringing them inside each day and arranging them in my vintage jars
• We're actually watering our annual flowers daily and maintaining two beautiful hanging baskets...things are looking better than just plain bark dust!
• I'm making my bed EVERY day
• I've purposely tried to keep the laundry below the tops of the hampers by doing a load every evening
• I'm opening the windows to the summer breeze and turning on the jazz music, so that it is wafting through my house along with the sweet smell of summer
• I'm viewing my home as a welcoming place of hospitality-in-a-hurry...I've always enjoyed having guests at any time, but now I'm proud to have people stop in at any time with no preparation

Best of all....my husband has found new inspiration....

• He is CLEANING UP AFTER HIMSELF EVERY DAY, including socks in the laundry, dishes washed and PUT AWAY, and even scrubbing the counters!
• I am finally getting my husband through his "honey-do" list...at least a third of it is done...and supplies have been purchased for the remaining projects!!!

And here's a testimonial: yesterday, a Realtor called and wanted to preview the home and I was ready for her visit in 5 minutes (other than my own appearance!)

Friends, please hear my heart on this topic...I'm not advocating living in sanitized perfection. Nor am I suggesting that you should really put your home on the market unless there's a very good reason...especially in this economy. What I AM noticing, though, is the delightful state of mind and home (and yes, some habit changes) that are taking place with our home up for sale.

I think that after my home sells (or not), I will picture the "for sale" sign in my yard and try to remind myself of fresh roses on the nightstand.

Whenever I need a good laugh, I like standing in the greeting card aisle and reading the funny cards. I have no problem breaking out in hysteria in public...and somehow it's even cathartic for me.

Recently I've had a lot of opportunities to buy greeting cards...Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays, sympathy, engagement, new baby...you name it and I've been in the market for the perfect card.

Like everyone else, I've noticed the skyrocketing price of cards (which makes me briefly and insanely consider making my own cards, but then quickly snap out of this Martha-moment in deference to reality). Yet, something else has also been laid on my heart as I stand there and read the heartfelt messages...

Have you ever tried to buy a card for someone, only to reject every one you pick up because the message didn't fit? Frankly, that person wasn't "always there for you," and they didn't always "show their support," or "make you feel special." Let's face it, sometimes it's hard to choose a card for someone (without feeling like a fake) because they haven't really lived up to your expectations.

I recently decided that I want to be a person that the really good greeting cards are about...Not that I want to live a sugary-sweet existence (anyone who knows me is having a good laugh right now) or that I expect people to say contrived things about me...but I want to live up to all that I'm capable of as a wife, as a mother, as a daughter, as a friend, and even as an employer/businesswoman. Let me be clear: I'm not saying I want to live for others' expectations of me (because heaven knows that would be exhausting and mis-directed). However, I do want to be a woman of heart, character, passion, intelligence, and diligence who is worthy of a heartfelt card.

When searching for a card for me, I don't want people to go through card after card, putting each one down, l ooking for another that says less so they don't have to feel dishonest.

As I aspire to live my true priorities and be worthy of the GOOD cards, will you aspire alongside me?

~Vicki

You know, this "going green" buzz phrase has gone a little far. People are using it to sell everything from clothes to homes these days. Sadly, for some it has become about adjusting our consumerism to products marked in a certain way rather than limiting it and being savvier about the choices we make.

Last weekend, I received the "new" crib from my girlfriend Jen. You would think it was right off the shelf. It had practically everything but the box it came in...there was a ziploc bag filled with spare parts and even the manual. Leave it to Jen to have filed away the manual and then reunite the manual with the item when giving it away...you can see why she's "my girl"!  While assembling it, my husband said, "I love getting all these great things from Jen, they are always in "like-new" condition!"

I was thrilled I didn't have to buy something new and she was happy to let it go to a good home. Plus, I didn't have to deal with all the packaging, boxing, and superfluous stuff that comes with store-bought items. Best of all, when I'm done with the crib, I will try to find another friend I can bless with this furniture. Now, that's giving well, practicing good stewardship, AND green living!

GIVING

1. Next time you have something you'd like to part with, ask around before tossing, recycling, or dropping it off at a donation center.
2. Send around an email to friends and family or your network and see if anyone is interested in your cast-offs.
3. Give well. Ensure that the item is clean and, if possible, re-unite it with its instructions and spare parts.

RECEIVING

1. Next time you need something for yourself, family, home, or business, clarify between "need, want, and desire." Do you really need to acquire something else that you will have to pay for, store, dust, insure, etc.?
2. When you are begin your search, check with your network first and then with Freecycle and Craig's List and any other re-purposing communitites in your area.
3. Receive well. Express your thanks. Resolve to be a good steward of your own belongings so you can bless others when you're ready to let go.

Here's to giving well!

~ Vicki