Not in our house!

Our motto: Be ready for whomever, whenever

I had a brief encounter at a bakery. The middle aged woman chatted about how her grandmother got dressed up every single day--no matter what. Her young assistant said, "That's too much. If I'm not going anywhere, I stay in my pajamas all day long."

I veer strongly toward that grandmother. Not dressed up everyday, but mostly ready for whomever, whatever, whenever.

I grew up in a super social household. My mom and my aunt who lived across the hall both created warm, welcoming environments that brought a slew of visitors to our homes. Our doorbell seemed always to ring on Friday and Saturday evenings and on Sunday afternoons. We'd have no clue who waited on the other side of the door. One of us would trot downstairs to find distant cousins, hometown friends, coworkers, and friends.. They knew we'd be company ready. There were drinks, an easy meal, or good conversation to be had. My friends picked up on the vibe and would also drop by unannounced.

We got up, had coffee and breakfast, got dressed--generally with eyeliner, a bit of lipstick, and earrings. I've kept that habit all these years. Otherwise I feel naked, like the day hasn't really begun. The only time I'm bare faced and not dressed is if I'm really sick....which rarely happens. The Belcher tribe lounged in real clothes, and I expect I'll always be that way.

At the point that I start buying and lounging in pajamas will be a sign that I've shifted somehow. I can't imagine whether that will be for better or worse; but it will definitely be a departure from family tradition.

I wonder what habits have been imprinted on others. How many have family ways that have lingered, for better or worse?

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Plan your steps for a new year

By Angela Belcher Epps • January 10, 2022

It's the 10th of January. That's how long it took to set the stage for a productive new year. It's easy to set some intentions and imagine a brand-new start. However, without some serious mulling and planning, those intentions will fade and fall by the wayside as you tackle your daily tasks. I knew I'd need to prepare my environment to support my intentions of 1) revising a novel in a number of months, and 2) developing a new writing workshop. These are the steps I've taken: 1) I cleared out clutter. I relaxed and looked around my office to determine what I really needed to keep and what could go. There were some things that could stay but be stored out of sight. In two days, I totally minimized distractions from my workspace. 2) I replaced some items. Having space around me clears my mind. Somehow, I'd wound up with a huge lounger and an enormous worktable. I found two small desks to replace the large one, and suddenly my workspace is more efficient. It now only holds my laptop, a notebook, and a cup of tea. Just what I need to focus. And there's floor space to get down and do yoga if I want. 3) I set new priorities and devised a simple workplan. Nothing poisons progress quicker than thinking we can do everything. There are limited supplies of time and energy. I decided what I'll work on/accomplish two to six months out. That sets boundaries for the other things I can take on--whether professionally or socially. By being realistic about what I can actually do, I won't burn myself out then wind up on the sofa doing nothing. Let me know how you're preparing for peace and productivity in the new year ?