The only thing better than having a yard sale is the day after, when everything is cleaned up and there is more space in the house, garage and basement. Should you think for a single second that I am a minimalist and like my spaces to be barren of all clutter, I have a few things to share. First, this is my desk top
which could be construed as a mess of clutter but is in reality a lifetime of memento's neatly arranged under glass. The desk itself is a partner's size kneehole desk....huge, vintage and very sturdy with lots of drawers. I found it at an estate sale 15 years ago and it has been in a few different rooms in our house, finally landing in my little alcove in our shared office/lounge. The top was in questionable condition, and at first I considered painting it or refinishing, and then I realized that a piece of glass, cut to order would coral my memories while giving me room to add new items. It also makes me smile when I run my eyes over the years of this and that making up different parts of my life.
The office has turned out to be a real haven for me. Comfy couch, lots of space for DVD's collected over the years and a TV to enjoy those Yankee games and movies. Baskets have been my second go to source to help coral the clutter. The table under the TV was found at a different estate sale and is perfect for organizing all of the baskets.
Leaving you with a photo sent to me via phone from my husband from Lyon France. Perfect for Blue Monday, and oh how beautiful...handbags have always been my downfall, however, in this case (lets say very expensive) the picture is appreciated more than the bag would be.
Linking this post to Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday, Little Red House for Mosaic Monday, and Smiling Sally for Blue Monday.
♥, Susan
Hope you had a good yard sale! Interlaken was a dud for me...but I think I was exercising self control after seeing that my friend Jim managed to fill his trunk with 'treasures.' (He scared me straight, lol!)
Posted by: laura @ the shorehouse | May 22, 2011 at 02:19 PM
What a sweetie your husband is, to send you a photo of expensive, French handbags! Some things are better dreamed than experienced!
I love the idea of the piece of glass on the desk top - brilliant.
Posted by: Pondside | May 22, 2011 at 05:37 PM
It is always nice to clear the clutter. I also like using baskets for various things. They do come in handy. Great post.
Posted by: Eileen | May 22, 2011 at 05:39 PM
Garage sales are so satisfying, aren't they? Nice mosaic and I enjoyed the blue purses! Maybe he will bring one home ....
Posted by: dotsie (aka podso) | May 22, 2011 at 05:41 PM
I enjoy cleaning the clutter because then I get to mess it up all over again. I have been using glass or plexiglass on desk top for years. It is a fabulous way to show up your pictures. We can no longer have glass on school desks because of the “danger.”Plexiglass works just fine.
Posted by: Genie Robinson | May 22, 2011 at 05:47 PM
Oh what a wonderful idea for using your memories to decorate! I have seen people do that for a birthday party -- putting the pictures under a clear plastic tablecloth...
Posted by: mary | May 22, 2011 at 05:49 PM
Garage sales are fun ... for everyone! Nice husband ... is he going to bring back one of those lovely bags??!!!!! Have a great week.
Posted by: Snap | May 22, 2011 at 05:49 PM
How sweet that he took a photo for you :) I love your desk, very cool! Great post, glad you made room. I need to do that one of these days!
Posted by: Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook | May 22, 2011 at 05:58 PM
How sweet of your hubby to take a picture that he knew you'd enjoy. Love the idea of using the desk and a glass top to create this special mosaic of memories.
Posted by: Vee | May 22, 2011 at 06:06 PM
Well how thoughtful of hubby to send you that photo! Congrats on completing your garage sale and getting rid of some clutter :0)
Posted by: ellen b | May 22, 2011 at 07:10 PM
I hope you had a good yard sale, Susan!
Your study looks so comfortable and neat. I love your idea to top the desk with glass and put memorabilia underneath like a giant collage of life!
Posted by: Pat | May 22, 2011 at 07:27 PM
I love your desktop. I think I would start daydreaming though and reliving memories and would never get anything done...lol. Those bags!!! Wowza! Love them!
Posted by: Alicia @ Titere con Bonete | May 22, 2011 at 08:01 PM
What a wonderful idea to make a collage under glass of momentos to cammouflage the damaged top!
Posted by: Mary | May 23, 2011 at 02:46 AM
Lovely cozy spot to work and relax. V
Posted by: Valerie | May 23, 2011 at 03:19 AM
Wonderful idea for a desk to. Mom did this with her coffee table and placed all family pics there. Well done!
Posted by: Cathy | May 23, 2011 at 04:05 AM
Good for you, your done with your garage sale. I haven't start purging yet. And yes, those blue bags are awesome, it's for my eyes only ^_^
Indigo bunting
Posted by: Manang Kim,usa | May 23, 2011 at 05:34 AM
Congrats on the sale. Isn't it the best feeling? I am sooo overdue for one. Great idea on the collage too. Jane
Posted by: Jane F @ Atticmag | May 23, 2011 at 05:54 AM
Hope your yard sale went well. Love the expensive bags, they are nice to look at :)
Posted by: abeachcottage | May 23, 2011 at 06:03 AM
Laura, I never even went out to look at what others were selling...there is nothing like preparing for a sale to set you straight as to whether you need more stuff. I expect that will wear off pretty quickly though and I will be back at it in the very near future ;)
Posted by: susan ericson | May 23, 2011 at 06:03 AM
Clearing the clutter,great idea I need to clean out some out-buildings round here.
I love handbags and shoes too.These handbags are gorgeous,but I'll bet they sure are expensive!...Come for visit!
~JO
Lazy on Loblolly
Posted by: Jo | May 23, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Oh, Susan, I'm drooling over those blue purses! Thanks for sharing your blues.
Happy Blue Monday.
Posted by: Sally | May 23, 2011 at 06:13 AM
Yard sales are fun. I'm thinking of having one soon. Love your idea for the top of your desk ... Memories every to e you look at it.
Posted by: Crafty Gardener | May 23, 2011 at 07:42 AM
Oh my... what a great idea. I can't wait to rush home (I'm in Mexico right now) and begin my project of favorite pics and other keepsakes under glass on the desk I inherited from my late father.
Also.. the blue! Love it. If you visit my blog you'll see lots of blues at a wonderful party we went to Saturday night here in Mexico. Blue was everywhere! Love it... ooops. Think I already said that.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Posted by: Karen | May 23, 2011 at 08:09 AM
At least among all your clutter, you managed to find a pretty blue showing. I would not like those bags for myself.
Posted by: LaVoice | May 23, 2011 at 01:23 PM
Hello Susan, thanks for your visit today. I love seeing your comments on my posts.
Your desk is perfect with the glass. Kind of like organized clutter. HA! I have been accused of that for years by my friend Beverly, at Pink Sat.
Mexico, how fun. I love the blue handbags. I know the feeling of getting rid of things via Good will or a yard sale.
Hugs, Jeanne
Posted by: jeanne | May 23, 2011 at 04:43 PM
I have to take time every so often to clean the clutter, too! It all of a sudden bothers me! heehee! And those handbags...oh my! That is my weakness! I have never seen such pretty blue bags! WOW! ♥
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | May 23, 2011 at 04:51 PM
At first glance I thought that was how your handbags were organized! Nancy H
Posted by: Porch Days | May 23, 2011 at 08:44 PM