Craigslist Provision

I love the adventure of Craigslist, but even more so the thrill of crouching over the free list waiting to pounce on the thing I need. Recently I was keeping my eye out for a desk for my writing room, Ian's old bedroom, which he calls his ofiice. When what to my wandering eye should appear but a listing with no photo for glass topped desk, CD player, and small black bookshelves. I was apprehensive about the desk because I was looking for something particularly inspiring for my creative space, and some re-inventing of my most used spaces in the house. I had a creative volcano brewing and it was about to erupt in a re-decoration explosion.

Many times I don't even look at ads with no picture, and particularly when I am looking for my own specialized space. This time, I had been waiting so long that I went for it. I figured I would stuff as much into the minivan as I could and figure out the details later.

I was in the beginning stages of a mighty purge throughout every room of my house to get rid of clutter and things I could part with of every kind. I stayed up into the wee hours getting a second wind of energy as I breathed free air. Freedom from stuff is invigorating.

So as I drove to the Kent condo to find my treasure I was imagining the loot and how it would figure into my "F-reedecoration." Even as I loaded up I was reeling at my treasure! When I got home, however, nothing was quite fitting into the space I had envisioned. I let it sit a few days cleaned the surfaces and then TEAM ROYCE came to my rescue. Now I have a minimalist living room and a nice work space. My kitchen even got more organized and color coordinated. Interestingly enough I am still moving things a bit much to my four year old's dismay, "Why do you have to move things around??" He asks in an accusing tone. I reassure him I am just trying to get things to look nice and be convenient, work nicely for the family. He is unconvinced and a lover of status quo.

The CD player turned out to be a nice shelf system, that needed speaker wire, which happens to be one of Aaron's many specialties. After he wired it, it still wouldn't play. No big loss, it was free and unexpected. But then, he pulled out the screw driver to see if it was just a dirty crystal. Whoa! I didn't even know you were allowed to open them up, but in short order Aaron had cleaned the inside, put it back together and Rod Stewart was crooning classic American Songbook! This was better than I could've hoped for. Now I get up in the morning and with one-touch on the remote I have music to energize me for the day. And just down the hall I have a writing retreat. Now if I can just get connected to the internet in there.

Craigslist and Team Royce--unbeatable combo!