Addison Fox: Odds & Ends

I don’t know about you, but I often envision myself as the lone mess maker in a sea of immaculate, well-bred people whose home is always in order, purse is always clean and car is always clutter-free. I moved recently – a state which should have made my own personal disorder of books strewn about, papers cluttered on desktops and general state of disorder vanish – and I’ve yet to have that happen. Instead, I’ve still got one or two boxes in each room and a small pile on the dining room table I can’t seem to dismiss no matter how many times I look at it.

How does it happen?

And where – for the LOVE OF GOD, WHERE?? – does it all come from?

I don’t try to be messy. Nor am I particularly fond of collecting anything beyond books. Yet as I sit here typing this I am staring at a stack of mail, three cords that go to various electronics items, a lone light bulb and three old cassette tapes that have no home yet which I can’t seem to part with.

I’d like to say this is a new phenomenon, but sadly, my entire life I’ve been a clutterer. I’m clean – the house is cleaned each and every week like clockwork – but the piles are easily moved to dust and then go right back where they are. Why? Is there something in my personality that can’t quite part with things? Or is it something more? (As a writer I’m driven to ask myself this…and then attempt to force the trait on a poor, hapless heroine who would probably rather have a nice, neat clean desk!)

As I keep looking at the piles on my desk, my gaze also lands on a recent card from my aunt, a photo of my friend’s son who just graduated and a wine stopper given to me by another good friend. More clutter, to be sure, but signs of love and affection and warmth.

It’s in those small signs that I think I really understand why I’m more prone to clutter than the pristine beauty of empty desks and spotless tables. For all the mess it brings, clutter also brings those little reminders that we’re loved. Those quick clues and modest symbols that remind us that we get up every day, go out into the world, and bring small pieces of it back home with us.

So what about you? Are you in the clutter camp? And whether you are or are not, I’m open to any and all suggestions of how to manage the piles!!

Thanks for joining me today!
XO,
Addison



Despite early ambitions of being a diver, a drummer or a doctor, Addison Fox happily discovered she was more suited to life as a writer. She lives in New York and - thankfully - doesn't have to operate on anyone. You can find her at her home on the web at www.addisonfox.com. Her latest release, THE ROYAL SPY’S REDEMPTION, from Harlequin Romantic Suspense is on shelves now. You can visit her at her website at www.addisonfox.com