Make Room For New Stages and New Stuff

Rory and Lorelai.

I love that they are always shopping, acquiring stuff, saving stuff, and reminiscing as they look through their old stuff.  There are also periodically these times when they realize that they have to sort through it all and let some go to make room in their lives for new stages.  Remember when they had all the bags of stuff in their living room for the town rummage sale?  Watching them struggle to get rid of obsolete things that had memories attached perfectly captured what we all go through as we try to let go of things.   

It's a process and usually we just need to let go of a little at a time, just the things that have no value for us anymore.  Think of the scene when Rory walks into her room and her mom had taken down all the Harvard stuff and replaced it with Yale, allowing their lives to go in that new direction. 

But other times, it really is time to get rid of everything.  Remember when they are trying to clear out the garage and it's full of so much old stuff?  I love when Rory is so excited to see an old stuffed animal and then it starts moving because it's full of bugs or something.  Yuck!  They kept getting excited about things they saw in there until they realized it was all pretty worthless. 

It's seems so funny that they kept it in there for all those years, but really that's how most of us are too.  It's hard to let go, but look at what happened once they did.  They made room for new stages.  That garage, once emptied, became a new space which hosted Luke's boat, became a crafty place for Lorelai during a transitional period, and home to Lane's band; all passing but important stages.
   
Sort your stuff.  All the things we hold on to represent stages, people or issues we are also holding on to in our lives.  Don't hold on to things that have negative energy or memories associated with them.  Only keep things you love or that you use.  Keep things that represents who you are now and where you are headed.

Sometimes the best thing about sorting your stuff is that you find things that you do love, but have forgotten about.  Also, the more old obsolete stuff you get rid of, the more space you have to go find new things you love right now; a perfect excuse to go shopping!

Twinkle Lights, What More Can I Say?!

Atmosphere and mood. That is such a huge part of what we love about Stars Hollow.  It's beautiful.  It feels magical and romantic.  And I'm pretty sure the millions of twinkle lights are a big part of it.  Any soft lighting really, can have that effect on a space.  Chinese lanterns, paper bags with votive candles, fairy lights.  Even a few soft glowing candles in the kitchen in the evening creates a little magic. 

Get creative.  Start to notice places and ways you could build a little mood by changing the lighting.  We love the mood that is created in Stars Hollow, so we need to start learning ways to create that type of mood in our own surroundings.

Maybe hang twinkle lights around your garden?  

Add a little sparkle and wonder to YOUR Stars Hollow by creating what you love!  And take time to thank the people and businesses that already create this type of beauty and atmosphere in your own community to make sure it continues.


Followups to this post: Followup to Twinkle Lights

Snuggle In at Home - but not for too long

I just woke up to a rainy, cool, overcast day and I immediately thought of the Gilmore Girls in sweaters and bunny rabbit slippers curled up in blankets on the couch.  Just like we've talked about enjoying yourself when you're out, we need to enjoy ourselves at home too.  Take time for comfort, and I don't mean always just plopping mindlessly down in front of the television.  I'm talking about actively creating comfort, meaning doing things to make yourself more comfortable.

Dim the lights, or open the blinds and let the sunshine in, depending on your mood.

Make yourself hot cocoa and sit somewhere relaxing while you enjoy it.

Light a candle. 

Or open a window and let a fresh breeze blow in.

Enjoy being at home; make it someplace you really enjoy.  Change the things you don't like about it.  Make it your little safe haven.  Simple things really do make a difference; a really loved blanket on the couch to cuddle up with when you sit down. 

Set up a little corner where you can read, write, study or get on the internet with everything you need within arms reach.  Wear comfortable clothing while you're at home.  Occasionally go out with the sole purpose of buying something to make your home more lovable to you.

A soft rug maybe?  Beautiful flowers?  Something abstract and fun that makes you laugh? (Think--Lorelai's Monkey Lamp.  For me, it's my oversized purple glass grapes!)

I always loved that quilt hanging on the wall at the bottom of the stairs in Lorelai's house.  She's always running up and down the stairs and I always notice how homey it feels. 

Snuggle in at home while you're there.  Design it, adjust it and decorate it with your likes, dislikes and habits in mind.  Lorelai hated washing dishes so she found a system to minimize dishes as much as possible (e.g. ordering takeout and using plastic and paper).  Make your home work for you.  Snuggle in and enjoy it there. 

Parting note:  Snuggle in, but not for too long!  Gilmore Girls are always off doing and become, so just enjoy yourself while you're there and then be ready to get going again.  You know, take a walk, explore your own town, frequent "your" places.   

It's the little moments that make all the difference! 

Welcome to your own house in  your own Stars Hollow.