Clearing the Way For New Ideas
Did you ever hear the saying, "A clean desk is the sign of a sick mind?" Don't believe it.
Not going to lie, I collect things.
Too many things, to tell the truth. And I decided it’s time to clear some of it away.
It all started last week when I painted the unused fireplace in my piano studio. Here, a picture is worth a thousand words…






The space brightened, and lightened, and improved my mood. Now I walk in there just to get a good dose of calm, feel-good energy! I love it so much, I wanted the same feeling in my office, in my writing space.
However, my writing office is another story. It has become a depository for all these collections of … things. Candle holders, books, bird cages, framed photos, skulls, crystals, plants, music books, journals, empty and full (not just mine…), Ball jars, office supplies, and so much more.
As I prepare to turn the page on this chapter of my life, I decided to clear away some of the clutter to give my brain room to concentrate. Sweeping changes in my publishing life demanded a space where I can focus, write, and create without a lot of distraction.
Change has been a long time coming.
Years ago, I inherited two grand pianos from my grandmother. They were her legacy. I was honored and every day I feel blessed for this gift. However, along with them came twenty or more boxes of music that she acquired over the ages. Some dated back to 1903. It took years to sort it all out. Much of it was useful. But there was a lot there—two piano concertos way beyond my ability filled two boxes—that I would never use. I donated several boxes, and (yikes) threw about 50 pounds of rotting unsalvageable music into the recycle bin.
Later, I became the record keeper of my grandmothers things and another wave of boxes arrived at my home. Photos, paperwork, more music. Her diaries and her treasures ended up with me. I eventually took it to Ball State University where the Ball family archives are kept. And if you’re looking for photos and information about our branch of the Ball family (William C. Ball) you can now find her records in their online Ball State resource center. And thank goodness, they are out of my storage rooms.
When my mom passed a few years ago, I became her record keeper, too. Of course it was a labor of love. I cherish her things as if they were my own. She didn’t leave as much of a legacy as my grandmother, but I loved her. Having her things made me feel like she was somehow closer.
But seriously?
How much stuff can one person collect? I’m not a hoarder. So I looked around my office and I’m purging. I’m making way for new projects, writing a new book. And it feels good.
If you’re looking for ideas for your unused fireplace… Here’s what I’ve done with the one in my office.


And back to the original quote- “A clean desk is the sign of a sick mind.”
Don’t believe it. If your desk is cluttered, you’re working. If you have piles of things, lists, pens, notebooks, file folders and other tools scattered across your workspace, it means you’re being productive. It means you spend time at your desk. But sometimes clearing away the detritus of so many projects will open up the space in your mind for something new.
Share your thoughts in the comments below. As always, I’d love to connect with you.
Nice job of cleaning out and making your fireplaces look good. This winter your can sit down with a cup of tea, a good book. and a warm fire.
Your knack for decorating is superb!