Because It's Sustainable

The road to minimalism is not the kind of trip that has an end. Even if you set a goal, there's going to be another goal. For example: I've sold all my old comicbooks because it didn't spark joy. But after a while, I suddenly think some others comicbooks I'd like to keep starts to give me shivering feeling of clutter-existence. And...looking back, I don't read them often.

So I sell more comicbooks.

Then I tried my father's comicbook collection and, BAM!, there are even MORE comicbooks than I expected, and 80% of them are left unread. Or, at least, not again.

Soon after, I took a little look at my mother's drawers and found another clutter to give up on! And, my father's digital files...compact discs, (another) books & exhibition catalogues...OH MAN. I'm living in a storage room! 

If Salju represents the feeling of living in a storage room, well here it is. But she's quite happy between the bushes, anyway.

But don't worry. Since there's no deadline in this journey, I'm doing this very naturally and by enjoying the proccess (and loving the result). Have you ever feel exhausted with your own clutter?

A Little Nostalgia...

...to the era when I had some effort to tuck in my blouse to an unfitted midi skirt made of polyester. And took a pose for a beautiful OOTD. It's not even more beautiful to be seen now, hahaha. 

Nice place, tho'. 

In that era, I used to love wearing stocking, fancy skirts, and uncomfortable oxford/flat shoes. I don't know how I survived...but yeah, it's fun at that moment. To experiment with different shades of lip colours, shoes, skirts, chiffon blouses, fancy bags, etc. ! 

These two photos were taken by my brother. The first one: 2014. Hahahaha. Good angle, still! But look at my facial expression! What is THAT?!

I transformed myself into an effortless tee dress person in 2017.  Standing awkwardly, but yet happy. And I smiled--the best thing was that I look positive and not craving for some attention. 

Tho' I shop less and I have no more catchy novelty bags, hey, it feels better now. 

Not trying to impress people with the way I dress (or, something I wear!).

More liberty in mind, more beauty to be cultivated inside the soul. Ceileh lebay. But, bener lho! 

Pardon my mixed language, lol.

 

Cured by The Sea and Salju Meong

In this busy society, we really need to sit down and relax. I had an amazing weekend at the Pangandaran Beach and Citumang River with awesome friends. And lately, I've been using my crystals effectively. I let my aquamarine stone sits down on the desk on the small plant pot, I hang my rose quartz on the window of my bedroom, and I put lapis lazuli + black onyx under the pillow for a better night sleep and the feeling of being protected, or in case my dream would be vivid and clear or contains a life clue. 

I think if I have to decorate my house, I'd like to use crystal clusters. They're going to adjust the vibe, fix the aura, and maybe bring some luck!  

But for a while, I'm feeling peaceful and happy. With ongoing garage sale, projects, and suuuurely a lot of music sheets to practice. LOL. 

FYI, I have only 32 pieces of daily clothing now. It includes tops, bottoms, and outerwear. 

How great is that? 

Meanwhile, some pieces are on sale at huraya garage sale. 

Please visit and take a look in case something catch your attention! ;)

Anyway, here's Salju yawning. 

What you usually do to slow down the presto life? 

Adding a ritardando? :p

Happy 4 Years, Huraya Garage Sale !

Since I’ve started my online garage sale huraya, I’ve been decluttering and expanding in my house. The realization about the amount of stuff that my family actually needs vs possess is actually...so shocking.
This is my surprised face, represented by Salju Meong:

Yeah, that much surprised. Anyway, I can't believe the garage sale is still going on and every month there's something sold--but still there's so many stuff inside shelves and drawers...how much clutter do my household have actually?  I started at 2014 with only my personal kitsch (such as clothing pieces and accessories), then my supervibes actually invited more products from my parents and brother. More books, more clothes, more random things! The toys, the sculpture, the...I-don't-even-know-how-to-call-that.

when I realize that there are still a stack of book and wallets and jacket and toys haven't been adopted, yea

Honestly, I feel so tired with all those stuff sometimes I want to leave it alone and go to sleep. But, hey, giving up is such a sin (contextually, not biblical-based, off course).

Seeing my desk be like: At least now my desk can be invaded by an adult cat without makin' a mess! Alright. Go on with the garage sale ! 
Through Huraya, I've found many new friends (I'm a kind of person who do Cash On Delivery, tho'), another 'zen' space at home, and knowing clearly what sparks joy, and what doesn't. I also save a lot of effort to shop! Because I know shopping without any intention can be dangerous for the breathing space. Lol.


Decluttering has changed my life, my mind, and I believe everything is placed on the right time! 
Belakangnya nggak nyambung. 

I still have books, both fiction and nonfiction--well, even a lesson book. Some books, we donated 'em to another island with POS Indonesia's free shipping program. We have many in our hands, and thankfully I've colonialized other area that was untouchable: my father's bookshelf. With 80% stuff he had forgotten having. So. Meh. A little bit sneezing won't be a waste if in the future the house will be cleaner, healthier, and we'll become more mindful humanbeings. Not a materialistic one. Not keeping our happiness inside a useless stuff or two (or two hundred).

Beside books, we offer you clothing pieces ( a few ), action figures, unique sculpture, etc. Many things!

By the way, here's Salju with a pink ribbon. She's not feeling well yesterday, I think it's the extreme heat and the racing wind in the nigh. She's better today (after rejecting breakfast 8 hours ago, but she had lunch beautifully, so...), she's just running around to catch a mouse but failed, lol.

 
 

There are More Important Things Rather Than Collecting Treasure

Life is too precious to be spent collecting clutters.

You shop for hours, you browse uneccessary stuff until your legs are stiff. Fulfilling our desire to possess everything. And, ironically, followed with a stress of maintaining it.

Meanwhile, there are the beautiful nature and beloved friends outside.

To be embraced, to be adored.

So, which one do you choose? :)

 ..and anyway,

if you know your source of products, you might want to stop.

since some of the industry is cruel to the nature/animals.

and we're the one who can change the cycle.

Salju is growing...fat.

Zoom In, Salju!

I am too passionate about taking photographs of animals. In this case, Salju. She's so interesting! 

Look at her eyes! (iya sih belekan, belom dibersihin)

Look at her big ears!

And her unique colour! 

Love love, Salju. :D 

Salju in The Garden

Salju was helping Mama with gardening. 

She was strolling around, not doing anything, but reacted excitedly to random toys. 

Hello, Salju! Have you got enough meal today?

Si Rewel

One important thing about Si Rewel is: 

Don't underestimate her unfriendly face! 

 Because, behind her preman-like acts, 

hiding a fluffy creature...

...who adores cuddling...

...and armpit (?) rub. 

mmmm...yeaaahhhh, a little bit more left, if you don't mind?

Salju

A few weeks ago, I met this young cat near Klan Bakjer's area. I had a little play session with her then she followed me through to the house. 

So I officially named her 'Salju'. I met her a lot--she's always around the neighbourhood--especially my house. Sometimes she climbs a tree and fails to go down so I have to guide her. 

She finds me every morning. And thankfully I have food in my hand. 

But funny, she's never satisfied only with meals. She wants to play after that! 

Stay healthy, Salju. I'm taking care of you. :D  

A Voyage to A Tropical Flower Garden

It's been a while...a loooong while since my last product review. OMG what is a product review?? Since I don't want to trigger anyone to shop more or anything else, I'm not making reviews.

Starting now, I name this session "A Happy Tale of ... ". It consists of beautiful things I found during my minimalistic life. This is not a post to make you feel like buying a new product. It should be like that. But it's all in your choice.

So this post is about a roll-on perfume. Yeap! I usually prefer spray bottle, but they're expensive--talkin' about some organic/natural fragrance around.

A HAPPY TALE of ONESELF ORGANICS Perfume 

I bought the organic perfume with a brand called Oneself last year when I was in Singapore. I had one pleasing holiday. And because it's Singapore, I have one big scheme about going to Bud Cosmetics where organic / natural toiletries products remain. I always have a visit everytime I go. Hee-hee. Out of that fact,  I think it's my first time of buying a toiletries product without searching for a review before. Lol. But maybe, it's just because I've commited to go to Bud Cosmetics, so I feel like I have to find something precious...and I got myself this tiny little fragrance.

Because literally, I had no fragrance at all. Not even a cheap cologne.

ANYWAY. What I reaally love about this perfume is:
1. It's natural. No artificial fragrance.
2. It's petite. I can bring this bottle everyday in my backpack or small sling bag.
3. It's floral. Like, truly, floral. Without hints of sandalwood or musk or anything weird. So gentle, so lasting, sweet but not yucky. It lingers around on the skin and pulse points. And sometimes to my clothing pieces.
4. It's 10ml but I've been using it for 10 months and it's still purposeful--at least, I have 1 mm last drop of it now. 

SADLY.
1. It's rare and it's expensive.
2. If the cap is not being closed tightly, it's spilling out, but if it's too tight, it's so difficult to open the bottle!

But, it's still 8,999 out of 10 for me. I can smell this all day long without sneezing or any counteracting reaction! :D

Hey, March!

Haven't written anything since...I don't know. The beginning of the month? 

Too busy with...things that happen. 

People who passed away, chores to do, packages to send, clutter to shoo, rehearsals to attend. 

Well, the photo above, it's an old photo. Around 2014 I guess. I'm questioning myself now: How did you survive that messy, full desk, Ningrum? I survived anyway. I made goodness out of it. But thinking with my recent point of view, I'll surely feel stuffy if I have to work on that space. 

Hahahaha. Anyway. Thankfully, I'm here. With less uneccessary clutter around me. Horray! 

 My soft pastels.

Honestly, I have no idea: 

when will I use those beautiful media on my artworks? 

But I'm feeling like keeping 'em. 

D'you think? 

I think I need this layered crepe cake somehow. 

And the vibe. And the taste. 

So random. 

Here's a random Mozart chocolate. I'm studying one of his piano sonata. 

Hey Mozart, the easy-going Aquarian. 

Sadly you have a short life. 

 

Rewel.

Rewel in Indonesian means 'grumpy'.

It's not pronounced like 'towel' but more like 'ray-well'. 

Sinar sumur. HAHA. 

I met this furry persona before my orchestra rehearsal, 

turned up, she's super duper annoying. She keeps meow-ing even after a bowl of cat food! 

Anyway, 

she has a lovely side, tho'. 

And I love her rewel-ness.

Happy Monday, folks! 

How's your day going? 

I'm cleaning up my desk. 

Sorting out painting brushes, multi-surface used papers, old stack of sketch, books, etc. 

And preparing for another exam and concerts. 

Eating grapes and banana. Waiting for mangoes and avocadoes to be ripe.

Jatuh Cinta

Jatuh cinta means 'falling in love' in Indonesian.

Source of Unhappiness is Just A Point of View

It's such an enlightement. Ugh.
I've finally discovered that, actually, humanbeing is conditioned to be unhappy, as soon as they grow up and being labeled 'adult'.

Or even as a teenager, following the education system in Indonesia.

Here's why:

As an adult, we're being blamed for everything we are. 
"You are lazy when you're young, that why your life is ruined now."

Reality is: time is relative and you can release all the effects if you want. Even if you have a dark, lousy childhood, or you failed at school, or you lost a lot of friends, hey, you can always get a new pal, you can turn the light on and smile! You're not your circumstances. Go ahead, make any change you want!

We're restricted and being asked to limit ourselves. 
"Now live your life, have a job, gain money, get married, raise a child or two, send them to school, make them successfull. Don't dream too high, you're already 30."
Actually: NO ONE HAS ANY RIGHT TO CLOSE YOUR OPPORTUNITIES! You're 40 and suddenly after a stellar movie marathon, you want to be an astronaut. Then, be it. Just remember, greater things come with greater responsibilities. ;) 

Be fake. Be stress. Be difficult.
"Maintain your image. Have a great attitude, be cool. Follow the rules and trends, be safe. Mind your joke, mind your words. Don't cry, try to smile even if you're sad."
Are you insane? Should you always hold your tears and never burst laughing, well, a psychologic therapy will help you, pffft. Seriously, people? If you always try to be safe and secure, be a robot and live in the cave. Be authentic. Wear bright polkadots even if all adults around you are wearing sleek linen blouse in pastel colours. Because you're nothing without your you-ness! And, express your feeling! Don't stop crying just because you're a male. Don't hesitate to speak your mind just because you're a wife. Or so. That's too complex for a happy life. 

Don't be childish. 
"Grow up. Stop listening to kid's folksong and don't watch Barney. Don't read all those illustrated science books. Pay your bills and decide what to do in the future!" 
Hey. Everyone needs a cure and relaxation. And, anyway, if you stay stressfull about the future, nothing good is coming to you. Really. Let me say that, actually, you need A LOT of childhood's media's exposure. In the end, they are mostly talk about loving people, loving yourself, and manners. Because adult has lack of manner and kindness.

Oh, geez. Now I know why I'm always attracted to kid's products. Because they're colourful and bright. And why adults are so frustated? Culture has separated adulthood and childhood as a prison. Like, you'll lose your freedom and authenticity. You don't have to! Be healthy, people! Be HAPPY !

Anyway. Happy February 1st ! 
 

  

My Superpowders

Name these items! What are they?  

TA-DA !

They're my superpowder team ! 

It's my toothpaste, my dry shampoo, my weekly face mask, and, oh, actually, I forgot to take a picture of the other superpowder : my deodorant! 

The deodorant that literally only consists of...pure baking soda. Single ingredient product, huh? ;) 

Yet, it's even more effective than all deodorants in store! 

Anyway, talking about the others: 

My toothpaste is baking soda & activated charcoal mixed up into a powdery weapon. Add a little water or dip a wet toothbrush into it and you'll get a proper toothbrushing experience. No foam. But, no fluoride and parabens and such, too. 

Dry shampoo was made of cornstarch and cacao powder. That's all! And whenever I feel greasy on my crown (read as: black jungle on the head), just use a kabuki brush to apply. It works like magic !

Face mask? Yes. From rhassoul clay! Sometimes I add up a little sprinkle of activated charcoal to clean up my blackheads. Yes, it is actually give an impact, y'know. Bye, pore pack era ! 

By the way, here's a picture of city reality : 

 

(feeling guilty? no? yes?)

Lupi Lupi

I met this sugar-sugar at a university field where I have to attend a sectional viola rehearsal. Anyway, she is sooooo playful that morning, and magically I successfully captured proper pictures of her! :D

So, I named her Lupi Lupi (with no specific background, as usual) and just wanna share the happiness of meeting her yesterday! ;D

Why Being Vegetarian Means A Lot of Fun

Years passed me by so quickly.
Counting again, it's been my 3rd vegetarian years. Well, not a flawless period, folks. I've switched from pescaterian, to ovolacto, now ovo. But still, need more effort to avoid terasi (shrimp-based) and such.

But anyway, I'd like to share some...fun moments during the time. Here's why being vegetarian equals happier life: 

Because, firstly, you're a bit further than guilt. If you started from guilt of supporting animal murder, yea, the very important feeling you'll notice is: you're not feeling that much guilty again.  In the transition, sure, you'll still cry over an incidental chicken broth in your veggie soup, or you'll miss a taste of crispy salami on your pizza, or rendang...BUT, get going and enjoy more and more happiness from stop eating living animals! You know what that means? PEACE! Peace in your soul. Really.
 

Two. Decided to eat only plantbased food is a challenge! Honestly saying: ONE BIG CHALLENGE. But, don't worry. You'll have many games to play, here are some examples:

1. Vege-meals seeking at wedding receptions 
Oh, mashed potato! Ah...mixed with bacon. 
Oh, nasi timbel! Hey...ikan asin. 
Oh, fried rice! Ah, bakso around.  
(eats only plain rice with some sprinkle of bellpeppers from sapi lada hitam, and a cup of es teler plus buah potong, buying mie tektek with no chicken after the party)  

2. Trying to explain how you want your pasta to cook to a waiter: 
"Without meat, please."
"But with sausage, right?"
"No, no sausage."
"What about meatfloss?"
"Oh, well, OK, I'm a vegetarian."
"Aah! I see. Is fish okay for you?"
Actually, I was so frustated with this kind of situation, at the beginnings. But slowly I've changed my perception about the tiring dialogue. It's actually silly, and funny. So why don't you just smile and speak softly? Don't make people think that vegetarians are annoying!

3. Telling your family / friends that you're a veggie one
"Mama, I love your ayam rica-rica, but I can't eat this any longer."
(Mother is nodding but, maybe, a little bit sad...) 
"Ow, we're going to KFC!?" 
(thinking hardly about what to eat besides french fries) 

Well, this is just a fun article anyway. Please don't put in too deeply into your heart, and no offensiveness, I wish. :D

Happy Sunday!