I just gave some of my surfaces in my room a wipe to get the dust out, and if you’re wondering about the gaps between the spokes of an electric fan, I’m getting an air duster with a high rpm.

Whatever can’t be wiped off can be blown off!

That should make my room more breathable.

#cleaning #dusting #springcleaning #cleanup

Woot, I am finally getting on that sorting of ancient records and relatively new ones...I shredded things that are from 2000, which are irrelevant these days. I shredded enough to nearly overheat the shredder, so I'm letting it cool down for a bit.

One of my document folders is now empty and next the other one needs a good cleaning.

Getting rid of super old tax returns, most of my recent ones are PDFs so that will help save on physical space.

#SpringCleaning

Currently spring cleaning.

Some of you people do this *every year*?!

#SpringCleaning

Celebrate the Spring Equinox: Rituals for Renewal

The spring equinox, also known as the vernal equinox, heralds the vibrant arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere with a spectacular display of natural beauty. This year, on March 20, we will witness this moment when the sun gracefully crosses the celestial equator, moving from the southern skies to the northern realm. It ushers in a sense of balance, as daylight and darkness dance harmoniously across our planet, inviting us to embrace the rejuvenating energy and endless possibilities that this season offers.

Vernal Equinox Importance:

• Cultural Significance: Many cultures embrace the arrival of the spring equinox, holding festivals and rituals that beautifully honor renewal, fertility, and the shifting of seasons. Among these cultural celebrations is the Persian New Year (Nowruz), which marks the first day of spring and is celebrated by millions across the globe. Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, involves various traditions such as setting the Haft-Seen table, symbolizing hope and rebirth, and visiting family and friends. This vibrant festival includes activities like feasting, dancing, and cultural performances, inviting reflection, joy, and a fresh start for everyone.
• Astronomical Concept: The equinoxes occur twice a year, with the other being the autumn equinox in September. During an equinox, the Earth’s axis is tilted neither toward nor away from the sun, resulting in a balanced day and night.
• Nature and Agriculture: Spring is a time for planting and growth in many regions, and it signals a change in animal behavior with increased activity and reproduction. As the days become longer and warmer, farmers prepare their fields, sowing seeds that will soon sprout into crops, while animals emerge from their winter dormancy, engaging in various mating rituals and nurturing their young, heralding the promise of new life and a bountiful harvest ahead.

The spring equinox symbolizes a beautiful time of change, hope, and a fresh start in nature and our communities. On this special day, we can gently embrace simple rituals that help us reconnect with nature and our true selves, fostering a sense of peace and renewal.

The Joy of Spring

As the days begin to warm, I find myself craving sunlight on my skin, fresh air flowing through my windows, and the vibrant colors of spring blooming around me. The desire to refresh my home with deep cleaning and decluttering grows stronger as I envision the spaces filled with light and organization. I can almost hear the gentle rustle of leaves outside, inviting me to toss open the shutters and let the world in. Each corner of my home beckons for attention, urging me to clear out the remnants of winter to create a sanctuary that reflects the new beginnings of the season. This annual ritual becomes a cathartic process, both physically and mentally, as I let go of the clutter and make room for new memories. With every item I sort through, I feel a sense of renewal, a reawakening of my spirit as I embrace the freshness of spring and breathe life into my living space.

Incorporating small rituals into your life can effect a tremendous change. These mindful acts allow us to deeply touch the moment and appreciate this beautiful existence rife with the miraculous. By engaging in these practices, we create anchors throughout our day that can ground us in the present, fostering a sense of peace and mindfulness amidst the chaos of life.

Simple Rituals to Celebrate the Spring Equinox at Home

In addition to the meditation below, these rituals can help you connect more deeply with the spirit of the spring equinox, reinforcing themes of growth, balance, and renewal in your life. As you engage in these practices, you may embrace the awakening nature around you, feeling inspired to cultivate new beginnings and let go of the weight of old habits. The rituals serve as a bridge to the sacred energy of the season, inviting a harmonious flow into your daily experiences as you align yourself with the vibrant pulse of life emerging all around.

Revitalize Your Space

This is also a good time to enrich your home environment with a sacred space for journaling, meditation, reading, or other devotional practices that nurture your spirit and promote mindfulness. By dedicating a specific area in your home, you create an inviting sanctuary where you can retreat from the demands of daily life, allowing you to immerse yourself in peace and reflection. Consider incorporating soft lighting, comfortable seating, and elements that inspire you, such as plants, crystals, or meaningful artwork. This thoughtful arrangement not only enhances your overall well-being but also encourages you to cultivate a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.

Exploring Further

For a guided journey to create your own unique Sacred Space, explore our offering, Creating Sacred Space, where you will discover insightful techniques and practices that encourage mindfulness and intentionality. This course aims to guide you in selecting the perfect elements, colors, and items that resonate with your personal spirit, helping you cultivate an environment that nurtures peace and creativity. As you delve deeper, you will learn to harness the energy of your surroundings, transforming ordinary spaces into extraordinary sanctuaries for meditation, reflection, and personal growth. Join us on this enriching path and take the first steps toward designing a space that truly reflects your essence.

Creating Sacred Space

This course will explore various tools and techniques for creating sacred space in your dwelling. This space serves as a reminder of our daily practice and connection to everything in creation. Sacred space is all around us; if we are watchful and mindful, we notice the miracle unfolding in every moment.

#PortlandME - #Riverside #Recycling Facility

#HazardousWaste

"Hazardous Waste collection is the FIRST Saturday of each month April thru November between 7:30 AM and 1:00 PM. If near a holiday, please check the holiday schedule to see if we are open. If we are closed on the weekend that would be hazardous waste day it will normally be skipped entirely for that month.

You may want to visit www.PaintCare.org for paint disposal options in your area.

Riverside Recycling accepts household hazardous waste (HHW) on the 1st Saturday of the month (April through November.) Collection occurs from 7:30AM to 1PM. This program is open to all Maine residents disposing of Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) from their residence. Portland E-Card holders may dispose of up to 10 gallons of HHW annually with a maximum of TWO visits at no charge (i.e. two visits of 5 gallons each visit, or one visit with 10 gallons will use up the HHW portion of your E-Card for the year). Acceptable paint, stain and varnish can be disposed of at no charge as part of the PaintCare.org program and does not go against the HHW portion of your Ecard. Residential customers without an Ecard will be charged $6.50 per gallon for liquid wastes or $3.50 per pound for solid wastes. Unfortunately, we cannot accept hazardous waste from businesses or municipalities..

How will the drop off program work?

Prepare your household hazardous waste for drop off. When preparing hazardous items for disposal at the Household Hazardous Waste Facility, be sure that liquids are in sturdy leak-proof containers with caps or lids. Use the original container whenever possible. Secure breakable or loose items inside boxes or bags. Do not mix items together. Be careful that no items spill or break when they are in your vehicle.

Bring your items to Riverside Recycling, 910 Riverside St. on the 1st Saturday of the month (April through November.) Collection occurs from 7:30AM to 1PM. When you arrive at the facility, stop at the attendant’s booth and speak with the attendant. ALL HAZARDOUS WASTE MUST BE DROPPED OFF BEFORE RECYCLING ANY OTHER ITEMS.

Follow any directions you receive at the attendant’s booth and proceed into the facility. When you pull up at the HHW facility, stay in your vehicle. The HHW staff will handle removing your items for you.

The following are items commonly found in Portland homes that can be disposed of as part of the City of Portland’s household hazardous waste program.

Cleaning Products
- Oven cleaners
- Drain cleaners
- Wood and metal cleaners and polishes
- Toilet cleaners
- Tub, tile, shower cleaners
- Bleach (laundry)
- Pool chemicals

Automotive Products
- Motor oil
- Fuel additives
- Carburetor and fuel injection cleaners
- Air conditioning refrigerants
- Starter fluids
- Automotive batteries
- Transmission and brake fluid
- Antifreeze

Lawn and Garden Products
- Herbicides
- Insecticides
- Fungicides/wood preservatives

Other Flammable Products
- Kerosene
- Home heating oil
- Diesel fuel
- Lighter fluid
- Gasoline & Gas/Oil Mix

Indoor Pesticides
- Ant sprays and baits
- Cockroach sprays and baits
- Flea repellents and shampoos
- Bug sprays
- Houseplant insecticides
- Moth repellents
- Mouse and rat poisons and baits

Workshop/Painting Supplies
- Adhesives and glues
- Furniture strippers
- Oil, Latex and Enamel based paints
- Stains and finishes
- Paint thinners and turpentine
- Paint strippers and removers
- Photographic chemicals
- Fixatives and other solvents

Miscellaneous
- Driveway sealer

Please remain in your vehicle while dropping off your HHW items. We have trained staff that will inspect your items. Please be patient while they calculate how many gallons you have. Thank you."

Riverside Recycling
910 Riverside St | Portland, Maine 04103

https://riversiderecycles.com/hazardous-waste/

#SolarPunkSunday #HazardousWasteDisposal #HouseholdWaste #ResponsibleRecycling #Landfills #SpringCleaning

Spring Ahead

Hiding in that phrase is Spring Cleaning.

Time to start cleaning out all the dust, grime, grease and dirt accumulated in the less accessible places- in cupboards, on top of cupboards, in the closets, behind bookcases, etc.

Bleaaaa

#Spring #SpringCleaning

The green has officially been evicted from the roof terrace. 🌿

Living in Hamburg means dealing with that stubborn organic buildup on every wooden surface. After a long winter of low UV, our terrace was looking more like a swamp than a sanctuary.

Today, the new pressure washer finally made its debut - and it was a total game-changer. The wooden planks actually look inviting again, just in time for the warmer weather ahead. ☀️

#SpringCleaning #HomeImprovement #PressureWashing

Just going through my old hosted websites to do some purging of things I don’t need anymore.

Thinking that this is probably an early #SpringCleaning of the digital space. It’s amazing to see how quickly you can build up your digital hoarding.

Dilophosaurus gets lost in the dusting.

#DailyDilophosaurus #Dilophosaurus #SpringCleaning #Zanzibar #Dusting #Dinosaurs