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This is most interesting and also timely (have I left my webcam on?)...as earlier today I was contemplating whether my room was in danger of crossing the threshold from charmingly cluttered into dishevelment. I think that perhaps my ideal (given - like you - I am not a wildly tidy person) is to have a once in a while straight, clean and tidy before applying order some time before it degrades too far. See also haircuts

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I was shockingly untidy as a student - I saw a photo the other day of my rooms and I was actually embarrassed. I suspect if I did not have a wife and children then I would still be terrible. See also fingernails.

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It is only the shame directed from our loved ones that saves us. See also the car interior

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Thank you Alex, I really enjoyed reading this. I write a lot about tidy vs untidy, always feeling so self-conscious and judged by very tidy relatives. This reading was an enjoyable break from my writing and my mess. I do wish I could be less cluttered. I feel overwhelmed my terrible mess sometimes but I just can't seem to find space in my brain to do it. I wonder If my writing would benefit from it though, as I struggled with over-writing and bad structure. Got to go, sending my memoir off to Brideport prize memoir competition, tomorrow deadline. I am glad I've discovered the writing hut. THank you, Jessica

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Thank you. I'm not hugely tidy, but neither am I a health hazard so I'm fairly happy. For me, an empty desk is a bit soul destroying, and one which looks a bit lived in feels more comfortable. Perhaps you could do it in small steps? Good luck with the competition and hope you enjoy future newsletters (and of course back ones!). A

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and maybe you might read mine. bit sad, but it helps.

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