Groups Feed

Decluttering progress can be surprisingly difficult to see.

You clear a drawer, donate a bag or make one difficult decision—and then your attention immediately moves to everything that remains.

I’m joining Sandy Krokaugger for the Reduce the Clutter Summit to discuss how a simple journal can help you recognize the progress that would otherwise disappear into the work.

My interview is called Write Down the Wins: Using a Journal to See Your Decluttering Progress.

We’ll talk about recording decisions, noticing patterns and capturing small wins so you have real evidence that your effort is changing your home.

Have you ever given up on a dream because you've listened to that 'little voice' in your head that tells you that you 'can't do it' or 'what's the point?' That inner voice is the critic inside of everyone that causes many bright futures to come to a screaming halt. Just like the mommy who freaks out when little Johnny runs with a stick, your inner 'mom' worries and frets over new challenges that arise, very often creating enough doubt to make you believe you can't do it, whatever it may be.

There are times when listening to your 'gut' comes in handy, but for the most part, what is perceived as a gut reaction is simply fear of failure or rejection before the event even takes place. How can you squelch your inner critic so that you can move on and build the business that you dream of?

Carolina Coleman had a good job, a nice apartment, too many books, and a family with entirely too many opinions about her life.

She needed a change.

Duke Halverson wanted a wife and the life of a family man.

The mechanical engineer turned woodworker had a home, a thriving business, and no interest in wasting time on modern dating. Carolina, a technical writer who believed every problem had a workable solution, figured answering his mail-order bride ad made perfect sense.

On paper, they were a perfect match.

This title will be auto-delivered to your Kindle on September 30, 2026.

You’ve pre-ordered this item

Pre-ordered on Jul 31, 2026

Show me you have ordered your copy of Blind Bend and earn this badge.

“Between my parents and the farm, trying to paint and earn a living, and playing psychologist to my obtuse sisters, my plate is too full for a regular man in my life.”

“Is there an opening for a part-time one?”

Her eyebrow arched, “Part-time?”

“I want to see how this magic feels up close, but at your pace,” he said, staring deeply into her eyes. “We have time.”

https://amzn.to/4cb9O59

What’s New? Check Your Library!

I have some pretty exciting news for my library readers: Olivia Gaines books are becoming easier to find through your local library.

Depending on which digital services your library offers, you can now look for my books through BiblioBoard, Hoopla, OverDrive, and Libby.

And yes, that includes Prado Sloe: The Case of the Dirty Dog through participating libraries.

So before you buy your next Olivia Gaines book, check your library! Search my name in your library's digital catalog or try one of these services:

• Olivia Gaines on Hoopla