Confessions, chaos, and mildly questionable life choices from one person’s journey into fireplace ash management.
You ever buy a fireplace accessory thinking you’re entering your cozy cottagecore era… and end up face-deep in soot, questioning your life decisions while a cat judges you from atop your kindling pile?
Yeah. Same.
1. So, I bought an Ash Bucket. Then immediately regretted it (at first).
Alright, real talk: I didn’t buy an ash bucket because I’m some fireplace maintenance wizard. Nope. I bought it because I saw one in this absurdly well-curated photo online—you know, crackling fire, fluffy throw pillows, someone probably sipping mulled wine while reading poetry or whatever—and there, nestled in the corner, was this sleek black ash bucket with its cute little tools propped up like it was born to be there.
And look, it came with its own shovel and brush set. All matching. All stylish. I was like, “Wow, look at me—functionality and flair? This is my new personality.”
But here’s the thing no one tells you: owning fireplace accessories doesn’t magically give you fireplace skills.
Because, day one, I tried to clean out the ash like some confident pioneer… and dumped half of it directly onto my floor. And not just any floor. The jute rug I swore I’d never let anything stain. (Spoiler: it’s now ash-washed oatmeal chic.)
Also, I thought the brush was just for vibes at first. Like, maybe it was decorative? It’s not. It’s very much meant to help you avoid disaster. Learned that the hard way.
And meanwhile, my cat Tinsel (tiny, judgmental, entirely too photogenic) decides the brush handle is her new favorite chew toy. So now the “fireplace corner” is this chaotic mix of soot, aesthetics, and mild cat destruction.
Anyway, moral of the story: I didn’t know what I was doing. I just knew I wanted my fireplace area to look cool. But somewhere between the ash clouds and the brush-bristle chewing, I started figuring things out. Like, this ash bucket? It’s not just cute. It’s kind of a game-changer.
Messy beginning. Surprisingly satisfying middle. Stick with me—we’re just warming up.
2. Ash Bucket for Fireplace: Fancy Name, Surprisingly Practical
Okay, let’s break it down: what is an ash bucket, really?
I mean, sure, it sounds obvious. It’s… a bucket. For ash. But when I first heard the term, I pictured some medieval contraption with iron chains and maybe a dragon curled around it for effect. Turns out, it’s just a simple (but surprisingly sleek) metal bucket you use to collect ash from your fireplace or wood stove.
But—and here’s the twist—it actually matters how you use it. Like, I used to think you just scooped hot ash directly into it right after a fire. (Don’t do that, by the way. You’ll learn why in Section 5: “Things No One Tells You About Fireplace Cleaning.” Foreshadowing!)
The one I got is black, kind of matte, and—dare I say—chic for something designed to hold literal soot. And the best part? It came with a matching shovel and brush, which honestly made me feel like I’d joined a very niche secret society of fireplace influencers.
But in practice? That little tool set makes a huge difference. Like, sweeping out your fireplace without it is like trying to brush your teeth with a fork. Technically possible, but… just why?
I had no idea how satisfying it would be to give the firebox a quick brush and scoop, pop the ash into the bucket, and actually feel like I know what I’m doing. (I don’t. But still.)
Anyway, if you’re sitting there thinking, “Do I really need an ash bucket for my fireplace?” I get it. I asked the same thing. But now I’m convinced it’s one of those things that seems extra until you use it once… and then you wonder how you ever lived without it.
Like garlic butter. Or those stretchy book covers from middle school. Essential.
3. Metal, Black, Matte—Which Ash Bucket Matches My Vibe?
Alright, listen. I didn’t expect to become emotionally attached to a bucket, and yet… here we are.
At first, I just thought, “Cool, it’s got a flat back.” Now, I know that doesn’t sound revolutionary, but stay with me.
This bucket? It’s designed to lie down on purpose—like, gracefully—not in that “oops, I knocked it over again” way. That flat back lets you tilt it forward and collect ash directly into it without making a huge mess. Like, no more clouds of ash floating up like you’re doing some kind of cursed spell. It cuts down the ash plume massively, which my lungs and my living room rug both deeply appreciate.
Plus—and this might sound boring but it’s actually a game-changer—it sits flush against the wall. No awkward gap. No tilty nonsense. Just clean, minimalist lines and “I have my life together” vibes (even when, like, I absolutely do not).
The shape is so functional it almost makes me feel… competent. Like, I’ve actually scooped ash into it without making a mess. Me. A person who once tried to use a broom as a pizza peel.
And look, we could talk about finishes and colors all day (still team matte black, by the way—always and forever), but the shape of this thing? It’s quietly genius. The kind of feature that doesn’t scream, “Look at me!” but instead whispers, “I got you,” while helping you not inhale a pile of ash.
So yeah, turns out the real style statement isn’t just about color or finish. It’s about that smooth, flat-back utility that makes fireplace cleanup feel a little less like a dusty punishment and a little more like an oddly satisfying ritual.
4. The Shovel Dilemma: To Match or Not to Match (Hint: Match)
Okay, confession: I didn’t think I’d care about the tools. Like, I figured the ash bucket was the star of the show, and the shovel and brush were just… extras. Supporting cast. Background characters.
Wrong.
The minute I used that perfectly matched shovel, I was like, “Oh. Ohhhh okay. This is how it’s supposed to be.” It fits. It works. It doesn’t rattle around like some sad afterthought, and it actually feels nice in your hand. Not like those cheap little camping shovels that fold in half if you look at them wrong.
And let’s just acknowledge the real enemy here: mismatched fireplace tools.
You know the ones. Random tongs from a different set, a brass poker from the ’90s, and a weirdly tiny scoop that looks like it came from a kid’s sandbox. I lived that life. It was chaos. Uncoordinated, unhelpful chaos.
So when I got this ash bucket with its own matching tool set, I felt like I had entered a new era. One where my tools were not only cohesive but also practical. The brush actually sweeps. The shovel actually scoops. And they both hang out and hook onto the edge of the the bucket, either inside or on the outside, your choice.
And look—I know I sound like I’m pitching a luxury car here, but seriously, using this set makes cleaning out the fireplace feel less like a grimy chore and more like… okay, still a chore, but like, a well-designed one. And sometimes that makes all the difference.
So yeah, if you’re wondering whether the matching tool set matters? I’m here to say: 100% yes. Your ash deserves to be scooped with dignity.
5. Things No One Tells You About Fireplace Cleaning (Like, Ever)
Okay, I need to vent for a second—because I was so unprepared for how gross fireplace cleaning actually is. Like, I knew there’d be ash. I just didn’t realize it would multiply the second it hits the air like some dusty little demon cloud.
No one warned me. There were no tutorials. I just assumed you wait until the fire’s out, grab your shovel, do a few scoops, and boom—done.
Lies.
Here’s the thing: ash is basically ghost dust. The moment you touch it, it tries to escape. It gets in your nose, your eyebrows, somehow in your socks? I don’t even know how. I spent a solid 20 minutes brushing ash off my floor, only to turn around and find more on the couch. HOW.
Also—this is embarrassing—I once tried to “speed up the process” by using a hairdryer to blow out leftover ash from the corners of the firebox. Because apparently, I hate myself and my furniture. That ended exactly how you think it did: instant indoor snowstorm of death. My living room looked like the aftermath of a chimney explosion in a Victorian novel.
Anyway, here are a few things I’ve learned the hard way:
- Let the ash fully cool down. Like, really cool. Not just “it’s not glowing anymore” cool. I scorched the bottom of my old broom once because I got impatient. RIP, Target broom.
- Use the brush first, then the shovel. That combo is magical. Less ash in the air, more control. It’s like teamwork, but sootier.
- Clean your tools. I mean, I don’t. But you should. Eventually.
- Don’t wear black socks. Or white socks. Or anything you don’t want to look like it came out of a coal mine.
And this might sound obvious but… don’t clean the fireplace in your “good clothes.” I wore my favorite oversized hoodie once and it STILL smells faintly like bonfire ash even after, like, seven washes and one regret-fueled vinegar soak.
Honestly, fireplace cleaning should come with a beginner’s manual and a warning label. But thanks to the ash bucket (and those sweet, sweet tools), I’ve at least stopped treating it like an extreme sport. Now it’s just… semi-controlled chaos.
Which, for me, is progress.
6. What Even Is a Fireproof Bucket? And Why Do I Kind of Love It?
Okay, so fireproof sounds dramatic, right? Like, I picture it with a cape and theme music. But when it comes to ash buckets, it’s not just a fancy label—it’s kind of the whole point.
Before I had this one, I—get this—was using an old IKEA trash can. I know. I KNOW. It was metal (ish), and I figured, “Hey, ash is basically dust, right?” Fast forward to me standing barefoot on the porch, panicking with a smoking garbage can while my neighbor calmly asked, “You good?” through his screen door. (Thanks, Greg.)
So yeah, turns out: hot ash is still hot. Like, sneakily hot. Like, “looks fine but is secretly still trying to melt your floor” hot. Enter: the fireproof bucket. This beauty is built to handle the residual heat from your not-quite-cold ash without melting, warping, or turning your living room into an accidental sauna.
Now, to be super clear—I’m not dumping live coals into it. That’s a hard no. But for those warm-ish ashes that look innocent but still pack a surprise punch? This bucket can handle it. No bubbling. No “is that burning plastic I smell?” moments. Just peace of mind and a metal base that doesn’t flinch.
Also? It’s weirdly comforting. Like, the same way you feel about your go-to hoodie or that one frying pan that never lets you down. Knowing my ash bucket can sit right next to the hearth—flat against the wall, looking chill and stylish—and not burst into flames? That’s a win.
And let’s not forget the vibes: solid, sturdy, matte black. It doesn’t just survive the heat. It owns it. Like the Rihanna of fireplace accessories.
Anyway, the lesson here? Don’t use a trash can. Get yourself something that can actually deal with the job. Even if you don’t know what “fireproof coating” technically means (me either), just trust that it matters. Your floors—and your dignity—will thank you.
7. That Time I Tried to Use a Salad Bowl for Ash Removal (Don’t.)
Alright, let’s set the scene: It’s a Tuesday night. I’m wearing pajama pants with dogs in astronaut helmets on them (because, fashion), and I’ve just realized the fireplace is overflowing with ash. Like, we’re one strong gust of wind away from dusting the entire living room in a fine gray coat.
But my ash bucket? In the shed. Behind three lawn chairs, an inflatable kayak, and a suspicious box labeled “Christmas Lights???” with very questionable punctuation.
So I do what any panicked, mildly lazy person would do—I grab a large metal salad bowl from the kitchen.
Now, in my defense, it was big. It was metal. And I was like, “Ash is just seasoning from the fireplace, right?” It made sense in my tired brain. (Spoiler: it did not make sense in reality.)
I scoop. I carry. I almost make it to the back door… when the bottom of the bowl—which was apparently very not fireproof—starts to warp like it’s trying to morph into a tortilla. Cue a sudden, involuntary interpretive dance across the kitchen as I panic-fling the bowl out the back door, ash trailing behind me like a cursed fairy.
The salad bowl, R.I.P., never recovered. Also, every time I see it (I kept it as a “reminder,” which is dumb but also feels right), I relive the sheer stupidity of that moment. It’s like my own personal fireplace trauma talisman.
Anyway, the moral of the story is: don’t improvise ash removal tools. Just… don’t. Get the right bucket. One that knows what it’s doing. Preferably one that doesn’t double as a serving dish for kale.
Oh, and always—always—store your ash bucket somewhere accessible. Trust me, you do not want to be playing garage Jenga while holding a dustpan full of smoldering memories.
8. Ash Storage Containers: Not Just for Type-A Organizers Anymore
Okay, so full disclosure: I am not what you’d call a “systems person.” I don’t label things. I don’t meal prep. I once bought a planner and used it for exactly one week to track which days I watered my dying fiddle leaf fig. (Spoiler: it still died.)
So when I first heard someone refer to their “ash storage system,” I rolled my eyes so hard I almost saw my past mistakes.
But then… I had one of those moments. You know, when you try something you swore was unnecessary and it’s actually amazing? Like using a real garlic press instead of the side of a knife. Or flossing. Or those TikTok cleaning putties for your car vents. (WHY are they so satisfying?!)
That was me, the first time I used my ash bucket the right way—as in, not just to collect the ash and immediately dump it outside, but to actually store it for a bit. Neatly. Cleanly. Flat against the wall. Like a real adult.
Because here’s the thing: you don’t always want to run outside every time you scoop out a bit of ash. Maybe it’s raining. Maybe you’re in socks. Maybe your neighbor Greg is outside again and he’s going to try to talk to you about lawn edging. (Hard pass.)
That’s where the ash storage bucket comes in. You scoop, you brush, you dump it in—and it just… sits there, looking calm and composed, quietly containing your fireplace aftermath until you’re ready to deal with it. No odor, no mess, no judgment.
Even I—resident scatterbrain and reformed salad bowl scooper—have grown to love this part of the process. It feels weirdly efficient. Like I’ve tricked the universe into thinking I’m organized.
So yeah, if you’re one of those people (like me) who hears the word “storage” and immediately thinks “not for me,” let me gently suggest you reconsider. Because an ash bucket isn’t just for ash—it’s for reclaiming five minutes of your life and not tracking soot across the house.
Which, frankly, is the kind of self-care we all need more of.
9. A Rant About People Who Leave Fireplace Ash on the Floor
Okay. Deep breath. I’m about to go full “grumpy old man shaking fist at cloud,” and I need you to stay with me.
Why—why—are there still people who just… leave ash sitting in their fireplace like it’s some kind of home décor statement?
You know the ones. You walk into their house, and there’s a pile of dusty, half-burned logs chilling in the hearth like they’re waiting to be discovered by archaeologists. Ash scattered like it’s “intentional ambiance.” No tools in sight. No ash bucket. Just vibes. And not good ones.
Look, I get it. Fireplace ash can seem harmless. It’s not glowing. It’s not on fire. But trust me, it will find a way to ruin your day. It’s clingy. It floats. It sticks to your socks, your pets, your soul. And don’t even get me started on what happens when someone tries to light a fresh fire on top of last week’s ash graveyard. (Spoiler: nothing good. Just a whole lotta smoke and regret.)
Meanwhile, I’m over here with my beautiful, no-nonsense black ash bucket, my matching shovel and brush set, actually cleaning up after myself like a semi-functioning adult. Not because I’m better (okay, maybe a little), but because I’ve lived the alternative—and it’s dusty, chaotic, and smells like failure.
Also, fun fact: leaving ash just sitting there can mess with the airflow in your fireplace or stove. Like, it literally affects performance. Who knew? (Not me. Not until I started Googling things out of spite.)
So yeah, if you’re one of those “eh, I’ll deal with it later” folks when it comes to fireplace ash, this is your loving, slightly judge-y intervention. Get a bucket. Use the tools. Clean the dang firebox.
It takes five minutes. Your future self (and your living room rug) will thank you.
10. Unexpected Things I Store in My Ash Bucket
It started out innocent. I’d just cleaned the fireplace, dumped the ash, and was left with an empty, matte black ash bucket looking all purposeful and underutilized. And I thought—surely this noble vessel can hold more than just soot.
Turns out, yes. Yes it can.
So now my ash bucket moonlights as a storage bin, a kindling caddy, a snack tray (don’t worry, I clean it), and occasionally, a weird conversation starter. Here’s a rundown of all the strange, kinda-genius things I’ve tossed in there:
1. Kindling + Little Bits of Wood That I Swear Aren’t Trash
I’m not saying I hoard tiny wood scraps. I’m just saying I’ve got a lot of oddly sized twigs, bark chips, and half-scorched mini logs that I can’t bring myself to throw away. They live in the bucket now. It’s their forever home.
2. Fire Starters, Lint, Egg Cartons, and Other Questionable Fuel
This one actually makes sense. Dryer lint, cardboard egg cartons, wax-dipped pinecones—all of it goes in the ash bucket. It’s like my own DIY pyromania kit. (For legal reasons, that’s a joke.)
3. One or Two Actual Firewood Logs
Just small ones. Like “emergency backup log” size. It’s not technically made to store wood, but it does the job when the rack’s empty and I’m feeling lazy (read: always). Plus, it looks kind of cool—like I’m rustic and efficient.
4. Tinsel’s Toys
She’s claimed the brush. She’s claimed the shovel. And now she occasionally tosses her little felt mice into the ash bucket like it’s her personal toy bin. Honestly? She’s not wrong.
5. That Sad, Misshapen Candle I Can’t Part With
You know those novelty candles that melt into weird waxy puddles but you still don’t throw them out? Yeah. He lives in the bucket now. We respect him.
So yes, while the bucket was born for ash, it’s evolved into something greater. Something multipurpose. Something… beautifully unhinged. Like a hearthside sidekick with a secret second life.
And I love it for that.
11. Why You Shouldn’t Underestimate a Good Shovel (Seriously.)
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. It’s a shovel. Calm down. But hear me out—because not all shovels are created equal, and when it comes to fireplace cleanup, the difference between a good one and a terrible one? It’s your sanity.
Back in my “figure it out as you go” phase (which, honestly, I’m still in most days), I used to think any old scoop would do. I once used a plastic dustpan. Once. It bent, it melted, and I ended up with a lopsided mess of ash on my floor and what I swear was the smell of disappointment in the air.
Then I upgraded. And folks—life changed.
The shovel that came with my ash bucket? It’s sturdy. It’s got weight. It doesn’t feel like it’s going to snap in half mid-scoop, and it actually fits the curve of the bucket so everything goes in neatly without that dreaded sideways spillage that makes you want to just set the whole house on fire out of spite.
Also—and this might be petty—but it looks good. Matte black, like the bucket, with just the right amount of “I know what I’m doing” energy. It hangs nicely. It doesn’t clang weirdly or have that rattly, cheap metal sound that gives me middle school cafeteria flashbacks.
But the real game-changer? The size. Not too big. Not too small. Just right for scooping without overloading. Because there’s nothing worse than confidently lifting a giant scoop of ash and then realizing you’re one shaky elbow away from turning your living room into a crime scene.
So yeah, I’m not saying this shovel is magical, but I am saying I’ve never once cursed while using it—which is more than I can say for most cleaning tools in my life.
Moral of the story? A good shovel is like a good therapist: it listens, it supports you, and it doesn’t let you down when things get messy.
12. Indoor Fire Tools That Won’t Wreck Your Aesthetic (Maybe.)
Alright, let’s talk tools—but like, the ones you actually have to look at every day.
Because listen, I love functionality as much as the next soot-covered fireplace goblin, but some indoor fire tool sets? Hideous. Straight-up crimes against interior design. Mismatched handles, clunky stands, weird brassy finishes that look like they were last dusted in 1997? No thank you.
For years, I had this hand-me-down set that my aunt gave me. (Hi, “Aunt Barb,” if you’re reading this—I love you, but your taste in fireplace gear is… questionable.) The poker looked like a wizard staff, the brush had lost half its bristles, and the stand tilted like it had seen some things. It functioned, technically, but every time I looked at it, I felt like I lived in a haunted dollhouse.
Then I got my current setup. Everything matches. It’s matte black (obviously). Sleek lines. No weird ornamentation. The tools nest neatly next to the ash bucket like a well-behaved little squad, ready to handle embers and judgmental guests.
Are they luxurious? No. But they don’t ruin the vibe. And sometimes, that’s all I ask.
Here’s my rule of thumb: if your fire tools look like props from a Ren Faire blacksmithing tent, it might be time for a glow-up. You don’t have to spend a fortune, but a simple, cohesive set that actually works? Chef’s kiss.
And if they come with the bucket, brush, and shovel already included like mine? Even better. Less clutter. Less chaos. Fewer excuses not to clean out the firebox (which is both a blessing and a curse, tbh).
So if you’re styling your fireplace and wondering, “Do I really care what the tools look like?” Just remember: these things sit out in plain sight. Every. Single. Day. They’re part of your home’s personality now. Might as well make it one that doesn’t scream basement clearance bin.
13. Coal, Embers, and Other Tiny Burny Things: A Guide
Okay, time for a little fireplace vocabulary lesson—because apparently, there’s a whole taxonomy of fiery leftovers and nobody told me. I used to call everything that wasn’t full-on flame “ash.” Like, one big dusty family. But no. There’s nuance. There are layers.
Let’s break it down, the chaotic way:
🔥 Ash
This is the chill one. The introvert. It’s already burned, done its job, and now just wants to be scooped up and left alone. Feels soft, looks harmless, but will absolutely take flight if you so much as breathe near it. Ideal for storing in your (hopefully flat-backed) ash bucket until disposal time.
🔥 Embers
Oh boy. These little guys are sneaky. They’re not flames, but they’re still packing heat like they’re trying to get through TSA. They glow, they smolder, and if you dump them into a bucket that’s not heat-resistant? Say goodbye to your floor. Ask me how I know.
🔥 Coals
The dramatic ones. Hot, slow-burning, and full of pent-up energy. Coals can hang around forever, just waiting to reignite something you thought was done. Kind of like that one ex who texts you “hey” at 2 a.m. Don’t trust them. Always assume they’re up to something.
🔥 Unburned Chunks
Technically not burny yet—but they want to be. These are the sad little logs or twigs that didn’t quite catch the first time and now sit there looking all charred and pathetic. I used to toss them into the ash bucket without thinking. Now I give ‘em a poke and wait. Gotta make sure they’re done done.
So why does this matter? Because dumping all this into your ash bucket without knowing what’s what is a recipe for chaos. Not just smoke and stink—literal fire hazards. We’re talking “your socks catch on fire at 7 a.m. and you have to explain it to your landlord” kind of chaos. (Not me. A friend. Obviously.)
Moral of the story? Learn your burny bits. Be cautious. Use your tools. And never, ever underestimate a glowing ember. They’re cute… until they’re not.
14. Ash Disposal Tips I Learned the Hard, Messy Way
Ah yes, ash disposal. The part of fireplace life no one warns you about until you’re standing barefoot in a thin layer of soot, wondering how your night spiraled from “cozy ambiance” to “post-apocalyptic mess.”
I’ve done it wrong every way imaginable—so you don’t have to. Here’s what I’ve learned from experience, most of it acquired through trial, error, and a particularly bad incident involving a patio umbrella and a windy day:
1. Cool It. Like, Really Cool It.
Ash likes to play dead. It’ll look calm and gray and innocent, but deep down, it’s a petty little pile of glowing revenge. I once thought 12 hours was enough cool-down time. It was not. I scooped half-warm ash into a trash bag, walked outside, and almost burned a hole through my deck. Now? I wait at least 24 hours. Sometimes 48. Paranoid? Yes. Alive? Also yes.
2. Use the Right Tools
I know I’ve said this before, but using the matching shovel and brush set that came with my ash bucket is the only reason my floors haven’t turned into a charcoal art piece. Don’t try to freestyle with kitchen gear. Just don’t. (RIP salad bowl, again.)
3. Dump It When It’s Not Windy
Seems obvious. Isn’t. There’s nothing quite like getting a faceful of airborne ash because you decided to empty the bucket during a casual backyard breeze. Pro tip: if you feel even the slightest gust, just… wait. Or wear ski goggles. (I’m not proud of that one.)
4. Where You Dump Matters
Straight-up: don’t just throw ash anywhere. It can smolder for days, and certain spots—like your garden beds, mulch piles, or next to a wooden fence—are just asking for drama. I use a metal bin with a lid, far from the house, and definitely not near anything that could catch. And sometimes, when I’m feeling ✨fancy✨, I sprinkle it on the icy driveway for traction. Functional and slightly witchy.
5. Don’t Touch Your Face
You will forget. You will itch your nose. You will look like you’ve been mining coal with your bare hands. Accept it. Embrace it. Keep a damp rag nearby so you don’t have to answer the door looking like a Victorian chimney sweep.
Honestly? Ash disposal is one of those things that seems simple until you realize it’s like trying to wrangle powdered chaos. But once you get the rhythm down—and you’ve got a setup that works—it becomes strangely satisfying. A little ritual. A dusty act of self-care.
15. Final Thoughts: Why I’m Weirdly Passionate About Ash Buckets
I never thought I’d be the kind of person who had opinions about fireplace tools. Let alone… feelings. But here we are. Fourteen sections deep into a full-blown love letter to something that, on paper, is just a container for dirt.
Except it’s not. Not really.
This little ash bucket—black, metal, tool-wielding, flat-backed beauty—has quietly become one of my most used, most relied-on things in the house. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t ask for attention. But it shows up. Every time. Ready to hold the mess, to keep things clean, to look sleek while doing it.
And maybe that sounds ridiculous (okay, it is ridiculous), but isn’t that kind of what we’re all looking for? Something dependable. Something that makes your daily life 5% easier without demanding a standing ovation.
Also, not to get too woo-woo about it, but there’s something kind of… grounding about fireplace maintenance. The ritual of cleaning out ash, loading fresh wood, brushing off the soot. It’s tactile. It’s real. It reminds me to slow down. To pause. To, like, not light things on fire in a panic because I forgot to check for embers. Growth, baby.
And sure, it all sounds overly sentimental when you zoom out. I mean, we’re talking about a bucket. But that’s kind of the point, right? Sometimes the simplest things—the things that just work—end up meaning more than the flashy stuff.
So yeah. I’m weirdly passionate about ash buckets. Sue me.