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No matter what you do or where you are, you’re going to be missing out on something.
Alan Arkin
I got a sweet email a few days ago from a follower who said she missed my weekly blog posts. So even though I will be moving in to my new house in just 15 days and I’m stressed out to the max, I decided to sit down at my desk and send off a note to tell you all that I will be back once we get all of our leftovers placed in our new nest and I have my new studio set up. There is still so much to do to get rid of our extra STUFF, but I have missed my weekly writing sessions and your responses.
Besides, I’m over the burnout from publishing my book over a year ago and I really, really want to get back to writing again. Every day I spend stuffing boxes that go to Goodwill, the library, or other places I’m donating to, I think about all of the things I want to write and tell you about. About losing Sam, that sweet being that still sits in my lap in the photo to the right but is no longer here for me to hug or talk to. And how his brother Max seems rather relieved that he is now an only dog-child. He still loves his cat, Lilli, because she is not a lap cat and doesn’t need the amount of attention Sam did. Max seems to think he should now go everywhere with us, even to restaurants and the movies, deserves the very best treats on the market, and being let out the back door every time his squirrel appears so he can chase it. That event can happen several times an hour. We all do miss Sam very much, but in the end he was very sick and as with all living beings it was his time to leave us and is now at peace.
That is our end unit! Can’t wait!
So far everything is going smoothly with the move. I have a lot of helpers and though it all still does overwhelm me, I’m beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The work at the new place is on time. We’ve rearranged the kitchen a bit, repainted the whole place, finished up an office for Bill, have redone the master bath, and the screening in of the back porch is now being done. We can’t wait to spend our first night there and all of the following nights to follow.
I’ve enjoyed putting these few words down on paper and look forward to being able to sit down and write whenever I want.
I hope you’re all having a wonderful fall.
Joan — And while it’s hectic at the moment, it sounds like you’re having a blast right-sizing for your new home. Woohoo! I’m excited for you.
Thanks, Laurie. Most of the time it’s a blast but there are moments of terrible overwhelm. But I’m excited and am almost ready to throw the rest of the stuff that has to packed and put it all in the trash!!
I’ve been missing your words too, but knowing what it’s like to downsize and move, I knew what you were up to. I am excited for you, even though I know from experience the transition can take time. But it has been well worth it for us, and I hope it will be for you both as well.
And your sweet Sam…how well I know those feelings of loss as well. I still expect to see Magic come around the corner
Best of luck with it all, and I look forward to reading more posts from your new digs!
Becca, I know you’ve been through all of this along with a few major losses and am glad to hear that you’re settled in and are happy in your home. I know this move will be worth it. We’re almost there and look forward to taking our time with unpacking and simply settling in.
The loss of Sam at this time was difficult and yes, we expect him to come and jump up in our laps most evenings. It is hard to lose one of my favorite furry friends.
I send you a text/mess and get a full-blown post in return. Thanks, Joan.
As you know, I did the move before the book. Because of the demands of a tri-level on a large corner lot, we moved last August to a smaller house, smaller lot, one level arrangement not far from our daughter. Our age played into the decision also. Even now with hubby help, I wish for a personal assistant. Call me Miss Piggy!
Give yourself ample time to feel completely moved in: Thanksgiving, stage 1, Christmas, stage 2 and perhaps into the new year. As I recall, it took us 3-4 months to get organized in the new space. Yours looks absolutely lovely.
I loved getting your text this morning. It was a wonderful way to start the day. I’d love a personal assistant too. I have two wonderful women helping me pack and they will help me unpack as well. But I still have to make the decisions about what to keep and what to get rid of. It’s a tough job, but as it goes along I’m feeling lighter!
Joan, it is great to have this update from you! I thought of you the other day and wondered how your journey toward your move was going. And I certainly empathize with the loss of Sam. I definitely know that feeling of expecting him to be there — pets are so much a part of our daily lives.
Sending good vibes as you continue with your move — glad you are able to see the light at the end of the tunnel now! 🙂
Thanks so much for your note, Jill. It’s been a long and blustery road but as each day passes, I’m finding that I get more excited. I have lots of help with packing, but still struggle with finding enough time for real self care. A nice walk this morning helped me jump in to my day with gusto!!
Hi Joan
I meant to write when you first spoke of moving out of that lovely house, but have done something very similar four years ago, it was the best decision I could have made. The downsizing was laborious, but ultimately very freeing. I hope you are as happy with your decision as I have been with mine.
And, I still have such nice memories of the time Carol and I spent with you!
Good to hear from you Mary. I too still remember the fun when you and Carol visited and wish you’d come on back for another visit.
Yes, the unloading of stuff is rigorous and tear producing at times, but I’m already feeling a lighter and ready to be more minimalistic!
Joan, good to have an update and glad that you will be doing so again once the crunch is over. It’s great to write but only when you really want to. I’m finding that I like doing monthly instead of weekly posts. Hope to see you in your new digs one of these months!
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time in Pittsburg and thank you for your comment. I may start out with monthly posts as you do and see where it goes. I do hope you’ll come for a visit. When do you get back to VA?
Sounds like the downsizing comes in stages. I have put it off as long as possible, then strangely got inspired before company came a couple of weeks ago. I am hoping to tackle some Christmas stuff as I unpack the things from the attic this year. I wanted to move to a smaller home, but Steve does not agree right now. I am downsizing in place for the time being. Are you still in C’ville?
So nice to hear from you, Sara. Yes we will still be in C’ville! It’s a great place to live. Our phone # will stay the same as will email. Do come for a visit after we get a bit settled. I’d love to see you.