Here We Go Again
Monday, January 18, 2010
One year ending, another year beginning. January---and another birthday (when this photo was taken--sigh) I hear the high surf now while we await the next storm arriving tonight. This is about reflection as I move out of my apartment of five + years, purging several years of files and books and magazines and linens and clothes and assorted other doo-dads.
Now is an appropriate time to push myself into "monk mode." The planets are promising for 2010--Pluto secure in Capricorn, Mars out of retrograde in March and, I believe, Jupiter is entering Pisces. My new (temporary) apartment is about one-quarter to one-third of my present space, so there is no room for three sets of sheets (or my bed, for that matter.) Selling furniture, donating art supplies and consolidating file boxes is all part of the process of wheedling down, simplifiying and releasing the "old ways." I'm finding myself both ruthless and gentle as I touch everything. What memory is attached to this? How many pens does one really need? These cards from Christmases past can go, but this one from my grandfather stays. Let go of Cassy's doggie toys and bed, but keep her collar and tags.
Friend Jodi said in her practical way, "Just pick out the things that mean the most, and take whatever will fit in your truck." Yes, I know that's the best, most freeing way to do this. The reality is that I have boxes of photo files, books and things that I actually use--unfortunately, probably more than will fit in the back of my SUV.
I've tried playing mind games: "I'm going on an extended camping trip. What do I need to take?" Then I think, "If I'm on a camping trip, I would still come home to my books." Hmmm. I am still attached, but this is good practice. In the coming weeks, after my apartment move, I'll continue to pare down even more. Not knowing where I'll be this time next year is both scary and exciting, but I haven't been able to really find comfort here yet. Seems like I'm always searching. In cutting away the brush, I'm hoping to reveal the path.
One year ending, another year beginning. January---and another birthday (when this photo was taken--sigh) I hear the high surf now while we await the next storm arriving tonight. This is about reflection as I move out of my apartment of five + years, purging several years of files and books and magazines and linens and clothes and assorted other doo-dads.
Now is an appropriate time to push myself into "monk mode." The planets are promising for 2010--Pluto secure in Capricorn, Mars out of retrograde in March and, I believe, Jupiter is entering Pisces. My new (temporary) apartment is about one-quarter to one-third of my present space, so there is no room for three sets of sheets (or my bed, for that matter.) Selling furniture, donating art supplies and consolidating file boxes is all part of the process of wheedling down, simplifiying and releasing the "old ways." I'm finding myself both ruthless and gentle as I touch everything. What memory is attached to this? How many pens does one really need? These cards from Christmases past can go, but this one from my grandfather stays. Let go of Cassy's doggie toys and bed, but keep her collar and tags.
Friend Jodi said in her practical way, "Just pick out the things that mean the most, and take whatever will fit in your truck." Yes, I know that's the best, most freeing way to do this. The reality is that I have boxes of photo files, books and things that I actually use--unfortunately, probably more than will fit in the back of my SUV.
I've tried playing mind games: "I'm going on an extended camping trip. What do I need to take?" Then I think, "If I'm on a camping trip, I would still come home to my books." Hmmm. I am still attached, but this is good practice. In the coming weeks, after my apartment move, I'll continue to pare down even more. Not knowing where I'll be this time next year is both scary and exciting, but I haven't been able to really find comfort here yet. Seems like I'm always searching. In cutting away the brush, I'm hoping to reveal the path.
Glynis, I love this site and visit often, so where are the new photos and updates? I need them as they make me take a different look at where I live and why. So update, my friend and I will send you fans as you are really good at what you do. Sorry we did not hook up today, but try again anytime. You have what it takes to do what you are doing so make it work 'cause we love you and enjoy your talent, writing, photo art and giving nature. CT
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