Disclaimer: I have no new release at present. The one on the way is under wraps at present until the big reveal coming up soon. Sorry. Sworn to secrecy. So, let me share a bit with you about what I've been doing beyond Monday through Friday watching my new grandson and having such fun with him.
Then I looked at my day planner and its September 29th already!
Maybe its simply the pace I've been keeping lately that makes it feel like time is flying past me at an alarming rate! After thirty years in the same house, raising four kids, two cats, three dogs and a bevy of Chinese hamsters...our lives are about to turn the page to the next chapter...downsizing and moving closer to our kids and our new grandson.
Now, for those of you who are sitting there thinking, "Yeah, one of these days I should clean out that attic. Or maybe that room tucked away in your basement. Maybe its simply those closets you can't stuff anything into anymore. I heartily recommend you tackle it while you have your health and energy.
Do not wait. Don't leave it for your children to have to do, when you're so old and obstinate about going into assisted living. My daughter said to me today as we're going through yet another box of Christmas ornaments, " I'm glad we're doing this now, because you know all the stories behind everything and I get to hear them."
It is the story of the life my dh and I built in a small rural town in the Midwest--along with the village of family, friends, church family, co-workers, teachers, employers, and neighbors.
Here is the recipe for downsizing, while preparing to move to the townhouse that isn't going to be ready until end of December.
*Take one storage unit--no, better make that two in case you have to move the furniture if the house sells faster than expected.
*Add a brilliant husband who secures a roll off unit.
*Sprinkle in time and help from amazing adult children and friends who rally on the weekends to take on one floor at a time-sorting, purging, packing, and staging.
*Mix in warm memories, a few tears, some back-breaking determination, and laughter gathered around a dining room table that has seated so many over the years.
*And top with a simple prayer that it's all good and secure in the Good Lord's hands.
It's hugely nostalgic--a major transition of life. (yes, and btw--where did THAT go?) And yet it is the wisdom of one of my sons (who is my most clinical of the four) in response to his sister who was concerned that he wasn't showing a bit more emotion about this transition. " It's a place. A great place, but its not the house. The memories, the love, the support--that wasn't ever the house. That's always been mom and dad--our family. We'll always have that wherever we are."Wow. So, true.
I'm ready and excited to see what the next chapter brings!
COMING SOON: A super book project that I am so excited to be a part of. More to come. Stay tuned!
Have you ever had to move from one place to another? How'd you deal with the transition?
For fun. One person leaving a comment will get a $10 Amazon Gift card. Winner will be announced on A Reader's Spot on facebook Sunday October 1.
Until next time, #kindnessmatters
Amanda
