Eleven and a half years ago . . . I ran away to join the circus (so to speak).

I bought a home, got a dog (Diva), lived by myself, traveled and made a great many friends, whom I adore. These have been amazing and enriching years.

Now, my children and grandsons are calling to me to come home. Yup. I’ve sold my house and am returning to California. I’ve been sorting, donating and packing for the last couple of months.

I keep asking myself, “Why did you buy this? What are you going to do with that? Do you Love this and does it bring you Joy?” It is amazing to me how much I acquired through the years and what boxes I have never opened but felt I needed to keep and bring with me. AND, now feel I must bring back with me. My Grandmother’s tea cup collection along with a few of the special felt hearts that she made and would send to us when we were kids. Things that belonged to my Mother, Father-in-Law, my Sister-in-Law etc. My husband’s instruments. Artwork done by him and my daughter.

Oh my so many memories stirred while sorting. Cherished items bought on a trip. Would anyone really know what it means to me? Somethings I’ve taken pictures of to remember and have put into the donate pile. Others I am, yet again, unable to part with. They still mean too much to me. It is time when I unpack to share the stories and memories so that maybe someone else will love it too.

There is only so much room in the POD . . . choices, decisions and a few tears. Gifts to give to friends who have been my family here. Somehow I have been able to create stacks of boxes from almost every room. They are even labeled Dining room, Living room, Bedroom 4 (really my office) Kitchen etc. These stacks arranged in the hallway or on a wall in each of these rooms.

I have a few more rooms to go

As the date of the Big Move grows ever closer I want to Say (cue sappy music)

I will miss you my dear friends. The laughter of my writers groups, the critiques and helpful dialogue, the card games, coffee mornings, long swims in the pools and everything else that you have shared with me. YOU live in my heart and I will not forget you.

Love and Hugs
Fran

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