"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Friday, March 28, 2014

Medicine for the soul - with a little help from my friends of course . . . .

GOOD MORNING BLOGLAND!

So who is upside down here you or Disco?


No, it's Chatty Crone!

A lot of you know that Chatty Crone has been getting her home of 30 years ready to sell.  Man it has to be one of the hardest things I have ever done.  I don't exactly want to move, but financially can't stay either.  We had saved money, but when the stock market fell we lost half of it.  The house itself lost value and with the kids still at home it costs more then we had planned.  So much for plans!

I'm doing my best – but it feels funny to have my life changing so drastically.  I've been working about three months now and have gone through every room in this house and I have literally given half of every thing we owned away.  Gosh there is still so many things here I'm shocked. Why do we save like that?   Why did I?  I have to be honest - it feels good traveling lighter.
I have finally finished cleaning out the house.

I have about 2 to 3 weeks of wall paper removal after I figure out how to do it.  Then painting the house.  Some yard clean up.  Clean the house,   Then putting it up for sale.  I know I will be crying my eyes out when we move, BUT I am going to look forward to the new journey!!!

I know this is going to be an adventure.  I know I have to trust God in all of this.  I have a lot to put in God’s hands - everything!  It's hard, emotional, yet finally exciting.  I imagine that some of you will or have done it all ready.

Get ready Chatty - get some  courage - this is not for sissies.  I go to something called Faithful Followers - we meet once a month at church and have lunch together - all the gray haired people of the church - and one of the men read a devotion called It Takes Courage To Grow Old.  And man it sure does.  Not  just with figuring out things like houses, but growing old and aging - knowing the aches and pains - and the final destination.  Things our children will never know until it is their time.  I never remember thinking about this with my mother - I would see her grow older and I knew she was older, but either she never shared her feelings about aging or I didn't listen.

Sorry if this was a downer today - but it really isn't. I think it is okay to have feelings of sadness and then deal with them and move forward.  Life changes are always dealt with by stages.   How  you deal with them is important too.

One way for me to be happier and get my mood lifted is to look at beautiful awe pictures - I happen to feel closer to God when I see them.  When I am closer to God - I feel so much better.  Hope you have an awed inspired weekend!


Time does change us doesn't it?


New life beginning.
Animals loving us.


Did you know they mate for life?

I got a lot of nice answers from last weeks question. What kind of things do you do to take care of yourself?   I think a lot of us like coffee and reading, and a few minutes to ourselves. Manicures, pedicures, massages, phones calls to old friends, a second pierced earring hidden just for for yourself to know about, dinner out,  listening to music, talking a walk, praying, going to a movie by yourself, and riding a motorcycle.  You know on my bucket list - I have a wish to ride on with the Hell's Angels, but maybe that might be too much, any body got a big Harley and a ripped t-shirt?

Easter and Holidays are coming!!!


Is this not precious?   It warms my heart.


“Every now and again take a good look at something not made with hands- a mountain, a star, the turn of a stream. There will come to you wisdom and patience and solace and, above all, the assurance that you are not alone in the world.”


Now for some Friday funnies....

Okay this is funny.










THE LAUGH:


Thank God I have everything!



THE LIFT:

WOULD YOU WANT TO GO BACK IN TIME - is there a particular time in your life you would go back to and change something if you could?  When?  What would you change?  

Love y'all....


x_1af5533 photo x_1af5533.gif

78 comments:

Unknown said...

Yes, though w/wherever I was at, growth & recovery ongoing. Enjoy your blog.

Cheri said...

Love this post and Disco's pic, but one that made me laugh was the line of pups at the tree. Maybe you should look for a couple of townhouses...one for you and R and one for K and A in the same neighborhood and have your smaller place and privacy and yet be close together. Just a thought.

Terri D said...

Moving is hard work, and downsizing makes it even harder. It sounds like you have things under control, though. I don't envy you the wallpaper removal, though. Not fun, at all. Thanks for the chuckles. Love the green cookies! Feel the love coming at you, and the warmth of prayers being lifted for you!! Hugs!

Anonymous said...

We downsized a wee bit on our last move as well, and may at some point in the next couple of years downsize one last time. I've filled homes and then sold things off when we moved smaller, then purchases again to fill another big house and this last time, well... I had planned to get rid of more, but the sale of our house happened so quickly that I didn't have time to get rid of things. It's HARD to let things go, but it does feel good. Wishing you LOTS of good luck with selling your house. In the long run it will be a very good thing for you,,, XOX

Jeanie said...

The kind of "adventure" you are facing is hard, especially as we get older but your positive attitude will help you through. I wish you the best.
I love the pic with the dogs lined up at the tree.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

Oh no....I could never go back! I enjoyed raising my four sons, we had such fun! But I am living my best life RIGHT NOW! I am blessed and very thankful. I sure hope your move is successful...I know how hard it is. But you'll do great my friend! Sweet hugs!

MadSnapper said...

the two funnies i loved the most were the line at the pee tree and the dye it... to funny as is the pic of disco upside down.
just the thought of going through the house and preparing for a sale would throw me in a tizzy... sounds like you have it under control and have a good support group to...
sorry all this is going on, we understand you not posting or visiting and will all be here when you are moved in your new home

TARYTERRE said...

I really believe we can get by with less as we age. But I can't convince my husband to downsize here. And we really need to for all the reasons you cited too. I wish you well dear internet friend and know this new chapter in your life will be a good one.

Donna said...

Love Disco...I'm so sorry you have to move! NOT fun!!! (((HUG)))
And I like to think I would change some things but I like where I am now so...nope...not a thing...
hughugs

Maggie Ann said...

Dear Sandie....you are so sweet. I love how you share from your heart...about life and growing older. And change.. and all that change brings. It does take courage to grow older. We trust we will be the exceptions and live to be 80 anyway with few health problems. But we see so many all around us with bad situations. To know the intimate love of God for us...and that he promises to never leave or forsake us.. no matter what comes.....wow! My greatest comfort...is our Lord.

Is there a time I would go back to? I don't think so....I am getting closer to Heaven....why prolong being in this world. I love life...but it has a disease called sin that affects us all. So ....I'm not looking back..smile... hugs dear friend....and may your work in preperation for selling your home go smoothly and with a lot of help. xo Maggie Ann

p.s. boy do I know what you mean about accumulation! and yet...my most upbeat days include thrift shops....=( ...=)

Betty said...

I think we can get by with less as we age as Taryterre said, but for some reason a lot of older people hold on to more. I've noticed that with some elderly relatives over the years. My father used to have piles and piles of paper. When I'd go to visit I'd go crazy trying to clear some of it out for him. He'd lose things that he needed in the piles.

I'm envious of the way you've cleaned out! I bet you don't have any of your 45 RPM records. I do and I have nothing to play them on but I keep them in case I ever do. :)

Betty said...

Forgot. I would go back to when we were first married and my husband was in the Navy. We lived in Sicily and it was a wonderful experience. The best friends we ever made were our Navy friends. Two of our kids were born then. We had no TV! We used to spend evenings reading or playing games. We spent a lot of time with neighbors and friends. We played with the kids. That was our entertainment. Not like today at all.

Grammy Goodwill said...

My wallpaper removal tip is wet the walls, wet the walls, wet the walls. I scored them first, then sprayed a mixture of fabric softener and hot water. It's messy, but it worked so much better than the first time I did it.(Those walls still look bad.)
Good luck with your move.

Vee said...

Your post is filled with such optimism and positivity that I know God has prepared you well!

Linda @ A La Carte said...

Sandie I am so proud of you! It's hard to change our lives so drastically but sometimes its the best thing and maybe this is for you. I know moving and downsizing for me was very freeing and now I'm here helping my Mom do the same thing. It's hard to grow old, but we must change as times change. Sending you big hugs and much love!

Linda

forgetmenot said...

I love your blog!!! You always have something timely, relevant, wise, or humorous to pass along to us (or all of those in one post sometimes). Sorry you have to move, but it will be a new adventure. Where does all the stuff come from? I know it is a "weight off one's shoulders" when we can sort through it all and GET RID of much of it. Good luck with everything--it sounds like you are moving right along, my friend. Mickie :)

Willow said...

Change is usually good once we get through to it .
Hang in there Chatty .
Hugs,
Willow

Sandee said...

I know it's hard for you to give up your home, but it's just a material thing and you are far more well planted than material things. You'll do fine as you always do.

Yes growing old isn't for sissies. I'm in my 60s and can relate to my mortality. Never did when I was younger.

One thing to change? I wouldn't have married Gary. The worst mistake in my life. He was a spender and there never was enough money. When I told him to leave it took me ten years to climb out of that debt. It was awful and he was such a cheater.

Have a fabulous day honey. Big hugs to you my friend and tons of scritches to Disco. ♥♥♥

jack69 said...

Beautiful heartfelt post. Yes, life deals us a tough hand sometimes, but play that hand we must.

Growing old? I could handle it pretty well, if I did not let family matters slap me too hard.

I keep wondering when does a son become his own man and not need dad for a telephone # he has lost, or a buck.

But you will handle this I know. Even without that trip with the Hell's Angels. LOL

Yes, I did love the entry...
Take care, and I DON'T KNOW WHY WE KEEP SO MUCH STUFF!!! I do it even in my motor home basement..

Cathy said...

I loved your post today. I don't think it was sad, just very real. I've watched my parents downsize several times in their life and I know I'll be doing it soon too. I learned a lot watching them, and learned to be more content with what I have and I'm hoping it will help when it comes to my time.

I really wouldn't want to go back, but if I did, it would be to when my girls were growing up. I think I'd be a little more patient and kind and loving now than then.

Terra said...

I can relate very much to your post today, and how you are moving forward in readying your house for sale. I think God will find a cute little place for you to live, where you will find lots of joy. Like you, we have a lot of "stuff" and when we give some away we feel more light.
I like all the cute photos you posted too.

Kim said...

I think downsizing is a good move. We all collect too much stuff. I am in the process of going through my mothers things and she appears to have kept "everything" ;)

Nancy's Notes said...

Getting ready for your home to go on the market is hard work! I know, our home is on the market now, keeping it just perfect for that one buyer to come along, oh my! I'm so sorry you must leave your home of 30 years! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the smiles!
Take care and know that all will be well! A new adventure is always a growing experience and I'll just bet it'll be awesome!
hugs sweet friend.
Nancy

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Sandy .. I've been doing that for a while and finally I'm about sorted out and dedusted etc!! Put the pictures so must be almost finished. I quite understand what you're going through .. and as you say you will come out the other side - shattered, but out ...

Good luck with it all .. be positive and all will slot into place .. with many thoughts and thank you for the laughs! Good to have .. cheers Hilary

Debby@Just Breathe said...

It was very sad when the market crashed. We put $250,000 down on our house that we will never see again!
Good questions....why do we save stuff and why do we need so much?
We don't!!! You have put on your Big Girl panties and are doing the best you can do under the circumstances. You should be very proud of yourself. I wouldn't want to go back in time but I would like to have made some better choices with the money I wasted on things I didn't/don't need. I am always here for you.....
Love,
Debby

betty said...

LOL with the dogs lined up by the tree, waiting their turn. Change is hard especially when you have to leave something that has so many wonderful memories attached to it, even though you know it is the right thing to do. It will take time to process it all even after you move and get settled in, so allow yourself that time to adjust, be sad, etc. It is good that you are getting rid of so many things too; it is amazing how things can accumulate over time!

betty

Lynn said...

So sorry you have to move, but hopefully it will turn into a great adventure. I hope you find someplace wonderful to live.

Removing wallpaper. I tried doing that in my kitchen a few years ago and decided to pay someone to do it. He informed me that the wallpaper was put up without primer underneath, so it was stuck down for life. :( But he had an answer - he spackled it all over and I sanded it when it was dry. Then he painted it with Shieldz (which goes on like plastic, or something.) The new wallpaper he put over it will come right down. Or he said I could have painted it. Truly - you could not tell the old wallpaper was beneath all that, once it was done.

Beth said...

Sandie, my heart goes out to you. After over 50 years in my home I put it up for sale. It was an agonizing decision and one I am still second guessing. Prayers for you and your family!!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi there, We are back from ANOTHER trip. This time we were in Georgia checking out yet another waterfall... Check my blog today when you get a chance.

I am so sorry that you have to move --although alot of us retirees do downsize.. As I told you, we did --and it really felt good after getting it done.

Have you chosen a 'new' home yet? Does your daughter (who works) help pay for things around the house? At her age, I'd charge her some 'rent'....

I would not go back in time UNLESS George were in my life years ago. I do know that I'd do some things differently if I could when it comes to raising my 3 sons...

Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Will you stay in the same locale? Downsizing, and purging once in a while is cleansing...but hard. Moving is always a nightmare, but new beginnings are always fun. We lost half our $$ in the crash as well. Ugh! There went the motorhome!

Furry Bottoms said...

I am experiencing anxiety watching my mother grow old. It is really disturbing to me. She doesn't talk about it, but things are happening to her which are definitely age related and she goes through shock, sadness and depression with each occurence. This post was definitely touching to me.

I definitely do not ever want to go back in time. Ever. That is how I feel at my age, at 42. Does it change as you get older?

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi Sandie. I just had to pop across to see you, when I read what it was all about. Gosh, this is a huge step, especially after being in your home for 30 years. I wish you luck with your continued clearing of the house, and I pray that you will find a place which is just right for you! Lovely photo of that little scamp, Disco, by the way.

Susan said...

Awwww, that was a great post, Sandie and truly written from your heart.

I keep hoping there will be a way for you to stay in the house you love (I'm a perennial optimist but not always a realist).

But if you do find a smaller house, I'm sure you will make it adorable and comfy.

Many good things to smile about in your post today, too.

I have not downsized and thrift store shopping remains an immediate pick-me-up. The day will probably come, though, when I have to weed out, throw out and enjoy the clean dresser tops but it's not here yet. ha haha

Go back in time? Well, maybe I'd like to go back to ONE day of my kids' childhoods. I'd spend the whole day with them, playing, having fun and not cleaning, cooking or doing anything but loving them. How I'd love to hug my little ones one more time.

Have a terrific weekend. Your attitude is great. Susan

Ms. A said...

So many things here. So many things I can relate to and don't have the words to express. Change is inevitable, whether we like it or not. Having a positive attitude (like you have) will make those transitions much easier to deal with. Go, Chatty!

renae said...

Man you are busy. Sure am glad I'm not moving lately with everything I have on my plate, these days. Just do one thing at a time!

A friend told me this once:
When you actually start packing to move, pack a suitcase for each member of the family as if going on a trip. On moving day, place those suitcases in the car truck and move them to the new location yourself.

Then when everything is crazy and boxes are all over the place, you'll at least have your own suitcases handy that will have a change of clothes, towels, your medicines and your toiletries all together, so you don't have to dig through boxes to find the cough syrup, like I had to do once.

So don't forget this helpful hint. It worked wonders. I always tell it to any one I know that is moving.

Love to you, ♥, Renae

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

Thanks for the funnies- I enjoyed them all. I've been trying to downsize my "stuff" and surprisingly it is not so bad as I thought it would be. Still tons more to go, but I'm getting there. I'm sorry you have to move. I hope that you find the perfect place and settle in comfortably. Prayers and best wishes speeding your way.

Lynn said...

Congrats on chipping away at everything for the upcoming move-it's a huge project! I'm sure you'll be happy once you're all settled into the new place. Happy Weekend:@)

Nonnie said...

I loved reading this. It is so truthful. Eleven years ago, we moved out of our 30 years of living house. I was excited about moving, but remember the hard work that went with getting it and us ready. Then I cried and cried every day and night over missing the old house for probably a month. But, life goes on and now though I've adjusted and enjoy where we are, I would like to downsize, but DH isn't ready.

If I could go back??? No. But I confess sometimes to wanting to place "now" on hold. You're right. It takes courage to grow old and I'm realizing it daily.

Love the pic of Disco and love the pic of the hands.

Good luck with the wallpaper, the clean-up, the sale, and the move.

Ginny Hartzler said...

Sandie, life is about change. But as we get older, we do not like it at all. We think of it as an adventure when we are young. To quote Beavis and Butt Head "Change SUCKS." Here is how I try to get through change... think of it as a big adventure. Sometimes when we are doing things and things are changing, it can make us feel younger, to! We are NOT sitting in a rocking chair!

Denise said...

Praying for you.

Merlesworld said...

Yes I would go back in time and change everything but only if I could retain memories of this and every other life I lived, I would be curious as to how things turned out.
Good luck with the move, not my favourite thing but it is exciting.
Merle...............

jp@A Green Ridge said...

Yes, traveling lighter, although emotional at times, is sooo much easier, Sandie!!! Getting rid of all that stuff we "had" to have for that time in our lives, makes room for all the important things...like us!...:)JP

Grammy Staffy said...

Oh my goodness.... you do have a difficult but exciting journey ahead of you. Going through change is always hard. I know selling your home will be difficult but with your good attitude you will be blessed with happiness and a new beginning. I wish you the best of luck as you begin on this journey.

I have not visited your blog for a while and I've missed it. Jan 8th I had a bad gall stone attack and had gall bladder surgery on the 9th. After the surgery I got sicker and sicker because I had a bile leak that filled me up with infection. I've been in the hospital for weeks with severe sepsis, strep abscesses on my liver and a blood clot I got from the pic line they put in. I was too sick to blog and the hospital internet was not good so I could not visit you anyway.
I am so glad I am home now and got to drop in on you. Your blog always makes my heart smile... even when I'm not feeling very good. Thanks for being there to brighten our day. Best of luck to you. Hugs, Lura

NanaDiana said...

Oh Sandie- I know exactly what you are going through. I have helped a couple of friends through it and it will be my turn, too. I am dreading it, too, but like you, looking forward to the adventure in a way.

Great pictures and captions today.
I loved being 50-all my 50's. I would go back there because my brother was still alive and I felt really good about myself and life. xo Diana

NanaDiana said...

Oh Sandie- I know exactly what you are going through. I have helped a couple of friends through it and it will be my turn, too. I am dreading it, too, but like you, looking forward to the adventure in a way.

Great pictures and captions today.
I loved being 50-all my 50's. I would go back there because my brother was still alive and I felt really good about myself and life. xo Diana

mail4rosey said...

I can clearly see that it's a boy dog line (waiting to use the bathroom), but I've got to tell you I've never seen a Men's Room line that long, it's usually the Ladie's Room that has the big wait. ;)

You already know I'm wishing you well on your move (and all that goes with it). :)

Rob-bear said...

Best wishes with the moving plans. I've never lived anywhere for 30 years. Moving is tough work!

I'm interested to see you are on a dye it. I need to keep that strategy in mind. Thanks.

Blessings and Bear hugs!

Carol said...

Change is tough but you are tougher. You are going to be ok! I am doing the same thing and I will try to post about it this weekend. Many of us are in the same boat. Hugs, hugs, hugs! Betsy

Tweedles -- that's me said...

I did not think his post was a downer at all. I thought it took courage to talk from your heart,, and let your feelings flow.
It takes courage to ACCEPT changes.
It takes courage to say how things really are-- and that your facing the changes head on- with God by your side,, and of course your friends too.
It is amazing how we accumulate stuff,, and it just grows.
love
tweedles

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

Sandie,
Great post indeed, beautifully said and filled with such a positive attitude. You are already handling this with style. This growing older gig is a challenge whether we stay or move, downsize, up-size. It is just a new ride in this life and so frustrating!!!!
Well, I'd go back to two things- a day in my own childhood and a day in my the childhood of my four children!
Thinking of you with Love,
Jemma
P.S.
I think Cheri has a good plan-would you consider that?

Rose said...

I also have been down that road and may have to go thru it again in the near future.

I'm praying for you that all will go smoothly. It's hard I know.

Removing wallpaper is a nasty task but once it is over, you will be thrilled with a clean coat of paint.

Hugggggggggggggggggggs, Rose

The Quintessential Magpie said...

You know I love you and am thinking of you in this process.

Would I repeat a year! The year I was seven. I loved every minute of it. Would I change anything? I would repeal the deaths of some family friends that happened that year.

xo

Sheila

Granny Annie said...

This post was in no way a downer. You are telling all of how to prepare for another journey in a right frame of mind. You always know how to do it filled with faith. I always get emotional with those pictures of generations of hands.

Melanie said...

Praying for you, my sweet friend, as you go through this change. You've been working very hard!

Inger said...

You were not a downer! You are right, this is not for sissies, it will not be easy, but -- you have the right attitude: Let this be an adventure. One that you all can go on together.

And just think, once you are really old, you will not have the burden of all that stuff to take care of.

Dar said...

I think you're doing an awesome job getting ready for change. and You are so brave! MercyChild! So Brave!
God WILL take your load and deliver you safely renewed. How exciting.
I agree with Cheri, by the way...the best of both worlds.
Dogs waiting their turn-HILARIOUS!!!
Raising a family is difficult at times, and if I could, I'd be a more patient person and a better Christian even tho I know God will accept me as I am.

Starry Dawn said...

Hi Sandie,
I am sorry that you feel sad about moving out from your present house.
You seem to be so much attached to your things, like your home.
Many retirees have to downsize, move to a smaller home, in order to pay for their incoming bills, which are too high to afford, if they keep their big or expensive houses.
Do you have in mind a smaller house where you are moving to? Will you stay in the same neighborhood, or go elsewhere to a much cheaper place?
I find today's post realistic, not a fantasy, something that happens often, especially to folks who retire, and have to face the incoming bills to pay.
Yes! I know penguins have the same mate for a lifetime. It's so sweet of them, not like humans do!
What would I change from the past, if I had to go back in time?
Yes! I'd change my attitude towards my dear mom. I regret the fact that I left her home, and move to New York. I would never do it again, if I began to live again. Well, I would stay with my dear mother forever...
I still love and miss my dear mother so very much this day!
Thank you for sharing your world with us, Sandie!
I'll be praying for you, and your dear family to make the changes in your lives in a smooth and peaceful way, the best that you can do it. Be strong, and face the future with your head held high!
God may bless you all, Sandie.
Blessings,
Starry.

Lucy said...

Chatty, actually Sandie, I got a glimpse of the real Sandie instead of a commenter on my blog. The line of pups waiting for the tree was funny. I cherish this time alone. It is 7:00 AM and everyone else is sleeping. I really like this post, Sandie. I have been doing a lot of soul searching. Wondering if I have the right, at 84 to want more life. . I think my goal is more to have a life without a major stroke to make me a burden on anyone.. My facebook name is just my f1rst and last name. I don't do much on it.

Kay G. said...

Dear Sandie,
I hope you stay in Georgia!
God bless you going through your house, that is hard work.
May God help you and guide you through the changes in your life. Take care.
Love,
Kay

Suzan said...

Adorable picture of Disco!!
sorry that you're going through this of moving. 30 years of history from your life is a huge chunk!! But it is wonderful starting new and fresh!! getting those closets cleaned out! Before we sell - Danny has one more bathroom to do and ALSO - take all the wall paper down in the halls and front room and just paint it. Downsizing is good!! Just take one day at a time!!
LOVED the green cookies!! I liked that advise! To eat something green!!

Sue said...

Good for you getting so much done with the house...removing that wallpaper is going to be a big job...You shouldn't be doing that!! it's hard sweaty work...I like Cheri's idea of two townhouses...something you really should consider...You could use some quiet time...If you have never seen the Diane Keaton movie called "SMother" you should find it and watch it...it's great and hysterical....You could relate...she says at one point to her son who she is living with..."Please send me back to 1968 so I can start over"....I'm onboard for that :)

Mevely317 said...

Sorry to be so late!
I can only imagine the emotions that jostle and try to compete with this enormous physical undertaking.
You're in my thoughts and prayers, girlfriend!

Lee said...

It's a major change, Sandie...I'd be a mental and physical wreck, too. Don't be too hard on yourself.

It looks like Disco is looking at us here Down Under! ;)

You never fail to bring the smiles.

Have a wonderful week. :)

Jim said...

How do you get 14 dogs to wait in line for the potty? How do you then get one dog to be going while the others are still in line?

Disco is relaxing and the steering wheel is right side up so I must be also.

I had a similar bucket list wish, to ride a motor cycle down the Florida Keys Causeway to Key West. That won't happen but we are pretty much there in a few months via Southwest Airlines.

I used to ride with the San Jacinto Highrollers and was single most of this time. You could have ridden with me then.

Sorry too about your needing to move. We moved to here after 23 years in our other place, Friendswood, Texas. We gave a lot away, some we put on the curbside at our daughter's place and by morning it would be gone. Notable was our John boat, trailer, and outboard engine. Some we took to Goodwill or the like. No sale.

Best wishes on the move, I wishe it was under more favorable circumstances. That can happen to a lot of us.
..

Dee said...

Your in a major life change/adjustment with lots of decisions to make.....but I am sure you will enjoy the simplicity. I keep you in my prayers my friend....I appreciate with all the busyness you are doing that you try to make others smile with your blog.

Dee said...

I forgot to answer that i would never go back...it took me to long to get where i am :)

Dee said...
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Theresa Mahoney said...

Moving is not fun at all, but like you said, it could be turned into an adventure! I like your positive take on traveling lighter. It does feel freeing to get rid of stuff that is weighing you down. Best wishes on your move!

Leslie Anne Tarabella said...

Moving is always stressful no matter what the reason. More people than you realize are in the same boat as you. Hang in there, and look for the fun opportunities ahead! Life's an adventure!

Stephanie Faris said...

Deep thoughts! I remember watching a show where the main character had been diagnosed with cancer. She was in her 40s and had been given a short time to live. She saw a woman in her 50s who'd had plastic surgery and told her, "Growing older is a privilege."

That put it in perspective. I think now of people who don't make it to my age or to my mom's age and I think about how it is really good to be able to experience that. Still, it is difficult to see the passing of time and know that we're only here a short time.

Annesphamily said...

Moving is so challenging and I often worry too much. SO enjoy it while you on the journey. Kick back and remember all the memories you made at your home for all those years. Saying lots of prayers for you and yours. Hugs Anne

nancygrayce said...

I would not go back in time!! No, never, ever! But I totally agree that we didn't understand when our parents were aging. I have had those same thoughts....did they not talk about it? Was I not paying attention?

I think you should be very proud of letting go and moving on to something new. An adventure, but I'm sorry at the same time. We lost a lot of money a few years ago when banks were going under, so I'm familiar with that feeling.

Sorry, no Harley's here nor is that on my bucket list! My brother had two motorcycle accidents and mama put us all on notice that if we so much as got on a motorcycle, she would take the guessing out and kill us herself!

Much love to you and yours and I'll be thinking about you through this process!! God bless!

Catherine said...

Dear Sandie, Writing and sharing your feelings is very healthy. I am very inspired by you. I am not able to open up about my feelings as you, though I am trying.
It is very true that we go through life's experiences and are changed or better yet grow from them so that we could never go back to who we were.
Blessings dearest, Catherine xo

Sharon said...

You know that I understand the packing, moving, selling thing. After 29 years, I moved two years ago. I'm still adjusting...and I STILL have unpacked boxes!!

But, the Lord has also been so faithful to me. Standing alongside me as I learn a new way of living in a whole new place. We never go alone...

As to your question at the end - yes, there is a life circumstance that I would love to go back and change. However, that being said, God has done some wonderful things in the aftermath. And my faith in Him grew so much because of it. So, perhaps I wouldn't change after all???

XO

Marie said...

You and I are in similar boats. LOL
I've sold our home and finally found a home is Cary, we're starting off just renting. I just can't believe how much stuff I have kept! I am very sentimental, so I have a lot of Kyle's childhood toys and works of art. I also have his crib and changing table. :) Wish I could be there to help. :)
I talk to my grandma about growing old. I love to hear anything and everything she has to say. :)
hugs to you from me.
Marie

Debbie said...

As you can see from your many, many comments here, THIS post hit home. I think it hit home for so many of us. It just seems to me (and I'm probably wrong about this) that life just seems so much SADDER these days. I can't describe it, but so many folks around me, both IRL and invisible friends, are going through a season that brings them sadness or pain. It seems to be everywhere.

Therefore, I think it's not only OK to express it, but kind of imperative. When we know that others are facing something that they just don't look forward to, it helps me get my focus off myself.

I'm sorry about the house selling.
I'm, also sorry to have been so AWOL of late.

If I could turn back time? Yeah, there is a big something. I just don't yak about it to anyone but God. In the short term, I would like to go back and take better care of myself.

Lucy said...

Just stopped in to say hi and do not work to hard.

Knitty said...

This wasn't a downer post, just a thought provoking one.

I wouldn't go back and change anything, even a few small regrets, because it would change who I (and my family) are now and the change might not be anywhere as good as what we have.

As for change in the present and moving forward, you have a good outlook. While I don't have plans to leave our home and love it for its memories, I am pretty sure I could move if needed. It is okay to miss some things because they brought you pleasure or evoked good memories, but I know your priorities are right and things don't obsess you.

Best wishes and prayers for peace and happy transitions. Hugs, too.