Cleaning House

How many times have you made a move in your life? I think I am approaching fifty or more.

With each and every move I became a little more proficient. Culling through the collection of our lives little essentials. Wrapping each precious plate with care and protecting the less than fine art we had accumulated along the way.

I was always amazed at how many boxes were dedicated to the children's things. Their rooms were always the first to be set up and the last to be dismantled. I was especially careful to keep any and all of their stuff. Afraid that we might arrive to the new place, to find out the one thing they couldn't live without had gone missing.

There isn't much time to reminisce when you are in the process, but you do it anyway. Photos taken at neighborhood barbecues, pictures at the beach, art and school projects the children had so proudly presented us. Wrapping each item with great care and tucking the memories away.

Each time you move you take so much with you. The friends you will never forget, the places you will remember visiting, but especially the stories that will be told and re-told over the years. You also leave a bit of yourself behind.

We have had the good fortune to live in many beautiful places and homes over the years. The one we are in now is by far the most unique. Two little casitas with a huge deck between. A living space as big as all outdoors. It has been the sight of our sons wedding party, our grandchildren's birthday parties and lots and lots of barbecues.

I had a Garage Sale the other day. It reminded me of those moves I have made. It occurred to me that cleaning house is not that much different. Culling through life's little essentials. Passing on the bits and pieces that are no longer needed. Enjoying the memories and making new ones.

The best part is that tomorrow morning , I will not have a moving truck pulling up to my front door.
I think this one is a keeper.