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A few weeks ago I was talking with a friend who had just retired telling her to decide what’s important in her life and figure out how to make it happen. It was a phone call and I was happily sitting in my camp chair gazing at a blue Kansas lake.
Today we spoke again, this time I was the one lamenting a feeling of emptiness, and she repeated my words back to me.
And so the search begins! Actually it started before we got back home from the trip, already wondering, “what’s next?”
Going to Alaska and staying gone for over three months was the biggest accomplishment that I could imagine for this retired part of our lives. Now it’s done and we have the tee shirts to prove it! So what else do we want? How do we want to be living? What brings joy into our life?
Traveling in the Casita brings us joy. Spending time outdoors biking, hiking or kayaking brings us joy. And sharing activities with friends brings us joy.
And simplicity brings me joy. I can’t speak for the husband here as he seems content whether the house is organized or in chaos!
Upon returning from these extended trips, I find myself needing to discard possessions. This time I successfully parted with over half the clothes in two closets! But it seems to be never enough!
It’s almost an obsession to rid myself of everything I own. Would love to just pay someone to come get it all….house included! Lucky that I’m married to someone who would object to giving it all away.
But I know and crave the freedom that comes with getting rid of everything; I did it 25 years ago! Everything was sold or given away except the pickup truck and my life changed.
Real ready for another big change!
Passages are always happening in our lives. We returned from our trip in time for David, a 1955 graduate, to say “goodbye” to his high school. This school, a landmark in our community dating back to 1937, served as a grammar and high school.
Unsure of what will replace the old school. With the exclusive North Shore encroaching on Red Bank, it will be prime real estate!
Another passage tomorrow as summer will turn to fall….here’s hoping for a long beautiful autumn!
Great post. Speaks straight to my heart, also. It's always sad to see parts of our life being destroyed in the name of progress, but without change it would be a boring world, indeed. Good luck on the planning of your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteWe have not started planning yet but we did get a wedding invitation from a gkid, for January in Phoenix, so we do have a great excuse to head back west!
DeleteGuess I'll keep searching for clarity until it's time to hit the road.
I see it clearing up, already, if the dates work. Casita's in Lajita's beginning on January 13th; catch the wedding in Phoenix; then on to Quartzite and other points in the area.:-)
DeleteThks for the info..Lajita's never been on the radar....guess we need to check it out.
DeleteLajitas, Texas?
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Deletehttp://www.casitaforum.com/invboard/topic/13591-casitas-in-lajitas-tx-rally/
DeleteGreat posting. So many of us experience these changes and re-evaluation times. They are so frustrating when they start, then the questions, then it seems like one day - Aha. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteLove what you said....reminding me that the path will be revealed as we walk it!
DeleteTake care of yourself....may all your roads be pleasant!
Your simplicity comment struck home. Maybe that's why we like small trailers and river trips. We're looking forward to seeing you on the road again sometime.
ReplyDeleteI love the simplicity of our life in the trailer! Two plates, 4 forks, 5 spoons....and then come back to stacks of dishes in the cabinets!
DeleteYes, we will be "in town" this winter if things go as planned....maybe with our kayaks!
Ah - indecision! Remember that when you are undecided it's because you don't have enough information yet or are not ready yet. It'll happen when it's time. We hope to be heading thru TN first part of Nov. Where can we meet up (to give David his forgotten T-shirt?
ReplyDeleteNot ready nor have enough info! I like that approach!
DeleteWill send you an email....looking forward to seeing both of you again.
It is hard to give up possessions, but time away from them makes one not care about them nearly so much. We've just finished clearing out the Cartersville house, trying to figure out what we wanted to save, what we no longer needed. 3/4 into the project, I was ready to give all the remaining items away.
ReplyDeleteNow that you're back to civilization, you can play your next seasonal long trip.
The SW is definitely on our mind!
ReplyDeleteLove your "find more time to think about less"!
Freedom to move is intoxicating. Got to figure out how to balance it all!
Good for you! I remember you talking about it being a daunting task! Did you find things that you can not live without?
ReplyDeleteI see this clearing out on our horizon. Just need to get the hubby more on board.
I remember well the feeling of getting rid of the clutter in my life when we went full-time. Because of personal issues we felt we needed to be near our son in a stationary manner. Although good for him, we really miss the freedom. Life goes on and we hope to regain that peace that comes with being in nature via our Casita. I like the comment.."find more time to think about less." I could truly use that right now in my life!!
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to following your next journey!
yes, Carla came up with a good description of life in the casita!
DeleteAnd it is peaceful to live mostly outside and sleep cozily in the trailer.
Hope you get some well deserved nature communing time soon!
What a fantastic post...and as jerryC said, it came from the heart...In recent years I have thought the same thing....knowing of course my Bride would bring be back to "reality"...whatever that is....so the compromise is that I take these journeys ......and then return to the Homestead....your Post truly touched my "wandering nerve"...and my heart...thanks for sharing........Horst sends
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how many of us are dealing with the same feelings and thoughts about living small and simple. Wondering if this is a trend on the planet or a natural evolution of the aging process?
ReplyDeleteThank you always for your comment!
Stay safe!