From Oprah to your child’s daycare provider, one hears endlessly about the transformation power of gratitude. Today, on this uniquely American holiday, as many of us gather around long make-shift tables, headed by the matriarch or patriarch, perhaps a little one passed from lap to lap, the chatter, the delight, the joy of reunion, allows gratitude to flow easily. At least that is the idealized vision of Thanksgiving. For families splintered by the recent election, or still carrying an ancient grudge, the temptation might be to settle the score over the turkey, however, I hope, no matter where you are or who you are sharing your table with, I hope, you shift the conversation to love.
Tag Archives: Family
Flooded
Her voice broke into my dream state like a prophetic warning. My eyes opened to an empty bed and a racing mind. Did I sleep through the alarm? Was there something worse awaiting me? As tempting as it was to languish in drowsiness, I pulled myself awake. She called my name again.
“Do you need me?” I managed.
“Can you come down stairs? Come down right now? The cellar is flooded.”
Moving Day
Much of our life got boxed up, the rest sent off to Goodwill or the dump or the undecided pile. Since November 2013 we have been on the move, downsizing each of the three times, to this, our first, almost official, tiny house. Plenty of decisions about what we still need or want in our lives. Decisions about what is officially junk or worth selling. Decisions about what can fit and what is functional. Decisions about aesthetics. Decisions made while washing the dishes or doing errands or half in the doorway while leaving for work. Decisions on the fly. Moving day is upon us and decisions rule the day.
Do you ask friends to help you when they volunteer repeatedly? After our first big move, from Inn to apartment, each location with multiple staircases and just too much stuff to bear, we decided that was an imposition we could never ask again; so instead, discovered a local and fabulous company of handy movers who were more than happy to lug our overly packed boxes. Friends are lifesavers worth saving for celebrations and anniversaries and birthdays or to console you through your sorrows, but not to move boxes of books.
Now, a few short days after the big day, we are still unpacking (which is why this is not a proper blog post); but I will share a few preliminary pics to show off the new space. Still arranging and rearranging, thinking about art placement, all the homey touches, but here’s a sneak peak!
The house is passive, causing only a minimal footprint, so every interior inch is precious. Of course the expansive view, as many Vermont locals provide, is one that showcases a bright blue sky and shouts of Autumn color. Feeling lucky, feeling blessed, feeling like this will be a wonderful home once we settle in.
Nine Cent Girl 