I write to you today surrounded by towers of boxes, bins, and plastic bags filled with all my worldly possessions.
I see a framed picture I’ve had since I was a little girl, dishes I’ve served many a meal on, books I have loved, and I’m feeling sad because none of them can go with me when I move to Amsterdam next month.
It’s like saying good-bye to old friends as I sort the boxes Robin and Nicole set next to my “invalid chair”. We’re getting ready for my moving sale on Saturday, the day I send my comfy old armchairs, beautiful iron bedstead, and sturdy bookcases to new homes. It is both emotional and exciting, but when tears threaten to spill over, I remind myself that all these little sacrifices will be worth it. They’re making it possible for me to start a new life – and that is a wonderful thing.
I found out today that my badly sprained foot is actually much worse than originally thought. It’s either fractured or suffering the effects of a completely torn ligament. So I am officially off my feet for the next while, with a strict regimen of icing, soaking, and elevating. Hopefully one day soon the black will disappear and the swelling and pain go down, but until then I’ll be hobbling about on the splendid crutches my friends Cameron and Robin got for me. They’re nifty little things, shiny and bright burnished metal, and my friend Marie says they match my earrings. 🙂 My arms aren’t thanking me, but my foot is shouting WOOHOOHOO!! 😉
Being unable to walk, let alone lift anything, I was anxious and stressed about how to move, sort, haul, pack, and sell my belongings before my big move in 3 weeks. I worried in vain though, for my dear pals Michael, Cameron and Robin, Darren and Nicole, Jenny, Kat and Ed, Dylan, Mike, Eric and Marie not only helped me move out of my apartment, they moved everything again this week, helping me sort through it, AND are standing by to put on a garage sale. They are absolute treasures and I’m all teary just thinking of the amazing love and kindness they’ve shown me. Love you guys so much. 🙂
As I think about all that needs to be done, it’s so nice to take a break for a bit and simply reflect with gratitude on the blessings in my life. To linger awhile over these peaceful pictures of driftwood, grasses in the wind, and a sea cool and dark as slate.
A friend and I were talking today about the myriad trials that have monopolized our lives recently. Our health, finances, and vocations have gone through massive upheaval, stirring up fear and uncertainty in our hearts. Yet in spite of it all we still feel fortunate for one reason: we are loved.
Thinking on that makes me smile through constant pain, surprise expenses, and monkey wrenches tossed straight into well-laid plans.
It is my happy thought this week. 🙂
Who are you loved by today?
xo
Krista, I didn’t know you were moving to Europe (instead of Australia)? So we can have chance to meet finally? 🙂
I will be there for a few months, Zita, and THEN I’m off to Australia. 🙂 YES!! I would absolutely love to meet you. 🙂
Oh….really hard to try to pack and have an injury to your foot. Are you in a cast? You are so fortunate to have so many loving friends to help you right now, Krista!
Hope you can put some of those treasures in storage with someone. Furniture is replaceable, but old frames and books…difficult to part with.Wishing you luck with your sale on Saturday and I hope your foot heals fast. 3 weeks is not much time!
I’m on crutches and have an elastic sock holding everything in place, Barbara. I’m choosing a few precious treasures and letting the rest go. It’s hard, but I know it will be worth it in the long run. 🙂
Krista, just wait till you step off the plane in Amsterdam and yeeeeehaaaaa!!! Here comes a brand new chapter in your life! No matter how daunting or scary the situation may be now, soon you’ll be so excited the pain will all be but a distant memory. Wishing you a fast recovery from your injured ankle and a wonderful weekend!
Thank you, dear Karen!!! That thought is exactly what’s keeping me going. 🙂 A dear friend told me that this is simply the Universe’s way of asking, “How much do you want this?” I AM willing to fight for it. 🙂
what a time you are having Krista. glad you’ve got all the help. it’s tough to leave stuff behind. but yes, what tomorrows are in store for you!
It is a bit of a gong show, Paradis, but boy am I grateful for my kind friends. 🙂
I am so sorry to hear your foot is worse than you imagined. Just think of the big bear hugs waiting for you in Amsterdam!!
Thank you, Val. 🙂 Just knowing what is wrong is a comfort somehow. I know what to expect and am figuring out ways to work around it. 🙂 Yes – those bear hugs will be wonderful and worth all this stress. 🙂
my daughter is visiting and yesterday we put all our flower starters in cedar flower boxes we made together, pushed the wheelbarrows of dirt up the hill and laughed and hugged at the days end when we could arm in arm look at the beauty before us! She is a jewel of love in my life today !
Oh, what a perfectly wonderful day with your jewel of a girl, Susan! 🙂 The picture of you two together makes me happy. 😉
You really find out who your friends are when you move, don’t you? Yes, getting rid of treasured possessions is difficult, but you won’t miss them on your new adventures. Take care of that ankle!
You sure do, Mary! 🙂 It’s amazing how much freer I feel with all that stuff gone now. 🙂
The bonds of friendship that we forge are more priceless than gold or silver. How fortunate you are to have such loving friends and family around you. Whatever has gone wrong in life can be mended with the lovong care of friends. I hope you have a great weekend and are taking proper care of that ankle. Blessings…Mary
Thank you, dear Mary, you are absolutely right. There’s nothing like being loved and cared for when you’re in pain to make a difficult situation so much better. 🙂
Oh no – so sorry to hear about your foot! What timing!? Wonderful that your friends have been so wonderful and helpful for you. Where would we be without our friends? =) ~Andrea.
Isn’t the timing wretched, Andrea?! Ugh! I just had to laugh at the craziness of it all. 🙂 I’m so grateful for my lovely friends. They’ve saved my hide! 🙂
So you are moving to Holland? Any move is part-exhilarating, part angst-provoking; but I am sure you will love it and the great food to be had there.
I sure am, Joumana, for a few months at least. I AM excited – just a bit frazzled by everything that needs to be done. 🙂
where in Australia are you moving to (after Europe)? So sorry to hear about your injury, but I hope the moving plans go as smoothly as possible. Sounds like you have good friends to help you 🙂
xo
I’ll be moving to Queensland, Hila – near Warwick, about 2 hours from Brisbane. 🙂
Awwwwwwwwwwwh darlin, sorry to hear your foot isn’t good. But thank goodness for wonderful friends hey. Yours sound amazing. Are you nervous about your big move? Great question sweets, who am I loved by today. Im feeling so loved by a bunch of people, Im working really hard on keeping positive, and have found that people want to help and share there love with me. Mr HG spent a good 15 minutes seranading me in song, then hugs and kisses just now. Im a feeling the love. 🙂
Love that your digging your crutches Miss. Beautiful pictures. Cant wait to see you Down Under. Bring on end of year. Hugs and tons of love to you. X
Your note made me smile so big, Anna! I’m SO glad you’re feeling the love – you deserve every lavish bit of it. 🙂 Yes! Thank goodness for wonderful friends. I could NOT make it through this moving process without them. 🙂 See you soon, luv! 🙂
I’m so excited for you! (Although I wish that rather than Amsterdam, you were moving to NYC!) And I love how you always face whatever hardship falls you with optimism and with a smile on your face. So inspiring!
I wish wherever I am moving would be close to you, Joanne. 🙂 I would love that SO much!!!
Where are in Europe are you going?
Duh! It’s on the right side of the blog! I’ll miss you in Amsterdam (was just there) but if you explore the continent let me know!
Oh that’s too bad, Matt! But yes, I’ll also be in Germany (August) and Italy (September). I don’t know the exact dates yet, but I’ll keep you posted. 🙂
As my father says… limp. When things are murky, when you’re in pain, no one expects you to leap and run, so… limp. Brave girl, carry on!
I absolutely LOVE that, dear Duchess!! Wow – that’s just what I needed today. I shall limp with pride, darling! 🙂
I’m so sorry to hear about your sprained foot, Krista! I’m wishing you a very swift recovery. And I’m so excited for your move! I hope one day fate brings us together to the same part of the world at the same time so we can meet, my friend. 🙂
Thank you so much, dear Faith! I would absolutely LOVE to meet you in person. 🙂 I know I would love you as dearly face to face as I do online. 🙂
Feel better soon Krista! xo