It’s been 4 years since we stowed the stuff from our most recent move in storage. We had planned to move into the dream home we’d built, but Life had other plans for us, as it turned out, so we sold the house and kept the Stuff. It was weighing on us, figuratively if not literally (frankly I’d forgotten most of what was in there and am enjoying life having less rather than more). So…finally it was time to weed through and get rid of everything we wouldn’t need down the line. The Stuff was in Pasco, WA, in a facility owned by friends of ours, which I was relieved to discover is in the DRY part of Washington State, so no worries about dampness. In fact most people don’t realize that parts of Oregon and Washington are desert. Yep, looks a lot like the Southwest. Hot, too – we toiled in a warehouse in temps that climbed over 100 degrees. Good thing we are early risers, so we were able to get the bulk of it done while it was relatively cool out. But we got it all done with a day to spare, so we’re feeling pretty good about the whole enterprise. Had time for a stroll along the Columbia River, where I took the pic below. Looks there was some rain prior to our arrival!
To make a long story short, I will not miss the Stuff. Most of it I had even forgotten I had. Living in an apartment that’s under 100 sq. feet has taught me that less truly is more – I only have what I truly need, and anything I haven’t worn or used in a year’s time…out it goes. Looking around me, I can breathe deeply not surrounded by THINGS. The picnic bench along the flooded riverbank is symbolic, for me: The best laid plans (or picnics) are easily swamped, so learn to keep your head above the water and don’t cry over that which gets washed away.
