Really I’m not a broken record

I have a new friend where I live who also writes a blog. But she writes everyday - something, I'm sorry to say, I won't commit to. Plus she adds great illustrations, news topics, trivia questions, and a daily puzzle. This I must say is one fun blog even when she asks pointed questions about the new mask directives and discusses why she doesn't watch the Olympics. And it's not all that serious. She even recommended buying a pair of shoes like her latest ones. Yes, I'm going to buy a pair. Here's her blog address:  Joyce@joyceswhatsupblog.com    I hope you'll check it out! *** As for me, well, I'm like a broken record. I keep writing and writing about the same old thing - my moving and how I'm feeling about it. Though I hope this latest piece  is a little more optimistic. Writing Group Prompt: Write about your comfortable space and what draws you to it or the reverse: Supposedly when I moved to my new apartment in Playa Vista I was moving to a more comfortable space. Leaving my big … [Read more...]

More poems about moving

While my moving days are still clear in my mind, here's a few more poems I've written about that awful chore. So many decisions, so many memories, so much pain involved. Bob, your favorite Yellow leather chair Is going out of our lives. It doesn’t fit In my new home So I’m giving It to Joe. I know He’ll take good care Of it and remember you Whenever he sits in it. And I won’t ever forget How you looked Snuggled up in it Dozing and relaxing There even when You were the most sick. I don’t need The physical chair Or the physical you To have all The best memories Of our undying love.   This is the penultimate Moving day. The piles of boxes Filled the whole garage And now are Packed tight in two trucks. Soon the furniture Will go in. By close of business The trucks will be packed And ready For delivery tomorrow. And with every step The movers make I remember the story Of the things they carry.   We lived with an armoire In our bedroom For over twenty years. It held our … [Read more...]

Moving has its likes and hates

Hello everyone. Please welcome me back. I can't believe I haven't posted here since June 9. And I only posted one time in the month of June. But, I have a good excuse. I moved out of my house of forty-two years on June 23, and the work leading up to that day and after that day has been horrendous and exhausting. I wrote a bit about my moving experience in my writing group yesterday - my first time back there in several weeks as well. I thought I'd share it with you here. *** I’ve said to several people since I moved to my new apartment in Playa Vista, whether I like it or not, I’m never going to move again. The only way I’ll get out of here is feet first. How’s that for standing firm? It is not that I don’t like it here. Actually being here just a day less than two weeks, it’s too soon to tell. Everyday I find things I like and things I very much hate. For example a wonderful woman named Blanca cleaned my apartment this morning. She came at eight and worked about two hours, and … [Read more...]

No memories at all

My house is now in escrow, which means that in about two months from now I'll have to move out. That brought on some I can't imagine thoughts about moving. Here goes: After living in this house for over forty-two years I can’t imagine living anyplace else. The house was brand new when we bought it and to me it was like a palace. It has three levels with four bedrooms, two and a half baths, a huge kitchen with more cabinets than I knew what to do with, plus a living room, family room, and a formal dining room. Luckily, we already had the dining table – an old claw foot oak piece with lots of leaves to accommodate twelve people at the many dinners I used to prepare. Now I have no idea who will end up with that table and the antique sideboard also in the dining room. There’s no room for them in the tiny apartment I’m planning to move into. Actually, I’ll have no room for most of my things in that apartment. And I can’t visualize what I’ll do with all of them. At least I’ll have three … [Read more...]

Selling, getting rid of the stuff, and moving

My house  has been on the market for three weeks with no offers yet. Bub I assume that will happen in good time. In the meantime I'm nervous about  it and I work hard to make sure my home is in perfect condition when people come by to see it. In the meantime I also write my daily poems - hoping my words will help the process along.   I'm abandoned Put upon Left to do All the work. Arrange for repairs Take care of the garden Sign the listing papers And make sure Everything is perfect before a buyer Comes by. Then I’m the one Left to decide On an offer If one ever comes through Next I must take care of all the work Of the move: The throwing away, The giving away, The taking away, Handling all the things We lovingly bought together And put into this home. And touching each One by one while deciding What to do with it. I resent it I want him by my side. After he died I had to take care Of the finances Pay the bills Do the taxes Manage the money. This other stuff The selling, the … [Read more...]

What do I see for the future

This is another possible chapter that I’ve written for my new memoir about aging successfully. Again, I’d love to know what you think. Would a memoir with these kinds of thoughts and information interest you?  I’m optimistic. I think Bob is caring about his body more. He’s gotten himself some pills which he thinks will help him get stronger and more in balance. I think his willingness to do something about his state of health is a good thing. I just wish he’d eliminate sugar and cut down on his alcohol intake. But I wouldn’t say that to him. Also, he’s committed to personal training once a week, spending another hour or so at the gym on another day of the week, and walking several times a week. That’s all good. We walked the other day and he’s definitely moving better and seems less wobbly. I think the illnesses of some of our friends have gotten his attention. They’ve certainly gotten my attention. I used to say I’d probably be ready to give up my health program as I got … [Read more...]