Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Dear Daughters: Downsizing

Virgen de Guadalupe

Dear Daughters,

While pondering life early this morning while having my coffee, it dawned on me that because I

am ‘of a certain age’ I am now expected to downsize everything:

my home, my collections, my wardrobe, my jewelry, my décor stash in the garage, my crate of milk glass vases for  parties, my crate of champagne flutes for parties, my Christmas decorations, the number of Christmas trees I have,  my dishes, my chafing dishes for parties, my silver plate, the punch bowls and punch cups I collected for Heather’s wedding , my cookbook collection,  and my small quirky vases for my zinnias- to name a few.

Because I thrive best in a back door, find all the exits, take your own car in case you need to leave mentality,

I do best when I can keep my options open.

I have decided therefore, I am keeping my downsizing options open too.

Here’s why:

I still have my big toe in my life prior to today.

I enjoyed having all of those Christmas parties for my teacher/non-teacher friends and using my milk glass and silver plate, and decorating 3 trees, and earmarking cookbooks looking for just the right appetizer recipes.

I enjoyed finding all of those punch bowls and punch cups for Heather’s wedding so I could create a tier of punch bowls by the cake table.  Finding those punch cups at the flea market was a blast.

I enjoyed driving from Ross to Ross collecting boxes of champagne flutes that have been used many, many times at brunches, baby showers, and wedding showers in my home and in the homes of my friends.


The flip side of this memory laden coin is that sweet girls-

I know this is changing even as I write this letter.

That ship has sailed, but another one is coming in. 

Now at this new stage of life-

I would much rather sit at a ballpark watching my grandsons play baseball-

no milk glass, punch cups, or champagne flutes required.



So we shall see, won’t we, how this all evolves?

I love you,

Mom.

***

Linking to:

TUESDAY

the Scoop @ Cedar Hill Farmhouse

Tuesdays At Our Home @ Our Home Away From Home

Inspire Me Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Knick of Time Tuesday

16 comments:

Southern Gal said...

I ran across a notebook a month ago that had a list of some the parties, showers, celebrations I had hosted. It amazed me! I am like you, in that phase where those type things aren't as prominent, but I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet. ;) Have fun watching your grands play baseball!

Simply LKJ said...

Not quite there yet, and not sure I will be. I had our girls young, the parties thrown were usually for the girls and their friends to enjoy. I am now looking forward to "adult" entertaining.
But, I am sure nothing beats being with the grands!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I so understand. I still had a million parties for the grands and all their friends, so all those parties kept on going. I now have great-grands and I have already entertained a couple of parties for one of them, the other is newborn, but I am sure there will still be many more. So like you, not ready yet to call it quits. Great post. Thanks tons for linking to Inspire Me.

Linda P said...

I'm saving all my de-cluttering and downsizing until after next year when Mr. Gardener and I celebrate our half century of marriage. All those items in the china and glass cabinets will come in handy! In the meantime large family reunions are occasions to party in style even if they only happen every few months.

Anonymous said...

How sweet! I have been thinking of downsizing too as I am also "at a certain age". My crazy husband wants a bigger house to hold all of my treasures. But I keep saying to him I am worried in the future about all of those utility bills. He doesn't get it.

Gigi @ Old World Patina

Stacey said...

You can have both! My aunt is 85 and she still decorates and nests all the while attending multiple functions. :)

Kim said...

This is a very familiar discussion in my family lately. One sister is selling it all, happy to downsize and just visit grands. My other sister did a modified downsize- sold the house, but kept the treasures! I guess there's a happy medium for all!

White Lace and Promises said...

I have a small house and I'm ready to sell and move where my children are. Due to financially bad decisions and our kids going to out of state colleges, we had to refinance and owe too much on our house now for it to be paid off by retirement. That means we will either never retire or we will sell and move. I say sell and move! I know TMI:) Do what suits you best. If the time is not right, you know it. You will know when the time is right.

Glenda/MidSouth said...

I understand. I started decluttering some time ago. Lots given away, lots donated, lots put in trash. Still a lot more to do, but the rest was put on a back burner with other things going on. Now I need someone to come in and help me get motivated again, and help with the work involved.
Used to host parties, showers, etc., but let the younger ones do that now.:-D
Enjoy your evening.

Meggie said...

This is my second move in two years, each move to a smaller home. First, I sold the farm and moved to a Victorian House. Now I've decided on an older cottage with 1,200sq feet. It feels good....

Bliss said...

Getting rid of unnecessary clutter is downsizing. Keeping treasures with memories, is to remind you of them.

NanaDiana said...

OH- Laura- You have touched on my heart today. I am at that place, too. We really should downsize but I don't feel "called" to do that just yet----maybe in another year or so. It is a different phase of life now- not worse-not better- just different. xo Diana

Creations By Cindy said...

Enjoyed this post so much! Thanks for sharing. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

Nancy's Notes said...

Great post! Oh yes, my options are still open! I still want to make memories and not just relive them!
Hugs to you, sweet friend.

Sarah said...

I missed this one earlier. Your letters to your girls are always a favorite for me. '-)
No children here, but the word "downsizing" isn't on my radar yet. I'm still enjoying life to the full!

Kathleen said...

I enjoyed your thoughts. I too think about down sizing. I have way too many things as my mom did. I just remember how awful it was to get rid of all her things when she became too sick to stay in her home. I don't want to do that to anyone! I am on a mission to purge, but I am finding it hard. I do not entertain the large numbers like I used to, smaller groups now!
I stopped having my teacher friends for lunch. Gluten free, vegan, no salt, etc, it became a nightmare to plan the menu! Easier to eat out with them ao they can all order what they want. I like to cook for those who eat everything!

 

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