The last few days have been beyond
beautiful. Given we just celebrated
the earliest Labor Day possible, most
enjoyed a glorious summer day in the
sun. As these last moments of summer
pass, I'm more convinced that there are
few places as lovely as rural Montana
in July and August. While we've had
our share of overtly hot (and cold) days
these past months, the majority have
been spectacular! Who would be crazy
enough to want it to end? ME. You see
at this point, I'm ready to move on.
It only seems right that at least for
a few months we Montanans are
pampered and indulged by dear
Mother Nature. Soon we will be
colder than most and hence must
hunker down for the winter. I'm
frankly looking forward to the
solitude and focus that comes with
frigid temperatures. My hope is that
once the frenzy of the holidays is all
done, I'll be able to finally get caught
up on all of the chores and tasks that
were deferred by summer's solstice.
Why is it that a change in seasons
somehow reinvigorates? Whether
it's spring cleaning or returning to
school suddenly one is motivated
to start afresh. Maybe that's why
I'm filled with anticipation for the
time of year when most others prefer
to become snowbirds rather than deal
with an arctic blast. For me it won't
be about what's happening outside -
but rather my focus will be on what's
happening inside. Specifically in our
basement, closets, and store rooms.
My primary project will be getting rid
of things we no longer need. And then
selling anything that's worth anything
on e-bay. I'm certain that somewhere
there's a china addict just waiting for
my castoffs! While I can't wait to pitch
as much as possible, my beloved will
be a reluctant participant at best. Our
greatest challenge will be editing the
closets filled with forgotten designer
foolery. Every tailored tidbit seems to
carry magical memories. The problem
is they no longer fit us or our lifestyle.
Oddly I look forward to perfecting
the art of editing. There is little as
thrilling as a good purge. Plus it's
a good thing that everybody loves
bagging a bargain hence all benefit
from eliminating the unnecessary.
My goal for this winter is to sort our
debris and host a mega garage sale
next spring. I know that someone
out there needs the stuff that we no
longer need. Plus we'll earn some
extra cash by devoting those darkest
days to farewells. Everyone wins!
Since moving here from Dallas only
to move on to Manhattan then a year
later back to Lewistown, I've fallen
behind on several important tasks.
Specifically my photo albums. Once
the snow is piled high I hope to be
doing more than shoveling. My goal
is to capture all of our memories and
preserve them before I forget. Simply
chronicling the restoration of our
Passion Pit will take several albums.
Life is short and my mind is going...
When I'm ninety, I'll be glad I did it!
Whether it's preserving memories
or passing them along to someone
else, this winter will be all about
putting things in perspective. Upon
leaving the corporate arena in late
April, I promised myself a respite
until after the holidays. After the
New Year chimes in the pressure
will be on me to figure out "next."
All the more reason to enjoy these
next few months of my extended
"vacation." Pretty soon I'll be back
doing something. Wonder what?!
