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2.16.2013

JUST LET GO...OK?!?


When we decided to leave Barranquilla,


we knew we wouldn't be bringing most of our possessions with us.



We may only bring a couple more suitcases full when we finally move here in June or July.


As I was packing for this trip,


I collected the items I would want to take with me



 - right away - 



if there were a fire.


My daughter, thankfully, 



wants and has room for 



most or all of our old family items...



and my hundreds of photos and photo albums. 



Who knows, she may even take time to scan them all into her computer? 



(I can hope) :)


Anyhoo...I ended up bringing 80 pounds of costume jewelry...



a couple huge zip lock bags of buttons...



2 stuffed animals that I couldn't bear to part with,


some select fabrics that I didn't want to leave behind...



my Juki sewing machine...which Customs MADE me check. 



And it wasn't wrapped properly because I thought I was carrying it onto the plane with me. 



It's in the shop now, but I think it'll work just fine.


Oh. And I also brought all my favorite clothes 



and ALL my artwork, including gifts that I've received from friends.


When Sophia saw me packing my art...she said, 



"annie! grandma...what are you going to do with my artwork"?


And I told her, "I'm going to take every bit of it with me and mod-podge it to a wall in our new house".



And I will. 



So, I packed 58 years


into 4 checked, overweight suitcases, 1 carry-on (cuz remember, they made me check my Juki, and 2 personal items.


I love the idea of starting from scratch. (most of the time)



It's quite liberating.



Create Your Life,



annie!



39 comments:

  1. Sometimes I think it would feel soooooo good to just let it all go. Then I come to my senses! LOL You can always take empty suitcases and bring back a little at a time when you visit. Except for the furniture I guess......(Hang tough, you can do it! <3)

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    1. It really does feel kinda sorta good. Especially since I know Hillary will be keeping the furniture I want most. We checked into storage and the prices are crazy. Hillary doesn't have room for boxes but I may be able to find a way to do just that. We've certainly run every scenario through our heads. But really, the more we think about trying to bring it back...the more easy it is for me to leave it behind. I'm excited about buying ALL of our new stuff at yard sales. Well...except for a mattress.

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  2. Love, love LOVE your pictures!! You are such a freeeee spirit!! I am somewhat envious of your life style! Not complaining though...I love my life too....but I think in my next life I am going to be a vagabond!!

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    1. HaHa! Thanks Jay! In my next life, I'm going to STAY PUT. Maybe.

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  3. Wishing you the best on your journey. You sound like the best is yet to come.

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    1. The Best IS yet to come! Thanks Angela. I really am getting envelopes addressed and will get to the post office soon. We have inspections on the house tomorrow and then...I believe my days will be my own. Sorta.

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  4. I don't think I could be that organised but I really like the idea of starting from fresh, or at least not having all the 'baggage' we seem to have accumulated!!! Looking forward to hearing about your house :) ybf ann.

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    1. I'm a pretty organized person...but honestly, I was trying to find every avenue available for my 'stuff' and ended up the last couple days before leaving just operating from my heart! LOL! I think I'll wait to talk about the house once we close. Hopefully, it'll be before March 6th when we fly back to Barranquilla.

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    2. its such an exciting time! Hard to leave things behind but as long as you have whats most dear to you the rest is just stuff right?

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  5. Oh Annie.. wonderful and beautiful photos... I love the idea of starting afresh.... and how fabulous that your daughter will house your photos and albums... liberating without doubt... enjoy :)

    Jenny ♥

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    1. Thanks Jenny! It is an exciting time for us...no doubt!

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  6. As someone who has done one of these big moves, I admire your "travelling light" attitude.

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    1. Awww thanks Deborah. I figured I wasn't the only one whose done this!

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  7. Well, annie!, you seem to have taken the important stuff. I'm looking forward to seeing new artwork from sunny Florida.

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    1. I'm working on a prayer flag for the house! Slow going though.

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  8. We have moedv on average, every fivey ears. Ithask ept mefromb eing ap ackrat1 i love new beginnings! you hvefua n!

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    1. Ha! ha! saw the answer as soon as I hit Publish! It's "moved".

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    2. Yep...it'll do that to you! I'm having fun! Yes m'am.

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    3. Sheila...Annie likes make me work to read her comments sometimes. That's my story and I'm stickin to it. :)

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  9. Can I start a new computerized foreign language? you have noidea how longtha t tookme to typeit os it would shwo correctly!l ol

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  10. Marvelous that you could let it all go. I am starting to feel that way too. One small truck, art supplies, hubbies guitars, clothes and art.....the rest of it can all go.......IF and when we move to a new adventure we have already talked about this - soon to turn 57 - is this the freedom to be we all need at this age? xox

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    1. I think it is Corrine. :) It's getting more satisfying by the day. xxxoooxx to you too!!

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  11. Annie, wow. Well, you'll be closer. Maybe I'll get a chance to visit you. :) I like your way of sharing in your posts...the images interspersed with phrases...just like journaling, which it is! You have a cute collection of art dolls too.

    God bless you and your family, and have a quick, safe trip.

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    1. Thanks so much Sandi! I hope we will be able to meet. We really appreciate your blessings!

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  12. You're such an inspiration, Annie. Bless you!

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    1. Oh gosh. Thanks so much Starr. I'll take the blessing gladly and give it back to you too!

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  13. What a challenge. Wishing you the best.

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  14. Oh my that would be a biiiig challenge for me to start with 4 big bags :) you made me think of what I would carry with me ;) I admire your light thought of all that and I am happy with you for your new begin ♥ Conny

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    1. It IS a big challenge...and the amazing thing is...that with each day, I'm feeling better about it...even excited! Thank you Conny!

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  15. Annie, it all sounds so exciting! I can't wait to follow your journey. You are leading the way for all of us vagabonds at heart! Terah

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    1. That's me! Pioneer Woman! Hahahaha Thanks Terah. xxxoooxx

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  16. I thought you'd been quiet, too busy packing and departing to blog - but no - I just haven't received notifications of new posts! :-( So lots to catch up on, and I'd better get started.
    What lovely pictures you've taken here and how exciting to hear about what you've been upto. What a nuisance being forced to check your machine - lucky it wasn't damaged Annie! Mod podging your grandies artwork is a fantastic idea! An ever expanding memory wall, for her to see when she visits and you, everyday.
    Off to check some more 'Older Posts'
    With love n best wishes
    Mo :0)) x

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    1. Thank you so much Mo! We've been busy getting all the stuff needed to close...which still looks like it's a couple weeks away. I've been looking on flickr...but not posting or commenting nearly as much. Not sure why you wouldn't get notifications. Hmmm.. but I'm glad you came to visit! Again...thanks!

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Yuckola. More than half of my email has been from anonymous, so.....