Because I am 71 and Bill is 75, I am thinking about our trip across the country on Highway 40 as “Route 76”.
As parts of the Old Route 66 are now Highway 40, it seems not only names, but times are changing … and as a sign of the times, we start this trip across country in the midst of a global pandemic to move to a new home and start a new adventure. All the while, a line from my friend’s song is ringing true.
“Between the no longer and the not yet”
– Jana Stanfield.
This is where we are while traveling on Route 76.
– Day 1
So odd to see all of your worldly possessions in boxes and on a truck to simply drive away. Watching all of the things that make a house a home, YOUR home rolling away from you. All of the things purchased over a lifetime, worked for accumulated. And appreciated. Our culture in the USA of collections and stuff on top of stuff is simply insane. This idea does not escape me and yet, letting go of it all feels impossible.
People tell me that we are brave to make this move. I think it would be really brave to downsize and let go of possessions. Even though we did let go of a ton and had multiple garage sales and dump runs, one would never know it looking at what we still have. AND yet…. I am still STUFFED.
I wrote this poem several years ago but it feels appropriate today as all of our stuff rolls away…
MY STUFF HAS A STORY
and it fills my heart.
I hold on fiercely till death do us part.
Then it’s for others to look through my rooms and open each drawer
And wonder, why did she save this? What ‘s at its core?
Some of it’s junk, of course that’s true
But some of it is precious to me if not you
When I look at the tchokas that sit on the shelf, I relive the moments and have a sense of my self
The gold leaf bracelet I got in Japan, The ring that’s all that left of my fathers hand, the feather hat from great Aunt Kate, the birds that adorn my engagement plate.
Stuff can bring Pleasure not happiness, that is the truth
And knowing the difference separates wisdom from youth.
Looking forward to taking the journey with ya!❤️
Good poem. What did I miss? Where are you moving to?
I look forward to following you🥰 on your new journey!
Will be looking forward to following your journey❤️❤️❤️
Safe travels Holly and Bill. I love the poem.
Changes are needed to keep the soul fresh, memories that are stored In our hearts guide us to create new ones. Wishing you snd Bill a safe journey full of adventures and I so look forward to reading your updates. Stay safe, be well and sending you my love!
I love that you are doing this. The garage pictures are something! Love the poem too, and look forward to hearing more. Safe travels!
Wishing you safe travels and soft landing in your new home. Will I automatically get updates as you post them on your blog? I hope so.
I’ve learned many lessons along life’s path, including the moving ones…the packing up ones…the leaving behind and looking forward ones…I’m honored to watch your journey along your Route 76 and wish you so many more wonderful memories in this fabulous life we live! BZ
Looking forward to follow your travel with all its discoveries along the way. Happy exploring!
I mis-typed my email address in my previous post.
Looking forward to following you two on your journey!
Hello Holly & Bill,
How lovely to join you on your journey! My husband Daniel & I can so relate. We sold sooooo many of our things before moving to the U.K. In many ways it was cathartic. Yet here we are, nearly 6 years later and surrounded by more “stuff.” It is what it is, and I am who I am. Ha ha!
I wish you both safe travel on this lovely new adventure of yours. Thank you for allowing us to tag along.
“ May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
Love to you both! Vivi xx
Holly wish you and your husband a safe journey.Loved your poem, as I read it I though I am 70 now on Feb 26 I turn 71. I says to myself wow I have garage full of stuff . I should start downsizing. I pray to God you have a safe journey. Keep posting as you travel on Route 66 .
This is terrific Sweetie, so heartfelt and inspiring.
Much love and as always wishing you both the very best in your new abode.
BIG HUG to you and Bill!
I don’t envy the journey, but will enjoy yours. Safe travels!
Where are the two of you moving tow and here is my new address it is 701 East Dartmoor Ave Seven Hills, Ohio 44131 I love ❤️ you and many safe journeys ahead .
Holly and Bill…What a adventure! Happy to know that this part of your journey is complete…you are all packed up and started on your way across the country. We look forward to hearing of your progress. Please stay safe, enjoy each other through this transformative time, and may you revel in the beauty of the glorious expanse between Gualala and Weaverville. With love, Barbara and David
Your poem is spot on. All my mother’s stuff, that was worth saving, is in a banker’s box in my basement. How sad is that?
Hope you are doing well in your travels.
Oh, sweet, ms Holly- and so true. I’ve gotten rid of so much but still holding on to a lot. It’s in storage!
Holly and Bill!! So happy to hear that this packing part of the journey has been completed. Congratulations!!!!!
It has already been a huge endeavor and now for the travels and resettling in. Another adventure on route 76.
“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon
your fields and until we meet again,
May Mother God hold you
in the palm of her hand.” candace
Oh Holly, so much insight and wisdom contained in the last two lines of your poem. You must be amazingly well organized to remember and know where to find a poem written two years ago on the day that all your stuff drove away. Maybe there’s a hit song you will write with that title!
Much love and safe travels!
Your poem filled my heart & soul. Love you HollyGirl. Safe adventures and lasting memorable moments !!!
Dearest Holly- Thank you so much for enlightening me on how to spell tchokas. And, nice to visit your website.
Happy travels- David
Thrilled to stay connected with you on your journey – grateful you will share your beautiful, magical, wise and wonderful self with others as you have inspired and impressed your coastal community.
Merry Meet Again, and safe travels.
Sending you and Bill love,
Lisa
Hello Holly and Bill!
A little late in responding…as usual. I’m so happy for you and would love to catch up on your travels!
This has been a big moving week for me as well. Worked with movers for three days clearing out a condo, historic house in Georgetown and three storage rooms. All going to auction! Feeling a sense of accomplishment but a little sadness at the same time…a new chapter begins…
Love to you both. Ricki