Simplify, Simplify
I believe it was Henry David Thoreau who quoted, “Simplify, simplify.” One of my favorite t-shirts has this quote on it.
I’ve always felt that our little family of four does a pretty darn good job of living a simple life. Little did I know that it was about to get a whole lot simpler, and more difficult, at the same time.
You see, over 14 years ago, my husband and I moved to this tiny little mountain town in southwestern Pennsylvania for the opportunity of promising careers, being close to family and getting out of the chaos of city life which never really suited me, in particular.
In the span of these years, we have seen the birth of our two sons, the crumbling and rebuilding of a marriage, amazing professional experiences. We’ve redefined ourselves, built a “tribe”, learned some hard lessons….
In other words, we’ve lived a great life.
On June 2, 2015, we got the news that we knew would come one day… my husband’s job was eliminated. Although we were unprepared for the upheaval, we were not surprised. This may not make sense to you, but he works in a tough industry, and change is inevitable.
We’ve talked for years about what we would do when this day came. And the answer has always been, “we’ll sell everything and go west.”
You see, this is where everything gets simpler and more complicated at the same time. Simple in the fact of downsizing, clearing clutter, getting organized. More complicated in the emotions, change, fear, uncertainty, and leaving this place and the people we have loved for so long.
what remains
In the span of the last three weeks, we’ve had a huge moving sale, packed up the house, and moved everything we own into a 10’x15′ storage unit. I’ve also laughed, cried, questioned our sanity, came close to being physically ill about the entire situation, and set up our forwarding address…
P.O. Box 143
Cheryl Robertson - June 27, 2015 12:00 pm
Please keep me posted.
Thanks
Cheryl
admin - June 27, 2015 12:30 pm
Sure will! Good luck with your upcoming adventures!
Muffet McClintock - June 27, 2015 12:03 pm
Good luck to you!! There seems to be a lot of moving around thes days..keep us posted!!!ox
admin - June 27, 2015 12:30 pm
You can say that again, Muff! Thank you… xoxo
Bev Spurling - June 27, 2015 12:31 pm
All my best wishes for your adventure. Life gets better with change. Embrace it.
admin - June 27, 2015 3:43 pm
Thanks, Bev! Don’t we know that… Love you!
admin - June 27, 2015 3:44 pm
Pat, it has been a holy shit month! We’ll keep throwing those strikes, don’t you worry. Come visit 🙂
Pat and Marey Sparks - June 27, 2015 1:00 pm
Just throw strikes baby! Marey and I will follow you guys on yor adventure. Just remember, tough times never last, but people do. Best wishes to you and family.
Jordan - June 27, 2015 1:17 pm
I’ve done it sans the children. Keep your head up!
admin - June 27, 2015 3:46 pm
We’re looking at it as an adventure, otherwise it’s too much to handle! Thanks, Jordan.
Desmond - June 27, 2015 2:51 pm
If you should find your tribe ends up passing through nw Montana, let me know, I’ll leave the light on.
Safe travels.
admin - June 27, 2015 3:47 pm
We sure will, Des! CO & NM are on the radar at the moment, but MT is not out of the question.
Marey - June 27, 2015 3:08 pm
Best of luck to your tribe! We are sure going to miss you guys!
remember…just throw strikes!
admin - June 27, 2015 3:48 pm
We’ll miss you too, Marey! xoxo
Pam Selkirk - June 27, 2015 4:04 pm
Beth – what a heartfelt piece you’ve shared here. I promise to keep you and your family in my prayers for your peace and evolution toward the best sort of ‘settled’ we all deserve. I wanted to tell you that – but what I especially wanted to do is share with you this link, which I hope you find meaning in. You do KNOW how magical it is that that your P.O. box number, right? If you didn’t, you will now. Cheers 🙂
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBDEsX284XI
Your Friend in Recycling,
Pam
admin - June 27, 2015 4:39 pm
PAM!!! Thank you so much… I needed this today 🙂
xo
Jodi - June 27, 2015 4:40 pm
Blessed travels Beth!!!!! Safe adventures and a ton of love to you and Brian and the BOYS! Your courage is inspiring!!!# ❤
admin - June 28, 2015 9:00 am
Thank you, Jodi!
April Kane - June 27, 2015 6:37 pm
Beth,
Best of luck on your new adventures! Change is needed sometimes to keep moving forward.
-April 🙂
admin - June 28, 2015 9:01 am
I agree, April… Thank you!
Robert DeMoss - June 27, 2015 6:54 pm
Best of Luck to you and your family. The saying goes, wherever you go, there you are. Your talent and art go with you. I will still be interested in a new ornament for Christmas. Have you already left and where are you relocating too.
admin - June 28, 2015 9:04 am
Thanks so much, Rob. We leave 7/1 for a big road trip and then we’re taking it as it comes from there. This is the ultimate lesson in living in the moment 🙂 I’ll let you know where we land and when the studio is back up and running!
Kathy Simons - June 27, 2015 6:57 pm
Good luck on your new adventure, you will do great, you have an awesome family, keep us posted
admin - June 28, 2015 9:05 am
Thank you, Kathy! We’ll certainly keep you all in the loop.
Tiffany - June 28, 2015 9:41 am
I look forward to following your travels!! Best wishes!
admin - June 28, 2015 10:16 am
Thank you!
Kitty Musser - June 28, 2015 10:00 am
Blessings to you all! The Universe is opening to you….hold that thought and you will manifest all that you desire….it takes bravery to enter the unknown and know that you have what it takes. See & feel the future that you want, it will come, it is LAW …..Keep us posted. Namaste
admin - June 28, 2015 10:19 am
Kitty-
Thank you for your encouraging words… I keep saying that it all feels good in my heart, we just have to keep our head (ego) out of it and it will unfold as it is meant to. Much love to you.
Namaste
Gaby - June 28, 2015 4:21 pm
Envious and anxious for all of you all at the same time. Peace & Love and Thoughts & Prayers continue for your new journey!!
admin - June 29, 2015 7:21 am
Gaby, thank you! And I expect to see your beautiful face wherever we land 🙂
Laurie MacDonald - June 28, 2015 7:53 pm
Enjoy! Enjoy! Enjoy! These are the best days of your life! XOXOXOXO
admin - June 29, 2015 7:22 am
Thanks, Laurie! Loved seeing you on Saturday. xoxo
Sherry Mcclintock - June 30, 2015 8:51 pm
Best of luck to you and your tribe. It will be scary but fun because you’ve always got each other. Glad for the time we reconnected. We’ll be thinking of you and following you. Take lots of pictures. Lol.
admin - July 1, 2015 6:59 pm
Thanks, Sherry! Writing from IL this evening… So happy we reconnected too! Take care of those cuties of yours…