20 December 2006

2 Suitcases

I am a packrat. At one time, I had more than 800 books – so many that entire walls of my home were nothing but bookshelves built by my husband. I also collected and hoarded fabric. Yards and yards for quilts, clothes, and dolls. Naturally, I had thread to match…and bobbins, zippers, snaps, ribbon, trimmings, beads, and buttons – lots and lots of buttons.

I like sewing so much that I've had as many as 4 sewing machines at the same time, each used for a specialized task. During holidays, my house would often look like a fabric store. (My husband, who liked to carve and build with wood, pretty much kept his tools and supplies in the garage.)

Over the years, in the military and out, every time we moved, we brought all my stuff with us. That’s a lot of boxes. That’s a lot of weight.

..........bbbb

I made an incredibly stupid decision a few months ago, and as a result, I find myself in drastically reduced circumstances. In order to avoid becoming homeless, I will be selling, tossing, and giving away practically everything I own, including all my fabric, my sewing machines, and the last of my books.

I’m going home. I’m buying a plane ticket back to Missoula. And all I’m bringing with me is what I can fit into two suitcases.

And that’s it. I feel as though I’ve been to a fat farm, and lost a hundred pounds. I’m giddy with excitement, and I’m scared to death.

31 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm REALLY excited for you Catnapping!!! A new adventure ...

Anonymous said...

Takes great courage to do what you are doing. Just make sure one of the things you fit in those suitcases is your computer. Your art is too good and brings too much joy not to continue to share those gifts with us. All the best Cat.

valerie walsh said...

This is the sweetest heartfelt post! I'm a little worried and very excited for you too! I used to hoard as well, then I moved into one of the smallest houses in the world and now I don't miss the hoarding at all. I wish you many happy adventures and have a beautiful Holiday!

Jozee said...

Best wishes!

Thank you for coming by my blog.

I hope you have a very happy New Year!

Issi said...

its amazing, great job,
Best Wishes,
Issi

Catnapping said...

As it turns out, I will have to mail my CPU to my old PO Box. I'm scared that the luggage handlers will be too rough.

I hope the UPS guys are gentle.

tsduff said...

Bravo to you for making your decision to move back to the place you call home. New beginnings are oft times difficult, but sometimes are what is needed. Happy moving back to WINTER to you - you'll be fine :-)

HARDWAX said...

Best of luck to you, and you make beautiful illustrations.

mist1 said...

I bought a van and moved across the country. I could only bring with me the stuff that fit in the van. Several years later, I have acquired even more crap.

Anonymous said...

Thank you for visiting my blog catnaper :)

.. and all my best wishes to you for the coming year.

ariel

Caroline said...

I really feel for you... I'm a packrat too...

good luck!

xxx

Anonymous said...

Wave to us from here: http://www.co.missoula.mt.us/webcam/ when you get there!!

Anonymous said...

I love your artwork, so clever and whimsical.
All the best to you.

Anonymous said...

Yep, me and the birdie agree, it looks like you'll have everything you will need to make a new start.

I know it's scary but you are one of the bravest women I know. I have no doubt you'll be fine.

I've read somewhere that if you have too much clutter or too much stuff you cannot grow spiritually. It seems to me you are on the brink of a great spiritual awakening. ;)

S

Kim de Young said...

I wish you well and and a wonderful winter adventure. I hope you have a very happy holiday.

Janet said...

Yes,it sounds really exciting AND scary!....you are braver than me...I would have a hard time untying myself to "things".Best of wishes to you, Cat!

Anonymous said...

This sounds tremendously liberating and exciting. You don't need all that junk. As for hoarding books, I used to do the same but I've rediscovered our local library...it's excellent and they'll purchase a book if you request it.

Clo said...

That sounds great and I wish you the Best! Now I understand why you wanted to visit my candy house... :O)

Now, about your list, I have some questions:

Pocketbook: just one? It's ok, but wich one? (I am an antiquarian bookseller, so...)

Love letters: No question about that. I just wanted to ask you if you realize how lucky you are to have those? :O)

Ashes: Hope I'm not making an indiscretion but what are those? :O/

Borut said...

I wish you good luck. Borut

LDahl said...

Oh sweetie,
oh.....
Oh I don't know what to say!!
Somehow I know it will all be ok, but you must be feeling so... well, torn.
I came by to wish you a Happy Holiday and so I will leave you with that wish, and also Wish you The Most Wonderful, new, New Year.

(can you leave some things with friends? I did that once and years later got back some things that are very precious to me now)(yes, I have been where you are... and it is just stuff and yes you will get more stuff... and a new life besides and it will be OK)

Anonymous said...

Nice work. I like the feel of this picture.

Unknown said...

dont forget the computer tower!

thanks for your comment you made on my blog.

i wish you good luck in the upcoming year

Anonymous said...

I think my present has been left off the xmas list. :-)

isay said...

I like your illustration, actually.

Good luck and take care.

I am happy for you!

Pat Paulk said...

Rebecca, I love the artwork, simple yet exquisite. Good luck with going home!!

Derek Knight said...

um...What's the knife for?

Anonymous said...

Much much good luck to you. It's brave to change.

andrea said...

I'm a purger -- spent about 10 years trying to live out of a suitcase -- so I understand the incredible feeling of weightlessness and freedom one gets from tossing off all the *things* that hold you down. I'm sorry for your bad luck but excited for your freedom. Wish I could talk my husband into doing the same...

Suzan said...

It sounds like your being very smart and doing what you know is right. We've recently made a huge mistake and are paying dearly for it in stress, angst and misery. You have to find the positive and look forward. I hope you have a great 2007. You might just find that its a necessary path to take to get to something even better.

Amy Zaleski said...

Your 'Winter White' piece is dazzling! I just finished reading this entry, and it made me hope the best for you. I certainly do hope that 2007 is full of promise for you. Thanks for leaving such a nice comment on my peace sign. Best of luck on your journey.

Daysman said...

oh

cat,

miss you lots, or is it Missoula

I've run out of money too

I'm not sure what to do

gotta do something

don't tell

~days