Hi friends!
It’s been three weeks since I’ve posted here, but I have a good excuse, I promise.
I sold the house in the Chicago suburbs (which was a six month process I wouldn’t wish on my worst enemy) where I’d lived for eighteen years, where I’d had the worst of times and the best of times; where I raised two kids and three dogs; where I wrote three novels.
I arrived in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania—fifteen minutes from where I grew up—where I left twenty-six years ago at the age of twenty-six—just two weeks ago.
The house I left was about 3000 square feet. The apartment I moved into is about 800 square feet. I have taken the downsizing trend to the max (go small or go home, right?). So, while I haven’t been writing (I have been editing, my writers have not suffered!) I have been unpacking and reconnecting.
One of the many interesting things I’ve found while unpacking boxes I packed six months and many years ago, was a notebook with one scribbled page of ideas that might have more files on an old computer, or it might not. I loved what I found and maybe I’ll use the ideas somewhere else. You see, I’ve always believed in the sacred “Outtakes” file I use and suggest to my editing and book coach clients. It’s the best way for me to trick myself into thinking I’ll use what I delete. Now, I might just prove myself right.
While I’m loving writing about Grandma Boop and Hannah in The Last Bathing Beauty (you remember them, don’t you?) I’m going to save this notebook and maybe revisit Ruby, Diamond, and Pearl Bliss another time.
Here’s some of I found that I could decipher, in no order (which is the way it’s written) and with no real context, which is exactly how I found it, and how my brain works.
- My sister sat on the steps of the bridal shop in a hoop skirt wedding dress looking like a smashed cupcake.
- As her daughters, we’d have preferred a little more caring and a little less cavorting, but it made life fun.
- I knew Ruby had no intention of getting married, but what I didn’t know was that she was moving in with me. My little sister had ruined every relationship she had except the one with me.
I can imagine the whole story (not sure I remember my intentions), can’t you? But it will have to wait!
I’ll share with you soon about the big changes I’ve made to The Last Bathing Beauty…but otherwise December will be blog-lite here at Women’s Fiction Writers. We’ll kick off 2017 with a regular schedule of writing posts and author interviews.
In the meantime, we’re settling in!
Amy xo
Good for you. May you find many good neighbors. Poor pun intended.
That was an excellent pun! 🙂 Thank you for the well wishes, Kathy!
Dear Amy:
Whoa! Been there, but not down to 800 square feet. Talk about purging! Best of happiness in getting re-organized.
Hugs to you.
Oh, I’m so totally ‘with you,’ blogging sister. I did what you did six years ago. Huge house to 2 bedroom condo. The downsizing was incredibly difficult and incredibly stimulating. I downsized a size with the work of it. The hardest part was ‘getting rid of’ hundreds (it seemed) of writing journals. I know I had bon mots, and many great hook sentences/themes as you show in this blog. They are gone, so I’m just creating new ones. Best of luck!
I’m starting the purge as well and listing the house in February – can’t wait to only have things I love that I have to manage! And a dog curled up in a favorite chair makes it home, no matter how many boxes are left to unpack!
I wish you happiness in your new time and place!
Best of luck with your bold move, Amy! Glad you’re back.
Bless your heart, Amy. I wouldn’t wish the selling/moving experience on anyone. I always hate the unpacking and putting things away the most. But at least it sounds like you have unpacked a treasure (with your notebook).
Here’s to new experiences in a new place in a new year!
Good for you! Moving is so stressful, but starting down a new path can bring such joy. xox
That’s so exciting you’re back in the Philly area, Amy! There’s such a nice community of Women’s Fiction writers here now! Welcome, welcome, welcome!
Glad you made it back safely. Take a deep breath. Enjoy the end of year festivities with loved ones. There’s no place like home. I should know…
XOXOXO
I bet this has been a real cleansing period for you! As we get older, we realize how little we really need. My husband already knows if something ever happens to him, I’m heading back to the city I grew up in (and moved from 40 years ago!), where most of my high school friends still live. And my house will be small.
Because really, what else do we need but our writing journals and books? 😉
Yay for you!!!
I hope your new home and location inspire lots of good writing and happy times. I always enjoy the WFW posts and am glad to hear you’re working back into action.
All the best in your new home, Amy! Enjoy the more minimal lifestyle–I’m so ready to join you in that pursuit. I need to downsize and clear out clutter!
Good morning! I just found your blog during my morning browse. I downsized frim 1500 sq feet to 750 two years ago, so not as extreme as you’ve done, but cutting our living space and possessions in half has actually been very freeing. More difficult was moving to a new town & provence where I don’t know anyone. But that’s an opportunity, too. Best wishes in your new place.
Sounds like you’ve been busy editing– your life! Welcome to PA! My husband grew up in Jenkintown and we live in York County now, but he frequently regales me with tales of life in Jenkintown so I feel like I almost grew up there, too! Best wishes!
Amy, big hugs and all best wishes for your new life chapter. May this change of scenery bring you good writing vibes.
xoxo
I have found those lost writer’s notebooks before and they are always full of good stuff!
Lifting a glass to no wasted words.
Look forward to reading your blogs in 2017.
All the best
So glad you are settling in. I know the angst of downsizing but there are rewards. Less cleaning and more reading and writing. Hugs. Beth
May the warmth of your heart brighten your new home as quickly as your characters warm the hearts of your readers. Wishing you all the best as you embrace your newest adventure.
Hugs, jocosa
Congratulations, on your new digs, Amy! I wish you nothing but happiness in your new home! Cheers to your newest chapter! xo
I’m going to miss our Michigan meet-ups! Maybe I’ll get back there next summer! xo
Congratulations! Wishing you and your new home well! Imagine all the new stories you will create!