I write to you today surrounded by towers of boxes, bins, and plastic bags filled with all my worldly possessions.

I see a framed picture I’ve had since I was a little girl, dishes I’ve served many a meal on, books I have loved, and I’m feeling sad because none of them can go with me when I move to Amsterdam next month.

It’s like saying good-bye to old friends as I sort the boxes Robin and Nicole set next to my “invalid chair”. We’re getting ready for my moving sale on Saturday, the day I send my comfy old armchairs, beautiful iron bedstead, and sturdy bookcases to new homes. It is both emotional and exciting, but when tears threaten to spill over, I remind myself that all these little sacrifices will be worth it. They’re making it possible for me to start a new life – and that is a wonderful thing.

Driftwood and seagrass

I found out today that my badly sprained foot is actually much worse than originally thought. It’s either fractured or suffering the effects of a completely torn ligament. So I am officially off my feet for the next while, with a strict regimen of icing, soaking, and elevating. Hopefully one day soon the black will disappear and the swelling and pain go down, but until then I’ll be hobbling about on the splendid crutches my friends Cameron and Robin got for me. They’re nifty little things, shiny and bright burnished metal, and my friend Marie says they match my earrings. πŸ™‚ My arms aren’t thanking me, but my foot is shouting WOOHOOHOO!! πŸ˜‰

Being unable to walk, let alone lift anything, I was anxious and stressed about how to move, sort, haul, pack, and sell my belongings before my big move in 3 weeks. I worried in vain though, for my dear pals Michael, Cameron and Robin, Darren and Nicole, Jenny, Kat and Ed, Dylan, Mike, Eric and Marie not only helped me move out of my apartment, they moved everything again this week, helping me sort through it, ANDΒ  are standing by to put on a garage sale. They are absolute treasures and I’m all teary just thinking of the amazing love and kindness they’ve shown me. Love you guys so much. πŸ™‚

beach driftwood

As I think about all that needs to be done, it’s so nice to take a break for a bit and simply reflect with gratitude on the blessings in my life. To linger awhile over theseΒ  peaceful pictures of driftwood, grasses in the wind, and a sea cool and dark as slate.

A friend and I were talking today about the myriad trials that have monopolized our lives recently. Our health, finances, and vocations have gone through massive upheaval, stirring up fear and uncertainty in our hearts. Yet in spite of it all we still feel fortunate for one reason: we are loved.

Thinking on that makes me smile through constant pain, surprise expenses, and monkey wrenches tossed straight into well-laid plans.

It is my happy thought this week. πŸ™‚

Driftwood

Who are you loved by today?

xo