“He was trying to find his footing in a world both familiar and foreign” ― H.W. Brands

Now living in a house that’s been “staged” – all prepared to sell. Wonderful team of experts from my church got me all set up. I feel like I’m living in a luxury hotel now. I was reminded today that I must make my bed each morning. Who knows what potential buyer will walk through the door on any given day. I’ve lived here for almost 30 years. We were one of the first in our little cul-de-sac. The unanticipated consequences of now living in staged house is that it feels less like that comfortable home with dishes in the sink. Wonder what will be the most difficult about leaving this house? Probably a little easier now that it’s more like a hotel. What a brilliant strategy.

“There is a wilderness we walk alone
However well-companioned”
― Stephen Vincent Benét

Spent the afternoon at the MFAH with my friend. Always come away inspired and refreshed. The spirit of creativity is everywhere. I think I could spend a whole day just sitting on a bench in a gallery there, staring at paintings. I really found a blessing with my museum partner. There are very few (none) in my life who would enjoy these trips like we do. Time is new for me now. There’s a different rhythm to learn to dance to. I haven’t gotten the tune right yet. How will my days be organized in the years to come? Solitary trips to the museum will be hard. Seems like museums hire a lot of staff to stand around in the corners. A new career option? I wonder if I could stay on my feet that long?

I’m looking out the window at the birds eating from the dish of seeds I’ve set out. They draw my attention away from all the details in my laptop right now. A lot of loose ends that need to be tied. The male red bird picks up a seed and offers it to his potential date for the evening. It’s a mating ritual, like opening a car door or picking out the right flowers. The sun is setting, not much time to find another bird to share your nest. Tonight’s bright red bird has four females gathered around him. He’s offering a seed to each. Who will accept and invite me to her nest, he wonders? Even the birds have important life choices to make.

“The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called a grandparent.” ― Sam Levenson

I think I’ve found a new nest for my days ahead. No need to bribe with a seed. It’s up north where they have all four seasons of the year. Right down the road from my family. That makes it a step closer to paradise. I was just up there searching and being with my grandchildren. We read stories, played games, built a Lego model, got up at 6am, looked at condos, ate tacos and BBQ ribs. Anyone have suggestions for a good senior adult multivitamin? I don’t think my generic brand is working. I’m going to need to pack a bucket or two of stamina.

“We must be willing to let go of the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for us.” ― Joseph Campbell

I need to go now and get busy organizing tomorrow’s donation pick up. It’s a great service that has hauled away so much from my shrinking household. Mostly the 2000 books that made up my libraries – no more space since I got kicked out of the university. My house stagers had me get rid of most of the bookshelves in the house – makes the little cottage seem so much bigger. Today I’m going through all the top shelves in the house. Filled with things no one has laid eyes on in decades. Items I will never need in my next chapter. So many dishes, glasses, and vases! How did all this stuff ever get here? What memories are essential to pack away and save?

My future is right around the corner. Those birds outside my window remind me of many things. One day soon I will roll out of bed, and it will be tomorrow.