Moving

There is always some element of nostalgia when I move.

I know I could simply put everything in bags and pack them in the car.  That would be faster, yes.  But I after I do all the heavy lifting, I put on some records and before I know it, I've inevitably begun looking at what I should be putting in bags and boxes: book covers, photographs, and pieces of paper with quotes and passages, strolling down memory lane.  

When I left New York, it was six years' worth of belongings stuffed just about anywhere possible, given how cramped things were.  In those four days I packed up all my things and moved up north, I spent a couple extra hours reading quotes from various pages I'd posted on my walls, or old papers from students I'd saved, reminiscing about all those wonderful interesting different people I'd met.

This evening is faster.  I only spent one extra hour looking at inspirational quotes from various heroes, taking a few extra moments to read the book titles as I took them off the shelves and fit them into boxes.  I am pleased I've read so many, while also looking forward to the many whose mysterious pages, ideas and rhythms I have yet to explore.

I've got a roaring fire going after packing enough for the night, and I've decided I've earned a Heady Topper I've been saving for this moment, with one more episode of Northern Exposure I've been waiting to watch for a few days.

Thanksgiving was my original goal for staying here, and I've made it.  Also, I can look back on some contributions.  I learned a lot more about plumbing, I kept the pipes from freezing many nights when the temperatures were unprecedented for still having the water hooked up, I tightened the screws on the roof in order to prevent leaks, I moved the dock several times to deal with the changing shoreline, and I brought life to this place.  After being unoccupied for years except for occasional weekends and weeks, someone had to experience the beauty of such a Shangri-La full time.  When my neighbors were inside, I was often on the dock, having a fire on the shore, or canoeing and kayaking under the stars, regardless of air and water temps.

So incredibly pleased I've been living up here.  On to the next chapter.