Toot toot tootsie goodbye

A few weeks ago I decided it was time to part with some musical instruments I had acquired.

Many years ago when I became an empty nester and number one son moved on, I decided to do something I'd enjoyed before work, family and such got in the way - back in when I was just "me".

I'd played flute and piccolo since 4th grade and gave it up when I went to college.  I sold my silver flute to my brother-in-law-to-be (a real musician).  Fast forward 25 years and I decided to pick it up again.

Unfortunately, my embouchure  (that's the way you hold your lips, don't you know) was shot so I found a recorder instead.  I went off to my favorite "adult camp" the John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina and took a week's worth of group lessons with the first flautist of the Florida Symphony Orchestra.  Ureka!  I could still read music and play with others.

Back home I joined a Early Recorder group and played with them at Renaissance Fairs and weekend workshops.  Check out the "wench" picture!

It's been a few years since I've played with them as my skill and talent fell far short of my desire.  So the tenor and alto recorders I'd purchased have gone on to a middle school teacher eager to share how beautiful these instruments can sound in the hands of a practicing artist.

The soprano recorder will stay with me for those times when a little jig or melancholy tune is called upon to soothe the soul.

Out with the old (furniture, that is)

Last week I gave this set of couch/loveseat/chair to my brother's family.  Still in good shape.  I hadn't noticed, but it was pointed out to me that they were no longer the right "scale" for the living room and if I got rid of them I could start imagining other uses for the space. 

I liked the color a lot against the tan carpet and white shutters and teak bookcases.  The empty space is calling to me and for now I'm ignoring it.

Funny how many different ideas come to mind when you have a clean slate to work with.  With Spring in the air, I'm ready to move more stuff. 

Wishing won't make it so

A couple of nights ago I made a list (computerized, of course) of all the sewing patterns (over 85) I have that I want to get rid of. Well, really, I'd like to sew some of them again or even for the first time but I haven't made my own clothes for probably 20 years now. It was a real trip down memory lane, remembering making some of the clothes, the places I wore them. It gave me a picture of myself those many years ago - who I wanted to be. I was surprised at the complexity of some of the patterns and felt good that I had that level of sewing skill.

There's the hide-a-bed cover I made for the first apartment.  And the sweatsuits I made one Christmas (that was a disaster!)

It's hardest to let go of the patterns I never made. I had fabric (that's another night of review sometime) and notions to complete some of them and never did. It's like I can catch up someday where I left off, where that life ended and finish it properly.

Wishing won't make it so, though. So I'm moving on, sending them to a friend, an artist, who hopefully will find a good use for them.

The first step

Being in what's likely the second half of my life I've felt bogged down by the physical things I have from the first half. I love my things and the memories they evoke. Wanting to move forward with less stuff, this is my journey of letting go, de-cluttering and preserving the past but with room for the future.

I've saved physical things to remember a time, a place, an experience a person.
I plan to take pictures of them, record their story and send them on their way.