Monday Memory: Moving

Some of you know and some of you don't know that I have moved a lot in the last 13 years. Well my whole adult life really. I lived in Cote de Neige a part of Montreal when I was born and at 2 years old we moved to Beaconsfield, Quebec; Burlington, Markham, Hamilton, Missisauga(2places), Etobicoke(2), Coburg, Markham(again), Scarborough, Kitchener(8places) all in Ontario.
Well here I go again. Packing draws out a lot of memories. Sorting and decluttering and deciding. I look through stuff that was made by the kids and now by grandkids. People give gifts and we buy things. Decisions, decisions need to be made. What memory item to let go. Which items need to be enjoyed by someone else. If anyone needs a one cup coffee maker let me know. I found a one cup, a 4 cup and a 12 cup coffee makers in my kitchen and a Bodum. Crazy for coffee. I throw out quite a few things and give away too. Even if you are not moving it is good to do this as others may be in need of what you're not using. God may decide to move you quickly. Be ready to go!

Memories of moving:

• Beaconsfield to Burlington, my father built a brick firepit before we left and put our handprints in the cement floor of it. My sister and I and Nancy and Gordy buried a tin box with stuff in it. A time capsule under one of the apple trees. Gordy and I were buds from 2 years old to 11 years old. This move was a Honeywell Computers coporate move. Big promotion for my Dad. We stayed for 3 years.
• Next promotion to Toronto and settling in Markham. I liked this move! Decorated my own room. Psychadelic flower power!! Orange and green and purple
• Hamilton,missisauga,etobicoke and Cobourg my teanage wanderings and runnings till God pointed the way back home. A whole other post!
• When I started College I moved closer to the campus in Scarborough with my 6year old and 5year old. The townhouse was my home, my community, my church for 9 years. I had the most amazing city garden there and enjoyed sharing with my neighbours. I had tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, two huge raspberry bushes. Tanya loved to help out in the garden. The whole yard was 20x20 ft approximately. I used it well!!
• Our first night in Kitchener was hillarious - We were having fun in the livngroom and Cheryl was doing some crazy dance and fell over something or nothing. It sounded like something broke or snapped and her knee popped out. We decided to take her to the hospital only we had no idea where it was located. No mapquest, no phone book! welcome to kitchener.
• The kids liked the apartment at west ave. No driveway to shovel or garbage to lug to the curb. Tanya had a rabbit(Oliver she loved the musical) and a gerbil(Harry Houdini escape artist). Cheryl and Bradley brought a kitten home after curfew(FurBall). I reconnected to my passion to paint. It was a painful time as growing and maturing can be at times. God's mercy and Love endureth forever. When I say I'm thankful to be saved and that I'm a new creation in Christ - I am really thankful - cause I saw the darkness being taken over by the light and it was bright.
• thank you my father in heaven

Tales of Last Year

Shash your tale of this past year's adventures prompt me to think about my own year. In reverse, most recent adventure designing and painting a Circuit Board abstract on the gallery wall at work. Next walking 14.5 Km in one afternoon. My mother and I exploring Elora's Artist Studio tour.(like WOW) Extreme adventure staying with my Big sister in Huntsville. Thanks for her hospitality to my friends too. Joyful welcome of grandchild #4 Jerrell. Sensational Revelations from God at the LTT in Toronto. I was happy to get to meet some new people like Mike and Edwina, Debra Graves, Bridgitte etc... Most of the winter was spent enjoying playing cards, Catan and good food, good company.(great chilly Rich) My co worker and I went to a Brian Adams concert. I found adventure simply walking in blizzards and talking to God. I can imagine what it was like for the first explorers to climb mount Everest. I like to read about explorers and pioneers. I was having dinner New Years day with Ruby, Alden and Richard when the news came of Joe's sudden death. God sure placed us in family for a reason. Totally out of control fun christmas of catan.(not as much as the year before)
Well those are the highlights I may have missed a few things. It doesn't make it less special.

Peace like a river in my soul