Ever feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders?
Time to lighten the load.
No doubt about it: moving is stressful. I've lived in Paris longer than any place in my adult life, yet it never has felt like home. Amsterdam, where I've never lived (but have visited many times over the years) always has tugged at my heartstrings. Happily, we're moving to the Netherlands in just six weeks. And I'm on a mission to lighten the load!
Am going through possessions and giving many things away or tossing them. Am moving only my favourite and most necessary things (but four pieces of furniture and quite a lot of art must remain in France, as the beautiful criss-cross timber beams and architectural features of the Netherlands maisonette present decorating challenges).
Hard to believe that during my years as a reporter, my daughter and I moved to the Middle East and back with only four suitcases! I've spent the last 11 years in Europe frequenting brocantes, flea markets and antique shops - "nesting" - to make up for all the items lost during our travels. Now I've collected too much, so am letting go of some treasures.
If you're in Paris, I have two huge stacks of design and decor books to give away. The catch is that you have to come pick them up - soon! Email me ASAP if you're interested.
Hope your year is off to a good start!
Photos (above) taken in Bhaktapur, Nepal.
wish I was living in Paris & could help you lighten that load!
how exciting that the move is getting closer!!
Posted by: JanePoet ~ Deborah | 12 January 2011 at 22:12
Tara, would love to lighten your load. :-) Just moved into a house w/ the new hubby in Menlo Park. Not nearly as romantical as the Netherlands, but maybe we'll visit!
Posted by: Maureen | 12 January 2011 at 07:42
You know that if I was in Paris, your "brocante" is the first spot I'd be -- and I'd snatch up those books! It must be quite a challenge to pack your life in Paris -- or part with it, as you must. I think of your lovely apartment and think "Oh, my." (I confess, I would be in the same situation myself, and periodically beat myself up and say 'you really should get rid of this NOW.'
I suspect you get rather exhausted with all this -- or maybe I project my reality on you. But I know you'll choose the treasures you take ever so carefully. And how much more they will mean, for that choice.
Posted by: jeanie | 08 January 2011 at 16:41
If only I could be there I would unburden you of them all! Anything on the middle east is of interest to me.
Posted by: Yoli | 06 January 2011 at 22:04
Oh how I wish I lived near you. I'd be there digging through anything you'd be getting rid of Tara. I'm sure you could have your own mini brocante at your house :)
Moving is such a pain - but lightening the load can be very healthy. I wish you the best of luck with your move and your new home. Hard for me to believe you won't be living in Paris anymore and I am so very disappointed that we never did get the chance to meet up there. :(
Happy 2011 Tara!! xo
Posted by: Robin @ My Melange | 05 January 2011 at 19:36
Wow...that is so soon! I am sure you will enjoy savoring the memories associated with all of your treasures. Happy purging and packing!
Posted by: Swirly | 05 January 2011 at 16:32
i so want those books! just sayin. ; )
can't wait to come visit.
xo
Posted by: christina | 05 January 2011 at 16:20
I'm sure your books are glorious and they will make a great addition to anyone's library. Best of luck on your move; it has to be a daunting task.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 05 January 2011 at 15:20
Good luck lightening your load... Wish I were there to help you.... Best wishes for a wonderful new home for you and David...... happy happy 2011
Posted by: martha ann | 05 January 2011 at 13:38
Darling, wish I could hop a flight and help lighten your load! It will all be worth it once you are riverside in your gorgeous and cosy new place in Holland.
Thinking of you, will call you this week if you email me a suitable day & time. Miss you! xoxo love, Gillian
Posted by: Gillian | 05 January 2011 at 05:30
Now THERE's a garage sale I'd kill to attend! Bummer that we're an ocean and continent away. Couldn't be happier for you!!! What an adventure.
Posted by: Natalie | 05 January 2011 at 00:54
Tara, I am so with you in spirit. After 20 years in the same home we are moving as well as downsizing (I should be sorting instead of checking Paris Parfait!). The local charity will be thrilled (or scared) by the amount of items we will be dropping off. I think the hardest part was being ruthless as I sorted through my books. "Be calm and carry on" has been my mantra as of late. I can hardly wait for photos from your and David's new home and the views of Amsterdam.
Posted by: Mary H. | 05 January 2011 at 00:51
Books are always a temptation, but too far to come right now. We are trying to lighten the load now before we need to move again, whenever that would be. It does feel good. I hope your move goes well.
Posted by: Marilyn Miller | 04 January 2011 at 23:55
Just the thought of moving makes me begin to get anxious. My heart goes out to you. Best of luck.
Posted by: ally bean | 04 January 2011 at 23:09
I do know exactly what you mean about having an affinity for a place, but I would love to know what Amsterdam does for you that Paris never has.
Posted by: Tracy | 04 January 2011 at 20:16
I hope your books find good homes. All the best for your new home
Posted by: Catherine | 04 January 2011 at 20:02
congratulations on your move; how exciting! i would come get those books in a heartbeat; but alas - would take me several days to get there. best wishes in the new year!
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 04 January 2011 at 18:23
Moving is always so stressful, but it lets you think and re-evaluate what you really love and can not give away. Not too bad for a New Year just starting.
Posted by: Anyes | 04 January 2011 at 18:05