“In a way winter is the real spring, the time when the inner thing happens, the resurge of nature.” -Edna O’Brien, “Clara.” Mrs. Reinhardt (1978)

We have been having random spurts of spring, throughout February and March. The weather has tricked the daffodils and other bulb plants to coming up early. Or maybe now is the time when they normally come up. I am not one to be up on the things of green thumbery.

Dave and I have moved to this haus, for several reasons. The lush vegetation that this picture would suggest is not one of them. With family no longer in Nashville, we knew that it was important to be logistically closer to friends. Even 15-25 minutes can seem like miles and thoughts away. Once the decision to move was accepted, a couple of days later a house behind our friends (the Barbers) went on the market. We had the mindset of simplifying and downsizing. We went from 1800 square feet to less than 900 square feet. Our surroundings changed from manicured, white middle class neighborhoods & retirees, to a neighborhood that spoke multiple languages and verges on worn down.

In the four years that we have been married, we have accumulated much. A wise friend, Reed Arvin pointed out that if you collect/purchase/receive as a gift…even 10 things a year, it adds up quickly. If you include both dave and I, that’s a minimum of 20 things a year. Since 2003, we have achieved the status of amassing over 80 things a year, and I’m sure that’s no where near accurate to what we really have. With this haus, we wanted to cling to the idea of intentionally downsizing. We wanted to remain mobile and or have the ability to not be held down by the sheer quantities of our belongings.

In a way, this haus forced me to evaluate what should be a priority, and the reality of what I am holding as priority. I am constantly challenged to not be held captive by the sentimental attachments that I hold onto physical things. And I have many things. I hope this time continues to be a time of refinement and joy. I hope this teaches me to be grateful for all that has been given and moves me towards generosity.