Thanks for all of the "moving" love yesterday.
The movers came last night after work, and during probably the heaviest rain we have had in six months, loaded me up in Vancouver, and unloaded me, back in sweet lil' Camas.
You know, with each move I have made, I have moved to smaller, more compact places, (from a nearly 5,000 square foot home, down to less than 1,000 and everything in between!) and I have tried to get rid of things I do not use or need.
It's hard for me, because I always think I am going to do "something" with pretty much everything I come across. This last move I was determined to be brutal with myself and truly pare down.
After three full truckloads of items to GoodWill, giving oodles more things to some of my fellow vintage booth friends,and selling a few items on craigslist over the past year, I was feeling pretty lean and mean and proud of myself....
It's hard for me, because I always think I am going to do "something" with pretty much everything I come across. This last move I was determined to be brutal with myself and truly pare down.
After three full truckloads of items to GoodWill, giving oodles more things to some of my fellow vintage booth friends,and selling a few items on craigslist over the past year, I was feeling pretty lean and mean and proud of myself....
So.......... if I got rid of as much stuff as I thought I did,then why are there are boxes,(and boxes, and boxes, and boxes...) and baskets, and furniture, and you-name-it from the floor to the ceiling in each and every room at Mr. Rock n' Roll's house today?
*sigh* I've got my work cut out for me. (Aaaah! I so love a decorating challenge!)
P.S. For the Well,I myself am puzzled that you were puzzled,'coz I kinda pride myself on my communication skills..(I had a good laugh about it at any rate..) I can only guess that you are mixing my Rock n' Roll Buddy up with my best Buddy from Camas Antiques...
...and I believe that confusion came from an old post where I said, "A big gay man in a camouflage hat and a straight guy in a rock n' roll band can turn out to be your best girlfriends in your new town." (See? They are definitely not the same guy, but two very different-and-wonderful-in-their-own-ways guys...)Anyway, I hope that I have now added some clarity on this topic.
Posts
The little quote from your P.S. just cracks me up! How many people can say what you said!?
ReplyDeleteI thought he was gay too...I'm happy for your happiness and hope this turns out to be all you have dreamed, hoped and wished for. The husband who dumped you--well I have to wonder 'what was he thinking??'...all the best.
ReplyDeleteYour P.S. has me giggling like crazy!! Best of luck in your decorating endeavor!!
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to you on this new chapter of life! :D
Things have a way of multiplying...but then, so does love. May yours keep on expanding!♥♫
ReplyDelete"back in sweet 'lil Camas..." I wish I could say that! My hometown!
ReplyDeleteTracey, I'm so happy for you! Great P.S.... I was confused, lol! Enjoy your new adventure and have fun decorating! Loved the photo!
ReplyDeleteI am still jumping up and down at the 2 anonymous comments you got yesterday! It is none of their business (or ours/those who agree with your decision) with whom you choose to live and what sort of living arrangement you decide on. The same goes for what if your rock 'n roll buddy WAS gay? Does it really matter? What he or you choose to do behind closed doors is none of our business. You have been through enough. If this is what you think will bring you happinessgo for it all! This is perhaps one instance where the internet is a bit to B I G and some details are not necessary to elaborate on. You just do what wil make you happy and we will reveille in the results! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteLOL! I was one of those people, thinking how sweet the two of you were gonna live together. Okay, so it is still sweet :)
ReplyDeleteMaybe you could call one Buddy and give the other a somewhat different name. But am glad you have more than one buddy :)
I am so one of those readers who thought that "he" was the "gay guy" (one in the same as the buddy)and was so hoping that you were starting the relation ship yee ha!!! way to go girl!! my most best heartened thoughts for you ever....
ReplyDeleteLorretta from NH
Well Tracey....First let me join in with those folks who thought the R N R buddy was gay (which, if he was...I'd be totally cool with you livin' with a gay guy...). Second, let me tell you that living with an R N R guy (I've been doing for 30 years now with my Nuclear Engineer R N R hubby) is filled with music. So, I say...if music is the food of life....play on, play on. There's nothing like hearing the strumming and the singing as you're cooking Sunday supper (or just sitting and reading a magazine, or hanging out on the computer or doing what you do). Sometimes I get a little annoyed by it all when I'm trying to sleep. And, my daughter doesn't quite like it when her R N R Daddy sits on the front porch with no shirt on, strumming his guitar when she is waiting for a date to pick her up. But, these are the times that make the memories....
ReplyDeleteHave fun dear Tracey. YOU ROCK.....now you're gonna ROLL (hmmmmmmmmm).
Onward!
Judi
PS... I was like you once upon a time.. but ended up realizing that happiness can only be taken one day at a time because there are so many things out of our control and happines is one of those things. I finally said yes to my "buddy" and it was the best thing I have ever done for "me" and that was 18 years ago. Enjoy every single day one day at a time.
ReplyDeleteLorretta from NH
So funny! I thought RNR buddy was gay too! I thought, "Wow! Great roommate!" But now? Why more power to you girl! Have fun!
ReplyDeleteI've been reading your blog since shortly after yout divorce and have enjoyed it so much. I've thought what a shame that your best buddy was gay and there was no future. I was SO excited to read your post -- yay! You deserve this happiness -- go for it! P.S. -- I hope he isn't developing any kind of complex over all this gay business!
ReplyDeleteAs always...wishing you all the best! :)
ReplyDeleteTracey, I have been reading your blog for a while now, and I think I have commented once or twice (I stuck up for Not Your Daughter's Jeans). I have to say that I am happy for you and your new love, and I wish you well. I have gotten a big chuckle reading the comments of the two women who found it necessary to preach to you. Seriously??!! What a hoot! You go girl!
ReplyDeleteI thought he was gay too--because you called him your "rock and roll buddy" . I thought that was your way of saying he's just a buddy and there's a reason for that--
ReplyDeleteGlad hes not though!:)
Good for you, Tracey for following your bliss and not caring what others think of you. Shame on the nay-sayers who are coming down on your life style choice. It is obvious by the fact that you are dicorced, have divorced children, all of who cohabitated before marriage, that you all do what feels right and good at the moment. Who are people to moralize? Just because you choose not to live a Christian lifestyle does not mean that you are not a good person. Why would people think that you should be their moral role model anyway? Choosing an alternative life style for you & your family and your man-of-he moment is up to you, and if you get bored and decide to live with some other man that is your choice too. Best of luck!
ReplyDeleteGeeGee
Wow, that comment above is a little passive-aggressive! ...and downright rude!!! How very "Christian" of her!
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy for you and hope to someday meet your Rock n Roll Buddy...which btw I knew was not gay! haha!
Sometimes I think more people would follow Jesus if it wasn't for Christians.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that one, LuvWheaties! Sad, but oh, SO true.
ReplyDeleteTracey
Thanks, Tracey. I struggled a bit before I pressed "post comment" so, I am glad to see you saw it and agreed. Wishing you much happiness!
ReplyDeleteHi Ladies
ReplyDeleteAfter reading all your comments I have to say I am glad you get it, I am not gay. LOL! I didn't know Tracey Loved me soooooo much! My name besides Rock and Roll Buddy/Gay guy is Ralph. Tracey is special and I am lucky to be with her and on top of all that she's a great writer! Tracey has no idea at this time I am writing a comment on her blog LOL! Tracey is blessed to have such supportive readers. You all have a wonderful rest of your week.
Ralph
Tracey,
ReplyDeleteAlthough, I don't leave comments very often, I am a faithful reader of your blog and am so glad to hear that you have found happiness and love again with Ralph (R&RB). I look forward to reading about your new decorating adventures in your and Ralph's new home!
Debbie V.
P. S. Welcome aboard, Ralph!
What a sweetie he is....posting on your blog. I wish you much happiness. I lived with my now husband for several years before we married. I'm glad we did. It was back in the 80's and a little scandalous to our families. It is probably the only halfway rebellious thing I did in my life. I would do it again...Sounds like you have a great guy!
ReplyDelete'Twas the "buddy" part that confused me! I just remembered the gay buddy, not that there were two buddies! ( I feel the need to clarify that I didn't think you were starting a relationship with a gay guy; I realized I had confused something)
ReplyDeleteAnd I wish you every possible joy!
Ralph, so glad you "came out"...as Tracey's sweetheart!
ReplyDeleteI love reading your posts...it is none of my biz who you live with but will admit that after what it seems you have been through, I'm happy to see you move to a new chapter in your life! You are a strong, brave woman! Grab your happiness and run with it! I too struggle with keeping stuff that is cool or has potential and often think "maybe my adult kids will want this soon". So I feel your pain-where did all the boxes come from? I wake up and look at it and think "did they secretly multiply while I was asleep?" I realize that I love the hunt for treasures but realize that I have to pour my time into a different form of creativity or I'm gonna wind up on the "hoarder show".
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing your new paired down decorating! YOU ROCK!!
I have been reading your blog for ages Tracey. I wish you and your Rock & Roll buddy all the best. At the risk of escalating the comment wars on here, I do have to say that I think some of your readers who espouse not being judgemental are being pretty harsh (judgmental?) in their comments regarding Christians. People have differing views on living together, and you yourself admitted you once would have said it was something you would never do! Everyone should be able to stand up for what they believe in, isn't that what the commenters who believe living together is ok are saying? I'm not commenting anonymously, because I believe if you're going to stand up for what you believe in you should have the courage to do it without hiding.
ReplyDeleteI never thought Ralph was gay. I think you said enough and looked happy enough for me to realize that he was a romantic interest and not just a buddy. I wish all the best for both of you---and by the way, there are many Christians who live together without being married. Not an issue for this Christian and for many others. I just want you to be happy and to have a wonderful loving relationship.
ReplyDeleteTracey, I think you are an incredibly beautiful, awesome and strong woman. I am sorry to read you had some rude comments. I only just discovered your blog a couple of weeks ago, but I found myself going back in your archives to read your "history", which made me admire you even more. Life is short; grab all the happiness you can get. You deserve it!
ReplyDeleteSo there's hope for us [newly divorced] 50 somethings to still find someone? :-) Not that I NEED anyone, but it's nice to share with another person, especially a member of the opposite sex. So happy for you!
ReplyDelete"There are many Christians who live together without being married. Not an issue for this Christian and for many others." Even if that were true, the important thing is if it's an issue for God, and the Bible is clear that it is. Remember, after Jesus saved the adulterous woman from being stoned, he told her, "Go and sin no more," not "Do whatever makes you happy."
ReplyDeleteIt's because Christians who know this care about you, Tracey, that they are reminding you of the truth. Not to do so would be like cheering you on as you merrily drive towards a cliff. There are always consequences for willfully disobeying God. That's not judging you; that's speaking the truth.
from another Christian who has followed your blog and cared about you for years,
Lori
Dear Lori and others,
ReplyDeleteIf Tracey were to ask your advice on this matter, then you should freely give it. What you're doing is giving unsolicited advice, in a public forum, and speaking with what you perceive to be God's authority. This is not the time or the place. It shows a huge lack of respect for Tracey. Should you truly feel you need to interfere in her life, you should do so privately and without the endorsement of God (which you claim to have but clearly that is merely your own version of the truth). What you're doing here is a lot like...or IS...online bullying and it smacks of Christian supremacist attitudes. A little decorum, please, if not for your own sake for the sake of the reputation of Christians everywhere.
Dianne K.
Hi Tracey,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy reading your blog. I think that it's great that you found someone to share your life with. It's very difficult to find someone that you can really care and share with. Many best wishes, and I too am looking forward to see how you will decorate your new digs!
Ronda
Hi Ralph so sweet of you to introduce yourself...I am happy for you and Tracey! I too knew you were not gay and knew when you flew to Reno with her it was a little more serious than "buddy". Thank you both for sharing the good news with us. We love Tracey here and although she could have kept this part of her life private to us she cared enough about you Ralph and us to share it with us. She's a keeper!! Jeni
ReplyDeleteSo happy for you! You deserve all the happiness that has come your way.
ReplyDeleteHave fun decorating your new home, can't wait to see pictures.
~Angie~
one word... YAY!!!
ReplyDeleteOh man. Some of these anonymous readers are just idiots which they must be aware of or they would have used their name.
ReplyDeleteChristians are NOT supposed to judge. That's God's job. I think they need to get over themselves and realize they are not the higher power. Pretty sure God would't approve of THEIR behavior. Can you imagine how they must act in "real" life on a daily basis if this is how the respond to one woman's blogpost? May God have mercy on them.
And, to clarify.. you do not have divorced "Children". One child, OK. I feel pretty good that God will overlook the 4 months of our living together when he takes into account the lifetime of marriage we plan to have ;)
I'm happy for you Tracey. The world is so difficult now that I think you should grab happiness when it presents itself.
ReplyDeleteI was very shocked that people would post negative "preachy" things on your blog. I'm a Christian and think you're a great person. Ignore the "Negative Nellies"
Yvonne
an Indiana Librarian
Heehee...I was totally one of the people that got the two guys mixed up! I'm glad to hear that they are not one in the same people & that you have found someone with whom you are so happy. Much happiness to both of you!
ReplyDeleteOh, what a giggle!!! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Tracey,
ReplyDeleteJust wanna send a blog-sister hug your way and say I am so happy you have found a great guy who "fills your heart".
Love ya,
Debbie Kay
Tracey~ I am so happy for you. Happiness like this is often so hard to find but you have found it. R&R Ralph sounds like the greatest guy ever (for you, as I have my own) OX~ sorry I have not posted in a very looooooong time~Sharon
ReplyDeleteBe careful, Tracey. When I was diagnosed with asthma in my 30's my very own mother told me it was because I was living in sin with my boyfriend!
ReplyDeleteI really just wonder what God would say to that.
(30 years later we're still together, and married. And I still have asthma.)
How's your breathing?
Viola