What About Your Baggage?

One holiday season, we were sitting around at Mom and Dad's catching up with some of our relatives.  Talking about divorce in general, one said:  "I guess I have, what do they call it...suitcases?"  This very innocent question led all of us giggling down our personal "baggage" road together.  We began to assess the size of our own "baggage" as well as the baggage of some others who had passed through our lives. We came up with the following descriptions and continuum:  Baggage seemed to be about the normal amount of issues and problems to be carrying around with you;  if you have Suitcases-you have a little more than the baggage share;  Luggage starts to become unmanageable; and, if you are carrying around Steamer Trunks with you, that's all she wrote! 

Last spring, I was cleaning out the storage room to get things ready to take to the recycling place.  I've always considered myself a light traveler on the road and in the personal issues I carry around with me...usually just about back-pack size.  I'd forgotten about it, but I had put all of our New Orleans Luggage in the storage room.  I brought it all out into the sunlight- dusty, a little damp and still full of airport stickers. The big red one still had HEAVY-LOURD stuck to it.  I wondered if there were any memories or forgotten items to be discovered.  I lined up all my New Orleans Luggage, emptied out anything left inside, and decided it was time to make good use of it! The big red one is now a side table next to the rocking chair near the fireplace.  It's perfect because I can stick magazines and books in some of the open pockets.  A smaller red one now holds all my kitchen towels, pot holders, napkins and table cloths in the kitchen and the beige floral print piece on rolling wheels holds all my important papers and files.  Not only did I get more storage here at the Chatette, I very literally turned my luggage into furniture!  It felt good to know that we weren't going anywhere any time soon, and I'm back to traveling light in all aspects of my life!

Comments

[Laury Bourgeois]

I sometimes think I've survived on metaphors and humor these last few years!

[Christopher Laney]

Very funny. Wish I had been there to hear it. Yes, most of us need to get rid of the suitcases in our lives.

[Evelyn Jackson]

I love that idea of traveling light. When I look in my closets and storage areas, I'm appalled at how much crap I've accumulated. You've inspired me clear it out, put it to good use, or get rid of it. Now...about my issues....