cleaning house

  I took a journey today, but didn't leave the house to do it.  Back in the recesses of my mind is the plan to sell this house and move.  I started voicing that desire to both of my grown children who still live with me.  What they don't know is every month I throw out "stuff".  While doing this I ask myself, will this fit in your tiny condo at the beach?  Not that I have that tiny condo but I still ask the question.  If it won't fit I either donate or toss it.  
   Today I got into the closet under the stairs.  I found my sketch book, framed etchings, paintings and hope chest.  Do they still call them hope chests?  The journey I took today was my teenage and 20 year old self.  Lots of travel stubs, concerts, postcards, photos and letters.  The next thing I knew it was two hours later and I was smiling amongst my memories.  No tears, just smiles.  I still filled the trash bin up but I also found myself, the Lori who lived life to the fullest, she didn't wait around for life to happen to her, she was living it.  I will be taking a long driving/business trip next week and I'm going to approach that trip with a renewed sense of adventure.