My mind keeps asking itself those four words. Even though, I know, yes, there is something chaotic happening in my world. I understand that I just have to deal with it, be practical, be calm. But, all of a sudden, I think of the situation, and my heart beats a bit faster, and my brain floods with thoughts, and a tinge of panic electrifies my whole body. Then slowly, the feeling, fades away…
What is this all about? Let me ask you this question (particularly to those who own lots of items)… Have you ever thought about what you would do if you had to move really quickly? If you had to pack 15+ years of belongings. Do you dread it? Hope to the heavens that it won’t happen?
Well, I have to say. I was NOT prepared for what happened on Friday morning. You see, for a long time, we have been noticing that floor tiles in our house are really really warm (this is my in town home, not the studio countryhome).
My sister (we share this home) was complaining about not having hot water. At first I didn’t think much of it. But, then it got so bad, my wonderful mother and father came to town to fix the issue. They decided to get a new water heater (even though ours was only 5 years old). The next day, my sister warned that there still was no hot water. My father once again, came to town to try to figure things out. Nothing, no sign of what was happening. The neighbor tells my father that she had a major plumbing issue, and her whole house flooded. Upstairs, downstairs. She had to have new carpet, new walls, new ceilings, new everything. We cringed…. And, then went on with our lives… We had lukewarm water. We hoped for the best…
The next day, my sister found water seeping out from under my piano. I rushed home, my parents met me there. WE promptly started moving furniture, while my dad cut holes in the drywall… The family plumber was on his way… We knew it would not be good…
The Good news? The water does not seem to have reached my bedroom. The bad news? Our plumbing runs underground. WE have the ever dreaded polybutelene pipes that noone ever wants to have, ever. We never knew. We have owned the place since 1993, without any issues. It was never disclosed.
Our house foundation is soaked, our pipes are rotten. The protocol, the only thing to do? After much huddling around, discussing this ever so carefully. The fact is evident, the entire house has to be replumbed. It is the easiest solution. We can not open up the floors. WE have to make the old plumbing dormant and put in all new pipes. The Plumber would start Monday. That meant. Time to pack all of my belongings. Everything. As ceilings and walls will be cut open.
So, that is where I have been. Packing all my life’s treasures… All my belongings. The one wonderful thing. I was able to place lots of things on my bed (all my clothes, as I had to empty out my jam packed walk-in closet), as that was going to stay. It would just have to be covered with plastic…
At first I was devastated. But then, I thought to myself… How can you feel devastated? You are able to save all of your possessions… Nothing is ruined… Then my heart broke for the people of the Katrina tragedy… I was just feeling sorry for myself. But, what about all the people losing homes in floods, in fires… No time to save anything… I am soooo lucky!!
All there was to do was pack, and not think about it too much…
I didn’t want much help, as I needed to know where all my items were going. And certain treasures needed to be in certain places… Plus, I have soo many breakables…
And, I want to be able to find things easily when it is time to move back in…
I was taking photos, in case I decided to share this with you. Part of me thought, just move on, talk about something else. But the other part of me, needs to talk about it, just to relieve the whirlwind stress of the last couple of days…
Moving big furniture, lots of art… Making sure everything was safe… Well protected…
The most wonderful part of this whole fiasco, was finding treasures that were lost deep in my closet. I have lived in this house since I was 18 years old. I pretty much own everything I brought to Tucson when I left home (and much more). Oh, it is soooo exciting to find treasures I thought were lost… Jewelry I mourned about, was found!! As well as, all the rhinestone stuff and dresses from my Mexico discoteque days. So willllld!!! Horrid Huge platform shoes made me smile from ear to ear! I got them for .50 cents in the late eighties…
The nostalgia of it all, made me appreciate the fact that all was not lost. I can’t tell you how I keep repeating those thoughts in my mind. Thank God that things are okay. All it was was an inconvenience, really. And, hopefully, the re-plumbing will go smoothly (crossing fingers big time!)
I played dress up during breaks, and wondered, why I ever paid hundreds of dollars for shoes like this, brought back from London… How did I walk in them???
Yesterday already seems like a blur… As it was my biggest packing day…
And, I have to say, one thing I appreciate about my personality is, I have the ability to let go of issues. I don’t like to hold on, I like to move on. No point in dwelling… I need happy in my life… So, as I type this blog post, I feel just fine. I feel remarkably better, and just a little tired…
Mr. Lovee and I moved the last of the big stuff out yesterday… While I sat on an empty safe, I played my piano to my hearts content…
All the while, my life sized mermaid looked on, before being plastic wrapped 🙂 I am so touched at how my family always come through. My sister and brother and I are so blessed to have the parents we have. They are understanding, they take good care of us. I could never express to them, the profound love and gratitude I have for them…
Last night, when I got to the country home, I took a hot shower. And felt so bad for my sister who has not been able to have one in a long time. I also sat down to read all of the comments from my last blog post. Mr. Lovee walked over to me, I looked up at him, huge lump in my throat, and said, "they made it all better." Mr. Lovee said "who did?" I pointed at the screen. At all of your comments. Because, well, they fill my soul. They do, they do 🙂
It is wonderful to have this country place, where I have my studio, and where, my art world will not be affected. I will have a few busy days this week, but I will see you very very soon!! xoxo Vanessa
Goodness me! It sounds as though a spanner has been well and truly thrown into your works, haha! I do hope that figure of speech is used in the US – it could be an Australian thing – anyway, it’s a plumbing joke.
But really, what a major bummer and pain in the a*$e. You have the best attitude! If it was me I’d be moaning and groaning, kicking things and tearing out my hair! I like to take out my frustrations on the world. I think I need a bit of your zen like ‘whatever will be, will be’ attitude.
Anyway, I hope it all gets resolved soon. Good luck with the replumbing!
What a nightmare, but you have it resolved and you have everything packed up and safe..and you’re right, you have the opportunity to salvage where others have not. This is a blessing and better to have caught it “now” before the water damage was irreversable.
I love your attitude Vanessa — you don’t want to dwell on it and you choose to be happy so you feel better for having talked about it and are ready to move on. This is an attitude we could all have and we’d be better for it!!!
Hope the plumbing if fixed asap (but not so fast that they do a poor job!) and you are able to put things back to “normal” soon.
What a terrible turn of events! But you seem to have it all under control and are taking it quite well….actually what else can you do?! I’ll be thinking of you and sending you lots of good vibes.
That was a real bummer for you…lucky the problem was found and that it will be resolved.
You have a wonderful attitude and I bet you even had a little fun.
Thank you for the wonderful Valentines…you are so wonderfully generous.
I love hearing about your Country Mouse and City Mouse life…lucky you. I used to be one…lived in Boston and went to a farm in New Hampshire on the weekends…that was a wonderful life 🙂
Oh dear girl! To pack up one’s life in a moment’s notice! It looks as if life backed up a truck load of lemons, dumped them in your house and you, dear one, made pitchers and pitchers of tangy sweet lemonade!!! OHHHHH … THE MAKINGS OF A TEAPARTY WITH LEMONADE ARE IN THE WORKS, ARE THEY NOT??? The photos are delicious and I thank you for sharing it all with us! Here are warm hugs and thoughts to keep you comfort as you ‘sip’ your way through this week! Love you!
OH… by the way…
I have had to change my blog… long story which I explain it all. Go to…
http://www.aviewoflifefromfrontrow.blogspot.com/
Same me… just a new ‘pad’…
Miss Vanessa, do you recall the poster with the kitten hanging onto a rope? “Hang in there baby, Friday’s coming!” You seem to be hanging in. Keep it up. Stay positive.
Susan K.
oh my goodness miss fancy – goodness sakes alive – I can not imagine – but oh how inspiring you are – such strength – water is the worst – If it were me I would no doubt be a puddle on the floor – BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!
it will all be fine – and it is wonderful to rediscover all of those yummy treasures isn’t it?
xox – eb.
So sorry to hear about the plumbing problems but it sounds like it could have been much worse.I hope the repair job goes quickly and smoothly for you and your sister.Thanks for the cute valentines on the last blog post.
Vanessa…about six years ago we replumbed our 1928 house. We did pack up my husbands collection of records and seal the boxes but we didn’t move out. There were holes put in walls and even a ceiling…two story house…and when it was all over we had to give the house a thorough cleaning of plaster dust but it was not monumental. Nothing was ruined. Try to talk to others who have had this work done. It’s just not THAT bad.
Miss Vanessa, my dear friend….I am so sorry this has happened and what you have described is on my list of Top Ten Things I NEVER want to have to do! There was a time when we considered moving out of our house now and into something different, but then I thought of all the packing….and then I thought of the attic…and then I thought….are you freaking NUTS!!! Move?? Yeah, I don’t think so.
I am just so happy to hear that your possessions sustained no major damage. I like to think that I’m the type of person who is not materialistic, who could let it all go (except for the truly personal stuff)….but not so much. I yam what I yam and I like my stuff! But your piano…omg….I LOVE it!!
As for you buying the “horrid platform shoes” for .50 in the late ’80’s? Yeah, those were pretty close the same platform shoes I was wearing with pride in the late ’70’s!! 😉
Glad to have you back my friend!!
Oh, and by the way….next to fire, water is indeed my biggest fear as a homeowner. So I truly feel for you!
A couple of years ago a good friend of mine called to say that went she went on vacation a pipe had burst and the water had run 3 days. When they opened the front door water came out.. and she was happy.
A few weeks before she had gone on her trip. She had run into another friend of ours who told her about plastic bins like the ones you have packed your valuable in. She went to the store that day and had purchased lots of them. Inside she put her childhood diaries and photos of her children, special letters from friends.. the important stuff and when she called me, she was ecstatic.. “Tif.. nothing was ruined!” I found out later that the floor boards were ruined, some funiture was ruined, all the flooring and much of the drywall was all ruined, but nothing that mattered to her heart and all the rest was insured.
You are so right to be happy. Happy is the place to be! Good for you! You must have an angel in your corner. I hope you get a little rest soon. 2008 has been a big year for you already, but we are all cheering for you!
AAAAAAgggghhh! You poor girl! I can’t believe that! What a nightmare, I can’t imagine having to pack like that so quickly but bless your little heart I am proud of you for thinking the way you did. Of course it is great that it is fixable and your trasures are safe. And hey, it will be like Christmas when you unpack them again! I am glad you shared the yucky with us, that must mean we are really true friends! Hang in there! OXOX!
It is your extraordinary ability to see the rainbow through the clouds that makes you so amazing. I am so sorry all of this is happening…you are right though….it’s more a pain than a tragedy. You had some kind of magical/divine intervention that has given you the time to pack and preserve…with no losses but maybe $ and inconvenience for a time. I think it’s that aura of light and goodness that surrounds you every moment….proof positive by this post and your attitude to always choose happy.
Sending you lots of love and squishy hugs AND a quick resolve to this,
Lisa
XOXOXO
I was swooning over the dress form…heehee
oh dear! I feel for you! And we are looking to buy an old house soon…maybe I’ll keep this in mind! I am so happy that all your belongings are not ruined though… Imagine the what could of happened!
Anyways, I thank you for your sweet sweet email. I have been running around very busy and I went to look for it to respond but its nowhere to be found. But thanks soooo much, and have a very good night!
ps-those shoes! It would be cool to paint the wooden sole, wouldnt it?
-sarah
You are lucky indeed that you were able to save everything…water, flooding….having minutes to figure out what should I take. I think about this….
I hope your sister finds a nice hot shower!
x…x
oh no Miss V!! thats just awful but you still made me laugh…those platforms are groovy baby!! hey I hope it gets sorted out quickly and you guys have no further issues…what a nightmare huh?
could have been worse though…happy sifting through all your things!
That is amazing, you are able to put it all into such crystal clear perspective. Good luck the the reno’s and hopefully you will be back home soon. xo, suzy
I am so sorry that things aren’t going so well for you!! But what a perspective you have. So true that we are truly blessed if we have family and friends to support us in times of trouble. Thinking of you and hoping for quick restoration!!
Oh my! that is crazy but yes, you’re right, at least all your precious belongings momentos and treasures are safe! hope you get to come home soon~
I’m sorry that happened to your family but super glad you were able to pack up everything! And how fun that you were reunited with your old treasures!!
Mexico discotheque days? Sounds like some GREAT stories!
Glad to hear your family is safe & happy.
Wow! At least it is not hot yet for the packing and moving stuff part. But then again cold showers would be nicer in the summer. I wish I could have come to help–then I could have enjoyed looking at all your hidden treasures too (I love finding that kind of stuff)
How annoying, I’m sorry to hear about your plumbing and packing woes! Although discovering such gems as those classy shoes must have made you giggle amidst the stress. As annoying as packing everything up is, I’m glad that none of your precious things have been ruined.
What a blessing it must be to be able to escape to your country home and relieve some pent-up inner turmoil in your studio.
*hugs*
I don’t know how long it took me, months I think, to pack up my living room and dining room this summer in preparation for painting and changing some furniture. The idea of packing up an entire house in a few days – faint. But amazingly enough, I have done similar miracles in the past. We’d been between houses for a few months during a job transfer. When we finally found a new place to rent I was so tired of living out of suitcases that I put the whole house together in just a few weeks, down to hanging art and putting all the books out on the shelves. A family of seven. Just a few weeks later we got notice that they’d sold the place and we had 30 days to vacate. We ended up packing and moving someplace else within the week. Another time my mom, in crisis, asked me to come help her move all her belongings (large home). I drove a 24-foot U-Haul down a seaside cliff, packed up all her heavy Ethan Allen furniture and thousands of boxes, drove back up the cliff and she stayed at my house with the furniture over the weekend when she decided she made a mistake and I did it all over again in reverse. And then there was the time I offered to help a friend move. She was divorced and sort of spacing out. I arrived at her home to find virtually nothing in a four bedroom home had even been boxed yet. It all seems impossible in the moment but somehow you can make it happen, especially with the right attitude. Since it’s gonna have to be done anyway, why not dress up, dance, and have fun. (but if you want to whine a bit, we’ll understand too.)
Oh dear! When I got your email, you made it sound like a minor inconvenience. I had no idea it was such a big deal! Thank goodness the plumbers are going to sort everything; potential disaster averted! It’s good you rediscovered some long-lost things. If I had to pack up this apartment in one day, not sure it would be possible – at least not w/o lots of help! Way too many fragile things requiring bubble wrap and tissue. Am so glad you have the country place to escape to, while the plumbing work is underway. Hope your sister has an escape place as well? Sending lots of love and hugs…xoxox
Oh! and OH!!! Your wonderful outlook will carry you through sweetie. I love how you are seeing the good more than the bad. And I love it even more knowing that you had Mexico discoteque days:) Love, Jamie
OHh NOooo! I am so sorry to hear about this! It’s too bad the former owners didn’t disclose the pipe situation! AAiiieeee! What a chore…but at least you found some ‘lost’ goodies! You have such a great attitude ..all will work out well. And think..when you go back you can redecorate! Wheeee! Like a blank canvas! Yeah!
Oh MY! Where ever have I been to have missed all this!!?? I’m so sorry I did not visit sooner!!! (I’ve been a busy bee these past few days, and not reading blogs….bad me, I know) How awful…all this plumbing!! I’m SO sorry you have to deal with this….and move all your treasures (Oh!look at them!! SO wonderful!!)
But, I love your attitude!! And perhaps this gives you an excuse to rearrange and redecorate after the plumbing is all mended!:) YES!! A new look for 2008, right!? 🙂
I hope it all gets better soon, Lovely Vanessa! 🙂
Hi Ness….oh man what I nightmare!I know how you feel in terms of packing and realising what material things are the most important….moving back and forwards from Aus and the UK is always an experience for me.Half my life there half here.What I will say is use this time to take stock of everything as I find it quite a liberating experience. The one thing my mum always told me was that if our childhood house burnt down the only thing to grab if we had time was the photos……its made me realise that everything else we own is a bonus and our memories are priceless!!!! Love to babe
Meesh
Vanessa, that is indeed alot to deal with at one time, but you are right. You are very lucky and blessed. In a way, it was a good thing because you got to find some things you thought were lost a long time ago. Maybe it was sort of a blessing in disguise. Things happen that way sometimes.
You are truly blessed, not only with a wonderful family and all those beautiful possessions, you are blessed with your wise outlook and lovely sense of humour. I hope you’ll soon be back in your home.
I do sympathise. Our old house in France has handmade tiles laid on sand and earth, so cold and damp in winter and very uneven. So we had a builder come in to take them all up, lay a damp proof course and replace them with proper jointing between. Now I can sweep and clean and see something for my effort. But, what a nightmare, packing every single item on the ground floor (including my husband’s office and my million cookbooks). We had to go away for 2 weeks and I got through the hassle by reminding myself that this lovely new floor came about because my favourite aunt left me some money. I don’t forget this, every day I know how lucky I am.
Happy homecoming!
aaagh! so this is what happens when i lay low for a while. just when i thought it was safe to emerge from the shadows of sleeplessness, i find one of my favourite little ladies in a fix!
bad news, and im sorry to hear that you will be so unsettled. i know we should count our blessings, but things such as this really are impossibly disabling – simply decorating has had me in a total spin, i so yearn to be relaxed and in order once more.
as for your work, i have had a lovely browse through your links and albums this morning. i adore the doll set, i so hope you make more of those lovelies soon.
take care, and keep us posted:)
xxx
oh no…you sweet little peanut!! I’m so sorry for all that. So glad you found it in time to save everything and your attitude is so perfect Vanessa!!! You are a doll in every way and even wrapped up and stored in bins your things are magnificent;) Sending you extra big hugs! xoxoxo….jenn
Hug, hug, hug…..I feel your pain. when I lived in Las Vegas, I had the same thing happen. We didn’t know until the floor started to flood ! and , back then, I stored all my finished watercolors..under the bed !!!!. I just managed to save them. Well, once the nice plumbers finish their jobs, you will never have to deal with that again AND you will have a wonderful reason to repaint the walls. I just painted my pathroom tiffany blue and does it ever make me smile !!!!!
Hugs and more hugs. I am so glad you have a port in the storm.
Dream sweet things……
Oh my goodness! It sounds like it was a good thing you caught this when you did. Big applause to you for taking the high road and finding the positive. I hope the replumbing goes smoothly and you are moved back in quick as a lick.
Karla
I can’t wait to see your renovations and how you rearrange your tresures and the found ones are super yummy! OMG! the shoes are fantastic!!! Stay cheerful!
God bless your heart!
Once again, your wonderous, adventurous, beautiful self amazes me!!! I had something similar with those nasty plumbing pipes happen to me years ago and I must admit that I didn’t handle as well as you have. You are a rare gem!
Hugs!
Michelle
Hi Vanessa,
Sorry to hear about this & take care! Things will get better soon…hopefully!!!
Hugs,
Chris 🙂
oy vey!
i wish i could have helped you pack up and move.
i hate the idea that the truth about your plumbing was never revealed.
at least, nothing was ruined and the two of you are safe!
and i love that you manage to find humor and fun in even the hardest of tasks.
(i kinda like those $100 shoes from london although i don’t get how you walked in them either.)
big hugs to you and sis!
Oh Vanessa, you poor thing 🙁 I know just how you feel though- we have electricians here re-wiring our entire house. I spent an hour with Eliza in the library this afternoon and then an hour walking the streets because I just couldn’t bear to come back to all the dust and noise. I hope you get your home back soon honey, there’s nothing worse (I find) than not being able to be at home xxxx.
eeek! What a battle you have been undergoing… who knew pipes packed THIS much punch? sorry to see this mess of obstacles before you, but beautifully you have seen the silver lining & overcasting rainbow before you V.! And my, can I just say how I’m enjoying Ur blog so. there is so much life written here. Bravo! ~Monica
Well at least you had the chance to move your stuff, horrible and strssful I know but so many people are caught in floods of filthy water without warning these days.
We had a flood in our home last year due to plumbing. It certainly turns one’s life upside down, so glad to hear everything & everyone is doing well.
Sorry to hear about your house, good job you have another house to escape to and none of your treasures were damaged!
I’m so sorry to hear about this!! But I am glad that it was caught before your house flooded and your beautiful belongings were ruined! Having had to clean up after water damage (my grandmother had a fire in her house years ago, and I still can smell the oder of musty, smoke-soaked paper and textiles occasionally… ), it is no fun. But packing on such short notice–my hat goes off to you for pulling through with such strength!! Aren’t family wonderful too–it is so nice to always have people come and be able to pitch in when there is a need! 🙂
You are such a gem, Vanessa. Your posts are always so candid and beautiful. Even in the midst of chaos (which I probably would have had a major panic attack over! hehe! I need to learn to be more level-headed), you “stayed calm and carried on”.
Wishing you the best this week for you and your sister!!
My heavens V! I missed this post…I have no idea what I could have been doing instead! I am just shocked that this has happened…I am terribly sorry that it has as well, yet, it all is seeming to work out in the end isn’t it?
Your poor dear sister as well…and all your stuff…
Well, at least it wasn’t ruined, and I’m thinking that as you go through things there may be those few items that you can let go of…and other’s that you can hoard and treasure forever more!! I have nightmares about the things I would need to take on a moment’s notice…but, it’s all just “stuff” really…even if I love it so…
Good luck with everything…
OOoOOoOh you poor thing! Look on the bright side, you will be able to decorate all over again… or am I the only freako who thinks that is a positive? 🙂
Even when you’re down you manage to lift your chin and make me (and others I’m sure) smile with your lovely writing, so glad I found your lovely blog, it is food for thought indeed <3
Good luck with the re-plumb, hope your sister is enjoying hot showers again soon!
Tallulahlalalalalala 🙂
You bright woman… so cheerful, even under duress! I hope all is well very, very soon.
oh no!
!!!
:-0
oh!
oh!
Oh Vanessa!! I was scared at first that something terrible had happened to you! Not that plumbing issues aren’t terrible. I have packed and unpacked so many times that I have nightmares about it. Seriously! I dream that I forgot something in a closet or that I keep filling boxes and can’t get done. I can’t imagine the treasures and memories you sorted through. The longest I’ve ever lived in one place was ten years and that was when I was age 9 to 19.
you are just too cute. that’s all i have to say.
Oh, no, Vanessa! I’ve been staying off the internet for a few days in the hoeps of getting some things accomplished… I’m so sorry to hear of your troubles, but, wow! How lucky you found out *before* any of your stuff was ruined.
Such a positive outlook you have, though– I am trying to be as positive as I can these days and you are an inspiration!
I found out today from my boss, a registered nurse, that I had/have the flu. So, not only did I suffer through cold showers, I got the freaking flu to go with it!
Hey Vanessa, I don’t know how I missed this post. The flooding is exactly what happened to me over the weekend, I have so much to tell you about (it is weird that I stumbled on this entry now…), an email is on the way!
That does sound like a complete pain in the ass. Good for your pragmatic attitude. Things could be much, much worse, but wasn’t it better yesterday when you didn’t have the problem? Best of luck!
Oh no Vanessa I just read this post. I’m so sorry to hear about the upheaval you just had to go through. I’m sure that it wasn’t easy but I have to commend you on that wonderful quality that you have to be able to see the bright side of a bad situation. Hope that all is going well so far.
Oh no! Such a horrible thing to have happen!
A number of years ago I had pipes break after a bad freeze. Unfortunately, the pipes were all in the ceiling! *sigh*
I am SO sorry to hear about that! You have certainly placed it and it is great that you share it with all of us! You get to rekindle with all of your little treasures and take a trip down memory lane with a few forgotton ones! You are right in the end, you and your family are all fine and things could always be worse. But you still need to grieve, devastation is different to everyone. You always seem to make the best out a situation! You go girl…