Saturday, June 1, 2019

Tales of the Traveling Totes #19

Hello, readers! I am delighted to be joining my fellow traveling tote tribe sisters in an update of the latest adventures! To read how this group originally began, click here. To read all about my tales since joining the group with my two totes - Miss Luna C and Miss Charley C -  you can go to this link.

I have been totally and wholly submersed in my project of downsizing since we last recapped on March 1, and I am beginning to see the light at the end of this tunnel.

On March 15 it became quite clear that I needed some help in purging and organizing from nearly 5,000 sq feet down to 2,300. I rented a 10' x 10' storage unit to help myself out. Miss Charley C thought this was the perfect answer to storing much of my 'stuff'.
She was right. On April 10th, the first of three phases of moving occurred. This is mostly my vintage inventory that I rotate between home and shop, fostering and selling. I hung all my wreaths along the top of corrugated steel perimeters with over-the-door hooks, S hooks and wreath hangers.
The second move of the furnishings which made the cut to the condo occurred on April 23rd. Things are still disorganized, not ready for debuting on the blog, but coming soon.  A third, final move will be made from our prior home to the auction house before the 10th of this month (fingers crossed).

I took a couple opportunities with Miss Charley C to break from the stress of the downsize. The first was with Mr. P. to his 50th college reunion (!!). That was mid-April in Bristol, TN, celebrating alumni in an event called Dogwood Weekend. There were several planned events throughout the weekend honoring his class, including a breakfast (below). My saucer had a dogwood on the bottom, so I was the lucky winner of the table centerpiece begonia.
We took some time to walk the campus, beautifully designed with buildings around an oval.
We went inside what is now the university's theater, previously home to the school cafeteria when Mr. P. was a student there, and had a little fun, running into a few celebs.
Edgar and Miss Charley
Me & Willie & Miss Charley C
Following that weekend, a girlfriend from high school days invited me and a few other classmates to dinner out and an evening of 70s music by the Doobie Brothers. As you can see below on the TV screen at the sports bar where we dined, this was the same day as the historic close of the PGA Masters tournament which Tiger Woods once again claimed the winning green coat!
Our performance center for fine arts is a venue performers almost always comment on, with great stage accommodations and acoustics.
We had a blast, before, during and after the show! I saw the Doobie Brothers in the mid-70s, and they're still just as good now as then, with original members Tom Johnston and Patrick Simmons.
A little fun outside, after the show, with sculptural installments on the property.
With all the time and effort spent on downsizing, my goal was to turn over the keys to the new owner by May 31. We came close, as the final move of remaining furniture is scheduled for transport to the auction house no later than June 10. My capstone to the move was a planned trip to the Gulf Coast of FL at the end of May, beginning of June. This is one of my happy places, and this time we're celebrating my birthday there, too. There'll be more to share about our new digs and summer fun in upcoming posts, I promise!

NOW, ONTO THE GIVEAWAY!

The Traveling Totes Tribe is offering another giveaway. Ricki Jill of The Sketchy Reader is our giveaway sponsor this time. One lucky reader who leaves a comment on Ricki Jill's June 1 post will have their name thrown into the hat for an opportunity to win this MacKenzie-Childs neoprene wine bag! I have one and it's really nice - you'll love it. Hurry over now!

Where have all the other Traveling Tote tribe members been this winter? Check them out at the links conveniently located below to see. It's always fun when we come together, no matter where we travel, near or far.

Debbie with Miss Aurora @ Mountain Breaths
Emily with Miss Courtney Childs@ The French Hutch
Patti with Miss Kenzie and Miss Taylor @ Pandora's Box
Jenna with Miss Coquille @ The Painted Apron
Linda P with Miss Lola @ Life and Linda
Rita with Miss Luna C @ Panoply (you are here!)
Sarah with Miss Merri Mac @ Hyacinths for the Soul
Jackie with Miss Madi K @ Purple Chocolat Home
Ricki Jill and Countess de Monet @The Sketchy Reader
Cherry Kay with Miss Carrie Ann Hall @ Entertaining Women

Come see us again on July 31 in a special post, "Fun in the Sun". We wanted to capture summer as it's happening, and show you how our totes enjoy the lazy days, summer breezes, and other outings of the season.
On September 1, we officially close out summer and recap our adventures. Be sure to leave a comment on Ricki Jill's blog with this adventure for a chance to win the wine bag! 
Thanks for your loyal readership, I appreciate each and every one of you!

Rita C. at Panoply

28 comments:

  1. I can't even imagine how hard you have worked in the past few months to move!! I can't believe the bins you have emptied and moved - but that photo of an empty unit must bring you so much satisfaction!! I want to jump into your tote and go to the beach with you!! Happy Travels!

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  2. Rita, I am so glad the end is in sight, I have been so worried about you! How wonderful to have a storage unit, that is a brilliant solution! It looks incredibly organized a la Rita style! It looks like you had some great outings and now you are in your happy place for your birthday, how perfect! I admit I am itching to see your new place, can't wait!!
    Jenna

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  3. Happy Birthday Weekend!!! I'm glad the move is behind you and things are settling in. I had a big smile as I viewed your storage room photo. Flash backs of my own storage unit scenario popped in my mind!!! I was one happy girl to get those two storage unit emptied. They were a life saver though!
    I loved seeing the reunion photos. Mr. P and I share graduating in 1969 in common. Has it really been 50 years??? I'm excited for you to spend your birthday at your happy place. A little sun and surf will brighten anyones' days. Have a fabulous trip. I look forward to more reports on the new abode and the complete details on the beach get away! Happy, Happy!!!

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  4. Oh hearing about your purge all along I keep looking at all the purging I need to do. Hubby wants to build another home and we have been here for 28 years and stuffed every inch!!! Don’t know if I can do it.
    The Doobie Brothers sounds like a lot of fun. I would love that.
    50th year reunion - wow I don’t think I have ever even heard of one from my university. That’s a wonderful event.
    I love your rest in florida - rest and recharge.

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  5. Oh Rita, you have been so busy with this downsize. I have to say the most organized I've seen! Wow, your storage unit looks amazing and knowing you, all you had to do was open the door to find anything you are looking for. Can't wait to see the new home. Glad you found time for breaking away with the reunion. The campus is really pretty and it must have been so much fun seeing old friends. I was delighted to hear you were finished and could head south to the beach for your birthday weekend. Sending you my birthday wishes for a wonderful weekend of fun in the sun!

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  6. Good to know you are close to being finished and so glad you are getting a trip to Florida. You can not work all the time. I know it has been exhausting! I really can't image but knowing you when you put your mind to something it will get done.
    I look forward to seeing your new home.
    Have a wonderful birthday!

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  7. It’s so nice to know that you were able to enjoy done fun amidst all the downsizing, Rita! Happy birthday to you, and I look forward to seeing your new home.

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  8. Oh, Rita - you make my head spin. I well remember our move back to WV in 2005. I can't imagine doing all that you have done. I think you must have magical powers. So glad most is behind you. Enjoy your trip to Florida and have a lovely birthday!

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  9. Rita, it was so nice to get an update on the move and your busy, busy life.

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  10. Happy birthday Rita. I know it's tomorrow. You always look so petite and adorable.
    So happy to hear you are almost done. Downsizing can be difficult. Looking forward to seeing your new home. Enjoy your getaway and have some yummy cake.

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  11. Happy Birthday Week Rita...I always celebrate the whole month and perhaps you can stretch yours too??? I love your storage organization...the only way to be able to keep track of everything. I am so excited to see your condo as is everyone...so glad you are back among the blogging world again. Hugs sweet friend.

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  12. Happy Birthday to you! We will be making our trek to Columbus again, and you won't be home! Besides, we're going to Columbus via Morgantown, WV this time where we will be having a family reunion. There are many more trips to come going up your way, so until next time...

    I'm glad your move is almost done. Soon you will be settled, I'm sure. We have been thinking about you.

    I wanna dig through your boxes in the storage unit!

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  13. Congrats to you that you downsized and got everything done in such a short time. Bravo! I am so glad you had the trip to Naples to relax and celebrate the move and your birthday. Happy Birthday. Glad you had fun at the reunion and also seeing high school friends. Miss Luna C is getting around quite a bit and all fun places too. Enjoy the rest of your vacation.
    Hugs,
    Kris

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  14. Miss Charley C looks fabulous doesn't she. My she gets around. 'She' makes Edgar and Willie look rather grand! I believe you have been having way too much fun....how wonderful! You make me smile. I am looking forward to your loft reveal.

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  15. I'm so glad you were able to get away and have a little fun after the stress of the move. I can't begin to comprehend... But it looks like a wonderful time at both events, good music, good fun, good weather! A triple threat and one you maxed out to the fullest! Can't wait to see the inside but I have to say your storage shed looks neater than any room in my house including the one I'm in right now!

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  16. Hi Rita - wow girl, you have been busy!

    What a fun post - what neat things you've been doing - and congrats on your organizing your storage unit, and for downsizing. It is a big undertaking, and once all the dust settles you will be so happy you did.

    Heading over there now - what an awesome giveaway! Whoo hoo! Thanks for sharing.
    Big hugs. ♥♥♥

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  17. You sure are burning that candle at both ends sister! I am anxious to see your new digs but will also love to hear that you've finished moving. What stress! Thanks for the great giveaway, I'm loving seeing what your tote has been up too. I wanted to head down to Florida for a family visit this year but it just isn't in the cards. Maybe this Fall when it cools off down there.

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  18. Happy birthday week Rita! You deserve a vacation of doing whatever you want to do. I am so glad this is almost over for you, I can’t even imagine moving. I went with My Renaissance Man to his 50th high school reunion in May. Enjoy your trip to Florida!

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  19. Thrilled that you finally see the light at the end of that proverbial tunnel. Excited to hear about your wonderful new home. Glad that you are headed for some by the sea time. Thanks for keeping us in the loop. Cherry Kay

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  20. Rita, I’ve been thinking about you and I’m glad you can see the light at the end of the tunnel! Your storage unit is organized to the nth degree, as Jenna says, ‘a la Rita style’! I hope you enjoy your well deserved beach getaway and fun in the sun. Wishing you a Happy Birthday and looking forward to seeing your new digs!

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  21. Rita, as a fellow antique and vintage seller, I applaud you with the organizing etc. I KNOW how much work that is. It all looks way more organized than my storage unit I had ten years ago. : ) AND ....thank you for taking us along with you on your travels, it looks like you had such a great time. The Doobie Brothers!!! Like you, I loved and saw them in the 70's & 80's, and it's exciting to hear from you that they are still so good. Wishing you a blessed week, xo Lidy

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  22. What fun times you and your tote have been having!

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  23. Wow! You have been so busy....moving isn't for sissies! I hope you will be completely settled soon. Your storage unit is impressive! I'm happy you've been able to squeeze-in fun with your friends. Have fun on your trip!!! I hope you get lots of sun and fun!

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  24. Hi Rita, proof yet again that you are the most organized person on the planet! Your storage area gives me hope that someday I could possibly have it all together like you. I'm so glad you've been able to have some fun getaways during the long moving process. That's what I missed, but we were under so much pressure to get things accomplished. Hope you had a Happy Happy Birthday, you know we're all so excited to see your new place! take care, friend!

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  25. Sorry I am late, but I know you had a wonderful birthday! Congrats to you on the downsizing. Magnifique! I am so glad you had the trip to Naples to relax and celebrate the move and your birthday. Glad to hear the Doobies are still great! xo

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  26. Oh Rita, I feel your pain! But there’s an end in sight, and I also can feel your excitement with your new beginning.

    I received a notice that there was a broken link to your blog on my blog. Often that means the blog is no longer, which is happening often these days, and I thought ‘oh no’, not Rita too’! Happily, it must be another’s issue which no doubt is minor because you’re still here!

    I think of you often and am happy to have caught up for a bit.

    xxx

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  27. Rita, clearly I'm behind...LOL It is so great to have you back in the blogging world! I've missed reading your posts. I'm so impressed with the organization in your storage unit! WOW...that is awesome. You can find anything and everything you need in there. I can't wait to see your new home. I'm glad you've been able to get out and have some fun during the move. Moving makes me crazy!! LOL Looking forward to reading more! Love and hugs sweet friend and welcome back!

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  28. Hi, I'm impressed with the hikes you had with this travel bag. I like this model, but if you have the time and you want to take a look at my site https://miraterratravel.com/best-travel-totes/ maybe you will like a bag: D.

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