Yesterday the container was here and 3 movers loaded it to the gills. I really don't think it could have held one more scrap of fabric because the driver taped the top flap of the backside down when it wouldn't hold on it's own!
So hey, here's a double-fist pump for Udo because he rocked our boxes and somehow made our entire life fit into a 20' container. (Don't worry - not only did I tip him, I slipped him a pack of Peppridge Farm cookies and told him America loves him).
The night before the pickup, I sewed until 1:00 am. I was so tired after packing all day, but I wouldn't quit until I got enough work ready for the upcoming exhibition. The radio disc jockey wished the listeners a "guten morgen" and I thought? WTH? Have I slipped into a time-space continuum? Then I rolled up the smoking hot presser foot and clamped the cover down on my machine. The English "step-down" unit that converts the electricity along with the German adapter to accommodate the plugs is now sitting abandoned in the corner of my studio. Goodbye sewing in England. Goodbye sewing in Germany.
For now, I've got to crank out some backgrounds. All my paints and adhesives are still here because I didn't want to deal with exceeding the limit of what I could bring back to the US.
We're eating on our garden furniture (indoors) and sharing three spoons between us yet I'm thinking about how much fun it's going to be to use up all my paint! You can't help but get a little excited about the thought of working like the world is coming to an end.
In the thick of it, I've been receiving the most beautiful mail art! Thank you all for the generosity and for thinking of me. And I'm sorry I haven't been able to get in here and post more. For the next days, please don't expect much. Maybe just some pictures of how things are looking.
Our evenings have been spent getting spoiled by all our neighbors and friends with good food and cold beverages. Last night I was gutted thinking about leaving these amazing people we've come to love so much in my adoptive home. It's all winding down and doesn't seem real. Except for sleeping on our shitty guest bed. That feels real. I'm getting too old for transitory adventures, and it's extra fun with a 4-year old who wants to "camp" in his Winnie-the-Pooh tent. *Waving white surrender flag...*
What are you guys up to? Sorry I haven't been on your blogs. There are hundreds of posts in my Google Reader. I'm so behind it's sort of hopeless at this point. I'm going to have to let it all float by. But if I'm missing something big, leave a comment and fill me in on what's happening! Miss you guys... until later, xxx tj
'it's extra fun with a 4-year old who wants to "camp" in his Winnie-the-Pooh tent'
And why not? Life's a big adventure when you're four! :-)
Posted by: G | August 17, 2011 at 11:11 AM
...And I forgot to wish all of you the very best for your coming travels.
Thankfully in the virtual world you're still as close as you always were.
Posted by: G | August 17, 2011 at 11:13 AM
Good luck with the move TJ. I hope you were able to cram in the container that beautiful cupboard that you brought back to life.
Posted by: Pat | August 17, 2011 at 01:07 PM
Thanks G! And yes Pat, the kitchen cupboard was tucked into that jam-packed truck!! Never fear...
Posted by: TJ | August 17, 2011 at 01:16 PM
Wow! I've only just started catching up on all the blog posts I missed while I was on holiday and just found out you're moving back to the U.S. Wow!
I hope your move goes really smoothly, and I am sure your son will love the whole experience. My two certainly liked unpacking boxes and re-finding favourite toys, and exploring their new home.
So I am wishing you the very best, and will continue to think of you every time I see a pretzel! I hope you continue to use them in your work. Good luck and bon voyage! And I look forward to reading your new adventures!
Posted by: fiona | August 17, 2011 at 01:49 PM
This does change the pretzel hunt, doesn't it? It was fun!
I love the 'tip and Peppridge Farm Cookies'. Awesome gesture on your part.
See you stateside sweets!
Posted by: Linda | August 17, 2011 at 06:12 PM
...until later :) all the best!
Posted by: Madde | August 17, 2011 at 07:52 PM
That's some efficient packing in that truck! Have fun using up all those paints, and best of luck for a easy move back to the US. Really take time to soak up all that love from your friends there; that's probably more important than anything else right now!
Posted by: Andria | August 17, 2011 at 08:19 PM
Dearest sweet TJ, wishing you best of luck with the move back to the US. Sounds really exciting! I hope you have enough time to spend with all your friends over there in Germany before you head off to US. Have a lovely merry happy weekend and love to you!
Posted by: Jacqueline | August 21, 2011 at 06:38 AM
Übrigens: vielen dank für euer "shitty guest bed"! Das bekommen wir nämlich. Allerdings hat Tari uns das Bett noch vor ein paar Tagen anders beschrieben ;)) Naja, dann bleiben die Gäste wenigstens nicht zu lange! "nix für ungut"
Alles Liebe, deine ex-Nachbarin :((
Posted by: 1st. lady of kleinochsenfurt | September 02, 2011 at 10:32 PM