We just returned from a short family vacation in Siesta Key (more about that in a minute), and as I was trying to find drawer space for all the new books I brought home with me, I discovered that I have quite a collection of buttons.
In the top drawer of my bureau alone, I have eight bags of buttons (with one-two buttons per bag). They have accumulated amid scarves I never wear, Pokemon cards that are "too valuable" for Colter to play with, and jewelry I hate that was given to me by people I love.
I have buttons for shirts, skirts and dresses I gave away years ago. And I don't even know where in the house to find a needle and thread.
I'm obviously not very good at throwing things away. It's so final and I live in fear of that moment after the trash is picked up when I realize why I was hanging on to that particular button, or paid bill or whatever.
So, I keep more than I need. And then I forget what I have.
Until I am on vacation, and then I remember what I have: a family I love more than anything. A family I make wishes for on every star: may we have health, happiness and peace; may all the families of the world have health, happiness and peace. My wishes never mention buttons or books or big houses in neighborhoods with the best schools.
I need to take vacations to remember that buttons -- the buttons I save and the buttons I lose -- create closure. Love creates openings.
This vacation, Gary and Colter and I had time to walk on the white sand beach, dig in nearby Venice for sharks' teeth, hold on tight as the waves pulled us away from each other. Lots of time to swim in the pool after dark, read new books and talk about nothing in particular.
For three days and two nights, we stayed at Tropical Shores, shopped at Sarasota News & Books and Morton's Market, ate at The Broken Egg, and generally loved each other.
The uneventful time together without plans or schedules was especially meaningful after this week's ups and downs. And for once, it was enough.
Colter and I were supposed to join Gary in Orlando this weekend, where he heads tomorrow for work, but we decided to stay home instead. Colter wants to play with friends and relax before camp starts Monday. And I have some buttons to throw away.
What a wonderful post!
Isn't it strange, the things we hang onto? I've always been a packrat, though there is no method to my madness! LOL
Posted by: Kristi | June 06, 2004 at 09:34 AM
That sounds like a lovely weekend! I'm glad you got that time!
Posted by: Angie | June 05, 2004 at 03:44 PM
We should compare button collections. I never know why I save them either. I don't own the things that the buttons go to. I don't sew either!! I recently got rid of a key to a suitcase I haven't owned for about 10 years. You just never know when that might come in handy.
Your vacation sounds wonderful. Glad you all enjoyed it!!
Posted by: Robin | June 05, 2004 at 03:10 PM
I'm glad y'all had a nice time. Vacations are always a nice answer. :)
Posted by: Tiff | June 04, 2004 at 06:21 PM