Yes, this is Sunset Blvd, not Rivendell. There's something of a Hollywood feel to the buildings, somewhat run down but holding onto its shinier past. And there are little raised gardens of (now dead) vines. It needs a fountain in the courtyard.
The residents are what you'd expect living in one of those 1950s motel-ish apartment buildings. Odd ones, drunks, faded beauties, the failed, the utterly insane. From my desk I see the parade of harmless characters, and not-so harmless freaks doing disgusting acts.
As of today, it's been 2 weeks here. We are unpacking and sorting out every box and belonging. The million decisions get overwhelming- keep or toss, where will this live, etc. So much ephemera we accrue in life, and just how long do we keep these tangible memory cues? Is the Beefeater man rocking out still dear to me? Why do I have 8 half-boxes of holiday cards? Must I keep everything my mother ever crocheted for me? Oy.
The physical adjustment to the changes are the hardest part. Who knew that just changing chairs would cause so much pain and disruption? Having the roll-up shower is a blessing, and now that the bathroom is equipped life is easier than it was in The Shire. But tell that to my body, for which it seems every small change to the usual is a hairy deal. And just as finding spots for everything is a process, so is my body adapting to the new environment. Being in a wheelchair for most of the time now is a huge acclimation. All of a sudden I'm less than 4 feet tall, after a lifetime at nearly 6 feet. The rest of the world goes on as always, hanging calendars and clocks and putting things on top of cabinets way beyond my reach. I don't recall ever being this height. I was 5'6" in 6th grade!
Beest hasn't lost a minute in making this place hers. She escaped
yesterday, explored the hallways and both staircases before Gal Friday
caught her. Nothing puts her off her game.
All of the above has brought frustration and happiness. It's getting better. As the boxes disappear and their contents find new places, it begins feeling like home. No, it's not perfect. Nothing in real life is. We just make the best of it. But with a bit of imagination, some determination and no small dose of delusion, we're ready for our close up...
x
MYSTERIOUS GARDEN
1 year ago
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7 comments:
Hugs.
You have a wonderful attitude and acceptance of change. Hope the old bones and muscles get used to the new surroundings quickly....and good for Beast. She's got a good attitude too.
I admire your adaptability and, always, your strength. Learning to get along without the endurance and confidence I used to have is hard for me but I'm encouraged by your good example.
Geo- I think the confidence part is the hardest. You just keep talking yourself thru it til resets on a different level. Eventually you get tired of talking to yourself anyway and just get on with it. My god, the changes never stop! And might I say, that goes double here. You never grouse! And you always keep your humor and wit honed. I can aspire to that, but won't achieve it.
x
Lawless- thanks! I don't feel too "with it" these days. I think I have a bit much of PTSD- People, Things, Shit, Disasters. :)
EC- Hugs back across the world!
Glad to hear that you and the Beest are settling in. Hopefully, Hollywood (or as near as Bratt gets to it) will be good for you.
May life on Sunset Blvd be calm and kind to both of you.
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