As I approach the time to move out on my own, it's a good excuse to clean-up my stuff! I'll be moving from a 4-bedroom lifestyle into a 1-bedroom lifestyle. I'm having to consider carefully what is useful and pleasant and necessary to my life, and what is just baroque elaboration (or worse - pure garbage).

I've been packing a box or two a day. Pared down my book collection. Don't really want to take any furniture except my bed and a few bookshelves. Looking forward to an updated set of kitchen knives (mine are 25 years old).

I feel hopeful, mostly. Less often sad.

And I found a "Lutheran Blessing for Divorce" that may offer a chance of homework and spiritual ritual to make a bridge between me and the man that is currently my husband but will become (once more) my friend.

Yes, hopeful day even in its heat.