Decluttering My Way Down Memory Lane

The view from the hotel, Positano, Italy 

One of the activities I picked up during the last two heat waves was decluttering. I'd like to think I've been doing it steadily, but after coming home from Africa I barely got back to it. But on the 98 degree days watching/listening to a show and sorting through books, paper and clothes was a good activity Two bags of clothes, a dozen books and a few bags of paper are no longer in my apartment. 

Over the weekend I decided to tackle the boxes of photographs that I haven't looked at in years. Yes, literally years. I had three boxes of photographs, circa 1970-2010 (pre-digital) and my goal was to finish the project with two boxes of photographs. I'm sure I can winnow it down to one box, but I will leave that for a night in the winter. There were duplicates, blurry photos and pictures with  people and places I didn't recognize. Those pictures were quickly discarded. 

Sunset in Positano

What took time was going through the places I did remember, especially the ones I hadn't thought of in years. I knew I'd been to Southern Italy in 2002, but I can't remember the last time I looked at the photographs. I flip through my digital photos often, but the photos made with film have sadly lived in three boxes in my extra closet. 

The view of the sea on a perfect fall day

Just for some reference, Positano is at the Southern end of the Amalfi Coast. The area is south of Naples and looks out on the Tyrrhenian Sea. It is an exquisite area nestled between mountains and the sea, and yes, the view is that beautiful. Places to visit include Sorrento, Ravello and the legendary Isle of Capri. 

Looking at the photographs brought back wonderful memories. Besides the time spent exploring the Amalfi Coast and sitting by the pool, gazing at the water, the trip included a visit to Pompeii -- fascinating -- and a few days in Rome. What magic! 

I hope you'll indulge me, but I'm going to be sharing more memory lane treasures in posts to come. I'm hoping to virtually revisit India, Borneo and Thailand for starters. The film photographs deserve their day in the sun, too. 

It hasn't all been memory lane and decluttering. There's been the usual grocery shopping, sink scrubbing, walking and drinking iced coffee outside. After five plus years, and a few tryouts, I've finally found a chair Yoga class that really works for me. Today was my first session, and it was just what I'd been looking for.  And somehow, amazingly, it's the middle of August.  

As ever, friends, thanks for visiting and keep cool.