Can someone kill the person who created GOODBYES?
On Sunday morning I had brunch with my mother and two of my sisters (it’s a regular thing we do). It’s normally a cheery time, but they were particularly quiet at first. I think they were a little sad I’m leaving on Wednesday and won’t be back until Christmas. Then, in January I’m moving away permanently to live at the old farmhouse.
I told them I only had a few more things to pack and do before I leave and on my ‘to do’ list was a pedicure.
One of my sisters looked under the table at my feet and said, ‘You’ll need one – otherwise they won’t let you on the plane. They’ll think those toenails are weapons.’ As usual, we got the giggles and my mother didn’t get the joke. Then, it seemed as if everything we said was funny.
I’m sure people must look at us sometimes and say, I wonder what those cats are on!?
My mother is treasurer at her church and told us that they were thinking of combining three churches and only having one treasurer for all three, so she may not be doing the treasury job for much longer. One of my sisters asked her who was thinking of combining the churches. My mother lifted her pointy finger at the roof and said, ‘you know – management.’ My other sister said, ‘who – God?’
And it was on again – more giggling.
We went shopping and my mother surprised me by buying me an Android Notepad for my birthday (which is at the end of this month). It was a very sweet thing to do – although she did tell everyone in the store that I was a famous writer, which was a little embarrassing because no one’s ever heard of me. Have I ever told you? She’s my biggest fan (as long as I don’t use any curse words in my stories).
I’m looking forward to my new life, but I know I’ll miss a lot of things I have here. The regular Sunday morning get-together with my sisters and mother will be one of them.
Why are Goodbyes always so hard…
Not that this will make it any easier, but at least you can hug them goodbye knowing that you will see them again soon. (And you can still giggle over the phone!! :))
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I’m sure there’ll be loads of giggling over the phone! 😉
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I am somewhat concerned about your future living conditions!! 😉
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Hahahaha! The house is supposed to be being ‘fixed up’ – but I’m thinking it looks more like it’s ‘coming down’ 😦
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Well, I’m sure I remember you saying you wanted to get back to the “open air”. Be careful what you wish for!! 😛
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I’ll have plenty of ‘breathing space’ – LOL 😀
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I absolutely love the cat picture!
Goodbyes are hard, even for the bravest of men *…cough..* but it shows you mean something to people and that must be one of the best feelings in the world. Good luck with the move, i hope everything goes smoothly, or as smoothly as things can go with a move.
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Thank you, Dan! And I’ve now got a great book to read for the flight tomorrow 😀
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Saying goodbye in a way makes us feel that we should assume some sort of guilt for moving on. Each life is separate no matter how many connections we make. In the end you only have yourself to live with. Saying goodbye is an affirmation of that.>KB
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So very true. I can’t live my life to suit other people (in fact, I never have). I remember when I left the old place I’m now returning to – those goodbyes were very sad (I’m preparing myself for the ‘welcome back’ party!)
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Returning to where you began is very different than never having left.
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This made me cry, Diane! Your family sounds so nice and that’s such a blessing. I’d also love to live on a farmhouse someday. I can’t wait to hear more about it. Good luck!
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Aw – I didn’t want to make you cry (although I think I may have shed a stray tear when I was writing it!)
May family is lovely and we have so much fun together. I’ll be sure to update my blog regularly (and I hope the house is ‘livable’ by the end of Jan 😀
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Yay! I can’t wait to see the farm house! Good luck with the move 🙂
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It really isn’t goodbye but a bientot, or ’till we meet again. How exciting that you’re starting a new adventure! I hope it isn’t too stressful for you!
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Thank you, Ruth! I think the plane flight tomorrow will be the most stressful thing (I hate flying!) – but once I’m there I should be okay 😉
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I’m so glad you’re getting a pedicure before you go. The goannas, rats and snakes will be very impressed. Is that farmhouse really going to be habitable by January? It wasn’t goodbye. It was ‘au revoir’. You’ll have lots to tell them and giggle about when you next meet. – Suzan –
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I had the pedicure, Susan and it was magnificent! I’m sure all the deadly creatures will be extremely impressed! 😀
The farmhouse will ether be completely finished or demolished (I’m not sure which yet – but I’ll be posting pics).
I like ‘au revoir’ – it sounds much more civilised 😉
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The goodbyes help us to appreciate them! And I know what you mean about a mother’s bragging rights! My mother announces it to everyone in my home town. My books are otherwise unknown, but in my hometown I think they grace the bookshelves of 25% of the population. I think my mother browbeats them into buying them. Lucky for them there’s only about a hundred people in town. Mine is a lower-case brand of fame.
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Hahaha – sounds like we have the same mother! It’s nice to know they’re proud of us 😀
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At first I thought, “Oh, they’ll come visit before too many Sundays have passed.” And then I went to see the Old Farmhouse post and thought, “No wonder it feels like Good Bye.”
Best of luck fixing up the barracks . . . for you and any intrepid visitors. 😀
How many miles/hours between where you are and where you’ll be?
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Hahaha – I’m hoping the old farmhouse looks a lot better than that by January (praying, maybe?) I think it’s about 3,000 miles away so I know when then come to visit it won’t be a day trip 😉
Thank you for wishing me luck (I need it!) 😀
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Remember, they are just a airplane ticket away!
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That’s right, Robin! Thank you 😀
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May your journey be free of incident, and your walls and toes be beautiful. 🙂
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Hahaha – thank you John. My toes are beautiful now – hmmm, about those walls… 😉
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Good question. I think it’s even harder when it’s a final goodbye. It never quite feels complete somehow. I usually say something dumb like ‘have a good life’. The first few moments after that is like having something severed. At least you’ll see them again, so in the meantime learn to Skype on your new android. 🙂
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What a great idea, Justin! I’m pretty sure I can learn how to do it 😀 Maybe they could get one as well and take it to coffee with them – I’ll be there (virtually) 😉
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With phones, skype, Facebook, email, and such at least there’s easy communication while you’re apart. Can you image what a distance like that would mean in 1800? A move like that often was the last goodbye.
Good luck with the renovation/demolition, and I hope you’ll be settled in comfortably soon and ready for those family visits!
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*imagine!*
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Very true indeed. In fact, it looks like I’m going back to the 1800s! But the farm is really very nice and I get better internet connection there than I do in the city 😀 I’m going to try Skype and hope that my mother can learn how to use it too 😀
Thank you so much for the good luck wishes (I need every single on I can get! 😉
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And yet there are so many fond Hellos you can look forward to saying! 🙂
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Too true, Rick – too true 😀 They are really a bunch of party animals in that neck of the woods!
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Lovely story, Dianne. Goodbyes are definitely hard, but I think they make us stronger in the end and teach us to appreciate what we’ve got while we have it given the impermanence of everything. But you’ll be able to find new ways to keep in touch with them (may I suggest the lost art of letter-writing?), and just think about how great the family reunions on the farm will be?
Safe travels on Wednesday. 🙂
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Thank you, Janna. I love the idea of letter writing. When I lived there (many moons ago) we didn’t have internet or mobile phones. I wrote letters to my family every day and this is how I originally got into writing books – it’s amazing how these things happen. I think I will go back to the old ways because I’m sure my mother would love to receive ‘letters’ from her far-of daughter 😀
Again, thank you (I’ll try not to throw-up on the plane from pure terror!) 😀
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It’s not “Goodbye”, just “à bientôt.” You’ll see them again almost before you’ve had time to miss them. There’s always Skype. 🙂 Good luck with the packing up.
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Thank you so much, Ad. I know you do this quite a lot so I need to learn from your experiences (and also learn how to say ‘bientôt’) 😀
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Probably because they mean you close a book and open a new one. I thought the same whem a dear friend left a few weeks ago to relocate on the other side of the world. It was sad. Then some nagic happened and we reconnected thanks to internet. Go on, close the book, the new one will surely bring a lot of joy !
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What a beautiful way to put it. I love this analogy! Thank you so much for coming by and commenting 😀
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Okay, you distracted me with the adorable cats! SO CUTE. 😉
Ugh, I agree about goodbyes. Hate them, hate them, hate them. Even if it’s just a short, temporary goodbye, I always cry like a baby. I hope things go well with the move, and at least you’ll see them again soon. I can see why you’ll miss those conversations. 😉 But hey, Christmas will be here before you know it. 😀
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Thanks, Lily! Christmas usually comes so fast – you’re right!
And really – how cute are those cats 😉
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aww…biggest hug! I understand how you feel, with my divorce thingie happening I’ve been wanting to move away from here to start afresh but every time I think about it, it breaks my heart that I wont be able to spend time with my sis, my mum and my little gremlin of a niece anymore 😦 But goodbyes do bring new beginnings (that s what I try to tell myself!) and there’s skype :p wish you the happiest moments on your new journey!
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Thank you so much! I think it’s hard at first, but once settled it seems to get easier. I totally understand why you do and don’t want to leave – maybe one day (and the others can come with you) 🙂
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Amen! 😀
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precious memories 🙂 perhaps leaving is almost easier when you have such love x
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So true, Annie 😀 I adore the way you look at the world. You’re wonderful 😉
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thank you x I appreciate that so much
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I’m with ya, Dianne! Goodbye’s can kiss off as far as I’m concerned. I think your mom is the cutest for telling everyone in the store that you’re a famous writer. I pictured that moment and had a nice little chuckle. : )
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Hahaha! Thanks, Britt. She’s only tiny so she looks up at everyone and I can see her pointing in my direction and then I think, ‘oh, no – she’s doing it again’. It’s very cute! 😀
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Goodbyes are not easy things to do… specially with a close family like you seem to have… luckily these days, the world has shrunk with technology and they are only a phone call away…
Mum is proud of her famous writer…. I love that…
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Ah – the beauty of modern technology! I’m sure we’ll find some great ways to communicate with each other 😉
Yes – my mum is very proud – anyone would think I was Stephen King the way she talks about me – instead they say, “Dianne who?” LOL 😀
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Goodbyes do stink..but the hellos afterward are so great! That farmhouse looks intimidating to fix up. Best of luck on that project…I do hope you’ll keep us posted on the progress 🙂
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I will keep you posted, Janna. I think the decision is about to come on whether or not to flatten it and start anew, or to rebuild. I’m about 100% certain the fellows are looking at it right at this moment and scratching their heads (and drinking a cool beer!) 😀
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Ahhh, I do not like goodbyes. I do love adventure though and it sounds like you will have one! My curiosity about your reasons for leaving the city and returning to an old farmhouse are rising… Maybe we shall find out in the form of a new book??? Be safe my blogger friend!
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Thank you so much, Sherry! I actually just found your comment in my spam folder (this sometimes happens with WP:( )
There are several reasons why I’ve taken the plunge to move this far from home and you’re right – there could be a book in it (because it’s a little too long and complex to explain here) 😉
Thank you so much for coming by to comment:D
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Goodbyes are hard because you have a rich, meaningful life. it would be sad, indeed, if your goodbyes were a breeze.
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This is so true, Allen. What a great reminder of how lucky I am. Thank you 😀
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Love your relationship with ma and sisters!
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It is pretty special, Julie! 😀
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I love your stories of your visits with your mom (and sisters). When my mother and my only sister and I get together, we are many times a giggling, embarrassing mess in public. It would be hard to leave those behind. Will you be able to Skype with any of them? And yes, the telephone is also good for giggling. Have a safe trip!
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My mother finds it hard enough to navigate her phone, so I won’t be skyping with her – but I will organise my sisters to set it up for her so we can have a virtual chat 😀
I’m so glad you love the stories, Maddie – it means a lot to me 😉
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Don’t worry, Dianne. There is no way “management” is going to break up such a wonderful team.
Happy early birthday in case I forget at the end of the month.
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Thank you for the birthday wishes – don’t worry, I wont let anyone forget 😀
Yes – I think ‘management’ will be watching the situation very closely 😉
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You’ve already received so many good Lucks, I don’t know if you really need mine, but I’m sending it anyway. So, Good Luck on your new adventure. I hate goodbyes too, but like those comments above have pointed out, we live in a time when it’s easier to stay in touch with almost anyone, no matter where we are.
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Thank you, Donna – your ‘good luck’ means a lot to me 😉
Modern technology is great – now I’ll just have to teach my mother how to use skype 😀
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They’re family, it’s ‘so long see you later’ rather than good bye, as they have a magic connection that brings you together always. Trust me, I’ve tried losing mine but they always track me down. Your mum is very clever, whenever you’re using your new Android Notepad you’ll think of her 🙂 I like what they’ve done with that wall. It’s kind of…airy 😉
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Thanks Ella! I like the ‘airy’ wall as well. I got more pics through today and it’s now even ‘airier’! I’m worried that pretty soon there’ll be nothing left…
You’re right about family – you can’t shake them off no matter what you do – my mum has a habit of getting me things to remember her by (I remember once she bought me a beautiful plant and every year when it flowered, I thought of her) 😀
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I love the idea of God as management – that’s HILARIOUS! Hey, perhaps you could ask your Mum to have a word with, you know, management, coz I think they might’ve been involved in creating the torture of goodbyes (yes, I hate them too)…
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You’re right! That’s who did it! It’s all ‘managements’ fault – I’ll let my mum know so she can have a word in ‘management’s’ ear:D They may be able to organise a plane trip for her and my sisters …
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I really like this one. I tend to avoid goodbyes because I feel the same way you do. They are hard. The trouble with change is we want change, but it is uncomfortable at the same time!
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Very true, Deborah. Change is very hard for a lot of people to deal with. I know my father-in-law HATES change to the point where he gets annoyed if someone puts a fork in the wrong drawer in the kitchen. I’m okay with change as long as it isn’t very sudden. I really need this change – but it still has its ‘uncomfortable’ moments…
Thanks so much for coming by 😀
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Pfft no Goodbyes…replace with “See you (u) soon” 🙂
The “Hellos” then replace the “See you soon’s” and make it all worthwhile.
I can understand what you’re saying and when I had to say goodbye to my youngest when she went to live in Sydney for a year… well not happy Jan! I was a basket case…so I stopped saying goodbye and replaced with the S.U.S.
As others have written …thank god for technology and the fact that you will be able to Skype, email, text, phone whenever you need to.
Yes it’s a big step for you.. but probably a bigger step for your podiatrist it sounds?
You have a new and exciting adventure to look forward to.. a new life…new writing..new books… try not to think of the goodbyes and the sadness… hugs to you brave lady xxx 🙂
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Thank you so much for the hugs 😉 I’m just between flights at Brisbane airport so I don’t know if this comment will ‘stick’.
I love S.U.S – this is how I am going to think from now on! 😀
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Moving cross country is very hard to do. I know. On the one hand it is exhilarating to be going so far away and setting up your new home, but on the other hand it is hard to let go of friends and family. At least in your move you are going to someplace familiar! That has to help ease the pain of saying goodby. (???) ~Lynda
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The familiarity is what keeps me going. I don’t know if I’d be so keen if I was going into the unknown. Thanks so much for your thoughts. Much appreciated 😀
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So many mixed emotions! I admire and envy you for your upcoming adventure! Hugs to you!!!!!
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Thank you, Denise! I love hugs;)
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I felt that way when we left Britain, and that was just about a country; this is your mum and sisters!
I always smile when my dad talks about telling his friends that I write. That parental boost is really quite lovely. 🙂
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Lol – yes my mum and sisters think they’re more important than a country 😉
It’s good to hear I’m not the only one with an overly proud parent:D
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Goodbyes suck! You feel schizophrenic because one second you are sad to be leaving what you have (friends, family, memories) and then the next you are excited about what is to come…Very odd!
You have a wonderful relationship with your family, it will just be a little different as you figure out how to connect from a distance. Good luck with your move! Change is usually good, just freaking difficult!
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So true, Elisa! Very difficult and it does make you feel schizophrenic – like this, hate that, want this, don’t want that and on and on…
Thank you so much for the ‘good luck’ wishes 😀
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Dianne–I have a feeling you’re going to be busier than ever in your ‘retirement’, I sure am. But when it’s something you truly enjoy, it’s worth it. Tight bonds like you have with your family are hard to break, even when distance intervenes.
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Thanks Dennis;) busy is the word at the moment! I’m hoping to get some writing in soon …
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Goodbyes are hard, I agree…my son who is almost 3, doesn’t like them either, he says with a wave of his hand, ‘See ya’ later’ … instead of good-bye…
great cat photo, really puts you ‘there’ – laughing out loud is the BEST!
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Aw – your son sounds so cute! What a darling!
Those cats are very funny indeed. Thank you so much for coming by to comment 😉
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it’s a happy time. Someone is finally taking care of the old farm house. I think it’s awesome of how supportive your mom is. I wonder if those people believed your mom, being that most people don’t pay attention to anything that isn’t Facebook, the internet, or the latest electronic device. You will be very famous someday. You’re writing is that good.
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Aw – thank you so much (did my my mum pay you to say that?;) )
You’re like me thinking of the old farm house – it really does need some tender loving care 😀 I can’t wait to see it finished!
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I felt like I was sitting right there with your mother and sisters laughing at the management!! LOL! Yikes, the old farmhouse has lost a wall since last we saw it! Well it will make for a nice breeze while your remodeling. And that’s so funny that your mom told everybody you were a famous writer “even though nobody has ever hear of you” LOL! And how sweet that she got you an Adroid Notepad for your birthday! (Happy Birthday btw!) I bet that will really come in handy! 😀
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I knew you’d like the ‘management’ story, Linda! 😉
I’m here now and just visited the old farm house – it’s lost more walls since that picture was taken – it was another ‘yikes’ moment!
My mother is my greatest fan – if we weren’t related I’d probably have her charged with stalking me 😀
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Ah!! I love your mom!! 😀
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I know it’s cliche, but I prefer, “Until I see you again” instead of “goodbye.” And you’ll be so busy making a nest in your old farmhouse, it will be Christmas before you know it. Try to find some friends to “stand in” for your weekly breakfast or build a new tradition for yourself. One thing you can count on in life is, it will change. Best of luck, Dianne.
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Until I see you again is lovely 😉 Thanks Barbara, you’re right – change is inevitable…
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I know, goodbye is kind of an oxymoron isn’t it? good and bye all in the same word? I think not! Your mom and sisters and you laughing is such a great image, I love it! Your mom and the ‘management’ totally crack me up! Can’t wait to hear about your adventures from this point on! 🙂
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I’d never thought of ‘goodbye’ like that before – it is an oxymoron!
I’m sure the adventures will keep coming. I arrived a little while ago and have already seen a goanna! 😀
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I hadn’t thought of it that way before either…
I guess there might be some good-bye’s but then that would be more like good riddance, right?! Have fun with the goanna’s…{what is that anyway? haha! 🙂 }
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A goanna is a HUGE lizard that can grow to about 6-7 feet long. It ran across the road in front of the car, but I didn’t get my phone out quick enough to snap a picture before it ran off into the bush 😦
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Good luck in your new life! I’m yearning to return to the city.
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Thank you! I hope one day you return to the city 😉
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It’s wonderful to feel a mom’s pride.
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She really is a darling 😀
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You have been nominated for the Sisterly Love Award – because I enjoy what you write and you have been a follower of mine for some time…and I’m still learning about you to! 😉
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Woo hoo! Thank you so much – I’ll be heading over to see your page and nominees 😀
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My nephew’s wife had a baby yesterday and my whole family was at the hospital last night to check out the new addition… How do I know this? I saw pictures on Facebook.
Sometimes its hard to live somewhere else. Sometimes its not…
Good luck with your move Dianne.
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Thank you, Maggie 🙂
A big congratulations on the baby – I’m so sorry you weren’t there 😦 It is hard living so far away sometimes …
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are you sure about this? it looks like the old farmhouse has permanent air-conditioning, i suppose that’s a bonus, but probably permnanent rodents too. goodbye and goodluck!
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I think the old farmhouse may get a complete revamp 🙂
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Goodbyes suck – but at least you didn’t let it get you too down and were able to laugh like that with your sister. Laughing is the only armour we have against the sadness of goodbyes! Good luck with your move to the farmhouse 😉
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Thank you so much for wishing me luck 😀 I’ve finally arrived here and it’s very warm and relaxing – I must call the family and let them know 🙂
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Hi Dianne,
This is such a heart warming story. God has blessed you with a very loving family. Mother’s are always right you know. You are a famous writer.
Ann
http://annblantonwriter.wordpress.com/
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That is such a lovely think to say, Ann! What an absolute darling you are! 😀
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I agree Dianne that family and close friends “goodbyes” are the hardest! Your time with them will be missed and I am hopeful that you will still have ample opportunities to visit with one another. A great new adventure though, sounds wonderful. I’m reading your book right now, it is hard to put down. I’ve done research in many of the areas you reference in your book so it’s twice as interesting for me, but I think the key here is that you are an extremely gifted story teller. Your details are fascinating because I’m aware of how much is now proven, but making someone anxious to turn the page (well okay I have a kindle) but anyway, the story is the thing and you do it so well Dianne. My time has become limited but it is hard to put down. Just wanted you to know I’m enjoying every single word! Thank you, Penny
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Thank you so much, Penny. I’m really glad you’re enjoying it! Your comment makes it all feel worthwhile 😀
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Got more in the works? 🙂
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I’ve got four other novels and a book of short stories. I’ll be getting back into writing full time, now that I’m back at the farm.
The novels should be pictured down the right side of my blog. Tiffany is currently reviewing them all (which is a little stressful!). Her blog can be found here http://tiffanylovesbooks.wordpress.com/category/author-spotlight/
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OOOooooh but just wait till ya’ll see each other again!
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Me too!!!! 😀
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Goodbyes are always hard. But I think you guys are doing a good thing… I wish you guys the best of luck and once your muse is habitable, many more awards and great novels. 🙂
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Thank you so much, Tiffany! I need to get that muse into shape (with walls) and start writing again 😉
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I don’t know why, but I suddenly remembered Jimi Hendrix’s song, in which a part says:
The story of life is quicker then the blink of an eye,
the story of love is hello, goodbye.
So true, isn’t it? 🙂
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Ah – Jimi – you’ve got to love him! 😉
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Yup, he was a revolutionary – he was… 😀
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Your subject oriented me the goodbyes I had experienced. We gain something new as we move forward! The farmhouse sounds wonderful 🙂 Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much for coming by and for the positive encouragement! 😀
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Awesome. I love it when I get the giggles, everything makes me laugh. Sounds like you have a good time too.
So glad we live in a time with technology. That way you can call and email your family and friends. 😀
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How bad would it be to go back to the time of snail mail only! 😦
Glad you love a giggle too! 😀
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It is sad that you will have to forego your family Sunday brunches – for many years I lived away from family and longed to be closer. Now I am and my sister and I have become great friends, and we laugh a lot too. I hope your new plans work out … there are so many ways to keep in touch these days.
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That’s so true, Lynne. I remember the first time I left my family in 1990 and there were no emails then and I wrote lot of letters! We had a home phone but the mobile phones now are fabulous. Then there’s Skype which I’ll be using a lot! 😉
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