Closet Space!

We have lived on the boat for a few weeks, mid-week, and back to Oakland for weekends. For me, the convenience and proximity of the on board shower is far superior to the locker rooms, so for the time being, I have decided that I will keep all of my work and casual clothes on the boat, and get ready in the morning on the boat.  Luckily, our closets were pretty small at home, so it's been a pretty smooth transition.

In such a small space, one thing that I love is that we ALL wake up at the same time, and we all get ready together. Rob puts on some Ozomatli to get us moving, and tries to figure out coffee (We have resorted to Starbucks Via for the time being - not too bad!). I jump in the on board shower after handing the kids their clothes to get ready under the covers, and we turn on the space heater to begin to warm up a bit. Rob jumps in after me, and then we all eat breakfast together, head up the companionway steps and off to work and school - pretty simple!

The process of separating the clothes to keep, and those for good will was fast, and relatively painless. 3 big bags of my clothes were off to the goodwill, and just 2 laundry bags of clothes came back to the boat. I have one small locker, and two small canvas baskets for socks and underwear, one large canvas basket for sweaters, tanks and PJ's, and one plastic bin for casual pants, and one plastic bin for t - shirts...I know, a whole bin for t-shirts!??!! you should have seen how many I gave away!

All of my clothes on board

The one ratty and torn old t-shirt from my high school leadership program and a dingy college sweatshirt finally had to go, but a few select others were lovingly migrated to the boat - from college dorm rooms and UCSB Halloween T-shirts made by Eric, to the well worn pub t-shirts from backpacking in Europe, to  the many awesome Chili Cook Off T-Shirts..they have traveled from southern California, to Europe, to San Francisco, back to the east bay and now onto the boat - maybe they will find new homes one day in South America and the Caribbean?

When Rob and I bought our first home, we wanted it to be filled with original art we love - and it was! But, most of that art has had to find a new home for the duration of our journey, as it is far too large for the boat.

I was so happy to come home to the boat last week and find a piece of art from my amazing friend Keith Hollander gracing the front door of my closet. It was made for this space. Amazing!



Oil Painting on Wooden Door, Keith Hollander

We also picked up art from Aaliyah's Auntie Marlene, and it will join us for the voyage as a reminder of our patchwork quilt family at home.

It feels great to be shedding the possessions that don't give us joy, and finding homes for our treasures that cannot join us in the space, while making room for small beauties in our space- making it our special den of happiness.


Here's to living small!