This is timing me perfectly. We've got a multi-stop trip coming up in about a month — Switzerland, then a river cruise, then a few days in the Netherlands — and I've been trying to plan tight enough to fit it all in a carry-on, partly because losing a bag with three different climates' worth of clothes in it feels like exactly the kind of thing that would happen to me.
Reading this, I'm wondering if the carry-on obsession is really about packing light, or about trying to control the one thing that's actually uncontrollable.
Thank you — I'll check that out. And yes, exactly that. The carry-on thing started as a packing strategy and somewhere along the way became a stand-in for "if I prepare enough, nothing can go wrong."
Three climates in one bag is basically a metaphor for the whole trip.
You made me miss Ireland. Again! Xan and I stayed at Adare Manor for one of her birthdays several years ago. Omg. Heaven on earth! It’s stunning and the village is the cutest. Have fun. Glad you found your bags or they found you. And if Delta’s footing the bill for cashmere, that is a plus! lol.
Loved this article! I’m so proud of you! Learning to enjoy the unexpected! (And, yes, GLC’s itineraries were Holy to him.)🥰 Your first day looked like a beautiful fairy tale…can’t wait for the next set of photos!
Thank you! I am realizing writing from the road and all its limitations is pushing up against my perfectionism. I am learning to let go and just hit publish anyway. I am glad you’re here for all the bumps along the way.
Leslie, the 26 vitamin bags and no hairbrush detail gives this essay such a perfect doorway into the deeper thing you are really writing about. What begins as a travel snafu becomes a meditation on control, grief, new love, old reflexes, and the slow softening of a life that has had to hold too much too tightly. I was especially moved by the contrast between the itineraries that once had itineraries and the wind at the Cliffs of Moher, where no brush, product, plan, or preferred version of yourself could have managed the moment anyway. “Learning to roll more like a ball and less like a square” feels earned here, because it does not dismiss the losses that sharpened the edges; it lets us see those edges slowly dulling in the presence of beauty, patience, laughter, and a day that gave you what you needed without asking permission from the plan. Grateful for the honesty, humor, and grace in this piece, and for the reminder that sometimes the thing lost along the way is not the real story; sometimes the story is what becomes available when control finally loosens its grip.
As you say, at least your luggage went to Paris.
Good for you—learning to more comfortably roll!
My take on the trip debacles is—they make a good story, so relish them all! ☘️
It’s been an incredible journey. Turns out rolling is a lot easier.
This is timing me perfectly. We've got a multi-stop trip coming up in about a month — Switzerland, then a river cruise, then a few days in the Netherlands — and I've been trying to plan tight enough to fit it all in a carry-on, partly because losing a bag with three different climates' worth of clothes in it feels like exactly the kind of thing that would happen to me.
Reading this, I'm wondering if the carry-on obsession is really about packing light, or about trying to control the one thing that's actually uncontrollable.
That’s such a great point. It’s definitely the latter. I just came across a IG account that might be worth a look. She has some great tips.
https://www.instagram.com/carry_on.couture?igsh=MW9qMXBwZnIzY2p0bw==
Thank you — I'll check that out. And yes, exactly that. The carry-on thing started as a packing strategy and somewhere along the way became a stand-in for "if I prepare enough, nothing can go wrong."
Three climates in one bag is basically a metaphor for the whole trip.
You made me miss Ireland. Again! Xan and I stayed at Adare Manor for one of her birthdays several years ago. Omg. Heaven on earth! It’s stunning and the village is the cutest. Have fun. Glad you found your bags or they found you. And if Delta’s footing the bill for cashmere, that is a plus! lol.
It’s hard to articulate in words just how magnificent Adare truly is. It is almost beyond words and the pictures don’t do it enough justice.
Have you done the falconry? Amazing.
Nicely penned and great photos!
Dave sounds a solid guy, and tell him that I applaud his choice of footwear...
tan Oxford shoes, I have a pair exactly the same, and they are a must for any gentleman.
Not wishing to leave you out, I additionally applaud your choice in suitcases... although ours are yellow, to stand out on the conveyor belt.
Enjoy your trip and just let it unfold naturally. 😁💜
Loved this article! I’m so proud of you! Learning to enjoy the unexpected! (And, yes, GLC’s itineraries were Holy to him.)🥰 Your first day looked like a beautiful fairy tale…can’t wait for the next set of photos!
Thank you! More to come for sure. And GLC arrived with us angels wings.
Great piece. Excited to follow along the trip.
Thank you! I am realizing writing from the road and all its limitations is pushing up against my perfectionism. I am learning to let go and just hit publish anyway. I am glad you’re here for all the bumps along the way.
The imperfections are going to make the best essays. lol.
After wearing the same pair of socks for 3 days… they could have walked away themselves.
Thank you! We both got a laugh and smile at your words. The adventure continues.
Leslie, the 26 vitamin bags and no hairbrush detail gives this essay such a perfect doorway into the deeper thing you are really writing about. What begins as a travel snafu becomes a meditation on control, grief, new love, old reflexes, and the slow softening of a life that has had to hold too much too tightly. I was especially moved by the contrast between the itineraries that once had itineraries and the wind at the Cliffs of Moher, where no brush, product, plan, or preferred version of yourself could have managed the moment anyway. “Learning to roll more like a ball and less like a square” feels earned here, because it does not dismiss the losses that sharpened the edges; it lets us see those edges slowly dulling in the presence of beauty, patience, laughter, and a day that gave you what you needed without asking permission from the plan. Grateful for the honesty, humor, and grace in this piece, and for the reminder that sometimes the thing lost along the way is not the real story; sometimes the story is what becomes available when control finally loosens its grip.
Awww love it❤️