Easier and Easier



Another carload of bric-a-brac dropped off at Poverello House. It is getting easier and easier to let go of things. Looking back, I think 2 circumstances have helped me let go of objects I would have sworn I absolutely needed.

First was 2018, my year of buying nothing with the exception of food and household supplies. In December, 2017, I read Ann Patchett's New York Times article about her venture into the no-shopping  year regime. How hard could that be? At times, pretty hard. It got easier as I practiced. I also decided to see what I could pass along. Reflecting on my list of purchases, I did fairly will with the exception of earrings at Assisi (Why?) and a cookbook that I've used for a few recipes (Meh). I did buy a pick-pocket-proof purse and a multi-colored skirt for our trip to Italy.

Even most of my Christmas presents came from things I already owned, include aprons for each child and my 8-year-old granddaughter I made from fabric in my stash. A nephew's wedding present was his great-grandmother's glass candlesticks that I hope he and new wife would use for romantic dinners. A friend's daughter asked for money as wedding presents, which grieves my old-fashioned heart, however I retrieved a small cut-glass bowl from my buffet to send with the check. Her brother and fiance had created a wedding registry. They got a stand mixer. No one's perfect.

I found more and more that I could make do with what I already had. Did I really need a new dress for our son's wedding? No, I have a lovely copper-colored silk sheath that was just fine. I might have considered new shoes since a heel fell off one I was wearing while we danced. Makes 1 less pair to move.

One of Fort Lauderdale’s Finest
Dusting for Fingerprints 

The second thing that helped me let go of treasures was the robbery on my birthday in 2017. It wasn't the computers that the twits took, although I rue my lack of backing up. No, it was my Ghana basket they used to carry their loot. I loved that basket and used it every week. Lazy bunch of robbers who couldn't carry a couple of computers in their hands. I really liked that basket. I remember the music workshop I bought it at. Dang it.

For some reason, after I mourned my basket, I was able to look at most things and realize I would be fine without them. I was able to focus on the fact that we were safe, no one got hurt, and stuff is replaceable. I do still miss that basket. I have't replaced it. Perhaps another one will come my way.

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