The Great Purge
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This is about facing facts.
This is not about cleaning house, altho there is some of that involved. Last week Dave and I did our wills. Part of the process was deciding who would get our stuff.
It started me thinking about all my stuff, and what would be left when I go poof!
I am guessing tons of it would be left and some poor soul will have to deal with it and will discover that most of it still has the price tags on it after bringing it into this house 20 years ago.
I have had a lot of free time this summer and I realise that there are things I want to do with my free time and things I am never gonna get around to doing, not really.
I have a lot of would-be hobbies and all the stuff that they entail.
Let's just start with polymer clay. I love the idea of making all these cool things with it and wish I had the clone of Melody to really get into doing it. That clone is busy with other stuff.
For a while I thought I would get more into surface design on fabric, but y'know, it just isn't me. So my stamping stuff and fabric and craft paints just sit there, taking up space. FOR YEARS.
For a while I thought I would get more into surface design on fabric, but y'know, it just isn't me. So my stamping stuff and fabric and craft paints just sit there, taking up space. FOR YEARS.
Admitting this is the first step to recovery.
I used to sew my own clothes, and gathered oodles of really nice fabrics but when I have time to sew, I think, my closets are bulging already, and so am I. I should lose the ten pounds and then suddenly I will have lots of great clothes again.
The thing I am really admitting is that I will never use most of the accumulated stuff I have. And I will have to move it eventually or sooner. So why not give it away now?
It's a day off, Labor Day and it is pouring rain, so why not invite the world over for a free for all giveaway?
So like a woman possessed I deaccessioned.
So like a woman possessed I deaccessioned.
I vowed not to buy MORE Rubbermaid bins, but instead to empty them. I called a few friends, but then I knew it would be unrealistic for just those chosen few to remove everything I found.
So I emailed my artquilt group, PAQA. There are about 100+ members and asked them to call me if they could come over and get this stuff. Two are coming from Indianapolis! (They were going to be in the area anyway, but still...) So today I will hostess ( hopefully) a hoard of helpers who have the hope of using some of my stuff, or know someone who could.
I feel lighter already.
There must be something in the air this weekend. I did the same thing yesterday and have boxes and bags of *stuff* in several rooms, waiting for distribution.
ReplyDeleteAnd I'm not done yet!
I am so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteNo more thinking of what to do with all that stuff. And doing it this way will clean the mind to play more and get onto do more great art, - cannot wait to see what that'll be :-)
You got into my house with your camera and I didn't even see you??!!
ReplyDeleteWow, you are SO brave! I am nowhere near that. The very thought scares me senseless.
ReplyDeleteInspirational! Wills and contemplating moving will both do this to you! Our last move made us both fairly "light" keepers.
ReplyDeleteWish I were closer this weekend, but it's probably a good thing I'm not.
Very inspirational! Don't forget to put together a box of fimo and paints for Glory--there is nothing better for a kid to receive than craft supplies! (After you've organized your home, wanna come do mine?)
ReplyDeleteI'm a trash to treasure person,there is potential art in everything.I'm organized but mismanaged,a place for everything and nothing in its place.I'll be moving things from storage and will let my #1 daughter purge as she dosen't suffer from this weakness.Good luck with finding loving homes for your stuff.
ReplyDeleteTwo trash cans full (the outdoor kind that goes to the street), two recycling cans (also large), a truck filled with GoodWill goodies. It feels so good to purge. I found stuff from the early 1980's, even tax records, craft things, if you haven't used it in 20 years, guess it's time. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteSomeday, somewhere down the road...someone is going to take your idea and market it into the next *Tupperware* or *Mary Kay* or *Pampered Chef* partying idea! What do you think they'll call it?
ReplyDeleteI know you're having a blast on your Labor Day! What do you think the neighbors are thinking?!?
I think this is so fabulous! Not only are you helping get rid of clutter in your life your blessing other people with your things. I'm a young mother on a budget and it just makes my day when friends offer up things like this to me. Way to go making both yourself and other people happy. If I lived on your side of the country I'd be there in a heartbeat. hehe
ReplyDeleteHow come I feel like this is a "re-run" movie of myself?? I have shared w/those " younger on a budget gals" that I met in our guild. They are so gratful!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to you. Sometimes we have to admit we've moved on in our creative interests and purge things (to make room for new things)!!
ReplyDeleteI hate getting rid of fabrics I know I won't use but it feels so good & cleansing after it is done. I hate clutter & I have lots of it.
ReplyDeleteBonjour Melody,
ReplyDeleteJe me regale a admirer presque tous les jours votre blog.
J'aime beaucoup aussi les couleurs vives.
Je viens juste de terminer aussi le menage dans mon atelier. Une nouvelle saison de travail et de création peut commencer, Smaranda/ France
http://perso.orange.fr/creation.smaranda/
Ok, so I keep forgetting to tell you that I sent you a copy of Elaine St. James' book about living simply. You must have received it by now and wondered who in the world...? Unless you remembered me mentioning it while I was there. But this letting go of things that were really just taking up space is part of her mantra.
ReplyDeleteWay to go, Mel! Doesn't it feel great?
Congratulations, this is definitely the way to get rid of unneeded items. I have been doing a bit at a time, today was four large bags to Goodwill. I think it time to have a free for all. Thank you for the inspiration. Do you have any "after" pictures.
ReplyDeleteThat making out your will thing really hits home, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteCN
I see we have the same problem - I blogged this am about sorting piles and piles of books out. But I really wanted to say - can you post a bigger picture of that quilt that's overhanging the white sofa in your picture with the threads in - it looks gorgeous but i can only get a squint at it!
ReplyDelete