by Anita Benedict
Summer work has wound down and it is time to look ahead to winter work and activities. This fall is colder than last and I am sure I will not be going to any beaches in my shirt sleeves this fall. I usually take some time to explore the Southern bits of NS while visiting my daughter and last year was phenomenal weather wise.
Right now, I am trying to clear some of the chaos that has accumulated over the summer. Corners of stuff tossed into bags or boxes until I had time for it. Add a new kitten to the mix and the boys home on their annual vacation for fishing, it is a huge challenge. But I make a list, and check it twice and give my self a goal list and so far, it is working. My Aunt laughed at me one time for making a list, especially
when she saw “sweep the floor” on it. I truly needed the reminder.
As I clear the clutter, I ask myself why I am saving all these craft supplies, all the material and why did I buy all that yarn! I remind myself that the last time I gave it all away I ended up buying more for a project. This summer some items came in handy for activities at work and I do have plans for community fun, crafting items over the winter. But I have to learn to let go, clear other clutter of stuff that I promised to get back to.
I find it hard to throw or give away things that were given to me. Growing up we didn’t have a lot and what we had we cherished. I say I will “Marie Kondo” things. If an object does not evoke a memory or an emotion, it is ok to part with. However donating things is hard for me because I box it up and put it in my car to take away, but forget about them. I have had things in the back of my car that have came in
handy when someone said, “if only we had.” Too many times I have had just what they needed in my trunk.
I also am storing some of the kid’s things. None have their own space and I can’t bear to throw anything of their childhood away considering I still have things from mine. Perhaps I need better storage solutions, like a shed; but that is where I raise my chickens. If anyone has any ideas, please send them my way!
I dislike that we are a wasteful society, everything is disposable. I do love finding little things, like hand made cards and notes and even tiny toys. I may shed a tear or two in memory, but that just means it was a good life thus far. And I can’t wait to delve into the Christmas memories as I decorate the house.
30 plus years of accumulating Christmas items is 30 plus years of memories.
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