There's going to be some major construction soon!

So, in the spirit, and anticipating some big purging - let's get started...

a pan, a plate, a vase, some old shells for cooking.. (kept one),

I've been lax

A coat, 2 books, out.

But 3 pairs of pants came in... gotta move some out!

A non sequitar

I actually have a favorite time of the week. I have had this for years.

It's Saturday, between about 4:30 pm and 7. Especially in the winter months. It's when the days busy business is completed, and the night has not begun. The space between. I always like the space between.

The way it's meant to be

I took the crystal bowl to the thrift shop. Actually, I put it in a bag, started walking to the thrift shop, said to myself, as I left my building, 'I hope I run into someone who would like this', walked a few blocks, ran into an acquaintance who loves beautiful things, offered it to him, and he took it.

When I'm feeling antsy

5 books, including one I thought I'd NEVER get rid of. Oh, please...

It's starting to get odd, having so few things. My bookshelves are really emptying, my closet has lots of space!

And now...

8 frames

and put the crystal bowl up for sale on Craigslist. If it's not gone in a week - to the thrift shop it goes!

Digital purge

Yes, this counts too!! Even though it's hard to see, it can be felt.

Photos..

Got rid of about 100 last night, and began super organizing them so they're easy to locate. Still working on it.

Finally..

that light that I love/hate broke. And into the garbage it went.

Monday

A bag to the thrift shop!

Sunday

A hat

A book

And a desire to live as if I were traveling (which, I guess, I am!)

How many sneakers do I need? And more...

2 pairs out! Haven't worn them anyway!

Oh, and 8 CDs!

ewww, underwear

Out with 4 old, in with 4 new!

A big purge!

Big in sentiment, in value, small in size: jewelry. Sell your gold you don't wear!!!! I've separated the $ I received in exchange for a small fistful of gold. I will use it to buy something very needed (perhaps some work equipment) or something timeless - when it's the right time.

and more

A Rosenthal crystal fruit bowl - beautiful, but just not my style.

Hmm, it's been a while..

Got rid of a book..

But had a most interesting conversation/realization.

I received my homeowner's insurance renewal this week - and the price had risen by 20%! So, I went down the street to another agent, and started talking with her about taking out a policy with her company. We dissected my current policy and what it covered and what I needed. We were focusing on the replacement of 'personal property', especially furnishings. Now, I have an interesting mix of furnishings - 1/2 simple Ikea, and 1/2 to die for Mid-Century Modern which I grew up with and have inherited. I know the value of those MCM pieces - and it's quite high. They're all original, and all held by my family since being manufactured. In fact, since my parents died, I had to auction off about 90% of our 'inventory' since my family didn't have room for it all! I love the pieces I have. They're magnificent, in my eyes. Their design is gorgeous. And most important, the memories they hold are fabulous. I grew up in a warm, fun, supportive home and its design was the backdrop for great times. The furniture was almost like family! So when I was speaking with the agent about replacement value, she told me to go for the 'luxury' option. But I said no, even though I can replace the furniture with exact pieces, it wouldn't be the same. Yes, they're gorgeous, and I love the look, but a sister piece would not hold the energy of my family. So, it really doesn't matter. And I can replace furnishings with simple Ikea type stuff (at least stuff that will last). I hope I never have to do this, I hope I don't lose my furnishings, but hey, it's just a chair.

The seasons change

And so the clothes change - started taking out the warmer clothes, put away some of the summer things. Not all there yet, but getting there - got rid of 1 piece, should have gotten rid of more...

2 days later... 2 pairs of shoes out! (1 in)

and 2 bags were dropped off at the thrift shop!! Yeah!!

Went shopping!

Bought a sweater to be visible when riding... so... out went a black sweater I hadn't worn very much!

Writing style

It seems like so many blogs are writing about something, and are so well written. I don't really want to focus on the prose right now, I want to get things done.

Writing this down makes it easier!

It gives me impetus, momentum, and a record. That's all we really have anyway, memories.

Oh, and got rid of tons of printouts, etc.

Keeping memories without the attachments

a book - kept the inscription/drawing

more books

Napkins that Grandma Minnie embroidered for me - I've never used them in 33 years. I kept the tablecloth - I've been using it as a wall hanging for several years.

a plate that is pretty but never used.

A conundrum - the last book my mother and I enjoyed. Do I just write this down in my 'Mom diary' or do I keep the book?..... wrote it in the Mom Diary.

The more I get rid of, the more it seems is still here...

bye bye...

a shirt

2 bags (after plowing through the bag of bags, looking for one)

a large glass candy jar

trinkets

odds and ends

throwing away bits and pieces

going through my stones/shells - saving the best, getting rid of the rest

The empty page beckons... something's gotta go.....

• a book

And off to the thrift shop!

And more goes..

Small in size and/or #, yet significant.

• 2 books gone - both different versions of what I already have.
• 2 pewter cups - never drank from them.
• Dad's scarf - I have another.
• 8 assorted glasses (wine, etc.)
• Letter opener
• vase
• hangers

I am reluctant to publish. It seems small and petty. But I do this for myself. And it makes me do more.

Just some thoughts

I even want this blog to be sparse.

Minimal words.

Minimal living.

Minimal stuff.

Buy nothing new (perhaps just hardware to retool items for new uses, but I probably have the hardware in my overflowing toolkit already).

Get rid of stuff.