It's that time of the year -- the time when my mom and I drag out stuff for our annual garage sale.We typically have nothing of real value to sell. In fact, we talked today about having a "Reverse Garage Sale". We'll price the items and then we'll pay customers to buy them.
Garage sales are very hard for me. In fact, one day I'm going to write a dissertation about how my pathetic sentimentality leads me to hang onto material things way too long. I'm going to write about how I keep clothing so long that you literally have to dust it in the closet. I'll tell you how difficult it is for me to part with toys, games, playpens, knick-knacks, and ice buckets. I'll write about how I sometimes put things on the garage sale table, only to take them back inside. Those bears pictured above were rescued shortly after this photo was taken at last year's sale.
One day I plan to write about how matter-of-factly my mom rids her life of clutter. She begs me to clear out my closets. She tells me how much better I'll feel. Then I spot a white porcelain cat from my childhood that she's tried to smuggle into the sale and sneak it into the house.
But for today, rather than wax poetic, I've been challenged by my mother to go deep into my closet and clear out the 20-year old wool suits which are sure to be the Next Big Thing. I've been told that I must rid myself of the corduroy shorts that have made their home on the top shelf for ten years. Even the black swimsuit cover-up (never worn in public) must go. Of course, I don't wear any of these items and in reality, I probably won't miss them. (The truth is, I could wear pretty much the same thing every day and be quite happy.) But Mom says if I do not get to the bottom of my closet today, she will come to my house and do it herself. I've been warned.
So if you never hear from me again, you'll know that I've fallen into the black hole of my closet, overcome with dust from my 1980's blouses.
But wait: Isn't polyester coming back in style?
8 comments:
I know how you feel...I had a hard time letting go of "stuff". Not anymore! It does take a lot of will power to let go. I know you can do it.
Let it go, Janet. It is hard, but you do not need all the old "stuff" in your life. And, the good news is...if you get rid of the old, outdated stuff, you will have room for brand new stuff.
Anonymous, you are right, I know! The problem is, I don't want any new stuff. I just don't like to get rid of the old. I'm really not materialistic at all. I'm just hopelessly sentimental...I'm afraid if I get rid of stuff, I'll forget everything! Janet
It is hard getting rid of stuff, but I'm much better than I was. I take pictures and scrap the important things with memories and if it isn't that important, then it's really not worth keeping.
You are a great writer. Write down your memories. Besides take up closet space, what good are 20 wool suits? Will you be wearing them again, ever?? Is the ice bucket still functional? How often do you use it? It is time for the three boxes....keep, trash, give away.
Raquel and Colleen -- Thanks for the encouragement! Maybe I can get in the swing of this. Read on...
Anonymous, you are too kind! And you are practical, too. Now, although I'm nearly choking from dust, you would be proud of me. All the wool suits have been vacuumed and are in the garage. No one will buy them, I assure you, although they were lovely in their day. In fact, I have very little left in my closet. Other than the dust, it wasn't so bad. Hey...can I interest you in some really nice polyester blouses? :-)
My friend and I are planning a yard sale for the first weekend in August. I really have a hard time letting go of things that I "might need one day"...when in reality I know I won't. I'm really determined to purge this time though. Maybe I can do it!!!
Heather, you can do it!! I have faith in you. Just keep those three boxes handy....keep, trash, give away. Nothing comes back in the house. jp and heather, I'm cheering for you. Do it, girls!
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