Sunday, December 14, 2014

Imagine No Possessions



I think the most beautiful version of this song is by Eva Cassidy, who died far, far too young. Much like John Lennon himself. I've always found it somewhat ironic that John Lennon would write about no possessions, etc. when he was so incredibly wealthy. But there you go. We aspire. We all aspire.

Which is all in the way of saying that I am simplifying even more. I'm looking at the artifacts, the sentimental artifacts like china tea services (2 full sets) Waterford crystal tchotchkes - far too much, glasses, bowls, jugs. Platters, casseroles. You know. Glassware for vast parties of cocktailites with pinky fingers lifted. I've no idea why all this stuff surrounds me, still holding the spirits of long-dead aunts and grandparents and parents (the gifters). It seems like there was a world where all this was important but no more.

I take the bling out for an airing at my annual Nollaig Na mBan and then back it goes again into sundry cupboards to entertain the spiders for another year. It has to go. I'm a bit too distracted to start ebaying or kiijiiing, the bubble-wrapping and running to the post office would drive me mad.

So I wrap and box and wonder why the hell this stuff has trailed me around to so many houses over the years. Became this unwanted liability, this deadweight of possessions choking me.

I saw a post from a friend about lightening herself of possessions. 10 a day for 100 days. Just 10. And the thought appealed. And I've started to evaluate everything in my life.

And I know exactly where all the books are going.

Now the movies are nudder story.....but I may have the solution for that too.....

Any hints or thoughts will be greatly appreciated.

22 comments:

  1. I fid it an endless process because I always seem to accumulate more. But like you, I have no patience for trying to ebay it or have a yard sale. I gave all my books to the library for their book sale, gave lots of things to the U church for their rummage sale, and many more things to a local charity that helps families in need.

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  2. SAW:
    Yes, we're starting a library in my community so that will take care of the books and I'm thinking of movie nights in our community hall.
    The crystal is probably worth a small fortune, must check.
    XO
    WWW

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  3. Hell I just checked on line these glasses are $175 each. I'm reconsidering bubble wrap and what's a short drive to the PO?
    XO
    WWW

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  4. I'm a friend of Hattie's and often comment on her blog. Could you tell me more about this library you're starting? I ask so I might have a place to send books, especially about Hawaii.

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  5. If you space out your Ebay offerings, you can bubble wrap and do a post office run only occasionally, as fits your schedule. I like the idea of a town movie night. Our local Senior Citizen Center also collects movies and books for anyone to borrow. I moved from a ten room house to a one room cottage - an auction house took all I had for sale and netted me a handful of cash. I still would rather have had the belongings but find I don't need them - a big difference.

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  6. 10 items a day? I think I cleared a whole month's worth last week. I inherited china, cut glass and cutlery with my hubby, I need to drag Elly up here for a week to see what she wants to keep. Somehow I doubt if it will be delicate floral china.

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  7. O dear me, me too. I want rid of the stuff but don't how to do that. First I thought I'd pack boxes full of stuff and put the names of children on them and then the children and I parted company, so no go. Then I thought of selling them to the antique dealer type of chap who sells at the lower end of the scale, but how to get hold of one of them.

    The stuff is still there, too good for me to use (there’s a joke for you) but taking up houseroom I don’t want to spare. Mine doesn’t even come out for special occasions any more.

    Tell me how you do it and I might take your example.

    Books and music are no problem, they just go to Charities but some of the other stuff is valuable.

    btw I love Eva Cassidy and have most of her songs. I can listen to her over and over and never get tired of her.

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  8. We have not accumulated as much as some,but it's still too much.

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  9. www, this is me also. I have given away a lot and now in this cottage still too much but what remains has memories
    from mother and grandmother. recently told my youngest daughter that I wanted her to take this silver and she said "I do not want it do not want to shine like you like to do"...Everytime she visits I have a bag for her to take home
    she will be here Christmas eve and the bag is starting to be filled. Am going through hundreds of pictures from the old camera - do not want them - and as I go through
    them so many happy and sad memories - do not like this process.

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  10. Oh my...purging....what a job. We just down sized considerably and five large boxes of books went to the local library. Many, many dishes and just odds and ends went to the local salvation army....and somethings just went to the dumpster. It is a huge job my friend.....be patient because once you begin...you just keep on going.,

    JO

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  11. I got rid of so much before I retired and we moved to a small studio in San Francisco. Hundreds of books. Tens of baskets. Lots of linens. All the party-hosting ware. Then we gave up the studio and came back to the house that I had pared down. Unfortunately, after 3 years, I have begun to refill the house with things I think I need. Many of the things I got rid of, now I wish I had. Oh well.

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  12. I wonder how you would cope with a life like mine, where I sent things out and my dearly loved but hoarding husband brings them in through the other door? Sigh. Exits and entrances.

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  13. Brandon, thank you for the offer. It's just a very small library for the locals. If you could envision an approx. 10X12 foot room lined with shelves. Donations are already pouring in. We have no funding for it yet.
    XO
    WWW

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  14. Pauline, how amazing. I am reminded of one room possibilities when I stay up in my Tigeen, what on earth do we need all that 'stuff' for anyway?
    Good for you!
    XO
    WWW

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  15. GM:
    My girls don't want ANY of this stuff, it is part of our grandmothers' worlds not theirs :)
    XO
    WWW

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  16. Friko:

    I just love EC, never tire of her either. I'll give an update on the stranglehold of stuff once I get my act together, lately I've been feeling so exhausted, a combination of my day job and training which sets my teeth on edge.
    XO
    WWW

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  17. Hattie:

    Oh I do love that - "there are others who have more stuff".

    XO
    WWW

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  18. OWJ:
    Part of my drive is not to leave the girls with so much to sort through and toss, my memories are not theirs. It is hard, I've been going through my office (my gawd, a nightmare) and I have recycling blue bags surrounding me. Can relate to your sadness.

    XO
    WWW

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  19. MGS:

    Yeah, I know, this is my second or third purging, I must be an awful packrat, I hate throwing away letters and lovenotes from friends.
    And important tchotchkes from deceased friends, you know.
    A brutality I lack is called for :)

    XO
    WWW

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  20. DKZ:
    I collect extremely odd things like spatulas, they have to be perfect, wood handles preferably, intricate design on the spatula part. I let go of one today.
    I so relate, you simplified and then the void got filled again.
    XO
    WWW

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  21. Elizabeth, I would go mad. Does he put them back where they originated or find a new spot?
    XO
    WWW

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  22. I don't have a problem with a plethora of 'stuff', but must comment on Eva Cassidy. She had the voice of an angel - and an angel that could sing jazz! Some of her work from Blues Alley is unforgettable.

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