by Roz Burak

I don’t know about you, but I just have TOO MUCH STUFF!!!!!   I’m fairly organized so it doesn’t show up as indiscriminate piles or clutter.  But it’s there. Just open any closets. 

I have four very nice document boxes filled with pictures, letters and greeting cards I’ve been saving forever.  I rarely look at any of them. I even have a note on the top one that says “Throw away when I die.”  

I’m single and live alone.  Therefore, I’ve found it necessary to have enough dishes, glasses and serving pieces to serve at least 50 people.  You never know.  Maybe I’ll have a big party for my 80^th birthday and invite everyone to take their plates and glasses home with them ☺

Even though every season when I change over my closets I get rid of clothes and shoes, I still have “memory” pieces that I won’t get rid of.  I have a fox muff; a beaver muff; a mink stole and a snow leopard jacket that haven’t seen the light of day in more than 40 years.  The list goes on and on                      

Books — I have about 15 “coffee table” books that I never look at.  Books on gardening, books on business, marketing, mysteries, biographies, love stories.  Another list that goes on and on.  I rarely, if ever look at them. 

Then there’s the memorabilia. The drawings done by children some of whom now have children of their own.  The needlepoints my mother made.  The pictures of family, friends, celebrations vacations dogs, past and present.  Artwork done by friends. gifts, chachkas.  You name it I’ve saved it.

I’m really happy I’m writing about this.  What I realize is that all this STUFF are memories.  They are times in my life that were happy, special, poignant, and meaningful.  I’m just going to keep them ☺☺☺

Aug 22, 2024