The Keeping Room: Simplify

"Learn to let go. That is the key to happiness." 

Well, I'm trying--to let go--to simplify. . . .We just have too much stuff. . . .and that's the bottom line. . . .So, as we move the newly painted cabinets into the keeping room, I've decided to clear out all that excess "stuff" that's just taking up room and doesn't contribute at all to my life.

 My intentions are good. . . . yet. . . .It is hard to clear out. . . .We're told if we haven't used it in a year, get rid of it. . . .but, "I might need it later". . . .. . .I have, in the past, regretted throwing out several items. . . .

It's comforting to read that others have the same problem. . . . Robyn Griggs Lawrence sums it up the best. . . . "Modern Americans face more choices in one trip to the grocery store than our grandparents faced in their entire lifetimes. All that freedom of choice is reflected in most of our homes, littered with more furnishings and gadgets than we need or want. Stuff is a major impediment. . . .and it's one of the hardest ones to break through. . . ."

Her advise is, don't try to declutter all at once. . . .take it in steps. . . .so that's what I'm doing. . . .

I have no problem getting rid of new items I don't use. . . .

It's the old stuff that's so hard. . . .

Robyn suggests we place our cast offs in boxes marked. . . .Give Away. . . .

Throw Away. . . . Hold for a Year. . . .

Not enough boxes for me. . . .

I'm adding a few more. . . .For the Historic District. . . .For Family and Friends. . . .To Sell Online. . . .That's what?. . . . Six boxes? . . . Might be too many. . . .But, it sure makes me feel better. . . .Now, I can really get to work. . . .

My collection of cake plates and other glassware has gotten out of hand. . . .time to clean out the ones I'll never use and. . . .

sell online this fall and winter, or. . . .

find a new home for it. . . .Such as this lead crystal and silver pitcher. . . .Isn't it beautiful?. . . .It was my Grandmother Duncan's. . . .then my Mom's. . . .and then mine. . . .It's a beautiful piece that I wanted it to go to one of my nephews and his wife some day. . . .Guess what. . . .Today's the day!

 

 Lucky couple. . . .

I have boxes of white dishes for our everyday use. . . .I've never been able to pass up white. . . .but, it's just too much. . . .so, a "White Sale" is coming ladies. . . .

I AM making a little headway. . . .

"Tis a gift to be simple,

Tis a gift to be free. . . ."

I'm trying. . . .

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