I’ve spent the past few days cleaning out shelves and closets, with the last two days devoted to the hall closets. Oh my. We moved in here 29 years ago and some of the boxes in those closets were deposited the day we moved in and never moved again. I have linens going back to when I was a child (and we won’t discuss how many years ago that was) and I unearthed things that I thought no longer existed. (maybe they shouldn’t)
After clearing out 6 boxes of books and a bag of clothes, I decided to get rid of some old suitcases (more like what we used to call train cases) and cosmetic bags. I took those to church for a mission project that provides suitcases for foster and abused children.
Most of what I found in old boxes were items that needed to be thrown away, not given away. Why does anyone keep old sheets that have holes in them or were torn into pieces? Into the trash. I found old towels, and even my baby pillow that was literally in shreds. All in the trash.
I found two missing items that pleased me. I thought I had given this guy away, but found him way back in a corner. I had him made when we were first married and remember driving across town to pick him up. He served many Halloweens on our front porch. I’ll keep him for another Halloween.
Ceramic jack-o-lantern
I have a set of Japanese teacups that go back 30 years but two have been missing. I found them, in a box, with candles in them. I can only guess I used them for a party or something. I used to give lots of dinner parties but that stopped when I started teaching. They can go back with their partners in tea.
All 4 altogether again
And, last but not least, are the old pillow cases I found at the bottom of the linens pile. Do you remember the heavy cotton cases that were hand embroidered? My mother would make them for wedding gifts, and I somehow managed to have two of hers and a pair that I think my husband’s grandmother got somewhere. I also have a set that I think are machine embroidered, but I have no idea how I got hem. Maybe a wedding gift to me 35 years ago? I’m going to give these away.
Pillow cases
The next closet is the one here in the computer room. I pretty much know what’s in there. Anyone want a wedding gown?
6 responses so far ↓
lynnjake // July 1, 2009 at 12:15 am |
I’ve been doing the same thing. Must be something about summer and teachers. Like if we are completely organized at home, we’ll be able to handle the chaos of school better (that is mine!).
dkzody // July 1, 2009 at 3:07 am |
For me it’s a matter of wanting to purge before I have to move. The less stuff, the better.
certainabsurdity // July 1, 2009 at 4:01 am |
I need to do what you’re doing. And I only have 9 years worth of stuff in this house… Someday soon I’ll get in the productive mode.
Su // July 1, 2009 at 11:14 am |
Nice blog. Enjoyed going through it. Keep it up the good work.
Jay // July 1, 2009 at 11:20 pm |
Delaine, those pillowcases may be worth something, especially if they belonged to Terry’s grandmother. You may or may not think it’s worth a try, but you never know what would happen on Ebay.
And I should be sorting or packing some of what’s in my bedroom – not moving but renovating, and would really like to end up with a serene, uncluttered space when we’re done.
dkzody // July 2, 2009 at 1:15 am |
Mmmmm. never thought about that, but even the ones my mother made are over 50 years old. I was thinking of keeping the ones she made because it is her own handiwork. I’m not too sentimental about things. My sister and I have always joked that we will never have antiques because we get rid of everything. I do have a small cup that belonged to my mother’s grandfather. I’m keeping it.