The Stuff Project

Day 365: The Stuff Project

FIN!

Today, I'm getting rid of the stuff project, and my blog. I'll have time to knit dishcloths, and make purses out of neckties, and plant tomatoes. I'll have more time for yoga, and cooking, and keeping a journal. Most likely, the level of clutter in the house will gradually creep upwards. In two years, or ten years, or twelve, we may end up right back where we've started.

Or maybe not. I've learned a few things. Like about how merchandizing calls out to you and makes you want to buy stuff. And about how getting new stuff might be pleasing, but it doesn't really make you happy.

I've learned about how we measure a healthy economy in terms of stuff, and how so many objects are made with damaging environmental or social production practices, in the U.S. and abroad...making a healthy economy and a healthy environment incompatible.

The analogy that sticks with me the most from this year is the parallel between eating too much and buying too much. Junk food tastes so good when you eat it, but in the end, it's not very good for you. It makes you sick.

So I'm resolved to be awake. To spend my money on experiences instead of things. To spend good money on good things, instead of buying bargains. To appreciate what I have, so I won't want to reach for the next shiny object. To take care of what I have, so it will last a lifetime.

Now for a glass of champagne (or maybe a cold beer) and a warm bath.

Greeting Cards

Day 364: Greeting Cards

ONE!

The last box, cupboard or shelf I hadn't gone through - greeting cards. 

More Miscellany and a Clementine Box

Day 363: More Miscellany and a Clementine Box

TWO!

Miscellany

Day 362: Miscellany 

THREE!

Stencils

Day 361: Stencils

FOUR!

Ugly Blue Resume Stock from 1985

Day 360: Ugly Blue Resume Stock from 1985

FIVE!

My brother has suggested that starting next week, I could acquire one thing a day and blog about it, every day for a year. By the end of next year, I'll be back to where I was a year ago.

To get a jump on this idea, I've been to my parents house twice in the last two days.  There, I acquired six pink champagne flutes and four pink martini glasses to add to the two pink martini glasses they gave us when we married. Apparently, they offered us this set of glasses soon after we moved back to Ann Arbor. I remember their saying the first two glasses were part of a larger set. I have no recollection of refusing the rest, but they were being stored in a carton with my name on it.  My father is cleaning house.

I came away also with two tiny sherry glasses decorated with cut glass stars. I remember these from my childhood, as doll toys. My father got them in 1962, in Tokyo, when he was in the Navy. He also gave me a bottle of sherry, a bottle of port, several liquors and liqueurs and miscellaneous other beverages to put into the lovely glasses. 

From my mother, a nice sturdy needlepoint frame, imported from England, to replace the flimsy one I bought myself at Joann Fabrics and got rid of earlier this year. Also some leftover beautifully dyed soft wool yarn from my favorite needlepoint kit designer. 

Does this mean I need to extend the stuff project another day, or three?

Not. 

The reverse stuff project won't happen, but I am resolved to be vigilant - or at least thoughtful - about what I do bring into the housen the future. 

I like Sam's idea better.  I eat only whole foods for a year, while he eats only prepackaged foods. 

We'll see who feels better at the end.

Heat Diffuser

Day 359: Heat Diffuser

SIX