One thing and another led to my finally coming to grips with the admission that I am never going to paint my walls personally again.
All my life I've painted them myself, one wall at a time, and I have to say that, now I'm being careful about climbing, is a good time to give the doings to other younger people who can still paint their own walls.
In less than five minutes I had three requests, more coming. The first person who set up a time for pickup as requested, got the nod. He's planning on this afternoon. So it's out there for him, simple drive-by.
If he shows up, that will save me a trip, and be a Good Thing all around.
So we'll see.
Winnowing is so much more than just selecting and boxing. It's a meeting with yourself and it's not easy to say goodbye to the person who thought nothing of painting the entire three story house and in earlier days, the condo. The boxes of what looks like random stuff are a symbol, too.
I really understand keeping things though I don't much do it. It's more than objects.
Your last sentence speaks volumes. It says it all for me.
ReplyDeleteGood for you. Reality checks can be hard, but freeing, too.
ReplyDeleteTrue, both!
Delete"Winnowing is so much more than just selecting and boxing. It's a meeting with yourself and it's not easy to say goodbye to the person who thought nothing of painting the entire three story house and in earlier days, the condo. The boxes of what looks like random stuff are a symbol, too.".
ReplyDeleteYes. I saw but didn't understand how hard the winnowing was on my parents when they downsized from a house to an independent living facility (good god, there must be a better name for those!). Now, I'm beginning to. The concept of winnowing will be helpful, I think. Keeping the most precious kernels, and letting the rest go. But as you say, hard to let the chaff go without feeling like you're losing elemental parts of yourself.
Chris from Boise
It looks easy when it's someone else's stuff, no?
DeleteThe end of an era, but glad someone else will benefit from your winnowing.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny that I did massive winnowing in January 2020, when I was thinking of moving, before the pandemic changed everything. It didn't bother me half as much as this one. This may be my traumatized self operating.
ReplyDeleteI am still working on coming to terms with myself on all the winnowing I need to do. It is very much an emotional thing for me. I came from a family that took care of things and passed them down. Young people today are not that interested in family heirlooms and such.
ReplyDeleteI think this generation has had to face the fact that our children just don't live the way people did who loved china and linens. It's hard to see them go.
DeletePreviously I painted my whole house, every room, a couple of times, and even put up scaffolding and painted the outside, but have never tackled this house. I still have all the equipment but the urge to paint has left me. Even tough the wall really could do with a cheer up.
ReplyDeleteAt this point, only a couple of years since I painted, most of the walls are ok, but oh, the ceilings..
DeleteA very poignant post. You are wise.
ReplyDeleteThank you for that timely encouragement.
Deletewe have at least three old propane camp stoves and as many lanterns. we haven't camped out in 20 years at least. why do I till have them?! I should get them out, clean them up, refurbish and make sure they work and get rid of them. or keep one of each in case we lose power.
ReplyDeleteI painted this house before we moved in but it's been about 13 years and could use refreshing. I could still do it but the thought of taking everything down off the walls and moving furniture puts me off the idea.
Even the thought of having to prepare the space puts me off from having painters in!
DeleteGetting rid of painting paraphernalia - easy peasy. However I have a hard time with any type yard thing including plants, furniture, pictures, do-dads and what-nots.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post. Your insight on change is spot on. At present, a couple of small furniture pieces are at the for free spot at end of parking lot. The amazement I part with them feels refreshing.
ReplyDeleteI find it's hard to get rid of things that are family heirlooms - although they aren't truly 'heirlooms' if the family doesn't want them!! When I first started working I bought my mother a set of 'good' dishes (Royal Albert Trillium pattern)...gave her one place setting for every occasion for a number of years and then started on the completer pieces. I now have the set and hate to just give it away. The kids don't want it because they don't want anything they can't put in the dishwasher. About a year ago we needed new everyday dishes and I started looking at sets to find something I liked. One day I woke up to the realization that I have an entire place setting for 12 sitting in the cupboard that will most likely end up in the thrift store when I'm gone. So....they are now our everyday dishes. Bonus? I saved a bunch of money buying new ones!!
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe in using your dishes every day, not saving them for some mythical future events!
DeleteI just don't know why it's taken me so long to realize that!
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