This is an area I where I find myself in a constant internal struggle. One one hand, I want to seriously downsize my belongings and become free of the need for "stuff". Move into a smaller home and only keep what we really need or love. On the other hand, Target is easy. We already have so much, adding one more small thing doesn't seem like all that much. Our possessions hold memories.
And then it floods.
It's just stuff, right? It's just paper and fabric and vinyl- just materials. Things we weren't using on a daily basis, or even yearly basis for some of it. Certain things are heartbreaking to lose- our portfolios, Scott's record collection, camera equipment- but why?
We can't replace the work in our portfolios. They were all one of a kind pieces. But a part of me thinks it is more upsetting because I mourn the loss of that piece of myself- that piece that had the time, energy, and inspiration to create. It would have been nice to show our kids, have something to show potential clients, or eventually hang some of the pieces- but in reality I should just be able to make more. (Well, not go back to Africa but you know what I mean.) It's all transient anyway. Scott's records haven't been listened to in years. In fact, our record player needs a new needle that will cost more than the player itself, and it's been that way since before we were married.
But they were his Dad's. They were important to their family and to his memory of him. But do we fear that the memories will fade if we don't have something in front of us to jog that memory? Shouldn't we start telling our kids stories of their grandfather now, even though they are young, rather than hold onto a handful of boxes in the basement? The music was fun- but can't we replace the songs and still sing them together as a family? Our camera equipment is valuable. At least it was when people used film.
And we have alot of it. It is frustrating to lose because it seems wasteful, rather being able to use or sell it, it is damaged. But it was just stuff. Yes, it was money, it was what we chose to show for our hard work- but it was just stuff, right? The most important things we have to show for our hard work now are our children, our family- and we are all just fine. Irreplaceable, but much stronger and watertight.
And then it floods.
It's just stuff, right? It's just paper and fabric and vinyl- just materials. Things we weren't using on a daily basis, or even yearly basis for some of it. Certain things are heartbreaking to lose- our portfolios, Scott's record collection, camera equipment- but why?
We can't replace the work in our portfolios. They were all one of a kind pieces. But a part of me thinks it is more upsetting because I mourn the loss of that piece of myself- that piece that had the time, energy, and inspiration to create. It would have been nice to show our kids, have something to show potential clients, or eventually hang some of the pieces- but in reality I should just be able to make more. (Well, not go back to Africa but you know what I mean.) It's all transient anyway. Scott's records haven't been listened to in years. In fact, our record player needs a new needle that will cost more than the player itself, and it's been that way since before we were married.
But they were his Dad's. They were important to their family and to his memory of him. But do we fear that the memories will fade if we don't have something in front of us to jog that memory? Shouldn't we start telling our kids stories of their grandfather now, even though they are young, rather than hold onto a handful of boxes in the basement? The music was fun- but can't we replace the songs and still sing them together as a family? Our camera equipment is valuable. At least it was when people used film.
And we have alot of it. It is frustrating to lose because it seems wasteful, rather being able to use or sell it, it is damaged. But it was just stuff. Yes, it was money, it was what we chose to show for our hard work- but it was just stuff, right? The most important things we have to show for our hard work now are our children, our family- and we are all just fine. Irreplaceable, but much stronger and watertight.
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