Declutterizing !!

The word "declutterizing" does not exist in the dictionary. I made it up to describe my process of getting rid of clutter. This week I have transported a sizeable quantity of new items to the Senior Center. The first trip (Monday) with things "in general" for door prizes.

Yesterday I learned of an upcoming Senior Center event for the local Red Hat Society--and more door prizes needed. So I spent hours digging into everything I own that is remotely "Red Hat Society." In California, my RHS wardrobe was extensive!! This last year I sold, or gave away, most... but I still have more than I will ever wear. Out came RHS pins and jewelry still in their original packaging. Necklaces, bracelets, earrings, watch, belts, purple purses--and a beautiful red crochet hat. Into the donation bag went the most adorable purple teddy bear wearing a tiara and a boa. Also a picture frame with simulated diamonds. I kept searching in boxes and closet. A gift package of three bottles organic milk bath (I take showers). Avon gift box of personal-size perfumed soap with decorative soap dish. New key chains in their original wrapping. Adorable angel from an arts and crafts store. Six decorative magnetic photo frames in their original packaging. Crystal jar full of fragrant potpourri. The list goes on and on, sixty-four items in all.

After delivering the RHS donation, I drove to the local Recycling Center and unloaded glass and plastic. My apartment complex does not facilitate recycling but I believe in it and keep a receptacle on my porch. My contribution is small because I don't use many glass or plastic containers but, hopefully, every little bit helps (litter hurts).

Then thirty miles to Gastonia, to Sam's Club, for gas and groceries. Fruit and veggies for me and canned goods, and Mac 'n Cheese, to donate to the Senior Center Food Pantry. To my credit, I did not stop at my favorite store, Tuesday Morning, nor my favorite Thrift Shop, Value Village. Straight home!!

For the first time in months, the back of my KIA is free of things to sell at Flea Markets. So I loaded window screens... and drove to a self-service car wash. (Not a single outdoor water faucet available to tenants at this complex.) In a day or two I'll hitch the trailer and return to the self-service and wash KIA and Little Guy.

I'm feeling so energized by my "declutterizing" project. I have a long journey but according to a very old saying from Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu (c.570 BC-??):
A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet.
A tower nine stories high is built from a small heap of earth.
A journey of a thousand miles starts in front of your feet.

I'd Pick More Daisies

I'm sick (allergies, asthma, cold or flu??) and do not have the energy to post an interesting, valuable-information (long?) article about health and nutrition. Lying quietly on my bed (because I cough less when I'm flat on my back) I saw a very, very old quote (in a clear plastic frame, on the bookcase) and I share it with you now. Pretend that you are enjoying a cup of Good Earth (brand) all natural Chai vanilla decaf tea with me?!?!

"If I had my life to live over, I'd try to make more mistakes next time. I would limber up. I would be sillier than I have been this trip. I know of very few things I would take seriously. I would be crazier. I would be less hygienic. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets. I would eat more ice cream and less beans. I would have more active troubles and fewer imaginary ones. You see, I am one of those people who lives life prophylactically and sensibly and sanely, hour after hour, day after day. Oh, I have had my moments, and if I had it to do over again, I'd have more of them. In fact, I'd try to have nothing else. Just moments, one after another, instead of living so many years ahead each day. I have been one of those people who never go anywhere without a thermometer, a hot-water bottle, a gargle, a raincoat and a parachute. [Well, not really!!] If I had it to do over again, I would go places and do things and travel lighter than I have. If I had my life to live over, I would start barefooted earlier in the spring and stay that way later in the fall. I would play hooky more. I wouldn't make such good grades except by accident. I would ride on more merry-go-rounds. I'd pick more daisies." <> No author is listed. The parchment paper it is printed on is very fragile and crumbling around the edges. Today, I needed this re-reminder because it has been a long time since I picked daisies!! <>


OK, OK, for your amusement, here is the better known poem adopted by the Red Hat Society.
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Warning - When I Am an Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple
By Jenny Joseph

When I am an old woman, I shall wear purple with a red hat that doesn't go, and doesn't suit me.

And I shall spend my pension on brandy and summer gloves and satin candles, and say we've no money for butter.

I shall sit down on the pavement when I am tired and gobble up samples in shops and press alarm bells and run my stick along the public railings and make up for the sobriety of my youth.

I shall go out in my slippers in the rain and pick the flowers in other people's gardens and learn to spit.

You can wear terrible shirts and grow more fat and eat three pounds of sausages at a go or only bread and pickles for a week and hoard pens and pencils and beer nuts and things in boxes.

But now we must have clothes that keep us dry and pay our rent and not swear in the street and set a good example for the children.

We must have friends to dinner and read the papers. But maybe I ought to practice a little now? So people who know me are not too shocked and surprised

When suddenly I am old, and start to wear purple.
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The Red Hat Society began as a result of a few women deciding to greet middle age with verve, humor, and elan. We believe silliness is the comedy relief of life, and, since we are all in it together, we might as well join red-gloved hands and go for the gusto together. Underneath the frivolity, we share a bond of affection, forged by common life experiences and a genuine enthusiasm for wherever life takes us next.