we have been pulling things out of closets around here. we have been reevaluating the use of space in some rooms, and the necessity of items in all rooms. it's not something new…it is an ongoing process…but somehow i'm still putting less back into the closets and letting more go. craigslist, ebay and etsy are all in play, and the trunk is loaded up with bags for the charity shop.
while listing a book on etsy yesterday and realizing how much time it was taking to list all of these things, i thought to myself, "next time i want to buy something, i should really consider how long it will take to get rid of it." it sounds harsh, but it's really quite kind. all of these items have a stories…resources used and makers making. some were bought long before i was born, used and cherished. my discovery comes years after, in a corner of a tiny shop, in a certain place, and on one day in particular. these things evoke memories, and that is part of their value.
when the time comes for the item to move on, i want it to find a new resting spot where it is taken care of, valued and used. this thought, too, can be useful when considering a purchase. will this item stand the test of time? will it have a life beyond me?
i realize (and briefly considered) that i could just bag all of this stuff up and bring it to the resale shop. i do, however, think that it is worth listing some items on these sights, because there is a broader spectrum of people looking for specific items. there is a greater chance of the items finding that caring home. it is completely understandable that the charity shops can't hold on to every donation until the perfect match is found. some things will land in the landfill, and it's my job to see that my purchases have the best chance of not meeting that fate. the landfill is full enough.
when i consider taking something home, i want to consider if i'm willing to become a part of this item's story. am i willing to truly take responsibility for this item?
love,
jane
while listing a book on etsy yesterday and realizing how much time it was taking to list all of these things, i thought to myself, "next time i want to buy something, i should really consider how long it will take to get rid of it." it sounds harsh, but it's really quite kind. all of these items have a stories…resources used and makers making. some were bought long before i was born, used and cherished. my discovery comes years after, in a corner of a tiny shop, in a certain place, and on one day in particular. these things evoke memories, and that is part of their value.
when the time comes for the item to move on, i want it to find a new resting spot where it is taken care of, valued and used. this thought, too, can be useful when considering a purchase. will this item stand the test of time? will it have a life beyond me?
i realize (and briefly considered) that i could just bag all of this stuff up and bring it to the resale shop. i do, however, think that it is worth listing some items on these sights, because there is a broader spectrum of people looking for specific items. there is a greater chance of the items finding that caring home. it is completely understandable that the charity shops can't hold on to every donation until the perfect match is found. some things will land in the landfill, and it's my job to see that my purchases have the best chance of not meeting that fate. the landfill is full enough.
when i consider taking something home, i want to consider if i'm willing to become a part of this item's story. am i willing to truly take responsibility for this item?
love,
jane
RSS Feed