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Storage Boxes and Memories


Sifting through things that I had saved over the last 35 years and left in storage has actually been fun and cleansing.   I've thrown most of my stuff away.   The photo above is just a sample of what's gone into the recycling bin, the trash bin or to charity.

I am keeping only things that hold memories dear to me.  I did this "cleansing" before I left Japan, fitting 7 years of life there into two suitcases and two boxes.  Now it's about fitting 45 years into as few boxes as possible.  I am a bit of a nomad right now ... staying in California to help my Sister take care of Mom, while my Husband prepares our future home in Mexico.  Like a nomad, we are keeping our possessions limited to what we're willing to move around with us.



I got this neon box when I was 7 years old.  My father and I were in a second-hand shop. The colors caught my eye and I had to have it.  The bottom has the initials "R.A.W." and is stamped with the word "Japan."  Now... what to put in it?  I'll let you know what I decide :)

Comments

Marlene said…
You will have to let me know how you manage to decide what to throw out and what to keep. I am trying to pare down but it is the hardest thing I have ever done.
BLOGitse said…
oh boy, the same question as Marlene asked - what to keep? :)
GalleryJuana said…
Hi Marlene and Blogitse,

Deciding what to keep and give up is difficult at first, but I figure I've gone without most of this stuff for the last 8 years, so it must not be that necessary to my survival. So I've pared everything down to select memories and things that remind me of them.
Poetic Artist said…
I would not know where to start..I need to clean out and throw away..I am always afraid I will need those extra 1500 pieces of paper..LOL.
I hope your Mom is doing well..My thoughts and prayers go out to you and her.
Katelen
Chris Stone said…
That's a great box! know what you mean about getting rid of stuff. i'm pretty good that way... or sometimes i think so... until i have to deal with it!

i'd love to whittle my stuff down until i could fit in one of those tiny houses, the 90 square feet houses? of course, i'd need another house for my studio...
GalleryJuana said…
Poetic Artist,
Thank you for the well wishes for my Mom.
I know what you mean about worrying you'll throw out something you need late.

Chris,
I watched a video about those tiny houses a few days back. They do look fun to have as a studio.
readingsully2 said…
Cleansing is always good but sometimes difficult. Oh, I thought you were back to the States for good. When will you be returning to Mexico?
Unknown said…
i'm intrigued by the idea of a nomadic lifestyle and was kinda living that way myself last summer.

i only have a ew possessions now because of a major decluttering that i did in may of 2009 in order to prepare for that lifestyle.

it's a great feeling!

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