Friday, March 4, 2011
Gnome effect
Relaxing on the corner of my piano sits my very first garden gnome. He's a happy fellow, face in hand, hat proudly pointed toward the skies. I know he's wondering if he'll join the soon-to-be-blooming flowers. Yes, that's where he belongs, yet I'm enjoying his whimsy right here in my living room. As much I as detest dust, I love knickknacks, "gorgeous" items, if you will. In fact, I often attach sentiment to them, each one sparking a memory, a moment, a happy note. A recovering pack rat, I do save some things with little emotional significance or even practical use, but so many of my tiny treasures tickle me too much to trade them for a little more space on a shelf or a little less dust for my Swiffer. When I walk into my garage, I often wave at my bicycles, motorcycle, golf clubs, and the array of "stuff" I still need to sort through so I don't toss anything of value. I'll get to that sorting. Meanwhile, tiny pieces of my heart, of my experiences, of my growing and developing personality and character lie safely waiting for me to rediscover them. Might I toss some? Be realistic and weed out, separate the chaff from the grain, so to speak? Oh, I'm sure I will, but only after I savor the moment each might represent. Am I a couple of bubbles off center, a sandwich or two short of a picnic? You bet your sweet bippie, I am...and proud of it.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
I firmly believe attachment is healthy and, like you, I don't care who knows it. And I have a theory. People who develop healthy attachments to things, memories and other people have a happier outlook and can transition more smoothly from chapter to chapter in their lives. Probably the defense mechanism carried over from our childhood. We attached to Mom and Dad early and that security was a "come-back-to" point as we developed all other relationships. It's kind of like setting a "recovery point" on our computers to deal with current issues without having to lose past data. We are not afraid to venture forward into the unknown when we have surrounded ourselves with friends and memories that are rock solid. At least that's what I think. If "growing up" meant I had to stop assigning such memories to places or objects or people, I'd have to quit.
ReplyDeleteI am so attached to things representing Susan that I can't cull any of them. Ed thinks we should go through her things and get rid of ones that have little significance to her, but all of those things were hers, so therein lies the significance! So, what to do to mow through saved things.... I also have all my mother's things. I need to learn to let go, I guess, but that time hasn't arrived yet. Maybe I will just let my son go through all "my" stuff when I am gone. He can throw them away! Whew, glad I reached the compromise! Diana
ReplyDelete