This week, like every year at this time, I switch my fall/winter wardrobe of sweaters & jeans to my spring/summer shorts & tops. But I did something this time that took me down memory lane. I said enough is enough. It is about time I give away some clothes I have not worn in years and will never wear again. As you get older, life changes occur, and you no longer dress like you use to, it is time to let go and start anew. Making three piles; one for donating, one for keeping, and the big one, to sell. Yes, I decided to part with some outfits that were so near and dear to me. These clothes actually identified me: stylish but quirky, expensive but worth its cost, and then there were the memories. Oh boy!
As I pulled each garment out, took off the protective
cover, hung it up on the door to take a long look at it, I pondered on the time
and reason when I wore it. My daughter was home that day so I took each and
every outfit to her and asked her, “Do you remember this one?” Her reactions
were funny and mostly her patience with me was appreciated as I sat there and
recalled the story behind the outfit. She was present for all the times I wore
these clothes, so she too, went down a memory path. Do you know that clothes
have stories to tell? I could probably write an amusing book, each chapter a narrative
about finding the dress, suit and gown, why I needed, mostly wanting it, and what
it cost then. When I researched the designer label and found out how much it
costs today, I was flabbergasted.
After I pulled
out the last outfit, I asked myself, now what do I do with all these wonderful clothes?
You will never believe what solution I came up with. Especially me, the Family Museum Curator that advocates
saving and preserving family heirlooms, not that a dress is a family heirloom,
but its history is worth a fortune of memories for me.
I decided to take a booth at our local antique mall
and sell these vintage clothes along with other family things that are not wanted
anymore. This was a difficult decision for me, but there comes a time when I had
to stop holding onto gowns I will no longer wear let alone fit into. And now
the work begins. It is not easy to prepare something to sell. There are several
procedures that must be followed and there is also an expense that is incurred.
I ask myself, will all this work be worth my time and energy? When I know, I will
share this info with you.
Until then, here comes summer. The shorts and t-shirts
reign supreme in my closet and when the first autumn leave falls, I will be at
it again.
And don’t forget to get your poppy this Memorial Day.
This is a great time to remember the
lives lost to preserve American freedom. It's a solemn holiday most often spent
by sharing a day off with loved ones. But as you enjoy being with friends and
family, take a minute to remember everyone who can't be with their loved ones.
And
let us not forget our brave men and women who are at this moment in time,
protecting America and you & me!
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