Here are some of the great things our parents have taught us.
Robert:
#1. How to fix your car and anything else that needs it.
#2. Eat your vegetables
#3. Treat everyone equally
#4. Manners and respect
#5. Save for the important things
#6. How to use a sewing machine,( yes ladies, Robert sews and he must know how to knit also, because he is always telling me how I should knit!)
#7. The joy of camping
#8. Your children are your pride and joy no matter what
#9. Eat dinner together as often as possible
#10. Remember special occasions
#11. Balance life and work
#12. Don’t throw anything out ( Jos’ rule, not so much Nel’s)
Evonne
#1. Family is your bond, they are always there, even if you don’t see them.
#2. Plant a big garden and share
#3. Always eat together and talk a lot while doing it, (usually all at the same time, loudly)
#4. Make Christmas special for children and remember it’s not about the presents
#5. How to sew . How to make an old piece of clothing new.
#6. Fix things, then fix them again
#7. Hang your clothes on the line
#8. If you see something that needs to be done… do it!
#9. Don’t say you’re bored, or else ( and you know what “or else” means!)
#10. Shovel your neighbors sidewalk, even if they never shovel yours.
#11. Your elders are addressed formally, Mr Jones, Mrs. Smith.
#12. Never throw anything out .
A couple of great lists.
We both came from families that were solid, balanced and hard working…. One European, one Canadian both wonderful.
Note the last thing on both lists. Never throw anything out. Robert and I believe this is because they lived through the war and every little thing did have a use and value either by you or for trade. ( Rob’s Dad had a great story about a truck load of cheese that was hijacked from the Germans)
We have a different story. Our story is about availability of everything. Along with that availability comes the loss of many things on the lists above. So many things back then were symbiotic. Now we jerk ourselves around from one task to other not lending a thought to the connectedness of everything we do.
So why then don’t we throw things out or let them go? Homes are 3 times bigger than they were back then. Most folks have 2 car garages that barely hold a car! Storage businesses are booming, Black Diamond is 2000 people, we have 3 such businesses. Now we are paying to store our stuff! Are we afraid that we will not be able to live without all that stuff that fills our physical spaces?
Don’t get me wrong folks, I’m not preaching from the pulpit of self-righteousness here, Just struggling to understand a trend that has also enveloped us, dis-enabled us, preoccupies us, and costs us money on a regular basis. ( four dumpsters equals $1200 ) If you really think that you are going to use all that crap, think twice folks! You are leaving a legacy of dump trips for your kids ( trust me they don’t want it either)
So my first kick at the proverbial purging can will be Sept 18th. Phase one!
I know, I know I have told many of you , I’m not having a garage sale, and I’m not! My friend Clover gave me some solid advice on garage sales. All these flower bowls and mismatched glasses take them to the Salvage center, They will sell them for 5 cents a piece. Save your sale for the good stuff, That is what people want, The good stuff!!!
So we are having a re-purposing sale. You know the good stuff. Hopefully some one will want to give a home to stuff we felt was worth passing on in the world.
Ok, it’s your turn! I want to hear your story about your stuff. I can’t be the only one out there wondering why?? Please share, leave a comment below, tell me how you really feel ( about your stuff).
Thanks
SAGE 
Thanks Evonne. Lately I’ve been congratulating and giving myself lots of support when I throw something out or put it in the box to go to the thrift store. I realized the other week that I have a hoarding tendency — know where that comes from — and it sure feels good to be on the path of organization and simplicity
You go girl!!!! Lightness will set us free. Can I add your blog to my blog roll?
Thanks for sharing!
Totally agree – I grew up with war-conditioned parents and despite moving houses and countries a few times it was only changing electricity between continents that significantly depleted my stock of “spares”. I’ve learnt to thin magazines and paper over the years but am only now realising between technology advances and availability I have a lot of obsolete spares to purge this winter.
Even clothes are so well made now I have 15 year old t-shirts in good condition that won’t wear out. I’ve banned buying new ones the last couple of years until my draws thin. Heck I can’t even put holes in the heels of socks I don’t like quick enough to require new ones.
Somewhere along the way we seem to have developed a feeling of responsibility to buy things that our parents never had. As I look around me and back in my life it is always the travellers that have had the best balance. The longer you put off buying things to save money for travel the more you find you can do without what seemed so necessary when the idea of the item first occurred. Between yard work, purposeful enjoyment of our surroundings in the foothills and focus on our own travel goals the urge to spend is being tamed – thankfully – 11 months in Mexico working sure generated enough ideas of how to spend money.
I think you are on track with the re-purposing sale too. We have never convinced ourselves that investing our time in our own garage sale made sense. If the kids don’t want it then the salvage centre will give it a chance to help someone else. Hopefully people will appreciate the quality items you do invest time in re-purposing.
WOW, Thanks for the words of wisdom, appreciated as always. I hope your travels will send you in our direction… just point south my friend!