Fauxie said:

Of course Dan is going to read your post.

There used to be a show on TLC called "clean sweep" That show taught me alot about crap we hold on too for stupid reasons and how to let go of them. They would go into someone's house...who had like a spare room chuck full of "junk" basically and they'd make them separate it all out in to 3 piles in 30 minutes. Keep, yardsale, and trash. Then they would go back through the keep pile with them and really make them answer the question as to why they were gonna keep it. Stuff like an anniversary gift...some trinket or picture or what have you...the thing would be dusty and have been in a box for more than 5 years. They would basically tell them that if it's that important sentimentally then it should be displayed in some way...if it's just going to sit in a box for another 5 years...yard sale it or trash it, it does not mean you don't care about the person that gave it to you. Same with clothes...if you haven't worn it in more than ONE year...get rid of it! what are the chances you will ever wear it again? none.
anyway, the show taught me to throw so many things out. less clutter is better.
Love your pic by the way! that's a keeper

I believe it was Aristotle that said that wealth was one of the requirements for true happiness.

I think the reasoning was that if you have wealth then you are free to do whatever else makes you happy. Some argued that for some hard work made them happy. But even that would be better if you do not rely on the money earned from the work to live.

Some say the simpler things are more important. Like kids. I agree. Yet, having the money to meet your child's needs is also important.

That is not to say that you spend the money on material things that we do not really need. But having the money the security is key to true happness.


I suppose one could say that there are alternative ways to meet any and all needs. Which I guess is true. But then again that alternative would also fit into the general definition of wealth.

A few years ago I sold 290 cents of coins for over $400... as money it would not get me much but its worth was beyond its face value.

MrsMdiver said:

i thought the kid was yours??? you mean to say he was a GIFT?????

XxAxX said:

Yep, a gift that looks and acts just like daddy. Oh lucky me!

That is a beautiful painting. Cherish it!

Hmm... the only possession that I guess I really couldn't live without would be this one...

OnlyNDaUsa said:

I think it takes balance really. It is good to have things that you hold dear and do not want to part with.
Some ppl go to the extreme and value those material possessions over things like family and friends.

MrsMdiver said:[quote]

OnlyNDaUsa said:

I agree. Kids for example are better than riches, but it is good to have the riches so when the baby needs something or gets sick money is not an issue.

OnlyNDaUsa said:[quote]

MrsMdiver said:

little ppl sure are expensive.

MrsMdiver said:

I know right! They are always saying things like "I'm hungry"

Didn't you eat yesterday?

OnlyNDaUsa said:

Yesterday...mine still eats every 2 hours.

i thought you meant that Johnart gave you a cell phone....

BlackAdder7 said:

That is a camera.

XxAxX said:

Acrylic said:

awww, what a cutie!

MrsMdiver said:

Your baby is very cute, and the image of mdiver!

love the painting too

Hello Mother!

You and the baby look so lovely And the painting

MrsMdiver said:

He DOES look just like his dad.

tackam said:

they are a lovely family

Love the Johnart, Val. And your little guy is quite the handsome tyke!

I don't hoard, as messes literally trigger all sorts of depression, anxiety, etc. in me. And I don't buy a lot of stuff... generally. I DO have a thing for new clothes beyond any real utility, though, and I try to offset that with regularly giving older clothes away.

I recently heard someone (maybe even an orger) say that cleaning/editing/purging your possessions and living space was like flossing your brain. That is SUCH a perfect analogy, I think! We think we own our stuff, but on some level retaining it, managing it, depending on the "medication" we get of it often finds it owning us. I'm wanting less of that as I get older.

...All that said, it is OK to be owned by a Gascot piece, though.
[Edited 2/2/10 7:44am]

XxAxX said:

Thanks guys!

MrsMdiver said:

One of my favourite threads/posts in a long time

endymion said:

How are you??

MrsMdiver said:

Great still looking to spank your hubby on the golf course soon (make sure he reads that)

You and junior are both looking amazingly happy and healthy

I moved abroad in my mid-twenties and got rid of most of my stuff. I think this is when a lot of people start settling and hoarding. I was away for a number of years but never settled anywhere so I didn't really aquire much 'stuff'.

Since coming back I've carried on in the same way. I really don't own much at all and I like it that way.

My mother is a real hoarder and she seems to get burgled or have house fires all the time - she thinks there is a lesson to be learnt.

MrsMdiver said:

Used to be somewhat of one.


As Zen as I've become about attachment - and as minimalist as my aesthetic is now - I'd be lying if I didn't say I've quite enjoyed these:

TheVoid said:

I'm sorry.

MrsMdiver said:

It brought me much happiness painting it. Knowing how Phil was sneakin to surprise you with it TOTALLY added to the love that went into that painting.


As far as material possessions of mine...probably old pics of my mom would be the most meaningful. Her bible, although I'm not religious. Technically it's Ron's because he and her shared an interest in reading about religion (not being religious, if that makes sense).
Needless to say, my art supplies are something I can't imagine living without.
Silly possessions that I could live without I suppose, but would really really hate to...iPhone, iPod, the computer.

Hi Ace!!!!!

John..... words cannot describe how much I cherish my painting.
Yes, hubby sure did surprise me with that one. I was all confused when it arrived.


I have to say that I could not live without my laptop. It is my main way to communicate with my mom and friends back home.
I would be LOST without it.
Scary that I rely on an electronic device so much.


I have a small throw pillow that my Great grandmother gave me the last time that I saw her before she passed away in 2002. We drove up from Florida to Delaware to see her. She wanted me to have the pillow for the long journey home.
I now have it on the feeding chair in the boys room.

Cinnie said:

Send them to me!