Comments on: Thinking About My Things

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 21:10:22 +0000

Wow, Gena, thanks–what a great insight–that moving forces us to experience our own belongings by touching and looking at them. Yes, indeed. I am a both/and kind of gal, so the keeping and letting go are very much intertwined. Thanks so much for your careful reading and all your good loving thoughts! xoxo

By: Gena

Gena — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 19:59:04 +0000

Yup, there’s tremendous pressure to detach from “stuff” these days in the spirit of minimalism. I agree in some ways — I’ve learned so much from letting things go and also buying less. But I also agree that objects can have and hold meaning. Part of why moving feels so emotional, at least in my experience, is that it forces you to experience your own belongings–to touch and look at them. And in so doing it carries you through memories, recollections, and so on. It’s a physical act that allows history to be replayed.

So yes, moves are always sad and exciting and pleasurable all at once. You seem to be approaching the process of keeping and letting go with generosity of spirit and great wisdom. I continue to send you loving thoughts as you find your new home!

XOXO

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Sat, 18 Feb 2017 06:25:05 +0000

Thank you Lee! I like how you put that–things “feathering” the nest! (I have a couple of geodes I love too!) I always appreciate it when you have time to read and comment. Hope all is well with you. xo

By: Lee

Lee — Fri, 17 Feb 2017 01:51:14 +0000

Hi Maria, I finally caught up on your blog posts! Congrats on finding a new home with a little more breathing room and easy beach access. Now, of course, good luck with your move!

Like you, I love the idea of minimalist living. However, also like you, I like the idea of it (no knickknacks to clean!) better than the reality of not having my favorite books, fossils, coasters, my beloved sliced geode, and of course, my pictures around–all the fun “feathering” of Jeff’s and my nest. Lovely reminder to be grateful for “all the things”!

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Tue, 14 Feb 2017 06:09:18 +0000

Thanks Veronica, for “getting” the rich mix of new and old! I also appreciate the good wishes too. I’m on the “home” stretch–hahaha. . .xo

By: Veronica

Veronica — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 18:23:11 +0000

I try to minimize, too, but some things just bring back memories and feelings, I can’t get rid of them! And like your hamper, many are “insignificant” to outsiders, yet mean a lot to me. So I try to maintain a happy medium of stuff to no-stuff. 🙂 I like how you phrased leaving a place being a little sad, but happy to pass on the home to another who can enjoy it. As well “a new place – but with my old things.” Kinda like baptizing your new place as yours with your old things, as the new place rubs a little bit of its newness (and new memories yet to be made) on to them. Not sure if that makes sense… 😉 Anyway, good luck with the new home and settling in and all that fun! xo

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 04:46:34 +0000

Oh Peggy, thank you for this–I so loved reading how touching your Mother’s things she passed on to you is like touching her. love and light back to you, too, dear Sister.

By: Maria Theresa Maggi

Maria Theresa Maggi — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 04:45:19 +0000

Thank you Susan!

By: Susan Wright

Susan Wright — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 22:15:20 +0000

you do great work

By: Peggy Bean

Peggy Bean — Sun, 12 Feb 2017 18:14:12 +0000

Thank you for this, Maria. I remember the books my Mother kept over the years….looking at them like old friends. And the silverware and pots and pans she gave me. I feel like I touch her…gone now for 11 years….each time I touch them. I love your painting of the window view out of your little trailer. Love and light, dear Sister.