We’ve lived in the same house for over 20 years, and until this past month, I’ve never had a reason to clean out my closet. No, it isn’t because of that organizing lady that’s got everyone folding their clothes in new ways. Honestly, if something is over-hyped, I tend to stay away or I’m extra critical. Two examples that come to mind: the “Game of Thrones” series and the novel “Where the Crawdads Sing” by Delia Owens.
My first experience with “Game of Thrones” was by accident. One evening several years ago, I was in a hotel room scrolling the stations and stopped on one where a naked lady was walking down a street. The townspeople were calling her shameful names and throwing things at her. At first I thought I’d stumbled on some medieval porn station. After a few seconds I realized that it was “Game of Thrones.” Obviously I didn’t know the backstory, but I’ve never been tempted to watch it again.
I tried very hard to love “Where the Crawdads Sing.” The pace and the writing are excellent, but by the end of the story, I didn’t buy it. With all of her struggles, the lonely Marsh Girl transformed into a gorgeous woman sought by men, was self-taught and highly intelligent, always seemed healthy, throw in a poet and artist for extra fun, and top with a sophisticated killer. Yikes!
So I went a bit off subject there. We’re doing some remodeling and part of it required us to clean out our bedroom closets. It was like Christmas in reverse. Instead of finding stuff you want, you find stuff you can’t believe you still have. For example:
1. A couple of thigh-length jackets from the 80’s complete with huge shoulder pads. Never did get invited to an 80’s party.
2. Long skirts from the same era that I used to wear to work in Boston (back in the days of pantyhose and pumps) – I think they called them midi skirts because they hit mid shin.
3. Oh, the shoes. You know those shoes you bought for that one outfit and they hurt and you never wore them again. Several of those.
4. Scarves. OMG, of every shape, fabric and style. Anyone need a scarf?
After bringing six bags to the community resource center, there were still two things I didn’t part with: my wedding dress and shoes. It cracks me up that I’ve kept them so long because I don’t know one person who has worn their mom’s wedding dress. I wonder if we keep them because subconsciously we think it is bad luck to part with them. Maybe I’ll have a wedding dress party and then we’ll all have a reason to wear them one more time. Yeah, just like that 80’s party that didn’t happen. More likely, I’ll get the courage to open the protective bag and see if it’s in good enough shape to donate. Ah, the power of the past.
