Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Creature Comforts



With age I meld with my milieu, bond with household treasures: a certain drinking glass for instance.  And when I misplace it, forget where it sits, you’d think I’d lost the Holy Grail. 

And there’s the simple glass mug embossed with lotus flowers from which I’ve sipped for years – a cup that turns each morning into espresso bliss.   

The favorite fork that feels just right in my hand...  and comfy worn-out clothes…

Like the old bathrobe I had to discard last year when the zipper finally gave up the ghost.  When it first began to show signs of sluggishness in gliding smooth along its track, I’d feel a vague sense of dread and would stop the world and pray for the teeth to realign, to ease on up or down - like it had done for the past decade.

Then one day I forced myself out into the bitter cold to dump my beloved in the garbage can.  It felt like I was burying a pet…almost that distressing.   

So for Christmas last year my two daughters bought me another lavender bathrobe as close to the original as they could possibly find: a warm fuzzy with a zipper down the front.    

It all goes back to childhood and the comfort I felt with a certain bunny.   They tell me I dragged it around until it became shabby as the Velveteen Rabbit whose fur had been loved off.  So my mother had to go and buy me an identical pal for church, the old one kept for everyday cuddling. 

I meant to go one place with this and ended up reminiscing about my sweet bathrobe and went down a rabbit trail (pun), so I’ll have to continue next time in hopes of getting around to my main point: phobias.   Please stay tuned. 

What small comforts in life would you dread parting with most?

78 comments:

  1. Creature comforts, the worn dilapidated slippers I have. Guess I should have said bye bye years ago. Just can't get myself to toss 'em in the dust bin. Yes I know those feelings too, I have a blanket in the same shape as your robe, tattered and torn, I will probably have it forever; although it has passed it's usefulness. Nothing seems to cuddle me warm the way it does.

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  2. Jan, same here, I get attached to my old bedroom slippers, no matter how dilapidated they get. Parting with these is like saying goodbye to an old friend. I’m just not good at getting rid of things anyway…because you just never know when you’ll need them :)

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  3. I'm like this about certain things Debra - I have been since a young child. When I was four I (I'm 54 now) I had the cutest little rose coloured sunsuit with frills on that I loved. My mother moved the buttons at the top regularly until she could move them no more, at which point I cried desperately. I still remember the utter devastation I felt!

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  4. I still have a blanket that I had as a child. My kids used it for a spell and now it is so ratty and torn, but they will not let me toss it. For some reason that old thing is exactly what I want when I'm sick or just need a little familiarity with the past.

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  5. Elizabeth, I can see it now, that adorable rose-colored sun suit. And I can see your dear mother moving those buttons to keep up with your growth. Remembering this outfit just goes to show how attached you were... and oh, I can feel your sorrow when you could no longer fit into it :( Sweet and precious story!

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  6. Annie, that blanket sounds as perfect as my old bunny, and just as magical. Even your children know that some things aren’t meant to be thrown out with the trash, but kept close forever!

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  7. My best friends since I was young---I call them my 'holy papers'--- my NA Bible... Mr. Webster...my diaries. Then, that brown rosary I've had during the missions, the crucifix I brought from N. Africa and that terracota baby Jesus my friend gave me... Perhaps, I have too many Debra :P

    I remember that a friend used to tease me a lot while we lived in the dorm when I was younger. She'd borrow my dictionary and keep it for a day...then a week...and I'd really ask for it back. Perhaps it's more of the sentimental value I have with it rather than its use that makes it more precious to me.

    I love this post Debra...it makes me reflect... oh one day...one day I'll not be able to bring them with me when I die :P...I hope to see the real one!

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  8. Melissa, these sacred treasures of yours seem to be a part of you. Things you hold dear to your heart, things with meaning… not just stuff. And I can see the dictionary too, an essential for every lover of words and wordsmiths. No, you can’t take them with you when you die; you can just treasure them while you’re here.

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  9. Debra, I have a favorite mug that my husband gave me one Valentine's Day and the morning just isn't right if I don't drink my coffee from it. I also have a special pair of slippers (wearing them right now) with a hole in the right big toe area, but I won't part with them until the hole(s) won't let me "holed" on any longer!
    Thanks for this thoughtful and thought-provoking post!

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  10. Martha, I think I’m starting to connect the dots here, and have deduced that creative types favor old things like ‘holey’ slippers because they’re so busy writing or painting or generally being artistic that they don’t have time to go out and shop :) And so they get attached to whatever happens to be on hand. You think?

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  11. My husband still mourns the awful gray winter coat he had when we met in college. I bless his mom for throwing it away so I didn't have to do it! He has never had a coat to equal it.

    I'm awfully fond of my Birkenstocks, but I have a number of pairs, some of which are pretty cute, as Birks go. I still use the same mu mu pattern for nightgowns and summer tops that I used to make maternity tops for my first pregnancy. That baby is 34! LOL And the pattern is still comfortable, loose and cool and perfect for hot summer days. And then there is my super comfy bed and my five favorite pillows, each with a particular function. I'm seeing that comfort is the theme here. LOL

    Blessings,
    Orea
    http://orea-highervoice.blogspot.com/

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  12. I dreaded getting rid of the child cot that put my three babies to sleep until they were about 5 years old.

    Took me a long time to decide to dismantle it and say goodbye and then call the Salvation Army to see if they could take it. .. procrastination at every step.... I hope it's still in good use somewhere...

    Sometimes I don't realise I'm attached to it till I have to do something about it..
    Have a cheerful day.

    BM

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  13. I've had to give away far too much that I would have liked in the past in terms of the things that have brought me comfort. That's hardened me a bit from sentimentality, but there are still a few remnants left here and there that would sadden me if they got lost or thrown out. My coffee mug I've had for years now that I got one memorable morning at the Cape, 5 am the baby woke up, no coffee at our place. I went down to the gas station to get some and, toddler and baby in tow, sipped from my new mug (which promised free refills for the month if I came in to that same station) by the harbor watching the fishermen getting ready for the day. Even my daughter is sentimental about that mug, as she remembers the morning I bought it!

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  14. The only thing that I am attached to is my uggs sippers and boots. I wear them till death do us apart!

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  15. Orea - oh girl, comfort is the theme - my theme anyway, and it sounds like yours. I pictured you as a Birkenstock girl for some strange reason. Oh, I’ve had my share of those funky-looking shoes. The old Arizona’s first, those classics that shocked all my girlfriends the first time I put them on my feet some 30 years ago. I remember quite well a friend staring down and saying, “They are just so ugly.” And I recall thinking, “That was tacky, but honest at least.” Because they’re really not about chic or pretty. Just comfort and a certain bohemian style for those who walk in all things earthy, like you and me.

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  16. Being Me – I was that way about my baby girl’s clothing, all the cute adorable dresses and outfits she’d outgrown. And my middle girl’s crocheted blanket and booties. And my son’s Johnny jump-up and toys. In fact, I probably still have all those things in one of the sheds out back. There’s something sad about parting with your offspring’s childhood, no matter what object it may be, because there are so many happy memories attached.

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  17. @ Jessica – When I read your story about the wonderful blessed coffee mug from the Cape I said to myself, now there’s a woman after my own heart. One who’d walk the distance at 5 in the morning with infant and toddler in tow for a cup of coffee – that magic potion that has the power to wake you from the dead like nothing else :) And the free refills for a month...and sitting by the harbor watching the fisherman…omg, talk about heaven on earth!

    @ Savira – yep, you look like an Uggs kind of girl. I ordered a pair this past year for my Abi. And you’d have thought I bought her a Mercedes. She was SO happy to get her feet in those warm boots. I’m trying to think if I have any shoes or boots that could say “till death do us part” about. Let’s see… maybe my Florida Birkenstocks because they feel so sweet on my feet :)

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  18. I have each baby blanket my babies came home in..they stay tucked under my pillow at night despite the frays they have collected...As always...XOXOXO

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  19. Bonnie, how precious is this, keeping the baby blankets tucked under your pillow. Oh, so sweet! Bless you dear one. XOXOXOXOX

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  20. I understand your panic and distress. I am sentimental as well and it has led to clutter I can't part with and fits of tears and screams when something gets broke or lost. I have my kids baby blankets because they were my sister's and brother's. I have clothes I had as a teen because well how could I throw my Babe Ruth tee or my husband's Celtics shorts I swiped from him the second we started dating? I have my son's umblical cord and both their baby teeth. I might change my mind about cremation so I can be buried with it all. Or maybe just cremate me and place me and all those memories in my casket. lol Here's to new sentimental value for your robe...

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  21. Jenn, LOL! “… and it has led to clutter” would be a gross understatement for me : ) Fellow pack rat here. Old magazines I’ve saved because, well, I might want to read some of the fine articles again, and because they have some awesome material for future quotes. Old books I’ll never read again stuffed in every bookcase in the house. Even video and cassette tapes remain intact. My children’s drawings from decades ago that I don’t have the heart to discard. No girlfriend, don’t toss the Babe Ruth tee nor the Celtic shorts – God forbid! They might be valuable, you know.

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  22. I get attached to things too. They do give you a sense of comfort. I hang on dearly to old T shirts, torn and frayed but I love them. I also have the habit to hang on tit bits that have had a sentimental value. For me they are my treasures. Love coming here Debra


    http://rimlybezbaruah.blogspot.com/2011/07/hope-and-wait.html

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  23. I know the bathrobe comfort thing so well. I can totally empathize. Went off to Africa while Kay went to UK. My bag packed with lots of old clothes intended to leave with someone who needed them. I did so,with big warm jackets ( hey it can get cold there) pola fleece vests, warm shirts... and I was supposed to leave old underwear behind.
    My wife ironing last night remarked about all the threadbare undergear....
    Yeah, well couldn't part with the comfy stuff.

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  24. Rimly, about those tee shirts… there have been a few that I’ve totally worn out. Nothing feels better on the skin than a washed out tee. There’s one in particular that I doubt I’ll ever throw out. It’s one that my girls gave me once upon a time for mother’s day: royal blue with little mirrors and paintings of flowers in many colors and it says, “I love my mommy.” Do you think I’d EVER get rid of such a treasure? It now has a few holes here and there but I still wear it. Around the house : )

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  25. Jim, so who were the lucky recipients of the warm jackets, shirts, and fleece vests? Wait a minute… Kaye irons underwear? OMG! Who doesn’t love threadbare under gear? Like a second skin!

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  26. Lmaooo Deb girl we are obviously related. I was being very modest because I too keep magazines for recipes I might use and homeopathic treatments I will use when I can afford to buy them. Bookcases full and books everywhere you know we unschoolers keeps everything we find that can be used in teaching. LOL My shelves need shelves. I have boxes I haven't unpacked since we moved here 3 years ago because there is no more space and I refuse to get rid of happy memories. My husband is pack rat and a dumpster diver... usually it's from helping people move they don't want it so he naturally brings it to me. Tires in my living room because he wants to sell the rims and they are worth too much to be in the basement and get"ruined". I have stories, I will definitely write up a post and tell you all about our hoaders lifestyle. LOL Btw to answer you comment on my post...
    All of my past birthday’s Deb. That was all memory and because my bday is coming up I get a bit melancholy this time of year. I wanted to write something but, this one I felt needed to be shared first because maybe just maybe this bday won’t be the same. Here’s hoping. lol

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  27. If I tell u about what all I hold on to,u will think me to be crazy.I keep familiar things around to feel secure,and for the sake of memory too..and sometimes I hold on to somethings that used to be there, hoping it will come back, knowing it won't.
    Alpana

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  28. @ Jenn – I’m really looking forward to your upcoming post on hoarding. Of course I’ll join in the conversation and see who’s worse : ) If one of my neighbors were online and part of the blogging community she’d take the cake though. She does yard sales and collects everything, and her living room looks like an indoor version of Sanford and Son’s Salvage. She collects lamps, dolls, china, you name it, it’s all in her living room waiting to be resold (or hoarded). On birthdays… mine being on New Year’s Day and exactly one week after Christmas, people tend to overlook it. So I know, trust me. I do know someone who threw herself a huge party and invited everyone and his brother and friend. If we were that brazen we could always take that route :)

    @ Alpana – I wouldn’t think you’re crazy. Try me. You can’t be as eccentric as some I know, including myself. What things do you hold onto that were once there that you think will never come back? Write it down, you really should. It sounds like there may be sorrow over these memories. What do you hope will return?

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  29. Oh Debra, that is so sweet! I cannot part with books! It is the most difficult thing for me to give away.Don´t ask me why I just cannot part with my books :)

    Nelieta travel blog

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  30. Nelieta, I wonder just how many of those books we’ll re-read…there are a few that I wouldn’t even lend out for fear they’ll walk off (this has happened :( I’ve read Angela’s Ashes twice, Bird by Bird, and others – and will read certain books again and again.

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  31. Debra, I am a collector like you and many others who have commented here. A white clutch purse, a gift from my best friend, is my most treasured thing, and it holds many gems from my past. My baby's pillow is still in my trunk along with both my children's baby blankets.I have a letter from my dad, which he had written when I had passed out of high school. It remains in the white purse along with my lucky stone which I'd picked up from the beach long ago.

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  32. Sulekkha - that white clutch purse from your best friend must be a real treasure to you, and all the gems it holds: the lucky stone and the letter from your father – which is surely dear to your heart. Along with the trunk that safe keeps your baby’s pillow and children’s blankets. The lucky stone reminds me of my own little wooden treasure box, a gift from a friend from Poland, which holds my lucky stones, one of which was hand painted by another friend.

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  33. I am still completely bummed out by the loss of my James Bond memorabilia collection of 40 years. Shallow, sure, but I am scarred, and it's been 7 years.

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  34. It would be my favorite books. I've been collecting them since my teens, so it's quite a few. Every so often when I'm in need a reliable feel good read, I can revisit a much loved tale. The characters in my keepers are like old friends. Everytime we move house, they're very lovingly and carefully transported to their new home. I'll have them to I die I expect. :-)

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  35. Humor Smith – Anyone would be bummed out by the loss of their James Bond collection of memorabilia – omg, what happened? How did it all get lost? My deepest condolences :(

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  36. Linny – Of course the characters in books are like friends. I have a rule about some of my books, though not all. I loved Alias Grace (have you read this one by Margaret Atwood?) and a ‘friend’ borrowed it and never returned it. I felt betrayed :( So. I learned my lesson. There are certain books that STAY on the shelf until such a time as I go back to re-read them. A few favorites are: Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird; Frank McCourt’s Angela’s Ashes; and Stephen King’s On Writing… and few others I’d say of “till death do us part.”

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  37. I think it's so funny that you started out talking about phobias and ended up talking about "lovies" -- haha! I have a rock I picked up on a walk in the woods while visiting my beloved New England over a decade ago. Its size & form fits perfectly in the palm of my hand and I used it as an anchor when I was hypnotized to quit smoking. I love to just sit and hold it and I can't imagine losing it

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  38. Linda, the truth is, I meant to talk about phobias, and did in fact begin my original post that way, but ended up having to divide into 2 (possibly 3) parts because I noticed it growing lengthier than I’d intended. Stream of consciousness writing will take you where it wants you to go with or without your consent :) Oh well. About the lucky rock…it must be a magic stone. I need one of those.

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  39. I am not attached to things (other than my music) rather I am attached to places and people. Places are easier for me to part with because I can always return, and I do. As for people, kill me now. I fall so easily and am crushed as quickly, when I lose someone. Sadly this is the way of the world. There are people who are in our lives for the long haul, some only for a season or two, others only the encounter. If I’ve given any part of my heart and lose that person there are always tears. I’ve made choices over the years to let people go because sometimes you just have to, and other times, time and distance has separated me from someone I cared for. The worst of course is being left by someone and never knowing why.. sniff sniff. I have noticed that as I have grown in my life (age or maturity) I am more cautious about giving pieces of my heart away, but as you know we are not always in control of our flights of fancy.

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  40. Debra, I haven't read Alias Grace, but reading the reviews, I would say that it is darker and more serious than my preferred reading. I go to books for a dose of feel good chemicals, so largely I read romances. ;-) But I have always made it a rule that all my favorites never leave the house. And Stephen King's On Writing! I love, love, love this book. I've been wanting to write a review on it for a while now. I often flip through the book and just read a random page. His words are always in my head when I write, or when I don't and I should be!

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  41. Brenda, “As for people, kill me now.” *smile* Do you ever divide relationships into categories such as ‘meant to be’ or ‘inordinate affection’ or ‘take it or leave it, or ‘simply divine?’ Sublimation is handy for those times when the heart is in overdrive. Because something has to give when the attachment to a person is bordering obsession. Not that this is the case with you – not at all. I’m just say’n. So back to sublimation...I see that your writing is packed with pathos and humor and all the qualities of love
    (often with an ‘E’, both lost and found. I know – believe me I know.

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  42. Linny, is your novel, by chance, a romance? This is the genre of feel good chemicals, yes it is. And the most likely to get published, or so I’ve heard by someone who’s in the know. Now to Stephen King’s On Writing. When are you going to write that review? When you do, let me know. I hope it’ll be a forthcoming blog post because I’ll be the first to jump into the discussion. Love, love, love that book too. In fact, I can’t imagine anyone NOT liking it.

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  43. What a sweet and evocative post! :D

    I'm going to now pause and take this moment to remember my dearly departed coffee mug...

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  44. Samantha, I’ll take a moment of silence with you… *pause*

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  45. Debra I hear you loud and clear. I have clothes and shoes that were likes a decade old and still wear them with utmost pride. The loss of any one such item is a phenomenal loss indeed. So yes I am so going to stay tuned : )

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  46. My favorite things are baskets, bags, and cups...everything I collect has a memory attached, and using a favorite cup in the morning can set my mind off on a memory trip and set the mood for my day...

    I was so inspired by thoughts from this post I used it for my blog today...thanks for such a wonderful prompt!
    ~cath xo
    Twitter @jonesbabie

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  47. Debra, if you keep having a "?" in your responses, then I'm going to keep spamming your page. lol. But yes, it's a "paranormal" romance. As a lifelong die-hard fan of all romance genres, I'm not surprised that they are popular with publishers. Easy explanation: us readers are insatiable. As for review, maybe in a few weeks, but I'd definitely love your thoughts on it. I've been on procrastination overdrive lately after my initial victory. :-)

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  48. This is the first entry of yours I've had the privilege of reading (thanks to Cathy Jones Tittle/ Cath). All I can say is that your words move me. There is a serenity and wisdom about them that comfort me. I am looking forward to reading more. Thank you!

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  49. @ Kriti – old clothes are best. I have a dress over a decade old that is still one of my favorites. It’s long and flow-y and cool and comfy so why get rid of it? I wear it so much that it almost seems like a uniform. And in fact my students probably think it is: )

    @ Cath – oh yes girl! I collect those things that have memories attached. The bad thing for me is that I have so many special memories that I hardly ever purge my house of junk, and every nook and cranny is filled with memorabilia. I’ll be over to your writing house later today. Looking forward…

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  50. @ Linny – By no means are you spamming my blog :) On the contrary I feel like I’ve made a new BFF (blog friend forever) who is also about to hit the jackpot with her new paranormal romance – oh happy day! And I enjoy those milestones and celebrating with you, holding up my glass and saying “cheers!”

    @ Joy – thank you for stopping by and introducing yourself. I appreciate your kind words of encouragement SO much! What a pleasure to meet you, and I’m looking forward to swinging by your place too in just a bit, now that I know where to find you. Welcome to mine!

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  51. It's been beyond difficult discarding items related to Erin in any aspect, I have bandannas, collars and vet records from her days as a puppy and items to our last moments together.. Maybe I'm over sentimental but these items were part of our life together and I'm not ready to let go. That said tonight is the last evening on a used bed we shared for an eternity and ironically my latest blog post touches upon the very subject. Take care!!


    http://erinsdomain.blogspot.com

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  52. David, you are not overly sentimental. You and Erin shared your lives together, all those meaningful moments at parks, church, travels...so it’s little wonder that you’d want to hold onto those memories in a concrete way. I’ll be over to read your recent post later today when I get a chance. Wishing you a blessed weekend.

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  53. Beautiful imagery here, Debra! I can totally empathize - both with the bathrobe and the rabbit.

    I've had my own similar "creature comforts" that I just couldn't seem to let go of for years. It was my teddy bear, my grandfather's sweater that I inherited after his death (but never wore), the blanket my mother gave me when I left for university. But I would say my biggest comfort - the most difficult to let go of, was my long, long hair that reached past my behind. It was that length for over 12 years, and when I finally decided it was time to go, so did my desire to hold on to so many other things.

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  54. Kristen, I wonder what inspired you to cut your long hair…and if you cut it short then as a drastic measure, or gradually kept trimming it. On attachment and nonattachment… I often ponder these thoughts, having learned somewhere along the way that being willing to let go of anything is a huge spiritual milestone, which this verse by William Blake expresses so beautifully.

    He who binds himself to a joy doth the winged life destroy
    but he who kisses the joy as it flies lives in eternity’s sunrise.

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  55. Creature Comforts?
    Forgive me for repetition. The Creature Comfort I'd be most devastated to lose is time spent w/my best friend. Any time I spend w/her is a blessing.

    My books and my camera I'd be pretty distressed to lose too. I know my creature comforts might be outside the norm but they are still EXTREMELY important to me, no less important then your favorite robe or your stuffed rabbit, Debra.

    Thanks for reminding us of the important things in our lives.

    Blessings.
    --
    Chris

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  56. Debra...comfort and familiarity are such a big part of our sense of peace. All is right with the world when we are curled up in our favourite robe, comfy slippers and favourite mug filled with our preferred coffee blend. I think that is the key...all is right with our world. Then you take one of those faithful items and have to retire it...and whoosh...topsy turvey world. I am sure we all relate. I would dread parting with my moments of quiet in the day...before the world gets too noisy. I love to crawl back into bed in the morning, with yes, my favourite mug and coffee blend...and quietly welcome the day. Love your post..it feels like Bliss...

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  57. Chris, a live creature! Of course you’d be devastated to lose your best live friend :)
    And the books and the camera, they talk in their own way. Books can even sing – some can anyway. That camera is the ‘apple of your eye’as evident in your fine photography.
    ~ Many blessings in your work and in your live.

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  58. Raven myth, I couldn’t begin to include all of my comforts here in a single post, but I’m with you: I’d dread parting with my quiet moments because these are what keep me sane and what maintain equipoise, which brings about clarity and decisive insight. All does seem right with the world when the smallest comforts bring us joy and peace. And gratitude for the little things is key to a life well lived.

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  59. I tend to keep little things from different times or journeys of my life. Like the clothes that I brought my children home from the hospital in (all 5) and don't let me forget my granddaughter's first crib shoes... and there is a bulletin board that every once in a while I catch myself hanging something on it. Little things like one of those cute little gift bags, or a card, ticket stub. I realized the other day everything hung on it meant something to me. It's my treasure board, I also have a box and... I won't say more I am sure you get the picture. I have also been known to hang on to things thinking that the it will lead someone lost back into my life..

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  60. I love this post - we all have our lavender robe or some such comfort. Mine is a pink robe that unfortunately has holes in the sleeves. I know it's days are numbered. It was given to me by someone special so, while I can get a new one, it won't be "the one". But I have a great imagination so I'm going to pretend it's the original. :D

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  61. I have read your post and all the comments. I too have those things I would not want to part with. My wife was going though her stuff that is stored in her sewing room boxes of nick-naks and memorably, pictures, and thing all have memories as I was reading. My wife as you may know has Alzheimer’s, a picture of or kids 12X14 of when they were little, she ask me if they were our kids. The things can go bye-bye and I won’t cry but the memories I do.

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  62. Just realized that I hadn't commented, Debra. Silly old me!! The only things I'm very possessive about are my books and there's loads of them. I shared with someone earlier that since my Dad was in the Army and we moved every two years, so we learnt early not to get too attached to places and things... Not sure if that's good or bad? :)

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  63. Deb, I have a bulletin board that needs cleaning off, as it holds stuff like coupons that have most likely expired; a graduation invitation that has long since passed; a baby shower invitation, etc… and then there are drawers that contain old birthday cards from special people (and who can toss these)? Oh, and gift bags that can be recycled forever because I tend to ask for the back when I pass them along :)

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  64. Mari – that pink bathrobe may last forever; what are a few holes in the sleeves? If there’s no zipper down the front that can break, you’re in luck. Getting a new pink robe would be like me buying a new car when my ’96 Cherokee Jeep still runs just fine :)

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  65. Roy – No, I didn’t know your wife has Alzheimer’s. How are you coping with this? I know you’re a man of faith, and I’m sure this helps you through. I see a good poem in the story of the picture of your children when they were small, and your wife asking if they were your kids.

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  66. Corinne – I can’t imagine how on earth you could have possibly forgotten to comment. Why, you’re only writing your own posts DAILY with the blog challenge. Shame on you for being so slack :) Just kidding; you are doing a remarkable job and I’m amazed that you can keep up with anyone else’s posts. I can see why you don’t get attached to things, having moved around every two years. I think it’s a good think that you don’t. Me, I’m facing an elephant!

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  67. Ummm! I have so many. My eye glasses that I only wear in the morning and evening. A tea cup, my bathrobe. The list goes on and on. Well! this was great to think about!!

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  68. Oh, the little things... I get attached too easily to some things, and other don't matter at all.

    A few months ago, I came home and couldn't find my favorite tea mug. There were several good things about it: it was heavy (I don't like lightweight cups), it had a red handle and rim (I love red color), and it was big (small mugs are a useless waste of time since I love tea).

    Then I found out that it fell down, chipped slightly, and thrown out into the garbage.

    I was FURIOUS!!! Then, I took out my old mug from the childhood days, and realized that actually, that old teddy bear mug was the perfect one for me.

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  69. Sea, oh yeah, the eyeglasses are essential. But I couldn’t call them a creature comfort exactly because if I had the choice I’d go glassless. But now the tea cup is special, the bathrobe seems luxurious, and the A/C seems like heaven after it went on the blink during a heat wave recently :(

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  70. Zee, mugs are easy to get attached to since they offer so much pleasure. While away on vacation one year I didn’t feel good about having left my glass cup behind. But I looked in the cottage cabinet and pulled one from the shelf that said, “Seize the Day.” I took it as a Divine message. God telling me to go into the ocean and jump the waves like a kid. I don’t go in the ocean for many reasons, but that day I paid attention and joined my daughter and husband. That mug and God sent me out on an adventure. You just never know what messenger God will use. This may be a future post. Long enough, aye?

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  71. It is strange to think about the things we hold on to. Things that maybe our children won't care about they way we do. Sometimes, I think I am to sentimental with things. As I get older I try to go through the memories and get rid of the things that my children are not interested in. It is hard. I keep hoping someday they will become important to them. As I look through these things I can't seen to part with them. I guess that my children will have to when I am gone.

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  72. Debi, when I go through old art the kids drew when they were little, birthday and Mother’s Day cards, jewelry they’ve made,etc., I know I don’t have the heart to part with these memories. So, like you, I’ll just leave them all behind me. And then the kids can decide what is worth keeping.

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  73. I wear bunny slippers at age 49. . .am I holding on to something? lol :)
    It keeps me young at heart, right? :)

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  74. Kristin, you're never too old to wear bunny slippers :) Whatever keeps you young at heart!

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  75. A good pillow. When I went to China in 2000, I carted my favorite pillow along with me. The customs officers at the Beijing airport had a good laugh about it, which is preferable to detainment in a Chinese jail for trafficking in, what, middle-aged capitalist dreams?!

    While the Dervish Dances - http://cathykozak.com

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  76. Cathy, it’s amazing how your comments contain such fascinating and vivid stories. Your memories show that you’ve lived an adventurous life. Who’d want to go anywhere without their favorite pillow?

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  77. I get to play with you TWICE today, darling girl! I loved this article. "It felt like I was burying a pet...it was that stressful." Oh my, I can relate! When I moved out of my Mom's house to get my first apartment, I did a lot of throwing away of childhood stuff. A few things, I just could not part with. Okay, a LOT of things. I'm a packrat, I admit it! But my stuffed animals? I just couldn't make myself do it. They were lovingly packed into a plastic bin with mothballs to keep them from being decimated by any nasty critters, and stored in a storage shed. They're still out there, waiting for me to bring them home. I think I may do that soon. They may come out to play, or they may hide in a closet, but I won't ever throw them away. Comfort memories and objects of this nature are part of our Soul, I feel. Lovely post, Debra! <3

    Dawn

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  78. Dawn, this is precious, saving those stuffed animals! I have a teddy bear (called a prayer bear) that has its paws held together with some invisible inner magnet. When my mother was in a hospice home I found it in her room. Then, when my mother died I brought the bear home with me. My oldest daughter wanted it and I refused to give it up. It remains in my room still, and when life feels overwhelming I bring it to bed with me. You’re so right: objects like these seem to be part of our soul in their ability to comfort.

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