Keepsakes + Family Heirlooms

The first question in my book was centered around keepsakes and family heirlooms and I find it pretty funny. Anyone who knows me well knows I don't like to save a lot of stuff, and I enjoy purging more than collecting. I have been known to say, "If I can't wear it or eat it I don't need it." To date I have lived in the same house for 38 years. It could be filled with a ton of extra stuff but I'm pretty much a minimalist and can't handle a lot of extra stuff. I have several bins of photos though, and that stresses me out. 

 I think previous generations cared more about keepsakes than mine and I'm pretty sure it's because they have lived through a Depression and they really know the value of a dollar. My dad collected elephants and my mom gave me a fancy cream and sugar (another story!) that she loved more than me. Now that they are gone, I like them a little more but don't tell anyone... I don't hold them near to my heart. I love that they loved them though. 

 I have decided that at 62 years old, I only want to be surrounded by things that bring me Joy. I remember several years ago challenging myself to not buy any clothing for a solid year. I kept my promise to myself and only broke it once and it was worth it. I had to go to my daughter Meghan's surprise 30th birthday party hosted by my ex-husband and his wife. Trust me when I say that I had to look and feel my best that day. I bought a jumpsuit that I wore several different ways. But all in all I enjoyed the challenge and found it pretty easy. 

 If I really think about family heirlooms, I'm hoping my gold bracelet turns into one and gets passed down to Meghan and I'm hoping John will want a diamond for someone special one day. But again, these are just "things." I read this question the other day and tried hard thinking about something that really means a lot to me. I love the baby ring with Meghan's initials on it and I love John's Hustle Award that he received at basketball camp. I think they might have both already taken them and they aren't even mine anyway. Ha! If the house was on fire I would try my hardest to get my first Bible with all of my notes in it. The binding is shattered and it is held together by some Michigan State tape.