The Weariness of Stuff

Every increased possession loads us with new weariness.

John Ruskin (1819-1900)

I've been going through stuff these days -- too much stuff -- so when I read the Ruskin quote I thought exactly. I have felt exactly that -- weary -- of late, and beyond the usual sources of fatigue, I imagine the clutter of books I've read and clothes I've not worn and too many knickknacks and the stacks of papers are weighing me down. I've fantasized with a friend about getting rid of everything, piling the kids into a retro-fitted Air-stream trailer and taking off to see the country.

Reader, are you in?

The State of My Affairs

I've always been good at crossword puzzles and fitting lots of stuff, neatly, into small spaces. I'm not so good at weeding out, getting rid, dusting, etc. That's what I've done today.

The only trouble is that, for the life of me, I can't figure out how to put it all back again.

I'll post the final results, but I'm a bit worried that I'll have a place to sleep tonight.