Joan Walsh Anglund Planters: The Destiny of Things Story LXIII

Joan Walsh Anglund Childhood Planters:  The Destiny of Things Story LXIII

Remember her books?  Timeless and enjoyed by children and adults from the 60s to the present!  My books are lost in my hoard somewhere, but I found the planters that I've had since childhood!

They were ordered by a Joan Walsh Anglund fan and she left me a story!

Note from Buyer

Hello,
these are adorable...growing up in the 70's I was a huge fan of Joan Walsh Anglund :)
Will give one to my mother for Mother's Day & may keep the other 2 for myself... I am picturing miniature African violets in them :)

Thank you Mitzik of Whimsies and Beasties for the memories from letting these go!  See her creative diverse work at her etsy shop here!

I loved everything Joan Walsh Anglund, except dolls, so I never had one of her pocket dolls, but I had her flower pots and many books instead! I can't remember who gave them to me as a child, but do remember growing purple Lobelia flowers in the them--much easier than African Violets.  They were also one of my favorite flowers to press and make cards with.

I loved to rearrange my room and often moved these planters around, usually from my dresser to my wall of shelving.  I also kept plants in an antique hot pot which is from a neighbor who told me she brought them to California when she was a child in a covered wagon from Tennessee.  It's still available here.

Note to self:  Find her tea set in my hoard too and JAW books.

On a weekly basis I would go to our backyard and pick flowers too and displayed them in old clay single serving teapots my Grandmother had saved as souvenirs from her train journeys in Japan.  I used to spend long enjoyable hours arranging my dresser and room!

Saying Good-bye:  A momentary slight tinge of conflict to let go, only because when it comes to things from my childhood, I know I can never get them back, but I have plenty from my childhood and if I keep them all their will be no room for the music art room that still looks like this!

Instead of the conflicted feelings growing into panic and seller's remorse, I asked myself will I remember this in six months?  Most likely not.  When was the last time I used these?  Over 40 years ago!  Are they bringing me closer or further away from my dream?  Further away... and off they went---straight into it's packaging box ready to ship the next day!

I am staying focused and thankful that three of my items are going to two new lives and two new homes and bringing me closer to my dream of a Minimalist Organic home with a music art room, rather than unused hoard storage, even if it is from my childhood!

I imagine them in their beautiful new homes being used everyday with their new lives holding African violets, just like my Mom and Grandmother grew on their bathroom counters and kitchen windowsills!

What I Learned:

1.  I've been a tiny bit suspicious towards my new feelings towards my hoarded items and letting them go so easily and painlessly, but it has been put to test!  Too bad during the night, everyone slept miserably due to getting sick with the head cold going around!

During the morning health concerns and  flurry, the Joan Walsh Anglund package was left behind... was I was too sick to lament over it or has all the practice of letting go paid off so my dreams can come true?  Only time will tell....

2.  New news about JAW!  She is working on several new projects and her website periodically offers her original art for sale.  She lives in rural New England.  Official website here.

3.  Old News:  JAW has written and illustrated over 95 books over the past 50 years, mostly for children and the young at heart.  Born Joan Marie Walsh on January 3, 1925,  and has lived in Hinsdale, IL and Redding, CT.  Joan Walsh Anglund was educated at the American Academy of Art and the Chicago Art Institute.

Her first  published book was "A Friend is Someone Who Likes You," in 1958.  Her most recent book is "Faith is a Flower" published in 2006.  In the past, she has found inspiration from her children, Joy and Todd.


4.  Those of you who are fans are in good company, other fans, include:  Eleanor Roosevelt, Queen Elizabeth, Cary Grant, Jackie Onassis, the Emperor of Japan, Elizabeth Taylor and many more! See the complete list here with a photo of JAW and  the rest of her bio!

Info. from ktrapp of hubpages and children's literature network.




Thank you Mitzi for sharing your story with me and giving item #228 of my hoarder history two new lives and two new homes!  Also, thank you for my first Mother's Day story!  I hope your Mom enjoys the JAW planter with African Violets on May 12.  The classic bathroom and kitchen flower of choice back in the 70s!  I love your double nostalgic classic gift!

Again, I'd love to be a fly on the wall when she receives this for Mother's Day!  Any kind of update is welcome!

See her etsy shop,  Mitzik of  Whimsies and Beasties.  She makes a little bit of a lot, like polymer clay sculptures, altered art, jewelry, pin cushions, felted figurines, my favorite are her dog toys and more!

Thank you etsy for the best outlet for me as a recovering hoarder!  I am so thankful that I am not only dispersing my hoard, but meeting new people who are helping me along my Hoarder Rehab adventures bringing me closer to a life unknown without hoarding!

Thank you US, UK, Germany, Singapore, Canada, France, Netherlands and Russia for taking part in my Hoarder Rehab:  The Destiny of Things!


What memories do Joan Walsh Anglund bring to you?


Other Stories from my childhood items:

1.  Copper Souvenir Bracelets from Chile:  went to a collector who grew up in a copper town from Chile!

2.  Mid Century Modern Miniature TV:  just like the real one my Grandmother had in her living room!

3.  Miniature Wooden Train Set:  When letting go was difficult and I would buy another childhood item to replace it, which made my heart feel better and reduce stress, but my mind knew it was a viscous cycle!

Stories Shared from Other People's Childhoods:

1.  Baton Twirling Book:  a Mother who taught her daughter to baton twirl as soon as she could hold one!

2.  Mr. Happy Plush Toy:  two brother with their Mr. Happy collection from 7 years old!

3.  70s Precious Moment's Figurine:  Still Best Friends from childhood!

4.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Figurine:  Siblings from the 80s

5.  Mosler Toy Bank Vault:  New memories for a son's Hugo-esque birthday!

6.  Turquoise Sandcast Bracelet:  childhood trip to a cousin's with twin souvenir bracelets

7.  Polaroid Cameras:  a sister passing down antiquity and childhood to baby brother and cousins

8.  US Puzzle Maps:  A grandmother passing down her memories of childhood to her grandchildren

9.  Freddy the Frog Puppet:  childhood memories of a favorite toy and reconnecting with Dad

10.  "Happy Birthday" Heller Hostess Ware:  making memories for God children.

11.  Waechtersbach Red "You Are Special" Plate:  my first collected story of a Granddaughter and Grandmother's special memories!

Harley-Davidson 95th Anniversary Leather Backpack: The Destiny of Things Story LXII

Harley-Davidson 95th Anniversary Leather Backpack: The Destiny of Things Story LXII

Over 225 items of my Hoarder History have gone to new lives and new homes, so my goal of a Minimalist Organic home with a music art room can become a reality!  Here is a story from item #223:

Hoarder History:  Like the Baton Twirling Book this sold in less than one day, but on ebay because it's from 1998, not quite 20 years to be considered vintage for etsy.

This was another gift that I rarely used.  I used it a couple of times as a weekend travel bag for trips to the Wynn and Bellagio in Las Vegas.

It's the best weekend travel bag with everything I like:  padded shoulder straps, top hand carry strap, double zippers, large zippered inside pocket in the main compartment, large front storage pocket with lots of extra pockets inside, supple leather that stays clean.  When it was fully packed, it was a good workout for me too!

Here's the story I received:

I love the Harley bag and your note. You sound like my 20 year old free spirited, artistic son in Savannah that says he has "too many possessions." You can have nice things as long as they don't make up who you are on the inside. And that you don't look down upon anyone. "God doesn't make junk" and we all have value. You are a diamond in the rough indeed. I think I will give the bag to my 17 year old son as a carry on to travel and see his brother. I like your Karma, perspective and spirit. Enjoy the journey.....

How sweet and encouraging it was to get that email!  Thank you!

 

Saying Good-bye:   I didn't bat an eye, easy as pie, piece of cake, no water under the bridge!

I can say that now, but at one time I let these things cling to me like extra appendages that I loved to love but just got in the way and cutting them loose was almost impossible!  I am so grateful I'm over that!

What I Learned:

1. Practice makes all the difference in the world!  Letting go of over 200+ hoarded history must have been just what I needed to do until it got easier!  Thanks to Etsy, VintageToGoetsy, Hoarder Rehab and The Destiny of Things for all the practice!

2.  I wonder if it will continue to be this easy under a lot of stress and insomnia.....only time will tell.  I am so thankful right now, it seems natural to let go of things I don't need rather than clinging on to them for dear life for some unknown reasons, forgotten memories, worries and/or dreams.

Thank you little colorado for sharing your story with me and sending me encouragement!  I'm so happy to know the Harley backpack has a new life and home with your son and he will use the backpack on his way to visit his brother!

Thank you ebay for a short and sweet sale that came from someone kind enough to help me as a recovering hoarder!

Thank you Germany, US, Russia, Australia, China, France, Italy, Malaysia and Mexico for your company today as adventure on with Hoarder Rehab:  The Destiny of Things!

How Far I Have Come:

1.  Freddie the Frog:  Back in early Dec. 2012, I had to do some retail shopping to get over this one!

2.  Paying Attention to Falling Stars:  Around the same time as Freddie the Frog, I was really messed up with letting go of my hoard and had insomnia.  Karen Ann Glick's banner helped me through it!

3.  Vernonware to Museum:  This "wow"story inspired me around the same time I was falling apart, it's from Bill Stern, a collector who turned his love into the Museum of California Design.

4.  Autry Museum:  Then I went to see an exhibit curated by Bill Stern and kind of lost it again thinking of all the past hoard I got rid off!  But became grateful that I actually didn't have it anymore, otherwise I'd be dehoarding on etsy forever!

I am so thankful I am more balanced with less hoard and it's not such a jolting up and down drama attack filled roller coaster adventure!

 

UPDATE: Alphabet Bracelet in the Classroom: The Destiny of Things, Story LVII, part 2

UPDATE: Alphabet Bracelet in the Classroom! The Destiny of Things, Story LVII, part 2

I'm happy to have let go of my favorite teacher bracelet to another teacher!  Here is the talented dedicated teacher, Joanne wearing my, her, our alphabet bracelet:

I am so happy to see she's happy wearing her bracelet!  And she said her students love it too!

The alphabet bracelet has it's new life and home with a teacher at a school in a classroom teaching manuscript upper case letters to students!  Kudos to all teachers who juggle, balance and cross boundaries into several disciplines and make teaching look so easy!

Close up of alphabet bracelet:

When we were negotiating about price, Joanne mentioned she was teaching her class upper case penmanship, so part of the deal was a photo of the capital letter alphabet bracelet in the classroom during the lesson and here it is!

Remember wearing one of your Dad's shirts as an artist apron?  Remember your penmanship lessons?  Remember crayon resist painting with water colors? 

Here is this beautiful lesson---planned, organized and achieved by a very happy teacher with a very good student displaying mastery penmanship and color sense!  What a fun way to practice!

Joanne, I can't thank you enough for the update!  I love it!  Thank you for not only going over and beyond in the classroom, but for a recovering hoarder! Round of applause to you and your students too!

Thank you Etsy for another connection with someone who took the time to share their story and give a photo update!  Also thank you for the shops, VintageToGoetsy, Hoarder Rehab, and The Destiny of Things that bring me closer to my dream of a Minimalist Organic home with a music art room rather than unused hoard storage!

Thank you readers from US, Norway, UK, Canada, Germany, Greece, Malaysia and Singapore for taking part in my Hoarder Rehab:  The Destiny of Things!


Read Part 1 to this story:
1.  Teacher Alphabet Bracelet: The Destiny of Things, Story LVII

Other Updated Stories:

1.  UPDATE: Mr. Happy with His Brothers in His New Home! The Destiny of Things, Story LIV, part 2, 
see my Mr. Happy with his three brothers in his new home!

2.  Update:  Close Call with Anniversary Love Dice:  Surprise gift in the wrong hands!  Funny!

3.  Toothy Tooth Locket Keeper:  Update with Attached original story of Mother who went all out for her daughters reading fair

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Story: The Destiny of Things, Story LXI

Happy Saint Patrick's Day Story:  The Destiny of Things, Story LXI

An email story just in time for Saint Patrick's Day!  My vintage sterling silver Creed St. Patty's religious medal with Holy Trinity shamrock!

Dear Kennedy,

I'll be using the St. Patrick's medal as an addition to an Irish themed Rosary.

Sincerely,

Tom

Saying Good-bye:  Nothing to it, but I'm happy to know that someone took the time to let me know it's new life is on an Irish themed Rosary.  I'm curious and I'd love to take a peek at his Irish themed Rosary!  I've never seen an Irish themed one.  Anyone out there care to share their Irish themed Rosaries?  or any other type of themed rosary?

What I Learned:

Saint Patrick is another very interesting Saint!  For instance, did you know that there are two surviving letter from him dating from the early 4th century and he is one of the first to write for the abolition of slavery.

1. Although he lived most of his life in Ireland, he was not born Irish, but rather Roman born in Scotland, but his family lived on the coast of UK in charge of colonists. There are two authentic surviving letters from him which tell about his life in general.

2. At 14-16 years old, he was captured with thousands of others and brought to Ireland and sold as a slave. Patrick worked as a herdsman, remaining a captive for six years. He writes that his faith grew in captivity, and that he prayed daily.  

After six years he heard a voice telling him that he would soon go home, and then that his ship was ready. Fleeing his master, he traveled to a port, two hundred miles away,^[29] where he found a ship and, after various adventures, returned home to his family, now in his early twenties he became a clergy man and went back to Ireland as a bishop missionary.

3. His sanctuary was a barn from his first convert, Dichu, in his later years his retreat where eventually a monastery and church were built and where he died on March 17 the year of 461.

4. He was not one of the first missionaries to Ireland, but one of the earliest writers to advocate the abolition of slavery.

5. He is legendary for three things, abolishing snakes from Ireland, which was the figurative snakes of the Druid pagan religion. His ash wood staff, like the one in the pendant grew into a live tree. Lastly, he used the abundant shamrock as a teaching as an example of the Holy Trinity.

6. Patrick had many disciples, among them Beningnus, Auxilius, Iserninus, and Fiaac, all later canonized as well.

7. One of the most popular Saints, beside Saint Nicholas and St. Valentine, his death is celebrated on March 17, on that day everyone is Irish!

Info. from Catholic On Line, Christian Classics Ethereal Library and wikipedia

Thank you Tom for your email and sharing your story!  It's perfect for celebrating Saint Patrick's Day!

Thank you etsy for an outlet for my hoard and for all the connections I've made from etsyians who have shared their stories to help me as a recovering hoarder!

Thank you those from the US, Brazil, Australia, Germany, UK and Poland for your visits and taking part in my Hoarder Rehab:  The Destiny of Things!

Other Saint Religious Medal Stories:

1.  Pocket Rosary for Miraculous Medal:  The Destiny of Things, Story LI 

2.  A Mighty Circular Destiny as Infinity Story:  The Destiny of Things XLIII:  Saint Christopher medal

3.  Rear View Mirror Religious Medal:  The Destiny of Things, Story XXXVIII:

4.  Hans Vilhelm Hansen's Version of  St. Laboure's Miraculous Medal:  The Destiny of Things, Story XXXVI  

5.  Intentions for B. Maugerite Bourgeyeos Beatification Charm:  The Destiny of Things, Story XXVI 

6.  Mortician Religious Medals: The Destiny of Things, Story XXIII:  Notre Dame Lourdes Medals

Baton Twirling Book-Perfect Birthday Gift: The Destiny of Things, Story LX

Baton Twirling Book-Perfect Birthday Gift:  The Destiny of Things, Story LX

Another surprise, two items sold in less than one day listed and one of them brought an amazing story!

I was so happy to read this email:

Hello, Kennedy!

It's really great that you're making an effort to not keep too much stuff in your life. Kudos to you! The reason I bought this booklet is because my mom was a majorette in high school in the mid-60's and her uniform looked exactly like the one on the cover of the book. She even bought me a tiny baton when I was born, and we used to "twirl" in the back yard together when I was old enough to try it out. Basically, I came across it totally randomly on Etsy, and I said "Mom would get a huge kick out of this!" so I bought it for her birthday. Maybe we will bust out the batons again for old time's sake;)

Cheers,
Lisa

All that from a "Baton Twirling" book and more!  This note just left me so curious!

I wanted to see her Mom's matching uniform majorette photo!  I wanted to see a pic of Lisa as a child twirling her baby baton with her Mom.  I wanted to know if she still had the tiny baby baton!  I wanted to watch old movies of them twirling together in the backyard! 

I want to be the fly on the wall when her Mom opens this book on her birthday and  I want to be a fly in their backyard when they bust out the batons and kick up their baton twirling heels once again after opening the book and having some cake and ice-cream!

That little story brought me such joy and imagination knowing that in some small ways I've helped create some new happy memories as old ones get revisted!  Thank you Lisa and Happy Birthday to your Mom!

 

Saying Good-bye:  None at all, this was pure pleasure to send off to it's new surprise birthday life and new baton twirling home!  It surely wasn't doing any of that in mine!

What I Learned:

1.  I'm learning with great joy what nostalgic memories my items are bringing to others and helping them to make new ones, as they are doing the same for me along with dehoarding my home.

2.  Letting go of my hoard is getting easier and easier and in it's place is coming an unknown life.  I wonder what a life without hoarding will be like, feel like and hold for me. 

3.  Dehoarding has already brought me so much --- these stories, connections, old and new tools to help me cope, peeks into other hoarder lives and non hoarder lives.  It's helped me to realize what I put in my hoarded items--- memories, dreams and worries... .There's so many more... I think I'll go have some quiet time and count my lucky stars!

Thank you Lisa for taking the time to share your happy amazing story about you and your Mom with me.  I feel like in my own small way I get to wish her a Happy Birthday with you!  I wish I could see her face when she opens it!  The most favorite part of gift giving to me!  And I do hope you two bust out the batons for old time's sake on her birthday!

Thank you etsy for not only helping me disperse my hoard as I learn to let go of it more and more easily, but for all the wonderful connections, stories, encouraging words and support I receive as a recovering hoarder.

Thanks to the 227 etsyians who have ordered at least one item bringing me closer to my dream of a Minimalist Organic home with a music art room, instead of unused hoard storage!  and helping me to see that my hoard is getting wonderful new lives and better homes!  And a BIG thanks to those that came with stories!

Thank you US, UK, Germany, Poland, Chile and Malaysia for your encouraging support by being here, your visits in many ways keep me going along my Hoarder Rehab adventures:  The Destiny of Things!

Other strangers I indirectly get-got to Wish Happy Birthday to:

1.  Mosler Bank Vault:  A Mom's birthday gift to her son who's into Hugo-esque and anything mechanical

2.  Copper Souvenir Bracelets:  a gift to someone who collects copper jewelry from Chile due to her growing up and displaced in a Chilean copper town.

3.  Amethyst Cake Stand:  a birthday gift from daughter to mother  

Most Read Post This Week:  Instant Organic Miswak Toothbrush Review

Most Read Story of Month so far:  My Louis Vuitton Collection, my end as other begin their collections with Miswak Orgnaic Toothbrush Review two views behind it

Most Read All Time Post:  My Louis Vuitton Collection, my end as other begin their collections with my Hoarder Rehab Meltdown in second.

Nautical Anchor Wallet Birthday Gift: The Destiny of Things, Story LIX

Nautical Anchor Wallet Birthday Gift:  The Destiny of Things, Story LIX

I received an "out of the blue" surprise email from an etsyian via VintageToGoetsy!  Thank you Victoria, it was so kind of you to think of me and drop me a story! And such a sweet one.  I love stories like yours!

Here's her emailed story: 

 

March 8 2013 9:15pm EDT

Listing: www.etsy.com/listing/121023988/new-unused-nautical-anchor-maritime

hello. i loved the wallet a lot. i'm glad i could help you get rid of some things. The wallet is for my boyfriend whose birthday is coming up. he had Favorited it on his account i bought it on mine. i know he'll love it and thank you. (:

How sweet is that?  There's nothing like getting exactly what you wished for your birthday! and she's made it come true!

Saying Good- bye:  No Problema or Nessun Problema as another etsysian, Cristina taught me in Italian the other day!  Letting go is just getting so easy now... I'm kinda wondering....what's lurking, but will be thankful instead!

Three more things sold yesterday and I was thankful instead of getting seller hoarder remorse!  No remorse or other ill feelings, not a single twinge of negativeness one bit! --- just pure thankfulness they are going to new lives and homes! 

Also full of gratitude that VintageToGoetsy made it's 100th item mark yesterday!  Time to celebrate 100 items of my hoarder history from one shop gone on to new lives and better homes!

Does this mean that telling the story of my beloved hoarded items is working as the best therapy ever?  Does this mean I'm cured?  Only time will tell!

What I Learned:

1.  This is the second etsy window shopping story I've received from a couple who found something their loved one's favorited in their etsy profiles!  Is this the new version of window shopping?

Remember long slow walks up and down an outdoor Main street with your beau to walk off a nice romantic dinner and then top it off with an ice cream cone? 

2.  Long walks with window shopping reminds of times long ago, when I used to go to dinner with my brother and his girl friend, usually down Main Street in Seal Beach, Huntington Beach or Laguna Beach, where the smell of the ocean was fresh and we'd walk along stopping at various shop windows.

Later my brother and I would return for lunch and take a more purposeful walk as we went into the shops that his girl-friend had window stopped and buy something she wanted for a special occasion or no occasion at all!

I know Huntington's Main Street has changed to be more commercial now, but maybe Seal Beach and Laguna Beach have not.  I'll have to put that on my list to take mr. oz funded by etsy!

Thank you Victoria for sharing your "out of the blue" surprise story about the wallet and bringing me back good memories and places to revisit with my own beau!  and Happy Birthday to your lucky man and I hope he loves his wallet from VintageToGoetsy and you two have the perfect celebration!

Thank you etsyian Cristina from Novara, Piedmont, Italy for teaching me some Italian!  I love to learn new phrases in different languages! Visit her shop, Kriss Wool for some handmade Italian knits here or vintage from Italy here!

Thank you US, Germany, UK, Japan and South Korea for reading through my Hoarder Rehab adventures: The Destiny of Things via VintageToGoetsy!

Birthday Gift Stories:

I didn't realize how many stories I have that were given as gifts, over 10 that I could think of, so here are birthday gift stories!  Great to read if you need some creative gift ideas...

1.  Secret Cross Story:  a husband that that found a cross in his wife's etsy favorites for her gift!

2.  Polaroid Cameras:  a mother finding this in her daughter's favorites for her surprise gift!

3.  Copper Souvenir Bracelets:  a gift to someone who collects copper jewelry from Chile due to her growing up in a Chilean copper town.

4.  Mosler Bank Vault:  A Mom's birthday gift to her son who's into Hugo-esque and anything mechanical

5.  Amethyst Cake Stand:  a birthday gift from daughter to mother 


Other Stories That Were Gifts:


1.  World Globe Key Chains:  a teenager's "little somethings" gifts to her traveling family

2.  Must de Cartier Perfume:  a wife who's going to wear it for their 39th Anniversary, a nostalgic gift!

3.  Mr Happy Plush Toy:  a gift from one brother to another-- both who collect Mr. Happy!

4.  Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle shampoo:  sibling gift for a brother who collects TMNT

5.  Precious Moments Figurine:  inside joke gift between two best friends

6.  Depression Glass Refrigerator Storage Dish:  a  highly sentimental gift to a mother in law

7.  Love Dice:  Anniversary Gift

8.  Pig "Oink" Glass:   long lost and broken pig glass surprise gift

9.  B. Maugerite Bourgeyeos Charm:  made into a bracelet from a mother who gave it to her daughter in college to become a teacher!

10. Sacred Heart Nichos:  copper 7 year anniversary gifts!

Five Cross Bracelet's New Life in Australia, The Destiny of Things, Story LVIII

Five Cross Bracelet's New Life in Australia, The Destiny of Things, Story LVIII

Someone fell in love with this and now it's on it's way to Australia!

And it came with a story!

fifithundercat

6 days ago 

What a great idea! Feel free to add my details to your blog.

I used to wear a very small (child sized) silver bracelet that my mother bought me from Bali. I never took it off. Unfortunately it was also made of very thin silver and one day I caught it on something and it broke and got lost. I've been looking for something to replace it and I think your bracelet fits the bill. I've been looking for something special for a while now as I don't plan on taking it off - like you I will probably need oil or soap to get it on in the first place!

I'm an aspiring writer with a passionate love for jewellery, fashion and antiquities and I love interesting people and stories... I think your idea of collecting tales of where your items go is a brilliant way of 'releasing' them rather than 'discarding' them!

The $0 shipping should be fine - I'm a bit of a collector and order things off the internet fairly regularly and - fingers crossed - nothing has gone astray yet.

Best of luck with the recovery!
Kat

Kennedy

5 days ago

Hi Kat!

Wow! Thank you so much for sharing your story! I love it! It makes it so much easier to let go knowing it's new life as a childhood bracelet replacement and to another person with a little hand and wrist is out there! Plus it's new home is in Australia!

My beloved Sanrio type college mugs went to Australia and came with a story too! I am so lucky to have two now!

It's interesting how your memories of your bracelet jogs mine. I have many souvenir bracelets from my Grandmother that I wore so much they are broken also. I will share them with yours on my blog. I can not thank you enough for the memories that came back!


Most likely I'll just use your entire last email on my blog. I don't know how or why but the story always seems better when it's in their exact words, instead of me trying to rewrite them.

I wish you the best of luck with your writing career and if you have a blog or anything you'd like me to link to your story, I'd be happy to do so.

Many thanks for joining me in my Hoarder Rehab!
~Kennedy

PS. For a couple summers, I used to get two henna tattoos and one of them was inspired by the design on the bracelet right below my tee shirt sleeve line. I used to wear the bracelet on my right wrist and the henna on my left upper arm.

--INSERT henna tattoo pattern here another time--

Oh and I wore it with this other small bracelet for a time during the summer, I'd have to take it off when I taught because the bells were too distracting to students.

The bell bracelet is available here, my sterling Taxco ones from childhood are here and I have three other Native American children sized bracelets here.  These are only the tip of the iceberg of some of my childhood jewelry, mostly souvenirs and gifts from family.

I supposed that is another category of my collection I need to start counting to be more conscious of it and also to decide what to do with them, since I can't wear them anymore due to allergies.

Saying Good-bye:  This was one of my favorite bracelets that I rarely took off  because it's got five crosses, which I bought during my religious folk art days and besides it's so small- it's difficult to get off.  When I was on vacation I wore it often with this bracelet with bells, both are children's bracelets, but I loved them and wore them often together.

For some reason, although there were a lot of pleasant memories in this bracelet, it was easy to let go to it's new life and home!  Maybe it's because I'm getting more sleep?  practice makes perfect? (as of today, #227 things are sold) or enough hoard have found new homes and my mind is less cluttered to see my goals and focus on them more clearly?

Oh my, now that I started tallying my childhood bracelets, there's more than I thought...AGAIN!  Here's one that sold just before the Five Cross bracelet.  Yikes!  That does not include my childhood jewelry as in rings, pendants, necklaces, and charms.  My earring collection isn't as big, since I didn't get them pierced til I was 17 or 18 years old.

What I Learned:

1.  Another story brought with it a snow ball effect into another hoarded area and soon I'll need to deal with all my childhood jewelry after I release my jewelry from 18 years old  to hmm... can't remember the last time I bought jewelry.

2.  I am thankful for Kat's story and happy she found her childhood replacement bracelet at my shop, as I continue to collect many replacement stories with happy endings!

Note to self:  Add tallying childhood bracelets and other childhood jewelry on to my "to-do" list, so that I can become more conscious of how much I've really saved all these years

Thank you fifithunderkat for finding your way to my etsy shop, Hoarder Rehab and finding your long lost childhood bracelet replacement and for bringing me close to my goal of less hoard and a minimalist organic home with a music art room! 

Thank you for your encouraging words that keep me moving forwards and for the reminder that's it's better for me to "release" my things, rather than "discard" them, as I have done many times in the past, but that's another story!

Note to self: ...as I've done many times in the past....write about that, especially the time I think I moved 9 times in one year and every time I just sold what I could at yard sales and then bought what I needed at the next house thrifting.

Thank you etsy for another connection with a story that is making my Hoarder Rehab more than bearably easy joyful as each day passes and giving everyone involved a story!

Thank you US, Russia, Australia, UK, Germany, Bulgaria, China and South Korea for joining me in another day in the life of a recovering hoarder via Hoarder Rehab:  The Destiny of Things!

Related Story:

1.  Not My College Mugs: They went to Australia to a collector of all things 80s and held my worries in them.

Other Replacement Stories:

1.  Twin of "Something Blue" for You:  bracelet from a childhood trip

2.  Continuous Miraculous Mary Ring:   a  lost ring I've never seen before or later - replaced!

3.  Waechtersbach Red "You Are Special" Plate: heart felt replacement for an 8 year old and my first story

4. "Happy Birthday" Hostess Hellerware Pastry Stand:  for a Godmother and my second story

5.  Pig "Oink" Glass:  surprise replacement gift from Santa

6.  US Puzzle Maps:  old school puzzles for granchildren, just like grandma had!

7.  Freddie the Frog Puppet:  heartfelt childhood replacement many times over

8.  Must de Cartier Perfume:  Discontinued scent and formula replacement for a traveling couple

9.  Large Refrigerator Dish:  2nd generation holiday dish replaced by third generation daughter

10.  Graduation Watch Replacement:  a replacement story within a replacement story!