The process of pruning

The decluttering process ambles along. A few weeks ago, I came down with a mild dose of the urge to purge. It is still here; I have begun looking through and sorting my stuff, although I have a long way to go yet. It has been more of a gradual pruning process than a true purge, even if I sometimes feels like the woman in this picture.

A friend has the uncanny knack of pulling $20 notes out of her jackets and pockets at the start of each season. While I haven't managed that feat yet, I have found a lot of stuff I didn't know I still had, along with some stuff I wonder why I kept in the first place. Here's a quick progress report:

Surprises

• one pair of black Italian cashmere-lined kid leather gloves I had bought in Florence
• a black and white tartan scarf

Instant sacrifices

• carrier bags, folders and containers of random shapes and sizes
• numerous cassette tapes
• receipts for items I don't remember buying as a student
• bank statements and passbooks from the 1990s

Trade Me

• various photo frames
• earthenware jug (this is quite satisfying to sell; a very unwanted 21st present from the ex, ha ha)
• crystal candle holder (another gift - it was the thought that counted)
• wild animal coffee mug (see above)
• 3-cup coffee plunger. Still looking for the 8-cup plunger that I know is hiding somewhere.
• set of matching coasters and place mats in 'country cottage' theme - soooo not me
• a few books, many of which will end up at an upcoming charity book fair
• a couple of Lavender & Lace embroidery patterns
• address book
• blank recipe book

St Vinnie's

• a few articles of clothing
• Korean folk painting (gift from a student many years ago)
• earthenware jug (see above)

Not quite sure what to do with

• old out-of-date textbooks from my study days (first time around). Don't want to just chuck them, but where can they be useful?
• containers and boxes of different shapes and sizes. I should probably chuck them, or at least put them in a more conspicuous place so I can see them when I need one.

Still looking for

• 8-cup coffee plunger
• scary animal oven mitts - they have to go!