Some of the books that I kept with the Tiffany clock I got from the University of California when I retired, and an owl with a book, no idea where it came from.
I've always been pretty good about cleaning out my bookcases and closets, donating what I no longer want or need to the library and thrift stores in town. Not sure I would call it death cleaning, but I guess if you keep up with the cleaning, you will be safe just in case.
Not until I heard about the book Swedish Death Cleaning, by Margareta Magnusson, did I realize it was a part of my DNA.
Apparently, frequently going through stuff, keeping only what we love and need, is a part of Swedish culture.
Recently, I became more serious about this. At my age, leaving very little behind becomes a more serious concern, as does the need to face up to the very real possibility of needing to move. To our town or, depending on how well I will hold up, or not, to an assisted living facility.
I started with my books. It was easy to go through them and take those I wanted to donate to a thrift store in town.
I smiled as I looked at the few books that were left. They are the ones I love and will treasure for the rest of my life.
I have another bookcase in my bedroom where I keep some of my most favorite books, including those written by my friends. I will probably keep most of those books.
More later about all my clean up projects.
