Doll Clothes

I am long overdue for purging closets. So, I've begun sorting and piling. I'm trying to abide by the rule that if I have not worn it in more than a year, out it goes. It's embarrassing how many items I have hung onto for so many years. Many of my business clothes are left over from my corporate days. Hmmm .... I left that position in 1997.

Some donations are only worthy of the Goodwill box but many of the suits and jackets would work for someone who is interviewing or starting to establish a work wardrobe. I take those to a local women's shelter. I dropped several beautiful (and expensive) things off the other day and the volunteer made a snide crack about the sizes.

I didn't like the comment or her tone. It hurt my feelings and it made me second guess my choice of donation destinations. I could have made a crack right back but I'm trying to work on my passive-aggressive tendencies.

But I probably won't take more donations there for a while.

Finding Stuff Everywhere

My church bazaar is coming up. This is our big event of the year. I may or may not attend this year because the husband will be recovering from surgery. He's a pretty strong guy so maybe if I drop him at the club, I can pop over there for a while.

I've filled up my dad's truck with donations and I still have more to come. I've requested boxes from my local drug store and taken them to church. (I'm sure the church appreciates that they're all liquor boxes but hey, they are the sturdiest ones.)

Yesterday, I ran into a friend in the parking lot. Our cars were parked side by side. I commented on the stuff in the back of her SUV. She said, "I'm headed to get rid of it at Goodwill." I have no problem with Goodwill -- I give them tons. But now, I'm in bazaar mode. She gave it all to me to add to the bazaar.

A couple of the things are so cute that I may have to try them on before I decide if they go to the church. I'm trying to be a good steward but I am not a saint. If those pants she bought in Rome fit me, I'm keeping them.

My drug store manager friend is saving more boxes for me. I have been accumulating piles of more stuff to add. I'm trying to do my part.

I've been doing this for many years and one of the biggest hits seems to be my books. Some church members go through them before the bazaar and pick what they want. (They pay for them.)

I walk for charities. I donate to various causes. In honor of my oldies, I support many veteran organizations. For the next ten days or so, I'm all about the bazaar.

I hope I get to go.

Mothers and Daughters

I did not get dressed on Sunday. It was sort of a laze around day and I enjoyed every second of it. Brushing my hair and my teeth was enough.

I spent some time gathering items for our church bazaar. I was quite proud of myself -- lots of good stuff that will hopefully bring much needed money. My dad came over to load up his truck and be the delivery man. One arm was busy patting myself on the back while the other was dialing my mother. I thought she'd be thrilled. Instead, she said, "It's not quite the same as having your butt in the pew."

She sent me a gift the other day. It's a towel that says, "I smile because you're my daughter. I laugh because there's nothing you can do about it."

Locks and Lots of Love

My sister has three children -- 2 boys and a girl. Like lots of young women, her life revolves around these babies. From an outsider looking in, she seems to have it all: a loving husband, healthy children, a nice home, etc. She's been through more than her share of adversity yet she didn't let it destroy her. She grew a bigger heart.

Her daughter, her baby, had long and luxurious hair, complete with the baby curls on the ends. She cut 10 inches off her daughter's hair and donated it to Locks of Love, an organization that helps children with cancer or other diseases that support children who simply want to look normal and fit in.

This girl -- my sister, not her daughter -- has put up with me for decades. I have a big, fat mouth. I have criticized many of her decisions. I have bullied her, hopefully in a loving way.

They say it takes a village to raise a child. I say it takes one decision, one sacrifice to make a difference. There's a girl out there who will fit in because of this donation. Way to go, Baby Sis.