I love calendar art and so I can't bear to throw old calendars away. As a result, I have a big accumulation of them on my closet shelf. Today, I noticed that the weight of those stacks of calendars was causing the shelf to sag pretty low in the middle. I took down a hefty pile of them and decided some of them have to go.
Sorting through them has been a difficult thing to do. Every one had to be paged through to make sure there weren't any notations of momentous importance, such as a dental appointment in 1996. I also have to make sure there aren't any pictures that I want to save. This made for some brutal decisions, but I finally reduced that pile to less than half.
So now I have the pile of rejects sitting aside ready to be disposed of humanely. I feel guilty about it because there is some really wonderful photography and artwork in those calendars. Most of them are printed on high-quality paper. They don't deserve such an ignominious fate as to go into the recycling like a mere stack of old newspapers!
17 comments:
I have to admit, I have a bit of a problem too with saving calendars that I've bought through the years...so you're in good company:-D There must be an art project in there somewhere!! XOXO
I am so proud of you for going through all those calendars and reducing the clutter as much as you have! I know it isn't easy to do especially if there are sentimental attachments to things.
I love to de-clutter and do it on a regular basis. Even though it is difficult at times, I always feel a sense of relief and happiness when I do it. Thank you so much for sharing.
I had the same problem. I always chose my favorite calendar and by the end of the year it was full of memories and I had to throw it away with a pang.
Now I have an online calendar, with the memories going back ten years! Much easier on the psyche. Mine, at least.
some of those might be recycled to an art center that may be able to use them, lol at your sagging shelf, I have many but we have been selling our accumulations at the flea market and gaining some dollars for much needed other items.
I read your post early this morning and have spent the last 3 hours clearing clutter. I now have bags of clothes and books sorted ready for the charity shop and a small pile for recycling. Thanks for motivating me.
Thanks for the reminder, I need to buy a 2013 calendar!
Jane x
I would donate that bag to the Friends of the Library, who hold an annual book sale. It's such a relief to pass the decision down the line.
I've had two calendars in the office this year. I changed them on Friday and realized I wasn't taken with the picture on one of them for December and gasp -- threw it away. That's not like me, but I am overwhelmed in paper. I do know how you feel.
I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only hoarder! I've always thought that it was a shame to throw away such pretty pictures. I used to take in my favourites and add them to my classroom walls. Jx
I always get a new calendar for the year, too, and love picking out just the right one. I also use the photos for making envelopes for homemade greeting cards.... :)
There was a time when I used to collect calender pictures..... it used to come in handy for craft work.
Now a days the calenders hardly have pictures :-(
There are hoarders and then they're hoarers. This one seems better than most.... Er Ok I same my GSD calenders for the same reasons...:)
I know what you mean, i always save calendars to recycle the pictures, but I can't quite keep up with the volume!
I love calendar art, too. The one at my desk is "cat yoga". I'll be sorry to see it go...
Pearl
I've just thrown a lot of my old ones out too. I only kept them because of some of the pictures and realised that it was just more clutter. Maa
Art classes love old calendar photos as "inspirations" for students. I volunteered in the "Memories in the Making" arts program for the Alzheimer's Association and that was our primary resource. Maybe you could find one in your area and donate them all. (From my perspective, anything that lightens the hoarding load is a good thing.)
I understand and truly sympathize.
Thank you for your support, Ms Sparrow! It's truly appreciated!
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