From the Vault: Do I Really Need That?

Hi, my name is Paulette, and I'm a junker.

It's been 2 days since my last visit to a charity shop.

I've been trying to stay away, since I don't need anything. And by "I don't need anything." I mean

I. Really. Don't. Need. Anything.

Yet somehow I find myself pulling into thrift stores like a helpless metal filing to a giant magnet!

I tell myself, "I'll just look." Then ten minutes later, I'm walking out with a handful of old books, yet another set of vintage luncheon plates, an old,metal box, and a wicker chair.

I try to rationalize my purchases, somehow convincing myself and an imaginary judge of frugal spending that the few dollars I've spent haven't been wasted.

Exhibit A - the aforementioned stack of books.

Now, in my own defense, I do NEED theses! I really do!

These old Readers' Digest Condensed Books are essential for making book monograms, which make a fitting gift for so many occasions; baby shower, wedding shower, graduation, teacher appreciation, just to name a few.

AND...until I need one for a book mongram gift, they look so sweet just stacked on the coffee table!

Exhibit B - Yet another set of luncheon plates.

OK.  I get it.  How many vintage luncheon plates does one need? 

But wait...how many vintage luncheon plates DOES one need?  Sure, if just a few of my friends stop by for lunch,  four is enough.  BUT, let's just say, for the sake of argument, that my family of four sits down for lunch AND a few friends stop over...well then what!? Boy, I sure am glad I have this extra set of luncheon plates.  That's I've got to say.

Exhibit C - The metal box.

I have a thing for vintage office tools.  I use them at my work. 

I didn't have a metal cash box.  Now I do.  Nothing further.

Exhibit D - The wicker chair.

Oh, come on!  It's a wicker chair!

So it's got a few loose sticks on the legs.  It's still pretty.  It's still functional.  It's still comfortable!  Isn't that reason enough?  Here, I'll sit in it right now if that'll make you happy. 

And so the inner dialogue goes.  But here's the deal: Junking isn't a rational sport.  Junking is an ART!  It's about seeing potential in cast-offs and the creative process of finding new purpose for that which is deemed worthless.  

Do I need that?  Perhaps I do.

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All Photos taken by Paulette Rodriguez