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Across the Fence:  Hoarders ?  |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
 Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 2:58:11 PM
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Okay, there is a show on tv about Hoarders
are you one?
I confess, I do pile up a bit ; but not like these people
I felt so bad for them.
I know it is an illness.
It was really bad when we moved.
I had to get rid of things I had piled up
We had those walk-in cubbie hole things.
closets
Why they called it that in the old house I don't know
but you can pile up boxes and boxes and forget what you have
Quite a bit of old clothes and things
things that were worn out ; things that were given to me and I hated to get rid of them.
But,
I knew I had to start some wheres
I admit.
I am bad about needlework books and material
I have gotten rid of a big part of my stash
It was sort of heart breaking to get rid of them.
but, I did
I do have some more things to go through when it gets a bit warmer.
Why do we hang on to things that are worn out ?
Things we know we will never use again or wear?
My grand mother was one and my Mom
I suppose I got it from them.
So,
Are you one?
Hugs sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativewritings.blogspot.com |
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KayB
True Blue Farmgirl
540 Posts
Kay
Del City
Oklahoma
USA
540 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 3:08:35 PM
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I am to an extent, but then again I had my house burned down several years ago and we lost everything so I tend to hold onto things once I get them. I've gotten better about giving my books away on Freecycle and I've been trying to give some to some of the girls I work with.
I keep extra food and household goods in the basement, but I think that's more out of fear of a crash or being unemployed again. I grew up very poor and hungry and that may also have some bearing on it.
I've seen a couple of those programs and DH has finally admitted I'm not as bad is I could be.
KayB
Life's a dance you learn as you go |
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melody
True Blue Farmgirl
3324 Posts
Melody
The Great North Woods in the Land of Hiawatha
USA
3324 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 3:36:34 PM
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Oh...I watch that too. Kind of like watching a train wreck. I come from a long line of OCD'ers and I am just waiting for that little swtich to click on.
I have to admit I have a hard time letting go of my books and my quilting stuff, embroidery stuff, knitting stuff... 
It's very troubling to see that happening; especially how unhealthy and unsanitary their homes become. Have you ever noticed... watch next time; but doesn't it seem that the family intervenes about 2-1/2 years into the situation? Wonder what that means...Kudos for the clean-up crews.
Melody
Farm Girl #525
www.melodynotes-melodynotes.blogspot.com |
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acairnsmom
True Blue Farmgirl
1319 Posts
audrey
cheyenne
wy
1319 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 3:45:27 PM
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I don't know that I hoard per se. My problem is more "I'll do it tomorrow" and you know what they say about tomorrow. So I keep old worn out stuff simply because I haven't gone through it and gotten rid of it yet. Also, those things you no longer want but are still usuable? I tend to think I'll sell them at a garage sale, ebay, etc. but...you guessed it...I never do. Since DH and I have moved to Cheyenne we are going through our old house and finally getting rid of the clutter. But I'm afraid it will take quite some time since we only get back there for a few days a month.
Audrey
Toto, we're not in Kansas any more! |
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mom2four717
Farmgirl at Heart
5 Posts
Kate
Shiremanstown
PA
USA
5 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 4:05:18 PM
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Well, um, errr - I have often feared that I was a hoarder. My house looks like a tornado has come through. However, I seem to be able to find whatever I want or need very quickly.
I seem to have a lot of certain things - fabric, kitchen utensils and books galore. I seems if I don't have my things visible I forget about them and sometimes "replace them" which is expensive!
My hope is I can accept my ways as functional (for myself) and not worry about people visiting unexpectedly which I hate!
There is a hoarding scale I found on the internet. It was reassuring when I looked at it.
Warmly,
Kate |
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Diane B Carter
True Blue Farmgirl
1270 Posts
Diane
Blasdell
N.Y.
USA
1270 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 5:03:19 PM
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I always have full cubboards and a fridge. You just never know when some one is going to stop over. I have clothes I know I will never wear again but if I get rid of them I will think I need more and I hate buying clothes. I have a craft spot but it's not very big but I just can't part with my toys. I know I have a lot of kitchen utensils and I was looking at them before I read this and I was thinking maybe tomorrow I'll down size my kitchen things. I keep telling myself others need these things and I need to donate more.
I don't think I'm a hoarder I just like stuff.
Hope all your days are Sunnydays.
dianebcarterhotmailcom.blogspot.com |
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Faransgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
895 Posts
Beth
Houston
Texas
USA
895 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 6:10:54 PM
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My Mom was always a Pack Rat not a Hoarder. I think there is a difference. I tend to keep certain things but easily get rid of others. I think that is the difference. My house is clean but there is stuff. I think that is the difference. I donate to charity at least twice a month but I have tubs of fabric, embroidery stuff, crochet stuff, patterns etc.
Farmgirl Sister 572
May the force of the horse be with you. |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 7:45:31 PM
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I notice some of the tendancies in myself but my house is a long way away from hoarding status- however that being said- I would really like to continue down sizing- I don't need half the stuff we have and I do feel cluttered and crammed in sometimes. I have donated bags and bags of usable but not fitting or not my taste clothing to a local thrift shop. I probably need to donate the stuff that is a bit more worn out to the homeless shelter. I know they can always use donations.
Alee
Farmgirl Sister #8
www.awarmheart.com
www.farmgirlalee.blogspot.com
www.allergyjourneys.blogspot.com
Put your pin on the farmgirl map! www.farmgirlmap.blogspot.com |
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farmallgrl
True Blue Farmgirl
483 Posts
Angela
Westminster
MD
USA
483 Posts |
Posted - Feb 02 2010 : 8:05:00 PM
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I must say, I like my craft items but anything else...if I haven't used it in a year it goes!! I keep a huge stash of yarn because I volunteer teaching at a womans shelter and with girl scouts teaching how to knit and crochet. BUT my MIL is well, I am not sure how to describe it. She keeps EVERYTHING! she has soda bottle caps, curios filled to the brim, things on every inch of space, plus she has a garage with an attic over it....all is full to the top with boxes, her attic in her house has boxes to the top and one walkway throught he middle. her cellar... the same way...BUT she knows where everything is, what is in each box AND she is maticulously clean. So what would you call that? She goes crazy when I do my yearly cleaning!
Angela
Farmgirl Sister #337
Has life got you down?...Look Up! |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2010 : 11:25:00 AM
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One of my dear minister friends once told me that
"If one's stuff started to own one ; then it is time to clean out."
His wife said
"He is a good one to say that, you should see "His Stuff", " ha
I had become aware of things that I held onto for years.
things that normal people would throw out
I can understand KayB what you are saying
While we weren't exactly poor or, going hungry when I was young
we didn' have a lot either
I grew up much like Dolly Pardon and Loratta Lynn
in a 4 room cabin with no in door plumbing
We did have lights
I remember how hard times where
My Mom comes from that time and time when she and her Mom and sisters and brothers didn't have much
Gran grew up in the deppresion era and things were bad
I guess she just hated getting rid of things.
So, in a way I can understand why they do what they do
I am trying to do better.hugs sheila
www.ohkayteagirl2.blogspot.com
http;//www.sheilascreativewritings.blogspot.com |
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OneCraftyBugger
True Blue Farmgirl
626 Posts
R
USA
626 Posts |
Posted - Feb 03 2010 : 2:20:50 PM
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Hello Ladies, I can give you the point of veiw from the "other side of the fence" I am a personal organizer (dont hate me!) It such envolved issue for some that it goes WAY beyond just keeping the crafting items, or cook books and old shoes. I have acutally had some homes where I have had to hire haz matt to come in,due to state laws and health issues which are caused by mouse/bug/varmant droppings. However, I will tell you that the majority of us hord something and I think it is quite normal. And yes, I am one of those nottine letting go of a piece of felt or a single bead. However, if you find that you cant let go of items that you could put in the recycling bin, or socks that you wore in he first grade, THEN it might be an issue :)
Oh happy day! |
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Alee
True Blue Farmgirl
22941 Posts
Alee
Worland
Wy
USA
22941 Posts |
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Fiddlehead Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
4562 Posts
Diane
Waupaca
WI
USA
4562 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 05:45:34 AM
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That show is mind boggling! You just can't look away. There is another show like that called "Buried Alive" that is on Discovery Health Channel. I caught it one late night while I was crocheting. One lady had so much junk that she had to tie herself into a recliner to sleep lest she falls off the chair and into the crap. One night she did fall and got wedged in and couldn't move. Paramedics came and got her out and that's when the authorities stepped in. She also had lots of cats...they found some dead and mummified under the junk! I watch the Hoarder's show because I feel that my Mom is starting to become a litte bit of one. Since my Dad died she can't throw anything away. I have been there many times and have taken out bags and bags of stuff. Five bags of paper to be recycled, mostly junk mail and sale catalogs. Her counters hold all of her dishes and her cupboards are empty. I reorganized the cupboards and have been slowly clearing and cleaning. She has been having some panic disorder and anxiety attacks so I took her to the doctor and of course he put her on anti-depressents. I don't really believe in them but they seemed to have helped her. I only keep things that are useful, beautiful or joyful. I have to be organized in order to create. My DH on the other hand is a mess waiting to happen.
Why not go out on a limb, that's where all the fruit is! "Mark Twain"
http://studiodiphotosite.shutterfly.com/
farmgirl sister #922 |
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mellaisbella
True Blue Farmgirl
1862 Posts
melanie
living on Anne of Green
Gables land
Canada
1862 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 05:48:50 AM
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I am not a hoarder, but my goodness, I have a lot of stuff. I tend to go to yard sales, and the dollar store and say, "oh it's cute and it's only a dollar"
"we must be the change we wish to see in the world"
farmgal #150 |
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pinkroses
True Blue Farmgirl
2350 Posts
Sheila
Virginia
USA
2350 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 11:22:13 AM
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I find I cannot organize very well
I have the best intentions.
A lot it my sewing/ crocheting/ knitting/ etc and so forth and so on
I have "let go" of quite a bit of things I had kept "hanging On" to for years.
"Keepsakes", I thought .
but
once I got rid of them; I find I don't miss them and sometimes , I find myself wondering what happened to this or that ;but I find that it really doesn't matter that much anymore.
Hubby , says I have clothes and more things to get rid of .
He never thinks I don't think how hard it was for me to get rid of things.
He is a perfectionist.
I am not.
Sometimes, I think I married the wrong person; but I do love him.
We have been married 36 years this year. hugs sheila
http://www.sheilascreativewritings.blogspot.com/ |
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Lainey
True Blue Farmgirl
2401 Posts
Elaine
Waco
Kentucky
USA
2401 Posts |
Posted - Feb 04 2010 : 12:50:29 PM
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I admit I'm a pack rat. I find it hard to let things go. Especially things that have been given to me... like things from my mother. I tried a few weeks ago to let some things go but wasn't successful. Oh there were a few things I threw away but for the most part I kept quite a few items. And this was just in one box I had stored away.
Farmgirl Sister #25
http://countrygirldreams.blogspot.com/
An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Feb 05 2010 : 08:40:45 AM
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I find myself with piles and piles. I somehow feel "if I can't see it, it doesn't exist"... it's gotten worse. I would never have anyone come over, the house is too messy! I've never been very good at housekeeping. I don't think I'd qualify as a "horder" but I do wonder at the underlying cause for my need to have "stuff". I thought when we moved a few years ago...I would have all this space! Now I feel like I've just filled it up again. I really don't like it. I've been able to get rid of quite a bit. And I find myself doing better with that...it's just that initial getting everything into "it's own place" that has me discouraged. I can't seem to keep up most of the time. It's a bit disheartening.
I haven't seen the program but I've seen similar. I do have to admit though that "clutter" certainly has a strangle-hold on me.... |
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Across the Fence: Hoarders ? |
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Hoarders ?
