by Andrea Gudeon
I’ve never been to Greece, but tucked in the corner of my kitchen is a ceramic trivet from Santorini. Stashed in the cabinet below is a 30-year old cookie press that I’ve never used, despite what the condition of the box might have you believe. And there are no fewer than five startlingly similar fake pearl bracelets lying unworn in a dresser drawer.
Why do I keep this stuff? Is it because, as fans of the KonMari method would require, it “sparks joy”? Am I planning to go on a spritz cookie baking spree?
No. These things were my mom’s. When she passed away, I couldn’t bear to toss them – it would have been like throwing out pieces of her.
But, as they say, time heals. And, well, she had a lot of stuff. A lot. More stuff than can comfortably fit in my condo, no matter how creative my storage solutions. So it’s time for some hard truths.
I don’t have a single memory of her wearing those bracelets. We have no family heirloom cookie recipe. And that trivet? To be honest, I find it kinda ugly.
It’s time to let it go. But where to? Use clothing and shoes can go into those yellow bins that seem to be popping up on every other corner, but what does one do with unloved kitchen gadgets?
Here’s one answer – in our neighborhood! A donation dropoff for the White Elephant Tent at the Washington Cathedral Flower Mart is taking place on Saturday, at 31st and Appleton Streets.
The White Elephant Tent is a unique boutique for nearly new household items or old treasures. They accept dishes, glasses, stainless, china, crystal, seasonal decorations, framed artwork, linens, jewelry and other fashion accessories, decorative pillows, pots, pans, ceramic bowls and small appliances. (They do not accept floral vases, baskets, clothing or furniture.) Donations are tax deductible and all proceeds go towards maintenance of the grounds of the Washington Cathedral.
WHEN: Saturday, April 14, 2018, 10 am to 1 pm
WHERE: 3101 Appleton Street NW, Washington DC 20008 (corner of 31st and Appleton Streets), garage driveway entrance
Now, what to do with all this extra storage space I now have? Perhaps I’ll go shopping at the Flower Mart on May 4 and 5!
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DOD says
Waidaminit, WAIDADARNMINIT…I have plenty of room in My (your old) kitchen for mom’s stuff!! I’ll just push aside some of the unused pots & pans stored in the unused stove and find a place to save them There!! Just bring’em with you next time you come “home!!”