Recently I watched the academy awards
and
was struck by the number of showbiz people who died this past year.

That particular segment
a parade of sorts
of people no longer with us
(Some of which were a total surprise to me)
occurring
in the midst
of a celebratory light hearted evening.
Was a sobering moment

The clips chosen usually portrayed these 
individuals at the height of their careers
In all their glory and in the prime of their life

As each talented person
Appeared before me

I couldn’t help thinking just how fast and fleeting

A life is

A few days later it was announced that the much beloved Paul Newman was gone!

I had seen an interview
where he was asked if he thought he was handsome.

His answer was absolutely fabulous.
a small example of the kind of character he possessed.

He said, “I have been told that is true!”

Imagine that!

Of course he knew he was gorgeous!

(To say he was a good looking man is an understatement!)
That’s another story

To say, “no”
would have been ridiculous,

answering
“yes, of course, are you blind!”
Would have gone against his humble nature

…so he merely told the truth.

A few years ago,
When my son experienced a growth spurt
adding 2 feet practically overnight
to his lean frame

he was repeatedly told
“Wow,
You
are really tall!”

One day he confided…
“Mom, I always feel funny when someone says that to me,
I have no idea how to respond,

Most of the time I merely say,
“thank you!”
I laughed at his dilemma and was tickled by his retort.

although polite and respectful,
it really did not seem like the best reply,
so he began saying

“I am!”
“Really!”
And pretend to be shocked,

“Where is a mirror?”
as if he had no idea!

some might say it was a tad sarcastic
yet
I loved that choice,

it demonstrated his sense of humor!
and how often people state the obvious

I digress
Back to Paul

After his death
Radio, tv and newspapers were flooded
with tributes to this remarkable man

something was mentioned over and over again

“He made millions and gave it all away”

This humanitarian was one of the first celebrities to set up multiple corporations

and foundations
giving all the profits away to charity

He was quoted multiple times saying

“You cant take it with you”

That comment has stuck with me all week
How true,

You really can’t!

So why in the world
do we all have so much
Stuff!

I’m not going to point any fingers

Speaking strictly for myself
I willingly admit
I have way too much stuff

that I don’t need

Stuff I don’t even use

Especially clothes!

So many people could benefit by the excess in my closets

Not to mention all the other nooks and crannies all over my house

And
Believe me

I am no longer going to sit around
and
 feel guilty about this sad fact

I am going to give

“ my stuff”

Away

“one man’s trash is another mans treasure!”

After rall

We can’t take it with us!




I am going to stop hording

Cold turkey

As soon as I get home in a few days!

And that’s another story