First, my apologies for a late post - was out of town, no access to Internet, yep, excuses, excuses.

Second, this post will be as deep as the bottom of my purse, i.e., not that deep at all. The thing is, I need a new purse. My old one got a bit torn, and no wonder - I've had it for years. I can get a new purse, no problem. The problem is, I don't want to. And it's not just because it's elegant, conservative, simple, goes with any clothes and/or shoes, and doesn't get dirty. I can find another one like that. But the one I have traveled with me through several countries and continents. It was with me when I've met dh. It accompanied me in the scariest (shudder) and sweetest moments (smile) of my life. I didn't realize how much I was attached to it until it came time to say good-bye.

I don't have difficulty throwing away or giving away clothes or shoes that I are not me anymore, or never were, or too old. Then why this? Why, while in different moments of my life I used a backpack, or handmade woven purse, etc, I always came back to this one? Because of memories? Because it's "so me"? Because I don't want to accept that nothing, especially not purses, can last forever? Writingwise, I didn't pay attention to what purses my heroines had, though I made sure their cars and wardrobe suited their personalities and life style, and often the color of their eyes. I might be more specific now. Every woman deserves a purse she can't leave behind.

There are some things we get attached to and, no matter how broken, can't bring ourselves to throw away. And even when we do, we still have a special place for them in our hearts, forever, and, of course, I'm not talking about purses anymore.

What about you? Did you have something/somebody in your life you didn't want to leave behind? Is it still with you? Or do you think nothing is irreplaceable? And feel free to be deeper than I am - what books are your shelf-keepers?

I had this favorite shirt, and then one day it got ripped in the wash. I was so bummed. I had it for years, and now I haven't found a favorite shirt to replace it yet!

I suppose really nothing is irreplaceable - it just feels like it. If I'm trying to get rid of something and I'm not able to break the emotional bond, I put the thing away somewhere for a while. When I get it out again, it has often lost that special something that made you want to hang on to it. If not, it's no big deal!

I have a very venerable teddy-bear.
I got him for my first birthday, so that means he's now 45 years old. He still lives on my bed (well he gets tucked into it during the day, to keep him, er, warm ...) He is irreplaceable, though he has a rival - a floppy sheep that my partner gave to me
The sheep is a mere youngster, being 10 years old. I wouldn't part with either of them :-)

Kelly, yes, I remember that post! It was really beautiful, but I hope you'll find another favorite shirt!

Claire, thanks for advice! Actually, this is a very wise thing to do. As for irreplaceble, I think material things are. True friends aren't.

Alex, that's so sweet! I had an elephant toy like that I got when I was five.

I wish I had a purse that I could love. I have a very full wallet that keeps popping open, because I put things in that in something larger...say a purse. ;) However, I've not been able to find a suitable purse. Ever.

I think this is some strange gene I inherited from my mother. The last time I noted her purse, she was using a rice bag. Yes. A rice bag. Kind of a canvas fabric, cloth handles, rice advertisement on the side.

Who am I to compete with that? ;)

I continue to try though!

Lordy pete!

Sentence above should read:

...wallet that keeps popping open, because I put things in it that belong in something larger...

Off to get more coffee! ;)

For objects, I follow the philosophy that I won't love something too much if it can't love me back.

I tossed textbooks away not too long ago and I felt like I was leaving a part of my life behind. Most of them I hadn't read and realized I never was going to read. At that point, they were all so old, they were irrelevant.

I had a hard time giving away certain books I received when one of my favorite history teachers passed away. His wife let his kids, then the faculty go through his extensive library...and as I was working as a grad assist, I got a turn as well. It wasn't that the books were stunning--most are now completely out of date. I've given many to a nearby retirement community, and the valid ones to the library where I work. Just felt right.

Meretta, that's okay! And lol on the rice bag as a purse! I've honestly never seen that, but whatever works! Thanks for your input!

Rene, that's a very good philosophy! As for the textbooks, wise decision. I gave most of mine away.

Marty, that's a very touching story. But you've definitely made the right decision.

As I'm packing this house up, I'm finding a lot of those things, but I can't keep them. It's hard to part with stuff that's been a part of your life for as long as you can remember.

Keeper shelf? Does the name Shalvis ring a bell? *gg* Oh wait, that's a shrine. Um, I have a lot of keepers, too numerous to list here.

Apparently I'm a packrat and don't really get rid of things (well until they're worn out...) including books. But keeper shelf books -- Jude Deveraux, Nora, Jill, Donna Kauffman, Jo Leigh, Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz.

I have more purses then I need. Keeper shelf..all my CP's books, Jude Deveruex, Judith McNaught and Terri Schaefer, who used to be an CP of mine.

Bailey, oh, packing - I so don't miss that one! As for Shalvis - yep, it rings a bell! Love Jill's books!

Lis, lol on the packrat! I actually don't have problem getting rid of things; just some of them... As for shelf-keepers, you've got some great names there!

Jerri, you have some very successful CP's!

Jude and Judith are just two of my favorite author, not old cps. Terri used to be, though.;)

Jerri, yep, that's what I thought. But wouldn't it be great to have Jude as a cp?

I am such a hoarder. I still have stuff from my high school years and when my purses get full of papers and junk, I just go out and buy a new one instead of cleaning the one I have. Basically, I have a lot of junky purses lying around.:P

Dana, lol! But don't call your purses "junky"! One day they might become "vintage"!