Enough is a Feast: Lessons from The October Dress Project

I did it.  I went one month wearing, as a basic element, one dress.  I changed it up every day, but some days looked a lot like other days.  So, I know what I'm comfortable in.  I know what I like.  And it's not just jeans and sweats anymore.

I like wearing a dress.  More than I thought I would.  And, I like tights and leggings.  Not real thrilled with dress shoes - and yeah, those $1 clearance shoes - I'll have to give them another chance, but they may go away.

But here's the more important lesson:  I have enough more than enough.  Which is why I have, on first go-round, purged 50 articles of clothing, and taken them to Goodwill.  And these were my winter clothes (because, living in the north, I am not going to take my summer clothes to Goodwill in the winter).  And I have more to purge.

This is also why, when I went shopping a few weeks ago, and picked up that little pie cookbook (yes, all pies) that was ONLY $1 - I put it back in the bin.  Because I have a shelving unit FULL of cookbooks and recipes I've clipped from magazines and index cards full of recipes...well you get the idea.  I have all kinds of cookbooks and I still cook the same stuff all the time Hal still does most of the cooking.  Having said that, I did take lessons from the best piecrust maker in the universe last month when we were making apple dumplings at the church, so I think I can stop buying ready-made piecrusts.  I think.  But I HAVE a CRAPLOAD of pie filling recipes - I did not need ANOTHER cookbook - even though it was ONLY $1! 

I've gone to the thrift stores lately - and looked - and walked out.  Same thing at non-thrift stores.  Ok, so I've bought some stuff - but mostly walked out.  Bought some wire to repair a necklace.  There is one thing I'm looking for - a black blazer to replace one that does not fit any longer.  But I'm fussy.  It needs to be the right material, the right cut - so, it may be another year before I find one - but it will be one that will stay in my wardrobe - a basic.  I've seen really pretty sweaters - but how many blue sweaters do I need (for the record, I have 4)?  How many green turtlenecks (for the record, I have 3)?  You get the idea.  I have some really pretty skirts...that hang in my closet.  I went through, and there are articles of clothing I have not worn since I left South Carolina more than 4 years ago.  Why have I paid to move them twice???  I have no clue. 

I had a friend who recently said they'd rather die in deep debt than live within their means if it meant their life was "a life of sad leftovers and never going out or doing anything fun.  You only have one life."  Wow.  I think that attitude is sadder than my turkey pot pie from my upcoming Thanksgiving dinner.  Frankly, I'm looking forward to pot pie with my newfound piecrust recipe.  I can (that is, I put food in mason jars and preserve them, not that I am able - although I am able as well).  I freeze.  I am going to get my hunting license this year.  I have as much fun taking a walk on the trail as spending money on tickets to events.  I am thinking particularly of the ad where the girl breaks up with a guy because he's boring - so he uses his credit card to go backstage at some concert, goes on some expensive trip - he's probably still boring, just spending more money (that he probably doesn't have).   When my grandchildren come to visit, we blow bubbles and go to the playground (free) and make playdough (yes, make it), and color and go to the library and Sunday School and playgroup and cook - we don't buy them lots of expensive presents - most of the toys and games I have at the house came from the thrift store (I love bleach). 

I had another friend tell me the other day that they were a little concerned about my coming here - til they found out that I love yard sales and thrift stores.  I get that.  Where I live is not somewhere I'd survive if I was a woman who shopped at Saks, changed out my wardrobe every season, or needed the best/newest/coolest new thing.  As I tell people - I'm too dumb for a smart phone.  I am satisfied with what I have - and when I'm not, I'm cheap - I'm as happy buying a new top at Goodwill or Salvation Army or whatever other thrift store (mind you, I will look and see what color tag is 1/2 price that day)(yeah, I'm that frugal cheap).

We are a spoiled society.  Really.  In case you didn't know.  But we need to recognize that we have become used to getting what we want, when we want it.  We have gotten away from this concept that my parents and grandparents embraced, out of necessity at times: use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without.  We decry the plight of those who do not live as well as we do, while we buy, buy, buy to fill the emptiness in our own lives.  Or we pile stress on ourselves by buying more than we need, more than we consume, more than we can ever use, more than we can pay for without paying exorbitant interest rates.  I'm not saying that we should not prepare for the future.  I'm not saying we should not ever have extra food in our homes or that we should not have more than one outfit or pair of shoes. 

I am saying this:  as we who are Christian approach Advent - let us reconsider our "lists" of stuff to do, things to buy, places we "have" to go.  Let us look at what we have.  Let us be satisfied.  Let us look at those who have little.  Let us see how we can help.  Because Enough is a Feast.  And that feast is not to be hoarded, but shared.  And for those of my readers who are not Christian, while you may not be approaching Advent, please consider the same.