The blog post about selling my American collection of stuff (shit) got a little long, so this is the part b to finish it.
5 weeks of digging out and getting ready to sell the American Dream. I really wanted my friends to get some of my stuff, but that said, I was now selling to anyone with the money.
SALE DAY
When my Grandfather passed away my Grandmother gave me his collection of woodworking tools. I proudly used them in several different craft business’s. The tools enabled me to become quite an accomplished woodworker, thanks Grandpa and Grandma. The tools were the best type inheritance anyone could receive.
I tried to sell stuff during the week and the next weekend, but it cost more than I received in sales. I set a table on the street covered with stuff. I came home and everything was gone-including the table. When I came inside the house I found a note from someone who took the table and said I could call him if I wanted the table back. Nice.
The consumer economy of America is a the biggest hoax being played on Americans. When you buy something new, the value is only in it’s use for you. The idea of receiving any value for something you bought new is a joke. Your lucky to get maybe 10% of what you paid. I will only shop at estate sales in the future, there are some great values to be had.
After selling everything I stopped by Steve & Kimberly’s house,
I ASKED KIMBERLY WHAT WAS THE FIRST THING THAT STARTED THIS MESS, HER RESPONSE WAS “THE DAY WE BOUGHT THE SHED”
The American appetite for more and more materialism is just plain and simply: UNSUSTAINABLE. I wish I knew how to slow it or for that matter stop it.
THIS IS EVERYTHING I’M BRINGING BACK TO SLOVENIA: ROCK COLLECTION, ART AND SOME CLOTHES.
I still regret selling my Grandfathers tools, that was probably the hardest thing I had to do. But that said, what a relief to have cleaned up my past in Portland and prepare myself for my future with Natasa in Slovenia.
NEXT: post about the 4 vacations around Europe, one an epic solo bike tour.
Thanks for reading
Jeff
I got a few things – the nicely framed Dandy Warhols flyer and the DOGTOWN T-shirt that I am wearing today. Then during the sale I bought some reflective bike stuff and emergency blankets for the earthquake kit. It would have been nice for your friends to get your stuff but probably a lot of us are trying not to overconsume too. Sorry about the woodworking tools. You did what you were supposed to do with them and passed them on. Maybe they will become a family heirloom for the next family.
You must still be at the DR, it’s 5am in Portland. I’m glad you got the Dandy Stuff, I thought you would like it and the t-shirt too!
Yup, still in the DR for a few more weeks and the DOGTOWN shirt was never more appropriate… I can’t take a step without one of the 14 dogs by my side.
You made so many lovely things over your lifetime. Everyone looks so happy in the pictures – glad to get your things. I’m betting they will help many people earn a living like those tools did for you. I’ve been thinking a lot about all the refugees flooding into Europe – many coming through Slovenia. How is that impacting you guys?
They are going around us, I’m watching closely. Hungry put them on a train and 35km out of town, they were told to get off the train, fights broke out. Now they’re walking through Austria to Germany. Hungry then sent them some buses, the whole situation (in my opinion) was started with Bush attacking Iraq under false pretenses. That lite the fuse the help blowup the whole region into chaos. Maybe it needed to happen? maybe not? I don’t know. Anyway have a great day. At least they’re not bring heroin with them, like they do from Mexico to America.
Hi Jeff! Why isn’t there a picture of me there with the best item at the yard sale??? I adore your grandparents oil painting and think of you every time I see it. I plan on visiting Slovenia in Sept. of 2016, so get ready!! Love and miss you, Mary
I guess I forgot to take the picture, sorry. Sept. 2016, let me know a month before. Couldn’t talk\ the Slaters into stepping out some? Oh well.