'Tis The Season

For shopping intelligently and giving generously. Let's talk about some great deals and perfect presents. As you know I did venture out on Black Friday. I have a definite plan - to hit several discount stores and head straight to their clearance racks. Aside from the already great deals on Black Friday offers, clearance racks are great place to shop on that day. Retailers are anxious to get rid of their clearance stock to make room for seasonal clothing. Stein Mart's clearance rack yielded a Calvin Klein oxblood studded tank from one of these racks for $5. I also bought a pink leatherette jacket that was on sale for 40% off, making its final price $22. I raided the clearance racks in several other stores and found a black studded tank and a solid pink tank for $7 and $5 respectively. I also found a wool blend black, gray and pink sweater for under $20. When it was all said and done I had five items of clothing for under 70 dollars. Not a bad day's haul. Over the years I have taken good care of my clothes. Even before the flood thinned out my wardrobe  I have been good about gifting or donating garments that no longer fit me. Rarely do I hang on to an item for sentimental reasons but, as I was going through my closet about a month ago, I came across the first leather jacket I ever owned.  A beautiful red jacket from Petite Sophisticates, it has been with me for the better part of 10 years. Alas, the jacket is a Medium and my bust can no longer be accommodated by anything that small. Nobody within my circles of friends was small enough to wear it, but I hung onto it hoping to find a perfect new owner for it. Then I remembered my new adopted "Little Sister" Glenda Watson Hyatt. Like me, she is petite, has Cerebral Palsy, and she lives in Canada so she would get many opportunities to wear the jacket. On a whim I asked her if I could send it to her. She consented and the jacket is a perfect fit on her. It made me feel great to see a wonderful jacket being appreciated all over again by someone new.

She rocks it well, don't you think? More importantly, she makes me so happy I hung onto it, because it's obvious the universe meant for her to have it. Giving, especially on this level, from one friend to another, is every bit as gratifying as receiving.

Have you hung onto something valuable just for it's own sake? Is it time to find a dear friend, or make a new one, to give it to?