My life illuminated

While flipping through an issue of Dwell magazine, I came across an interesting ad. Ten seemingly random items — a ticket stub, a birdhouse, a striped glass plate — were scattered across the page. Curious, I paused to read the descriptions provided on a notecard graphic at the bottom of the ad. The items were the “ten most precious objects” of Elizabeth Cochrane of Chicago, Illinois. Small print across the bottom of the page provided an invitation to “see your life illuminated” and submit your own precious objects at www.ylighting.com for a chance to win a table lamp.

My interest was piqued. I started to wonder what my own ten objects would be. Along with my desire to simplify (and an impending move) comes the need to evaluate the importance of my acquisitions. I’m a terrible packrat; I find it difficult to get rid of anything that once held any value or significance to me, or that I think I might have a use for someday. So I was intrigued by the idea of identifying those things that are truly meaningful on an emotional level. What do I own that is a reflection of me, or that has shaped my life? Out of all my possessions, what could truly be considered “precious”? If I were to strip my life down to the bare minimum, what things would I hold onto?

Plus, after checking out the contest information online, I discovered that the Orten’zia lamp is pretty darn cool.

So with the ironic intent of evaluating my most valued possessions in order to acquire another nonessential (albeit cool) item, I put together my own list. For the sake of variety, I prohibited items that were similar in nature (only one piece of jewelry) or origin (only one item purchased in Africa). Since it makes a better pictorial, I got down with my (limited) Photoshop skills. Descriptions are provided below.

1. Aluminum figure-shaped vase from trip to Santa Monica
2. Late grandmother’s engagement ring (the thin gold band is worn almost all the way through, so I’ve never actually worn it)
3. Puff the Magic Dragon music box from my other grandmother’s collection
4. Coin purse I made from plastic bags as part of a recycling project while in the Peace Corps (has held up beautifully over ten years of use)
5. “Thinker” statue from Africa (a reminder not to worry about the things you can’t control)
6. The “I’m Glad I’m Me” Book by me, age 7
7. Potpourri magazine in which my first “real” story was published
8. Small ceramic jewelry box made by a friend in junior high art class (yeah, that’s you, Carli)
9. Heart-shaped red rock found during yoga retreat in Sedona
10. My neglected, hardly played, but nevertheless cherished guitar

I’m pleased with my list. It’s encouraging that nothing in it is particularly surprising. My items reveal that I value my family, my travels and experiences, the act of creation, and spiritual growth over things of more worldly value. So I guess in a way it is my life illuminated. Maybe those advertising folks at ylighting were on to something.