Buried Treasure-Part 2

Here's my offering for Seth's second round of Buried Treasure, over at The Altered Page. The project that you'll be reading about is still going on, so it's not too late to participate. Sometimes it takes awhile to actually unload some of the bagage that we hang on to, and these darn jeans are a perfect example! They're still sitting in my studio, waiting patiently for me to stick notes in the pockets, telling my story & send them on their way, but for some reason I just haven't been able to let go yet. "Yet" being the key word, as they WILL be mailed out, and I'll be having a party when I hit that point in my life where I can actually do it, let go and move on. Bet you're wondering what's with the picture of a tag in a pair of jeans?  Let me explain, once upon a time these fit me.  And once upon a time, I was hell bent on losing all the extra weight that I'd been hauling around for my entire life.  This time was going to be different, this time I'd lose ALL of it, not just some.  This time I'd keep it off.  This time I'd be skinny and all would be well with the world.  I did lose it all and then some, to the point that size small was sometimes too big, no matter that I looked sick to some people, and who cares if my hair fell out by the handfuls about half way through (thank god that stopped!), I WON, I was----drum roll please----skinny-for about 5 minutes of my life in the grand scope of things.  The grand finale of this whole process was spending hours shopping for that perfect pair of jeans, a name brand in a single digit size, I thought I had found heaven.  But really nothing had changed-except for the fact that I didn't recognize myself in a mirror anymore-seriously.  The people in my life that mattered, were going to stick around no matter what the scale said when I stood on it.  And those that were suddenly my new best friends, did I really want them in my life anyway?  Nope!  Stay with me here, there's a reason for all of this.  The other day, I was visiting Tammy Vitale's Blog, and happened to click on a link for another of her websites-why didn't I ever notice that before?  Anyway, it led me to a site called Body Politics, when I clicked to find out what it's about I was intriqued, you will be too-go back & click on that last link:)  This one sentence says it all: "A woman’s spirit, her sense of confidence and self-worth, may be broken by repetitive messages that tell her she isn’t good enough the way she is —" wait a minute, that's my life, that's how I grew up!  Oh there are stories to be told, but not here.  They'll be put into notes & stuffed into the pockets of those skinny jeans, and maybe even written onto those jeans, but it's time that I (and maybe you?) get rid of all that baggage, along with those "skinny jeans" that we all have stashed away somewhere.  The dream of both Tammy & Heather are for people to send them their jeans & their stories, that eventually it could become a traveling exhibit.  This is a project that most of us can participate in, and maybe make a difference, change this idea of self worth being determined by how closely we match up "to standard ideals of beauty".  Please, please, please, click those links, read about this project, click on the interact link, and lets help them get this going!  Put it on your blogs & spread the word!  Speaking for myself, I'm ready (after being horrified at the thought of getting rid of those jeans at first) to dump this baggage, get on with my life, I am who I am. Good by, Calvin Kleins, good by to the only size 8 jeans I've ever worn, and hello to a new life!  Oh, and if anyone's interested, I have a closet full of small clothes, and I do mean full-I'll trade you for some art supplies:)

Comments

[Bleubeard and Elizabeth]

What a wonderful post about self affirmation and letting go. I really appreciated your words. They were truly inspirational.

[MrCachet]

GREAT POST! I married wy wife thirty-nine years ago next month. She can't fit into her old jeans, and I can't fit into mine either. Gravity has gradually done its part to get us closer to ground zero and there's nothing we can do about it - despite the exercising five days a week. You've got style! Keep it up.

[kim mailhot]

This is an gem of a post !!!! How wonderful that you are finding the courage to let those jeans and all the symbolize go. Man, we are so hard on ourselves !!! And life is too short for that, isn't it ? Your post really inspired me to think of ways to just be where and I am appreciate that. Thanks for that and for sharing your treasures ! Cheers !

[tammy vitale]

oh, but none of the commenters are sending us their jeans!!!! we need jeans - as of today we are working on 3 (count 'em: 3!!) proposals for Body Politic installations. One is certain...in Baltimore. I just don't have a date yet. The others are juried and we'll have to wait to hear. We ARE getting jeans from around the country. We'd LOVE to have yours! and your commenters'! Thanks for the plug. xoxoxo

[Heather Bartlett]

Thanks for this great blog. Spreading the word is important and your jeans are a most welcome addition to the exhibit!

My best to you in all of your endeavors!

[Jeanne]

Yes, send those jeans on with your thoughts! Great way to reaffirm we are all right the way we are. I've got a small pair in my closet. Maybe I'll trade them among my friends and we can all stick in our stories. Thanks for your thoughts and referrals to other sites - Jeanne

[Carol@Swallowcliffs]

OMG, I fight with this stuff all the time! Thanks

[Kim Palmer]

Another touching post Sue on an issue that plagues every woman everywhere. No matter how wonderful we think 'that girl' looks, she also suffers from the exact same self destructive behaviour and thoughts. Isn't life liberating when you can finally, truly let go!

[Linda Warlyn]

A GREAT post, Sue, and one that was well worth repeating! Truly words to live by...thanks for re-sharing! xox

[coconutannies]

I say you stuff those pockets with loving notes to yourself about the progress you've made and then sew those jeans into a purse, sling it over your shoulder and carry it proudly! YOU GO!!

You may or may not need this:
http://www.5min.com/Video/Thread-Heads-How-to-Make-a-Jean-Purse-9652