You know over my recent move, I have listened and watched other peoples reactions, to me as a single person never having married and have been surprised at just how many people both married and single seem to believe that an unmarried single man should not own more than an apple crate and a chair or two.. How sad that these people have such narrow minds.
The way I see it, is that we all are given only one life to live in this world be our God and creator, and it is up to use to make the most of our lives while on this world.
It does seem that the feelings of most people that a single person (in their adult lives) are unworthy of everything that a married couple has, almost to the extent that one could say they are inferior products of God, not worthy to have anything in their lives more than just a room, with a kitchen, bed and bathroom, they are not worthy to know the joys of house keeping, the chores of daily life.
I am fortunate in my life that I do not have a narrow mind and believe in living life to the fullest, no I am not a party animal, but rather find simple joys of life in Art, Music, and homemaking. My life as an Old Order Mennonite taught me how to work hard and live for today, to make the most of each and everyday that God has given us to live. 
More over what are our lives, if we don’t want to learn anything else other than to simply exist in life. The joys of reading and learning in life believe it or not is life long, it does not stop in the 8th or 12th grades of school or even collage, “A Mind is a Terrible thing to Waste”
I cannot imagine my life without all that I have learned to do up until this as of 50, I seek to make my life as full as any married couple on this planet, not to just exist, not to have belongings past down from my great grand parents down through the ages. What a waste of a human life when we cease to learn, grow and in both knowledge and spirit just because we are single.
I talked to several guys the were more than kind enough to give their free time to help me by moving my today, I know they were shocked at what I had in home furnishings, cooking and cookware and art supplies, so thinking about writing this post this afternoon I asked them, being single themselves and in an age frame of 30;s to 40’s, and I was shocked at how little they had. somewhere in life I must have missed the memo that single people do not need to have anything in life.
Don’t get me wrong I am ever grateful to them for moving me and helping me in the ways that they did today. I truly am grateful more than they can ever know.
It is just my feeling that when we cease to grow and learn the I should wish to cease to exist. but that is not my call, that is God’s.
I am sure that all the people that have commented on these things mentioned above, all have made choices they are completely happy with. It is just not my cup of tea to simply exist in life. owning nothing, doing nothing.
With this move I did get rid of a lot of old baggage that I have hung onto for years, and lots and lots of things that I had not where to go with, about 70% of all my cooking supplies which bothers me greatly as cooking and baking is a daily part of life. Also being conservative, the great joy I get from home canning I have found that I must get rid of most of them, which saddens me greatly. When the day comes to replace these items it will only cost 3-4 times what I originally paid for them., Oh Well Life Goes On. 
Heritage Basket Studio 
Mitchell,
I am so happy for you that this move is behind you. You can go forward and enjoy exploring your new “digs”. LOL I have been off line for over two months due to the death of a sister and moving again myself. I have missed reading your article, but hopefully am now back on track.
As for you having “stuff”… it is yours and you have / had it because you wanted it and it is no ones business but yours. If someone helps you move, I personally think it is very shallow to complain about that person’s belongs.
I have pieces of cookware that were my Mother’s, Grandmother’s, and even G.Grandmother’s. As long as I live I hope to keep them in my kitchen, wherever that may be, as I enjoy using it and just plain “looking at it”. It makes me feel good inside to be reminded of their lessons, and time we spent together.
You have such a wonderful legacy Mitchell. I feel it is a shame to have to let go of such precious tools. I wish we lived closer, as I would store them all for you in our barn in TN!!!
Take care my friend. God has blessed you with a terrific brain and ways to use it. Please share and educate others as you can. Until next time… Dyan Taylor
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Best wishes on your fresh start! Yes, I know exactly what you mean… it is hard letting go of some of the stuff we have, but for a fresh start it is surely worth it. Glad you were able to get help to move, and looking forward to some more posts from you!
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Stuff? You got stuff? You should see MY stuff! I’d need an 18′ trailer if I decided to move my stuff. Last time I moved my stuff it took that truck and a trailer to haul the car – which was full of my stuff. Anyone who thinks some non-partnered male should be bereft of stuff is just not living in the real world.
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Mitch,
There are very few people in today’s world that know how to cook, bake and can the way you do. Not very many woman even know how to can. How many can make homemade bread and pie crusts like you do. Very few. Only the people that really know you understand how you make every thing from ‘scratch’ and can every thing you can get your hands on.
Hope you enjoy your ‘new’ life, your new beginning. God bless you.
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How many married couples have so much stuff they never use or even need? That’s key. Use and need.
As a widow I have downsized simply because like a child who outgrows certain things, as a widow I outgrew many things I needed when married. I evolved.
A single person who is lives a lifestyle where they grow much of their own food, and then preserve the vegetable, fruits for winter use, will have more canning,cooking goods. Someone in the city who has access to fresh farmers markets every few days, wont have the garden tools I need for my vegetable garden. And I find Quaker, Zen friends usually have much less stuff than other folks since the who spiritual/religious attitude is on simplicity.
What did these 30-40 year old men own? Do they cook and can at home? Grow a garden? Do they have any hobbies? Sometimes a person looks at someone else’s stuff and thinks that person has LOTS of stuff. Yet if a single guy is really honest they may actually realize those CD’s, video games, hunting/fishing gear adds up. And if someone lives in a small apartment or even a studio apartment they can find that they don’t have the room for ‘stuff’ so they only allow for necessities.
Do you like your new place?
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