I took my own advice which is a sign of authentic progress. I read once that traumatized children collect little treasures. These are not obviously valuable things to anyone else; but, the child cherishes them none the less. Like rubber bands, broken trinkets, colored bits of this and that they find on the road. Things a crow may bring to your yard to make friends.

So, when someone says, “You’ve got a little hoard going on,” whether or not that is true statement is in the eye of, well, the hoarder. So, I am doing inventory:

A camping tent, army issue. It’s massive, dome-shaped with a extra piece of material and poles that makes a front porch, sort of. So, indoor and outdoor living space. It’s been great to have an adventure (in my imagination). But, maybe I don’t necessarily need a tent to have adventures. Maybe I am defining “adventure” as camping in my big tent. Actually adventures can be defined millions of ways. Ok, maybe the tent is a bit heavy, too.

Books. My whole revolution from a human being void of things worth knowing to my current condition of still knowing very little- but very exited about it all- began with reading great books. Books stay. They are heavy, too, though.

Beans. Vikings like long term food storage. I would be betraying my ancestry if I did not prepare for long, cold winters in the wilderness. Plus, I love soup and homemade bread. Beans are heavy, too. My mother always said: “You can tell the value of (an antique) by how much it weighs.” Seems to be true of more than just antiques.

I have a shamelessly large collection of clothes I bought thrifting. These make me happy. It’s fun to dress up like a motorcyclist one day, and Harrison Ford in Raiders of the Lost Ark another. Fun is essential. (Automaton missed that feature in my list of essential human needs). Clothes stash ok for now.

Tools. A human being needs to be useful. I need tools to grow things. Human beings need to eat. Fresh, homegrown food if possible.

A few treasures from my old home; Mulberry Farm in Northfield. Art that I love. Camper supplies, outdoor gear. In case, one day I take another adventure.

I have a very large, multicolored rug, that reminds me of Joseph’s “coat of many colors” story. Even my tiny bunker was quite luxurious with my beautiful rug. It’s a treasure. Another heavy one.

No, I am not hoarding exactly. I’m flush. And, as used tents, old books, beans, colorful carpets are not highly valued by robbers, it’s likely my wealth will survive any instances of raiding and pillaging.

Possibly, too, whether a treasure is an unhealthy hoard or not depends on how physically fit I am. I can redefine what is valuable and why; and, choose lighter treasures. Or, go to the gym more, too.

I console myself, if ever there is a threat of hordes overrunning my city, my stash fits into my truck; I can just drive away. Sublime!