Things: possessor or possessed?

So, the end of May, and we've been here at Karningul for eight months. And yes, it is still raining... but we do now get warm sunshine too, in between the torrents! The final flat-pack is flat no longer, so there is nothing in boxes that shouldn't be - at long last. And the garden is beginning to take shape, not only in terms of the chicken run and the fruit trees, but the patio is currently piled with wood for the raised herb beds, a pergola, and an abri - a covered area next to the existing wooden garden shed, so William has somewhere out of doors to work. The original idea of getting a second shed, to act as a tool store and work shop, has been ruled out due to the rain. There's still a lot to do, of course, and we're waiting for various quotes from various workmen & suppliers.

Meanwhile, last evening we lit what may be the last fire of the season down in the snug, and, while eating pizza and chips, watched Bettany Hughes' 2015 programme on the Buddha - one of her 'Genius of the Ancient World' series. It was easy watching, if not containing anything new. The part that has stuck in my mind is her interview with a Buddhist monk about the eight possessions he's allowed. He actually named only seven: three robes (lower, upper, and double or triple layered outer robe), a needle & thread (to mend the robes), a bowl, and a razor (for shaving his head). He didn't mention the water filter/strainer - necessary to ensure nothing living is killed. Another list also includes the belt used to fix the lower robe around the waist. Monks may also be authorised to possess toiletries, medical requirements, housekeeping materials, official documents, protective materials (umbrella/parasol, insect repellent, sun cream, pair of sandals, and so on), items required for travel and for telling the time/date, rosary beads, books, basic furniture, and practical items such as a pair of scissors, a cup, a padlock.

All this reminded me of a novel I read last summer: A Hundred Pieces of Me, by Lucy Dillon - the first  that I read of her series set in the same small town, and I recommend them all. The main character in A Hundred Pieces of Me has just moved from a spacious family house to a new apartment - for which she has far too much stuff. As she unpacks the many boxes she decides to keep only a hundred things - the ones that mean the most to her - and sell, throw away, or give to charity all the rest: de-cluttering with a vengeance.

As the story goes on, various other themes emerge, and while I love the story, I was frustrated not to learn what all the 100 things were! But it made me think, what 100 things would I keep? Having completed the units I was writing for the seminary, I have some desk-time on my hands, so shall have a go at my list... Watch this space for the result... Will number one be an umbrella??!