Ephemera vs. Hoarding???

Being a multi-generational crafter I tend to save things.  One never knows when something will be needed and if so then I will have it.  While learning to be organized and label things I learned the wonderful word ephemera.
e·phem·er·a

əˈfem(ə)rə/

noun

1. things that exist or are used or enjoyed for only a short time.

   • items of collectible memorabilia, typically written or printed ones, that were originally expected to have only short-term usefulness or popularity.

     
     

 I really like that word.  It encompasses so much.  I labeled one of my bins and would put things into it.  As you can see here...the lid was not fitting smoothly any longer.  I ask, "When does saving ephemera become hoarding?"

It was time to sort through all that stuff and see what really was inside my ephemera bin.  Wow!  This will be so much fun...just like a treasure hunt.  Remember all those years of sending kids on a real treasure hunt and they went door to door to ask for some odd or random item?  Yes, I was always able to supply at least a few things on their lists.

Oops when did my ephemera bin duplicate itself?  And they both are over-flowing.  Okay then I better get busy and sort through it all.  Maybe I will realize some of this stuff is ready for the trash. After all if I haven't used it by now I probably won't need it ever.  And my crafting does change course through the years.

Many hours later my table is a mess.  Now there is ephemera all over and I don't seem to be making any progress.  Is this the "it has to get worse before it can get better" phase?  Maybe a chocolate break will help me focus.

Okay now I have had my fill of chocolate it doesn't look any better from this side view either.  I better just keep at it.  Sort...purge...edit...trash...save...organize...  Determined not to be a hoarder I will get serious about this saving business.

I am happy to report I filled the recycle bin and still have a huge bag to donate.  My table is almost clear of ephemera.  I have one empty bin and one filled back up but now it is sorted and much more manageable.

Filling these two waste bins makes Mr. C very happy.  I have filled both of them two weeks in a row. Yet...I still have more stuff and more ephemera and more treasures.  Well, I certainly cannot dispose of everything.  A crafter must have some supplies.
I am very happy to report that we are having rain.  Warm Pineapple Express rain which means the snow is only at the very highest elevations.  Unfortunately the 8" of snow that fell on one of the ski resorts allowed them to open but only for a very short time as the storm winds were too dangerous. Balance.  All things need balance...even in Mother Nature.
Valentine Hearts are all around us this month.  I am enjoying the many creative ways all of you are honoring Valentine and Hearts and Love in your projects and works of art.  Creative Hearts Bliss...