I don’t actively collect any specific item. It’s a good thing, too, as I seem to collect things [pick one: accidentally, inadvertently, unknowingly]. I have a box collection, “just in case.” I keep my envelope collection in such a box. When I cleaned out my closet, I discovered a hanger collection. Recently I went through a short decluttering phase and came across yet another collection I was unaware of: clipboards, of all things.

I know where I got the purple, doubledeckers (they open up to store paper and pens inside). They came from agility and tracking seminars, provided as part of the class materials. (I’ve been to way more than three canine seminars, but clipboards weren’t supplied at all of them.)

Purple Clipboards

The next category is pressboard clipboards. The big one is for working on art outdoors. The other two are legal-sized and miniature.

Pressboard Clipboards

The category with the largest quantity is the plastic, colorful clipboards. I sort of know how I got all of these. I decided that I needed a clipboard for some of my activities; “a” clipboard, as in “one.” I purchased one, brought it home, loaded it up with paper . . . and never saw it again. Next time at the store, bought another one, brought it home, loaded it up and never saw it again. Repeat until I have all of these. Later, much later, I decide to straighten things up a bit. When I came across the second clipboard (surprised as all get out), I decided to put them in the same place so I know where they were. Make that “where they all were.” I’d say “brilliant idea!” but it’s not so brilliant when I’m just cleaning up after myself only to find I bought the same item several times. Okay, eight times, and that’s not counting the two miniature clipboards in the middle.

Plastic and pretty

I’m pretty sure there are at least two more clipboards around here somewhere. I’ll probably find them in my next straightening up phase. The first straightening up phase is over; can’t take these things too seriously. Besides, now I have a collection of clipboards. I’m not sure they count as clutter anymore.

I know, I know. The first step towards a solution is acknowledging you have a problem.

Nope, I’m not there yet.