The Burning House

The Burning House is a brilliant website that asks it's reader the question, "what items would you take with you if your house was on fire?"
I often ask myself that same question, almost as if I'm challenging myself to prioritize my belongings.  Would I take my favorite Woody Allen book over my framed portrait of my Mother?
Would I take my favorite record over a small gift that my Boyfriend bought for me at a thrift store?
The Burning House itself poses the same questions, saying that 'It's a conflict between what's practical, valuable and sentimental.  What you would take reflects your interests, backgrounds and priorities,"  which is absolutely true
I wanted to share a few of my favorite submissions, followed by my own submission at the very end.

and here is mine:

- Hawk wing that Brian found and gifted to me.  It smells a little funny and might be impractical but I'd somehow rather have this than my cellphone.
- My passport.  This is my excuse to finally move to Europe.
- Carved wooden Armadillo that I bought in Costa Rica while on a trip with my family.
- 'Zen And The Art Of Motorcycle Maintenance.'  An important book to have in a post-apocalyptic environment.
- My Grandpa's pocketknife.
- Floral headdress that I made for my birthday last year so that I remember the good times.
- Baby fox skull.  Still not quite sure why, but I wouldn't leave it behind.
- Shell from the beach in Monterey to remind me of home.
- California Poppies postcard from Big Sur to remind me of beauty.
- Film camera to continue capturing memories.
- Turquoise bracelet that Brian's Mom gave me a few years ago.  She said the bracelet reminded her of me and I thought that was really sweet.
- Owl salt shaker I bought with one of my BFF's in San Francisco.  The weekend I bought it was lovely and memorable.
- Photobooth of Brian and myself.
- Framed photograph of my Mom.  This would be my number one.
- Mom's vintage t-shirt from the 70's.  I don't even really wear this shirt, but my Mom used to wear it all the time when we were growing up and I really loved it and I still do.