Written for RDP, where Punam asks
us to get creative with the word ‘clutch’.
Thanks, Punam! Here’s my take.
When I’m out and about, there are certain things I absolutely must have with me, items that I will need at some point during the day. I have a few purses because I like to change off from time to time. They aren’t huge, but big enough to carry all my necessary stuff. Now I’m recovering from wrist surgery and forbidden to carry anything heavy; that’s not a problem because I can’t even lift my full coffee mug. Because of that, I’ve started using a smaller purse … something like a clutch bag but with a hand strap … and I’ve made a startling discovery. Much of the stuff I absolutely had to have with me doesn’t fit in the smaller clutch purse and I don’t even miss it. It’s quite a liberating feeling.
NAR©2025
This is “Stuff” by George Carlin
This is “I’m Free” by The Who
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
I hope you are healing quickly Nancy, I can’t imagine. I used to think I needed all that stuff too, slowly I’ve downsized and now I rarely leave the house with more than my phone and a ChapStick in my pocket!😉
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Thanks for asking about my recuperation, Tiffany. It’s going slower than I thought it would, but I’m healing nicely; I’m just frustrated having to do everything with my left hand. Being right handed, it’s been a drag. I’m the same way … I have my wallet, phone & Chapstick in my bag and everything else I could possibly need is in the car. Once again, thanks for checking in.
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Good one, Nancy, necessity is the mother of invention. Hope you’re recovering fast.💗💐
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Thank you so much, KK. Progress is slow, but I am getting there. I appreciate your good wishes. 🥰
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Wishing you early recovery, Nancy 🙏❤️
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So true. I used to carry what I called a carpet bag- it held everything I could possibly ever need- and today- what little I carry with me- I almost never use!
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I used to buy bags based on the “what if” principle …. what if I need my iPad? What if I need an umbrella? What if I want a banana? It’s ridiculous being chained to that type of mentality!
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The clutch bag, … is that like having an empty wallet!! … and the Who’s “Free” is a great abstract choice, Nancy
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Hahaha! I guess that all depends on whose clutch bag you’re talking about! Interesting song choice, my friend. Thank you. 🥰 🎶
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Yes, I was listening to Agnes Obelisk at the time 😍🎶
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I hope your hand is getting better, Nancy.
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It is, Jim, but it’s slow. Just because the incision is small, we think it’s not going to hurt that much but it’s not just the skin that was cut. I’m still wearing the splint and probably will for another 3 to 4 weeks. I feel incapacitated at times, but I’m getting pretty good at using my left hand! I started PT the other day. Thanks very much for asking.
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The female bags of mystery 😂
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Aren’t they just? 😊
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“Hey, you need a hammer?” “Just let me look in here” 😂
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😂 🔨
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I know what you mean. years ago, my chiropractor very sternly advised me not to carry a heavy handbag because it can make one’s spine go out of whack. I bought a very small purse on a strap that held a few bills, my credit cards, etc., lipstick, my sunglasses. I have a larger tote I keep in the car with tiny umbrella, a few other necessities, and it works great.
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Those heavy purses do a number on us and we don’t even realize it. I also keep a tote in the car with other things I might want during the day. It’s really amazing what we learn to do without. Thanks, D.
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Travel light, but have a back-up!
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Nothing is that important 💜💜💜
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True, Sis. This is all stuff we learned after the fact.
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George Carlin was so hilarious and his ‘stuff’ is the best! Several years ago, after surgery, I moved from a shoulder bag to a small crossbody bag. Amazing the stuff I could do without in that little bag. Didn’t miss it at all.
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I hear you, Lois! I actually switched over to a smaller bag after my knee surgery and 2011; the clutch prompt was very applicable today in light of my recent wrist surgery. Those heavy shoulder bags are brutal. Some of them are heavy before you even put stuff in them! Why did we do that to ourselves?
We love George Carlin, another one gone too soon.
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I was told to carry a small purse because of my painful shoulder.
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I’m not surprised, Sadje. Shoulder bags do more harm than we know, impacting our neck, shoulders, back and hips, and resulting in the whole body being out of alignment.
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Yes, this harmful effect is only felt when damage is done. ✅
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