Friday, September 15, 2006

history

Snippet of the living room, one

As I look around my house now, I realize that all the accessories, the little tidbits that add a little flavor to bare expanses of furniture - they all have a previous history. A long life already, enjoying someone else's company. Nothing is new and store-bought, fresh and emptyheaded. It's kind of a nice feeling, and kind of strange. I feel as though I need to take extra care with these things, as a mark of respect for the original owners.

For instance, today I bought some lovely pieces of coral at a yard sale from a couple who obviously once travelled the world and its oceans. They most likely retrieved these treasures themselves, kept them in a special place, then perhaps forgot over the years what made them special enough to capture in the first place.
To me, though, they're brand new companions... and so, the journey of objects continues.

6 comments:

Lara said...

Very nice. I feel the same way.

Miss RM said...

Me too. It's funny how a ratty old cookbook that once belonged to someone else can be so much more valuable to me than anything new I've bought for myself!

Tongue in Cheek Antiques said...

how very true, what objects will journey with you and possible be left on soil far from home? I cannot wait to see your tales posted here!

Anonymous said...

I believe artists/creative types are drawn to old things - I heard a comment a long time ago that old objects are witnesses to the past.

I've always remembered that.....

jill said...

I just purchased an awesome dining set from a retiring couple getting ready to move... When my husband was loading it in the truck I made sure to stand near the wife, as I feared she might have a twinge of saddness come over her, and sure enough I glanced over and there were tears welling up... I felt so bad for her but so happy for myself at the same time.

I made sure to let her know that I will truly love it for a long time to come and that I plan to treasure it.

I will always think of her and how she and her family spent time sitting in the seats, breaking bread, playing games, telling long winded stories etc...

(all the while secretly jumping for joy for my good fortune!!)

woof nanny said...

I love this. I was just writing today about melding art and memories, and how trinkets have so much to say. If ony they could tell us the details of their histories.