3/6/15
I don’t know why, but I love old things. Ancient, used, antique, time-worn, weathered, familiar, old-fashioned. I have fallen in love with objects of times gone by. My family doesn’t understand this infatuation. Each time I purchase an item, my dad quips, “I could tie that behind my truck and drag it a few miles to make it look more vintage.”
Is it that the scars, chipped paint, and aged-creaminess make these articles more beautiful?
Is it that these items hold memories like a mug holds coffee, warm and comforting and aromatic?
Is it the fragrance of wooden chests, grandmas, and coziness that float to my nose when I unfold them?
Is it that these belongings are a small piece of the person who crafted them or washed them or cared for them?
Is it that they are proof of life before us and the hope that life will go on after us?
I’m not sure. The mystery of why these possessions bring happiness and comfort to me is maybe unexplainable, elusive, like a butterfly we almost touch before it floats away. But I will continue to collect them, treasure them, and touch them as I walk by.
Loving Literacy 
Oh, I love your pictures AND your words. I also love handmade items from cedar chests and bureau drawers. They are connections to people, places, and times of long ago, but hopefully they also speak of hope for future beauty and the making of new memories.
I agree. I love the thought that a tablecloth has already know family fights, overheard big announcements. celebrated great joy and mourned great sadness. That is one I want to have.
What beautiful reflections woven together with the parallel language structure. Love it.
That tablecloth is amazing. I enjoy older things because they have such history. I have a few things that come over from Sweden with my great-grandmother that I treasure.
I don’t share your infatuation, but your words adobo panting the photos are so insightful! I see what you mean.
I love the ‘elusive like a butterfly.’ I love vintage too and I think it is that it has a history. Someone else that we can maybe never touch or meet used it and gently saved it for us, unknowingly passing it down to future generations. Beautiful slice of life…
I like your mixture of photos and questions. Your dad either really doesn’t get it, or he just likes to tease. And you’re teasing back by using his comment to bounce off your own ideas. Some of those pieces you’ve acquired could be writing prompts in themselves — make up a history for each one, if you don’t already know who originally owned it.
Love those treasures, so beautiful!! Thanks for the peek!