Hello, Friends,
I hope you are well and encouraged.
When we cleaned out my grandparent's house, I came across a stack of boxed nightgowns. We all assumed that my grandmother was saving them for "some day". That day never came and the fancy nightgowns were given away or sold at the estate sale.
In contrast, when I helped clean out my husband's grandmother's house, all the fancy stuff was clearly used. There wasn't a lot to sell at an estate sale because the glassware and china was chipped or damaged. These were signs of items that were used and loved.
I'd like to always be the person that uses the fancy things. I can't say that we're always successful but we try.
We use the antique and vintage glassware that was passed on to us from Bill's Granny Vi and my mother in law.
I use the stunning Waterford vases that I've received as gifts even though I'll afraid that I'll chip them.
It's also nerve wracking with a new kitty but so far she has been good and she understands 'No!"
I moved the sterling flatware so that it is more assessable. I hope that we will use it more often. Bill hasn't agreed to using it daily since the pieces should be handwashed but I'm trying to win him over on this. Supposedly, it has medicinal value but even that didn't win him over.
I wear dresses almost every day. They are more comfortable than jean shorts in the summer time. Forget about wearing jeans in Texas during the late summer months. I've even been wearing my "church" dresses.
We used the pillow cases embroidered by my mother and grandmother. Guess what? They wore out.
That's okay.
We have some new thrifted cases to replace the originals.
Things will get broken.
Bill and I both have had separate accidents with the family crystal. Fortunately, Replacements Ltd. had the pattern in stock both times.
That isn't the case with his grandparent's pattern so when one breaks it's gone for good.
More and more, I find things while out thrifting. Elusive collectables that were once hard to find are now turning up because the generation following mine doesn't really want our stuff.
The last year points to the fragility of life.
Beautiful things inspire and encourage me. They add joy to our life.
They should be used today because who knows what tomorrow will bring.
Ultimately, joy isn't found in hobbies or things but is found in a grounding in who we are, what we believe and what we were created to be.
We visited a pottery and garden the other day. The pottery was beautiful but the garden was exquisite.
Bill said that by complimenting the owner on her stunning landscape that I "spoke to her heart" with my words.
I didn't realize that I was doing that but I hope to try to be a person that speaks to a person's heart and soul.
These are discouraging times. I have had several bouts of discouragement in the last year even though I have a lot to be thankful for.
I love creating a curated, calm, and cozy home. It's my hobby but it also speaks to my heart and I hope that it speaks to yours as well.
Using those fancy and pretty things adds something special to our every day not just "the some day".
I hope this inspire you to get out the crystal and fluff the bed with an embroidered pillow case.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Katie
