I was totally lost for a post until my daughter called me last night. She had seen some displays at Hobby Lobby and decided she needed some new decor in her living room. She had looked at a cardboard fake old book (for $15) and remembered her mom has lots of very very old books. I had already given my daughter in-law some of my old books a while back. I am sure you decorators know the cool kids have piles of old books on tables. The books I had left were inscribed inside with my parents and grandparents names. I hesitated one minute and remembered that my plan is to empty the house now so my kids don't have to deal with all this stuff. And I guess I am starting one book at a time. She took all the books I had pulled and asked what else I might have. I gave her one of my collection of over 100 Longaberger baskets (99 to go) and we opened one cabinet door. I found an hour glass that I remember on my grandfather's desk that is at least a hundred years old. There were lots of things I can't let go of yet but her husband spotted an object and did some quick research. It was a timer and lockset for a bank vault from the late 1800's, early 1900's. I am guessing my grandfather, the jeweler/watchmaker, changed the locks for the bank and kept it as we are a family of "keepers". I did not take a photo of the bank lock.
I really need to start sorting and giving up. I am the only family member living in the same town and the same state and every object from everyone's house in the past is in my house somewhere. I have an unhealthy attachment to inanimate objects and have attached way too many memories to everything. One step at a time.
That shelf looks very cool though! Hubby was a collector of stuff. Me? Not so much as I've moved so many times that I paired down my things.
ReplyDeleteGeez I just love that set of very old books with the hourglass...how cool is that. 🧡🧡🧡
ReplyDeleteAlmost all my decorative things are packed away, and some pottery was destroyed, as well as some given away to thrift stores. I've moved a lot in my life, so little was remaining from my heritage. That arrangement on the shelf looks lovely.
ReplyDeleteAt least it's your daughter receiving your treasures and not a thrift shop. I also have an attachment issue. Instead of winnowing I just move things around. My son is not sentimental nor a keeper so I know I'm the last family stop. A bank vault lock!
ReplyDeleteSounds like you actually have some cool, historical items. You'll never have to shop for gifts again; just pick an item and give it to them. Type up the family history on it and that helps the youngsters understand. My grandpa had a lock on his shed and my brother had it framed in a show box. It's heavy brass, with a sliding c-shaped piece that goes in/out. Still had the key. On my treasures, I taped a description, date purchased on the bottom so my kid knows the story. I have my grandma's milking stool, and rocker. The hour glass is really nice. Linda in Kansas
ReplyDeleteVery cool! I could not have given up that hour glass. When I did my big purge when I moved into an apartment in continuum care campus, I dealt with my (unhealthy) attachment to things by taking photos of each thing plus I attaching labels on the the object I gave away to other family members so its history would not get lost over the coming years. Just this past week I looked at my album of past objects. It's like walking down Memory Lane. I highly recommend taking photos because it did help me let go...
ReplyDeleteGood that your daughter appreciates some of your treasures!
ReplyDeleteI just got your Comment answered on a Post from a couple Days ago my Friend. Jesus you've been thru a LOT... and I do Hope you make a decent Recovery from it all GF!!! I had to Laugh, Gallows Humor, about that Old Geezer Doctor minimizing... when they Patronize us it is annoying as Hell, isn't it? Semantics and being Uppity to the Patient is a pet peeve of mine when someone is needing work on their Delivery with their Patients. Healing Energies being sent your way my Friend, worried about you. Got The Man finally Home Today but he's not doing good, so it's still scary stuff.
ReplyDeleteI am jealous that you have kids who are interested on your stuff. Mine have made it very clear that they are not.
ReplyDeleteOld books beat cardboard ones any day!
ReplyDeleteI think it’s wonderful that your daughter appreciates the history behind them.
And wow, a bank vault lock-- that’s not something you stumble across every day!
It’s wonderful how your memories live on through these objects. Taking it one step at a time sounds like the best way to honor the past while moving forward. www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteIt’s not easy to let go when every piece holds a story. You are doing something meaningful by passing these treasures on little by little. www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you have a wonderful collection of family treasures. Taking it one step at a time is the best way to honor the memories while letting go. www.melodyjacob.com
ReplyDeleteI think we sound like twins in that regard. I have trouble giving up things that mean something. I know they are just things. I don't care. I'm still looking for a good family member to keep the original photos and memorabilia when I'm not around anymore. It's harder than one might think. That hour glass is a gem. I would havekept it too.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for all your visits and kind words..Winter is back with a vegenance, with snow, ice and cold here...I am going to be seriously looking at things in my house and decide what I want to keep. My son also has several names of Estate Sale people who will come and buy it all when i die...I like my things and I still want them as they give me joy but there are things that I know I will never use and those will be passed on....
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Deb
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