8.06.2011

Things are not just things...

Most of you that have been following me for a while now probably know my attachment to things.  I have decorated our home with things that are special to me.  In reality I know how unhealthy it can be to cling to 'things' in this world, but with all of the loss I have faced, these 'things' have become pieces to fill the holes I have left.  When I walk through my house each day, I have little reminders surrounding me of where I came from.  I even have a tendency to keep broken things.  In this photo below, you will see part of a cracked bird bath.  Its only the top b/c it broke when we were moving, so James just set the top on another flower planter.  The birds love it, and it has become a part of my morning routine.

The budda is an amazing iron half bust.  It was in my mother's garden, and is waiting to one day go into my own garden.  Or maybe one day Ill create a zen yoga spot in the yard.  The half sun is another broken piece.  This sun used to hang on the front of my parents house.  My dad took it off the house at some point, so I brought it home b/c it was just laying on the ground.  It also broke when we were moving.  But my lovely husband scooped it up and put it in the car anyway.  It will also one day be in our garden.


This beautiful blue star is a piece that my mom and her sister saw when they were out shopping together and they both loved it.  So they decided to buy it and trade it back and forth each christmas.  So the christmas after my mom had died, my aunt surprised me with it for us to carry on the tradition.  It made me feel special for her to do that.  I love it.


This amazing old naked woman is a nutcracker.  She used to sit on my parents counter.  Ive always admired it.  They both thought it was pretty cool and funny when someone would see it for the first time.  Her legs open up and crack the nuts :)  I decided to hang her on the wall.

I can only imagine that my garden of 'things' will continue to grow as we get to the point of going through my parents house.  I know I cant keep everything, I just have such a sentimental heart, its hard.  The last two or three days I have had a stirring heart.  Ill share more in another post on this.

PEACE,
Laura

14 comments:

  1. I think its beautiful how you fill your home with memories of your family. Those things are not just "things", they are special pieces of your life. They trigger a memory, an emotion, and that is a wonderful thing.
    Much Aloha, Monika

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  2. I don't think this is unhealthy....unless you live like a hoarder which you don't. I personally wish I had more "things" from growing up and from my grandparents. I have an empty menthol container that was my grandpa's. As long as I can remember he'd open a jar, he'd always buy this same brand, stick his pinky in the menthol and then stick it up his nose so he could breathe. :D So yes, I have one of his empty containers and my grandma didn't think I was crazy when I asked for one.

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  3. Hi, I'm pretty new to your blog but I have to say that it is so endearing to come across a blog that shares the good and bad of their life. Life isn't easy. I know sometimes it's difficult to decide how much of yourself to put out there online and I am glad that you are sharing this with the world.

    BTW-I love broken "things". That just means that there is usually an amazing story or a bundle of memories attached to it.

    Keep your head up!

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  4. I love this post. I feel the same way about things. It's why I love antiques so much. Every piece has a story and most of the time I don't know the story - but it's still important and special.

    I inherited my grandma's sewing machine. It's a great piece and sews wonderfully, but I recently went and bought a new sewing machine simply because I can not bear having hers cleaned and serviced. Her fingerprints are still on it, her sewing dust and lint are still in it. Sometimes when I really miss her, I just sit at her machine, turn in on and stitch a little. It may just be a "thing" to some people - but it's way more than that to me.

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  5. There is nothing wrong with having material things to memorialize the past, or the present.

    Lovely to see you take joy in life : )

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  6. i believe there is nothing wrong with keeping and displaying those things that are of sentimental value. there is a little piece of who we loved in these precious momentos. the problem with things, i think, is consumerism, the need to just have have have and that definitely is not what you're doing. <3

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  7. Things are not things when they carry memories and stories. That you have these objects to carry your stories is a great thing. As you say, they remind you of your 'herstory' and the pieces of what makes you who you are.

    Peace and stillness to you Laura, xo

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  8. Did you see this yet? I saw it after reading here and immediately thought of you...

    http://www.ohmyhandmade.com/2011/what-we-love/printable-reminder-the-past-didnt-go-anywhere/

    xo

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  9. I always find beauty in 'the broken' Like you, I love to cherish items that have been handed down to me, or once belonged to my Grandmother. This is important, and it helps to feel connected to that person. Plus I believe that object hold energy from the previous person. Lovely post Laura :)

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  10. I think it's nice that you have so many reminders of your family in your home.
    I do the same. My Mom gives me decorations, fabrics, paintings, etc that she wants me to have and I treasure them all!

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  11. Beautiful post full of beautiful items. Memories are powerful and I think it is wonderful that these treasured items remind you of home, family, and love. Each one is a piece of your soul

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  12. This lovely post made me quiet.
    It reminds me of a few things i have from a very special person i've lost.
    So nice to keep those things close by.

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  13. I love these snap shots. Your beloved items are really loved.

    BTW, is this a phone photo app? I love the look of these. If so, would you share which one it is?

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Thank you so much for your sweet comments!