I love the story about your grandmother and her aprons. It must be something about that generation. They saved everything for best. I once heard a story about someone not using their best china. And then when you die it gets passed onto your grandchildren who might accidentally smash some of it. The moral of the story is to use that beautiful china and smash it yourself!
I mean, I do understand it when my grandparents grew up on midwest farms that were often quite dusty and such. Plus going through the Great Depression. It's just not where we live now! Thanks Cali!
I just need to share ~I wasn’t going to say anything~ I’ve spent the last two weeks in Hospice with my sister-in-law and my nieces and nephews ~ they are all in there late fifties and sixties ~ my sister-in-law was 89~ she was in a coma~ not responding to anything or anyone~ Ruth used to be a Nun entering the convent at 17~ she left in her middle thirties ~ well my son called the convent ~to let her friends know~ 4 sisters walked in to the room ~inform us ~they all entered the convent at the same time~young girls with Ruth ~one got on each side of the hospital bed~ and said” hi Ruthie ~it’s Cecelia ~hi Ruth it’s Donna”~ she opened her eyes ~held out her arm and mouthed words to them ~
the morning of her funeral I was notified my uncle passed~ I’ve been mystified because I haven’t cried until this morning ~with Kathy mattea words that you shared Karen ~ I’ve cried and cried~ for Ruth ~Bill and myself~ I will miss them both. Thank you Karen you have helped me in my grief.
"Put your best out to the world today, whatever day it is. Trust that your best tomorrow will still be good enough." I needed to hear this today Karen - words to live by! Thank you as always for your wisdom and showing the beauty that surrounds us all
A wonderful reminder to enjoy what brings us joy. I think about the colorful collection of 1940s Fiestaware my grandmother used 1-2x a year. I inherited the collection and only use it several times a year, too, but I searched for a cabinet where it could be displayed as a functional art.
Ah, I have a set of my grandmother’s china in the basement. I let it go once and then got a request to keep it for my nieces and nephews (who may never want it)! Love that you’ve made it art!
I treasued these words: "It’s as if spirit had a message - there is no need to hold anything back. Put your best out to the world today, whatever day it is. Trust that your best tomorrow will still be good enough." Thank you. I am also honored by your knowledge about birds and the beautiful pictures you share.
Your post made me so nostalgic! When my grandmother died, we, too, found a beautiful dress and jewelry that my mother had sent her and she had apparently never worn. Still in the box, carefully wrapped in tissue. Sadly the occasion for her wearing it was her burial, and she did look lovely! I hope she looked down to see how pretty she looked! The wisdom book of Ecclesiastes tells us to "Eat, drink, and be merry..." to enjoy life. This isn't about being hedonistic; it's about savoring the moment with gratitude. Perhaps we "save" things in some naive belief that saving something for "tomorrow" will insure that "tomorrow" will truly come. But we only have a series of "todays," like pearls on a string. So wear your pearls every day! ;-)
Karen, your writing evoked a couple of my favorite chapters in Walden on the sights and sounds around the pond, especially in the mornings.
And you are right. Every day should be the day reserved for our best.
Thank you Switter!
Yes…I found new things my Mom saved too like that….beautiful bird photos and audio❤️😍👍
Thank you Aunt Sharon!
I love the story about your grandmother and her aprons. It must be something about that generation. They saved everything for best. I once heard a story about someone not using their best china. And then when you die it gets passed onto your grandchildren who might accidentally smash some of it. The moral of the story is to use that beautiful china and smash it yourself!
I mean, I do understand it when my grandparents grew up on midwest farms that were often quite dusty and such. Plus going through the Great Depression. It's just not where we live now! Thanks Cali!
Thank you for sharing your mid-summer lull. I am savoring every bit of it and storing your thoughts to memory as needed. Wonderful post Karen!
Thank you Sandy
Karen,
I just need to share ~I wasn’t going to say anything~ I’ve spent the last two weeks in Hospice with my sister-in-law and my nieces and nephews ~ they are all in there late fifties and sixties ~ my sister-in-law was 89~ she was in a coma~ not responding to anything or anyone~ Ruth used to be a Nun entering the convent at 17~ she left in her middle thirties ~ well my son called the convent ~to let her friends know~ 4 sisters walked in to the room ~inform us ~they all entered the convent at the same time~young girls with Ruth ~one got on each side of the hospital bed~ and said” hi Ruthie ~it’s Cecelia ~hi Ruth it’s Donna”~ she opened her eyes ~held out her arm and mouthed words to them ~
the morning of her funeral I was notified my uncle passed~ I’ve been mystified because I haven’t cried until this morning ~with Kathy mattea words that you shared Karen ~ I’ve cried and cried~ for Ruth ~Bill and myself~ I will miss them both. Thank you Karen you have helped me in my grief.
Oh Catherine, I'm glad the words hit at the right time to let the emotion come out. That's so much and so hard. I'm glad you're surrounded by love.
Karen again thank you so much~ ❤️
"Put your best out to the world today, whatever day it is. Trust that your best tomorrow will still be good enough." I needed to hear this today Karen - words to live by! Thank you as always for your wisdom and showing the beauty that surrounds us all
Thank you Alexa! I hope you are well.
Beautifully said.
Thank you Jim
A beautiful post in all ways, Karen! <3
Thank you dear friend!
A wonderful reminder to enjoy what brings us joy. I think about the colorful collection of 1940s Fiestaware my grandmother used 1-2x a year. I inherited the collection and only use it several times a year, too, but I searched for a cabinet where it could be displayed as a functional art.
Ah, I have a set of my grandmother’s china in the basement. I let it go once and then got a request to keep it for my nieces and nephews (who may never want it)! Love that you’ve made it art!
Beautiful
Thank you Paolo!
Thank you Karen!!
Lovely message
Good recordings of what I only hear from afar now .you have brought up close.
Blessings and Peace
Thank you Lydia!
Essays don't get any better than this. So much wisdom you shared!
Thank you Michael!
Thank you again. Reminded me to enjoy the mundane moments for they become what I most treasure. I especially enjoyed the little video. ☺️
Thank you Bobbie!
I treasued these words: "It’s as if spirit had a message - there is no need to hold anything back. Put your best out to the world today, whatever day it is. Trust that your best tomorrow will still be good enough." Thank you. I am also honored by your knowledge about birds and the beautiful pictures you share.
Thank you Linda!
Your post made me so nostalgic! When my grandmother died, we, too, found a beautiful dress and jewelry that my mother had sent her and she had apparently never worn. Still in the box, carefully wrapped in tissue. Sadly the occasion for her wearing it was her burial, and she did look lovely! I hope she looked down to see how pretty she looked! The wisdom book of Ecclesiastes tells us to "Eat, drink, and be merry..." to enjoy life. This isn't about being hedonistic; it's about savoring the moment with gratitude. Perhaps we "save" things in some naive belief that saving something for "tomorrow" will insure that "tomorrow" will truly come. But we only have a series of "todays," like pearls on a string. So wear your pearls every day! ;-)
Thank you for sharing this story Lauren! I love this, “wear your pearls every day.”