Traditions....

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Not too long ago....I could have looked in every room of my house and pointed out pieces of furniture, paintings, keepsakes, you name it...that we had been "given" or had been handed down to us from either our parents or grandparents..and in my case...my great grandmother! The older I get I realize that we have either replaced some of those family treasures or passed them on to our children! I love it! I love the fact that I was always grateful for ANYTHING we were given...if I didn't love it...sometimes I had it "refinished" or painted by a real artist...not me!! One piece in particular stands out...the dresser that is still in our bedroom today! It started out in our tiny little apartment as part of a "bedroom suit" of furniture that we were given by Jim's grandparents. When we could finally afford the bed that we wanted...I simply had an artist friend transform the dresser into a piece that looks rather...well...french I suppose!! and I still love it!! And you can't find pieces like that anymore either!

As is the case with many pieces that I still have today!!! There are several pieces that  I have lovingly shared with Mitch and Britney or Holly and Brad...and numerous pieces that I sold on a whim in a garage sale...Oh...if only I could get them back!! Not only do I regret that I probably made my mother in law sad...I regret the fact that I don't have the furniture! Today it would be a tremendous "find" but knowing that it was a family heirloom so to speak would have made it priceless....
 Case in point...my favorite magazine came in the mail today! Traditional Home! Jim always says..."It's a great day!! Look what came in the mail!" LOL!!! this time...it was extra true! When I saw this glass...this measly old glass that probably NOONE else will notice...I screamed out loud! Literally!!! I have 12 of these!! These were the glasses that noone wanted in the family at the estate sale we had when Jim's grandparents died...after everyone had picked what they wanted...Jim and I went back and looked around...and opened cabinets...and I listened as he talked about these fabulous (rather large) glasses... and even I remembered how on every Christmas morning we would drive up to "Mamie and Pappy's" house and she would serve us the most wonderful Orange Julius' in these beautiful glasses! Since then, I've used them for numerous things...even floated candles in them! and I wouldn't trade them for anything!

On top of that...when I saw this mahogany table...Empire mind you...not my favorite...I quickly took a picture of ours that is sitting in the attic...and I am determined to get in my house! It too...came from Mamie and Pappy's house after all was said and done! And look at just how beautiful it can be!!! Just think...one day one of my children will be passing it down to their child...that is what Tradition is all about! in fact...I do believe it's why I started my antique shop to begin with! I love the traditions behind each and every piece!!!