Over the years, I have surrounded myself with favorite things, so it is not easy to pick just a few to share with my readers. However, I’ve managed to cull my list. These things are much more than objects because they conjure up memories of people I love and of things I’ve done. I invite you to take a walk with me through my home as I share a few of my favorite things.
Gumbo and homemade spelt artisan bread
Chicken, andouille, and okra gumbo over basmati rice with a slice of spelt bread slathered with real butter is one of my comfort foods. My mother taught me how to make gumbo and a roux and it has always been one of my favorite Cajun dishes. My friend Natalie gave me the recipe for this wonderful bread that is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Yummy. I feel warm and nurtured when I eat this.
Crystals
I have a lot of crystals in my house but what makes these special is that my brother and I dug them. A few years back, while visiting my bubbee in Hot Springs, Ar., he and I spent an afternoon digging for crystals. We took a big bucket full back to his house. After cleaning them I brought them home with me and have spread them throughout my house.
A painting by Joan Kelly
My artist friend, Joan Kelly, painted this. Back in the mid 90′s I was at her home and she was showing me her new paintings. When I saw this picture it took my breath away. I told her that was me in a former life. I offered to buy the painting but it was not for sale. I knew this picture was of me and it was to be mine but she refused to part with it.
I left it alone and forgot about it. Early one Saturday morning she showed up at my house with the painting, matted and framed. When I opened the door she said, “Here’s your painting. You’re right. It’s yours. It’s been screaming to me to bring it to you. If you still want it the price is $200.00.” It is one of my favorite paintings.
These four objects were all gifts from my children.
W.C. Fields bust
My older son, Mike, who is a creative and self-made man, made this W.C. Fields bust when he was in high school. It is 35 years old and I’ve packed and hauled it from place to place, hence the chip on its chin.
china soup tureen
My older daughter, Melissa, bought this soup tureen for me about 40 years ago when she was a teenager. Always the giving spirit, she spent her birthday money to buy me this gift.
dream, relax
The dream and relax pieces were a gift from my younger daughter, Marlon. I keep them in my bedroom as a reminder of her thoughtfulness and deeply caring soul.
favorite picture
The cats watching a 3-D movie was a gift from my younger son, Mac, and his wife, Jen. These two, who are extremely generous of heart, knowing how much I loved my cats, saw this picture and gifted me with it.
My altar
My altar has a place of honor in my home. It has a statue of Kwan Yin, an amethyst wand, a wizard, one of the crystals I dug, and my cat Sheba’s ashes and paw print. Whenever I have concern for anyone I turn them and my worry loose by placing their picture in front of Kwan Yin, the goddess of mercy.
china & crystal from my grandmother and grandfather
I remember these glasses and the cup in back from when I was a child. We all drank iced tea from the stemmed glass and the adults had hi-balls in the glass with the bird. I can still see my grandmother sitting in her rocker with this beautiful cup filled with tea.
The cup and saucer in front and the champagne glass are from their 50th wedding anniversary.
My cat collection
I started this collection when Sheba was about ten. The silver cat represents her and the brown one represents a Siamese I had named Yoda. The black ones remind me of Midnight and Menoo, two other cats who are now gone.
Writing this blog and sharing these pictures has made me nostalgic. I feel a tenderness towards those who have helped to create such heartwarming experiences for me. I appreciate the space to share a few of my favorite things with you.
The universe would not be complete without you.
You are important.
Peace and Love, ∞ Brenda
Pingback: Sheba « What If It All Means Something
Thank you for the pingback. I love the pictures of your cats.
Pingback: Spent the Morning Painting | From the C-Sweet
Thanks for the pingback.
Thanks. I also have a few crystals from Arkansas, but did not feel well enough to dig my own. A wonderful soul from the area sold me a few from his front yard…. And I also have a Kwan Yin statute that I treasure – a gift from my youngest and oldest daughters. Thanks for sharing.
Hi kd,
I love my Arkansas crystals. It was hard work and by time we had dug for about 3 hours we were dirty, tired, and sweaty. But, it was worth it.
I love Kwan Yin and her merciful heart. I don’t know too many people who even know who Kwan Yin is. Thanks for reading and for leaving a comment.
Brenda,
It’s early morning here and before I settle into work, I came by your blog. Scrolling down through the photos and the text brought a warmth to my heart. There is something so real and open about your writing. No artifice. Just you- in post after post.
I could read your writing forever.
Thank you.
Tom
Thank you for your kind words, Tom. I feel the same about your writing. I get so many emails every day so half the time I just skim through and either delete, save for later, or take the time to read. Truthfully, yours is one I always take time to read.
I’m grateful for all who write from their heart and are not afraid to put their truth on the page.
I love looking at other people’s stuff… thanks for the peek at your treasures. No doubt, these would be the things you’d grab if your house caught on fire if you had the time.
I never thought about that, Stacy, but you’re probably right. Though, I must say, those are not my only treasures. I know it’s all just stuff and if I lost it all I’d survive and be okay, but I am grateful to have these treasures.
Thanks for reading and leaving a comment.
Great list!
Thanks, Rosie. I have so many favorite things it was hard to cull the list.
D