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Recently a friend of mine told me that her silver collection stays behind closed doors because it's too tarnished. I replied, "I love the look of tarnished silver!" I really do. I often love the character and charm that imperfections give to things. . . and people, for that matter.That conversation got me thinking. Why do we rob ourselves of happiness just because things aren't as perfect as we think they should be. And why do we put off enjoying things because "it has to be just right." I know that I am guilty of this and it's something that I am trying very hard to change. My neighbor, who has terminal cancer, wisely advised me, "It's not the things you've done, but the things you haven't done in your life, that you regret the most."
My husband came home the other day to report that the business next to his was selling off clothing items that belonged to a man who had recently passed away. He said that there were literally hundreds of items that belonged to this man that still had the price tag on them. It made me wonder why this poor soul kept all of those really nice, expensive things tucked away. I felt so sad that he never took the opportunity to find happiness in actually using the things he owned.
I'm hoping that when my friend sees my display of tarnished silver, she'll be inspired to go home and enjoy hers, polished or not.I've decided to take a good look at my life. What am I doing, or not doing, that is keeping me from enjoying my life to it's fullest? I want to start living my life with no regrets.
34 comments:
Good morning, Joy,
A very fine post this morning.
I am not so sure that we CAN live our lives without regrets of sorts. Can we really live life without wishing we had done something just a tad bit different?
My mother in law "saved" every single thing she ever received that was pretty. She just couldn't bring herself to use the pretty new towels or the lovely candle or the crisp, new, pretty sheets...when she died, we found tons of these things in her closet.
My mom, on the other hand, believed in enjoying every single thing she had...new or old, priceless or worthless...I guess it is just the difference in personalities...
Thanks for this wonderful post today.
xo bj
This is why I have never ever regretted the fact that my husband and I didn't register for china when we got married.
1. I am thankful for not having to store it.
2. I am a person who likes to change and redo things frequently and there was no way I would have picked something I would still like.
3. Never once has their been an occasion that I wished for it.
4. Did I mention how thankful I am that I DON'T HAVE TO STORE IT???
Your post was right on target. God gives us talents and if we don't use them they will be taken away. So put that silver out - tarnished or not...display those hand made things -they may not be just perfect - if you want perfect - go buy them. Enjoy what you have - out in the open - not stuck away in a box or behind closed doors.
We should remember we are living in a home of love, life and laughter - not a museum.
I just love the different tablescapes you are posting. Very inspiring. I thought about what you (it was you wasn't it?) said about collecting things around your house that are the same and making a tablescape with them. Do Kleenix boxes count? lol You are right it is sad all the things that people store and don't use, new or used. Someone else could be getting a lot of joy out of them, not to mention the joy of giving it to them.
Great post and reminder....have a great Tuesday.
sandy toe
I love this post. I am a Hospice Nurse and see this all the time. However, I often find myself doing the same thing as your friend.
thanks for the reminder to get out and use that tarnished silver and for me to use that good china! It's beautiful!
Great post, Joy! You are so right. Thanks for giving me this to think about this morning.
Love your post today! My MIL saved everything pretty as well, and never used it. Ever. I like tarnished silver, and holes in the crochet bedspread! :-) I like the feel of old things that have lived a life of their own! Great Post!
Very thoughtful post today. Thanks for sharing.
Here, Here!
I love tarnished silver-the color is always unique...
Great life perspective-
Thank you for your insight on this...and I love your display in the previous post...your burlap creations look lovely together.
I love the look of tarnished silver...I will usually polish mine in the spring and then let it tarnish which looks great with the fall decor. My husband's grandmother was of the "save the good stuff" belief where my own grandmother was a believer in using all the things she had. I agree with bj that it must just be a personality trait...I am just like my grandmother!
I think I like this display even better than yesterdays! You are so great at display!
I too am trying to live without regret and love each day as if it were my last! Ya know it's not about things!
Thanks for such an inspiring post. I'm sure I have some things put away for a "special occasion" that I should just get out and enjoy every day!
Great post! We all need to LIVE life!
What a beautiful post..My silver,china, and crystal belonged to my sweet mother in law and she used hers for display only. Not me...I use my silver, tarnished and beautiful. I have my laundry detergents in beautiful crystal decanters, placed on a silver platter...I use my silver for everyday things...not just the sugar and creamer..I have some pens I love that I keep in a creamer on my desk so that I can enjoy it every day. A wise woman once asked me..."who are you saving your beautiful china, silver, etc for? Your husbands next wife?!!!!!!!!!!!!! That was a real ahha....I use everything, silver, crystal, china everyday...enjoy all the beauty you have around you..
You are so right! I came to tat very conclusion a long while back and it sure changes some of the decisions I make!
I'm with you,use and enjoy your treasures and I love tarnished silver....Barb
Great post! Thanks!
Loved your post! Oh and my silver is also put away, maybe I should bring it out.
What a great post!
I love this post. Thanks for the reminder. Afterall, isn't imperfection the spice of life?
Very well said! I've been just staring at my Sunbeam mixer thinking I should make something with it. I have had it for 4 years and NEVER once used it! Can you believe it. It's a small thing but I think I need to get messy and make some cookies with my family!
Excellent Point Joy!!!! Pretty post as usual. Still loving black and silver anything!!!lol Love your burlap designs too! Have a great week - Sincerely, Jeannette
Love this post I need reminded once in awhile!
I absolutely agree! We have a set of vey nice etched glass plates that were given to us shortly after we got married. I was always hesitant to use the "good dishes" then realized, why not!? They're only collecting dust anyway and everyday should be special! :)
I loved this post. After losing my husband 7 months ago, I am making BIG changes in my life. My mother's silver was wrapped up and, to my knowledge, had never been used. I am now using it. I have Wedgewood China that wasn't used - I'm using it and adding to my collection. I am clearing out "stuff" that means nothing to me. I am reorganizing so that I will love living in my home.
I have always said that my home is childproof - meaning that I don't care if it gets broken, at least there are people that I love here enjoying it. I refuse to save things "for good", be it perfume, linens, clothing or dishes. I love nice things and I want them to be used.
Thank you for this wonderful reminder.
That is so true. We should all use and enjoy the things we love. It certainly enriches our lives. Mimi
Your blog touched my heart today. In fact, tonight I took my husband and son out to a very nice pricey dinner to celebrate my official retirement. We hardly ever go to a really special restaurant, but after reading your entry, I decided not to put off these "special" celebrations.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
ginny
Great post Joy!
I added it and a photo to my tumblr acct {in the sidebar on my blog} let me know if you want me to remove the photo!
xoxo
I'm with you on the tarnished silver. I love the look. I think things that are imperfect have character, just like us. I LOVE your blog. Thanks for sharing your gifts.
You're so right! I too, love the look of tarnished silver. It's so beautiful and shows character I think. I love the monogrammed tray that you have. I have an old tarnished tray that I bought at a flea market. It wont't clean up at all but I really like it's old tarnished look. I think I just might "borrow" your idea and display it the way you have. Your vignette is gorgeous!
Blessings to you,
Kathleen
Holy Moley --that tablescape is amazing!
Just found you through the Southern Hospitality Blog.
AMAZING!
Best Wishes to you!!
sparkedlife.blogspot.com
I loved the words you wrote in this post.....I AM PULLING ALL MY TARNISHED "CRAP" OUT!!!!!!!!!!
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