Grandma's Button Box

A number of years ago we were cleaning out my in-laws things and came across an old tin full of buttons. My step-daughter was interested in it, so we gladly gave one more thing away. If any of you have cleaned out relatives homes you know what I mean. So much "stuff." Part of you understands that coming out of the depression and WWII era people were more frugal, purchasing fewer luxury items, and reusing whatever they could. Hence, the "button box." The other part of you wishes they'd have gotten rid of some of it years before.

Getting ready for the garage sale last week, my step-daughter pulled out that button box and we sorted through it. Of course, there were also "other" items in that tin: straight pins, safety pins, snaps, coins, an old heart-shaped lock, the random key. We decided if we were going to put it out for sale it would have to be cleaned up a bit.

Where had some of these buttons been? How old were they? What was their history? A few were probably on jackets, coats, cardigan sweaters thrown over the shoulders. Others on a collar or sleeve, some on a dress to wear to a cocktail party. There were a few buttons that looked like they'd been on chidren's clothing. We could only speculate. What will our children and grandchildren have to say about our own "stuff?" I better do some more sorting!

Happy Macro Monday from the Button Box.

100 Blessings

It's funny how a project takes on a life of its own. I started out making a list of things I'd like to take pictures of - piles of M&M's, rocks on the beach, license plates hanging on an old garage door. Then I decided it would be interesting to find 100 items about "me," celebrating my 100th post with items about me/my life/etc. This way I could tie my compulsion to blog in to my theme. So, I started THAT list. And when I was done I decided all the things I was collecting, ideas as well as items, were actually blessings. Things about my life that make me who I am and allow me to keep striving to be the best I can be at what I do. Each activity isn't necessarily a blessing, it's my ability to do the things I love to do, and be with the people I love to be with. This became an introspective activity, and that's probably where I am in my life right now. If the shoe fits..., so to speak. So, welcome to my 100th Post ! Without everyone I've met thr

Macro Monday + One

With a little help from my friend (+1=not macro, though taken with my macro lens) Things I Love About Summer (in no particular order, though I see food appears higher on the list than does exercise.) Picnics Fresh fruit Fresh vegetables Celebrations Fireworks Family reunions Quiet, country mornings Showy meadows Gentle rains Thunder storms Family gatherings Children's laughter at dusk The sound of dogs barking Windows open Gently blowing curtains Big puffy clouds Being warm Sandals The smell of fresh cut grass The sound of lawn mowers Sitting on the porch reading Time The colors Flowers GREEN Leaves on the trees Adventures Photo ops Waves on the beach Ice cream Long walks Riding bikes Having church outside at the pavilion Camping Boating Fairs Sunrise and Sunsets The Great Lakes I'm sure this isn't the entire list, but it's a good start. It could also become a "things I'm grateful for" list, as well. We need to take time periodically to reflect on all t

Hidden Gem

Thank you, Georgia , for helping me focus on the hidden gem, the place we love to go and not be found. Not far from home...it IS home. We call it "out back," and once there we are transported to a private place, not visible from houses or road or the casual observer. I couldn't choose just one photo, so I created a collage of this special part of our world. Enjoy.

Life: Through the Lens

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