Celebrating the Ordinary – Sixth Day
A potpourri of treasured memories.
That’s what I’m celebrating today as the ordinary for which I’m appreciative. And I’d be remiss not to pay tribute to Marie for starting this exercise, which has energized and revived the esprit de corps of those bloggesses who are participating. I believe all our posts are richer as a result of digging deeper to find treasures right under our noses.
The first marvel I’m featuring today can be found right in my living room: a collection of shells and ceramic rocks that my mother treasured, as well as a framed image of a younger me with my three sons. The pendant I draped over the photo, with the simple word “Dream,” came from a women’s retreat I attended last September. After I finished visiting all the prayer stations in one room set aside at the retreat for that purpose, I saw this lone pendant. Next to it was a simple sign urging me to take it. Free.
This simple word “Dream” kept me going through all the dark days that followed. And now I have realized that which I’ve imagined all these months–an independent me making my own choices and charting my own course.
The other treasure, perched on my coffee table, is a clay-designed wine bottle from Del Dotto winery in Napa Valley. Last January I met my cousin and her husband from southern California in this lush location of rolling hills, lavish as much in the money spent there as in the acres upon acres of vineyards. Amidst these special surroundings we tasted superb wines and savored exquisite appetizers while catching up on our lives.
The wine bottle from Del Dotto was so unique that we both decided to save it as decor for our living rooms. To top it off, we both purchased a candleholder that fits into the wine bottle along with two candles that look like corks. We landed such treasures in Healdsburg, a charming town nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley.
When I returned home I finished the wine, a delightful bouquet of aromas and flavors, and set the empty bottle down with its unique topper. Later I decided to place beneath it a painted tapa cloth made from bark in Rarotonga, a South Pacific Island that our family visited over a decade ago. It seemed only fitting to mix the cultures into an eclectic blend of recollections.
I plan to hold on to these reminders of joyful days, days of which I dream, days to savor and remember those who love me and whom I love.
Unconditionally.
Wonderful, Jan.
This is such a lovely exercise – the celebration of the ordinary. It’s such a pleasure to read these posts, yours included.
Yes, Catherine, what a lovely exercise indeed. I’m also enjoying reading all the posts on this fascinating topic. Yours among them, of course. Thanks for your comment. xox
A potpourri of treasured memories.. love that phrase Jan..and this was certainly a delightful pot pourri..the lovely part is that I feel I was a witness to some of these memories..as you shared those amazing pictures with us of your visit to the winery. I loved catching these glimpses of your treasured memories – you are so honest and generous in how you share it with us all through your blog.
ur posts are richer as a result of digging deeper to find treasures right under our noses.
Lovely post Jan. I can smell the wine and sense the pleasure of all the memories and moments. Xxx
Beautiful post, Jan. I can feel your strength and resolve through your words. I love the recalling of such rich memories. Thanks for sharing.
A few pretty things on a side table speaks volumes, doesn’t it? From them I can tell you love nature and the sea, have a big heart, love your children, are ever hopeful and looking forward to the future!
It’s great fun to put together these collages of travel mementos and other souvenirs. I suppose those collections represent a tapestry of the life I’ve woven over the years. Thank you very much for initiating this challenge and then taking the time to comment on everyone’s blog post, Marie. That takes some real dedication and commitment. xox
I’m so glad you can feel the sensations of it all, Audrey. It’s hard to capture these stirring memories in words. Thanks for your visit. xox
I’ve certainly grown more resilient as time goes by, Nancy. It comes from suffering, but also from enjoying the pleasures that life can offer us if we dare to look. You know all about enjoying each moment. Thanks for stopping by. xox
Yes, a side table can reveal a wealth of information about personalities and character. I love what you learned about me simply from those images. In fact, your characterization humbles me immensely, Renn. Thank you. You made my weekend. xox
[...] underneath them tell so much ~ Feisty Blue Gecko A fragrant potpourri of treasured memories ~ Mourning Has Broken Today, my ordinary celebration is to recognize that my life has taken on a new meaning.. ~ [...]