My daughter and I have a Saturday hobby. When time allows. we enjoy going to estate sales. She loves thrifting for clothes, I enjoy finding garden treasures. It’s a hobby we picked up by accident when we stumbled onto a sale about a year ago.
Today, I listened to the woman in front of us and watched her walk away. It reminded me of the estate sale across the street at our old house. Mary and Erv were the best neighbors. Although in their eighties, in many ways they were our best friends and they loved being surrogate grandparents to our children, who were tiny at the time.
When their health deteriorated and my husband's runs across the street to help weren't enough, they moved on to assisted care living. We were heartbroken. I remember the day an estate sale was held at their house. It was a beautiful spring-like day, not a cloud in the sky. I was in one of my children’s rooms when a shadow fell over the window. I looked to see what it was and was surprised to see a bald eagle swooping over our house, over Erv and Mary’s and out of sight. I had never seen one in that neighborhood and haven’t seen one there since.
Watching out the window I noticed a sale being set up and strangers going in and out of the familiar house. What was already heartbreaking was even more so, ‘people were just walking out with their stuff...they didn’t even know them’. I felt sad, and then, I felt protective. I ran to the sale and picked out 5 pieces that stood out in memories: the blue pyrex cake pan that Mary always served us her chocolate cake in and 4 small blue glass (her favorite) decorative pieces. One for each of my children to have someday.
Today the weather was cold and dreary. The skies were overcast and drizzle was imminent. Watching the conversation in front of us made me reminiscent. I understood the woman's sadness but also understood the neighbor whom she was talking to. He was there to get a “jacket or something" to remember and feel close to his friend.
Thanks for sharing. I like that you included the weather. It always feels incongruous when the weather is bright and sunny but it feels like it should be dark and gloomy.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think about it but you are right, weather adds so much to tone and can be incongruous. Thanks.
DeleteThe value here, I think, is including so many perspectives. First, the happy-go-lucky feeling of strangers at the sale (you and your daughter.) Then, how you feel when you really know the person and feel protective, as you describe it, and in need of something to save. Finally, when you are fond of them and looking for a memento.
ReplyDeleteI like to imagine the owner of the blue cake pan is delighted for you to continue its use. I like to think the owner of the three carved wooden bears (who I never knew) is happy that I have them, love them, and let children play with them.
I'm the same Fran. I imagine the owners to be happy that their belongings have a new home.
DeleteThe value here, I think, is including so many perspectives. First, the happy-go-lucky feeling of strangers at the sale (you and your daughter.) Then, how you feel when you really know the person and feel protective, as you describe it, and in need of something to save. Finally, when you are fond of them and looking for a memento.
ReplyDeleteI like to imagine the owner of the blue cake pan is delighted for you to continue its use. I like to think the owner of the three carved wooden bears (who I never knew) is happy that I have them, love them, and let children play with them.
There is nothing like cleaning out a house - so difficult. I remember my sister couldn't take anything from my parent's house - it was all too much in the moment. I took everything and sorted it by person so when she was ready or the kids grew up everyone could have a piece of them in their homes. I love having my mom's things all around my house - the memories come to life so easily. I was so happy when I read that you went over to take mementos for your children. Lovely slice - thank you.
ReplyDeleteOh wow, Claire, that is a big job to take and sort everything for your family. I actually tend to be the dumping ground for family cleanouts also. I, too, sort and save for my nieces and nephews. Thanks for reading and commenting. ❤️
DeleteSo many emotions in this writing. So many of us have gone through these times of seeing a house cleaned out and things sold. I line about they didn't even know them hit me. It reminded me of the old treadle sewing machine in our living room. I bought it years ago, still have it, did not know the folks I bought it from but I think about them often. I think about the woman of the house sewing on this machine with her feet rocking back and forth. I taught both of our kids - son and daughter to sew on this machine. Some time we may not know the people but we care about them anyway! Thanks for pushing my memory a little bit!
ReplyDeleteI love that you have a sewing machine, I imagine the original owner is so happy that it's been part of your family's life. You are right, sometimes we care about people don't know.
DeleteBitsy, Joanne mentioned your slice and I had to come over and read it. Your intro was intriguing to me since I had over a hundred pieces of my antiques and quality furniture sold at an estate sale online a few weeks ago. After years of antiquing, some of my beautiful pieces were not the right look for my house so I wanted some one to love what I cherished. I am hoping that everyone who bought online felt that. My rosewood 100+ year old Victorian couch ended up in a bidding war. The owner told the estate sale team that it was something that would be loved.
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you for stopping by! My daughter and I definitely find some treasures and I always hope that the owner would appreciate knowing that their item is well-loved. I'm glad that your sale was successful!
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