Hello, friends! Another old draft revisited. This one is from 2019! Hard to believe that it’s been six years since then. Boy, does time fly! This draft was pretty sparse, but I love the idea of it, so I thought I’d expound on it.
There are treasures that we find, that did not begin their journey with us. The dearest treasures of mine have lived many a life before my fingertips ever found them. Like a muted blue typewriter purchased from a rummage sale during the summer of my tween years. Or the dainty yellow nightgown that is almost too beautiful to wear. A dish or two from an ancestor all my own.
There are Christmas stars, that have perched themselves on countless trees, admired by all for their height and distinction. Found again leather purses, with silk insides, to accessorize my Sunday’s best. Quilts made from flannel scraps create warmth once again.
I can’t help but think we’re drawn to them because they are so beautiful. We’re like magpies, desperately clutching newfound treasure. We amass this collection, of items that we squirrel away in our home, making sure there’s a place that fits them just so. Soon enough, they take on our stories.
There are things and there are treasures, and I’ve only begun to know the difference between the two. The difference is quiet, and one must learn to listen. This is another reason why I’ve taken such a liking to living a much more minimalist life. When we own an overabundance of things — how on Earth are they meant to have any real special place in our hearts? If I have thirty sweaters, how likely am I to feel compelled to strictly follow the care instructions on the label, to mend when a hole arises, or to pass it down to my daughter? I think the first step in tending to our treasures is to only own things that are thoroughly practical and/or beautiful and dearly loved.
We must listen and tend to our garden of treasures. A great question to ask ourselves before we purchase something — Is this item worth maintaining to me? Or… (And I’ve done this with many items…) is it cute the first time you wear it and then once it’s dirty, it sits at the bottom of your laundry hamper for months because you really can’t be bothered to follow the very specific care instructions? These are things to think of while at the store and not once you’ve bought it and taken it home.
If we tend to our treasures, as if we really did treasure them, they could one day be treasured by another. A stitch to mend, a fresh coat of paint, or perhaps a repurpose, time maintains a treasure, so it can be treasured once more. We cannot be expected to maintain a houseful that’s bursting at the seams with possessions. The less we own, the more deliberate we can be.
Just a small reminder, all!
XOXO,
Mattie Mae
Midwest Mattie 