I find that these everyday objects also link us to the past and provide something permanent in our everyday lives. I have this green glass jar—all swirly angles and soft edges—that belonged to my grandma. I keep my coffee in it. Just a cool link to the past. Those items become more important to me in this disposable world we all inhabit.
So very true, Susan. I have an old piece of pottery in a hexagonal shape with a matching cover that has "Farina" on one side. It used to belong to my mother, and before that her mother, and I too keep coffee in it. Not a day goes by when reaching for the coffee do the memories of those two women pass through my mind. It's an everyday item I really cannot live without. Thanks for continuing to read, and respond to, my work. Roger
Great post, Roger. I surround myself at home with things I love and that have meaning, even if it's as simple as feeling aligned with the shape or color or material it is made from, or the country where it was crafted. And of course the thousands of books that surround me, most in a fairly orderly fashion. No doubt many a guest see 'clutter' on my shelves and tables and walls, while I see safety and comfort and discovery of beauty, both literal and symbolic. (One of my fears is that if I ever am unable to care for myself and have to move to a facility, it would be devastating to live without my 'stuff'!). That also goes for our regular mundane objects and routines... knowing how much twist is required to reach a book on the nightstand, the familiar pileup of footwear by the door, the comfort of drinking from a special mug my son sent me.
Beautiful reply, Jody. The great thing about books is that after you read them they are always available to someone else through the library or even a straight giveaway. The feeling the book gives us, with its plots and characters, lasts forever that way. So, for now, you are the librarian in charge of them, but eventually you can pass them off to a good home. Thanks for writing...I always appreciate what you have to say. RPW
Roger, I love your post. I would like to think I notice ordinary daily things & people. Maybe I am maybe not. I was quite touched by you story of the book. Thanks
I'm sorry if the comment concerned you but I was trying to be sarcastic that many readers of Substack might be so young they don't know who Dick Tracy was. I liked him more than the Superman comics. It's always amazed me how the action watch came to life...I wonder if Steve Jobs was also a fan and got the idea there. Thanks. RPW
Love it
Memories make us … us
I find that these everyday objects also link us to the past and provide something permanent in our everyday lives. I have this green glass jar—all swirly angles and soft edges—that belonged to my grandma. I keep my coffee in it. Just a cool link to the past. Those items become more important to me in this disposable world we all inhabit.
So very true, Susan. I have an old piece of pottery in a hexagonal shape with a matching cover that has "Farina" on one side. It used to belong to my mother, and before that her mother, and I too keep coffee in it. Not a day goes by when reaching for the coffee do the memories of those two women pass through my mind. It's an everyday item I really cannot live without. Thanks for continuing to read, and respond to, my work. Roger
Great post, Roger. I surround myself at home with things I love and that have meaning, even if it's as simple as feeling aligned with the shape or color or material it is made from, or the country where it was crafted. And of course the thousands of books that surround me, most in a fairly orderly fashion. No doubt many a guest see 'clutter' on my shelves and tables and walls, while I see safety and comfort and discovery of beauty, both literal and symbolic. (One of my fears is that if I ever am unable to care for myself and have to move to a facility, it would be devastating to live without my 'stuff'!). That also goes for our regular mundane objects and routines... knowing how much twist is required to reach a book on the nightstand, the familiar pileup of footwear by the door, the comfort of drinking from a special mug my son sent me.
Beautiful reply, Jody. The great thing about books is that after you read them they are always available to someone else through the library or even a straight giveaway. The feeling the book gives us, with its plots and characters, lasts forever that way. So, for now, you are the librarian in charge of them, but eventually you can pass them off to a good home. Thanks for writing...I always appreciate what you have to say. RPW
Roger, I love your post. I would like to think I notice ordinary daily things & people. Maybe I am maybe not. I was quite touched by you story of the book. Thanks
As a Dick Tracy fan, I resent the idea that I would delete an article that mentioned him.
I'm sorry if the comment concerned you but I was trying to be sarcastic that many readers of Substack might be so young they don't know who Dick Tracy was. I liked him more than the Superman comics. It's always amazed me how the action watch came to life...I wonder if Steve Jobs was also a fan and got the idea there. Thanks. RPW
Yeah, I got your sarcasm. I just wanted you to know that there are exceptions to every rule.