Mother loved antique furniture. When she located the perfect old piece that most would discard, she would bring it home. Mom’s x-ray vision could see through any chipped paint and missing hardware to find a treasure.
After my father’s mother passed away, the family gathered to sort through her belongings, each item filled with memories. My mom quietly observed until they placed an old washstand on the curb. Then she gently asked, “If you all don’t mind, could I keep the washstand?”
“Elizabeth, why do you want that old thing?” Dad asked.
“Well, it has a marble top, so who knows what might be underneath?”
For most of us, there were just layer upon layer of paint beneath the surface, along with lost hardware and a stuck drawer.
I recall my mother wearing her rubber gloves, heading to the basement to work on her project. “Mom, you are never going to get that paint off! You’ve been working on it for weeks! “At thirteen, I knew everything, so I was trying to be helpful.
It is a good thing that she ignored all of us. That solid burled walnut washstand sits in my home today with its marble top, refinished hardware, and a drawer that still sticks only on rainy days.
When I sit in my antique rocking chair or dust my great-great-grandmother’s spinning wheel, I feel comfort and peace. The same sentiment applies to the old quilts, iron skillets, and other cherished family heirlooms.
In my decades-long career in interior design, I observed that when America faces struggles and uncertainty, both décor and taste evolve. During times of recession, war, or general unrest, people gravitate towards calm, cozy, and timeless environments. The color palettes and patterns shift to soft greens, warm browns, and muted neutrals.
We often romanticize the “good old days,” but perhaps we can use a bit of nostalgia in the present to soothe our souls. We need it.
In such times, trends give way to the use of personal and meaningful items.
Recent reports indicate a resurgence in sewing, crafts, and various activities that connect us to the past. Many people are feeling digital burnout and are weary of the fast-paced modern lifestyle.
In times of global chaos, we all seek stress relief and an opportunity to unwind. Focusing on a hands-on project can provide that much-needed escape.
Younger generations are turning to classic television shows and listening to older music in search of comfort and solace.
We often romanticize the “good old days,” but perhaps we can use a bit of nostalgia in the present to soothe our souls. We need it.
My daughter enjoys knitting and frequently buys yarn to create a blanket for a friend’s new baby. While it’s possible to purchase a blanket at Target, a hand-knit gift is unforgettable. Moreover, crafting a beautiful, timeless item provides her with relaxation after a long day at the office.
The positive ways we spend our time can change attitudes, foster kindness, and build new friendships.
For generations, my mother’s family has stitched beautiful patterns into quilts. They would gather for quilting bees at the church, laughing together as they expertly wove tiny stitches. These quilts are not only exquisite but also represent the friendships formed while creating masterpieces.
While the internet and AI can simplify our lives, they can never replace the warmth of memories or genuine companionship.
Whenever I glance at that old washstand, I remember my mother meticulously scraping the paint off its surface. And when I pull an old blanket over me to keep warm on a cold night, I envision the women of the past skillfully creating something remarkable from scraps.
When I watch a rerun of “I Love Lucy,” I still find myself laughing as if it were a new episode. My granddaughter, who is only twenty, has seen every episode of “Friends,” even though the show ended a year before she was born.
We certainly need a break from the constant negativity around us. Politics has dominated our lives for far too long. I can’t count how many homes I’ve visited where the news channels are on all day. That seems absurd. Listening to endless opinions, fighting factions, and anger leads to a tense atmosphere, and we definitely don’t need more of that.
The only way to change the politics of our nation is to take the time to vote every few years and reach out to our Congressperson. However, we might also consider spending our time in a quilting bee, exploring antique shops, collecting stamps, knitting a blanket, or enjoying an old sitcom to relax our minds.
Perhaps God intended for Sundays to be a day for us to sit in an old rocker, reminding us to take the time to make life more beautiful.
