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Across the Fence: Things that we Keep. |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9090 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9090 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 06:49:31 AM
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I could write a book on the things I keep. In these pictures it's my Grandma's Bible. Notice how she saved clippings that were important to her. She was very much involved in her church. She underlined a lot in her Bible. The old glasses in the picture were her Fathers, my great Grandpa. The very very old photo album was from My Grandpa's family side. They are old tin plate pictures before the camera as we know it. I know a few of the people because at one time I was told who they were, but the rest are just long past family that I don't know. Soooo what things do you keep? Please say you keep something so I don't look crazy.
NANCY JO |
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janamarieje
True Blue Farmgirl
1022 Posts
Jana
Southern California
USA
1022 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 06:54:36 AM
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Nancy Jo that is so cool that you have these treasures. I have a family bible from my dad's side of the family that is Czech. I can't read it but it is my treasure of the past.
Jana MJF #7110
https://www.etsy.com/shop/cjhandcraftedstudio
Gardening is cheaper than therapy and you get tomatoes. ~Author Unknown All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! ~Charles Schulz
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 07:08:00 AM
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Hi Nancy Jo!!!
You're NOT crazy!
I keep my Grandpa's old Timex watches! He love them, and I love him, so it's like part of him is with me!
I keep the last piece of candy my Grandma gave me from her purse... Now THAT sounds crazy. But she always gave us candy from her purse, even when I was a grown adult. I just can't part with it! I also have an old broken pill box of hers with the dime she put in it for me to hold on to in case I ever needed to make an emergency phone call. I just can't part with THAT, either!
I still have ALL of our son's toys up in the attic... To this day, he remembers where each one came from, who gave it to him, and how he acquired it. He says I need to hold onto them so he can give them to his children one day! And I have almost every single piece of work he did in homeschool.... Some of the work is in binders we had to take to the evaluator and the school for approval. Some are in boxes, just so I can remember... All of these things are like a living scrapbook for both of us, in a sense.
I even kept the flowers I held at our foster son's and daughter's wedding... They are still displayed in my entry way, a testimony to amazing things God does!
I keep all the funeral cards and special pictures of loved ones in my Bible.
I even still have the gifts all of my farmgirl sisters have sent over the years... All the letters and cards that have carried me through this trial (You girls will NEVER know what they meant to me! Thank you and God bless you!)... Lovely handmade wash cloths, embroidery, ATCs, mail art, paper crafts, handmade items, soaps, Mary Engelbreit cut outs, a wooden recipe holder, a Christmas stocking... SO many things from ALL of you. I couldn't part with a single thing! I even have the first gift our beloved sister Ruthie gave me for Valentine's Day: a jar of layered brownie mix with M&M's on the bottom... It was such a sweet unexpected gift, and so pretty... I just couldn't open it, I enjoy it so much... And now, it has an even deeper meaning... Oh, Dear Ruthie.. how I will miss you!
I actually have a whole drawer of mementos in my bureau.. I go through them every few years or so. Little trinkets, notes, a candy wrapper from fondly loved moment in time... My son's first crayon... His first pair of real big boy underwear (don't tell him, he'd be mortified!)… Single earrings left over from gifts my Dad had given me. Sweet cards with loving messages from my Mom. Religious cards and medals from my neighbor's junk mail because he said he "figured I would like" them... Cards from my husband, letters from my foster kids, gifts from my son. I even keep a broken cast hand print from my son from he was wee little - Some of it is completely crumbled, but I just can't part with it. I guess they are all just like my son's toys: an almost living scrapbook of memories. Whenever I revisit them, I pull out memory by memory and smile, laugh, cry... remember I've had a life full of love... A life well lived... And I am in awe and grateful.
So, no, you're not crazy, dear sister. You're in love with and grateful for your life and those who came before you and the treasure trove of memories that have enriched your life. You keep the love alive! And I think YOU are a TREASURE!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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Edited by - Ninibini on Jan 23 2020 07:16:46 AM |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9090 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9090 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 07:16:38 AM
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Thanks Nina,so nice to know I'm not alone and I can say that you too are a treasure. So interesting to read about all the things you saved.. Nancy Jo
NANCY JO |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 07:29:39 AM
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Awww... Thanks, Nancy!
Oh my GOSH! And how could I forget this one??? I collect and keep rosaries from all those who have passed on in my life... I love them. My favorite is my grandma's pressed rose rosary, which I am pretty sure she said she received from her mother. It has a prominent place in my entry way, wrapped around her beloved statue of Jesus in a little stained glass alcove above a non-working gas fireplace. A few others are on my bedpost above my bed, and my uncle's HUGE rosary from the Knights of Columbus is hanging in my living room. My hope is to one day have enough to decorate a Christmas tree in my dining room. In any event, they are such a warm, loving testimony to the faith of our forebears and their love of God. SUCH a blessing! God bless those who have gone before us who have done what they could to ensure we have the deposit of faith! AMEN!!!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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katmom
True Blue Farmgirl
16962 Posts
Grace
WACAL Gal
WashCalif.
USA
16962 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 09:12:26 AM
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How koolieo! I wish my family had saved memories... but alas, a military family is very transitory and can not save possessions. :( Which explains why I am such a hoarder now! Lol! >^..^< Happiness is being a katmom and Glamping Diva!
www.katmom4.blogspot.com & http://graciesvictorianrose.blogspot.com
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Edited by - katmom on Jan 23 2020 09:13:23 AM |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9205 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9205 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 5:17:00 PM
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This is great! I think it's wonderful to save things passed down. I have a penny in a little wedding bell shaped container that someone gave my grandma the day she married. The penny was new that year. I have a family scrapbook from my grandma and family bible from my parents. It has the family tree in it. I have a pair of glasses that belonged to my father's grandfather. I love looking through the momentos I have and thinking about what they meant to others before me. I have letters from world war II that were written by a grandfather to the folks back home. I have baby dresses that were saved. If it's crazy then let me on that train because I'm a saver for sure.
~Denise Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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Edited by - levisgrammy on Jan 23 2020 5:18:31 PM |
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Ninibini
True Blue Farmgirl
7577 Posts
Nini
Pennsylvania
USA
7577 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 8:15:13 PM
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Oh my gosh, Denise! I have my wedding penny from my shoe, too! It's in my grandma's ring box - she gave me her wedding ring to wear as my own! I had completely forgotten! What wonderful treasures you have!
Gracie - I'm sorry you don't have much from years ago... But I'm sure now you have an amazing collection of wonderful memory treasures! It's never too late, right?! :)
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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LadyInRed
True Blue Farmgirl
6740 Posts
PeggyAnn
Vancouver
WA
USA
6740 Posts |
Posted - Jan 23 2020 : 11:53:39 PM
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Nancy Jo...I have kept some strange things too. I kept my Grandmother's (on my Dad's side) gold mining pan. She panned enough cold in Califonia one time to make a Wedding Band for my Dad. He wore it for 25 yrs and then it broke in half. I remember that ring well. I also have my dad's collection of Pewter Dogs. There are only 4 but they are very cool. I also have the Wedding Dress my mom made for her Wedding...not the Traditional White but a very stylish Bronze Satin Dress and Bolero Jacket. It is stunning. And though my parents married at age 16 & 17 they did not have to get married! I have a picture of her Grandmother who was an honest to goodness Indian Princess. She was the second wife of my Great Grandpa and they lived in Kentucky. He changed her Indian Name to a more acceptable American one...naming her Martha. Which was his first Wife's name. LOL (you just can't make this stuff up). Those are my favorite Old Things!! I have so much more!!
Love, Hugs, and Joy, Peggy
Farmgirl #1326 Member since Feb. 2010 Dec 2011-Farmgirl of the Month Aug 2018-Farmgirl of the Month
LOVE YOU TO THE BEACH AND BACK!
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Edited by - LadyInRed on Jan 23 2020 11:57:01 PM |
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Dreamer42
True Blue Farmgirl
2656 Posts
April
Central
Oregon
USA
2656 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2020 : 4:34:46 PM
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Hi Nancy, I too, find myself keeping more than most - I especially love anything passed down from previous family members, makes me feel as though they are still near - makes me smile and brings me comfort to see my grandmothers tea set her and my grandfather received for their wedding... along with a woodened framed mirror they also received from their wedding, which hangs above my tower jewelry box my father hand crafted for me many years ago. I have my grandparents bibles and prayers books, one has already been gifted to my youngest son which he reads regularly. Love. Additionally, I find myself keeping many momentos from my boys over the years, items which correspond with an event or milestone in their lives. Their art pieces, oh my. I have several framed in my hallway which they made me for mothers days over the years, CHERISH! I have even started time capsules for them, and have included several different items to commemorate the year they were born and a few other special items over the years... letters to them from family members, a small photo album with photos of them with their great grandparents, grand parents and our immediate family, also future gifts from me to them (just in case something ever happened to me; they each have a St. Christopher pendant for protection, cuff links for their wedding days, etc...) I believe the past and the present both bind us together for always... while we may appreciate and cherish items from the past, I feel it's equally important to think of the future and what you may be leaving behind for those you love! Then again, I've always been way too sentimental, even my sister says I'm over the top! I can't change... :-)
Dreamer42 Farmgirl Sister #7038 |
Edited by - Dreamer42 on Jan 24 2020 4:35:43 PM |
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Audra Rose
True Blue Farmgirl
2196 Posts
Vanessa
Brooksville
KY
USA
2196 Posts |
Posted - Jan 24 2020 : 6:23:50 PM
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Isn't it interesting what we keep? I have a box with the bits and Bob's I've saved over the years. I love to go through them and relive the memories. The strangest things I've kept are my hair back when it was brown and a kidney. My grandpa was a doctor at the State School in Grafton ND. This was back before handicapped folks, especially mentally handicapped, weren't in society. My grandpa had this plastic kidney on his desk and also a plastic hand with removable skin, veins, muscle, and bones. After he passed away, I got the kidney and Churunga my sister has the hand.
Farmgirl Sister #6754 Doxie Mom - Everyone loves a Weiner!
There's no place like home! Dorothy Gale
Nature speaks in symbols and in signs. John Greenleaf Whittier |
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Nancy Gartenman
True Blue Farmgirl
9090 Posts
Nancy
West Seneca
New York
USA
9090 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2020 : 07:02:50 AM
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Hi Girls, Love all these posts! So much fun to see what others save. I would love to see more. I hope my kids and Grandkids value at least some of the things I save. THANKS FOR POSTING!
NANCY JO |
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Simple Living
True Blue Farmgirl
1399 Posts
Joan
Staten Island
NY
USA
1399 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2020 : 10:06:39 AM
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My dad was a collector of antiques. I have some gorgeous nightstand lamps and some tins from him. It makes me feel close to him. Miss my dad.
Put your hair up in a bun, drink some coffee and handle it. Cards by Joan Creations on FB Farmgirl #3842 |
Edited by - Simple Living on Jan 25 2020 10:07:06 AM |
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Red Tractor Girl
True Blue Farmgirl
6488 Posts
Winnie
Gainesville
Fl
USA
6488 Posts |
Posted - Jan 25 2020 : 11:19:19 AM
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I have little treasures stashed away here and there depending on the season. Fall/Halloween things are in one box, Christmas in another, Valentines and Easter in another. Many of my little keepsakes live out and about on shelves in various rooms where I can see them often. For me, treasures are a special way to stay connected to fond memories from my life.
It is fun to see how many others are doing the same. This post was a great idea, Nancy!! And like you, I wonder if my kids will want any of these things??
Winnie #3109 Red Tractor Girl Farm Sister of the Year 2014-2015 FGOTM- October 2018 |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9205 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9205 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2020 : 12:57:26 PM
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Oh I forgot about my mom's wedding dress. I have that. She made it from curtains she said. It is white with white floral print on it. It has a gazillion buttons down that back it seems. Buttons are covered in same material. I'll try to get a photo sometime.
~Denise Sister #43~1/18/2007
"Home is where we find comfort, security, memories, friendship, hospitality, and above all, family. It is the place that deserves our commitment and loyalty." William J. Bennett
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
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NatChap
True Blue Farmgirl
441 Posts
Natalie
Clarkesville
GA
USA
441 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2020 : 6:37:38 PM
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Nancy, I love that she underlined in the Bible. When I see things that those before us have done, it makes me feel a connection to the hand that, at a time as real as this present moment is to us, left a mark long after they are gone. I keep letters written to me by anyone. While I treasure all of them, my Grandmothers' letters always comfort me the most. I also collect "borrowed memories" as I like to call them such as old postcards and photos I have purchased at antique stores and markets. It has never made any sense to me that people don't keep them except that maybe someone like me will treasure them. Another endearing item to me is plants from cuttings, or old abandoned homesteads. Human hands planted and cared for them which I find so precious.
Keep shining! Natalie
"Ask what makes you come alive and go do it." ~Howard Thurman |
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Across the Fence: Things that we Keep. |
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