Call someone you love and share a memory...

“One Man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Grandma Ellen loved a garage or estate sale. She added to her collection of china service pieces, silver travel spoons, fun Knick-knacks and items for the patio. She’d find frames for her oil paintings, books, craft supplies and perhaps a new blanket for the guest room. She often said it was like a treasure hunt; you never knew what you might find. She also stated that it was a great way to have beautiful things on a budget.

“There’s no accounting for Taste.”  Though Grandma’s taste was always impeccable, she showed me how to see quality in items I was looking for. She explained about types of wood, how furniture was made, differences in silver, and nuances in artwork. She told me not to buy cheap things, as I would end up throwing them away and wanting to get other ones of better quality later. She said to be patient, save my money, and wait for the right one to come along.

“Use your ‘good’ stuff.”  Once while drying my Grandma Ellen’s china I said, “Your china is beautiful.  Aren’t you afraid of breaking it?” She looked at me and laughed. She said she believed in using all the “good stuff” and not saving anything for “special.”  She said that if anything ever happened to her my grandpa’s “next wife” would have no problem using the good stuff because she wouldn’t feel the “importance” of it. She wouldn’t know the years of saving up, or buying one plate at a time as they could afford. She said to use it all now and not to worry about what will happen to it later. So at home today you’ll always see my best china being used for the everyday cup of tea

”A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”  This phrase is from John Keats’s Endymion. Grandma Elsie bought things she loved, things that would bring her joy. She didn’t have large collections but bought each piece of antique china, glassware or accent pieces for their beauty, quality and condition.  She wanted me to decern, to learn to be selective in every choice I made.

“Home is where the heart is.”  Grandma always impressed on me the importance of a lovely home, for things to be picked up, and for the home to feel cozy and lovely. They both had beautiful homes that expressed their individual taste. They made things for their homes, shopped wisely and knew how to carry out a theme.  No matter how modest a home one can make it beautiful.

“Never look a gift horse in the mouth.”  A “thank you” is very important especially if you don’t love the gift. When people are kind enough to think of you with a gift be gracious and thank them for their thoughtfulness.   Find a way to use it, or donate it after two years.

“Any job doing is worth doing well.” Grandma Elsie was THE best housekeeper I’ve ever known. Her house always looked clean, uncluttered, and tidy. She had a routine for cleaning and shared many of her tips over the years.  Grandma Ellen also worked in the garden and worked hard to establish a beautiful yard to punctuate what was going on inside the home.

So, what advice has your grandmother imparted to YOU? Have you heard any of these perhaps classic phrases?  I’m sure your own grandma has told you many important things.  Or perhaps she did it more subtly than my grandmas did.

It’s nearly Mother’s Day 2021. Give your grandmother a call today, and you’re sure to hear at least one piece of advice before you say goodbye.  When they’re gone you’ll think about them often and be grateful that they cared enough to share their insights on life.

I may have inherited their décor pieces, fashion sense, and family heirlooms, but it’s the advice they gave me that will stay with me forever.   What advice did your grandmother give to you? I’d love to hear it.

Until next time, Jonelle’

“Love Your Home More!”