Things Weren’t in the Right Place

Before I took this photo, there was a lot of clutter on this desk. Things that I thought were more important than writing.

I removed them.

I moved them to my former writing desk.

Now, I can appreciate each item that belongs.

The Significance of Each

Nature Connections – Daffodils – Today, I went up the hill in my backyard and picked the first daffodils in my landscape. They represent my paternal grandmother’s love of gardening and birds. She picked the daffodil as an affectionate name for me. I think it was one way for her to preserve her happy memories from the Wisconsin farm of her youth in contrast to her Florida reality.

God Connections – The Bible scripture, Romans 5:3-5, reminds me why I write, and the two different translations reminds me of the importance of my personal connection to God in contrast to the interpretations of others.

My small candle serves three purposes; cementing my connection to God, my sister, who gifted it, and how long I turned away from truth by storing it away in a box marked ‘Other Stuff’.

Parental Connections – There are two reminders of my father; the Damascus Steel letter opener he crafted for me and the mug with his nickname, “Swede”, in gold letters.

The antique German coaster reminds me of my mother’s heritage along with the white cedar chest at the foot of my bed, under the comforter.

Colorado Connections – Three items stand out; the mug scene of elk against the backdrop of the San Luis Valley and Sangre de Cristo mountains, the box from Rare Things in Creede, CO, and the items I bought at Rare Things – my rhodochrosite pendant and earrings. When I place the pendant around my neck, my second husband, Pablo, whispers in my ear, “Don’t forget that you saw my face when you first felt the cold, pink stone.” [He reminded me of his likeness, forever etched in the pink stone.]

North Carolina Connections – The gold rimmed mug with colorful pens, reminds me of my best friends, Sam and Nolan, who stand with me, watch over me and lend a helping hand.

Pinecone – The seeds of the Slash Pine remind me of the potential that lies within my words. Pinecone seeds have two main functions; food for animals and the potential of future generations dispersed by the protective conical structure, which releases the seeds when conditions are just right.

Plants – The orchid spray peeking out reminds me of my Florida roots. Next, zygocactus, aka ‘Christmas Cactus’ reminds me of my neighbors who brought the white one as a housewarming gift while the more distant pink zygocactus, a gift to myself reminds me of the importance of self-care.

Antiques – A few pieces made the move with me from Florida. The tall chest houses memories of days gone by with costume jewelry from the 1940s, my parents’ wedding bands, dulled from six decades of use, and a pink brooch in the shape of a starfish worn by my maternal grandmother.

The three-legged table is the first piece I bought. My lifelong friend, Marilyn, taught me about antiques. While visiting her in north Florida, we shopped at her favorite haunts. This piece was stacked on top of slightly larger tables like a grown-up toy display. Together, we carefully moved it down to the shop’s grey concrete floor. Gently pressing the latch just below the smooth top surface, I gazed into an unexpected cubby hole. A faded cloth created soft interior surfaces where my imagination conjures all the treasures previous owners kept there.

As My Gaze Moves Inward

Next, seeing my dog Sugar, always brings me back to why I’m sitting here at my desk.

My past is intertwined with my now.

The heartache of loss, although always present, is balanced by the sweetness of memories, the softness of Sugar’s fur, and the smiles of friends and family.

Thank you, for smiling today, friend.