“Back on its golden hinges,
the gate of memory swings,
And my heart goes into the garden
And walks with the olden things.”
— Excerpt from Memory’s Garden,
by Ella Wheeler Wilcox
“Back on its golden hinges,
the gate of memory swings,
What is it about “olden things” and “olden days” that often catch our attention?
Children beg Grandma and Grandpa to tell them stories of what it was like in the olden days. Many folk are avid readers of history and events that happened in the past.
Some folk enjoy visiting thrift shops searching for special antiques to grace their home. Antique shops often display old items that are very highly priced. Such was the case a few weeks ago, when, during my house move, I discovered my own “antique trunk” had found its way to one of our local thrift venues.
I had completely forgotten about it as it had been stored in the basement of our ranch-style home. It obviously had travelled along with each of our house moves.
Now showing its age somewhat, this antique treasure was none other than the very trunk that carried all of my life’s possessions across Canada sixty-six years ago, accompanying me as a young bride.
Amazed to see it prominently displayed at the thrift store entrance — with a price tag … all of $90 — I thought, ‘whoever buys this has my blessing.'
It was just another item from my past I was releasing, yet keeping the precious memory.
But as the saying goes,“One person’s junk often becomes another’s treasure.”
Thanksgiving has come and gone for another year, but always a good reminder for us all to get a grip on gratitude which always determines our attitude.
I think longing for different circumstances can lead to complaining.
A worthy quote from Charles Dickens reminds us: “Cheerfulness and contentment are great beautifiers and are famous preservers of youthful looks.”
I could benefit from that! Opening my eyes to unexpected blessings around me, daily, will help me be a happier camper.
What a busy but lovely Thanksgiving weekend for our family!
It began with a delightful gathering of many from the Osborne-Eagles clans.
What a joy to see many faces I had not seen in awhile.
It began with cider-tasting, followed by a lunch soiree at the excellent venue-restaurant-lounge — Soma Craft Cidery in east Kelowna.
The beautiful, sunny day added to our delight as we got to greet, pet and feed the alpacas in the nearby meadow.
What a treat for my great-grands, Evelyn and Melissa.
It being Evelyn’s birthday weekend, Grandma Karen made sure a large, birthday cake was there for desert time, honouring seven-year-old Evelyn and others with recent birthdays.
A big thanks to Karen and James who hosted and planned the event.
Blessed with out-of-town relatives, I so enjoyed son, Roger and grandson Brayden’s stay with me in my accommodating and very comfortable suite.
Sarah and Tyler Letourneau did a terrific job hosting our family’s Thanksgiving dinner in their new home.
The turkey was roasted to perfection, thanks to Tyler’s watchful eye and expertise.
My first in many years, not hosting such a gathering.
All the other bountiful and delicious foods were planned, co-ordinated and aptly served with Sarah’s competence.
May I never allow that which is precious to become commonplace.
Presently, we here in the Okanagan are being blessed with sunny days, which is enhancing the bountiful and beautiful fall colours of the trees splashed across the landscape everywhere.
God designed, cares for, and controls His creation. Can you fathom the mysteries of God? (Job 11:7)
Ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. (Job 12: 7)
Even animals testify to the truth that God designed, cares for and controls His creation.
And that includes you and me. So, not to worry!
We’re in GOOD HANDS!
— beulah
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