Last Sunday, I found myself taking my feet back to familiar territory. I needed to feel my roots. This little town holds roots of the past seasons of my life, and I needed to feel grounded.
As I entered the city limits, I passed the cemetery where my cousin is buried. Cancer took her in her thirties, leaving behind a young daughter and husband. I said a "thank-you, Lord" for the fact I am still alive and well.
As my car pulled into the square, my memories went back to over 35 years ago, when a young teenage girl and young man were deeply in love. A love that was so innocent they felt they could take on the whole world's wars and win. He was so in love with her that he drove up from Central Texas to meet her here at the courthouse. Her grandmother was involved with a "Singing". My Sunday songs are dedicated to her. People from everywhere met in this courthouse. Songbooks we handed out as every type of voice and sound was lifted up to the Lord in praise....a "Singing". The winter Texas weather turned frigid and they all scattered to beat the storm. The drive back to Central Texas was hours and hours of battling snow and ice. They didn't care, it just meant hours of talking and sharing in the car. They would later marry...this June, it will be 33 years.
The storms have been strong this past decade. That innocent love, lost at times...but they still move forward.
That season of my life is sketched in my heart forever.. I can still hear my grandmother.
I parked my car. You now have to pay. As a child, we just parked anywhere and got out ready to wander down through First Monday, Canton's world-famous, monthly, city-wide flea market. It wasn't a popular place when I was a child. It was just one of those "East TEXAS things". I can still recall the tree my great-aunt sold her wares under. The sights, sounds and smells took me through all the seasons of my life when I would come here. As a child, a madly in love teenager, a young mother, the owner of a store I called "Mother's Keepsakes", sharing the place with my own children, as an older adult and today, a business owner once again. This place has always stated, "one man's junk is another man's treasure." The crowds today showed that many have decided this is a chic place to visit.
I strolled through, as I have in the past, looking for vendors I could possibly use. This time, my eyes noticed something my "younger" eyes hadn't noticed. The faces of the vendors were mainly older. Many should be home, living what we call the "America Dream", which is retirement. Instead, they are battling the crowds and heat, bringing their wares to market.
My eyes loved this large booth. The women were delightful, the colors of their creations were cheerful. I decided to ask where they were from.
The retirement-age woman shared the little East Texas town where she lives. She didn't expect me to know anything about this town. My heart jumped as I told her who my husband's aunt and uncle were that lived in that town. She smiled as she told me about knowing his aunt. This aunt was very special to me....she loved me and I fought back tears. I promised to come to their shop in that little town...why would I come to that little town they asked? I said, because I need to remember. With each step I took, more roots kept pushing down through my stubborn soil.
I finished up the day with tired feet and a hand full of business cards. I enjoyed seeing and hearing the women from East Texas share their wares... and stories. I was encouraged by their tenacity for living at this stage in life. This time, I won't return with items to resell as before, or items to decorate my own home, but I will return with lessons that "all things are possible".
I finished my tour looking at aprons. I was pulled toward a booth with brightly colored aprons. The lady stepped out to help me, while walking with a cane. She would no longer be at the booth, but continued with me through her Esty shop. Can you guess the name of the apron I was drawn to? I didn't have a clue until I picked up the tag...
LUCY!!!
That's right...the apron's name was Lucy. Doesn't God have a sense of humor?
Thank you Lord for allowing my feet to walk on familiar ground. Thank you for reminding me of my roots...both my earthly roots and more importantly my spiritual roots.
- If you would like to see the websites of the booths I enjoyed, they are listed below. Today, this flea market can be seen all over the world. In past decades, it was just people trading and selling their wares locally:
- www.dressings4u.com
- www.specialtycreations.etsy.com
- www.grandparentssecret.com
18 Joining in with more words:
Here I sit as this blog appeared, lost in my own 45 years of Canton memories. Each month we remark at the changes, even the geography of the whole place and where they set up now. I first went in July or August 45 years ago, VERY pregnant with our first, and so NOT ready for that Texas heat. I think I was sitting under that tree you mentioned, hoping to survive the day. There have been thousands of visits since, and it is still what my hubby calls 'an Easter egg hunt for grown ups!'... Loved this Janette!
What a nice day. I think it would be so nice to go and see this place. I am going to look at all of those web sites you listed. It is hard to go back and remember but nice to know our roots.
It sounds like your off and running I wish you all of the best.
This was one of the most delightful *walks* I have taken in a very long time. So many memories - and I enjoyed hearing about every single one.
The sights and sounds were wonderful, too.
Yes, sometimes we just need to still our hearts and our minds with a visit to a place that evokes good times. To re-touch our roots. To remember how God is faithful through the years.
And, the apron? YES, that is SO God!!
GOD BLESS!
I didn't know that it was a monthly event, but I sure hear a lot about Canton on the blogs. What a fun day you had and did Lucy go home with you?
How lovely to take a walk down Memory Lane, Janette. I bet your smile blessed a lot of those people.
Sounds like so much fun. Love all the pretty decor. And I'd like to know, too...did Lucy go home with you?
Of course I loved this post since I sort of did the same thing earlier this year. But I didn't have a walk through a flea market where I connected and it sounds so nice. I'm sure all the childhood memories are flooding your mind and heart right now.
Ive always wanted to go there... YOU made it so much more special for me. I share your thoughts n feelings from afar, dear friend. Oh to be walking there beside you in person! Wishing you many blessings but mostly PEACE.
lots of love n huge hugs,
Leslie
I hope you were encouraged! Thanks for letting us walk with you!
I "savored" every word of your visit to your roots, Janette, and I heard your heart through each word, and yes, God does have a sense of humor, and His timing is always "perfect".
I truly believe, that God was replenishing you as you visited, but was also replenishing these precious vendors with your words of encouragement! What an awesome God we serve, All he wants is for us to be available to receive, and willing to give, which you always do.
Much love,
Sue.
p.s. Did you remember to give Benjamin a hug for me? ~smile~
I can just imagine God's smile as you read the tag with Lucy on it...tokens of love from Abba!
That apron was definitely a God wink!
You come from good root stock, as we would say on the farm (from my own root stock). I loved this walk with you through Canton, Janette... thank you. blessings and hugs ~ tanna
Oh, I love Canton! I have not been in about 15 years and am always saying that I'm going to get up a group and go again. I need to do that.
As always, your post are so inspiring and thought provoking. You are such a dear and I pray God's richest blessings on your new businesses!
I can't imagine all the emotions passing through your heart that day..
You kind of left me hanging! Did you go home with Lucy????
you can't escape lucy! such a sweet
story.
Wow, Janette. What a beautiful day of new and old memories. Thank you so much for letting us in, allowing us to walk with you. I know God has not brought you this far without good reason. Something wonderful must be afoot!
And right inside that brick wall with the mural on it, is a great restaurant ;^)
Yummy food and fun atmosphere!! Did you go to the Fiesta outlet store?? One of my favorite places!
My sweet husband's father was a leader for the "singings" that went on over in this part of the state. He was gone before I came on the scene, but my lovely MIL said he would have been overjoyed that his dear son married a music minister. We are carrying on the "singing" tradition....a little differently to be sure, but with just as much gusto!!
Hugs to you and yours, and blessings too,
J
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