Welcome to my eclectic journey of my life and delights. This year my theme is surrendering my writing pen to the true author, Jesus Christ, while looking forward to the future, reflecting on the past and dancing through my journey.




Thursday, September 4, 2014

Passing Down A Tradition


My mother-in-law always lived a very simple and conservative lifestyle.  She only lived in two homes in her married life, until at age 98, when she needed more assistance. The two homes my in- law's lived in where both paid for in cash. This cash came from a man who made a very modest income.  He just never believed in borrowing and he didn't!    To be honest, I never remember her ever talking about things she wanted.  She wasn't interested in traveling the world, or vacations, or a new home, or really anything materialistically,  She just enjoyed her family and her request was to see everyone very often.


As her days of independence have come to an end, the family is slowing trying to deal with her wonderful treasures of her life.  There was one piece that served as a memory maker for me.  She had this one chest that stood in the entry way of her small home.  It was antiqued with a stain over off white paint, and I am sure that is how it was bought, so you see, what is old is new again.  Inside this chest held "old time" games.  You would find checkers, tic-tac-toe, Uno (one of the modern games) and varies board games.  This was the chest she open when the children came to visit.


This was the piece I ask to have.  I wanted to pass down the same tradition.  Now in this age I am sure my grand kids will be bored with board games, cards, tic-tac-toe, and will probably roll their eyes at me, as they ask for the latest techno invention.   Even if they do, I will still open the drawer and try to engage them in play from items of the past.


I took her chest and put a twist on the antique white to make it my own.  I wanted it to say, children.

Passing down a tradition can keep all the generations connected.    

13 Joining in with more words:

Elizabeth Dianne said...

Your on the right track for sure. Our grandchildren just about outnumber the adults at our dining room table these days when it comes to board and card games. They love it. I think it is the interaction with people (their family) that they enjoy more than anything. I love your chest and the new spin you put on it--I wish you many happy playing days ahead!

Pom Pom said...

How sweet! She wants to see everyone often and she doesn't want any stuff. I like her!

Sandy said...

Your mother in law sounds wonderfully sweet and I agree with her outlook. Material things never bring true happiness. Being with loved ones is what counts. I love the whole purpose of the little chest and you have made it so cute. I would think just looking at it would cause the kiddos to want to take a peek inside.
Take care!

podso said...

So did you paint it or is the stencil on it yours? How nice to have that to remember the past and use in the future. You may be surprised, my grands love to play games. I think they enjoy the attention.

Sharon said...

How wonderful. You did a fabulous job on "renewing the old" look of this lovely piece. And, since I am a sentimental fool, I just loved the story of your mother-in-law. How precious to carry on with some of her treasures!

I think about these types of things a lot. With my dad recently passing away, Mom is talking more about passing on some of the things in their home. Tradition is so important, and whatever she gives me will hold great meaning.

GOD BLESS!

Debbie said...

I Love the whole story and idea behind this. And you've made it soo cute. ALL of my grands would be totally intrigued by it. Oh, and they LOVE to play board games too believe it or not. You picked such a perfect way to carry on her tradition! Enjoy your week-end!

Sue Anne McKinney said...

Great idea! And my two older ones love, love, "GO, FISH!!!"

Debbie said...

I saw this on your facebook and then got sidetracked before coming to hear the back story. (That's a negative about facebook. I get ferhoodled.)

I LOVE the story even more than the piece, and I really do love the piece. I think your grandchildren might just discover that the old time games are just as fun when they are played with Grandma. I know that that's how I felt when my own grandma used to pull out the dominoes.

I love this, Janette.

Lisa said...

I love it! And I love how you've made it your own! No matter what toys and games you put in it your grandkids will think it great fun and will have cherished memories of it.:)

Sonya@Beyond the Screen Door said...

My grandmother had a chest in her den that served the same purpose holding old fashioned toys like antique handheld pinball games. Precious memories. You did a wonderful job updating this chest. LOVE the graphic!

Lea @ CiCis Corner said...

What a unique piece. I've never seen a chest exactly like it. I have some family pieces in our home that I dearly love and they will definitely make the move to the new house. Happy new week!

Maryann said...

Even with all the electronic games we still enjoy the board games the best (even the grands) I thinks it's because of all the interaction between everyone

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

Ah, family traditions, they tie us together and make beautiful memories. I see your memory trunk has many treasures...

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