Things Worth Collecting

I come from a long line of pack rats and collectors. My grandmother's home literally had paths through stacks and stacks of boxes. She was an artist and had lived through the Great Depression. I'm sure in her mind all those things might come in handy some day. In my quest for simplicity I try not to succumb to the temptation to collect everything on earth and stash it in my basement. But it's in my blood. I can't help it. I get it honest. Sometimes there are things worth collecting.

I've recently, through the power of Facebook, reunited with a friend from junior high. No need to mention how long ago that's been. But without a doubt, old friends rank right up there at the top of things worth collecting. We spent Saturday afternoon catching up, hitting a few antique malls and, of course, sharing a few laughs.

One of my favorite malls is, sadly, going out of business. That is a bad thing. I'll miss it terribly. But I have to admit I was pleased as punch to see the 20 - 50 percent off signs. That is always a good thing. I might live without things at regular price, but at 50 percent off it's more like "Come to Momma!". Here are a few of my favorite things.

Plaid Flannels and Homespuns

They will never, ever go to waste in my household.


Buffalo China, Ironstone or Resturantware

Doesn't matter what you call it, I love it. Always have and always will. I'll never have enough of it.

Vintage Kitchen Appliances

I have had the worst luck with modern kitchen appliances. I can't tell you how many coffee makers I've been though. Enough is enough! I'm pretty sure my parents had this exact model of percolator when I was a kid.

I love my Kitchen Aid stand mixer, but sometimes it would be sooo much easier just to whip something up in a hurry so the hand mixer had to come home with me, too. Don't you love it's ergonomic handle?

Cast Iron

What can I say? Everyone should have a complete set of cast iron cookware. If I can find it at a reasonable price, I buy it. I have all the basics but I'm still looking for a griddle, and other oddball pieces.


and finally,

Things That Make Me Laugh

One of my rules for buying or collecting things is that it must serve a purpose. It needs to perform some kind of function. I try very, very hard not to drag home the frivolous. But there is one exception. If something makes me laugh out loud, it's got a half decent chance of following me home.

I've named him Roscoe. Roscoe the Rooster. The best porch rooster ever. He doesn't crow. He doesn't poop. He's not mean. And most importantly, he makes me laugh. He shall live on my porch and greet my guests forever.