There are many things that I possess that ‘speak’ to me. I love that I have these treasures within my reach. Whether they are meant to bring comfort or wisdom or even humor, I visit them whenever I feel the urge to obtain the graces they invoke.
The first favorite thing in my belongings is a beautifully carved pewter Hebrew House Blessing. It is hung in my studio, above my desk. It was a gift from a friend and is quite an extraordinary item. While it is meant to bring blessings to our home, I find that it blesses me too, when I am in need, and that is often!
Each pewter medallion of the wall hanging holds one scriptural verse for one specific element. There are six medallions one for each blessing. Since my remembrance of reading Hebrew has dwindled, my friend lovingly taped an indicator on the back of each one – Life, Bounty, Love, Luck, Success, and one that says “I don’t know, I’ll ask David” – David being her scholarly ex. When I feel I need a recharge, my ritual is to approach the blessing and touch one medallion with silent devotion and then turn it around to see what blessing I am going to be endowed with! Now you can see why it is one of my most favorite things.
Another favorite thing I possess is a cashmere wrap gifted to me by my sister. It was an expensive gift (Sis leans towards spoiling me). It is elegant, and sumptuous, and I keep this wrap near me at all times. When I am on the sofa, it makes for the perfect lap robe. When I am heading out to a restaurant for dinner, I grab it because Lord knows the Florida restaurants keep the thermostat set to ‘Downright Cold’ (that’s meant to keep the old folks awake during dinner!) This favorite thing brings me comfort whenever I am in need.
The last item of my favorite things is an antique teapot that belonged to my great-grandmother. While its spout is slightly chipped, to me it is perfect. I use it most nights, and when I do, it conjures up memories of being in Nannie’s house as a little girl. She had all kind of cool things – antique dolls, a cribbage board, a shelf full of Hummels – but my most favorite thing was, of course, the teapot. After her death, it passed down to my grandmother, then my mother and now to me. I love its history and love the way it makes me feel to know that it has survived a century. I AM an old soul after all.
I find I am feeling a bit nostalgic as the holidays approach. I have enjoyed visiting these favorite things with you. I hope it inspires you to visit with a few of your favorite things and let the sentiments they evoke surround you!