Treasures on the Farm

Today I went out to my mom's farm to help her organize all the stuff she wants to sell at my rummage sale.  It didn't take long for me to remember just who it is, that I inherited my love for collecting from!!!!

Like me-mom has decided it is time for some of her cherished treasures to find another home.  She's tired of all the clutter, and yet, I could see, it wasn't easy for her to let some things go.

Many of these items she hasn't used in years.  She's held onto them for sentimental reasons.  A vase given to her by a dear friend-a cat statue my grandma had in her house-and an old ash tray that grandpa used to have whenever he smoked a cigar, were just a few of the items that mom chose to hold back.

There were more, but I didn't pass any judgement.  I let her reminisce, and, the truth is, I did too.

In fact, as time went on, I found myself pulling items out of the rummage pile, and into one 'I' wanted to keep.

There were also items I asked mom to save for our 'future' family.  A wooden stick for lefse making, and a rosette iron, were among these treasured items.  These kitchen tools carry so much history and tradition. A history that someday, I want to share with MY grandchildren. 

Later this afternoon, I could see mom was getting tired, so I decided to call it a day.  We shared a cup of coffee and a sweet roll, and after mom sat down to rest awhile, I took a stroll around the farm.

  It's always sad for me to see the barn sit empty now-but  thankfully, mom maintains the roof, etc, so it will always be able to stand proud!   If you look real close, you can see the old rusty gate that leads to the barnyard.  I LOVE that gate.  I always have!!!

After snapping a few more pics,( I'll share those in another post) I made my way down to the old granary.  I was hoping to find some old feed sacks for a project, but unfortunately, those I found were in pretty bad shape.

Hubby would have been proud of me as I ducked under massive cobwebs, and made my way up the creaky stairs to the loft. I know it sounds silly-but all those old rusty farm tools, and such- well, they just speak to me somehow.  I like to look at them, or pick them up, and wonder what they were used for.

Each one was once shiny and new.  Each one had a purpose.   They are part of history.  Part of my families history.  That means something, and I was so glad, that even though I've walked through these old buildings a thousand times, that I did so, again today.

I did find several treasures during my afternoon journey.  They were things that most people wouldn't even look at, and sadly, by not doing so, they would miss their true beauty.

But I saw it.

 And old wooden tool box with a leather strap-which I figure, after a good cleaning-I can use to hold containers of herbs on the back porch window.

And this rusty metal feed scoop, which will also need a GOOD cleaning-but the rust is just fine.  I think after I plant some flowers in it-this old scoop my dad use to feed cows with-will have a brand NEW purpose!

Which is why finding these old, rusty treasures is so important, and yes, exciting for me. 

They say, 'Beauty is in the eye of the beholder', and 'One man's (women's) junk, is anothers treasure.'

I say- we are all getting old.  We are all losing our shine, and sometimes, we need to find purpose in our life.

It takes day's like today-days when I can see things in an a WHOLE new light-that I am reminded how truly blessed I am.

I hope you find all the treasures you are looking for this day, and all those to come!

Happy Tuesday everyone-and Happy Birthday to one of the most special and amazing women I know-MUM!