Memories

This little gray lady is an 'old' friend. I like her even though she has that perfect hour glass figure... She is modeling an apron I made it was a special order.. you know I would never have just made a black and red apron.

It is a wonderful thing to be able to tell someone how much they mean to you, what an impact they made on your life and how much you love and appreciate them. Last evening I was one of MANY to gather in the gym at Oregon City High School and celebrate retirement with Brad Smith. I probably would not have a clue that he had made a big impression on the High School Girl's Basketball scene for 30 years, but for the fact that his wife and sister are both special friends. ( 2 of the 6 pack ) Brad was also a close friend to my first husband and for several years when the boys were little we would go to games and cheer for his teams. In truth I was talking to my friends in the bleachers, but I was there...

Some quoted how many national championships, how many state championships, and how many times Brad was Oregon Coach of the year. Along with all kinds of other honors that were fairly impressive, but I can't remember the details... What I can remember is how he was appreciated by the other coaches, administration, and his peers. I was impressed by how his players and students that weren't basketball players spoke of him and of his character, his willingness to share himself. It was a pleasure to see his 2 beautiful daughters express how they appreciated their dad and to share him with so many others only increased their joy.

Here is an award given to him by the mayor of Oregon City, proclaiming Brad Smith day...

These are some of his players from his first years as coach.. Brad and my son Dusty, and the bottom picture shows him with 5 of the 6 pack... Don't suppose he's hoping to fill in if one is missing, now that he's retired???
It was a little bittersweet as I sat in the gym reflecting on those times that we shared with all of our friends from that time in our lives..How our lives had changed when my husband died, how nothing was ever the same for us. We have a beautiful full life now, but different than what it might have been because of our loss.

It was especially emotional as earlier that day I received word that a dear friend of mine's husband had died that morning in a plane crash. It seems as though practically every other post I'm sharing some devastating news.. Someone that I am connected to has died...It is hard to have gone through a loss and not feel their pain, to have walked that lonely journey and not ache for what will certainly be in store for their family..

It is interesting to think back to when I first started my blog. I wanted to have an avenue to share what I was making, buying and where and when I would be selling ...

I doubt that anyone would deny that I am 'passionate' about what I do. I love old stuff, recreating otherwise useless items into 'treasures' or things of beauty...sharing this passion is what I do..But what I really love are the people I meet along the way..that is the interesting part, that is what I have to share. My family, my friends, my friend's family, that is the most important details of my life and worthy of sharing. All the little trinkets and treasures we collect along the way are just extra, maybe like icing on top of that delicious cake...