From Discarded to Desirable! [a.k.a. from trash-to-treasure]

AN ANTIQUE, HAND-CARVED, WOODEN FRAME FROM THE OLE’ SOUTH

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Beautiful with every imperfect detail of the woodwork.

Recently purchased this masterpiece from a store owner who was instructed to ‘just throw it away’.  

For obvious reasons, he couldn’t bring himself to put this timeless treasure in the dumpster.

The fine art (which use to call this frame HOME for decades- or even a century as was speculated – who knows?) was placed in a brand-new frame.

Polished  &  Perfect  &  Precise in every way.

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Soooo, how did I happen upon this fantastic find?

I was shopping specifically for an unusual, eclectic frame with a lot of history.

You see – my son surprised my husband with an antiquarian map of Africa.

It is so old that the names of the countries are quite different than the modern-day nomenclature.

Instantly, I knew this magnificent map deserved and demanded a seasoned casing with a lot of character!

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As I walked down the streets of one of my favorite towns in the deep South….

I noticed a framing store and quickly popped in to ask if there were any antique frame shops in the area.

The friendly couple who owned the shop told me about their decision to keep this one in a back storage room.

Yes, as luck would have it, I serendipitously happened on this gorgeous gift.

I was the proud new owner for “a song and a dance”.

That’s polite, local colloquialism for, “I paid hardly nothing” for this beautiful piece of wooden art.

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As you can see, the map isn’t in the frame just yet!

(Still looking for a local frame shop willing to work with antique frames!)

But I consider this ‘Furniture for my Wall”.

The fact that the scrolling isn’t a glued-on applique’ that was machine-manufactured after the original frame was built…still amazes me.

I marvel at the marbling and mottling of the patina.  The authentic splotching and peeling of the paint provides a depth and richness that just can’t be reproduced.

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So why am I writing this post to you this Tuesday am?

It is about my new favorite subject – Hygge….finding fabulous in the insignificant.

(Please refer to previous article for more information on Hygge.)

There is one thing that 2017 has taught me….

The Simple Secret is Small.

Happiness is truly found by practicing the Attitude of Gratitude for the small things that life sends your way.

This is a life lesson for all Baby Boomers.

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I recently attended a financial seminar when my husband was out-of-town on a business trip.

The speaker was wonderful.  Well-rehearsed and knowledgable about his subject matter.

But he said this to the audience….(paraphrasing a bit from memory!)

“Your retirement should be a second childhood without restrictions and supervision.“

I believe it is conventional wisdom that Baby Boomer’s retirement should be traveling on a whim – whenever – wherever the heart desires.  

Summering in the mountains in your second home.  

Buying without a Budget to get that latest, greatest gadget!  

On and On and On.

Well, that’s a lofty scenario.

But what if none of that comes to fruition.

Then, what?

Baby Boomers are setting themselves up for disappointment and, perhaps, complete despair.

There’s nothing wrong for planning and working for a luxurious and lavish retirement.

Hey!  I’d love to be in a position to do all of the above and more!!!

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But here’s my take-a-way.

Study hygge.  Learn hygge.  Practice hygge.

 And you will find joy in the smallest of small things.

So if that mountain retreat doesn’t happen….you’ll still have your fantastic frame (which almost ended up in the trash) to relish and admire – forever!

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Talk to you soon.  

Thanks for reading.