Pages

Monday, May 3, 2010

Alchemy


The other day, the boys and I went to the tire park. It has a real name, but we just call it the tire park, because, well, obviously. 

There's a short window of time before this park shifts from whimsical and charming to searing hot and stinky. Black rubber doesn't work well in the sun.

This visit, however, was decidedly delightful.

 I love the idea of recycling. To make something great out of something deemed useless--it's magical, really. The alchemy of everyday things.

I love the stories of recycled things. As I stood in that park, I imagined the tires whispering, "I used to plow soybeans!" or "The guy that drove me was a real asshole."

It's weird, perhaps, but it makes me smile.

***
The stories are everywhere---in old barn boards now insulating my friend's house or in the quiet, meticulous stitches of my grandmother's embroidery.

Yesterday, as I sat in my mother-in-law's garden, we shared our memories of the lilacs and the peonies. We measured the time, one plant at a time, as the sapling of my early marriage now towered over us, providing blessed shade.

Soon, I will be with my mother, and I want to hear the stories of her objects. I want to learn about her jewelry. What does she wear when she needs to feel brave? Do any of the pieces honor people, or moments, or both?

Tell me, I will say. Tell me the stories of the quilts, the furniture, the paintings, the books. I am ready to listen. Your words--your objects---your stories. 

I am ready. Let's let the whispers out, as we recycle one story at a time.

10 comments:

Cat said...

Love the park.

I love listening to my mom's stories about her things.

Rebecca said...

Cute park with a great idea.....but I bet you are right on the money when it comes to hot tires and stinky hot play equipment. Maybe they can plant some fast growing trees around the park to keep it well shaded to help with the problems??

Robin said...

What a kool park....I can imagine the hot rubber smell in the middle of summer..but I bet its fun now...you're right everything does have a story...I guess we just need to find it and listen..

Happy Hour...Somewhere said...

I love the idea of stories behind the objects in our lives. It always makes life so much deeper...to me they are like the hyperlinks when I play on the internet...sometimes you end up in places you had no idea were there.

Enjoy the stories.

michelle said...

makes me think of that movie... How To Make An American Quilt (I think that's what it's called)

my mom has some good stories too

your boys are cute. as always

Claudya Martinez said...

I'm ready to listen to your words, your objects, your stories.

Tracie said...

That was so beautiful. Sometimes I feel the same way but my mom clams up when I really probe her and start taking notes.

Stephanie said...

What a lovely post. I like the connections you make among the things -- big and small -- that make up your days.

Stephanie said...

And keep the pictures coming! ;-) Your little guys are super cute.

http://laughingstars.net/

Bethany said...

sigh.
really nice.