Thursday, October 11, 2012

Old Silverware


You know when you haven't written to a friend in a really long time, and there's so much to tell that it's just too much and you almost don't even want to write because it's just so big you can't even touch it? Well, that's how I feel right now. I find that when I'm in that situation I have to remind myself that it's okay. Just do a little. You can't not talk to your pal because there is too much to say, now can you?

Lately, I'm in a frenzy of getting my life straight. I've been a stay at home mom for four years. My son just started going to preschool, and it has made me feel all sorts of ways. One of the feelings I have is to gaze in stunned wonder at my house, like a haze has been removed to see an incredible, disgusting mess. Now, after all this time, I finally have a scrap of time to myself, and what am I doing? Cleaning house. Honestly, it's actually soothing. It's my inner-Anna, I've decided. (Don't you know what Downton Abbey character you are?)


 I've had this box of mismatched silverware for a looong time. Most of it's silver plated, to be sure. A lot of it I've eaten with, but when I got married I stashed it all away in place of a proper set of silverware. That wasn't silver. Anyway, I've always thought I would make something of them. A mobile, jewelry, wall hangings. Something. But I never did. I pulled them out today, and looked at each one. Why do I want these? Why do I love them so? I love their patina, I love that they are all different. I especially love the soup spoons with their obvious wear, and I can't help but to think what soup it held and who it fed? And a real soup spoon, I might add. One that holds a goodly amount of soup. Oh, those were the days...

That might be silly, but I'm a sentimental sort. That's why I am writing here about old silverware, instead of actual food or even a recipe. But I'm taking it slow, working my way around the subject. I'm still cooking and eating, of course. Today, kale and gouda turnovers were made today with suet pastry. Served with end of the season lettuce tossed with homemade (can I call it that? I really had nothing to do with it) vinegar and some good olive oil, a little sea salt. A frost is coming our way tomorrow night, the garden is closed, and it's time to pull out all the little projects that have been taking up space on the shelf.


12 comments:

  1. Welcome back - we've missed you! LOVE this post! I've actually returned to work full time and my blog is nearly defunct. It gets pulled up frequently - but after staring at a computer screen all day at work that's about it. Your vintage silverware is fabulous! But I am biased as I'm fond of gathering odd pieces here and there that I feel (not think) I can't live without. Enjoy your silverware whether you use it or not. If it gives you joy, there's nothing silly about it at all!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, thanks, Dawn!! That so sweet of you. It's hard to get back, isn't it? At the end of a long day, it usually is not what you want to do. Taking a break helps!

      Delete
    2. lovely, julia, nicely photographed as well. and who cares if it is the real thing, sterling, or whatever, just use it. you'll get much more joy curling spaghetti round your silver fork, using stainless is so boring.
      glad to find your blog on occasion, love your jam posts.
      michael

      Delete
    3. Thanks, Michael, I think my eye is okay, but technical proficiency is low. Still it's nice to hear a compliment like that from you!! The fig sticks you sent me so long ago are little fig trees now, btw!

      Delete
    4. julia, thank you for your comment on noodlebrains. nice to hear from you! i can't believe the transformation of my fig sticks to your little trees. i love the west-east transfer, happy to have your progress note.
      i do think your images wonderful, regardless of proficiency. looks to me like you master both, food and pictures.

      Delete
    5. I always love reading and seeing what you are up to, Michael!

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Thanks, Cathy! I'm glad I'm not the only one. I've got to figure out a way to display them so I can enjoy them more.

      Delete
  3. Julia, so good to see you back here. I'm always curious as to what you are up to, and cooking. I remember well when my kids went off to preschool. After years of just getting by (and having a lot of fun too of course), I finally had some space to look around and regroup a bit. It's good for mamas to have a bit of their own time - I hope you fully enjoy yours.
    xxoo
    E

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for the visit, Erin, it's always good to hear from you! Well put, I really need some "me" time, as they say. I've been hiking and cleaning and getting back into my groove. But that's not to say I didn't have a fabulous time, for sure! xoj

      Delete
  4. They're gorgeous! Nice to hear from you, pal!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks! And good to hear from you, too, friend!!

      Delete