A Shelf of Memories

I have this dusty little shelf in my kitchen, where I house small things:  birds, baby pictures, miniatures.

A little tea set that my mother-in-law gave to Julia, years ago. I didn't let Julia keep it in her room. (If you saw her room, you'd understand.) But someday, I'll let her take it away. I think this is so beautiful.  Love the green, and the rustic look of the little houses. It makes me think of English farms and fields in the 19th century.

I may have posted these before.  I found this little set of dishware at the local Salvation Army. I also saw a similar set in Old Salem, at their Toy Museum. The medium-size dishes are heavier than a quarter. I've wondered if they're old? Silver? Valuable?  Who knows?

One of the little forks is broken.

This delicate rose was given to me years ago, I think as a wedding present. It might have been earlier than that. I don't recall who gave it to me, but I've loved it. It's usually covered with dust, but today I removed everything from the shelves and cleaned it all.

The birds.  The large brown one was given to me from a friend, Mary Louise, when she married, and I helped at the reception. The smooth blue one was given to me by a friend in Iowa, Mary Anna. The little yellow bird was a resale store find.

Baby pictures - When Philip (far right) was born, someone gave me his frame. After I also put Anna (front) in a frame, I figured I'd better put them all in these fun, clunky little frames, so as not to leave anyone out!

Philip - the first baby, who cried for 3 months

Anna - don't you love that impish, snarky look? Her temperament wasn't that way though.

Peter - my bubbly, happy, sunshine baby

Julia - the icing on the cake