Knicknacks Or Treasures?

When we moved from Worthington to Kirkland, we discovered a LOT of knickknacks had accumulated over our 34 years in our wonderful home. Some of the items hadn't seen the light of day in decades because they had been stored in boxes under the bed or in the attic. Other knickknacks were spread throughout the house, occupying corners and surfaces, some prominent, others almost hidden. 

By definition a knickknack does not have great intrinsic value. It is usually kept because it has a connection to a loved one. This picture shows some of the treasures that made the trek west with us. 

White plastic mouse - We have several of these. I bought them long ago as a joke for Joe, the children, or grandchildren. I can't remember why.The mice almost didn't make the cut to come west. Then I remembered how much Joe likes to move them around the house. You never know where they will appear. They came west. And they are still being moved around the house. 

Glass & metal spider (in front of blue cat) - Our friend and neighbor Eleanor Shearman gave this to us, not for any special occasion. She just gave it to us. She did that periodically. She'd come over with a small plant, a little paring knife (we still use), this spider, or some other trinket. At North Street the spider hung from a picture in the kitchen. In Kirkland the spider is in our year round Christmas tree. 

Blue cat - Mom had this in the windowsill over the kitchen sink at Oak Street. I always admired it because it was so colorful. I think of Mom as a very practical person and this bit of whimsy and color is a wonderful reminder of another side of her. 

"Paper" bag - This also has a connection with Mom. As I mentioned earlier Mom was practical. Her gifts usually reflected that practicality. One day she gave me this paper bag made out clay. It wasn't a birthday or other special occasion. She just gave it to me. This is a glimpse into the fun side of Mom, one I didn't see (or recognize) often enough - a lesson for me. 

Mom and Dad shared stories of many of their "treasures." I wonder about the smaller items that we found in drawers and boxes; things with no known stories and no known connections father back than Mom and Dad. Was something saved because it had a connection with one of their loved ones? Or was it saved simply because it was stashed somewhere and forgotten? An item can become a treasure for a new generation and gain value it never had for the original owner. 

Some day people might wonder about plastic white mice they always saw at our house. They could easily get thrown away because no one knows the story. Or - someone might know the story and toss the mice because it's a bit weird to have white plastic mice moving around your house.