Sunday, January 13, 2013

Saving For Good

Sadly, my mother died last week. She was a wife, a mother, a secretary and an exceptional volunteer. On the day of her funeral, the hospital where she volunteered for nearly 20 years, lowered their flag to half staff.
One of the things that used to bug me about my mother was that she saved things for "good". When my dad was alive he would tease her until she used something, but lately, she has been at it again. Among her things, I found a bag I had made for her about 4 years ago. I love to make bags, and they are not works of art, they are meant to be used.




She told me how much she liked it, she admired my skill and workmanship, but it was "too good" to use and was tucked away in her closet. I wonder now what occasion would have been "good" enough to use it.
Life is short. Enjoy the "good" things that life has to offer. Make tomorrow an occasion, and wear that item you are saving for "good".

11 comments:

  1. Very good advice, Kate. I just put on the necklace I recently made (but don't wear, because I've been saving it 'for good'). I'll wear it today in honour of your mother. Life is indeed too short. Sending you my best wishes. (Great cat bag!)

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  2. love the bag! used to be a time when it was common to have everyday and "good", because things were not so easily got and some of our older generation was ingrained with that way of doing things. Now the bag is still new and you can use it and tell people it was your Mom's favourite bag!

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  3. Thank you for reminding us to use what we have and not wait another moment. I tend to do that in everything but so much with my fabric and sewing stash! I am getting much better though. The bag is so cute! My condolences to you.

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  4. I also recently lost my Mom. And I understand the compulsion to save items for "better” days, or times. As you said, life is short and though we all know we won’t live forever, I believe death can sneak up on us and take us long before we are prepared to go. My condolences to you.

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  5. Kate, I sympathize so sincerely and echo your advice. Life is short! Make every day a "for good" day! They all are, no matter what because they will never come again. Keep smiling!

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  6. Sorry for your lost. You'rr right about using stuff now and not waiting for the 'good' day. That is why I use my 'good' china on random nights.

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  7. Yes; use it!! I have done this with clothing; kept it for good, you know. It goes out of style and have to throw it out or give it away.

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  8. I'm sorry for your loss. I agree with your philosophy.

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  9. I'm saddened to learn of the passing of your mother. My father passed away in September.

    Even when the kids were little, we would use the 'good' china. It doesn't matter if it's for pancakes or take out, my family is the best and they deserve to use the 'best' dishes.

    Thanks for entering my contest. I really like the skinnies quilts and am looking forward to sewing some this year. I have been buying the patterns, but they never seemed to make it to the top of the stack. Good luck in the drawing.

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  10. My sincere condolences for your loss. So sad that that beautiful bag was hidden away instead of being proudly shown off!

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  11. Kate, I hopped to you from True Blue Canadian's blog, via Needle and Thread.My Mum died on January 10th, 1981, my husband's birthday. When I sorted out her wardrobe, there was the lovely blue outfit she wore to our wedding in 1962, some sewing things from the 1950's, and more, all treasures to her. I love your bag, do you have the pattern, and do you share? I have bag patterns, and applique designs to share, clowns, a lovely owl, applique tree with autumn leaves, I am happy to email any/or all.Lots of sympathy and caring thoughts for you and your Mum. memories will always be with you. Greetings from Jean in New Zealand.

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