Pine Table Memories

When I first met my husband, my mother-in-law had a pine dining table that was dark, heavy, huge.  Many memories were formed around that table and evidence of that showed on it's massive table top where years of scratches and writing indentations were worn into it.  For reasons beyond her control, the table went to friends who kept it for many years.  Later, the table was given back to her, stripped and reconditioned, but what remained was the evidence still engrained into it's beautifully refinished top.  She told me once that she would never want that table sanded smooth because her families memories were held in that table top every time she looked at it.  What an amazing gift she got back. 

 

So, with those thoughts in mind, I wanted to have a table for my new kitchen.  I wasn't complaining or asking for a new table.  But, I did want something to sit around with family and friends.  When my mom and aunt came to visit, we were driving down to Kimmswick and stopping at the red light right outside of the town, I saw a table sitting in a parking lot of a little "junk" market. 

I didn't expect it to be much, probably too bad of shape to even want.  But, we were surprised when I looked it over, sturdy table, tight chairs, just needed a little cleaning.  And on the top of this little pine table was years of someone's memories carved into the top.  I had to have it.  So for $40 bucks, I hauled this table home.  Without destroying the memories, I gently sanded the top and recoated it.

It was a gift.  Without asking, God knew the desire of my heart and that I would want this table.  So, the memories will continue as my family grows, as grandchildren come to visit and leave their mark on my little table.

 JOY DARE

 

184.  Kitty head butts

185.  Unexpected call from a long-distance friend

186.  A cool breeze after a hot day

187.  Lilacs in bloom

 

188.  Baby birds

189.  Open windows

190.  A woodpecker's chatter

191.  Grass between your toes

192.  Trees full of new life

193.  Courage to make hard decisions

194.  Yellow-billed cuckoo

  

195.  Visit with mom and aunt

196.  A surprise lilac tree in our front yard

197.  Gorgeous irises in bloom

 

 

198.  Photos that bring much needed self-confidence

199.  Clear answers

200.  A phone call on Mother's Day

201.  Sun on your face

202.  A whole week of photography

203.  A scratched pine table

204.  A child home safe