Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Copper Kitchenware



This post is also listed at Frugal Friday @ http://biblicalwomanhoodblog.blogspot.com/

This is one of my favorite displays in my mother's home...


My father purchased most of these vintage copper pieces for her at his favorite thrift store. My mother has such an eye for balancing size and color and puts together beautiful displays like this throughout her home.

But here's the thing about my father. If four copper pieces are good, then four new bags of copper and BRASS pieces are even better...every week. He saw how much my mother appreciated her gift, and he could never seem to stop. Once a week he would go to the thrift store and purchase one, and sometimes even two or three, bags of copper and brass trinkets. Now, my mother LOVES copper, but she despises brass and he could never work this out in his head somehow. After bringing home the fifteenth bag of copper and brass, my mother gently suggested that perhaps she had enough copper and that certainly, she had enough brass and that it was unnecessary for him to purchase anymore.

This was a concept he could not wrap his mind around. Week by week by week he would continue to bring home bags of copper and brass. There were brass sailboats, brass penguins, brass pencil sharpeners, copper rabbits, brass butterflies, copper scissors. Granted, some of the copper was very vintage, but my mother only has so much space for tasteful, uncluttered displays. When my father saw that she wasn't displaying everything he bought her, he began to feel sad and expressed this to her. Unfortunately, this turned into a dispute and my father vowed to never buy her anything again. My mother was somewhat relieved as she had begun to run out of space in the back yard for the bags of copper and brass.

As weeks passed however, my father forgave my mother and began again to lovingly purchase the bags of brass and copper once more. She knew that there was no way to stop it and simply kept storing them in the bags in which they came in out-of-the-way places throughout their property.

Now that the sad day has come and my father has passed to his eternal rest, perhaps she'll miss the weekly bags of vintage metal that would greet her on her kitchen table upon her return from school. Or maybe not....Copper anyone?

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19 comments:

Coloradolady said...

This was such a cute story. I can just imagine all the treasures your dad brought home. I love copper too, but do not have but one piece. I'm sure your mom thinks of these bags as treasures now. Love this post

Anonymous said...

What a delightful story...I was mesmerised. Love the copper on display and that little shelf is darling too. Thanks for sharing :) xx

Ulla said...

That's the way some people are! The copper you show here looks very nice. I posted about my copper today.

Jarmeg Family said...

Jen i am so sorry to hear about your father, i just read about it. My thoughts are prayers are with you. He sounded like a great man.

The Farmer's Wife said...

Darling story Jen...Preshie left this morning with a little bag full of cookies for her dear friend Kyala. I hear she really likes cookies;) PreShie really does consider her a specail friend. Anyway what a sweet tribute to your Dad. You have a beautiful way of writing. How are you holding up??

Anonymous said...

Hi Jen! Mark has a tendancy to get stuck on one gift topic. I used to watch friends and for Christmas that one year I got the Friends trivia game, mug (Central Perk right on the side), tee shirt and key chain. When he gets a good (?) idea he just sticks with it. After reading your blog, maybe I'll drop the eye roll and appreciate the attention, 'cause I never know when it could end.
Love to you!

Grandma Faith said...

Your post today touched my heart. It sounds like your father was just precious. I love copper and brass, too. My husband teases me, but I try not to buy anything I don't just HAVE to have. Take care.

CJ, The Purple Diva said...

Thanks so much for sharing a part of your life with us. What a dear post about your dad.
I hope you are holding up and know that we are praying for you and your family.
Is there anywhere in your new house you can put some of the copper pieces?

BarbaraJo said...

Your dad sounds very sweet. How are you doing?? We send our love and prayers.

C said...

That is such a sweet story/piece of your parents' lives. It made me chuckle out loud. The grandkids should all pick a piece for a remembrance! By the way, Jen, can you e-mail me? I need to ask you a question about this weekend. Love you tons,
C

threesidesofcrazy said...

What a beautiful and sad and beautiful again story and tribute. Makes me miss my grandparents who have passed on, but had such a similar relationship. Thanks for the nostalgia. Great gramps actually used to make pieces for grandma. I will have to dig those pieces out and do a vintage Thingie Thursday too.

Diane said...

Thanks for sharing such a personal story. It's amazing that he could find a bag of treasures for her EVERY week. Very sweet.

Amanda B. said...

Wow- that is so incredibly sweet!! Shows his love for her! If only there was a way to display it all. What a wonderful story!

Anonymous said...

What Love!!!! Neat story what memories. Thanks for sharing with us. I hope all is as well as can be. Love Ya

E said...

Great story!! I have visions of paper bags full of copper and brass hiding behind trees and under stairs!

Anonymous said...

What a great story, I am sure your Mom will treasure all those little copper and brass treasurers. And what a beautiful display. Hope you and your family are doing well. You all are in my prayers.

laurice. said...

What a great story! Love the copper.

Kate @ A Simple Walk said...

What a touching story and tribute to your dad. I agree with you and the other comments - that arrangement is beautiful!

Carla said...

What a love story:). My sweet hubby has the same affliction. It is sweet-and nerve wracking. Again, my symphanty to you and yours.