Friday, September 18, 2009

Heirloom Party

Today is the day of Marie’s Heirloom Party!

I am severely underdressed for this party.  I can’t find several of the photos I wanted to use and the ones I do have, quite frankly, stink big time.  Hold your nose.

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This dresser belonged to one of my maternal great-grandmothers.  My mom had it all my growing up years; in fact, she and my dad shared it.  Then, because I was using it at the time of my marriage, it came along with me when I moved out. 

It has a mirror, which is currently in our basement.  This is the only picture I could find of it.

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This is a photo of a photo from our first apartment.  See the mess?  Of course you do.  I have always had a problem with flat surfaces, and in order to take the top photo, I basically had to just run my arm across the dresser-top and sweep a similar mess into a box.

What I really wanted to show was a picture of my mom on her wedding day.  The picture is black and white, it’s 1958, and she had just turned 17 three weeks previously.  She is standing in front of the dresser looking into the mirror and brushing her hair.  The photo is taken from behind her, so it catches the back of her dress, and her reflection.  On the dresser is a framed photo of my dad.

On my wedding day, we recreated the photo (although hers was professional and mine was just a snapshot).  I’m looking into the mirror, fastening an earring in a similar pose as she.  The picture described above is in a frame on top.  My mom passed away in 1987, four years before my wedding, but in this way I shared my day with her.

I do not know the monetary value of my dresser, but as with many heirlooms, the real value is sentimental.

14 comments:

Marie said...

Hello Holly - Oh I just love the story behind your dresser/mirror! (Btw...when are we going to get to see that said mirror that's in your basement? Do you have plans to use it? It's fabulous.) And how sweet to have recreated the pose on your wedding day.

Thank you for joining me for the party!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Gwen said...

I have a sideboard with hutch and dining table that totally match that dresser.

What a touching story, you made me cry. I am so sorry that you lost your mom, but I bet that she was with you not only on your wedding day, but the day you recreated her picture.
Have a great weekend my dear!

Melinda said...

Hi Holly--
I still have the dresser that my Dad made for me when I was little.
It came with me to Kansas from Missouri when I got married.
Have a great weekend!
Melinda

Jocelyn said...

What a sweet story about the dresser. And what a sweet thing to do for your own wedding. I lost my own Mom when I was in my 20's, so I know how hard that is. Thanks for sharing.

Jocelyn
http://justalittlesouthernhospitality.blogspot.com/
(p.s. I have problems with flat surfaces too. They all seem to have magnetic forces)

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

I laughed while reading your post. I could so relate. I have trouble with not only flat surfaces, but floors too. Love the dresser. We have one that is similar. It is loaded up with crap, I mean stuff too.

Amanda @ Serenity Now said...

Oh, Holly, your photos sound just gorgeous. I LOVE things like that. It might not be pricey, but it means a lot to you! :)

The dresser is lovely...I have a problem with flat surfaces too. :)

Cass @ That Old House said...

I think all normal and sane people have problems with things just APPEARING on flat surfaces. Only the criminally neat don't suffer from this malady. I have a HUGE counter top in my kitchen, like an attached island, that is always full of -- well, stuff.

Love that sweet little dresser. I love all family pieces -- they hold such precious memories.

Cass

arkie said...

That story makes your dresser a real treasure!

Debra@CommonGround said...

I loved hearing the sweet sentimental history of your dresser. It's a beautiful piece. Come by my blog, as I have a sideboard that could be it's sister.
Debra

Karen at Nittany Inspirations said...

I love to hear stories behind peoples antiques. I do wish you could have found the pictures to scan.

Tales From My Empty Nest said...

Loved your story about the dresser! Thanks for sharing. I have been painting some chairs I bought at a Yard Sale and they turned out reacl good. I painted them black.Love & blessings from NC!

randee said...

the dresser & mirror are fabulous.

make sure you post the wedding day photos when you find them. what a sweet thing to do.

Christina said...

What a beautiful piece and I love the story about the wedding photos. I am sentimental too and those kinds of things warm my heart.

Anna K said...

What a great dresser. Lovely story and I'm sure, lovely photographs. I'd like to see those photos when you find them.