I've written before about the odd little tchotchkes in my home---stuff that other people may see as a collection of junk, but to me, they're treasures. Each one carries a specific memory, and for that reason, I hang onto them. I'm not a hoarder (well, maybe when it comes to squirrel stuff I am, but....), and I DO try to keep my tchotchkes organized. Just the other day, I removed all of my pug-faced pillows and stored them in the closet so that they wouldn't clutter up my bedroom. Perhaps I should have donated them or tossed them out, but you never know when someone might be in dire need of a pug pillow.My home is full of amazing little items that make me smile whenever I happen to spot them on a table or shelf. Or when it's time to bring out the duster, because God knows, the more tchotchkes you have, the more dusting you'll do.....
This metal biplane was given to me eons ago at a surprise birthday party hosted by my husband. At the time, I was fascinated with World War I aviation and even rode in a biplane that had an open cockpit. Crazy for someone like me who has a fear of flying, right? Oddly enough, I felt safer in the old Sopwith Camel than I ever did on a commercial jet. Which is why you won't see me flying again any time soon. It's not the turbulence I'm worried about; I don't want to get bloodied and bruised while being dragged off an airplane that has oversold its seats.
This is just a SMALL sampling of squirrel figurines that I have in my curio cabinet. Yes, I can always make room for more.....
What home would be complete without a model of the ship that sank in 1912, killing 1500 passengers? For me, the Titanic is a reminder of why I don't do cruise ships. Ever.
There was a time when I had a THING for Captain Jack Sparrow. Seriously---I had posters of him all over my house, and collected any type of memorabilia from Pirates of the Caribbean---like this doll. Okay, so maybe it was just because I really had a THING for Johnny Depp. Several years ago, I was
fortunate enough to see Mr. Depp sing with his band when they came to our town. I was right up front by the stage, too, until an unruly young woman tried to elbow me out of the way. We almost got into fisticuffs, but I stood my ground. The concert was great, yet all I remember was my urgent need to use the restroom and being forced to keep my bladder on hold for fear of losing my spot by the stage. Lesson learned---next time I go to a concert that is standing room only, I'll bring a travel pack catheter.
fortunate enough to see Mr. Depp sing with his band when they came to our town. I was right up front by the stage, too, until an unruly young woman tried to elbow me out of the way. We almost got into fisticuffs, but I stood my ground. The concert was great, yet all I remember was my urgent need to use the restroom and being forced to keep my bladder on hold for fear of losing my spot by the stage. Lesson learned---next time I go to a concert that is standing room only, I'll bring a travel pack catheter.
These are no ordinary finger puppets. These are magic puppets to spark the creative juices. How do I know? They were given to me at the Erma Bombeck Writers Workshop by my hilarious friend Elaine Ambrose, when I attended her seminar. These guys sit at my desk now and cheer me on whenever I feel uncreative. The one on the left represents my current status the best.
This little replica of the Fountain Of Youth was purchased at the museum after a grueling walk through St. Augustine during the summer when it was above 90 degrees. My husband was certain that the park was near our hotel, so we set out on foot to the museum. Two hours later, drenched in sweat and with blisters on our feet, we finally reached our destination. I was hoping that the Fountain of Youth was large enough for me to throw my entire, sweaty body into the cool oasis, but all we found was a small trickle of water coming out of some rocks. So I did the next best thing--I drank the water in the hopes that I would stay forever youthful and free of hot flashes. And then I made my husband call a taxi.
What sort of unusual tchotchkes do you have on display at your house?
******WANT MORE MENO MAMA? This week I am honored to have my first piece up on The Mighty: How I learned To Live With My Anxiety Disorder. I also have a humor article about menopause on Medium that you can read here: https://medium.com/@marciakesterdoyle/a-husbands-perspective-eight-ways-menopause-has-changed-my-wife-4b94c90ea4e5
