The antique store was on the side of Highway 231. It looked like it had been an old filling station once. The sign said Open. So I walked inside. I’m a sucker for antiques. I don’t just like antiques themselves. I like the spaces where antiques have parties.
Pone, you just served up a big slice of country pie. Made me feel "Down Home Good!" I can just piture Dat place. Totally off the subject but my very
Elderly but beautiful mother died peacefully Thursday after a long fight with progressive dementia. She went out at home about as well as she could. We are all OK and doing well. Please don't bother to respond to this because wid dis group I know I'd likely get 1000 nice notes, and I do very much appreciate the sentiment. The reason I tell it is because the event resulted in contact with many old friends and stories. My first cousin sent me photos from when her daughter was married in Maine about 8 years ago and Mama was out on the dance floor dancing wid da groom and later wid me and honestly she was da Belle of da Ball. I thought of many people who faithfully visited her over the last few years despite her decline which is a real kindness to her and our family. My wife said this is known in the black community as "Bringing the flowers now!" (Rather than just when they die) That was such a heartwarming thing to me that it made me pass this story along. Anyhow life goes on and she is no longer suffering so we're taking it OK. Best to you all.
Headed to Arkansas to see my mom next week. She is 94 and living life like her dad told her. "Live your life like playing baseball, always swing for the fence". She still lives in the house we moved in when I was 6 months old.
The outside and inside of her home is a mass of flowers and plants. Both of her thumbs are bright green. She says it is her therapy after my father and brother died years ago. Although the house always looked like it is a photo out of "Better Homes and Garden".
I love that she got to pass at home, and people brought her “flowers” while she was living. One of my mother’s first cousins said no matter how old and decrepit they get, it’s hard to let them go. Knowing a loved one is no longer suffering makes letting them go a little easier. My heart goes out to you and yours, Pubert Earle.
No matter how old we are, or how old they are, when their time comes it's hard to let go. I guess that's why I keep those old pictures (and write names and dates on the backs) so those who come after will know who they (we!) were. Sending blessings to you and yours, and flowers for the living.
My condolences. My mom had a battle with dementia and the best thing we did was have a birthday party for her 80th birthday at the home where she was. We hired a musician, there was dancing, all nine of her kids were there and she got to meet her first great grandchild. She didn't know who all of us were but she remembered how to hold a baby and love being the center of attention. Looking at those pictures brought lots of smiles at her funeral. I love the concept of bringing flowers now. Hugs to you and yours!
It's a terrible disease, Kim, affecting so many good families. My heart goes out to you and all caregivers who have dealt and are dealing with it in their loved ones.
I am a firm believer in giving people their “flowers” now.I sympathize with your family & know all to well the grief of losing someone, in my case my mom, to dementia. You just feel helpless watching them deteriorate. But, we are not hopeless because of the everlasting reward awaiting believers.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mama, Pubert. No matter how old they are or how old we are, we’re never quite ready to say goodbye. Mine is 96, so I know how true that is. “Bringing the flowers now” is just beautiful. Glad you’re doing okay.
This sure brings back memories of my mom, who passed peacefully at home as well at 97. She lived with my two sons and me for her last ten years. Her heart never left her beloved Birmingham, even though she lived her last 75 years in SC. In good health, your mother sounds much like the lively lady my mom was. They enriched the lives of those around them and left cherished memories that live long after. I love that, “Bringing the flowers now “. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs and precious memories to you and your family.
Pubert, my first thought, now that I understand the “progression” of life, was she a believer? Have you found Jesus, Pubert? If so, you will meet again and all will be whole in paradise. God bless your mama and the ones who loved her. For after all, God is Love. Peace be with you during your time of loss Pubert.
Matters not whether she was a believer, or Pu for that matter. Noneya business, M Drake. Love is love and he sees her every day in his wonderful memories.
Beg to differ. Jesus was clear on this matter. Maybe crack a Bible and illuminate your hateful mind with peace and love through our Lord and Savior.✝️🙌🏻
Must reach out to you dear friend…I obey my heart! Love your story and the sweet love you had for your precious mother. Always look forward to your thoughts…….sending now my prayers, condolences and hugs to you and family.
Grannie told me life would go by fast. She even made up a word to illustrate how fast it goes once a person reaches 25 years old—“shooom”.
Oh, do I love antique stores, estate sales, thrift stores. I love most, though, the introduction to the store owner. She tickled me saying, “And that’s why we’re all plum crazy.” Nothing more beautiful to my ears now than an authentic southern voice.
Speaking of authentic southern voices, Rick Bragg reads his audiobook “Speckled Beauty … a Dog and his People”. I was tempted to increase the speed but then realized his wonderful southern drawl was adding so much color and texture to his story! Thanks again for mentioning him …. What a treasure!
Whenever I find myself in a particularly long slump (seasonal affective disorder is a real thing), I go to one of two places. The puppy store or the antique mall. I have to decide which pheromone is going to get me out of my slump. It’s either puppy breath or mildew with a hint of aged wood. Regardless of my choice, I always end my day like the Grinch. My heart grows three sizes that day.
Well I just love this lady! Before Covid and mama would come visit- we loved to go to garage sales- we’d have so much fun! Time does go flying by. I didn’t know how pretty I was when I was young- all I did was find everything wrong with me! Now I look in the mirror & say who in the hell is that old lady?? 😂🤣naw- I’m fine, I’m happy, but it is weird when u turn 60- u start noticing how fast days go by, how quick babies grow up, how we miss the good old days that this new generation will never know. But it’s their new world. I’m just happy I’m still alive & kicking! Thankful for each new day, but treasure the memories of the good old days. Love to all!❤️
BRAIN I – One thing I’ve noticed is that as we age we appear to become smarter… which explains why the hair on our head begins to gray. This graying-out is a direct result of brain overflow. As we acquire more smarts, we begin to gain excess “gray matter” which turns into a sort of human “flowering” of the head… similar to plant life when it reaches its cyclic and beautiful apex.
Hi Sean, I’m glad you wrote about a teacher and her public servant husband today. ❤️ I’m betting that a lot of your readers are teachers. The main lesson always presented here both in your work and your reader comments is kindness. That message comes across clearly and daily. It’s a blessing to be one of your many readers. ❤️ Many thanks to you and your awesome readers!
A gracious good morning and happy Saturday to all yall. Dang dog ! Just HAD to go out at twodamthirty ! I love history and learning about how things work from daze gone by. I like talking to an antique person who can look at an odd looking tool and say why thats a snarfblatt and then proceed to tell ya what it was used for. When I was a senior in high school Mr. Boyd asked me to come by his place that afternoon to move some things for him. I guess he was in his late 70,s at the time and I had known he and his wife since 4th grade. Anyway. I went to their place about 3 and I moved some things around for him, got done cause he said we gotta finish up because his wife told him that she wanted to look at an antique. So I asked him where they were going. He said we're gonna stay right here at the house. He winked and said its my antique that she wants to look at !
Anyway the dogs are back in so I'm gonna nap for an hour or two. Yall stay warm and have a splendiferous day.
Somethin’ about antique stores that make me melancholy. It’s kinda like an orphanage for the lost or misplaced. Don’t get me wrong, I love ‘em but there is a kind of knowledge of what’s to come…for all of us and everything we once loved.
Antiques are rare and so beautiful with many many stories to tell if only they could speak what an amazing wonderful story my dear friend thank you very much for sharing 🙏
My oh my does my wife and I love antiques. The smell of an antique store, especially in the south. It has a smell and a feel all its own. Surrounded by the craftsmanship of hand made furniture that lasts almost forever. The stories each piece could tell about good times and hard times. The feel of wood that has been dusted and polished a million times. The beauty of the wood grain in the walnut, cherry, maple, pine and oaks. The comfort and beauty that emanates from old treasures. I feel sorry for folks who don’t appreciate the finer things in life. Especially antiques.
No better way to spend a winters day (or a rainy one) than perusing antique shops, thrift stores or discounted bookstores. I’ve found most don’t have adequate heat or insulation so bundle up.
‘Time is mighty precious when there’s less of it to waste’ ~ Bonnie Raitt
‘Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away’ ~ James 4:14
I was once told that something had to be over 50 years old to be considered and antique. My wife and I, along with most of our furniture must be antique. Some of our furniture came from her mom and this computer is so slow sometimes I think Chris might have used it coming across on the Mayflower. The kids and grandkids give me gifts of new wood working tools (like I might build something) but I just use the ones I have repairing some of the furniture we have had for ages. My wife must like old things, she is still married to me. About the only thing I like new are my wife's biscuits because even though we are both past the antique stage of life, when I see her I still see the fire breathing teenager I fell in love with.
I love everything about this story! There is nothing better than good country Southern people and antique stores. I know this antique store and this this area very well. My parents went to Troy State College in the early 50s(I was 3)and I was there in the early 70s and am there at least 2-3 times a year. My Daddy’s family was from Barbour County. It’s a magical place! It’s home. Thank you Sean, for another walk down memory lane!
Time does pass by quickly. When you go in an antique or thrift store you choose to slow down because the memories that old pieces hold remind you of times past - it may be something as simple as an old cake pan that reminds you of your granny or other memory makers from your childhood.
Pone, you just served up a big slice of country pie. Made me feel "Down Home Good!" I can just piture Dat place. Totally off the subject but my very
Elderly but beautiful mother died peacefully Thursday after a long fight with progressive dementia. She went out at home about as well as she could. We are all OK and doing well. Please don't bother to respond to this because wid dis group I know I'd likely get 1000 nice notes, and I do very much appreciate the sentiment. The reason I tell it is because the event resulted in contact with many old friends and stories. My first cousin sent me photos from when her daughter was married in Maine about 8 years ago and Mama was out on the dance floor dancing wid da groom and later wid me and honestly she was da Belle of da Ball. I thought of many people who faithfully visited her over the last few years despite her decline which is a real kindness to her and our family. My wife said this is known in the black community as "Bringing the flowers now!" (Rather than just when they die) That was such a heartwarming thing to me that it made me pass this story along. Anyhow life goes on and she is no longer suffering so we're taking it OK. Best to you all.
Yor friend,
Pubert Earle
Headed to Arkansas to see my mom next week. She is 94 and living life like her dad told her. "Live your life like playing baseball, always swing for the fence". She still lives in the house we moved in when I was 6 months old.
Don’t forget- take her some flowers!
The outside and inside of her home is a mass of flowers and plants. Both of her thumbs are bright green. She says it is her therapy after my father and brother died years ago. Although the house always looked like it is a photo out of "Better Homes and Garden".
The best folks know the importance of flowers in our lives.
Good for her, Paul. My wife's youngest sister still lives in the house they all grew up in many moons ago.
Be safe traveling.
You can’t beat that Paul! Thanks!
Pu
Dear!!!
Hello to Conway dear folks!
I love that she got to pass at home, and people brought her “flowers” while she was living. One of my mother’s first cousins said no matter how old and decrepit they get, it’s hard to let them go. Knowing a loved one is no longer suffering makes letting them go a little easier. My heart goes out to you and yours, Pubert Earle.
Thanks you two. You need to be snoring...
Pu
So sorry for your loss Pu . Blessing to you & family💐
No matter how old we are, or how old they are, when their time comes it's hard to let go. I guess that's why I keep those old pictures (and write names and dates on the backs) so those who come after will know who they (we!) were. Sending blessings to you and yours, and flowers for the living.
When I meet you, I hope you would introduce me to her one day. We all are just passing thru.
May the angels guide her to Paradise.
Dementia is called the long goodbye, as we lose our loved one little by little. So much anticipatory grief.
So wonderful that family and friends “brought the flowers” while she was living. Blessings to you and your family.
My condolences. My mom had a battle with dementia and the best thing we did was have a birthday party for her 80th birthday at the home where she was. We hired a musician, there was dancing, all nine of her kids were there and she got to meet her first great grandchild. She didn't know who all of us were but she remembered how to hold a baby and love being the center of attention. Looking at those pictures brought lots of smiles at her funeral. I love the concept of bringing flowers now. Hugs to you and yours!
It's a terrible disease, Kim, affecting so many good families. My heart goes out to you and all caregivers who have dealt and are dealing with it in their loved ones.
Love and prayers for you and your family!❤️💕
Pubert ~ may your dear mother rest in peace. Sending love & blessings to you & your family 🙏💕💕🙏
I am a firm believer in giving people their “flowers” now.I sympathize with your family & know all to well the grief of losing someone, in my case my mom, to dementia. You just feel helpless watching them deteriorate. But, we are not hopeless because of the everlasting reward awaiting believers.
Peace & comfort my friend.
I’m so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mama, Pubert. No matter how old they are or how old we are, we’re never quite ready to say goodbye. Mine is 96, so I know how true that is. “Bringing the flowers now” is just beautiful. Glad you’re doing okay.
This sure brings back memories of my mom, who passed peacefully at home as well at 97. She lived with my two sons and me for her last ten years. Her heart never left her beloved Birmingham, even though she lived her last 75 years in SC. In good health, your mother sounds much like the lively lady my mom was. They enriched the lives of those around them and left cherished memories that live long after. I love that, “Bringing the flowers now “. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs and precious memories to you and your family.
Pubert, my first thought, now that I understand the “progression” of life, was she a believer? Have you found Jesus, Pubert? If so, you will meet again and all will be whole in paradise. God bless your mama and the ones who loved her. For after all, God is Love. Peace be with you during your time of loss Pubert.
Matters not whether she was a believer, or Pu for that matter. Noneya business, M Drake. Love is love and he sees her every day in his wonderful memories.
Beg to differ. Jesus was clear on this matter. Maybe crack a Bible and illuminate your hateful mind with peace and love through our Lord and Savior.✝️🙌🏻
Lol
Those memories are treasures, every one. Blessings to you, Pub. You dah man. LLB
Must reach out to you dear friend…I obey my heart! Love your story and the sweet love you had for your precious mother. Always look forward to your thoughts…….sending now my prayers, condolences and hugs to you and family.
Bring the Flowers Now. And a Cake.
“Life is what you cake it!”
Hugging you, Pu. 💔
Grannie told me life would go by fast. She even made up a word to illustrate how fast it goes once a person reaches 25 years old—“shooom”.
Oh, do I love antique stores, estate sales, thrift stores. I love most, though, the introduction to the store owner. She tickled me saying, “And that’s why we’re all plum crazy.” Nothing more beautiful to my ears now than an authentic southern voice.
Speaking of authentic southern voices, Rick Bragg reads his audiobook “Speckled Beauty … a Dog and his People”. I was tempted to increase the speed but then realized his wonderful southern drawl was adding so much color and texture to his story! Thanks again for mentioning him …. What a treasure!
Safe to say if a person enjoys Sean’s work, they’ll appreciate Bragg’s. I’m so glad you enjoyed his work. He also writes a column in Southern Living.
That’s my favorite column❣️
Whenever I find myself in a particularly long slump (seasonal affective disorder is a real thing), I go to one of two places. The puppy store or the antique mall. I have to decide which pheromone is going to get me out of my slump. It’s either puppy breath or mildew with a hint of aged wood. Regardless of my choice, I always end my day like the Grinch. My heart grows three sizes that day.
Well said! ❤️
Both great therapy! Love your choices!
Too bad that Puppy Breath cannot be bottled!
Especially puppy milk breath (not yet weaned). So SWEET! 💖
I’ve said this so many times!
🥰
Well I just love this lady! Before Covid and mama would come visit- we loved to go to garage sales- we’d have so much fun! Time does go flying by. I didn’t know how pretty I was when I was young- all I did was find everything wrong with me! Now I look in the mirror & say who in the hell is that old lady?? 😂🤣naw- I’m fine, I’m happy, but it is weird when u turn 60- u start noticing how fast days go by, how quick babies grow up, how we miss the good old days that this new generation will never know. But it’s their new world. I’m just happy I’m still alive & kicking! Thankful for each new day, but treasure the memories of the good old days. Love to all!❤️
“Now I look in the mirror & say who in the hell is that old lady??”
Cheryl, my husband and I have pointed at the people in our bathroom mirror and asked the same thing. Then we laugh. What else can you do?
Sean’s last line reveals a truth—like antiques, we have to look through the wear and tear and cracks to see the beauty.
Loved your post as much as Sean’s column. Love to you, too.
BRAIN I – One thing I’ve noticed is that as we age we appear to become smarter… which explains why the hair on our head begins to gray. This graying-out is a direct result of brain overflow. As we acquire more smarts, we begin to gain excess “gray matter” which turns into a sort of human “flowering” of the head… similar to plant life when it reaches its cyclic and beautiful apex.
We are spring blossoms dear friend! ❤️
I must be really smart because I was almost completely gray when I was in my thirties.
Early bloomer! 😊
This ol' bald guy says, "Hey, if you guys want to use your hormones to grow hair, whatever the color, go right ahead!"
Do doubt, Paul! We can't stand you, you're so smart! Ha 🤗
Proverbs 16:21
NAVEL GAZING I – Funny how everyone I grew up with looks old now… My mind’s eye does not see the same person that I look at in the mirror.
❤️ Right back to you!
That’s exactly what I think when I look in the mirror Ed! I don’t feel like I’m that old!! LOL
When I look in the mirror now, I see my father looking back at me.
Hi Sean, I’m glad you wrote about a teacher and her public servant husband today. ❤️ I’m betting that a lot of your readers are teachers. The main lesson always presented here both in your work and your reader comments is kindness. That message comes across clearly and daily. It’s a blessing to be one of your many readers. ❤️ Many thanks to you and your awesome readers!
Your friend,
EMC
So well said!!!
A gracious good morning and happy Saturday to all yall. Dang dog ! Just HAD to go out at twodamthirty ! I love history and learning about how things work from daze gone by. I like talking to an antique person who can look at an odd looking tool and say why thats a snarfblatt and then proceed to tell ya what it was used for. When I was a senior in high school Mr. Boyd asked me to come by his place that afternoon to move some things for him. I guess he was in his late 70,s at the time and I had known he and his wife since 4th grade. Anyway. I went to their place about 3 and I moved some things around for him, got done cause he said we gotta finish up because his wife told him that she wanted to look at an antique. So I asked him where they were going. He said we're gonna stay right here at the house. He winked and said its my antique that she wants to look at !
Anyway the dogs are back in so I'm gonna nap for an hour or two. Yall stay warm and have a splendiferous day.
And ... peace
RicCy dats what you call caught in da sex revolution but done run outta ammunition! I hate when Dat happens!
Yo PEB
🤣
😂
ric! I hope you told that old codger, Down, boy!
I figured that after 50 years of marriage, it was how they played their game. More power to em.
You bet. I would have said it jokingly, of course, with a light shoulder cuff. ☺️
Somethin’ about antique stores that make me melancholy. It’s kinda like an orphanage for the lost or misplaced. Don’t get me wrong, I love ‘em but there is a kind of knowledge of what’s to come…for all of us and everything we once loved.
Antiques are rare and so beautiful with many many stories to tell if only they could speak what an amazing wonderful story my dear friend thank you very much for sharing 🙏
Antiques are beautiful, I like mine below the Mason Dixion Line.
Peace and Love to All from Birmingham 🙏♥️🙏🇺🇸
My oh my does my wife and I love antiques. The smell of an antique store, especially in the south. It has a smell and a feel all its own. Surrounded by the craftsmanship of hand made furniture that lasts almost forever. The stories each piece could tell about good times and hard times. The feel of wood that has been dusted and polished a million times. The beauty of the wood grain in the walnut, cherry, maple, pine and oaks. The comfort and beauty that emanates from old treasures. I feel sorry for folks who don’t appreciate the finer things in life. Especially antiques.
No better way to spend a winters day (or a rainy one) than perusing antique shops, thrift stores or discounted bookstores. I’ve found most don’t have adequate heat or insulation so bundle up.
‘Time is mighty precious when there’s less of it to waste’ ~ Bonnie Raitt
‘Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away’ ~ James 4:14
I was once told that something had to be over 50 years old to be considered and antique. My wife and I, along with most of our furniture must be antique. Some of our furniture came from her mom and this computer is so slow sometimes I think Chris might have used it coming across on the Mayflower. The kids and grandkids give me gifts of new wood working tools (like I might build something) but I just use the ones I have repairing some of the furniture we have had for ages. My wife must like old things, she is still married to me. About the only thing I like new are my wife's biscuits because even though we are both past the antique stage of life, when I see her I still see the fire breathing teenager I fell in love with.
Ain’t love grand?
I love everything about this story! There is nothing better than good country Southern people and antique stores. I know this antique store and this this area very well. My parents went to Troy State College in the early 50s(I was 3)and I was there in the early 70s and am there at least 2-3 times a year. My Daddy’s family was from Barbour County. It’s a magical place! It’s home. Thank you Sean, for another walk down memory lane!
Ahhh, the magic of an antique store! Like taking a walk back through time and history. If only the items could talk, and tell their story.
Even if you don’t buy anything, you’ll gain insight to our past, and an appreciation for a simpler time, when life was good…very good.
Time does pass by quickly. When you go in an antique or thrift store you choose to slow down because the memories that old pieces hold remind you of times past - it may be something as simple as an old cake pan that reminds you of your granny or other memory makers from your childhood.
Time flies when you're having fun! Actually, time flies, whether you're having fun or not. Don't waste it.
Or as the frog says, “times fun when you’re having flies!”
Oh, I love that one, John!!
Don’t waste it…..right-on!