The life that goes out in love to
all is the life that is full, and rich,
and continually expanding into beauty and
power.
Ralph Waldo
Trine
When I go
to an auction I never know what I shall see, who I shall meet or for that
matter how I will feel when I see the things that will be selling. I have to
admit my feelings about auctions have changed since having to go through one
myself. I think of these auctions as in many things in our lives that you will always have
different ways that people will view the same situation. One view, two or more versions,
it is similar to showing someone a photo or a painting knowing each person
comes away with a very different idea or way of seeing it and interpreting its
meaning.
This
particular auction started like many others, I always understand it will be a
sad emotional day for some but I also know it is something that needs to be
dealt with and you do appreciate the people that turn up and will be bidding
for these things. I usually walk around and look at the things for sale, most
times I notice someone that looks like they are viewing the auction in that
different way than the others who have gathered. I guess I would say there is
sadness in their eyes.
I noticed a younger gentleman with the same look in his
eyes as I had noticed in my own reflection in a mirror the day we sold my
families things. I introduced myself to this very nice gentleman and explained
why I had a camera around my neck. I assured him I would not take any photos of
the items up for sale unless he wanted me to and I promised I would send him
copies. I do understand at the time you may not even think of it but since that
auction day of my families things I now wished I had, or someone had taken
photos of some of the items so I would have them. Since I had no idea where the
items would possibly be going and would probably never see some things again,
it would have been nice to have a photo now.
He
graciously gave his permission and I went on my way, I do not ask too many
questions about whom and why they were selling but I did know it was an estate
sale. I figured if he wanted to share that information, he would have shared
it. I took photos of things that interested me and things I thought might interest
the family. I was keeping my own emotions in check because there was a nice
barn and some horses on the property so I took lots of photos of those not
really knowing if they belonged to the estate or not. Photographers gravitate
to what they are interested in most times and the donkey’s shenanigans made me
laugh, easing my feelings of familiarity in this kind of situation.
There was a
table with a variety of things on it and I walked over when I seen a beautiful
collection of old crocks and jugs, I took some photos because I thought they
had a history with some memories attached. To the left of the crocks sitting on
a table was a fishing tackle box full of old lures. I felt my heart stop and I
had to catch my breath, I found myself stepping back in time and seeing my own father’s
fishing tackle the day of our sale sitting on a similar table and surrounded by
other items holding those wonderful stories and memories. Those same feelings
that I felt that day were now bubbling within me and I have to say it was
difficult. I debated whether I should take a couple of photos of this tackle
box for the family. One item, with two very different ways of looking at how to
handle the emotions attached to it.
On one hand
there were all those wonderful memories attached that you never wanted to forget,
but on the other hand on that very day and seeing it sitting on a table for the
last time and knowing it was going to be sold was something you were not sure you wanted to
remember. I took the photo. I truly wished I had taken the photos of my Dad’s
before they were gone. Oh that was a tough one I have to admit. Sometimes all it
takes is an overheard conversation to make you see the situation differently, making
it easier.
There was
an older man standing beside me at this auction while I was standing there with
those bubbling emotions while wrestling with the decision. He picked up one of
the lures and showed it to his I am assuming grandson, he explained what kind
of fish it was used for, and the grandson being about six or seven was very
excited, I could see they were interested in bidding on it. That triggered a
memory of my own about a man who bought some of my Dad’s fishing tackle boxes. I
had overheard him telling a man sitting beside him the day of our auction that he
was looking forward to taking his grandchildren out in his boat and teaching
them the fine art of fishing. I also remember how that image created in my head
made me feel extremely happy and knowing that is exactly what they were for. I
knew how happy my Dad would have been in knowing that they were going to be
loved and cherished by someone. Dad had taught every one of us kids how to
fish, and those memories will never be forgotten.
One fishing
tackle box, two points of view or divided emotions. Memories could now be
created by a new family but at the same time those old memories of that old box
of lures would remain with the original family. That is when and why I took the
photo.
Do you still remember the photo at the very top of this post? I can safely assume some of you would have noticed the old faded red shed
first, some of you noticed the clouds or possibly the tree or maybe even
the lovely framed mirror itself first. Different ways of looking at things will always be what
makes this world go round and life is all about the possibilities and the way
we choose to deal with them. Those choices are ultimately up to our selves.
I overheard
something the other day that summed it up for me. If you hold so tight to all those old memories and never loosen your
grip on them you may be taking a huge risk of not having enough strength or
room to grab hold of any new ones. I think I will grab hold of that way of
thinking, it makes sense to me.
Thank you
to this loving family I do hope those photos will give you some comfort, in
time.
Later
I like the advice of loosening the grip on old memories to allow new ones in.
ReplyDeleteI'm in to downsizing (I still have a long, long way to go) so know how hard it is to let go of some things. I think it's good to concentrate on how happy some items might make someone else.
Beautiful writing. I love the picture of the donkey. Those crocks are really neat too.
ReplyDeleteB this is so touching ~ I do now the feeling .There was so much stuff here when we moved in we had to let a lot go as there was barely room to get around , but certain items just held so much heritage in them it was hard to part with them.
ReplyDeleteI think I too shall go with that saying you have shared.
The photos with he barn in the mirror and the clouds ~ so awesomely reflective.
-sigh- a lovely conclusion...
ReplyDeleteMiss B,
ReplyDeleteI find your thoughts so down to earth, caring and full of wisdom.
I did notice the first picture is a reflection in the mirror. I like the way you brought this post full circle with your ending paragraph.
The next ranch to the south had an auction sale on Saturday. I haven't been to one in years. They are a neat couple, the Mr. was born and raised on this ranch. He brought his new wife home close to 65 years ago, raised 6 children, cattle and sheep. This is also a South Dakota century ranch. We do a lot with this couple as most of their kids are in Colorado, one is in the Black Hills and one in Montana.
The wife has been ready to move to town for years. She is very active and likes to socialize. Mr. finally decided that it was time to go. It will be a good change for them, but they will be missed in our small community.
Buttons, when I was a little boy I used to accompany my grandfather to auctions on a regular basis. He was an "auction connoisseur" LOL. He would go all the time. Fond memories indeed. I was always fascinated by how fast the auctioneers talked!
ReplyDeleteI used to love going to auctions with Jim. I even would bid on something that i thought I couldn't live without!
ReplyDeleteThat was a very nice gesture you made, offering to send copies to the owners.
I love your writing and the way you share your heart's thoughts. Another beautiful post! I love that old mirror and the crocks. I must say I've never been to an auction in my life! But, I am thankful my mother collected a lot of family things that I have kept and appreciate very much, although I don't know what will happen to them in the future. Have a great week! Pam
ReplyDeletei love the adorable donkey. :) and love that last shot, too. perfectly 'framed' by you.
ReplyDeleteSuch a cute donkey, and I love your mirror shots!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the estate sale for my husbands dear old aunt. It was so hard to walk around the yard spread out with all her belongings and see people pawing over them.
ReplyDeleteI always feel sad at an estate sale. A family's memories and little bits all put up for sale to others. Thank goodness you are there to memorialize special things. I like that saying and I think I will grab onto that way of thinking as well. xxx
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely post my friend. Beautiful words~
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, Buttons. I think I will make that statement a motto of mine from now on. Love the crocks and the donkey. I'm sure that family will love the memories these photos provide!
ReplyDeleteOh, look at that adorable little face through the gate :)
ReplyDeleteLynne
Makes sense to me too!
ReplyDeleteLove that burro ;)
Oh Miss B, what a beautiful post. Thank you for all that you do - sharing your stories, both of your past and your present; sharing the stories of the auctions; all of the photos you share with us; and helping these families to get through a difficult day.
ReplyDeleteThe next time I get the chance to go fishing with my Dad, I will take it, and enjoy the day with him.
Hugs!! xoxo Mandi
Loved this post.. I'm sure your photos will touch this family.
ReplyDeleteI like how you showed different angles from the mirror. Life is all about perspective.
ReplyDeleteHaving just went through my mother-in-laws worldly possessions a few months ago, I understand. We donated much but I find I kept way too many things I could not part with. Now 9 months down the road I am ready to make new memories. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteooohhh that donkey, just too cute!! Lots of treasures there, I love the mirror and those pretty crocks!!
ReplyDeleteI am trying so hard to purge but there are so many memories attached to my "things"!!
Great writing today, love love the donkey shot and the reflective mirror shots. Great advice on letting go.
ReplyDeleteI need to purge some stuff too.
Beautifully written and oh so touching. My eyes misted over a few times. Your photos are all wonderful and I can imagine they will be appreciated by the family.
ReplyDeleteHave a great week!
You be so smart... ;P
ReplyDeletexoxox
Ha! Love the donkey!
ReplyDeleteI have my dad's old wooden fishing box and wooden lures. Cameron's grandfathers tackle box and lures and a dear old old friends tackle. Some day I plan on making a window box with them in there.
Cheri
It's a long time since I attended a farm auction. However , your description brings it back to me. The people selling are usually not selling from a position of strength.
ReplyDeleteI know all to well the emotions that come with selling all your stuff. Before we set out on our adventure we sold all our belongings. Of course we kept sentimental item. And everything from our old life is in a small storage unit. But it was all worth it. Such freedom. We love our life now.
ReplyDeleteA great post my friend. Love the photos.
Hugs~
It was very thoughtful of you to take photos and offer to send them to the family! I know very well the feelings that come with giving up belongings of loved ones. In some ways, it seemed as if you were losing a piece of the loved one again. I know that they were just "things", but it is still hard to see them sold off to strangers. I love the quote and that is very good advice!
ReplyDeletehow wonderful of you to offer comfort, while still unsettled a little about your own story, I KNOW that they will be grateful that others have through and more will go through as well, plus you end perfectly, making place for new memories, bravo B. Have a wonderful week, and looking forward to your next tale or tail ;) Hugs,B.
ReplyDeleteIt must be so difficult to sell up family items. I never had to do that as mum and dad left so little and the few things there were I distributed to my daughter and son.
ReplyDeleteI think you are so wonderful the way you 'feel' for others but having gone through it yourself you have empathy with them.
I do remember going to an auction when I was about 12. The people were selling their home as their young son had been drowned and they could not longer to bear living in that house or even having the furnishings any longer. I was too young to be interested in what was being sold by I discovered this beautiful old persian cat in the garden. The lady of the house asked mum if she could give me the cat. It had belonged to the son and I think she was so glad to find a good home for him and he's not be around to remind them of the son they had lost.
I loved the pictures in the mirror and that donkey!! I love donkeys and that one looked so cute.
I did mean to comment about old memories and letting them go. Mine are filed away and only come out if needed. I believe in letting water flow under the bridge and be gone to make way for fresh water flowing through. The past is precious to many of us but the future holds so much hope and it in turn will become an old memory in time.
ReplyDeleteI know that family will be grateful for your kind thoughts and photos B.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your profound insights into life. You write so beautifully and touchingly.
What you overheard about if we hold so tight on to memories was very telling. I also found it very comforting :D)
Material 'things', it's said they don't mean much but they obviously do...but then again we can't take them with us.
ReplyDeleteKind of you to take photos of the items-someones possessions.
Hugs M xxx
Your usual mix of wonderful images and things to think about!!!So glad I have found you!!!
ReplyDeleteI think it's about time for us to let go of some of our stuff. Hard to do, but liberating in a way. BTW, always love an auction.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this beautiful post. These were my father's things and home. He passed away in January after a short battle with cancer (almost seven years after my mother passed). The "younger gentleman" - he'll appreciate this description :) - is my husband and he very graciously managed the auction for me because I couldn't bear watching my father's possessions - many of them he built and collected over years - be sold. We kept as much as we could and our house in the city is now very cluttered but there are so many memories attached to things.
ReplyDeleteMy husband spoke very highly about you and very positively about the auction experience itself. As much as it was a difficult situation he said everyone was respectful and interested in who my father was given his different collections. My father would have loved the idea of new families catching fish with his tackle as fishing was his favourite pastime. My husband filled his own tackle box with my father's favourite lures so they could fish together in spirit again and so my kids can one day handle the same tackle my dad did. My parents loved the outbuildings and barn, they loved the land and light, and loved collecting from auctions. My father also loved photography so we have many pictures of the property, but your photos painted a different picture - they gave me different glimpses of some favourite scenes in a way I haven't seen before (thank you for this!). Indeed, the property was my parents' dream and I enjoyed it with them for 20 years and will miss it dearly. It is where I see them still standing on the porch waiting for me to arrive down the driveway. But I'm coming to terms with the fact that now my young family and I will be able to find our own dream and build new memories. Your words have helped me find peace in all of this.
Thank you,
Vanessa
Oh dear, that is a sweet donkey face.
ReplyDeleteVanessa thank you so much for commenting I am so happy that this post and the photos I sent the "Younger gentleman" gave you some comfort I never know. I do understand this experience and I so appreciate that you would take the time to let me know. I have my Dad's old wooden tackle box too and it gives me great comfort. I could tell by your Fathers and Mothers collections that they loved life and enjoyed all it had to offer us all. I am positive those things are starting memories for someone else. I like your image of them standing on the porch. Take care and Thank you. HUGS B
ReplyDeleteWatching my parents go through that I have mixed thoughts. I still have never been to one. I can hardly go to a yard sale. I think it is so nice for you to take photos.
ReplyDeleteIt is so emotional. I had a friend once whose grandmother called the family in, had them take every thing they wanted, sold her house to a grand daughter and then gave every thing else herself away. She had a small room in a place and kept only the things she needed. I want it to be that way with me. Going through houses is so hard.
The donkey added a hint of lightness to this post. I'm glad you overheard the conversation at the tackle box, new memories to be made.
ReplyDeleteI loved this post, Buttons! What a great, great idea to do this, not only for yourself, but for the family, who might be so glad for some pictures! I would think that the conversation you overheard would also be perhaps healing for the family as well, knowing that someone else was excited to make new memories with their loved ones' things!
ReplyDeleteOh wow...I just read the post by Vanessa...it sounds like a wonderful family, and you honored them well.
ReplyDeleteA beautiful post and a lovely thing to do for the family. And as always, a story so wonderfully well told.
ReplyDeleteYou have a true gift for painting a picture. I just commented on another blog about how fun an auction would be, unless you knew who's stuff was being auctioned. Your post is exactly what I was thinking about. You are a grand writer. Thank you for making me think.
ReplyDeletethat donkey is adorable...i'd love to have my grandpa's tackle box :) so many great memories of fishing with him as a kid!
ReplyDeleteLove the last thought. So important to save room for new emotions and memories.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that one's stuff should be USED..if not me then someone else. I use my grandmothers tin thimble all the time and sit on my beloved aunt Mildred's love seat to knit and carry my paints in my dad's tool box...
..But need to part with so much else that is just stored in boxes in the attic. Someone might be able to USE these things.