Oh my, what do I treasure. I spent some time looking around the house and there are lots of items purchased in foreign countries that could be treasures, but on the other hand they are just items. I really enjoy both of our residences; but are they treasures? I have gotten great pleasure from my garden and get lots of compliments on it, but once again it doesn’t feel like a treasure. When it gets to be too much work I will turn it into something else and I won’t grieve because it will be a relief. I love my family and friends and they bring me so much pleasure but when I think of them as a treasure, it almost sounds like they are objects I possess. I also get a lot of joy through using my sewing machine and my cameras, but they seem to be objects that somehow lead to a greater treasure. As you can see, I’ve put a lot of thought into this Lens-Artist Challenge: Treasures.
Then it occurred to me that all of these things were once treasures to me but I seem to be changing as I am aging. I believe my greatest treasure in life is my memory.
Our campers could be listed as treasures; we have had six or seven. This year Jim isn’t putting the tires on our current one because we decided we wouldn’t go on any trips because of the price of gas. Last night during supper we talked about all the beautiful, interesting places we have been with a camper in tow. We talk about experiences with our kids and the other kids that sometimes went along. In memory mode we can also laugh about all the “oh shit” moments that we got into and had to figure out how to get out of. These memories are our shared treasures that make our relationship a treasure.
I have found so much pleasure working in my flower garden this year – maybe because others have done the heavy work and I’ve done the planning and planting. Now that’s a collaboration to treasure. After ten years I seem to be reworking my garden design as it seems to be growing out of it’s previous plan. Did I hear someone say, “Wow, she had a garden plan all worked out.” My plan was not on paper nor based on a wealth of plant knowledge. I followed the trial and error plan – reading lots of books (that suggested I draw a layout) and relying on what I could find in local garden centers.
This year, however, I found a surprise treasure while working in my garden. I found a connection to my grandmother who also loved to garden. This is my Polish grandmother who I know loved me but the relationship was hard to maintain because we had a language barrier. I felt her spirit with me this summer as I gardened, thinking that she would approve of my work and would have loved to get her hands dirty along with me.
The only objects that I really treasure are my books. I learn best through reading so I have books on gardening/landscaping, photography, travel, quilting, faith development, and professional books. All of these books shaped who I am and will continue to guide me into new life experiences. I believe even the fiction I read impacts who I am. I continue to cull my books and of course buy new ones that indicates that I am a work in progress as I approach 80. As my dear colleague, Margret, used to say, “God isn’t finished with me yet.”
I also treasure relationships with family and friends but don’t do well with photographing people and feel uncomfortable posting the photos on public media. Besides that would require another whole post. They do, however, fit into the treasures that make me who I am, along with my nature and social environments. Maybe the big-picture treasure that interconnects all, is that I treasure who I am, who I am becoming, and the life I have been able to live, am currently living, and look forward to in the future – with all it’s ups and down.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
Lovely insightful write.
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Thank you so much.
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Pat, I too am noticing that what I treasure is changing. Books and friends/family remain.
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My daughter who works in higher ed asked if she could have some of my books that would be good for her to read and have on her self in her office. The were classics and some of my most important-to-my-identity books but I said yes. They need to move on to the next generation. Today I feel a tad bit lighter.
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Amazing images .!!
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Thanks. I am taking your kind comment as encouragement to get back out with my camera. I having taken hardly any photos since early spring.
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Wonderful treasures to have!
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Thanks, Charles. I agree. 🙂
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What a lovely thoughtful post – and yes, as we grow older memory becomes ever more precious. You mention the foreign-bought items around your house. I treasure mine but not because they are valuable. Every time I see one or pick it up to dust, I remember where it was bought and all the memories of that trip come back to me. It’s those associated memories I treasure, not the objects themselves. I love how your camper van does the same for you, and the flowers in your garden.
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I’m have the same experience with my foreign-bought items. In fact if something has monetary value it causes me some anxiety about keeping it safe and what will happen to it when I die.
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Well said Pat!!
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Thanks, Nora. I have been having a hard time focusing when writing – this felt good.
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Beautiful flowers!
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Thank you, Sherry.
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This post of yours is a treasure! I really needed to read this, thank you so much, Pat.
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Your welcome, Laura. I’m so happy was was able to touch you with my writing and photos. You are so kind – and it touches my heart.
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You treasure the wonderful, unique chance to be you and all the precious relationships that have grown from that. I agree that books can be rich treasures too.
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You are very right, Susan. As I have gotten older I have found that I can be more of me than ever before in my life. Thank you for your very kind comment.
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Thank you so very much for your wonderful post about what your treasures! I really appreciate your entry!
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Thanks, Aletta. I really enjoyed doing it. 🙂
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