My Hubbs simply does not understand “shabby”. Not really. Now, that isn’t to say he doesn’t like the way his beloved has transformed his home, I think he does. I know he appreciates the work behind the changes, he’s seen them firsthand! But like I said, he just doesn’t understand it...
Take this for example…
Over the weekend I went shopping and uncovered a treasure trove of simply amazing finds. The best purchase of the day was a charming old Lap Desk found at a local Thrift Shoppe. I believe it hails from around the 40’s to 50’s!
Despite having graceful, clean lines, the Box showed some wear…little imperfections brought on by age and obvious use. I envisioned the Box as once being dearly loved and value. Maybe it was made by a young boy in shop class as a gift for his Momma. Maybe during a lean Christmas a young husband made it for his new bride? I don’t know. I let my imagination lead me in such things. I could go on, but I’m sure you get the picture…
Anyway, back to my story…
With great pride I carried my treasures inside for my Hubbs to inspect. He quickly gazed over a few familiar looking finds, but paid the most attention to the Box.
“Did you actually BUY this thing? It needs a lot of work!” he said
He picked up the vintage beauty and turned it over, lifting and closing the angled lid at least three times (he is, after all, a craftsman, a deep lover of all things wood). With an especially wide grin he continued…
“With some serious attention you might be able to make it work!”
Now, I’ve been married to this man for 30 years and in this business for over 20. He KNOWS what I like and what I don’t want messed with. Trying not to act insulted or perturbed, I responded with only
“No! I think it’s fine! I like the Box the way it is!”
Which of course he had to add…
“I think I might have passed on that one!”
Undeterred, I couldn’t wait to begin transforming the Box. Within a few hours it was painted, lightly distressed with the artwork in place. I was so excited, even proud! “This might me one I keep” I silently thought! I then set the Box aside and began working on another website project. I worked deep into the night and fell into bed long after my man had called it a day…
This morning I walked into my studio, albeit a bit later than usual. I was over an hour behind schedule, even skipping my coffee to make up for sleeping through the Cock’s Crow. Things looked different…strangely out of place…and then I saw it. There, in the middle of my worktable sat the newly hand painted Box. Attached to the top was this note:
“To My Shabby Girl…
I’m amazed at your vision. I saw only an ugly old Box, pitted and scared. You saw something of beauty… You inspire me to look past surface imperfections and consider what something (or someone) can one day be…xo”
Remember this…
“People harvest only what they plant” Galatians 6:7
Blessings…Rebecca
