STOLEN MEMORIES

I had errands to run today so as soon as dad's aide came to stay with him this morning, I took off.

It was a usual run, pick up a prescription, drop some stuff off at Goodwill, pick up groceries.  When all that was done, I found I still had a good 45 minutes before I had to be home.  Hmmmm....what to do with 45 luxurious minutes for myself?  Do I dare?  NO, I should just go home.  But it was calling to me, loud and clear.  I HAD to do it!

My favorite Antique haunt in Apache Junction was yelling at me to come and visit.  After all, I hadn't been there in 6 months.  Could I do it in only 45 minutes???   Well no of course not.  It's a mall for goodness sakes.  A mall with booth after booth of old goodies.  BUT.....I could make a dent in a few of the crowded rows.......so I did!

AHHHHHH....it was sheer delight!   I wandered the aisles drooling over all the old stuff.  Stuff that meant something to someone before it landed here in the Antique Mall.  Where did it all come from, who owned it and what was their life like.  That's what I think about when I wander Antique shops.  


I love looking for that certain treasure that might need to go home with me.  A piece of turquoise jewelry, a spaniel figurine....maybe even an old hooked rug.  I saw several things I might like to bring home but........I turned a corner and there it was.

 Needless to say, it came home with me.  I couldn't pass it up.  What you say.......it's just an old metal clock and horse.   Well that's true, but for me it's more than that.  It's a memory of my past.  You see, I remember as a youngster, visiting my grandparents who had a clock very similar to this and they let me and my brother's play with it.  Somewhere in all my things back at home in Indiana, I have a picture of me playing with it on the floor at grandma's.  


Now, grandma's was a bit different mind you.  Gold in color not copper, and it's clock worked, whereas this one does not.  But I don't care.  I've seen these clocks in shops for many years and always told myself one day I would buy one just for me, however, they are usually more than I want to pay for just a memory.  


This one though, because the clock was not functional, and a bit of the horse's tail is missing, was only $25.  Typically I see them for around $100 and in better condition than the one I purchased.  I don't care however, I just bought it for the memory. 

And memories I have, thanks to 45 stolen luxurious minutes!