If you were to sneak a peek into our kitchen cupboards you would find – amongst the utilitarian nesting stainless mixing bowls, the variously-sized modern black stoneware stove-to-table bowls, and the ornate glass serving bowls – a well-used, scratched and worn, slightly-yellowed white plastic bowl from days gone by.
This plastic bowl was manufactured at some point in either the late 1960s or early 70s – long before any kind of knowledge of leaching chemical toxicity had seeped into the awareness of the general public, long before the need for dishwasher- or microwave-safety standards.
To anyone else, this plastic bowl might be looked upon as a dated eyesore, a piece of junk, a health hazard… something that should have been tossed long ago and replaced with something prettier, something up-to-date, something safe.
Yet since its first appearance in my life, wrapped in bright Christmas paper and torn open with squeals of delight – “It’s a grown-up mixer!” – it has survived.
It endured enthusiastic baking sessions – “just like Mom!” – and produced wee cakes devoured with milk and accompanied by girlish giggles.
It served as an emergency cereal bowl when everything else was in the dishwasher.
It was the occasional receptacle for fresh fruit, or tuna salad fixings, or a half-dozen hardboiled eggs.
It escaped the ruthless purges of around a dozen house moves and, most recently, traveled across the country with me to my current home.
It survives, because I remember, and refuse to let go of this small snapshot of my childhood.
Have you hung on to some tangible remembrance of childhood?
Please share!
Twitter: BatteredHope
February 26, 2015
Do I only get one? Then it has to be the hula hoop. I was able to spin 7 at once – on SEVEN different parts of the body — count them! Now, I can’t do one on any part of the body
Carol Graham recently posted… When You Are Forced Out Of Your Comfort Zone
Twitter: ellytreehugger
February 27, 2015
Carol, I would LOVE to SEE that as I do HAVE a hoola hoop! A big and good quality one that stays up longer than the cheap plastic ones….I counted about or close to 200 I think at one time or was it 100…anyway, if I CAN do it, so can you! I’ll teach you a secret that I learned in observing others hoola hoop! 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… NaBloPoMo: Make…or Buy?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
Now that’s talent! I never could get the hang of the hula hoop.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: nabanita21
February 27, 2015
I held on to my sweaters Laurel…They bring back so many memories you know?
I love the picture and the story you shared …
nabanita recently posted… The Dummies’ Guide to The Great Cricket Holiday Destinations
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
Thank you! Love things that bring back memories. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: ellytreehugger
February 27, 2015
Love the photo of you and the ornate old-fashioned mixing bowl! 😉 I would say some old photos as I can’t think of anything else I have from my childhood…they have precious memories! 😉 Oh, does having some stuffed animals for past and future projects in working with children count…that includes Kermit and ‘Kermie’ (my name for little Kermit)! 😉 <3
elly stornebrink recently posted… NaBloPoMo: Make…or Buy?
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
Thank you! Old photos are definitely very precious.
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: suzyq1810
February 27, 2015
I have my Patsy doll and my Teddy bear. My dad brought them for me from England when I was 2 years old. They are my treasured toys. my bear is truly unique and I would know him anywhere ‘cos I played naughts and crosses on his foot 🙂
Suzy recently posted… O Krishna – A guest post
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
Oh, that’s so sweet, Suzy!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: FranceneStanley
February 27, 2015
It’s amazing how one article can bring back so many memories. I inherited my mother’s pottery mixing bowl–yellow with white spots. Loved it so much for about twenty years. Then I handed it on to my daughter when I moved. Sigh! I remember it with love.
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
That sounds lovely, Francene. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: Wordwrights, Ink
February 27, 2015
That is adorable! I’ve kept a few things. Gifts from my parents. They are so precious!
Diane recently posted… Leaving (and Arriving) on a Jet Plane
Twitter: alphabetsalad
February 28, 2015
They definitely are!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Photo A Day Challenge – February 15-28, 2015
Twitter: SusanF_mt
March 3, 2015
There is something very grounding about objects from our past. I have just a couple boxes of various things – which I treasure. So happy for you that you still have the bowl.
Susan – ofeverymoment recently posted… A Sheepdog Named Buddy – and His Dish
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 4, 2015
I agree – glad you have some things as well!
Laurel Regan recently posted… Wildcard Wednesday No. 7
Twitter: vinithadileep
March 14, 2015
You look so cute, Laurel. Certain things remain close to our heart and will find a way to stay with us even after years, don’t they! I was trying to remember such an item from my childhood but unfortunately I don’t have any of my favorite things from the past with me right now other than their memories. 🙁
Vinitha recently posted… Shadows of Silence
Twitter: alphabetsalad
March 16, 2015
Thank you! It’s fun looking back at old photos. 🙂
Laurel Regan recently posted… #MicroblogMondays 29 – If we met for coffee
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