In memory of my mom, Lois
Many years ago, (I think I was in my 30’s) my Mom gave me a set of 4 coffee mugs for Christmas. OR it might have been my birthday since it’s in the same month. I really loved these mugs for their shape and colorful, abstract motif. It was years until I actually recognized the patterns on them. Looking more closely, one could see that they weren’t abstract at all!
Each mug had a different theme: one was bows, another tree ornaments etc. Fast forward…Moving into my new little house eight years ago, I had all 4 mugs snugly together in a small box with the flaps cut off, so it was open on top.
As I reached to set the box up on a shelf, the box slipped. I was able to grab it, but not before 3 of the mugs tumbled out and crashed into pieces on the tile floor below. One struck the counter top (which had just been installed) and put a big gouge in it. Fortunately the 4th mug was safe, but I was heartbroken.
My Mom has since passed away. She’s in heaven now. But in cleaning and reorganizing my cabinets this fall, I ran across that lone coffee mug. Sigh.
A few days ago I was shopping at Bishops Attic–our local thrift store–and lo and behold, I found 2 of those SAME mugs among all their Christmas dishware. They looked brand new! 50 cents each!
Altogether, I’d have three. While I really don’t need any more coffee mugs, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to have my set back; well…almost back.
Delighted to have the three, I wasn’t at all thinking about tracking down the 4th mug. After all, they come as a ‘set’ and probably aren’t available anymore. But once again, a few days later while out and about, I stopped into that same thrift store. It occurred to me that if some of those mugs had come in, maybe (just maybe) there were more.
Scanning all the Christmas mugs on the shelf, I spotted it. At first, I thought it was one I already had. But when I turned the mug around, it said “NOEL”. It’s theme is ‘stockings’ and it’s the only one in the set with a word on it. So, with a cup of hot cider in hand…
A toast to YOU, my dear friend: Joyeux Noël!
About the Author: Kristen is a garden hobbyist, crafter and writer who makes her home in a small Alaskan town. She loves to share stories drawing from her own life and the inspiration she finds in nature.
More short stories and musings
The Allure of the Garden (the first post I wrote for this blog)
The Craft show that changed my attitude
Gardening un-plugged: recapturing tranquility
Finding real contentment in the holiday season
