{"id":7194,"date":"2021-12-18T13:42:29","date_gmt":"2021-12-18T22:42:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/?p=7194"},"modified":"2022-01-04T22:18:30","modified_gmt":"2022-01-05T07:18:30","slug":"the-christmas-mugs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/makeitagarden.com\/the-christmas-mugs\/","title":{"rendered":"The Christmas Mugs"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
In memory of my mom, Lois<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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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!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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…<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A toast to YOU, my dear friend: Joyeux No\u00ebl!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
More short stories and musings<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The Allure of the Garden<\/a> (the first post I wrote for this blog)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Craft show that changed my attitude<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Gardening un-plugged: recapturing tranqu<\/a>ility<\/p>\n\n\n\n Finding real contentment in the holiday season<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a>