Monday, April 14, 2014

On Becoming Aunt Jeanne

Aunt Jeanne.
I never met her in person.
But I know her...
almost as well as if she were my own great-aunt
who lived across the country
and not my husband's.

www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com

Aunt Jeanne
added much fun and laughter
to many Christmas mornings at the in-laws.
And,
she wasn't even there -
at least not in person.

www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com

Aunt Jeanne was a thrifter
way before it was fashionable to be a thrifter.
For Christmas
she would send a large box
of wrapped thrift store finds.

www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com

We opened the box Christmas morning.
Sometimes we found just what we needed.
Sometimes we found a treasure.
Sometimes we had no idea what we found...
The moment opening those mysterious gifts
created the most fun.
The guessing, the joking, the laughing.

www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com

My secret confession is...
I think I've become Aunt Jeanne.
I love thrifting.
I love the hunt
and the joy of finding the treasure
I didn't know I needed
but now can't live without.
And now,
I find treasures I think my kids can't live without.

www.rebeccahaegelephotography.com

Oh dear.
have become Aunt Jeanne.

This book is a find for my
lover-of-all-things Asian
son in law.
I'm certain he can't live without it.




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11 comments:

Sarah Huizenga said...

Great story about Aunt Jeanne. So glad to have you back in the blogging world :) I hate hunting for clothes in places like T.J. Maxx but give me a hodge podge antique store or thrift store and the thrill of the hunt is definitely there.

Kmcblackburn said...

Giving a new life and appreciation to something old and forgotten? Sounds like Aunt Jeanne was on the right track.

Unknown said...

I love thrift stores too! Your Aunt Jeanne sounds delightful! Have a great week.

Out on the prairie said...

I enjoy going out also

MadSnapper n Beau said...

great story and at least you are enjoying being Aunt Jeanne... my mother did not do the Christmas box, but she shopped thrift stores and garage sales and i never knew what i would get as a gift.... one year she gave me 10 wrapped 1 dollar presents... she thought it was wonderful... i did not.. try a 7 inch long wind chime made of tiny shells, a tiny china boxer dog, those two i remember. i shop thrift but only when i have a need. like the 50 dollar gym bag for hubby for 3.00... and a pink blanket for baby girl..... ...

Nicki said...

A seriously awesome find. Imagine how fun it must be for your family to have their own Aunt Jeanne in you.

Anonymous said...

Oh I love it! I love how we see our connections to our relatives. What a great discovery!

Tamar SB said...

What a fantastic story and a great find! Thanks for sharing!!

Party of 5 said...

That's a beautiful gift...I am sure he will love it.
I think every family needs an aunt Jeanne :)

Kim said...

That's so fun! You never know what you might find on a thrift!

kissed by an angel said...

Oh Rebecca, that's such a beautiful find and funny story about Aunt Jeanne!!! I love dragons and lots of Asian things, too :) The pictures are drawn so beautifully! I very much like the blue dragon.
I think also he will love it and your family can be proud and lucky about your spiritual kinship with Aunt Jeanne and such great gifts :)