Treasures

I have to admit, I'm getting more and more addicted to reading blogs. My list of favorites keeps growing. They capture the things I'm most interested in - friends, family, cooking, photography, parties, parenting - and give me wonderful ideas and inspiration.

One favorite, The Magic Onions, posted this week about "treasures" and encouraged readers to think and write about what items they own and just absolutely love. What a fun exercise!

The first thing that popped into my head was a small wrapped box that I received from my mom when I was in college.

The note attached to the box reads:

Whenever you are lonely or even feeling blue,
You only have to hold this gift... And know I think of you!
You never can unwrap it, please leave the ribbon tied
Just hold the box close to your heart
It's filled with love inside!

This box has moved from VA to NY to CA and has been spilled on more than a couple times. The ribbon is coming off and the paper is starting to give way in the corners but I assure you, I didn't do it on purpose. Until I got married, I always kept this box by my bedside table. If I ever felt lonely, or was sorely missing my family and friends it was always a warm reminder that I was loved. And now that my Mom is no longer with us, I think of the box as a little bit of her by my side.

Feel free to share any treasure stories of your own - I'd love to hear about them.