Coincidence
I attended an auction today for the first time in two years. It was interesting to watch the different bidders. I was able to pick out four 'dealers' within the first 10 minutes. Labeled three more later.
I am always amazed at the high prices people pay for another persons 'junk'. There were many items that I would not consider having in my home or even in my garbage. But then, people will probably think that about my belongings after I am gone.
As I sat and watched the bidding of the 'better' items, I started thinking about the history attached to an item. First someone purchases it new; either to adorn their home or to be used in the home or on the farm as a needed piece of equipment. It then is either thrown away, passed on to on heir, or sold at an auction or second hand store. Are there items that never get tossed? Like the corn sheller? Who knows. It might be fun to write a history of one item. Could be a whole book. but who would read it?
Anyway, we stopped at the library on the way home to return an overdue book and donate a book. This evening I started reading "The Careful Use of Compliments" by Alexander McCall Smith. On page 12 I came upon these words:"She looked at the room around her.... none of this would belong to her forever; it would change hands and somebody new would be here. ...Our possessing of our world is a temporary matter .......We think the world is ours forever, but we are little more than squatters." My thoughts exactly, but more eloquently written.
I am always amazed at the high prices people pay for another persons 'junk'. There were many items that I would not consider having in my home or even in my garbage. But then, people will probably think that about my belongings after I am gone.
As I sat and watched the bidding of the 'better' items, I started thinking about the history attached to an item. First someone purchases it new; either to adorn their home or to be used in the home or on the farm as a needed piece of equipment. It then is either thrown away, passed on to on heir, or sold at an auction or second hand store. Are there items that never get tossed? Like the corn sheller? Who knows. It might be fun to write a history of one item. Could be a whole book. but who would read it?
Anyway, we stopped at the library on the way home to return an overdue book and donate a book. This evening I started reading "The Careful Use of Compliments" by Alexander McCall Smith. On page 12 I came upon these words:"She looked at the room around her.... none of this would belong to her forever; it would change hands and somebody new would be here. ...Our possessing of our world is a temporary matter .......We think the world is ours forever, but we are little more than squatters." My thoughts exactly, but more eloquently written.
posted by cynthy | 9:01 PM
2 Comments:
actually, gary paulson wrote a book about the various possessors of a rifle. The is called appropriately enough, The Rifle.
Well, I guess I will scrap my idea then. I wouldn't want to appear to be stealing another authors idea.
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