Cookie Jars and Crayons

Many years ago, my husband’s beloved grandmother gave me a darling Red Wing antique cookie jar. 

He’s a happy, chubby fellow, and he’s always had a very prominent place in our kitchen. I’ve often wondered about the story behind the little chef and what kinds of cookies he might have held over the years before he took up residence in our home. 

Cookies weren’t all that The Chef stored though.

To this day, age hasn’t diminished the familiar scent that still clings to the inside of The Chef’s rotund belly. Sometimes, when I’ve wanted a quick-me-up, I’ll simply lift his lid and glory in the nostalgic smell of yesteryear. Reds, blues, greens, and maybe some yellows, teals, and pinks languished here for quite some time.

What was the story behind the antique jar? Who would store crayons in such a thing? Where did The Chef live before we adopted him? Had anyone loved him as much I? 

Obviously, he’s valuable now. More than just monetarily. (Perhaps, years ago, before the era of plastic storage containers, The Chef may have been the most logical choice for some child’s artistic treasures.) 

I’m curious about the tales this silent fellow could tell. 

What was his previous family like? How long had little Johnny or Susie’s crayons remained tucked safely away–hidden–inside The Chef’s ceramic tummy?

Is it just because I’m a writer that I think about things like this? Do you ever wonder about the stories behind the gems of yesteryear? 

I suppose that’s why antiques and old things intrigue me. I’m interested in their past–where they’ve been and who might have tended and treasured them over the years.

I don’t write historicals, but I’m intrigued by history and what we can learn from people and their possessions and the lives that different generations have lived. 

And then there’s that story that’s just waiting to be told…

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A question for you to think about…What collectibles or antiques do you have in your home that you could write a story about?

Blessings Always,