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 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 :)